tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110073852024-03-23T11:11:19.424-07:00The Whitlers Dot Com!Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.comBlogger527125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-12112303819415781982023-11-24T09:55:00.000-08:002023-11-24T09:55:24.004-08:00Living in a Dream<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK54ZkhaDc_cFIwi7Y50_aeD97OnWp5L0S-bQ1sYVR_im0AMa1DZAOpMW505hbN1VgiFQDe8u-hFLPWaiG_UEwvnxX__JlrTJPqmq0EK4PaIM7dqpWLA-kkmfu0rBG5iYL_GL-17EA6VmorDArmtH5xlOxGA_u-Jzvba9sSFqxgvBMNvZ90U8b/s1206/salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1102" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK54ZkhaDc_cFIwi7Y50_aeD97OnWp5L0S-bQ1sYVR_im0AMa1DZAOpMW505hbN1VgiFQDe8u-hFLPWaiG_UEwvnxX__JlrTJPqmq0EK4PaIM7dqpWLA-kkmfu0rBG5iYL_GL-17EA6VmorDArmtH5xlOxGA_u-Jzvba9sSFqxgvBMNvZ90U8b/s320/salad.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am not showing you my food. This is not one of those Instagram moments where I show you my bougie food. It is bougie food and I am showing it to you but, I’m not. I promise.</span></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Did you ever step inside someone’s dream? This is what separates (usually) a local spot from a chain restaurant. Look at that food! And I ordered a salad! And it was delicious. Those “flowers” are slices of radish!</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At most chain restaurants, you can feel the corporate discussions and decisions about decor, menu, pricing. At a local spot, like Lucille’s here in Modesto, you don’t feel that. Of course, they want to make money. But you just know when your dining experience is a labor of love. The shop is named after the owner’s grandmother and you can feel the honor in every corner, place setting and bite. It’s worth the little extra you pay.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have you noticed that our family really loves going to Disneyland? Both Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm here in California are places of profound inspiration for us (ok, Knott’s is more for me…built by another dreamer named Walter.) Now, the corporate side of Disney, I could do without. There’s good and bad in every organization and I’m not interested in getting into any discussions about that. But when you step through those gates, there’s something undeniable. You’ve stepped into someone’s dream.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now, think of the last time you took a walk through the woods or sat beside some quiet water or noisy water for that matter. Think of the smell of a tomato plant or a crackling fire or mountain air. Who’s dream are you inside of then?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In all that’s good and perfect, in turning and in rest, in quietness and trust, there is a dream being realized, a longing fulfilled, a tree of life. And, beautifully, with these kinds of gifts, the joy is compounded when we share them with others. That is the true dream…a garden, a walk in the cool of the evening, vulnerability, abundance, intimacy, refreshing, good work and peace.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not long ago, I was a part of a community concert. Our friends put together a family band to put on a fundraiser to help get their son to his dream, a mission training school in Ireland. I sang a goofy song and played guitar for another but as I did, I could feel that I was inside a dream, mainly my friend’s dream to play music with his sons and friends. When friends play music together, dance together, create together, joy is compounded. A lot was raised to get our friend to his goal, but the money was almost an afterthought.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are being called back to live inside the Dream. Not buying and selling but giving and receiving. Where costly gifts and free sacrifice compound joy and welcomes others in.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let’s step inside it, let’s live inside it, let’s take it out to forgetful and forgotten places.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By the way, I never once had this thought unwrapping a McDouble. That salad was really good!</span></p>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-73918912224102328062023-11-24T08:49:00.000-08:002023-11-24T08:50:27.359-08:00Tilden Park's Redwood Valley Railway and Golden Gate Live Steamers!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="376" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q4d4X-bBTFw" width="481" youtube-src-id="q4d4X-bBTFw"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-61958793989214577432022-01-22T17:24:00.003-08:002022-01-22T17:24:45.465-08:00Jesus Feeds The Crowd from John 6<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-YXpqsFOm-3p74FVui_5VF1vllRF7AS4NfYuJpGHD6RigzuejLqUDL-ywWUEPTPqUIdyenKXXqfzbYTgaufikkDtYtfkkPADD_NKXqlF2BnzNA2SdwQsuYRQOhncjjErLy8gAx0iu4xB2YgJbKA_rBL9ka-Qlpl3cGmoaYSAWcpxNSLph9w=s1971" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1971" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-YXpqsFOm-3p74FVui_5VF1vllRF7AS4NfYuJpGHD6RigzuejLqUDL-ywWUEPTPqUIdyenKXXqfzbYTgaufikkDtYtfkkPADD_NKXqlF2BnzNA2SdwQsuYRQOhncjjErLy8gAx0iu4xB2YgJbKA_rBL9ka-Qlpl3cGmoaYSAWcpxNSLph9w=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><span style="font-size: medium;">In our reading through of the Gospel of John, we have arrived at chapter 6 where Jesus feeds a large crowd. They had followed Him out to the countryside because of all the healing miracles he had been doing. John tells us that Jesus was sitting with his disciples and they saw the crowd coming.</span></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jesus is the one who brings up feeding them….and it's to test Phillip specifically. John even tells us that Jesus knew what he was going to do already. I wonder when John found this out? What it at some later storytelling time around a fire with everyone laughing and Jesus comes out with the news…”oh, by the way, I knew what I was going to do already!”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Freaked out at this thought, Phillip immediately dismisses the idea saying they would have to work many months to feed this crowd.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then Andrew pipes up with the silliest idea. I’m sure he was just spit balling, looking around for any possible solution and he suggests that there is a boy hanging out that has some fish and bread.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In this telling, Jesus doesn’t respond directly to Andrew, he just says “tell the people to sit down.” But He definitely locks on to Andrews impractical and silly idea. He starts to distribute the tiny lunch this by has (a bit carb heavy for me) and he feeds the whole crowd…at least 10,000 folks or maybe more! And they had leftovers.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How does this apply to 25 people who eat pizza together on a little corner of a little, dusty town in the Central Valley on Monday nights?</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, May has given testimony on a few occasions of food stretching before her eyes to feed just enough of the folks that her and Cleo encounter along the way.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I could tell you about several times over the past months since taking over the budget where things were dipping down and an unexpected check or amount shows up just in time.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I could tell you about help that shows up right when we need it or ways that I am privy to people stepping up and taking care of one another.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are Phillip, doubting we could ever make anything work here.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Andrew, spitballing stupid ideas that just might have something to them.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the little boy, surrendering what we have so that Jesus can make it so much more.