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I have for the past three decades wanted to live in community. I continue to hold this vision, although it has changed quite a bit over the years. Here is my current vision:
I am looking for other people to join me in finding a large house in Fayetteville which can serve as a model “Neighbor Service Center”. Here we will live and help each other live out the teachings of Jesus and, and reach out to the neighborhood to help it become a thriving, self-reliant community. I would love to find other followers of Jesus who are in alignment with the following guidelines. I would also enjoy hearing any suggestions of places that would be available for free, trade, or inexpensively priced for creating this place. Those who live here will have the opportunity to connect with my family on our land near Kingston which we call Wellspring Eco-village-in-formation. I sure look forward to hearing from you!
We who live together in the Neighborhood Service Center (name can be changed) desire to commit to serving Life Eternal through love for Wisdom from The Heavens and serving Earth with loving stewardship of our resources we are given…loving our bodies as The Temple of The Almighty… and loving each-other as we love our-selves… loving our neighbor as ourselves.
We encourage each other in deepening our relationship with Jesus, Father, and Holy Spirit, and being lead by the Holy Spirit every moment.
You are the potter…we are the clay.
Simplicity — We are committed to love, which demands simplicity… Striving to live with only what one needs, not wants…
Non-violence — Driven by love which does not express itself in violence towards people… absolute community and individual commitment to not use violence…
Spirituality — The community shares a common desire for spirituality, meaning that life is lived form the inside out… not the other way around. This is supported through such practices as meditation (being still and listening) and prayer, stretching, praise with our voices to The Almighty… testimonies of good things, encouragement, Truth studies through the Bible and other respected Faiths of Peace… expressing this through our work and sharing of the sacraments.
Worship to the Almighty is doing all these things as unto the Lord…
Relationships — Commitment to balance time inside the intentional community as well as building relationships outside of the intentional community … balance between inner personal growth and growth with relationship to others…
Jobs — Commitment to balance work inside and outside of The Neighborhood Service Center… Striving to create jobs in alignment with our values… ie. Communal working together, including Gardening, Plant Nursery, life-long learning center, volley ball coaching, parenting coaching, simple living consulting
Kingdom of God — Commitment to building the Kingdom of God at hand by inspiring people to Live in Harmony with Gods laws of the Earth through tending the garden and depending on our health through this which nourishes… Mind, Body, Spirit to sustain us through Eternal Life (7 generations in peace)… On Earth as in The Heavens.
Together – We will strives to work with, not for, people — allowing the people most affected by problems to lead the way in the struggle for their solutions.
Healing — We are all broken. And we are all on a journey towards wholeness. This healing is individual, communal, and social.
Accountability — Community members are held accountable to one another by love. With open permission and intentional commitment to actively hold one another accountable, we work toward loving God and loving people. We use tried and true methods such as Nonviolent communication (Marshall Rosenberg’s model) in order to tell the truth in love, dialogue about differences, and find win-win solutions that are lead by the holy spirit.
Local assembly — The community worships with and builds relationships with local congregations.
Structure — The community recognizes the necessity and danger of structure, and establishes structures not as a prescription for community but as a description of how the body and family function, often driven by individual roles rather than systematic delegation. We see the structure as similar to the banks of a river. The banks make it possible for the river, or the holy spirit—to flow. We also see structure as a way to create a soil where we as seeds can be planted to be nurtured by the will of God as the sun and the rain. We build healthy soil to grow healthy plants.
The creative and performing arts — We recognize that we are created Imago Dei to be creators. Each individual has unique and special creative abilities that add to communal “art”. Also, we value the role that art has in getting kingdom messages to people who might otherwise not be receptive. Our spirits are fed when we express our creativity, and our children benefit as well.
Projects — The community may find projects to do as a Body and family, which all persons commit themselves to (in different capacities), and individuals initiate personal projects with the community involvement in mind. All projects are born out of love, not out of the desire for programs. We encourage each other with ideas, resources, prayers and networking even if we are not actively involved in a project. We find ways to tie all the projects together so that they support each other and our values. Before taking on a major project, we consult with the household so that we can be accountable to each other in terms of how time is used and how it will impact the household.
