Cruciform Community

I love this clip from Paul Tripp. It talks about the intensity of living in community with one another. I agree with him totally that "we were not hard wired to live this christian experience by ourselves," and think the Bible also makes this point clearly.

Tripp talks about how we are to grow, and talks about the theology of uncomfortable grace.

"I move toward you not because I trust you. I move toward you knowing that we are both broken and this is potentially messy. I move toward you because I trust the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, and there is hope for us."

Honestly, I suck at all of the above. When I am struggling with sin, I retreat and hope to "come back when I'm done dealing with it." But again and again the Bible talks about confessing to one another in order to bring healing (James 5:16). When I see other people on the road to sin, the last thing I want to do is confront them. What will they think of me, after all? I am not better than them. But again, the Bible clearly says that we are to lovingly go to them and seek restoration (Matthew 18). A key attitude for both situations is humility.

This morning I was reading through Psalms 119 and came across verse 74: "[God], those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in Your word." 


It seems as if David, the writer of this psalm, wants those who fear the Lord (the christian community) to see him and be glad, because he puts his hope in the word of God. 


I want that. I want people to be glad to see me, and be happy to approach me, because they know that I won't get defensive or angry if they point out a sinful tendency or hurtful situation- because in the end, my hope comes from the word of God- not from my pride, or their opinion of me, or what I think is best. They will be glad because I wont flip out on them but humbly accept their rebuke. I want people to be glad when they see me because they know I will point them to truth, to the Word, and not just drown them in legalism or selfish motives. 


Psalms 119 is just a gold mine. Verse 73 says "Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments."

I want that too: Understanding so that I may learn Your commandments.

Lord, help me to only put my hope in your word. Give me understanding so that I may delight in your word and  deny my tendency to be defensive or prideful. Let me be a joy to those around me because I present them with the word and not myself. Help me to measure everything by your glorious gospel and the truth that you have created us, fashioned us, and that through affliction, you are still faithful (vs 75). Lord help me to move toward others simply because of my trust in the work done on the cross and that you have offered us hope. Amen.


Thoughts? Comments?

Who I am: I am Forgiven

This is one of my new favorite songs by Sanctus Real, titled "Forgiven."   I just listen to the words and relish the fact that I am.. forgiven.  Check it out:



The lyrics are epic:

Well the past is playing with my head
And failure knocks me down again
I’m reminded of the wrong
That I have said and done
And that devil just wont let me forget

In this life
I know what I’ve been
But here in your arms
I know what I am

I’m forgiven
I’m forgiven
And I don’t have to carry
The weight of who I’ve been
Cause I’m forgiven

Moscow Out: Russian Cuisine

On this week's Moscow Out, Martyn Andrews and his crew explore the history and ingredients of Russia's most popular dishes. From tasty solyanka soup to delicious beef stroganoff - we meet local chefs, find out secret recipes and visit a range of restaurants that serve mouth-watering Russian Cuisine. Is Russian food healthy or not? How does the climate effect what people eat - we find out! Knives and forks at the ready!


Original program found here

Preserving age-old handicraft at Matryoshka’s birthplace

This is a really cool little news clip about a small historical city called Gorodets, Russia. It is located about an hour away from where I will be living in Zavolzhye, just across the Volga river (an hour from Ninzhny Novgorod). During last years trip we were able to visit this town, and actually saw everything that is featured here such as the teapot museum and the bread museum. So cool to be reunited with its beauty. It is virtually impossible to find info or news about Gorodets from the USA. Enjoy!

This is why I love my job.

Random Rursday.

**Ridiculous Link./ RT from Postsecret twitter:
Celebrities Upside Down Pictures

**She’s 6-foot-6, 480 pounds ... and still growing
Tanya Angus, 30, has rare disorder that causes uncontrolled growth

**Awkward Family Photos
Click Here

**Fail Dogs
Addiction Can be Ugly


Random Dream: So I had a dream last night that ws quite epic. My grandpa had told me and my sister that we needed to drive his old motorcycle down to Washington DC. Well, super I thought, sounds great. But for some reason we were leaving around 4pm, when it takes a while to get there, and we had to wait in line at this recreational park, but there were alot of elderly people in line before us. So Kailey sat side saddle while we drove to Minard St. And I was trying to text my friend Nathan who lives in DC, but my phone wasnt letting me text the right words. And I was getting angry because I didnt want to go all the way to DC is I couldnt hang out with nathan. So we are standin in the driveway at Minard St, when this lady pulls up, gets out of her car and hands me a basket. "While you were waiting in line at the recreational park, we picked your name and you wont a prize basket!" In it there was a candle that smelled like feta cheese and coloring books. Well whoop de do. But then me and kailey decided not to drive there because we didnt have a change of clothes. And I was angry that my phone was not working. End of dream.

Hey 5am, how are you?

the most awkward video ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnQ-q5NhZHQ&feature=fvw

Yes it is 4:50am right now. And yes I am eating cheerios. I am sitting on my bed right now, not really that tired, which is kind of disappointing. I might be spelling everything wrong right now, which is ok. 

Understand that friends come and go,
but with a precious few you should hold on.
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, 
because the older you get, 
the more you need the people who knew you 
when you were young.