(This site isn't set-up for it, but if it were, you'd read that title and then click to its clincher, link follow-up reading:

"while driving in the car").

Since we can't provide such a suspenseful read, click, link process however, we'll just lay it out in one hunker: "DON'T EAT PEAS WHILE DRIVING IN THE CAR."

I'm serious. One should never eat dried peas, maybe period, but definitely while driving. I spilled a large quantity of green, popcorn'esque kernels ALL over my front seat. If it were Christmas, I'd get a bag of cranberries and act like I was excessively seasonal, but it's not...and I'm not. It's just a regular Tuesday afternoon and I have a massive tint of green highlighting the interiors of my vehicle.

On a less clumsy note, I'm reading two books that I would highly recommend:
Celebrations of Discipline, by Richard Foster and Velvet Elvis, by Rob Bell.

That's all for now. I need to go clean out my car.

abbie

Have you ever thought about your future spouse? Or should I say, when you think about your future spouse, do you ever wonder about their personality, style, or favorite hobby—what their job, dream-job, or family will entail?

Pop-Christianity has been preaching a "negotiable/non-negotiable" idea for quite some time now, exhorting us to “list” the absolutes and maybes of our spouses. In other words, what are the characteristics you simply can't compromise on, and what are those that are “up for grabs?” Well, I wouldn’t call myself a groupie here, at all, but I do think the topic holds some ground. Thinking beforehand about who we’ll be hand-in-hand with...forever...is clearly important. Irrevocably important, in fact. My hold-up, though, is prioritizing this “list” over the Lord's. I'm convinced that no matter what we subscribe to, He's always willing and wanting to outdo it—otherwise, the mystery of marriage (and life) would be within man’s reach. Let me give you an example.

Yesterday was a slow Saturday morning, where sleeping-in and daydreaming to the pillow was at its best. Thoughts of “the husband” couldn’t help but amuse me—less in a lonely appeal (at least this day) and more in a, "Wow, someday times like this will be sweet to share with my best friend. I wonder what it'll be like? I wonder what he'll be like? Will he serenade me out of bed, or let us lay for awhile and then request a hearty breakfast and hiking at a nearby mountain?” I mention these two (singing and athleticism) because they highlight a large part of my "negotiable list" lately. Selfishly, I want my husband to be athletic and it'd be really fun if he was a musician, too (what is it about those worship leaders?...).

I eventually let my Spiritual side catch-up to my daydreams. He, of course, wanted to pry a few steps deeper.

"These negotiables are fine, Abbie, and I'm pretty psyched to show you how they flesh out. For a few minutes though, can I challenge your standards?”

I had nowhere to be, so agreed, somewhat reluctantly.

“Hypothetically (/hint, hint), let's say I'm your perfect Lover. Out of curiosity, would I make your cut? Would I survive your negotiables framework? Clearly, I'd score well on your non-negotiables...in fact, I think I'd quite characterize their fullness (Godliness, purity, integrity, faith, desire, love, commitment and respect for you...), but my greater concern is making the cut for those up-in-the-air, “non-negotiables.”

Surmise what you want, but if I’m honest, none of my athletic feats were Olympic caliber—or even close. Between you and me, I was a pretty good fisherman, but as for being supremely “athletic,” the jury's still out. And this worship leader bit...I understand it’s appealing and that folks leading songs (especially to me) are quite striking. But that's an extraction of their ‘actual’ self—a fringe element (musical gifting) of their real garment. Being musical may be cool and really darn attractive, but it’s not required. Again, I can strike a darn good tune in the shower, but stick me affront a crowd and the fat lady sung—a long time ago.

Let me put it this way, and then you can get back to daydreaming, but think about how many of my athletic, or musical talents, were recorded? None. Nada. Zippo. Apparently, nothing about my profile—looks, talents, salary, hobbies—was worth writing down. My Facebook would’ve been pretty darn boring…and shoot, eharmony, I wouldn't stand a chance! Here's the bottom line: Your best list still doesn’t come close to mine. What’s favorable to the world isn’t necessarily so to me. You are stunning in my sight and as long as you choose that as your sole non-negotiable, I promise to deliver the rest. Keep looking at me, before searching for "him" and keep daydreaming about my list, before struggling to create his. I love you, Jesus.”

I rolled out of bed, content and somehow encouraged about the day and days ahead—regardless of whose hand they’d hold.

I found this excerpt quite amazing and "summarizing," if such a word can be coupled with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It pulls from "Searching for Truth," by Joe Boot.

***
"A story is told about a renowned preacher who lost his young wife. In grief, his little daughter came to him and asked a question that completely silenced him. She wanted to know why her mommy had to die if Jesus had already died for her. Her father asked if he could have some time to think of an answer that would help her. On the day of the funeral, they were driving to the cemetery when a large tractor trailer drove beside them casting a massive shadow on the sidewalk. The father looked at his daughter and asked, "Honey, if you had to be run over today, would you rather be run over by that truck or its shadow?" She responded thoughtfully, "The shadow would be better because it wouldn't hurt as much." He paused and answered her gently, "That is what Jesus did for us when he died on the Cross. The truck of God's judgment went over Him. Only the shadow of death goes over us now."