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the crowd, receiving abundance without even knowing where it’s coming from.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the fish and bread (some of us a little more fishy than others), having the potential, in the hands of Jesus, to go farther than we ever thought possible.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And we have the mind of Christ, with the ability to see potential in the smallest of things to stretch and grow into ways to bless thousands.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the body of Christ, called to sit with others and help them to see the Kingdom of God as it plays out in everyday life at lunchtime, supper, a conversation on the porch, a phone call, a gracious word, shared bread, care, prayer and 10,000 different ways.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s not a great time to gather with 10,000 others or even 25 others (this too shall pass) but it is always a good time to connect with others and let Jesus take our small portion and make it go farther than we ever dreamed.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whether we’re in this building or not, we are the body of Christ. It’ll be good to gather together again, but in the mean time, do some spitballing of your own and see if Jesus doesn’t respond.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let’s surrender the little we have together and watch Jesus make it stretch to bless and heal and bring grace to the people around us.</span></p>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-80001797192377520682019-08-13T06:57:00.000-07:002019-08-13T06:57:03.911-07:00The Pearl of Great Price<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is the joy of the secret kingdom?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To find the field where the treasure is hidden</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To give everything for the priceless pearl</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To see through the door to an untold world</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eyes to see, ears to hear</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dancing stars, musical spheres</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">An unknown frequency hiding in static</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To push through the membrane, a tear in the fabric</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's joy and light and song in dark places</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From broken hearts and through lines on faces</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We limp and we fall and we curse the clock</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The very gifts, the keys that unlock</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Surrender and grace and space and deep time</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Harmonics of angels, infused paradigm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enchanted with Presence and power and knowing</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Through atoms and quarks and galaxies flowing</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Above all and through all and in all pervasive</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unstoppable tide, incalculable graces</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">O taste and draw and fall into this Well</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kicked open and broken are the gates of hell</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And infinite shores of delight awaiting</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Inviting and joyful, surprising, creating</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Universe undercover, a rose through a fence</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The pathway is narrow that leads to immense</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fields full of treasure, oceans of pearls</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Glory and wonder filling all worlds</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">~CMW</span></div>
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Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-39900414473334275662019-06-10T20:44:00.000-07:002023-11-24T10:23:30.186-08:00A Pivot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-syYpRiO1VTE/XP8ib9pFGcI/AAAAAAAAPsU/3lr_WlqYT_QDZNWuML6LZcHyzaQ18DzAwCLcBGAs/s1600/Axctivity.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1569" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-syYpRiO1VTE/XP8ib9pFGcI/AAAAAAAAPsU/3lr_WlqYT_QDZNWuML6LZcHyzaQ18DzAwCLcBGAs/s400/Axctivity.jpeg" width="390" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I have been listening to a new(ish) podcast called The Pivot by </span><a href="http://www.andrewosenga.com/" target="_blank">Andrew Osenga</a><span> (a fantastic musician) and he always includes the tag line, "Stories of people who have made a change." These are conversations about seasons in life, the pain of letting go and the grace that can be found in stepping out into unknown territory. You can find that podcast </span><a href="https://pivotpodcast.podbean.com/" target="_blank">HERE.</a><br />
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<span>For quite a few years, I (Chris) start out January at a prayer retreat with pastors and leaders from my city. We go away for 2 days of reflection, singing, meals and listening. Classically, this has been in a location with little to no cell reception.</span><br />
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<span>Two years ago, while at this retreat, we were taking a few hours to spend in solitude and meditate on a scripture in Isaiah, <b>“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" </b></span><br />
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<span>While pondering this in my room, in very spotty cell reception, a text came through from a friend of mine. He was on vacation in Nevada. The message basically said, "Do you want a job? I think you'd make a good activity director for our care facilities."</span><br />
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<span>I knew that something was coming. Change was in the air. Our friends that we started YWAM Modesto with were all transitioning. Also, I knew that we were about to lose half of our personal support due to budget cuts at one of our supporting churches. I also had the feeling that more cuts were to come.</span><br />
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<span>It took a while for me to "perceive it" but in June of 2017, I began part time employment that grew into full time employment by October. I've been working as an activity director for people with serious mental illness. I took the job, seeing that this was God's provision with the council of close friends and our board of directors.</span><br />
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<span>The people in the facility are much like the people we have been connecting with on the streets. Many have struggled with addiction and have lived on the streets. It is definitely an extension of what we have been doing all along. I am able to lead Bible studies, sing with residents and create fun, hospitable activities to enrich suffering people's lives. I even do a once a month "Cafe" for our residents. It is truly rewarding.</span><br />
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<span>So, we are in bi-vocational ministry. YWAM Modesto is still operating. We are still on <b>9th Street</b> Friday mornings and, as a family, we continue working with <b>youth in our neighborhood</b>. Also, Amie works with our local <b>refugee community</b> and, partnering with lots of folks, we have opened a hospitality house for refugee families.</span><br />
