I think I had the most interesting evening I've had in a long time. After set up I met up with some friends at a Bar to watch the Georgia/South Carolina game (I'm an ALabama Fan). DOn't ask me why I just did. SO I spent a couple of hours in a bar with 200 GA fans.

THen after we ate dinner we made our way to a friend of mine who was having a party on her room. Ok there was 200 people at least on this roof. THat's a lot of people. My friend said it felt like a meat market... which it was... THis is where I met Jonathan the Chef and Derrick the dealer. Jonathan the Chef was a VERY failed attempt of a friend to set me up. At first my friend sid was with me... Sid compared Joanathan to dull scissors. They will do the job but its a long painful job getting there. He was a great guy. Don't get me wrong but oh my... it was torture. At first sid was there and sid can talk to a tree. He's a very social person but even sid got bored and abandoned me. GRRR. so I was left alone. I don't hold conversations really well especially when I ahve no help from the other side.

Ok then there was Derrick the Dealer. THis was the highlight of the night. IF anyone wants to know my natuaral hair color. its blonde. We were standing there and this guy comes up. Obviously a little... ok alot drunk. We are trying to make conversation and ask him what he does. He says "I am Amelia's Dealer" I laugh knowing that AMelia isn't the kind of girl to have a "dealer" so I ask what that means. I said I know its not about drugs so what do you deal... Yeah well finally after everyone stopped laughing at me and told me to shut up I realized he really was a dealer. Yeah. I am not the naive little country girl... but I played her really well tonight.

THen we made it to Cold stone for some dang good ice cream.

I hope this made you laugh because its 1:30 now and I still ahve work to do and i am still laughing at the night. WOW...



photo from kimkmcil

Hey guys. I know you all have so much going on in your life right now but could you please pray for a dear friend of mine. She had been diagnosed with Breast cancer about 5 years ago when I first got to Seminary and had been cancer free for the last 4years but She had to undergo an emergency surgery that lasted 12 hours to remove a cancerous brain tumor. She's now in ICU at a hospital in Texas & will start radiation treatments soon. Then she'll need a PET scan to see if she needs to do chemo therapy or not.

As you can imagine, SHe and her family are unsettled especially due to the sudden nature of all this.

Please pray for them in this time, for the doctors to make wise decisions, and for those family members caring for her to get rest in spite of the long hours at the hospital.

Thank you guys

Have any of you guys read any of the following books? If so, do you recommend any of them?

Come Thirsty: No Heart Too Dry for His Touch
Max Lucado

Blue Like Jazz: Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
By: Donald Miller (YEs, Lane I know this is your favorite)

The Sacred Romance: Drawing Closer to the Heart of God
By: Brent Curtis & John Eldredge

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life
By: Joanna Weaver

HEy guys. I have a huge favor to ask. I am doing a little topical/self-study on Jesus, the man. I was wondering if any of you had any resources you can recommned on some of the topics below. I am also looking for biblical references for these areas. I have many in mind which is where the ideas came from but I want what you think of when you think of these aspects of Jesus... how you'd approach these areas. I have no expectations just want what you have to offer. DOn't assume I've heard your idea... I want to hear them all.. the more redundant the better. THanks all.

Jesus- THe Man

Jesus the friend, Jesus the Son, Jesus the healer, Jesus the Judge, Jesus the brother, Jesus the Leader, Jesus the Pastor, Jesus the forgiver, Jesus the betrayed, Jesus the Guest, Jesus the accused, Jesus the Prayer, Jesus the tempted, Jesus the suffering, Jesus the teacher, Jesus the rejected, Jesus the Lover

PS- podcasts and sermons count.

PRAISE GOD. We finally have offices. after 7 months. The joys of church planting in the city.

THis is the inspiration for one of Bethany DIllons new songs. Her writing is so close to the way I write... the style that is... i wish i were as eloqant as her... but still. I love her vulnerability here.
--------------------------------------------------------
My Love Hasn't Grown Cold
Inspiration for the Song

“‘But then I will lead her back once again. I will lead her out into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt.

“‘In that coming day,’ says the Lord, ‘you will call me “my husband” instead of “my master.”’” (Hosea 2:14-16)

I’m always so afraid to return to God… afraid that He’ll bring up all of my mistakes… afraid that He’ll be tired of being kind and compassionate. I just can’t fathom that God could look past all of my flaws and see the object of His affection completely covered in grace.

