Dream•sync

Every morning I get a devotional in my email box from ACTS International  - It's something I've come to enjoy over the past several years.  This morning's email I found especially poignant.  It's from I Hate Witnessing - A Handbook for Effective Christian Communications, by Dick Innes, pp.63-64 (2003 Edition).

"Get into the habit of admitting your sins to one another; so that you can pray for one another so that you may be healed." James 5:16

Em Griffin, in his book, The Mind Changers, says about today's Scripture: "This is the most ignored bit of advice I know of in Scripture, probably because we're afraid that people won't like us or trust us when they see how crummy we really are. But the reverse is true. They've got the same sin problem. As we openly reveal our innermost struggles, the plastic masks we wear begin to slip. Human warmth escapes and people begin to respond in trust."

As Richard Halverson, former chaplain of the U.S. Senate, said, "Only sinners can relate.

"Sinners enjoy authentic fellowship. Saints don't!

"People who pose as saints aren't liberated to remove their masks.

"Under pressure to project conventional piety, they are unable to open up and share themselves.

"Upholding the traditional religious image, they remain invulnerable in human relationships because they dare not expose their real selves.

"They major in propositions rather than persons . . . share their victories but never their failures . . . congratulate one another in their little mutual admiration society.

"Meeting head to head instead of heart to heart, protecting themselves against discovery, they ricochet against each other like marbles.

"The authentic saint is oblivious to his sainthood, deeply aware of his unworthiness, sensitive to his failure, confesses he is a sinner, which makes possible true fellowship.

"Sinners acknowledge their inadequacy, lean heavy on God's grace, and identify quickly with need in others.

"Recognizing all men are sinners, unwilling to hide from the truth, they share their weaknesses, confess their sin to one another, and do not fear vulnerability.

"They come together like crushed grapes, crushed and fragrant, dependent upon each other and God."

 What a great reminder to be real with each other about our lives, our struggles, our sin.


Listening to: My iPod - "Elements of Life" album by Tiësto
Reading: I've got a whole lot of books lined up to read now...just trying to figure out where to start :)
Crafting: I have the new stitching project - as well as a deadline that exists but hasn't been determined yet.  So I'll probably be working on this thing every free moment I have just so it's done in time.  Once it's finished I'll post pics :) 
Studying: 'Living Beyond Yourself' by Beth Moore. Week 6: A Composite of Peculiar Patience - Still on week 6 - Actually got some good study in on the ski weekend which I found a bit surprising.  Boy can I tell a difference in my thoughts and attitudes when I'm in the Word versus when I'm not :)

So I read a facebook post today about looking up your name on urbandictionary.com...which I'll caution you up front - Urban Dictionary has some really raunchy stuff which I discovered shortly after typing in my name.  Probably best to avoid it....in any case, here's the first definition for my name:

Christine

A deity; the best person to be in your corner; unlimited power and potential; a muse; someone that can change your life. Someone that takes your side even when you're wrong; soulmate; kismet; fortuitous; serendipity

Usage: If I only had Christine, I could do anything!

I've obviously edited it as I am definitely not a deity, nor will I take your side when you're wrong - though I am intensely loyal and will do my best to encourage you in truth :) As for the other descriptions...well, the usage made me laugh :)  And do I have unlimited power and potential?  Yes - but only because of Christ.

Which calls to mind the meaning of my name according to Wikipedia (which is a much safer place to go for definitions :)

Christine
Pronunciation	kri-STEEN
Gender	Female
Meaning	The name Christine is of Greek or Latin origin, it comes directly from the word Christ, which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word "Messiah".
Origin	Greek, Latin, Hebrew

I've always known that my name is associated with Christ.  It's kind of obvious :)  Though I've always seen it as 'Follower of Christ' and not as directly from 'Christ'.  So that was news.

Bigger question:  People can see 'Christ' in my name - can they see Him in my life?

I've been asking God about a lot of things lately.  And trying to listen better to His voice.  You'd think it be easy I have so much time that I spend in my car driving during the week.  But when the music is playing it's easy for me to talk to - or maybe more appropriately 'at' - Him and never have the opportunity to listen to His responses.

So last night on my way home from Volleyball I turned off my music.  And listened for the still small voice.  I'm not expecting to hear an audible voice.  More like just a moving in my spirit towards something.  I'm not really sure I heard anything.  Which only means I need more time to 'practice' silence.  It's such a difficult thing to do in the time that we live.  Something is always vying for our attention.

I know He's there even though I may not hear Him every time I'm silent.  I know He's leading me somewhere even though I may not know where that 'somewhere' is. I know He's using the trials in my life to conform me to the image of Christ.  I just wish it wasn't so painful at times.

And once again I look to the Scriptures for comfort and I'm drawn to Isaiah 43: 1-4a

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob,
   he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
   and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
   and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the LORD your God,
   the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
   Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my eyes,
   and honored, and I love you..."

That passage reminds me of the sidebar this past Sunday about following Christ deeply and brought this scripture to mind (Jeremiah 29:13-14a)

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD...

So here's a challenge - go deep this week.  Put aside the distractions of the day and practice some silence with me.

In the meantime, I'm going to try to figure out what to make for Prayer & Praise this week :)


Listening to: FLN
Reading: Still trying to figure out what to read next.  I really need to dig out my books soon...
Crafting: Getting ready for a weekend in PA where my two friends will be scrapbooking.  I'll be working on a soon-to-be-determined new stitching project. 
Studying: 'Living Beyond Yourself' by Beth Moore. Week 6: A Composite of Peculiar Patience