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<span>I am also still on the leadership team for Mission Greater Modesto, connecting regularly with pastors and leaders to pray for the city. We are still able to host teams to the area as my work is providing me with flexibility to do this. And, we continue to offer hospitality to visiting artists and missionaries, hosting creative events for the community.</span><br />
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<span>We are still serving with a congregation at New Hope Church.</span><br />
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<span>The change is that all of our personal support is now coming from my work with the care home. It is enough to cover what was lost. But, while earning a paycheck is nice, the sense of calling to broken, wounded, outcast people is still the motivation.</span><br />
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<span>I often think of a quote from Eric Liddell (Chariots of Fire) when I think of the work I am doing. </span><br />
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<b><span>“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! </span><span>And when I run I feel his pleasure.” </span></b><br />
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<span>Now, God didn't make me fast, but he did make me...well...me. So, when I am laughing and driving and bowling and watching a movie and swimming and singing and sharing food and praying and shopping and walking with our residents, I feel his pleasure.</span><br />
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<span>I wish I could show you pictures. We have a lot of fun. And really "bi-vocational" is a bit of a misnomer. It's not 2 vocations (Vocation...taken from "voice"...think "calling"). It's one vocation, several different jobs. But they are so connected that it's hard for me to tell the difference sometimes. </span><br />
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<span>When a basketball player pivots, he's still playing ball. He just needs to change direction to move the ball forward. When a dancer pivots, she's still dancing, the pivot adds nuance and beauty and grace.</span><br />
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<span>And that's what this pivot has done in our life. Far from easy but lots of grace and beauty has come to our lives because of it. I think I'm beginning to perceive it.</span></span>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-3296176466965344252018-01-26T06:50:00.001-08:002018-01-26T06:50:13.174-08:00Mourning and Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday morning, my Father, Albert Whitler, passed away from this world into the light of God. He finished his course. </div>
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He has been lovingly cared for by my sister, Christianne and her children in their home for many years as he suffered through dementia and physical deterioration. He was surrounded by the ones he loved and who loved him so well as he passed.</div>
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Our family will be joining them in mourning and celebration this week. Pray for safety as we all travel and take care of preparations. There are a lot of details and timing that need to work just right. Pray for grace and provision.</div>
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Already a few things have come together that hint at the Strong Hand of Love helping us through this time.</div>
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We are grateful for your support and friendship.</div>
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For all us Whitlers,</div>
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Chris</div>
Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-11026581967741932102017-03-08T10:40:00.004-08:002023-11-24T10:22:37.469-08:00Thoughts after viewing "The Nine"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSRR-NyPdio/WMBPvd7CiSI/AAAAAAAAH4s/DQW4Q5DOEPcoqe7W2boi8G8YX2_LVaXCACLcB/s1600/the%2BNine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSRR-NyPdio/WMBPvd7CiSI/AAAAAAAAH4s/DQW4Q5DOEPcoqe7W2boi8G8YX2_LVaXCACLcB/s320/the%2BNine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last night, our YWAM Modesto team went to see the local premiere of the documentary film "The Nine." This has been a much anticipated release as its subject matter is the South 9th Street community of our city. Photographer Katy Grannan and her team have made a beautifully shot, shocking glimpse into life around and under the 9th Street bridge in Modesto.</span></div>
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A friend texted me this morning asking me what it was like. Here is my short response..."Profoundly sad, very well done, uncomfortable, beautiful and terrible all at the same time. A very vulnerable film. Not much commentary, just an observation of an addicted prostitute's life on 9th Street."</span></div>
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Those words, "addicted" and "prostitute," are not the only words that define the films principle subject,"Kiki." She is also kind, hopeful, despairing, sad, lonely and beautiful. Grannan lets us see complex people in difficult situations without a lot of heavy handed narrative. This is a film shot by a photographer. There are long stretches of stillness that are poinagnt and uncomfortable.</span></div>
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When I heard someone was making a documentary about South 9th Street, where we host our twice weekly Ninth Street Café, I was hesitant. Who is this film maker? Are they going to exploit people's brokenness? Are they going to romanticize "the poor?"</span></div>
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This film was made because the film maker engaged in friendships with a few on S. 9th Street while working on a photography project. She cares about them and told their story with humility. Humility isn't always easy. It can be defined as "an honest evaluation of the way things are" and that's what this movie strives to do.</span></div>
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There are moments that come across as set up. There are scenes that could be trimmed. Some of it seems to go on too long. There are times when I felt like Kiki was too vulnerable, an intimacy not meant for me. But mostly, it gives dignity to the suffering people of 9th Street by showing their real lives. </span></div>
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I was glad to hear Grannan say that this was not a story about Modesto, it is a story about America, an America that is often hidden and ignored.</span></div>
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There were a few ill informed questions at the Q & A for which the producers, Kiki and a few others pictured were present at the end of the evening. A few good questions too. But all of those interactions were made beautiful by Kiki herself and the obvious love there between her and Ms. Grannan.</span></div>
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This is not an exposé on "the homeless problem" or "the poor." This is a movie about real people. People we've shared coffee and bread with. We watched the movie with those real people in the room with us. They went home that night back to their lives that we had just witnessed. It was full of raw vulnerability and forced our community to take a hard look at a way of life only blocks away that most of us would just as soon ignore.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you see it, you should know that it is hard to watch. It is unrated but if it were, it'd be rated R.</span></div>
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<a href="http://theninefilm.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">http://TheNineFilm.com/</span></a></div>
Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-68771592148192124532016-12-08T15:30:00.001-08:002016-12-08T15:30:33.376-08:00Cover of Andrew Peterson's "While Shepherd's Watched" Merry Christmas!