“You could steal away in the middle of the night/And hide in the light of day/While you cloak yourself in the darkest lies/But oh, my love swims in the deepest oceans of fear/And as soon as you lower your head/I am here…”

During the season that I wrote this, I was so ashamed of how much I was struggling—embarrassed that I needed so much forgiveness. Passages like this one from Hosea always paint a vivid picture of love in brokenness for me. I love that about Him; that the only reason I love Him is because He first loved me. It’s the eternal mystery of God… that His love for us could never change.
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First- If you live in NYC... you MUST go to this exhibit. It will blow your mind. Its not for the light hearted though.



photo from kimkmcil

It runs August 29 – September 8 at the Metropolitan Pavilion Gallery:

123 West 18th St, 4th floor). Between 6th and 7th

Gallery hours: 11AM – 10PM.

(http://www.mercynewyork.com/exhibition.html)

Second,
Happy Birthday to Josh
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to Jooooosh
Happy Birthday to You.



photo from kimkmcil

so sorry i missed it. It was soooooo good to hear your voice tonight. I miss you terribly. Hope you had a good birthday. Love you buddy

Ok third... and least important... we may get offices. Gregg called me today to tell me he's meeting with a building guy tomorrow to finalze stuff. Yeah.

Got to go the US Open yesterday. Wasn't a huge Tennis fan but I had so much fun. I learned alot. GOt to see Agassi play and win. ALso Jim Carey was there...



photo from kimkmcil

Jim Carey being Jim Carey



photo from kimkmcil

The pre-game show



photo from kimkmcil

Lauren, Anne and myself. THe man that took this picture sacrificed his life for us... it was rather funny. WHich is why we are smiling so big.



photo from kimkmcil

Agasi acting like it was tough...

+ Movies in the park
+ Diversity. in race, style, etc... its just so beautiful
+ Subways. Yes I love the subways. IN the summer they are tough but so fun... you get to see some very interesting people
+ Mosaic Manhattan Church- the best little church plant ever.
+ small manhattan apartments- i know its weird but i like it... adds color
+ having friends that are nothing alike...
+ Diners... i love diners...
+ walking... except when people are out... ;)
+ THe fact that you can walk outside your front door and find 20-30 different place to eat within 4-5 blocks...
+ Having a 3 x 12 mile mall at your disposal.
+ Starbucks or some coffee shop on every dang corner
+ Upper west side
+ Riverside Park (THe boat BAsin is the best)
+ Sheeps MEddow on a 70 degree weather day
+ being 30-45 minutes from a beach but still being in the city
+ BEing able to visit a million countries in one afternoon
+ KNowing the fashions before the rest of the world.
+ BEing able to movies before the rest of the nation (40 year old virgin & prime)
+ Going to dinner with people you barely know and leaving with new great friends
+ Christmas in NYC
+ Fall in NYC
+ Broadway shows
+ Toys R US
I could go on but i will stop here. Please make additions.

A friend of mine reminded me of this song last night. Oh so beautiful.

Yearn by Shane and Shane

Holy design
This place and time
That I might seek and find my God
My God
Lord I want to yearn for you
I want to burn with passion
Over you
And only you
Lord I wanna yearn for you
I wanna burn with passion
Over you
And only you
Lord I wanna yearn

Your joy is mine
Yet why am I fine
With all my singing and bringing grain
In light of him
I wanna yearn for you
I wanna burn with passion
Over you
And only you
Lord I wanna yearn for you
I wanna burn with passion
Over you
And only you

Oh you give life and grace
In you will live and move
That’s why I sing
Lord I wanna yearn for you
I wanna burn with passion
Over you
And only you
Lord I wanna yearn for you
I wanna burn with Passion
Over you
And only you
Lord I wanna yearn

WHy do people insist on having VERY personal phone conversations in public places... THis guy is having a conversation with someone and is basically letting Starbucks know about it... by speaking in a VERY audible voice... I just don't get it...

YOu know you are a regular when the people you recognize are the ones who are either crazy (legally) or homeless. I've spent probably a total of 20 hours in the last week at Starbucks trying to get work done since Mosaic doesn't have offices... and the people i see there as much as me are literally the crazy ones... What does that say about me? I promise I wouldn't be here nearly as much if we had offices... Gregg swears to me we will be in a place by September 1... a week... I laughed out loud when he said that... Context for those who don't know... we've been looking for space since FEbruary 1.... DOn't see us finding space in a week... FOr those 5th floor peeps... look for me when you come in... i might be hiding in some corner... check to make sure i am not rocking back and forth... My perfume can be labeled... O' de Cafe. ;)

I read this this morning... you ever find it funny/ironic... when you are in something and you think you just can't go on... no relief seems to come your way and just as you are at your end... you are flooded by GOd's grace and blessings... THis is just the last of those blessings... God is so good and I am glad he knows my heart better then i do... I just can't imagine life without him.--

Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen By Elizabeth Elliot.

