Today rocked!  What a fine, fine Wednesday and I had NO idea when I woke up how great it would be.  Totally unexpected blessings.  HA! (thought I’d dropped this, huh? Not a chance. Unexpected blessings are the greatest – right, Grady?) I just decided not to post about them every day.  But today . . . well, today was just grand.  It was a rich and grand because of people and because of ideas and because of possibilities and because of dreaming and because of Spirit moments.

I finished The Last Word and the Word After That  book by Brian McLaren and it was such a great read.  I enjoyed it thoroughly not only for the rich dialogue within the text but because of the richness of reading along with a friend and processing it along the way.  Such a better way to read texts like these.  Thanks, B, for all the processing and challenges and rabbit chasing.  I love those "rascally rabbits"! 

Side note:  I realized I used the word "rich"  3 times above.  Before you beat me down on that, let me argue that it is evidence of the great value that such things bring to life.  I will take such "riches" over material riches any day.

I was blessed by Chelsea’s presence in our office.  She is such a sweet spirit and great to have near by.  I’m glad she is working along-side me this summer.

Preston and Steve – your emails are highlights in the day.  You guys crack me up.  Preston, you are so worth $200 and Steve, remember – one strike!!!

I was super blessed by Cari who dropped by tonight with some great indulgences and some wonderful conversation.  I am very thankful for this surprise friendship in someone I’ve known for a many years but only recently have developed a friendship with. 

I truly appreciate all of you and thank God for your presence in my life.

Peace – Melissa

I apologize for not posting for a week.  Life has been getting in the way.  It has been two very busy weeks as I prepare to leave town for a while on trips and need several things in place before I go.  So much of my time has been spent with that and with some wonderful, rich fellowship with friends – individually and in mass. 

I am so thankful that God has changed my heart and created a recognizable love within me for community.  It has become a deep blessing for me that has surprised this introvert.  I am the better for it. Thanks to our Common Ground Lead Team for such a wonderful "church" experience Monday night after our meeting.  That was rich.

Right now I feel very close to God.  Because I need God very much right now and have nothing within with which to gather comfort and so I’m forced to rest in the Spirit.  I’m thankful for things and events and feelings that force me to rest in the Spirit.  It is a good place to be.  Life is messy; faith is messy; relationships are messy – these are realities that are unavoidable but not destructive.  The messiness is where we learn some of the most needed lessons; where we taste some of the satisfying pleasure of God’s nature; where we grow compassion towards others and humility regarding ourselves.  Into every life, a little messiness falls.  God is in the business of cleansing.  So it only seems fitting that we come before God in all our messiness and allow Him to do the cleaning up.  Don’t try to wipe down before you come . . . you’ll miss a spot for sure.  Come in your filth and grime and let God wash you clean.  Do this each day, each hour, each moment if needed.

I just finished a very thought-provoking, theologically-challenging book that I hope to post on soon.  I’m still processing it but when I get some coherency, I will share some reflections.

I will post at least once before I leave and may even bring my laptop along to frustrate you with pictures from the beach!

Peace – Melissa