The forgiveness of God is free but is not cheap. It cost Jesus everything, and yet he freely offered his life to purchase our salvation. He took our place on the Cross and bridged the chasm between God and humanity. Faith in him means not only believing the truth of his message, his death, and resurrection, but also putting our whole trust in him--throwing ourselves upon his unshakable sacrifice. Faith means putting all our confidence in Christ himself and recognizing that when we trust him he can bear all our weight--for indeed, he bore the weight of death. Jesus never shrank back from disgrace or humiliation for you and for me. He bore the heavy burden of our sin and death so that we did not have to. As Peter put it, "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God" (1 Peter 3:18).

The good news about the Cross of Christ was designed by God to impact us and draw us back to Him. Jesus promised that his death would draw people to himself. The moral power of the Cross is overwhelming when truly understood--that the amazing kindness of God toward undeserving people would lead us to repentance, the love of God would move and humble us, the unspeakable sacrifice of Christ would lead us to obey him, and we would find joy and peace beyond imagination in relationship to God. Because Christ came as our substitute, we can be liberated from the fear of death or judgment and can experience life in every way that God intended (John 10:10).

God's love, generosity, and mercy are the basis of his atonement because mercy has always been the great principle of his government. Blaise Pascal puts it beautifully: "Jesus is a God we can approach without pride and before whom we can humble ourselves without despair." When we have humbled ourselves before him, the inner transformation that Christ wants to work in our lives can begin. True spiritual hope is now available.

Jesus points us to our true need, bringing us to see the great gulf between God and ourselves, leading us to an awareness of the problem and the devastating cost of sin. And then he leads us to the Cross and shows us he has done what we cannot. As it is written, "[H]e became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him" (Hebrews 5:9).

The only question that remains is: Will we throw down our arms? After all Christ has done for us through his agony on the cross, will we accept the peace terms? Our substitute wants to be our liberator!"

For those wondering if I’m still stuck between Vegas and Angeles, fear not—I have made it to LA! For the time being, I’m staying with the Rulec’s, an INCREDIBLE family who lives in Arcadia. And call it “pie in the sky’ish,” but I can honestly say the week has unfolded quite seamlessly. Having lived abroad a few times, the fact that everything is in English and everyone has been so gracious, makes the degree of change quite undramatic. So much so, in fact, that I can already see how a God-less life is do-able and certainly the norm here, making continual petitions for recognized heart voidancies a must!

****

Anyway, more updates to come, but for now, I’ll leave you with this quote from the NY Times this morning. It struck me as quite profound, especially in light of Paul’s words to Philppi read just minutes before.

“The body’s a downer, especially for boomers. If the body doesn’t have to be there, it frees us up to do what we want.” Mark Duffey, who offers a funeral concierge service, on the trend toward cremation.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.” Philippians 1:21-26

It was that point in the afternoon when muscles are cranky and fatigue starts to complain. I stopped to ask a St. George (Utah) local about a rejuvenating hike. “Red Cooper Cove, hands down,” he said. “It’s challenging, breathtaking and void of tourists.” I was sold.

The hike began as any typical one, though I’m not sure how typical one could ever consider America’s west. Grandiose mountains sharpened the horizon, while mid-sized structures shaped my foreground. The path was rough, clearly unengaged by the masses, and the earth’s heat permeated my shoes.

Little mileage found me in hand’s reach of the rocks, hiking through canyon classrooms and sand-filled crevices. A more risky portion (mom, don’t read this) found me clinging to uneven walls and edging above a hefty fall, which I hoped grounded deep water. With rich breaths and a racing heartbeat, I entered into a hollowed canyon. Rounding the corner, I was washed into perfection. Pure, uncanny perfection. Rock walls reached as I high as I could see, and sunbeams decorated a sparkling pool before me.

The most astounding thing, however, was what I “heard.” Or didn’t hear, rather. The canyon’ed cove enveloped me into a surreal state of presence. Empty presence, but blissfully full, too.

It was silent.

Library silence is one thing. Being underwater is another. But this experience birthed a new dimension. Nature’s symphony had taken the stage—and I was in the front row. Movement was paralyzed, as this Stranger enticed me. The longer I sat, the more I heard; the more I muted, the louder silence spoke. My breath was the first sound, followed by a swallow, mimicking an abrupt crash of waves. Wind sung of thunder and rock clovers whispered with each neighboring rub. Flies tap-danced along the waters edge, while wind skated over the glistening pool. Even the rocks spoke with a pride unsurpassed. I felt like a child, invincibly held by Creation, itself.

Before long, dusk made her entrance and my paradise had to end. I hiked down to the land of the living, where a car engine roared and the best of CDs sounded numbingly trite. In those few short hours, it seemed that the world hadn’t changed, but in some way, I was convinced that mine had.