<iframe width="100%" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296908607&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"></iframe>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-4849189901467015092016-11-07T19:17:00.001-08:002016-11-07T19:17:35.415-08:00Cover of Larry Norman's "The Great American Novel"<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
This is a cover of Larry Norman's 1972 song. Well, actually, it's a cover of Steve Camp's late 80's cover of Larry's song.</div>
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This has come to mind quite a bit during this strange season. I resonate with some of the questions and most of the heart cry in this song. And I must admit, I can't offer more than Larry does in the way of a solution.</div>
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7JgMnWdGu8A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-2229059840950742212016-09-20T16:57:00.001-07:002016-09-21T04:56:17.239-07:00A Coffee Stained Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A9RsVpynBE8/V-HM4UOUPOI/AAAAAAAAHvk/0MOeDPd5YMU/s1600/IMG_20160920_165340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A9RsVpynBE8/V-HM4UOUPOI/AAAAAAAAHvk/0MOeDPd5YMU/s320/IMG_20160920_165340.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>T</u>his is a prayer book that I think I stole from my Dad. I don't really remember how I got it but I remember it on his bookshelf and it was always attractive to me. It's called "Everyday Catholic Prayer: A Little Office Book," compiled by Angela Tilby. I like little books.</div>
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It's quite a simple (and ancient) idea. To mindfully read through some passages of scripture, to read them as prayers, to meditate on scriptural phrases and set your mind on the best things...love, forgiveness, truth, peace, rest, Jesus.</div>
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At some point in our life and work together, we began praying the "little office" before going to 9th Street. Over the years, the spine has broken, you can see a coffee stain there on the first prayer. At one point we had two copies. I don't remember what happened to the other one (do you have it, Jimmy?)</div>
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I was looking at the coffee stain today before the café and thought of the people we go to meet on 9th Street and what our little café really is, what we truly desire it to be. It's a coffee stained prayer for a broken world.</div>
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We go twice a week to meet with people that are living unbelievable lives, people who suffer through some of the worst things imaginable, people who are holding on to some of the thinnest strands I know. The #NinthStreetCafé is a coffee stained prayer that creativity and compassion can make community even in the most difficult of places.</div>
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Come pray with us. <a href="http://ywammodesto.org/">ywammodesto.org</a></div>
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Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-34780248387727562332016-04-13T10:22:00.004-07:002016-04-13T10:27:24.929-07:00The Heavens Proclaim - A poem by Chris Whitler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K_VF93Sof30/Vw6BZXRAaBI/AAAAAAAAHpk/rS7JZKv08Z44y8UhQlHYhPJ_wP2ygX7BQCLcB/s1600/M51HST-GendlerM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K_VF93Sof30/Vw6BZXRAaBI/AAAAAAAAHpk/rS7JZKv08Z44y8UhQlHYhPJ_wP2ygX7BQCLcB/s400/M51HST-GendlerM.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Inspired by <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+19&version=KJV" target="_blank">Psalm 19</a></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This shaft of light </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Warming my face</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Has come millions of miles</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Through the darkness of space</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Its a word in season</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Spoken to me</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">An apple of gold</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To a heart that’s weary</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And morning by morning</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His mercies are new</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He awakens my ear</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To what my heart knows is true</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Oh the heavens proclaim</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The heavens proclaim</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The heavens proclaim</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The glory of God</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And galaxies turn</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And gravity pulls</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And pushes us on</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Further up, further in</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And the suns collapse</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Falling on their face</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And they rend their clothes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And the fabric is pierced</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And worlds collide</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mighty cataclysm</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And storms recite</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The great catechism</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day after day</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pours forth speech</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Night by night</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Secret knowledge is preached</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Oh the heavens proclaim</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The heavens proclaim</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The heavens proclaim</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The glory of God</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And the strings dance</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">“Let there be”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Is still resounding</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Inside you and me</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And particles spin</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The stuff of stars</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The heavens proclaim</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In my very heart</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">All of the cosmos</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Is traveling on</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Riding His wave</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Riding His song</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Who kindled the flame?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Who taps the baton?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And the universe plays</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And is singing us home</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Oh the heavens proclaim</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The heavens proclaim</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The heavens proclaim</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The glory of God</span></b>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-66251604353894436112016-03-07T13:48:00.003-08:002016-03-07T13:48:46.254-08:00A new song - Thanksgiving<span style="font-size: large;">An unorthodox thankful song. Feel free to download and share.
