Beauty Where You Are...Circumstances

In the last post I ended by mentioning how, far too often, much beauty is not seen, or at least appreciated, until it is missed.  Before we look at a solution to this unfortunate reality, first a question – Why is this a problem in the first place?  If there is beauty all around us, then why do we either miss or not appreciate it?   

While there are many reasons why this happens, it seems a major component of this is that we spend far too much time wishing away our present circumstances, or at least longing for different ones.  Why?  We are creatures of comfort.  Furthermore, our culture conditions us to want more and more comfort. 

Air Conditioning.  Huh?  Air Conditioning is a prime example of culture conditioning us for comfort.  A generation ago AC was a luxury in homes and automobiles.  Today it is basically viewed as a necessity.  Let me be clear, my intent is not to dismiss deaths due to extremely high temperatures and a lack of cool air (this is tragic).  Nor is my intent to dismiss the real inconvenience of an AC unit stopping when temperatures have been near or in excess of 100 degrees for weeks.  Yet it is an inconvenience…right? 

TV (e.g., ‘basic’, Cable, Dish, etc.).  Once again, Huh?  I found it interesting that last May some of my Facebook friends had their lives thrown into chaos due to the tornado that ripped through Joplin Missouri.  Meanwhile, I had other Facebook friends who were complaining about their poor cable or Dish TV reception.  This is not to label those complaining about the inconvenience of TV interruption as petty, or evil or anything…but it is just that isn’t it – an inconvenience?  Interestingly, quite often it seems more and more people view multiple TV channels as a right, if not a necessity. 

Anyway, there are many more examples of being conditioned for comfort.  Yet why does this matter?  It matters because if we are not careful we run the real risk of wishing away the present and therefore missing the beauty of it all around us.  In the last post I mostly focused on beautiful scenery.  Yet here we will consider beauty in the common moments of life.  They are there, but we have to be attentive and live in the present.  Yet again, far too often we run the risk of longing for something better; either the “promise” of the future or “the good old days” of the past.  While memories and hopes certainly have their place in life, we need to be careful – and even intentional – to not allow them to crowd out the beauty and reality (that will never be experienced again) of the present. 

Our recent trip to Colorado for a wedding was a good one; yet it was far from perfect.  A simple case in point is the difficulty of a wedding day schedule for those who have small children (i.e., us).  Yet let us be honest, practically any event poses challenges to schedules and small children.  Therefore, what follows is in no way a critique of the wedding (it was quite wonderful – the whole day)…just some reflections and how reflecting both helps me to grow and exposes how much I need to grow.  

With an 11am wedding in a park there are limited nap options for Charis (who was one on May 27^th).  Oh yeah, I need to let you know I can be quite protective of our children; i.e., I can get upset when things that could have been avoided make life difficult for them.  With that disclaimer, if I had focused my energy on how my little girl (Charis) was missing her nap I would have missed out on the pleasure of playing with both Ellei and Charis in the park while waiting for the wedding (we had to be there early for Melissa as she was involved in the music).  Furthermore, I likely would have kept to myself (something I often do when upset) and not have initiated a conversation with “Volcav”, who I found out is a student at Colorado State University from Serbia.  We had a delightful conversation, albeit shorter than I wanted, while I played with Ellei and Charis and he played with Llana (his 16 month old daughter). 

Weddings have pictures; for this wedding they were planned for after the ceremony.  This meant a gap between the ceremony and the meal.  Aware of this the bride and groom arranged for snacks at a nearby church building prior to their arrival and the meal proper.  I could have been upset about the time gap, concerned about my hungry and tired children, etc.  Yet rather than “wishing away the present” I sought to enjoy it.  Among other things this time gap gave me an opportunity to have a precious moment with Charis.  After our snack I found a room, turned on a fan, and laid down on a couch.  I will forever treasure this “Daddy-Charis nap” as I got some needed sleep and she slept on my chest for nearly an hour.  Later, after the nap and following meal, there was the enjoyment of (rather than being concerned how Ellei missed her nap) watching Ellei dance with “new friends” – using all of her energy (both normal and “tired” energy) to have a great time.  It was also quite enjoyable, no – it was beautiful, to join in dancing with Ellei along with Melissa and Charis.  One of the many things I love about Ellei…she is so “out there” if you will.  She is still tender and naïve to much of the world.  While this can (and does) lead to getting hurt (or disappointed), her view of life is also a great reminder that as adults we are often too guarded. 

