A poem by Ana Lisa De Jong —
What would happen if we retreated back
a few hundred kilometres into space.
What would we do with a world that’s divided.
Might we see it as one round ball.
Might we see the colours merge
to the degree our steps recede.
Yellow and red turning to brown,
black and white to grey.
And the more we retract
the more we merge with the sea, and the land.
And become the blue of the world
He sees through His lens.
What would happen if we gave ourselves space
to reflect,
and saw each other from a wider perspective,
a greater distance.
I think like all small things,
the world and its contents would become more precious
for being considered as a whole,
rather than a sum of separate parts.
There is only one thing we all share,
this common beautiful humanity.
And like all worlds on the edge,
we’d know it if we began to fall.
We’d hold on to each other then,
as if there were no tomorrow.
If it’s not too late,
I pray we remember it now.
By Dr. Donna Chacko —
Are you stressed-out? God will help you deal with stress if you trust Him to do so.Â
Stress is a huge problem in our over-busy and over-connected world. You may well be one of the 75% of Americans who complain of stress.  Stress causes or contributes to 80% of serious illnesses, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Stress is also a contributing factor in the majority of visits to the doctor. These are the stress-related ailments like pain, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, or depression that I saw everyday during my many years practicing medicine.
 Most of you who are reading this believe in God. But, do you understand the difference between your faith in God and your trust in God? Do you trust God? Let me share a famous story that helped me understand the difference.Â
Charles Blondin was a world-famous tightrope walker who in the mid-1800’s walked across Niagara Falls 300 times on a 2-inch rope.Thousands of people saw him do this. They also saw him perform breathtaking stunts, like walking on the wire backward, blindfolded, or while pushing a loaded wheelbarrow. Everyone believed Blondin could do these things. They had faith in him. But only one person trusted him. His manager, Harry Colcord, who trusted Blondin enough to climb on his back and let himself be carried across the falls.Â
Faith is a grace or a virtue given freely by God. Think of it as a gift from God. But this gift of faith will not be yours until you say yes to the gift, until you make the decision to absolutely believe in God. You accept this gift by your decision to believe. Trust will then grow from this faith. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely.” Trust is not an intellectual process or a decision—it is more like an action. It won’t work to just tell yourself, “Starting today, I will trust God more.” Let me explain how you can increase your ability to trust and what this has to do with stress-reduction and health.
You may not be ready to trust God with your life, as Colcord did with Charles Blondin, but you can start small by trusting Him with a little of your precious time. For years I was obsessed with time, with my need to be productive every minute and to complete my to-do lists each day. As my relationship with God became more important to me, I yearned for it to be a closer relationship. I finally realized I had to surrender some of my time to Him in prayer and trust that somehow my work and my lists would be adequately completed. Even though I believed in God and loved God, this was not easy for me, and it may not be easy for you. If you are like many Americans, you are too busy. Perhaps you are dealing with long commutes, two jobs, raising young children, or a packed schedule. So, how can you find any time to pray?
I started with only a few minutes of daily prayer time. I gradually increased the number of minutes and tried different forms of prayer, including contemplative prayer and prayers during my daily activities, such as praying in the car instead of listening to the radio. In this way, I have gradually trusted God with more and more of my time and my life. Think of this process as training one’s trust muscles!
 This training program offers unequalled benefits. The primary reward is the closeness to God we experience as we learn to rest in the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ, to trust God with our stressors, and to wait with Him during trials. But, there are unsought bonuses that come to us when we follow this path. Our minds will experience peace as we surrender our stressors and fears to God. Our bodies will start to relearn what relaxation feels like.
Considerable research on stress suggests that reduced stress translates to improved physical health and well-being. Many stress-reduction practices have been studied, such as breathing, meditation, exercise, and mindfulness-based stress-reduction.
They are all good. But, prayerfully trusting God and surrendering our lives and problems to Him is the best!
Dr. Donna Chacko promotes health of body, mind, and spirit through her website (serenityandhealth.com), her blog, and programs at her church. She previously practiced medicine for forty years, first as a radiation oncologist and later, after re-training, as a family medicine doctor. What she learned taking care of immigrants and the homeless in Washington, D.C., continues to influence her programs. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother and lives in University Park, Maryland.
by Christine Sine
I mentioned last week that I am starting a busy travel season and part of what I am discovering is that flying is becoming a great place to listen, learn and reflect. My last trip to Texas was no exception.
Standing in line for my plane (no it wasn’t the one in the photo) in Dallas I started talking to the woman in front of me and soon had a lively and engaging discussion going. It was obvious that we were connecting at a deep level. Just before we boarded she asked me what I did for a living and when I mentioned that I wrote books for a Christian audience she suddenly disengaged and took a step back, a look of pain on her face. We boarded the plane in silence and discovered we were sitting next to each other.
I knew exactly what had changed her attitude. In our early conversation she had mentioned that she was in a same sex relationship and now she was sure that I would start Bible bashing her with my theology.