When we begin to imagine that our own problems are so deep, so insoluble, or so unusual that no one really understands us, we delude ourselves. It is one of the many delusions of pride, for Scripture tells us not only that our High Priest, Christ, has been tempted in every way as we are, but that no temptation has ever come our way that is not common to man. There are no more new temptations than there are new sins. Our story, whatever it is, is an old one, and He who has walked the human road has entered fully into our experiences of sorrow and pain and has overcome them. He has comforted others in our situation, gone with them into the same furnaces and lions' dens, has brought them out without smell of fire or mark of tooth.

It is a bad thing to take refuge in difficulties, thus excusing ourselves from responsibility to others because we think our situation is unique. If we are willing to receive help, our Helper is standing by--sometimes in the form of another human being sent by Him, qualified by Him to help us. It may be a case of our not receiving help because we were too proud to receive the kind God sent. Sometimes we really prefer to wallow.

"Ours is not a high priest unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who, because of his likeness to us, has been tested every way, only without sin. Let us therefore boldly approach the throne of our gracious God, where we may receive mercy and in his grace find timely help" (Heb 4:15, 16 NEB).

I got the privilege tonight to spend an evening just worshipping with 5 beautiful women... was able to soak in their wisdom and weaknesses as well as being allowed to be a vulnerable little girl and share what God is or isn't doing with me... it was just so precious... God is so good. He knows what we need when we need it and how we need it... Then on the train I was listening to my CD player (my ipod is still dead) and this song that I have listened to a thousand times in the last week finally soaked in... It totally hit to the core of what I am dealing with.

All I know- Matt Wertz

I don't know how the stars hang
Or how there is night and there is day
I don't know you spoke into the black
and made it all obey

All I know is the bleeding in my heart
and the healing your touch
all I know is that you gave everything
so let that be enough
This is all I know
Its all I know

I don't know how your love works
How you cover me in grace
I don't know how you swallow all I am
When I can't stand my taste

All I know is the bleeding in my heart
and the healing your touch
all I know is that you gave everything
so let that be enough
This is all I know

I can't explain your mystery
But I know the answer
Its all I know

You know something I just realized... I want to be IN LOVE with God... I know sounds so dang cleche... but i do. YOu know when you are interested in someone how every thought every emotion every piece of energy is consumed by that person. YOu always wonder what they are thinking, how they are feelings, what drives them, all of it... well i want that with God.

When did that stop or was it ever really there... I want to be excited by God, driven to please him, that "I can't sit still, can't breath, can't think about anything but who He is and what he wants"... I want to serve him and his people with a passion I can't imagine... I want to remember the excitement of seeing people get Him, of people desiring his promises... I want to be reminded why I am here... I just need to know how to get from here... to there... one small step at a time huh...

Ezekial 16:
15"But you thought you could get along without me, so you trusted instead in your fame and beauty. You gave yourself as a prostitute to every man who came along. Your beauty was theirs for the asking! 16You used the lovely things I gave you to make shrines for idols, where you carried out your acts of prostitution. Unbelievable! How could such a thing ever happen? 17You took the very jewels and gold and silver ornaments I had given you and made statues of men and worshiped them, which is adultery against me. 18You used the beautifully embroidered clothes I gave you to cover your idols. Then you used my oil and incense to worship them. 19Imagine it! You set before them as a lovely sacrifice the fine flour and oil and honey I had given you, says the Sovereign LORD.

Today is one of those days where music/songs can just sum up the mood... better then i could ever...

TOday's play list:
Wreck of the Day- Anna Nalick
Scream-zoegirl
Stupid-Sarah McLachlan
Hide- Joy Williams
The Real me- Natalie Grant
I can't do this- Plumb
Nice, Naive and Beautiful- Plumb
Make Me Over-Natalie Grant
Grace's Amazing Hands- Dave Barnes
Held- Natalie Grant
Taking OVer Me- Evanescence
Hear Me- Kelly Clarkson

I miss my Ipod... He died this week... He left me cold and lonely... How dare he... just died... without warning... without explanation... just died... but there is hope. I have friends who believe in reincarnation and are replacing him for me... but the interum... is well torture... depression is looming... Sadness.... grief... (sigh)

Mosaic in the News

http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&storeId=10001&partNumber=SHOEBOX_COMMERCIAL&CatIDsList=18052;57555&tabOn=stores&isShowStoresLink=true

I love New YOrk. There is a guy in Starbucks who is singing Sweet Chariot to himself but loud enough for those around him to hear.

Makes me smile.

SPeaking of which...
Things that make me smile:
+New York City... all the time... except when walking.
+ Old Men singing in starbucks
+ People from Georgia and Mississippi
+ Monkeys
+ The four men of the apocalypse
+ My brother's cats
+ Late night phone calls...
+ COFFEE
+ My ipod when He works
+ Storms in this city
+ Friends
+ People randomly quoting movies
+ Naps
+ Hearing new music
+ People laughing
+ PEople holding hands
+ New York Greetings... (kiss on the cheek)
AND MANY MORE