"The Practice of the Presence of God" is the name of a little book written by Brother Lawrence, three centuries ago. Apparently he lived in a French monastery and was an "uneducated cook". Despite his lack of education, he "discovered the secret to a life of joy. In the midst o f the ordinary bustle of pots and pans, [he] - a servant of the servants of God, as he called himself - cultivated a profound and continual awareness of God." (from the back cover of my copy)

It's a quick read, yet the depth of the book allows for many good readings and rereadings over a lifetime. Imagine what life would look like if we all lived in full awareness that God was present at every moment - right there beside us! Remember Jesus is also called "Immanu-El" = God with us.

Isn't that what the circle from the LifeShapes reminds us, that God is present in every moment? It's we who have the difficulty of sensing God's activity and presence in daily life. I know it's difficult thinking that the moment you have said for the thousandth time, "Go to bed!" to your children, that God might be there in the moment. Maybe it's just then that I need to sense God with me.

Let's practice the presence of God every day - not just when we feel like it or when it comes to mind, but every moment of every day.What do you think could happen?

Peace,
Tim

Today, at the Synod's Pre-Assembly meeting, the participants were introduced (re-introduced for some of us who have already been through this kind of meeting) to the new way of doing business at the Synod Assembly. For all of us, this is a significant paradigm shift from business as usual - which means a "top-down" approach - to what I like to call a more "Spirit-led" approach. In this new approach, instead of having workshops, we will enter into "affinity groups". These are groups of like-minded individuals who may not know exactly how God wants to lead, but are willing to be part of a process that allows for more push and pull from all involved. This new approach allows much latitude, and that increaases the stress level for some - especially people who need to have everything in order before entering into conversation. Some people have commented that they need in the groups: facilitators, catalysts, topics, direction, goals. It seems to me the goal of these affinity groups is to open us up to new, perhaps unchartered ways of being God's people.

My questions: Why is there so much need for answers in every facet of life? Does one really need to know everything? Does one really want to know "everything"? How does the Holy Spirit's role enter into the discussion? Are we fearful of allowing God's Spirit to take hold of our lives? Imagine what would happen if we didn't hinder God's Spirit...

Peace,
Tim

Greetings to all!
It has been some time for me to enter into this new medium but I think it may be worth it. The reason it took me so long could be blamed on my penchant for the traditional; it could just as likely be blamed upon my inability to understand how one could be infinitely disconnected and yet feel connected through virtual reality. How can I, for example, send emails or blog comments to someone and feel I am connected, while sitting miles away with little or no chance of meeting? How can people who do meet periodically benefit from such virtual reality? How we wrestle with these basic questions will, no doubt, form how we use this blog.

I have named it "Expect the Unexpected" because it seems throughout the Christian scriptures God comes through in such unexpected ways. I could ask, "Why do we not expect God to act in such ways as God does?" What do you think - about the blog, about this idea of a public forum, about these questions?

God's peace,
Tim

first post

OK, all
This is my first attempt at blogging. I have just enabled the account and will be working with it in the next few days and weeks to change the background and such. I guess I have finally entered into the 21st Century!
Peace,
Tim