There were other occurrences on the trip that made it enjoyable.  Not all of them were what would normally be called “good” or “pleasant” – but yet seeking to live in the present has a way of changing my perspective. 

The past is just that, the future will inevitably come, but the present is all we can experience right now – don’t miss it.  [and please keep this statement in context] 

Beauty Where You Are...

If I were a more tech-savvy person I would post a few photos to spruce this post up a bit (not to mention fix the background of an earlier blog post, or two).  However, until I get more up to date you can close your eyes and imagine with me…well, after reading a bit further that is.  Just be sure to reopen them to continue reading. 

This past weekend we (wife Melissa and daughters Ellei and Charis) headed to Colorado for a friend’s wedding.  It was an enjoyable trip despite my tirechanging practice and lessons learned in parenting (future post).  In fact, I am going to post some thoughts and reflections on the trip both here and in subsequent posts. 

First, I will address the title of this post, “Beauty Where You Are”.  As most reading this will know, I live in Kansas.  I have lived here for all but two of my sojourning years on this earth to date.  I like it here.  I remember when we lived in Illinois (without our daughters, well, Ellei was in the womb for a few months while there) for a two years it was not uncommon for someone to quip one of two responses after learning of the state from which we had moved.  One was practically always hilarious to the person asking, and it went something like, “Oh, how is Toto doing?” or something like that.  While it did not bother me, on more than one occasion I thought of bursting out in laughter and after gathering myself 30 seconds or so later say something like, “Wow, I have never heard that before…you are so funny!!!” or “He’s dead.”   

The other relatively common response went something like, “Oh Kansas, that’s the long state we have to drive through to get to Colorado”.  I cannot remember saying the exact words, but I do recall thinking after a remark or two like that, “Why don’t you just move to Kansas and save some drive time?”  The implication of course being how the scenery of Illinois is pretty much the same as that of Kansas – i.e., “flat”. 

Granted, neither all of Illinois, nor all of Kansas is flat – and yes I do realize there is a state between those two as well.  The point is, far too often people fail to see beauty where they are.  Far too often people long for something other than what is right before them.  Granted, the mountains of Colorado are quite scenic.  I think it would be refreshing to see them day in and day out.  Yet after a while I imagine even they would run the risk of becoming “old hat” if you will. 

Truthfully, there is much great scenery in Kansas.  I would suggest getting an “8 Wonders of Kansas Guidebook”.  If you do, or you click here, you will see there is more than physical scenery that is a “Wonder” in Kansas (as is the case in any state).  This same line of thinking goes for the aspect of beauty where you are.  But that is another post. 

In the meantime, you must also not forget the beauty of right where you live.  I am not saying going to a “scenic” spot on vacation is a waste of time or anything like that.  Yet far too often we miss the beauty right in front of our face. 

One of my favorite views is from the back cement porch at my parent’s home.  I have seen it thousands of times in my life.  Granted, I see it far less often now than when I first learned to appreciate it several years ago, but I still take the time to marvel at God’s creation through that view in particular when I am back there.  Funny, I imagine it became one of my favorite scenic views after I moved out…or was at least away to college. 

Oh the irony of how much beauty is not seen, or at least appreciated, until it is missed.  Irony? or Tragedy?  Whichever it is, there is a solution to it… 

If I Were God...

If I were God, I think I would have done things differently.  Yes, I realize the foolishness of that statement.  However, if I were God, I think I would have done things differently.  


One thing the Bible clearly shows us is how, even in the midst of judgment, God is graceful.  E.g., after "the fall" Adam and Eve are not kicked out of Eden because God is vindictive, mean, or pulling a power play.  The Bible says, 22 Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life (Gen3:22-24).  They were kicked out because God did not want the crowning point of His creation living in a perpetually fallen state and continually succumbing to the temptation to prolong a life in which our relationship with Him has been distorted (let alone how we would be killing one another to have access to that means).  In other words, without this act of grace fallen humanity would seek to live forever in these fallen/earthly vessels and therefore never experience the joy of an unhindered relationship with our Creator.  


