Gold & Cobbled Stoney Streets......

Psalm 19:7
The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.

Gold and Cobbled Stoney Streets.....

Show me your mansions,
the prisons here are desolate.

I need a window of grace,
a door opened to mercy.

I'm looking through lattice,
wood fractured by the hurricane.

Landscapes have changed.
now barren and arid of comfort.

Where are the trees of youth,
extending branches of hope.

Gardens of Joy,
baited breath waiting.

Show me Your gold,
that my life be Your street.

Cobbled, stoney broken,
on which Your feet....... would dance.

Poem... 7/28/07- cathryn thomas...... U becomes the Y.

Toby Keith - Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)

Just cuz it's too good NOT to post.....
and there have been too many that have died NOT to post it... xo TO THE TROOPS!
Bless you and LOVE YOU.....
Semper FI! cathryn

High Ground & Fortitude

For whatever reason- while i was up in High Country... i did get the sense i was surveying a battlefield and a pending one as well.  I could see the present situations... seems the whole tribe has been battling something or another ... as we are all walking in some new territory.  But- i was also sensing some of the next front... as i looked across the mountain range and could see 3 states.. it does help to be hanging round some of my gifted prophetic friends and it stirs the flame in me as well.  

The one thing militarily i know is you NEVER- NEVER - NEVER - give up the High Ground.  (ps that is why i'm emphatic about Israel NOT giving up the Golan's- never mind the best winery in Israel is there!!)  Case in point, you can see the whole sea of Galilee from there, and could hit it with a missile in seconds...  It's much easier to fight from a High Ground position.  But to maintain a high ground position in the Spirit really requires staying in worship and praise- and to be honest, to kvetch is easier.  Depression- apathy- ambivalence are always waiting for a sneak attack... and usually strife joins in just to stir the pot a little more.  

So how do we maintain a High Ground position, what is needed in our spirit and character to Stand- and when having done all -   Still Stand (according to the Word)

        My friend Anna had a word from the Lord about Fortitude...and to pray for it... so she looked it up and to be honest, dang, i'm adding it to my prayer request for myself and for those already in the trenches- (emotionally, physically and spiritually.)

   According to Noah Webster- Fortitude is:  "Strength of mind to meet or endure unfalteringly pain, adversity, or peril; patience and constant courage.  Is the strength or firmness of mind or soul to endure pain or adversity patiently and determinedly.  it may be defined as "Still courage" or "enduring courage"  it is that quality which is able not merely to endure pain or trial, but steadily to confront dangers that cannot be actively opposed, or against which one has no adequate defense;  it takes courage to charge a trench but Fortitude to withstand an enemy's fire. Resolution is of the Mind; endurance is partly physical; it requires resolution to resist temptation, endurance to resist hunger and cold.

Wow that is full on and got some blue flame heat of revelation on it!

I guess if Faith is according to Hebrew 11:1

THE MESSAGE VERSION...

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.

NEW AMERICAN STANDARD...

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen

AMPLIFIED VERSION:
    
Hebrews 11:1

NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation,]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].


It does take strength and courage to step out in faith, but it also takes fortitude to stand unwaveringly, when all of hell is firing against you.

Lord, have mercy, grant us Faith-  grace, strength, courage and FORTITUDE - align our will- heart, mind and spirit with yours, not only to Do Your will but Be your Heart extended - even when the battle is raging.  In Jesus Mighty and Matchless name... amen.

Love you guys- deeply, cathryn

Psalms 42:7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

For the last few days i've been in High Ground country in lovely Cullowhee NC- staying with my friends Tim & Rebbecca Heiskill-  they have a organic-ee  home fellowship.. with a few ragamuffins staying with them...they are right on the cusp of Western Carolina University... literal stones throw to the campus. Which is strategic-  their kids always get hooked up with edgy worshipers/artists that are not in the typical christianeez venue-  and are gonna be pulling in some Musicians to do live shows on campus... what i would call "sideways" ministry.  Not like direct proselytizing isn't good.. if you heard Larry Norman's "youtube" post... sometimes direct is awesome...  

But i like the "sideways approach" - a bit more, because your coming along side people and not speaking at them, but standing in the approximated-  Right or Left ear.... more like friendship and introducing Jesus in new ways.  

There were a few reasons i felt like i needed to "go to high ground"-  i was at the highest point in NC Mountains.. where i could see 3 states from that position... and it reminded me of States of Mind- Body and Spirit.    Rebecca's comment while we traveled through the rolling hills... was that we were actually IN God's MIND... and it so felt it....

It's been pretty intense on this front... and to go to a High Place and Breath was necessary.  Just to be able to continue standing.

The waterfall photo was at a place called "dry falls"-  I kinda like the juxtaposition and paradoxical reflection of it.  My spirit was in need of watering and there is something about the raw nature of the Mountains.

I had to go past the boundary that separated the waterfall from where i was standing... (rebecca poor dear.. went into mom mode and basically thought i was nuts... and was fearful that Something would happen)-  but once i got out there... she got it.... and her spirit was at peace.....  