Silence is Peace and peace is what we were made for. Go out and find it today.

***

(On a less story’ish note, I trekked through Colorado and Utah yesterday, plus a few minutes of Arizona and Nevada. Majestic mountains, glorious caves and exquisite canyons—including the Grand one, herself. Post-hike adrenaline coerced me into two more hours of driving, ending my day in Las Vegas. Five’ish hours today and I’ll be home. One exhilarating journey’s end, with another one ready to begin.)

"Three's the charmer," right? Not when it's your THIRD viewing of a three-hour span of a forty plus hour drive!!! Yea, smarty hear left her computer bag and wallet in a small town outside of Vail, Colorado...but didn't figure it out until Grand Junction...which is THREE HOURS WEST! So today's meant-to-be six-hour drive increased to a twelve-hour one. BLAH. The irony was, I wrote my sister this morning saying, "I'm thrilled about arriving in LA tomorrow (Wednesday was my slated arrival...now it'll be Thursday), but in many ways wish this driving could keep going. I've had a brilliant journey thus far and find new amazement with each rounded corner." Can we say, PROPHECY GONE BAD!

Anyway, enough about my rough latter half of the day. Driving across Kansas yesterday was amazing, as was my weekend at the International House of Prayer, with the dear Cataldo family. An intense experinece, filled with fellowship, seminars, services and prayer-room-attendance...all uniquely focused on intimacy with God and the end-times, two topics which thoroughly fascinate me (more so, after the weekend). All the thought and new revelation didn't exactly find me rested, at least in the sense I was expecting, but it provided fresh and refreshed knowledges of our King, to which I'm at a loss for anything greater.

The flatlands were beautiful yesterday and the literal "arrival" of snow-capped mountains this morning was quite astounding. Clear reminder that God is not boring, predictable, or consistent, but rather, creative, adventurous and wildly random. Funny how those adjectives paint themselves so obviously on the landscape, but challenge my acceptance in my day-to-day living (jobs, housing, finances, relationships, etc.).

Alright, to bed I must go. A good bit of Colorado and Utah tomorrow...then Nevada and Cali Thursday (assuming we don't have any lost luggage). Will keep you posted.

Much Love to YOU tonight.

abbie

It’s the familiar that grips me today; it’s the familiar that makes me feel at home.

What is familiar to me is comforting. It’s comfortable and conforms my humanity to a state of 'being.' Whether it’s being with those whom I know, or being with that which knows me, familiarity holds me in peace. But if such is the case, what lies in the unfamiliar? What stirs in the uncomfortable and unconformed place staring at my headlights?

Come TOMORROW, I will approach a new Destiny of sorts, Manifest by the western coast of the United States of America. I will leave the familiar, to lean on but the natural laws of the unfamiliar—change leads to progress, progress leverages growth, etc. From experience, I know that such a move will elicit challenge. But I also know that spending time with that challenge will elicit familiarity again. Maybe different looking, and maybe different feeling, but still in the brand of familiar.

Shifting to a lense less carnal, I’ve been forced to question the unfamiliars of God. Do dictations of familiarity rest in the spiritual realm, too? If so, what aspects of God are unfamiliar to me today? What spaces of His Being have lacked my explore? For lest I humanize a being unchanged, I must trust a path uncharted. But what then, will hold me in lasting peace?

Maybe it is He? Maybe it is One who transcends the road and the transforms the comfort? Maybe it is He who is my Familiar—here, in the “familiar” and there, in the “unfamiliar.”

It’s the Familiar that grips me today; it’s the Familiar that makes me feel at home.

************************************************************
(Simplified version: “I am moving to California tomorrow. Am I scared? Yes. Am I psyched? More so than ever. In spite of my whereabouts, God remains familiar.”)

I apologize for the lacking posts...it's been a WHIRLWIND of days. This weekend I was able to spend time with the graduating high-schoolers at Roswell United Methodist Church. What an amazing group! After speaking there, I hopped in the car and head to Panama City to share with North Point Community Church's graduates. SUCH a fun experience to live amongst some amazing freshman girls, while at the same time, enjoying some rays! :) Back to the ATL for a few hours and then headed to Rome, Georgia today to hang-out with Camp Winshape campers today. I AM TIRED, but pluggin' away and promising to get some thoughts up here soon. God is teaching me loads about stillness, beauty, tensions between grace/truth, relevance/Christ. I'm reading Galatians these days, too, which can't help but bring a load of challenging thought to our culutural views. For now, have a peaceful evening and I'll look forward to touching base soon!
Love, abbie

P.S. I had what might have been my most traumatic experience yesterday morning. In the middle of a LIVE radio interview in my hotel-room, HOUSE-KEEPING walked in. And when I say "walked-in," I mean a loud, door-bell laden, long-sounding entrance...funny now, but NOT THEN!!! I think you can hear it at www.wwjc.com.