This pattern of God's grace woven into judgment is throughout the Bible - quite amazing I think.  Yet as far as me doing things differently if I were God, let us look at another event.  In Genesis 11 God confuses the common tongue of humanity and disperses them to fill the earth.  This is an act of grace because it puts humanity on track with God's original intention rather than densely populating one place (cf. Gen1:28; 11:2,4).  We need to face reality, people blatantly disobeying God living in close quarters is never a good thing.  It simply compounds problems.  Yet out of this judgment (with grace woven into it) comes another act of grace - God calls Abram.  Most reading this know the basics of how that story goes.  


And here is where I would do things differently.  I would not have waited so long to call Abram, well, at least one like Abram (if you know what I mean).  After all, how long was it from Noah to Abram?  Let alone from Adam and Eve to Abram?  I have no idea.  In fact, no one really knows for sure.  So I have a dilemma.  On one hand I would not have waited that long "to call Abram".  Yet on the other hand I know I am finite and do not see the bigger picture.  So where does that leave me?  Well, if I am wise, it leaves me wrestling with living within the God-given gift of limitations.  


It is so easy to think "God needs to do ______."  It is also common to think "Well, if I do not ______ then no one will."  Granted, there is nothing wrong with seeing an injustice and thinking God ought to do something about it.  Furthermore, there are likely times where if you do not act another will not.  Yet do these realities mean if God does not act in your time frame then He will never act?  Or that if you do not do something then God is incapable of raising up someone else?  


Do you see why the gift of limits is a difficult one?  Receiving the gift of limits means I must (continually) acknowledge I am not God; I do not know best.  Receiving the gift of limits means I must also trust God; His faithfulness has been continually proven.  Receiving the gift of limits just might also mean many questions we ask and get bogged down with might not be that important...or at least they pale in importance to the question of whether or not we trust God.  


Ah yes, limitations.  We all have them...not many of us enjoy them.  Yet to be a growing disciple of Jesus we must embrace them.  Interestingly, since inherent in receiving the gift of limits is trusting God, it means we again must take a serious look at what He says is best for us.  After all, what He says defines our limits; He knows best.   


Here are some Scriptures that deal with what we are to "put on" and "put off" (Rom13:12-14; Gal3:27; Eph4:17-24, 25-32; 6:11-20; Col3:5-17; 1Thess5:6-11; Heb12:1-2; Jas1:19-27; 1Pet2:1-3).  If we are serious about receiving God's gift of limits we will seek to "put on" and "put off" what He says.  OR...would you rather to continue playing the game of "If I Were God..."?  


In other words, would you rather continue to redefine your limits?





NOTE: 
Last August I started preaching through the gospel of Mark.  There was a short intermission for a focus on stewardship in November, a Sunday here and there have not been in Mark as well, but most of the time since last August we have been in Mark.  Then (along with a trip to Blessing Ranch in Colorado) I got to Mark 7 (particularly verses 20-23) in May.  Since that time we have been looking at issues of the heart.  After all, Jesus said that within our heart are all the problems of the world (cf. Mk7:21-22 and a list of 12 things, a Jewish number for completeness, that are evil and are within us).

So, with that in mind, plus using concepts from Peter Scazzero's The Emotionally Healthy Church, we have been looking at heart issues for the past several weeks.  This weekend we are looking at receiving the gift of limits.  This is a difficult topic for me...a few reflections you have likely already read.

Producing Consumers

A significant calendar date passed us by earlier in the week.  Another June 25^th has come and gone…  Why is this date significant?  Well, it is half a year past Christmas Day; in light of this reality… 

How many “favorite toys” on Christmas morning are still in daily (or regular) use by your children? 

How many of these (new) favorite toys are broken? 

Was new debt incurred to purchase toys, clothes, etc. for Christmas? 

If so, how much debt is paid off from overextending yourself to purchase these (new) favorite toys? 

Was additional debt incurred (or payments put off) while paying for this past “Christmas”?   

Should we get something more significant from the Christmas Season besides debt and "new favorite toys" that will be replaced in next years cycle of consumerism?  

Our culture is quite successful in making consumers of us.  If you doubt this, then why do advertisements work?  If you doubt they do, then why do companies pay millions of dollars for seconds during the Super Bowl?  I realize you may not be as caught up in the consumerism of our culture as the next Joe/Jane...  