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/250725500&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-29656599983057964202016-02-15T07:37:00.002-08:002016-02-15T07:39:30.692-08:00Monday Morning Music: Evidence of Good<span style="font-size: large;">This song was inspired by Paul's message to the people of Lystra in Acts 14. They saw the wonderful things the Christians could do and began to call them gods. In The Message translation, Paul, to convince them otherwise, says, "...He (God) made a good creation, poured down rain and gave bumper crops. When your bellies were full and your hearts happy, there was evidence of good beyond your doing.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> In JRR Tolkien's "The Silmarillion", he talks about water and how people still get quiet around water as it still carries with it traces of the song of creation. That rings true to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Enjoy this song! It's a part of my album Rushing Waters (produced and musically enhanced by my very talented friend Jimmy Sustar). The whole collection of songs is teasing out different ways we can hear the voice of God. Available for a free download at http://<a href="http://noisetrade.com/chriswhitler">noisetrade.com/chriswhitler</a></span><br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/247172843&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-85240532690041723202016-02-08T06:13:00.001-08:002016-02-08T06:16:14.453-08:00Monday morning music: a new take on Psalm 23<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3ekVuoWcCw/VrihwGm8ZoI/AAAAAAAAHnc/YE9RSdpYfCI/s1600/25818-shepherd-and-the-sheep-2560x1440-photography-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3ekVuoWcCw/VrihwGm8ZoI/AAAAAAAAHnc/YE9RSdpYfCI/s320/25818-shepherd-and-the-sheep-2560x1440-photography-wallpaper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This psalm has been interpreted so many times into beautiful music. Just adding my take here. Some of the phrasing was inspired by the Roman Catholic daily mass lectionary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/246029648&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can listen here and, if you want, download too! You can hear and download my two original albums at <a href="http://noisetrade.com/chriswhiter">http://noisetrade.com/chriswhiter</a> and go to <a href="http://soundcloud.com/chriswhitler">http://soundcloud.com/chriswhitler</a> for demos, fun stuff and archives.</span>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-12370438087084719282016-01-23T20:35:00.001-08:002016-01-23T20:37:00.485-08:00Psalm 131 - Chris Whitler<span style="font-size: large;">I've always loved the simplicity of scripture in song. As a teenager, I discovered the beauty of John Michael Talbot's music. Simple, pure and both ancient and new. I wrote this song years ago, inspired by those early scripture songs. This was my first attempt at setting a tune to a passage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My Dad talked about once seeing John Michael Talbot in concert. He told me of a simple, humble man coming out with a guitar and starting to sing. He said you could almost hear evil running in horror from the room.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And that is what the Kingdom of God is like. Strength and power is not with the strong. This is an upside down kingdom where strength comes through weakness. Where the still, small voice is the one we need to hear.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">More and more, I have the desire to leave the great things of this world to the great ones of this world. The call comes to still and quiet ourselves. That's the place from which truly great things can happen.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You can listen here and, if you want, download too! You can hear and download my two original albums at <a href="http://noisetrade.com/chriswhiter">http://noisetrade.com/chriswhiter</a> and go to <a href="http://soundcloud.com/chriswhitler">http://soundcloud.com/chriswhitler</a> for demos, fun stuff and archives.</span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/243488208&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-15384376443259016532016-01-17T14:07:00.001-08:002016-01-17T14:07:47.997-08:00Pillar of Fire - Chris Whitler and Christianne Buehler<span style="font-size: large;">This is my sister, Christianne, and I singing one of my songs in her living room in Owensboro, Kentucky.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My sister breathes harmony and I love singing with her. She's got such a beautiful and unique voice. I'm glad to say I've been singing with her my whole life and look forward to more in the years (and ages) to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can download this track at <a href="https://soundcloud.com/chris-whitler/pillar-of-fire">https://soundcloud.com/chris-whitler/pillar-of-fire</a></span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/242458118&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-76443359947926447682016-01-06T06:35:00.000-08:002016-01-06T06:35:41.168-08:00Cover of "Your Love Broke Through"<span style="font-size: large;">I'm posting this on Epiphany 2016.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Epiphany just means "revelation." Specifically today, the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi coming from the east to worship Jesus.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But I've been thinking of epiphany or revelation as a life long pursuit. There are many times we drift and need waking up. This song has been on my heart and mind approaching Epiphany and I thought I'd take a stab at a cover.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This was written by Keith Green, Randy Stonehill (two of my favorite singer/songwriters in the world) and Todd Fishkind. It was recorded by many Jesus Movement artists in the early days of CCM. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/240656158&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-77789858638203043932016-01-01T08:08:00.000-08:002016-01-01T08:08:30.027-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size: large;">“The Lord bless you and keep you!</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!”</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size: large;">-Numbers 6: 24-26</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the blessing that came right from the mouth of God for the Old Testament priests to use for the people. This blessing was God’s idea. This is His desire for you and me…to bless and keep us, to let His face shine on us, to be gracious to us, to look on us kindly and to give us peace. How comforting! This is a blessing we can claim, speak over one another and hear Jesus, our great high priest, speak over us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">This is God’s heart for you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year!</span></span></div>
Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-1844931697594474902015-12-28T20:13:00.000-08:002015-12-28T20:19:31.484-08:00You Did Not Have A Home<span style="font-size: large;">This is a recording done fairly early on in our work here in Modesto. This is a cover by Jimmy, Aaron and myself of the late Rich Mullins' song "You Did Not Have A Home" from The Jesus Record. I don't quite remember why we wanted to record this song (maybe for a fund raiser of some sort?) but it's a recording I have always enjoyed. Hope you do too. And be sure to listen really carefully at the end :)</span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/239502829&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-78068136187740806502015-12-21T08:57:00.001-08:002015-12-21T08:57:23.597-08:00Silent NightSam performed this for our congregation this past Sunday, Silent Night on the ukulele...<br />
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<br /><iframe width="100%" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/238530331&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"></iframe>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-73932241919010706342015-12-14T09:13:00.003-08:002015-12-14T09:18:54.506-08:00A 9th Street Christmas Song<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/237523084&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This song was written and recorded quite a few years ago not long after we came to Modesto. A friend, Josh Davenport (who you'll hear on the track) was making an impromptu Christmas CD for his family as a gift. We were recording some standard Christmas songs together and Josh asked me if I wanted to include anything in the collection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I told him to give me a minute and I went out into the next room and wrote this little song in about 10 minutes. Listening now, it sounds a bit like I wrote it in 10 minutes. But there are a few things that commend it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love how the chorus worked out. And I also love Josh's improv of the bridge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a good snap shot of where my heart was in this time. Once, I came up on a woman's room in an old run down motel on 9th Street here in Modesto. I was going to let her know we were there to share food with the residents. This is a woman I see and have some interaction with every week to this day. She was passed out from drink in a fitful sleep on her bed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I realized that I had a certain image of this woman's life just based on my small interactions with her for maybe an hour a week. But she lives in a hovel on South 9th Street all the time. She is still there when I am not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I have also come to realize that God is there whether I am there or not. The Christmas story is that God enters our reality and brings His healing and grace through our broken systems and "realities."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I suppose this song doesn't have anything new to say in the way of Christmas reflection. But, sometimes, saying the old thing is good enough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"He has mercy on those who fear him,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">from generation to generation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has shown strength with his arm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and has scattered the proud in their conceit,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Casting down the mighty from their thrones</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and lifting up the lowly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has filled the hungry with good things</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and sent the rich away empty."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~Mary, from Luke 1</span></div>
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Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-1598000108838942882015-12-02T08:10:00.001-08:002015-12-02T08:13:42.510-08:00Holding on to hope - by Chris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8lYbS-2OjDE/Vl8VvCuxFyI/AAAAAAAAHi0/txt9tWD4y_4/s1600/lucy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8lYbS-2OjDE/Vl8VvCuxFyI/AAAAAAAAHi0/txt9tWD4y_4/s320/lucy.png" width="296" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">This is taken from a talk I gave to our congregation this past Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent...</span></i></span><br />
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">On our Thanksgiving road trip to Oregon, we listened to C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The children in the book discover a new world, Narnia, where an evil witch has cast a terrible spell over the land. It is always winter and never Christmas.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">But the resisting forces in Narnia, the woodland creatures, keep telling one another that Aslan, the Great Lion, the true King, is “on the move.” The name and this news lifts the children’s hearts, even though they have never met Aslan face to face.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Then Father Christmas visits the children and gives gifts for the upcoming battle with the witch.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Then the animals begin to celebrate and have meals together.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Then the snow begins to melt.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Then flowers and green patches begin to appear.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Then, the river starts to run.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">And everyone, though a great battle lies ahead, begins to have hope</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Just before we left Oregon to head back home, my brother-in-law said, “I hate it how the sun sets at 4:30 these days!” And my sister-in-law, as an encouragement, said, “Just watch everyday how it starts to grow later! How the time for sunset moves back a little bit everyday.”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">And, of course, she’s right. I checked…online. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Today, December 2, the sun sets at 4:45pm in Modesto, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">December 20 - 4:46pm</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">December 21 - 4:49pm</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">December 23 - 4:50pm</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">December 25 - 4:51pm</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">December 26 - 4:52pm</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">January 1 - 4:56pm</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">January 6 - 5:00pm!</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Easter Sunday, 2016 - 7:22pm</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The change is slight, so small we barely notice.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">This gradual change is exactly why the Advent and Christmas seasons are where they are in the year. So much more than Jesus’ “birthday,” it is all about His arrival in history, His arrival in our lives and His return.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">With that in mind, here are some thoughts (Italicized) on this past Sunday’s gospel reading… </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus speaking in Luke 21</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">25 “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Is there dismay among the nations of our world right now?