But that seems to be the place God brings me... past the man made boundaries and to get close enough to the real that it's awesome, powerful and dangerous.  I think the quest for truth in any situation... is not for the faint of heart.  The perseverance involved not to get overwhelmed or thrown into a apathetic slumbering spirit requires a lot of energy and determination.  None of it could even be transversed without a God hand to get me up the next rock- with the stability to keep me from falling... or giving up.

Bottom line... my spirit got filled up.. and is at full tank.. but could use some prayer.
shalom, ya all! Blessings - Cathryn

Brandon. teaching and worship'in... got some heat on it!!

ya might want to check it out!! Go Brandon!!! Love ya dude!....... how's the wee ones?? Handful of boys i take it!! oy vey! doing good dude!!
love to Jewels... and the 3 ragamuffins - crumb snatchers!!
xoxo cat

The Inheritance

hope this gets on... it's Jonathan's stuff... and it's always worth it!!
xo cathryn

High Ground

I've been sitting here today perplexed and pondering......   just what gives sometimes?
I'm holding to the truth... that "it's gonna be worth it."-  but to be honest.... it's a bit of an emotional thread that i'm hanging!  There are just days that are easier than others... however for the past 4-6 months it's felt like a whirlwind.  Yes, the Holy Comforter and Counselor has been present.... but sometimes ya just need a God with skin on that can give a tangible hug.  This is not so much of a kvetch but perhaps a lament...  

How long oh Lord.... until break through!  There are so many that are standing in hard places-  I know Worship is the only way to walk this stuff..... hence.... there is a bunch of stuff on my blog....to worship and to enter in....  If your standing in hard places.... whoever is reading this.... please - start to worship.. even in brokenness, even in the midst of unspeakable hurt and betrayal.  

Sometimes- I find... that HE wants to stand in it with us.... Not that HE couldn't sneeze in our general direction and have our entire circumstances change instantaneously.  I've just found that sometimes.... sometimes....... it's about standing ground.... not moving from truth... not moving from the prophetic revelation.... not moving from where you KNOW you heard His Voice.  

The enemy is shrewed... not to give him any glory... but honestly..... it is a war.  I know.. I know .... most of the emergent doesn't want to hear about battlefields...and the like, but i can't get past the Word on some of all this. Bar-ing the flash backs ya all are having with the tune of "onward christian soldiers"---- this war is raging!

Deuteronomy 20:1
When you go to war against your enemy and see horses and chariots and soldiers far outnumbering you, do not recoil in fear of them; God, your God, who brought you up out of Egypt is with you. When the battle is about to begin, let the priest come forward and speak to the troops. He'll say, "Attention, Israel. In a few minutes you're going to do battle with your enemies. Don't waver in resolve. Don't fear. Don't hesitate. Don't panic. God, your God, is right there with you, fighting with you against your enemies, fighting to win."

So i'm tired... a bit battle weary... and heading for High Ground in the next few days.... going up to Tim and Rebecca's      twenty-four-7 home church... to press in a bit deeper... and stick my feet in a cool mountain water fall!!!!  Check out their site... go to my tribe and scroll down... to the church thingy....  and take a gander.....
So my goal is to get focus and perspective..... and strategy... so PRAY.....
and please.. no charismatic witchcraft!!! Oy.... dealing enough!!!
LOL... those of you that got that last line i know are chuckling!
shalom, cathryn
--
To Dying Well Daily, Living like it's Worth it and LOVING FIERCELY,
Shalom, Cathryn
http://lovefiercely.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/lovefiercely

Utopia Alanis Morissette

Kinda wish the church acted more like this.... just my kvetch!-
Can we try it??? Just see how it feels... put it on like a new hat.... and dance shall we.

Alanis Morissette - Utopia

ok i tried to post it... when i was way toooo tired!!!! - so this is the more awake version..... sometimes it's not about the words...... so to speak... but be sung...... So this is what i feel is the heart of the emergent.... and the place to reach the nations.... no ...it's not christianeezeeeeeees thankfully.
Tired of that.... but the raw nature of questions.... and soul passion. So... i agree and say Yes and amen!! Can we go there????? Can we touch it....??
Can we feel it????? minor chords... of heart strings??? Just asking???
xo cathryn

phil keaggy

ok for all of you young'ins who don't know this name... it's Mr. Phil Keggy....
Jimmy Hendrix's was onced asked...."how does it feel to be the best guitar player in the world"..... Jimmy answered..... "ask Phil Keaggy!"
He's also missing part of his ring finger.... (lamented moment with God- so the story goes)----- so this boy... now much older.... is still amazing and has a passion for the Father heart of God that will flat put you out on the floor. My biggest issues is that most of the christian Pop that is out there.... lacks the place where in the Psalms it says to play SKILL-FULLY....... ummmm the dudes got it down... still can't believe it's him solo! so enjoy.... he's got the Master's Touch!
xo cat

alanis morissette - excuses [2004 live vh1]

k- just been in a mood.... and still love her stuff.... i think the person who needs this will get the point...
Gotta love the honesty!.... so what's your excuse. For stepping out deeper?