However, the success of our culture in making consumers of us can be seen when gifts are given.  As my beautiful wife Melissa and I were discussing recently; who has not seen a small child enamored with either the paper or the box used to give a new gift?  Who has not seen a well meaning parent, sibling, relative, or gift-giver take away the paper or box and basically say, “No no, here, play with this (expensive) toy I have bought for you; isn't it great?!?!”  Why do we do this?  Are we not content with letting a child find enjoyment in something that is less than our ideal for them?  Do we have to justify giving the gift?  

In light of this, and in light of how we are now half a year removed from the Christmas Season, I wonder if God ever looks at us and basically wonders/says, "No no, quit playing with the cheap toys of this world yearn for true treasures I have made available to you!!!"  What would the true treasures be?  Well, an abiding and growing relationship with Him, which He so clearly showed us He wants through the miracle of the Incarnation (the Christmas Season), is certainly an aspect of it.  

Keep in mind, some of our brothers and sisters in Christ celebrate the “birth” of John the Baptist on June 25^th.  While it may sound a bit odd, it is a great concept.  After all, the "birth" of the forerunner to the Messiah reminds us this world is not right.  This world is not how God desires it to be.  Proof of this reality is seen when we reflect on how God sent His Messiah into the world to reestablish His Kingdom...which will culminate in God re-creating everything “new”.  

Yet we need to remember, John the Baptist himself did not fully understand Jesus (cf. Mt11:1-19).  Therefore it would behoove us to humbly admit we need to be ever growing in our awareness of Jesus' Identity.  The miracle of and the implications of the Incarnation certainly help us.  If only we could put away the cheap toys and imitations of fulfillment this world puts forth as worth our time...  

Bucket List [2]...

Cultural expectations, assumptions, desires...and the Bible.  Our tendency to look out for ourselves and make plans in order to make life easier and more enjoyable...and the life of Jesus.  The list could continue, but I think you get the idea it is one of contrast - stark contrast.

Yesterday the issue of a "bucket list" was raised.  A bucket list is a list of things a person desires to do before they die.  Quite often it includes seeing places and/or doing a variety of things.  To be certain, viewing God's creation and having a good time are certainly not wrong.  Yet to muddy the waters a bit we looked at an action of Jesus on the way to His impending death.  In other words, we might ask ourselves, "What was on the "bucket list" of Jesus?"  By the way, the Bible tends to muddy a lot of waters we would rather be clear with smooth sailing.

In summary of yesterday, Jesus sought out a man of great wealth (Zacchaeus) whose response to Jesus was stunning.  With literary beauty Luke sandwiched a lot of people held captive and mastered by money between two (Levi in Lk5:27ff and Zacchaeus in Lk19:1ff) who finally cast off the shackles of deception and were no longer a slave to it.  Jesus' bucket list revolved around expanding the Kingdom of God.  What can we deduce from all of this?

We ought to deduce being a Christian in our culture is not easy.  Granted, we do not face physical death like many brothers and sisters around the world.  Rather, we face persecution (a great tribulation) of a more sinister kind - seduction by our culture.  It is easy to think we are simply "making a living" when in reality we may be in danger of "gaining the world and losing our soul" (Lk9:25).  After all, a married couple with one child living at the U.S. poverty level ($19,090) is more wealthy than 88.65% of the people in the world.  I am not saying it is easy or enjoyable to live at the poverty level (I and we have been there), but I am saying something is wrong with the reality of such disparity.  We live in a world where Weight Watchers is a prosperous company "here", while countless others die of starvation "over there" (and I realize a lack of food is also a problem "here").  What do we do with things like that?  I do not know.  There are not easy answers or quick fixes.  But I do know we do live in a culture of unparalleled wealth and it impacts all of us.

We ought to also deduce that we must not gloss over a biblical use of wealth.  Far too often money is viewed as a tool to get the things we want in order to somehow enjoy life more fully - in the here and now.  Yet Luke tells us we should leverage our money in the here and now so more people can enjoy the abundant life with God - both now and in eternity (cf. the "dishonest" steward in Lk16:1-13).  Indeed, it is easy to be blind to the reality that quite often money is really controlling us and we are serving it as a master.  This should never be.  We should use our wealth as a tool to make God famous.

