Faith Leaps Into Clear Water
The Mediterranean was a vibrant aquamarine, shifting to a
deep, pthalo blue with each ripple from the gentle off-shore breeze. The nine
of us stood atop a bright-white, asteroid-sized rock just a meter from the
shore. The short hike-and-climb to the rock had broken a clean, refreshing
sweat in each of us. Such had been the story of our first week in Altea. The
sun, which hung above our left shoulders at 38° Celsius had no trouble
convincing us that a plunge into the sea should be our first priority. I don’t
remember who jumped first – Jason or Scuba – but the thrill mounted after each
one catapulted themselves from the rock’s edge into to while the water below
waited for us: breathtakingly clear, sublimely beautiful and completely
irresistible.
Finally it came to be my turn. My approach was a bit awkward
and my stride was interrupted by a nervous stutter-step as I neared the ledge,
but I flung myself off with all the velocity I could manage. Now in free-fall, my
mind cycled through all possible split-second realizations on the way to the
water below: .02 seconds spent wondering Lord,
what have I done, .01 seconds contemplating the fact that throwing oneself
off of a rock into water is an absurd activity (and must look particularly
strange to the non-human animals looking on in entertained confusion), .03
seconds wondering if I’d applied enough sunscreen , and .01 seconds thinking
about how white my legs looked beneath me… but then, in an immeasurable moment
of sublime clarity, in which normal thought patterns cease – the magnitude,
glory and overwhelming beauty of the sea caused time to stop all together.
Seemingly suspended in mid air, a split-second before
colliding with the water – everything was completely serene – beauty opened her
arms in a welcoming embrace and I gave myself completely over to the fall. As I
let go of everything, my collision with the crystalline surface changed everything.
The transcendent disruption of the crash caught me up – wrapped in translucent
beauty – as cool as it was clear. The heat of the day turned from scorching
annoyance to celebratory warmth as I returned to the surface – my eyes clear,
full of azure sky. I felt my smile widen as I saw the next diver hurl herself
toward the water with an involuntary squeal/squeak/scream of combined terror and delight.
Photo Courtesy of Brandon Yee and The Edge Project.
Moving in Restoration
Following the two weeks in Altea of emotional, mental, relational, spiritual restoration etc. we have come to Germany. I had been wanting to share about my time in Berlin from October 2013 with the team for many months now. Yesterday I got the chance and it was the perfect time. I shared my take on Berlin as a prophetic symbol of restoration... for us as individuals, for the church, for the city, and for Europe. It helped to set up our week here and also aligned with our appointment to visit the Reichstag. There, we were able to take in views of the whole city and pray over it.
As we move forward in creating our art and sharing ourselves, pray that we connect often with people from this Saddleback campus, empowering them and learning from them, and also that the team continues in the unity we have forged.
Love,
Steven/Scuba
As we move forward in creating our art and sharing ourselves, pray that we connect often with people from this Saddleback campus, empowering them and learning from them, and also that the team continues in the unity we have forged.
Love,
Steven/Scuba
Exhale
Stretch your arms high...... and inhale.
Waking up early this morning to catch the sunrise while doing yoga by the sea, I slowly understand that I don't have to be afraid in your presence. I am surrendering all my hurts knowing that I am in a safe place to be vulnerable, because you redeem and heal me.
I am walking into your presence because I can see you wherever I go now. Lord, you embrace me with your love once again - the warming and energizing sunrise, the calming and healing mediterranean sea, and the soothing and hypnotizing night breeze.
I am breathing in your grace...... and exhale.
Choosing to Be
The Kingdom of God is near.
I see true community.
I see true unity.
I've witnessed true healing and true restoration as we do life together in the sacred space prepared for us by Holy Spirit and your prayers.
Our true selves welcome us here.
They've been calling our names and it's so quiet and still here, this time we hear.
We've each been given traits that are like smooth stones.
Sometimes they feel burdensome but when they come together they form a monument of praise and worship to the One who gives.
Not missionaries, Not useful workers, Not even Christians.
We are choosing to know that we are Children of God.
Image-barers of our Daddy.
Choosing to receive the love that has been given to us...
Which means grace.
-Mandy
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