I so get this and applaud you for it: “I’ve been in a period of “beginning again” as a Christian… and it’s one I pray will never end.” Me too, Susan! Once our eyes are open to the “messiness” of humanity, we don’t want to live in the old ways anymore. Even though I still can get really frustrated with some of the “messy” people that we minister to, I realize that I’m just as messy, just in a different way, and I’m thankful Christ doesn’t give up patience with me. Thank you for the way you’re loving all the children of the world, beginning in your hometown.

For the past few years, I feel like I’ve been in a period of “beginning again” as a Christian… and it’s one I pray will never end. Through our work with street- and trafficked children in Brazil, God began to convict me of my (and the American Church’s) inward focus. Since I don’t live in Brazil, though, that conviction took roots in the way I live and minister right here at home in Tennessee. In the meantime, my husband was led to write Dirty Faith, and I was drawn in to the “messy” side of humanity even more. It was much easier simply sitting in a cushy pew on Sunday mornings and supporting missions with my checkbook and an occasional hands-on project, but that was a place of ignorant disobedience and less than God’s best for me. Now I’m learning new skills (listening, empathy, flexibility) and “beginning again” every day as I step further and further out of my comfort zone and into a hands-on learning experience of grace. The lessons I’m learning are hard and foreign, but God’s presence beside me is familiar and encouraging…

I do love that Merton quote. You know though, the whole concept of “beginning again” is still a tough one for me. I met a Buddhist priest (? not sure of his title, if he had one) last fall and he emphasized that one of the tenets of his practice was to remember he was always a beginner. It’s liberating in one sense. Yet a dagger to my pride in another sense. ha.

I’m glad you’re enjoying the book too. Some of the practices have resonated with me more than others, but often it’s not until the end of the week that I look back and go, “Oh! So that’s what God was trying to show me!” 🙂

Oh, food. Sigh. I have to start again every day there too. I wonder how large I would be if I really, truly ate everything I wanted to! The good thing about my trip to Denver was that even though I ate a little extra, I also had that beautiful mountain city to walk around and sort of balance things out. 🙂 Maybe one day we’ll find ourselves in the same town and can share a breakfast together.

I was doing very well with my diet since I broke my leg. When we were visiting my son in Seattle, I ‘fell off the wagon’. It’s time to get back to discipline in that area. I definitely have to start again every day in that department.
Happy 4th celebration to you and yours!
Ceil

Just said a prayer for you, Betty, that the Lord will reveal himself clearly to you in the direction he wants you to go. I admire your courage in being willing to start again, even amidst some fear. As they say, courage isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to move forward despite it. Thankful the Lord goes with us every step.

I’m glad the Lord used this in the ways you needed, Dianna. I love, love how he can use the same set of words to reach one heart one way, and another heart another way. That happens all the time with me too. You are so attentive to his voice; that blesses us all.

Our pride does take a hit when we realize we don’t know even the things we thought we did. Always have to be learning, changing, starting over. When I was younger, I’m sure I couldn’t have known how much of a newbie I would still be by this age. ha. But that’s okay; it’s all good.

Enjoy Denver! We love the low humidity when we go. Even after a rain, it hardly feels wet there. 🙂

“wherever there is” – Great point, Mary. That’s part of our problem, yes? If we’re not even sure where we’re supposed to be headed, no wonder we ramble getting there. Congratulations on your impending new relationship of having a daughter-in-law! My oldest daughter got married 4 years ago and I’m still not sure exactly how to be a mother-in-law, but I’m working on it. 🙂 I know how I DON’T want to be so that’s a start. Enjoy your retirement and your fresh start in life! I know God has wonderful surprises in store for you.