THUMBPRINTS

Still

Whenever days sort of ooze by, I can always count on a character lesson looming eminent.  How can I be so sure? Well, just as the natural elements around us can't defy the principle that says: For every action, there is an opposite & equal reaction; the spirit realm at least mirrors this.  After all, it was, more than likely, the spirit realm from which this law originated.  If only I could see the crazy amounts of stirring, warring, and never-ending activity that somehow increases all around me whenever I enter a period of waiting. Though I'm still, just beneath what lies between what is real and what is seen, is a blinding wall of provision that doesn't cease.  To know this...to really, really know this, is to truly trust The One setting it all into motion. When my natural eyes detect a lull, there is always an even greater, opposite reaction awaiting the eyes of my spirit.  

The challenge is always one of enduring the stillness.  I get antsy.  My doer quivers & tries to break the quiet; because, somehow, noise remains a comfort to my "here-n-now".  I'm driven to move at the speed of nervously doing something in order to break the silence barrier.  In my flesh, I feel like a slug.  Like I'm losing some unknown ground.  And yet, my spirit is contradicting everything I inherently think is responsible, by gently tapping on my heart, reassuring me that I'm in the right place.   

Where else can I clearly hear the voice of God but in the quiet?  In what other state can his hand thoroughly rewire me but in the stillness?  It's in the waiting that defines me.  The wait itself is His gift of grace.  If you're like me - discovering the gift of inactivity closing doors all around you - take comfort. Focusing on His stillness always precludes the unequal & greater reaction of His provision.  Only then will we be able to see the one door that He's enabling us to run through.

Chique Fil A

Within the microscopic niche of "exclusive" fast-food fashion, Chick Fil A has joined the ranks of the likes of Krispy Kreme, with the promise of grand opening freebies.  This pic was taken with my phone yesterday, which is why the unfortunate lo-rez quality keeps you from seeing the detail/magnitude of the crazed overnight gathering.  It was like a surreal refugee camp, comprised of prize-winning hopefuls.  Kooky...in the most random sense of the word.  Bordering on disturbing & eerie, really.

Apparently, they have set in place some sort of a raffle, with the prize being an entire year's worth of free food.  To legally participate in the drawing, every entry must stay on the grounds over night.  I'm not really sure how the instant KOA thing plays into their marketing campaign.  Maybe their trying to tap into the even smaller niche of camping food.  Hmmm...

As I drove by it alI, I guess what snapped my head around so drastically were the similarities between that image & the barrage of images I've seen for the past week from Haitian rescue operations.  Well, that is sans the building & telephone pole still standing.  Not that I should draw some huge world view conclusion from such a very wrong comparison, but it was interesting how my mind jumped through all sorts of theological hoops.  My wife & I have been trying to stay on top of current relief efforts concerning the earthquake victims; and for the past 8 days hundreds of images have been burned into our day-to-day consciousness.  Along with our church (Journey Church) & Conduit Mission we've trying to do what we can.  So, one look across the street & it's obvious how opulently blessed we really are.  Perspective is everything.

4HIM GOES ALASKAN

SO...If you've wanted to witness that all too rare sighting - an actual 4HIM concert - then just click on the banner & you're on your way to an anything but normal way to see it!!!!  This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime excursion for all of us!  I'm bringin' my whole fam - yes, even the 1 year old (Ryken).  If you've never had the chance to visit Alaska, this is definitely the way to take it all in.  You'll never forget this sort of experience.  Hope to see you there!