</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Is there perplexity at the roaring of the sea? Are folks wondering and worried at rising tides, environmental upheaval, and strange storms?</span></i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">26 men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Are people fainting in fear of the expectation of things to come? Are futures unsure? Are people afraid by what they see on the news?</span></i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to take place, </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">straighten up </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">My Mother used to use this phrase to get my attention. It was always shocking when she said it. “Chris, straighten up!” And I would. She had my attention.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">and </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">lift up your heads, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Recently, my daughter Stella wrote an argument paper for school titled, “Why Children Should Be Allowed To Have Cell Phones.” I have no idea why she chose this topic. *ahem* Anyway, in the paper, she had to include an argument from the other side. She said that one bad outcome of children having cell phones is that their heads are always down.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps that’s a bad outcome of all of us having cell phones. News feeds consume our lives. Fear, worry, envy and political arguments are only a finger swipe away. Jesus calls us to be people who lift up our heads because…</span></i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">because your redemption is drawing near.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Verse 34 “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">dissipation <i>- energy trailing off.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">and </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">drunkenness <i>- escape of our reality with false support </i></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">and the worries of life <i>- anxiety </i></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">and that day <b>will not</b> come on you suddenly like a trap; 35 for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. 36 But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">An old African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">We can’t do this alone. If I’m going to get there, it’s with the community in which God has placed me. </span></i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">We read the Bible personally, as if Jesus is talking right to us. And He is. But this passage of scripture, most passages of scripture, are written to the community. Jesus is speaking to a group here. He is not so much speaking to you as He is to “you all.”</span></i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">You all be on guard. Don't let your hearts, all of your hearts, become weighted down with failing energy, escape or anxiety. You all keep on the alert. You all pray for strength (for one another) to get through and to stand before Jesus.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">What if your congregation is exactly the congregation, the people that God wants you to be with? What if God has called you with these people, with your gifts, to be used to further the mission of His Kingdom? You can’t do it alone.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The way we hold on to hope is by journeying together, worshiping together, praying together, eating together and reaching out together. </span></i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Don’t dissipate, don’t escape, don’t get caught up in the anxieties of this life.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas is coming, the light is returning, the day is getting longer.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Let’s hold on to hope. Let's hold on to one another. Let's hold on to Jesus.</span></i></span></div>
Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-34566462771066671832015-11-16T11:14:00.000-08:002015-11-16T11:14:22.458-08:00My friend James<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPWwzfgvjbI/VkopHMozvKI/AAAAAAAAHhI/YafZUzLbppM/s1600/Me%2B%2526%2BJames.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPWwzfgvjbI/VkopHMozvKI/AAAAAAAAHhI/YafZUzLbppM/s400/Me%2B%2526%2BJames.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">James Flaherty was one of the first friends we made on the street in Modesto. On hot days, Aaron and I used to walk the parks with cool drinks to share. In a way, it was the first version of the Ninth Street Café. A simple act to foster relationship. James was the first one I recall sitting, staying and talking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We connected first through our mutual love of singing and playing guitar. James had been to one of our early BBQs and remembered me playing. I soon learned that James’ talent on guitar far surpassed my ability. He was good. He loved to write songs. He was happiest when he was singing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">James was a regular fixture in our lives for a season. He talked about how life on the streets was so discouraging. How good it was to meet up with Christian friends to share, talk and just do things together. We had lunch together every Tuesday for a while. James loved a good Chinese buffet. Well, James loved food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">James worked. For a while he worked at a local church as a janitor. He aggressively pursued recovery from addiction. He built a website for his friends on the street to tell their story. His concern was that many homeless people pass away and no one knows about them. He wrote and recorded music. He had been in a few bands. His last record he recorded with us at our church building.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">James had problems. He had a mental illness that sometimes controlled him and made him act in a way that did not represent his true heart. We had to work things out between us more than once. Even in this, he was a good friend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Several years ago, James made the choice to return east where most of his family live. He was able to reunite with some of them and build new relationships. It’s also a lot less expensive than California.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">James passed away this last May. I think of him often, his cheerful (loud) greetings, his infectious smile, his heart to worship and his heart for others. This is a song he wrote from the album “Hi, I’m Homeless,” recorded at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Modesto. This is the first song he played for me and has always been my favorite.</span></div>
