A Real Question

I'm a native New Englander. So all the adages apply.
I love long-necked clams. I sprint into frigid cold waves headfirst. I bleed Red Sox blood.

Us New Englanders are also said to be hard-headed, independent, and stubborn. Or maybe that's just me. We are a hard working people, up before the break of dawn. We've got clearly defined circles of trust. And we can sniff out fraud pretty easily. Which is why:

I want people to be real.
I want church to be real.

Now I am in no way here to bash the church. I adore the church and I adore my church. I would defend the church to my grave. We are a desperate people made beautiful by a Savior.

But I wonder if we're doing more alienating than welcoming sometimes.

First example, church signs. They infuriate me. In my opinion, they belittle and cheapen and shrink something so magnificent into a corny little quip. I would never enter a church, upon seeing:

Be Fishers of Men.... You catch 'em, He'll Clean 'em
A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
Are you wrinkled with burden? Come on into Church for a faith lift!

Words carry a lot of weight with me. And because of that, the churchy words have gotta go also. We've got so many cliches. Stuff that no one would understand outside of sanctuary walls. Can our language be real and authentic? How can we communicate truth without alienating the vast majority?

All that being said, communicating one's faith isn't easy. I have wrecked on many attempts. I am pretty sweet at stumbling over my own words. Sometimes I sound like a salesman pawning a cheap ware. It's been awkward and fake and too driven and weird. And for that, I am sorry. So sorry. Cause my God is nothing short of breathtaking.

Which brings me to a question I unearthed the other day in a book called The Organic God, by Margaret Feinberg. This question is the reason for my rambles. My eyes immediately welled up in tears upon hearing:

"What do you love about Jesus?"

Hmmm... Now this, this is simple and yet profound. It doesn't alienate or cheapen. It invites and welcomes a response. I think this question goes well with coffee and a friend. Or a stranger. Or my Dad.

Gotta wake the kiddos up from their naps soon, so I gotta run. But I can't wait to share what I love. And even better, I can't wait to hear what you love. Anyone?

"What do you love about Jesus?"

But It's Not A Cape

I have a very random confession for you today.

Sometimes I feel like Superwoman.

For real.

I have a cape of sorts, you see. And in it, I feel like I can do anything.

Is there anything you do (drink coffee?) or wear (a cape of sorts?) which makes you feel like you can tackle the world? (Complete with the sound effect of careening through the air?)

Just curious. Thanks.

Holiday Traditions

Got any favorite ways to celebrate the holidays?

Something you treasured as a child?

Something you now do with your own family?

I'd love to get some ideas.

Thanks!

Ever Since I Have Known You...

What are you known for?

I've been diving into Deuteronomy lately for whatever reason. And Moses had some scathing things to say about the Israelites. To the tune of, "You have been rebellious against the Lord ever since I have known you." (9:24)

They were known for their rebellion.

It was how they were perceived, what they were characterized by, and where they achieved their identity.

For them, rebellion was born out of fear and unbelief. Small origins fueled a misplaced identity which in turn ruined a people.

They were known for their rebellion.

What are you known for?

Fear of Failure

I came across this question the other day and it struck me hard.

What would you be doing if you knew you couldn't fail?

I've always wanted to write - silly and whimsical children's books, informative articles, and adult non-fiction.

The adult stuff would be in relation to the hope we have as Christ followers. That kind of crazy, fearless, bursting with joy at the seams hope - that motivates us to attempt impossible things. Impossible, daunting challenges like restoring broken lives and offering freedom from our very selves, injustices, prejudices, and the like.

I would love tell story after story of redemption and healing. To anyone who will listen:)

So far I've sent away two manuscripts and have received two rejections. I am two for two! Whoohooo! Though I am desperately afraid that I will fail about 1274 more times, this is my passion. This is what God has written all over the pages of my heart.

What would you be doing if you knew you couldn't fail?

The Quest for Simple

How do you live simply? What does simple mean for you? This is one of my hardest challenges, but something I want more than anything. I could use some help if you've got any suggestions. Thanks:)