sticky

dontcha think the stickiness of a message is inversely proportional to the stickiness of the room? i.e. the temp goes up, people remember less.

btw, this morning some friends & i were prepared for the casual comments that are really disguised, or not-so-disguised complaints about the heat in the sanctuary. (10am temp=87 degr). we coined responses for this brialliance, like, “yeah, can you imagine having to stand & preach in this?” or “i KNOW. it’s 87 today! a record!” or “well, not as hot as Africa,” etc. unfortunately, we did have to use these. it’s our subtle or not-so-subtle way to change perspectives. and for me personally, a way to avoid my initial response of “it’s hot. duh.”

i digress.

our pastor, being aware of this, did something to increase the stickiness of his message. he spoke for ~20 minutes then dismissed us, before the USUAL end time! before the heat stole our focus or distracted us. it’s gonna stick, despite the potential distraction.

it’s possible to acknowledge, not acquiesce to, conditions, then do what it takes to make your message stick.

community care

humidity didn’t dampen Community Care Day today, which mobilizes churches that are part of the Network of Hope to engage in practical, hands-on projects to help those in need. resigning myself to the sweat & grime ahead of time makes it so much better!

about 30 adults & youth from Ridgewood Assembly did a variety of projects: yard work at several locations; carpet cleaning, window washing, installing a/c units, and a cookout for the local police, fire & EMS crews.

one woman said, “my yard looks like a park!“

another, with relief on her face, said, “i’ve never had this much help!”

the woman i helped remarked about how blessed she is to attend a church where this is what it’s about. when she tells others, they’re amazed that her church does things like this. tears were in all of our eyes before we left.

one of the local heroes at the cookout commented that in 20 years no one has done anything like this to say thanks. what a privilege for us!

when i do something that’s easy for me that has a big impact on someone who can’t, it’s energizing because i know i’ve participated in this & this.

what’s something you’ve done to show love in a practical way?

good, very good

Pittsburgh City Outreach service tonight.

the celebration is loud, joyous, passionate & irresistible. i sense the weight of changed lives represented by each praising voice. my soul awakes & i gratefully express the impact of the living God in my life: His sacrifice, teaching, salvation, love, hope, life.

i am kindred to the other changed souls here regardless of age, race, gender, status, personality. united by the Holy Spirit; bearing witness to one another with few words. a holy bond. it is good, very good.

this phrase sticks: “God will deliver you OUT OF the situation & He will deliver you FROM it.” i find refuge away from harm, but even more, i find freedom because [the thing] loses its foothold from the terrain of my soul. when God works you can take the girl out of the sin AND you can take the sin out of the girl. this is good, very good.

baptisms, 7 of them: Jason, his parents, Lee (my cousin), Jeremy, Sheila, Stephanie. this is a beautiful symbolic act for belivers to display obedience.

beauty

entering the water, fully immersed
body, mind, spirit, strength devoted to the Savior
Christ’s life given unto death for me

under the water in an instant
the old life dead, buried
Christ is wrapped, placed in the tomb

rising out of the water, inhaling afresh
life, everlasting life is now
Christ ascends from the death chamber to ever-breathe prayers
at the Father’s side

standing amidst the applause, the celebration given voice
new identity, marked in the moment
a dove descends, the Father speaks,
you are my own dear son and I am pleased with you

it is good, very good.