Brand new

Hello all!
It was great to meet all of you. I am brand new at this blog business but I feel really excited by all the brand new things God is bringing into my life. What was "out of the box" before Tuesday is definitely not out there now. I look forward to getting to know all of you better. It's risky to bring new ideas into the world. I always think that what I think is profound won't be new to anyone else. Can't believe that at 45, I'm still looking at the world with wide-eyed wonder but wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks for having me in the group, Alli.

A Rendition of God's Story for Humanity

I wanted to share with all of you a rendering of what God may be up to in terms of what His Good News is. In sharing this, I don't intend for this to supplant anyone's personal understanding of the Gospel, but to give cause to reflect upon and, perhaps, supplement that present understanding. I am anxious to gain access to your thoughts on the subject

Quoted from Richard Vincent's book Hide and Seek:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth in order to provide an environment where we might dwell in His divine Presence. Tragically, humankind has turned from God's will through sin and hides in the shadows. Instead of abandoning humanity to their sin, God's Presence has uniquely entered into the world in the Person of Jesus Christ. Unlike Adam, Jesus fully lived in the Presence of God. He did more than lift His finger (symbolizing humanity's initial lack of desire to respond to God properly), He gave His life! By doing so Jesus has borne the curse of sin and reversed its brutal and dehumanizing consequences. He has pulled humankind from its vain attempts to hide from God in the shadow of sin and shame. Jesus has made it possible for God's story to end with the complete renewal of all things, a renewal that culminates with all people living together in love before Him.

Beloved, let us love one another.....

I simply want to share that I enjoyed each and every one of you on Tuesday. I am very much looking forward to finding out just what it is that each of you, as individuals, care so much about on this planet we share. We have all become the people we are because of many things that have happened in our lives (good and bad), and because of the many other people we have crossed paths with. Thank you for becoming a good part of my life. I can only hope that I can become a positive influence in yours, as well, as we venture into the future together to see what God has in store.

God bless you all,

Chris.

This is awesome!

Tuesday was my very first Emergent Cohort gathering, and this is my very first blog "membership." I've never done these before -- at least not quite like this. So it's another week of "firsts." I am truly amazed, blessed and humbled at how God has revealed Himself to me through others since moving to New Mexico -- and it just continues -- it doesn't stop! I'm very excited about this group and went away Tuesday with a very pleasant, spiritually peaceful feeling in my mind, body and soul, and when that happens you know I'll be back!

Thank you Todd.

Troy

P.S. Good message Sam, and don't worry about the depression thing, because I find myself on that road once in a while myself!

Ditto on the greetings from Rev. Todd

I was not expecting much when Peggy and I showed up for our meeting this week. Though I am an optimist by nature, time and circumstances have worn away (only slightly) some of my natural optimism thereby minimizing any potential disappointment.

That being said, I have to say Peggy and I were rewarded by a group of people who seem truly capable of caring, not only about each other, but strangers as well ...I dare say.

Thank you all for the experience.

I tend to do more listening in my initial encounters with "aliens" to evaluate (judge), and ponder (fake wisdom) where or how I might fit in (impose my will on you).

In any case my deep philosophical questions come in spasms and for the most part I don't really care about that type of conversation. I have my issues with God, as Todd well knows as well as minor fits of depression which sometimes debilitate me but all that aside, I care much about social issues and to that end I work, volunteering my time, as a board member on the NAMI New Mexico Board.(national alliance on mental illness)

So in conclusion you may be asking yourself: how can he deal with depression AND be an optimist for the most part? Answer: Mania under control = optimism.

My love and God's best to you all. I hope we get to know each other intimately and I can gradually feel more comfortable sharing my experiences (Dumping) with you.

HotelCarcel aka Sam [I forgot I had a Google account under, of all things, HotelCarcel. remind me and I will tell you about this one :>)]

Greetings

Hello everyone. We are starting an Emergent Cohort here in Albuquerque and are in the midst of figuring out who we are and what we want to (do, be, discuss, questions, etc.). I hope we can use this blog as a place to be in communion with one another and discuss things while being apart, until we come together each month. It would be a great goal for everyone to post at least one thing a month as well as comment on the posts of others. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone a little bit better on Tuesday and I look forward to getting to know you more each month.