Alanis Morissette | Everything

For those who truly love me......
Thanks for "still" being here........

Alanis Morissette - Forgiven

I honestly have to say..... that during my "struggle" years with God... this was a worship song for me.... and within the Emergent Church....i think many would concur. The template in which we "met" Jesus..... is as varied as snowflakes..... but the religious dogma that we all in some form and function encountered- left us ..... searching and yet... returning. Returning to the essence of relationship with the All Forgiving Abba. I kinda think of this as a Mantra.... (knowing i'll get my ass kicked for using that term... by some)
We cling and then reject....
Perhaps it's the "leave and cleave" part of it all..... that what our parents.... and spiritual parents held to.... we need to discover on our own terms.... but Never negating our heritage. So this is for the emergent..... in all the revealing and unfolding......
Let the pursuit of Love be our salient hearts cry...... with the amp and reverb set on 10-
shalom, cathrn

DEREK & AMY CHAPMAN- MANGOLA PROJECT

This is Derek and Amy Chapman.... one of our dearest.... and i wanted to share what they are up to...
they are an amazing couple that carry big hearts and vision for the lives they touch and the cities in which they vest their time. If you want to go to their link... check out the Tribe section of this blog.... and hit the D&A- The Chapman's link. If you want to help frame something amazing - please give.
Thank you... and bless you- Cathryn

Dear friends,

Some of you know that Derek and I have been involved with an arts project called Mangola. This project has so far gathered leaders from America and Europe, and we are going to host a festival and outdoor performance event in Austin next spring. Last October, we as a group prayed and walked the city, speaking with artists and thinking creatively about what kind of event would most challenge and bless Austin. The event we are planning will encompass music, film, visual art, and fashion, and we believe it will speak into Austin's identity in His kingdom.

Derek and I have long had a vision of events that have prophetic significance for cities; events which are not just held in a church but held in the public, and which engage the public to think about the future of their city. Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in America, and now home to the headquarters of major technology corporations. While being the government capital of Texas, it also is considered a cultural capital, with large resources given to film, dance, theater and music. As a haven of some of the most creative thinkers in America, it is also vulnerable to the things that artists are often vulnerable to: idols of entertainment, pornography, and depression are among some of the issues here. We want to hold an event that speaks into these issues.

We are holding a very important group meeting this August in France, where two of the leaders live. At this event we will pull together some of the final planning and strategy. We very much need your prayers that this comes together in God's way. It was a big decision to gather the leaders in France, as many of the Americans on the team have small resources to buy airline tickets.

We and the rest of the team are looking for some people who would be interested in becoming patrons of the arts--and patrons of these leaders, who are willing to come to France but lack the money to do so. Would you consider helping us?

We are hoping to raise $11,000, and have set up a website at:

https://www.fundable.org/groupactions/mangola

It is very easy to pledge and donate online, using your credit card or checking account. If you want to help us and feel uncomfortable doing online donations, please let me know. We realize this is a lot to raise in a short amount of time but God can do anything, so we decided to try!

Thank you so much for considering this and we hope you all are having a fabulous summer! Please write us if you have any questions.

love and blessings,
Amy and Derek

p.s. Please feel free to forward this to someone who may know who is interested in supporting the arts!

------------------------------------



Fundraiser website at:
https://www.fundable.org/groupactions/mangola

Prayer wall-

Seems we can't get off the prayer wall even when we want to! I guess we do have a choice- but if that choice is based in wisdom and love.... there is really only ONE answer. A partnership with the Divine! There is a place where we co-labor in His sufferings for His children; where we gain His heart on the matter and how intensely that feels.
He is not immune to our heartaches... infact... He embraces them- as His own. I'm understanding David's heart cry more and more-
Psalm 119:54 (The Message)

49-56 Remember what you said to me, your servant—
I hang on to these words for dear life!
These words hold me up in bad times;
yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
The insolent ridicule me without mercy,
but I don't budge from your revelation.
I watch for your ancient landmark words,
and know I'm on the right track.
But when I see the wicked ignore your directions,
I'm beside myself with anger.
I set your instructions to music
and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
I meditate on your name all night, God,
treasuring your revelation, O God.
Still, I walk through a rain of derision
because I live by your Word and counsel.


Psalm 119:25
I'm feeling terrible—I couldn't feel worse! Get me on my feet again.
You promised, remember? When I told my story, you responded; train me
well in your deep wisdom. Help me understand these things inside and
out so I can ponder your miracle-wonders. My sad life's dilapidated, a
falling-down barn; build me up again by your Word. Barricade the road
that goes Nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation. I choose the
true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and
corner. I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me; God, don't let me
down! I'll run the course you lay out for me if you'll just show me
how.

I love his honesty and determination- that no matter what.... cling to truth and revelation.
Guess that's where i'm at right now....