Is God Laughing at Me?

Yesterday I wrote in my Costa Rica Decision Blog about a quote I liked from one of the many books I'm reading on the country: "If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans."  said Iyanla Vanzant. The expat, Bob Normand, who quoted that had seen most of his plans fail or turn out differently than he planned. That is certainly possible for me too, though I am doing more research than that guy did before actually moving.

I'm doing my "due diligence" (as another expat proclaims) or serious research on Costa Rica as a retirement place before the August 23 trip to be truly prepared for making a decision sometime after the trip. I believe this is the wise way to go about it, even if a crazy idea! Then the above quote sort of slaps me in the face and I wonder, "What am I doing? Is God already laughing at my plans?" Well, first, I have no definite plans yet. Though I'm sure He is at least smiling, and also believe He loves to see me enthusiastic about anything whether it works out or not. I think that was the case when I worked so hard and enthusiastically to get First Baptist involved in ongoing volunteer mission work in The Gambia and the church just didn't respond. I moved on with life and got over the disappointment.

As written in both blogs, I've already asked God for His direction in this path (Prov. 3:5-6). And I consider "His will" most important for me and my life, though it's not exactly like considering that call to missions in The Gambia. As a follower of Christ I try to "acknowledge him in all my ways," which really does not change if I live somewhere else. In essence I can be in "God's will" anywhere I live and in anything I choose to do with my life. I live by faith here in Tennessee and would if  in Costa Rica.

This decision is about how I spend the last chapter of my life. It could end up being something I haven't even imagined yet. Where I'm seeing adventure, God may be seeing ministry. Where I see myself photographing the beautiful tropics and its wildlife, God may be seeing me as a special helper in a little church or some other ministry I don't know about yet. God loves to surprise! (See Ephesians 3:20-21, The Message)

So, I'm admitting that God may not give me clear directions to "Go to Costa Rica" or "Stay in Tennessee." I think I'm going to have to make this decision day by day while living in "His Spirit" as this blog proclaims. That reminds me of Jesus' words in Matthew 6:34,

So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.

Is seeking adventure (a big part of my Costa Rica thing) selfish and foolish? I don't think so, but I'm also not sure. No decision until after the trip and even then it will still be a day by day following of Jesus. Your prayers for me are appreciated! 

The Joy of the Gospel

The Joy of the Gospel is the title of Pope Francis' new book on the purpose of the church. He continues to encourage changes in the Roman Catholic Church that make me wish we had Baptist leaders like him. See the AP release on how he thinks their church needs to be reformed or sort of a new mission statement. I'll quote just two paragraphs and all are nearly this church-changing:

"I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security," he wrote. "I do not want a church concerned with being at the center and then ends up by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures."

He added: "More than by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us, 'Give them something to eat.'"

From my teen years it was missions that got me involved and gave me purpose in life and now it seems the most I hear about missions is a plea to give more money for it. Though I must confess that my local church has some mission opportunities with the homeless and addicted that I am now not participating in. So it is me too that needs to be reformed!  (But deliver me from the right-wing politics taking over my denomination and creeping into my local church.)

Spiritual Not Religious?

I must admit I have said that a few times and like most people it was a subtle slap at the church. So I welcomed Ray Waddle's column in the Tennessean today. It reminded me of two or three important things. The "Spiritual Not Religious" people never organize to help people during disasters nor send missionaries to serve so many people around the world. Pastor Frank one time said that you cannot separate following Christ from relating to people and that is what the church is all about with it's core being spiritual.

I could add to Ray's words with the fact that Christ called the church his bride and that we become one with Him to do his ministry in this world. Even the incarnation ministry of Christ in us works best through the church and her channels and with fellow believers. I still have problems with my denomination and only occasionally with my local church, but its imperfect nature allows us imperfect people to relate to hurting people in love and see that God only works with and through us broken and imperfect people. Yes, Ray, I agree that the phrase I have even used myself, "Spiritual Not Religious" rings hollow in the real world. I am thankful for my imperfect church.

The photo of tulips I just recently found on my computer and decided I love. I made it at Falls Mill, Belvedere, TN in April 2008.

This is a place . . .

In a good worship service today with The Centurymen singing and a good sermon on Christian growth and how we follow Jesus, the congregation read responsively from the bulletin four bulleted statements we have had there for some time. I like them because I think they describe what a church is or has been for me:

• This is a place where laughter is shared and tears are understood. • This is a place where questions can be asked and where strugglers find encouragement. • This is a place where new beginnings are found and faith can grow. • This is a place where hope holds together the pieces of the broken heart.

This is First Baptist Nashville or what we want to be