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/233341833&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-4637094963522418722015-10-10T08:20:00.004-07:002015-10-10T08:20:41.209-07:00Fall Update 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-94IJSvFMWIg/VhkbBfSpskI/AAAAAAAAHcU/ijygh13FXCI/s1600/Josh%2Bhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-94IJSvFMWIg/VhkbBfSpskI/AAAAAAAAHcU/ijygh13FXCI/s320/Josh%2Bhat.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A year of work, fundraising, praying and anticipation has finally culminated in Josh getting off to his Discipleship Training School (DTS) with Youth With A Mission, Holmsted Manor in Sussex, UK! It was hard to let him go, and we miss him terribly but he is having a great time learning and growing in a new community. Thanks so much to all who gave and helped with our fundraisers. Josh went to his school fully funded!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXLMaCsiaXY/VhkdDci_mVI/AAAAAAAAHck/Ct2pwjgAf2k/s1600/Josh%2BSkype.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXLMaCsiaXY/VhkdDci_mVI/AAAAAAAAHck/Ct2pwjgAf2k/s320/Josh%2BSkype.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We enjoy our weekly skype chats with him. We've met most of his room mates (from Spain, Germany and India). The school will travel together after their training for 2 months of ministry in <b>South Africa. </b>Please keep this time in your prayers.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrxPEJw5Zgk/VhkeaPEEekI/AAAAAAAAHcw/25C0_Q_MeXg/s1600/risedts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrxPEJw5Zgk/VhkeaPEEekI/AAAAAAAAHcw/25C0_Q_MeXg/s320/risedts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had a surprise team at the end of this Summer. Plans fell through for the "Rise" Discipleship Training School in Vancouver, BC for the end of their outreach and we were asked to host them for 2 1/2 weeks here in Modesto. They worked with us on 9th Street and all throughout our community. You can read about their time with us from their perspective <a href="http://ywamvancouver.org/rise-dts-update-week-9/" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://ywamvancouver.org/rise-dts-2015-week-10-update/" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://ywamvancouver.org/rise-dts-outreach-week-11-update/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dT1rt09we3Y/Vhkg6Qej84I/AAAAAAAAHc8/hb9bDnfde5A/s1600/Save%2BAmerica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dT1rt09we3Y/Vhkg6Qej84I/AAAAAAAAHc8/hb9bDnfde5A/s320/Save%2BAmerica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stella was able to rope the Rise DTS with some of her friends for the 2nd initiative of the "Save America Club." They worked for the morning cleaning up litter along the Dry Creek Trail in our neighborhood. We removed 8 bags of trash and 2 shopping carts! The club is dedicated to feeding the hungry, cleaning litter, removing graffiti and helping the animal shelter</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICmQKj2vrrk/Vhkh77vxbyI/AAAAAAAAHdI/jQASF01scKw/s1600/All%2Bnighter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICmQKj2vrrk/Vhkh77vxbyI/AAAAAAAAHdI/jQASF01scKw/s320/All%2Bnighter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We worked together with the Modesto Youth Pastor's Network to put on the annual Nor-Cal All Nighter. And yes, it's exactly what that sounds like. 190 students and leaders gathered at New Hope for worship together and a message then we played all night all around the city. And, once again, yes, we're insane. It was a lot of fun.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2Qo4H6KuHQ/VhkjrFQJGoI/AAAAAAAAHdU/TUnPSOcPb0E/s1600/Matt%2Band%2BSteph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2Qo4H6KuHQ/VhkjrFQJGoI/AAAAAAAAHdU/TUnPSOcPb0E/s320/Matt%2Band%2BSteph.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I (Chris) had an opportunity to go and share with another YWAM DTS led by good friends Matt and Steph in Fort MacMurray, Alberta, Canada the last week of September. My topic was Evangelism (literally "doing the good news") and it was a great week sharing with these students...3 First Nations, 4 Samoans, 1 Swede and 1 Jamaican. I love getting to travel and teach. It recharges my desire to get home and "do the good news" here in Modesto. And yes, we went to Tim Horton's a lot.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MQZzU6dik0/Vhkj98srdZI/AAAAAAAAHdc/utSWzmojo98/s1600/cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MQZzU6dik0/Vhkj98srdZI/AAAAAAAAHdc/utSWzmojo98/s400/cafe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And, of course, our Café is still going strong Tuesdays and Fridays on South 9th Street with a community Bible study at a local donut shop on Thursday afternoons. Much friendship, laughter, coffee and community building comes from this simple time together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can find out more about YWAM Modesto at our website <a href="http://ywammodesto.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for interest, prayer and support!</span></div>Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11007385.post-23983367744529756322015-05-27T17:02:00.000-07:002015-05-27T17:02:12.503-07:00The Book That Transforms Nations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbU9lqKpODs/VWZU5NvyFHI/AAAAAAAAHUc/H18CeC6ublA/s1600/IMG_20150525_1706005_rewind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbU9lqKpODs/VWZU5NvyFHI/AAAAAAAAHUc/H18CeC6ublA/s320/IMG_20150525_1706005_rewind.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I (Chris) have a whole section of my book shelf called "promises, promises." These are books that people have loaned or given me to read and I have said something like "Well, there are many books in the way of this one but if you don't need it for a while I'm happy to check it out." Thus, the shelf full.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I enjoy reading. I think reading is important. And, I'm quite busy. And, I generally prefer to read fiction. And I like audio books, fiction audio books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It took me a while to get around to reading "The Book That Transforms Nations" by Loren Cunningham and Janice Rogers. It's not the kind of book I'm naturally drawn to but I'm so glad a friend pressed it into my hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Written in 2006, this is a wonderful overview of how the Bible has had a profound impact on nations around the world. Loren is the founder of Youth With A Mission and has literally travelled to every nation on earth. Think of the passports!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reading Loren is a pleasure. He brims with hope and optimism. He does not gloss over the difficulties around the world. He speaks openly and honestly about the many challenges facing our world but he speaks of them from a place of hope. That makes a big difference. He holds fast to his belief that the Bible and the God it reveals are the hope of our world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would heartily recommend this book. You will learn things and hear stories you never knew. You will be inspired. And the biggest take away for me is how precious the Bible really is and what a miracle it is that it has come to us the way it has. When I finished this book, I wanted to immediately go and read the Bible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can pick it up at YWAM Publishing <a href="https://www.ywampublishing.com/p-1069-the-book-that-transforms-nationsbrthe-power-of-the-bible-to-change-any-country.aspx" target="_blank">HERE</a> and it's available on Amazon</span></div>
Chris Whitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397211532910336393noreply@blogger.com0