We ought also concede that on His way to an excruciating and humiliating death Jesus purposefully sought out an individual who would use what the world values (money) to bring glory to the One of infinite worth (God).  It appears Jesus' "bucket list" included making sure the crowning point of God's creation (humans) knew the One who created them and spoke this world into existence loves them.  How high is that on your bucket list?

I must confess there are a variety of places I would like to see and go.  There are many things I would like to do.  There is something special about sharing experiences with those you love.  I do not think there is anything wrong with that.  Yet I find it ironic we live in a culture where a vacation is a necessity due to the frenzied pace at which we live.  Then, while on vacation, many fall prey to our culture and the incessant need to consume (e.g., to see and do, view and experience, etc.), and it takes a toll.  More than one person has returned home desiring a vacation from their vacation...

In sum; whether or not you have a "bucket list" or not is not the point.  What is at least a point to consider is something like; Does your bucket list reflect a high value on the crowning point of God's creation over traveling to a few choice destinations or experiencing a few cheap (or expensive) thrills?  In other words, are people more important than a place or experience?  I think the new heavens and new earth will be far grander than anything we can visually see or experience now.  Put another way; Does your bucket list look any different than someone not following Jesus as their Lord? 


Does your bucket list include...

• family and friends entering the Kingdom of God?  
• serving those less fortunate than you - be it in a "soup kitchen", through your own creative idea, or on a short-term missions trip? 
• reconciling with people you have hurt and offended...or who may have hurt and offended you?  
• "adopting" a child in the neighborhood who does not have a father, or grandparents, and showing them unconditional love while giving a single Mom (or Dad) a bit of time to themselves?  

The list is small and incomplete.  And I may be wrong, but I think a bucket list with items like these just might be more thrilling than something else you may desire to do.  Yet I am certain I am correct in the assumption that they can lead to many being eternally grateful.  

Bucket List...

In the 2007 movie The Bucket List, two men who appear to be different in practically every way (e.g., a millionaire and a working-class mechanic; a four-time divorcee and a man who has been faithful to one woman - his wife) find common ground by what looms somewhere in everyone's mind - the reality of death.  The characters played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman have both been diagnosed with lung cancer and given a short period of time to live.  Facing the inevitability of death, they both have a variety of things they would like to do before they "kick the bucket" (i.e., die) - hence the title of the movie.

Death.  Unless Jesus comes back first it is a common reality we will all face.  In light of death, how should we live?  More appropriately, in light of God's view of death, how should a Christian live?  More to the point, should Christians have a "bucket list"?  Rather than give an answer that can easily be tossed aside or criticized, let us turn our attention to the Bible.

In Luke 19 we read "He entered Jericho and was passing through..." (Lk19:1) - the He is Jesus.  On the surface it seems this chapter records a chance encounter between Zacchaeus and Jesus of Nazareth.  Granted, this chance encounter did forever change the life of Zacchaeus (Lk19:9).  In fact, this chance encounter also immediately impacted the lives of many others (cf. Lk19:8).  Furthermore, based on Luke's emphasis on outcasts and money (and from what we know about how the early Church used everything at her disposal to help others), it is very likely many helped monetarily by Zacchaeus also had their lives forever changed as they experienced the love and grace of God through an individual.  And just think, all of this happened simply by chance as Jesus was merely "passing through" - right?  A chance encounter which ultimately lead to the salvation of - only God knows how many - people...

It is true Jesus impacted people wherever He went.  Yet when we look at the word for "passing through" in the text, this passage suddenly looks different.  The Greek word dierchomai, translated as "passing through" in Luke 19:1, is used 42 times in the Greek New Testament; 30 of those are in Luke-Acts.  This is somewhat interesting.  Yet it gets more interesting when we look at how the word for "passing through" is used - it seems to be a technical term used by Luke.  With few exceptions the word clearly describes a specific purpose for going from one place to another.  Most commonly the specific purpose is to spread the good news of Jesus and/or the Kingdom of God  (e.g., Lk2:15; 9:6; Acts8:40; 11:19; 13:6,14; 15:3,41).