I turned to her and shared that I had just come from a Baptist church in Waco where the congregation decided not just to accept gay couples but to perform gay marriages. In response there had been picketed demonstrations in the parking lot, Â hate mail in the post, abusive and offensive language and behavior directed at congregational members. Professors at the local seminary were told they couldn’t attend. It has been horrible but they have stood their ground believing that this is the loving thing to do.
Her eyes lit up as she realized I was not rejecting her but accepting her and she shared with me some of the pain and struggle of her own life. Growing up in a Catholic family she hid her developing sense of sexual identity. When she finally “came out” and let those she loved know, she was rejected by both her biological and church family. “I am still spiritual but I could never go back to my church and my family doesn’t want me either.” she confessed with tears in her eyes.
I have so many friends who have gone through this kind of trauma and it is so often the church and their Christian friends that are the most hate filled in their response. Learning to listen, reflect and being open to change our attitudes is one of the hardest things all of us are faced with. We want others to change without being willing to change ourselves because the know that we are right.
This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:17) I believe that Jesus calls us to be loving and inclusive, to unity not uniformity. We are called to embrace the diversity of the body of Christ  even when we don’t understand how another person looks, thinks or acts.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselveswith compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)
So as we end this series on Reading Life Differently make sure that you take particularly note of Ana Lisa De Jong’s poems the week and next. They are a spectacular way to finish.
Also my question today that I would encourage you to contemplate is:Â What does love look like for you? Where are the uncomfortable places that God might be prompting you to read life differently even though your theology has you pulling in another direction? Is there a possibility God wants you to change rather than expecting others to change?
By Lilly Lewin
For the past two weeks, I’ve been helping our youngest son move cross country from Nashville to Denver. I was recruited to be Uber Driver, Interior Decorator, and most importantly, Dog walker. My son had hip surgery in June so he really needed someone who could help him get settled in his new place and do all the leg work involved in moving, packing, unpacking, etc and helping his German Shepherd, Bane get used to his new environment while my son started school.
I’ve moved a dog cross country before and it takes care and compassion. Like me and many of us, dogs don’t really like change to their environment or their routine. It makes them anxious and uncertain and sometimes causes behavior changes. My son’s dog is champ. He did great on the long drive. We divided it up into three shorter days, that turned out to no to be that short due to everyone needing to stretch and have rest stops on a regular basis.
Bane has moved from a 92 acre farm to an urban high rise.
When you move from being a country dog to being a city dog you have to learn new things.
Like waiting for the elevator in order to go outside rather than just running right outside the door when Nature Calls. This can cause problems when your stomach is upset from too many changes all at once! 
Consider the changes that you have made in your life in the past few months…
What were unexpected?
What were planned?
What surprised you most?
Job changes
Health related changes
Relationship changes… positive and negative
Like Bane, maybe you’ve had issues with the changes.
It’s hurt your diet and upset your stomach.
You cannot run free & off leash in this new season.
You have had to meet different people, and pets, and always be on your good behavior, especially in elevators!
Talk to God about where you are right now. Take some time to reflect on the various changes that have happened in your life. What things help you deal with change and make you feel safe? Like Bane in his house or on his tuffet.
German Shepherds aren’t always friendly, but they aren’t all scary attack dogs either. Bane is a fluff ball, a real sweetie, and he’s had lots of training, so he has nice manners. But when you see him, you have to deal with people’s fears and stereotypes.
Sometimes people are afraid of Bane, just because of his looks, they aren’t sure they want to ride in a small enclosed space (an elevator) with a very large dog, even though he’s being handle by a smiling mom who is 5”2!
Have you been misunderstood or miss judged lately?
Talk to Jesus about this.
Let Jesus have your pain and frustrations.
Or have you been the one to misjudge or be afraid of someone, or something because of your stereotypes or fears?
Confess this to Jesus and let him help you love rather than fear.
What about loss? Bane has lost all the familiar smells, sights, and spaces. What have you lost in your life?
Have you taken the time to grieve the losses?
Have you stopped to celebrate the little victories or the big wins?
Too often we don’t take the time to mourn our losses.
As an Enneagram 7 , I don’t like pain in any form, and I’d much rather be on to the next adventure rather than sitting and processing a loss or or taking time to grieve a change that has taken place.
Jesus says “ Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.”
It’s worth stopping to sit in our pain and loss and learn what the gift is from the change and receive the comfort from Jesus.
Sometimes we need a change of scenery to have new eyes to see. Sometimes we need to learn to ride in an elevator. Sometimes we need to take time to get to know someone rather than pre judge them by their appearance or our stereotype of them.
The beginnings of a new seasons, and events like moving, give us opportunities to pause and consider and process changes. They also give us the opportunity to express gratitude and be grateful for the new things and gifts along the way.
I’ve appreciated the creative architecture of the neighborhood where I am walking Bane every morning and all the friendly folks walking their own dogs. I’ve appreciated all the beautiful flowers too.
I so appreciate the Methodist church for providing a poop station with dog walking supplies.. poop bags & trash can. It’s an awesome gift to the neighborhood! Now i just wish everyone would use it!
