Couple who lived out The Sermon on The Mount touched 1000s

Date: 30 September, 2009  |  Posted By: Jonathan Blundell  |  Category: Faith, Reflection, relationships  

We often want to hear the Sermon on the Mount as a nice story — but nothing to be taken literally.

For one couple in Northern California, Jesus’ sermon was something they based their life around.

From the ChristianNewsWire:

At a time when many are looking for authenticity and purpose, yet shying away from the Church, author Bob Waymire offers a hopeful new book.

“Shepherds of the Valley: How Love Looks in Shoe Leather” tells the inspiring story of Wendell and Marilyn Seward, whose authentic faith influenced thousands of lives around the world from a humble setting in a valley in the mountains of Northern California.

Whether in the home, the church, the school, or the community, the Sewards were known as champions for many whom society marginalized. For nearly 40 years, they taught in public schools, pastored churches, served separately as mayor, and took into their home more than 100 teenagers and adults, many recovering from addictions.

Pursuing a dream of world missions, the Sewards experienced deep disappointment before God fulfilled their dream in unexpected ways. Though they knew difficulty in their own home and family, through a willingness to serve others, the Sewards etched the love of God on countless hearts.

“Shepherds of the Valley” details dozens of individuals, churches, and communities transformed by this unassuming couple living out the Sermon on the Mount in daily life. Their story is a proclamation that unconditional love, generosity, and hospitality do break down barriers, provide power to live, and transform lives.

Mike Yaconelli, founder of Youth Specialities, once said, “The Sewards have quietly ministered to thousands of people all over the world. Wherever Wendell and Marilyn go, they bring life, energy, hope, and healing.”

And Evangelist Luis Palau observes, “The Lord has used this couple to reach out to hundreds of people all over the western United States. To me their lives have always been a tremendous example of how God can use lives totally given to Him.”

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Live simply

Date: 29 September, 2009  |  Posted By: Jonathan Blundell  |  Category: Faith, Reflection  

Live Simple

“Live simply…

So that others might simply live.”

- original author unknown

Right now we’re trying to raise money for our friends to keep their house and avoid foreclosure.

My sister’s been raising money to help a family afford their home study for an adoption.

Amy and her family are eating beans and rice all month long in order to help others fund their adoption.

Scott Harrison, and countless others, are giving up their birthday presents to provide clean water for folks around the world.

A boy in our small group has given up his Christmas and birthday presents over the last year to support a child through Compassion International.

What things/causes/issues are you making sacrifices for in your own life, so that others might simply live?

(photo by cliche)

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Permission to Speak Freely

Date: 27 September, 2009  |  Posted By: Jonathan Blundell  |  Category: Faith  

Art & Essays on Fear, Confession and Grace

I’m really looking forward to Anne Jackson’s (@flowerdust)new book, “Permission to Speak Freely.”

Over the last year or so she’s been gathering artwork, essays and other contributions from folks, all centered around the question…

What is one thing you feel you can’t say in church?

The question has been asked around the world and it seems as though many of the ideas and thoughts are the same — no matter what background the person might have.

Imagine that — we’re not alone in our questions, our fears and our doubts!

From the new promotional website for the book ::

http://www.vimeo.com/6606727

The purpose of this movement is simple: To share the confessions received from the website, as well as a collection of Anne’s own essays on fear and grace to show you that you’re not alone.

You’ll see hundreds of other peoples’ words and art and blood and guts and hope and love and courage prove it to you. And that in their confession, you’ll find you have the permission – and the responsibility – to speak freely.

That on the other side of the fear you may have is a freedom beyond anything you can possibly comprehend.

You’ll never be fearless – but you can be bold in spite of that fear.

In fact, the world needs you to.

Because, you see, your words, your confession and your voice have the power to not only set you free.

It has the power to set others free.

Free not only from something…but free to something.

The book of James reminds us that in the confession there is freedom. When we confess to one another what we’re dealing with, what we’re going through, what we’re struggling with — God is faithful to heal us. There is healing and freedom when we confess to one another.

So I repeat Anne’s question here…

What is one thing you feel you can’t say in church?

Share your thoughts in the comments below…

Where will your confession take you?

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The Butterfly Circus

Date: 25 September, 2009  |  Posted By: Jonathan Blundell  |  Category: Faith, Reflection, relationships  

Spend 20 minutes today and be inspired…

butterfly circus logo

http://www.thedoorpost.com/hope/The Butterfly Circus/

The greater the struggle – the greater the triumph…

and God is all about making beauty from ashes.

HT @JustinMSnyder

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The Love Virus

Date: 24 September, 2009  |  Posted By: Jonathan Blundell  |  Category: Faith, Media, relationships  
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Are you infected? Wanna be?

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