Therefore, on His way to Jerusalem where Jesus knows He will soon suffer and die, He specifically chooses to "pass through" Jericho.  Why?  What seems interesting yet unclear comes into focus when we consider a few other encounters Jesus had with people of wealth in the gospel of Luke.  Early on Jesus encounters Levi who follows Him and throws a party with his wealth because Jesus has changed his life (Lk5:27-39).  Later Jesus tells of a "rich fool" who died facing judgment because of hoarding his money (Lk12:13-21), and of a "rich man" who would not part with his money for the sake of the Kingdom of God - therefore by implication he did not enter into It (Lk18:18-30).  In between these accounts are two parables, both of which focus on money (the "dishonest" steward in Lk16:1-13, and the rich man and Lazarus in Lk16:19-31).

In other words, Luke presents an individual who responds well with his wealth (Levi), followed by a series of people who do not (well, except for the "dishonest" steward - but that is another issue), followed by Z acchaeus - another who responded well to the call of Jesus on his life in spite of his (tremendous) wealth.  After meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus leveraged what he had prostituted himself for all of his life (i.e., he chased money) for the glory of God by providing for those who could not provide for themselves.

So, what does this do to a "bucket list" for those of us who live in the most affluent culture in the history of the world?  Please ponder (and comment); I will share a thought or two tomorrow...

Gospel Avengers?

Earlier this week I finally gave in; my wife and I went to see The Avengers.  OK, that is not entirely true... but we did see The Avengers (something we both wanted to do).

I usually try and relax whenever I see a movie.  In fact, at times I come close to being alarmed with how much of an escape a movie can be for me.  Yet that is another issue (and maybe another post).  Nevertheless, I share that because I do not seek to evaluate every twist and turn, figure things out in advance, etc.  Quite often I like to simply be along for the ride.  Yet early in The Avengers a few things stood out so blatantly that I am compelled to comment on them.  While the quotes will not be verbatim, the concepts are accurate.

Relatively early in the movie the "key" villain, Loki, mentioned he came with an announcement of "good tidings".  In other words he came with an announcement of good news...or a gospel.  A bit later Loki derides humans for how their "pursuit of freedom is enslaving them" and how they were "made to be ruled and to submit".  Who would have ever thought such deep concepts - and truth - would make their way into a superhero movie?

First let us quickly take the "good tidings" comment.  Christianity does not have a corner market on the Greek word euangelion (from which we get "good news" or "gospel" - hence Loki's "good tidings").  It is a term that for Rome could announce Caesar's birthday or a victory in battle; basically things that were "good" for the advancement of Rome (which meant the opposite for many others).  The concept is much the same for the Jewish people.  In other words, the "good news" is good (or bad) based on context; good for some yet bad for others.  This is true in the New Testament too.  All that is encompassed by God's "good news" is indeed bad news for the kingdom of darkness.  Therefore, Loki (as a 'god') does bring good news (a side note, it is interesting how he takes captive some key individuals early in the film - cf. 2Cor4).  It just so happens many would disagree with Loki's assessment that the news he brings is good (hence the movie).  Yet we should not write it off so quickly...

Loki is correct in his assessment that the pursuit of freedom is enslaving people.  There will (perhaps) be another time to address that issue.  Yet for now we will simply acknowledge "freedom" is a slippery word.  It certainly cannot mean the ability to do whatever one desires because that will quickly turn into a lack of freedom for others.  In this case freedom is defined by the one with the bigger stick - which is the way the kingdoms of the world roll.  

Loki is also correct in his assessment that humanity is "made to be ruled and to submit."  Indeed, this is biblical truth.  When humanity seeks to throw off restraint and "be free" they pass from one (benevolent and loving) Ruler to another (malevolent and hateful) ruler.  We are either seeking to continually submit to God's rule (cf. the concept of the Kingdom of God), or we are being deceived by Satan.  Humanity was made to submit to the rule of God.  Unfortunately, far too often we choose our own way because we are deceived and pursuing an illusion of freedom - which only lands us in Satan's web of deceit and chains of addictions.

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday.  Praise God for the gift of His Spirit which can make our hearts new and continually guide us.  When I look at a list of what flows out of the heart (e.g., Mk7:21-22) it can be depressing.  Fortunately God's grace can bring victory as we cast off the foolish lust for (the illusion of) freedom and submit to the One who brought true "good news" to the world.  May the coming of the Spirit we celebrate this Sunday empower us to be heralds of the best news ever...God is making all things new!  Fortunately, as the crowning point of His creation, that includes you and me.  Mind-boggling...but praise God for it!!!