It makes me think of how I can be more helpful in my own neighborhood back home. How can you and I more practically serve our neighborhoods? As churches, as small groups, as individuals?
Providing a poop station on your property or a local corner
Providing a gift card for a family in need
Getting to know a local homeless person you see in the same place every week and learning his or her story. Finding out what might help them, like a gift card, a ride somewhere, or taking them out for a burger.
What things do you need to see with new eyes? Take a walk, ride an elevator to a new vista, explore a new neighborhood.
What new opportunities can you think of to serve your neighbors in the next few weeks?
What things are you grateful for this week?
I am Grateful to have the chance to explore a new place and enjoy a different climate ( It’s going to be really hard to go back to heat and humidity on Sunday.) Most of all, I’m grateful for the space and time to connect with my son and help him get settled in his new home as he starts this next adventure, and I am thankful that he has trusted me with taking care of his best friend.
©lillylewin and freerangeworship.com
There are several opportunities to join me in Cinncinati in a couple of weeks at The Hive, (see above)
or at CONSPIRE GATHERING 2019 SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2019
and at University Christian Church  Sunday September 8th
by Christine Sine
Today I am looking out on a beautiful warm and sunny Seattle day, and I am hoping that the weather will continue warm long enough for our tomatoes to ripen. However I know that change is in the air. In a few short weeks summer’s splendour will give way to autumn’s vibrant colours. In the southern hemisphere, spring is on the horizon and I am very much looking forward to my glimpse of wattle and waratahs and grevillia when we head to Australia at the end of October.
Tomatoes of every color
New Theme on Godspace
On Godspace things are changing too. It is time for a new theme. Our Read Life Differently has provided many inspiring insights and ideas and I appreciate all who have contributed over the last couple of months, with posts, comments and their own experiences of different perspectives and understandings. I have even changed some of my own practices as a result, shedding my shoes and walking barefoot (not quite game enough to try Andy Wade’s idea of a barefoot walk round the neighborhood though). In Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island my beach combing adventures gained new significance as I gathered shells and sand dollars and pebbles. I would love to hear how it has changed your thinking, or if it has created a new practice for you too.
What does your soul long to do?, will be our theme for the next few months, a question that I feel requires soul nurture and discernment to answer. I am collating a new reading list on discernment and will start exploring this theme in more depth in the next couple of weeks. When the seasons change we need to change to so it seems an appropriate topic for times and people in transition.Â
Apologies Needed
We were just made aware this week that the store purchases have not been going through because of changes to Woo Commerce’s shipping requirements. Don’t you hate it when that kind of thing happens and no one lets you know? Anyhow we think we have it fixed now. So here are the link to the different card sets that some of you have been trying to order and please, please, please, if you have problems email us at godspacelight@gmail.com and let us know.Â
Don’t forget to browse through for other options. All are available for discounted prices in bulk or as downloads – great for keeping on your smart phone when you travel.Â
And keep your eyes open for the new set of Advent & Christmas cards coming soon. I am really excited about these and hope you will be too.
On the go spiritual kit
On The Move.
I am getting ready for a busy travel schedule in the next few months, part of the reason for the travel kit I put together a couple of weeks ago. :
September 4-9 in CinncinatiÂ
Thursday 5th 3-5pm at The HiveÂ
Friday & Saturday 6 & 7 at ConspireÂ
Sunday 8th with Mandy Smith at University Christian Church. We are going to have a fun time with creativity, making finger labyrinths and reflecting on our experience.
These are all open events so if you live in the Cincinnati area please come and join us
September 28th – ECW St Albans Seattle
October 4-6 ChicagoÂ
Friday evening 4th – The PerchÂ
Saturday 5th & Sunday Morning with Mandy Olson at Grace CovenantÂ
Cedar Park Church Ladner B.C. October 20thÂ
Australia October 29-November 20th
Though this trip is mainly to visit family I have accepted a couple of invitations in relation to The Gift of Wonder
Sydney November 5th (evening)
Melbourne November 9 & 10
Newcastle November 16th.Â
Coming Up In 2020
Denver January 11th
L.A. and San Diego February 14-21
New Brunswick Canada May 2020.
There are several other events in the works to keep your eyes and ears open and if you are interested in facilitating an event let me know.
I really appreciate your prayers for this coming busy season.Â
‘Crack’ inspired after the shootings in Dayton and El Paso by Ana Lisa de Jong—
The wind is high,
and we can hear
the hollows through the branches,
like reed flutes
echoing in long laments.
The cold has come,
with an Arctic breath
to cause the bones
to fuse
and set in one place,
that if we were to stretch
we might fracture
and break.
If we were to weep
we might freeze as water is trapped.
While across the world
it is summer yet,
the land warm
and beating as a heart,
flesh flushed and rosy as from sleep.
The birds that sing,
and the sun with a benevolent gaze,
belie the way
the earth feels the shock
of tiny ricocheting shots.
And spasms akin to
an ice shelf moving,
and melting beyond
the realm
of human sound.
Until we hear a sudden crack,
not unlike a gun let off
in a quiet place.
Not unlike an earth
rupturing at the core.
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