Growth — The nature of love is to grow. There are both opportunities and dangers in growth. Everyone is invited to “come and see”. Anyone desiring to join the community or start another Neighborhood Service Center must first have a journey with the existing community members.
Balance — The community will continue to struggle for transformation both on the systematic (in the macro and micro) level and on the personal level… small things with great love, great things with great love.
Play — The community is committed to playing… creating foolishness as we dance together; never forgetting to cry and always remembering to laugh.
Rest — Action must be accompanied by reflection, and reflection by action. Rest is done as a community and as individuals, distinct from playing.
Justice- Reap what we sow…and sow what we want to reap…
Hope- for the best, while preparing for worst…
Beauty- is reflected in the heart and character of individuals and common-unity of a group… We plant flowers and have simple ways of beautifying our environment.
Functionality (what it really looks like each day)
Decision making- Decisions which are related to usage of the house and community guidelines and values are made by our home. The council can add people as they prove themselves trustworthy. The council makes decisions based on consensus, always receiving counsel from people that the decision affects. Right now, Patricia is the only member of the counsel. She is looking for an elder who can be a mentor.
Order- Place for everything, everything in its place. Cleanliness is next to godliness. But if it gets messy sometimes–no condemnation.
Money –Residents share living expenses of the community including rent, food, upkeep and utilities. We find creative ways to keep our expenses down, including barter, joining the local; Time Bank, being so valuable and serviceful that people want to support us financially and in other ways. People are responsible for their own other expenses, and we will help each other as much as possible.
Drugs – No illegal substances are allowed in the house under any circumstance.
Relationships: Single people are celibate until making a commitment to marriage… Support each-other in finding ways to avoid promiscuity and remain pure. We do not allow ourselves to be alone with people we will potentially be attracted to. As relationships develop, we encourage members to be accountable to the community in relationship to how deep the relationship goes. Since we are family, and will be affected by these relationships, with people potentially wanting to marry and thus join the community, we want to be able offer counsel and feedback.
Communication: We completely and unequivocally refrain from gossip about other members. We speak positively about each other, and go directly to a person if we have issues. If necessary, we bring a brother or sister into the conversation. If this does not work, we bring the conflict before the whole community for resolution and counsel
Children- We treat children with the same respect as we treat adults. We non-coercive methods to help them to grow in discipline and love depending on their age…
Alcohol – We recognize that some people have issues with alcohol, and we do not want to tempt them. We will only have alcohol in the house at specific times and when consensus is reached.
Weapons — No weapons of death allowed.
Donations – As we host gatherings, classes and other activities, including other people hosting approved events, we gratefully receive donations.
Guests — there are several levels of commitment for guests. Initially, we generally invite anyone to visit anytime. Any overnight visits are decided as a community. If individuals want to become permanent community members, this is to be discussed after previously visiting. They must commit to Loving God, Loving People and Following Jesus, and to the vision, commitments, Foundation, and Functionality of the community. A trial period may be instituted as necessary.
Non-violent civil disobedience — There are times when we must choose to stand in solidarity with the oppressed rather than follow the law of the world. We choose non-violence because the powers of the world choose violence to do so. Our resistance is always born out of relationships where the people most affected are in leadership…
House meetings — Mandatory, once a week…”points” meetings designed to connect with information, dates, ideas, struggles.
Prayer — Sometimes scheduled, sometimes not… highly suggested, not mandatory even when scheduled.
Family Dinners — Mandatory, bi-weekly… scheduled dinner time for the family to check-in with one another and be together.
Meals: Community members often share meals together outside this scheduled time. Our goal is to have shared meals as often as possible with people signing up for preparing meals
Types of Foods- We prefer vegetarian meals while looking forward to eating 80% raw foods… and we discourage processed foods while encouraging whole foods in bulk and locally grown vegetables. Meat eating can be discussed if this is an important thing to potential members.
Roundtables (guest dinners) — Bi-weekly dinners, often inviting guests… for the purpose of discussion or special activities (i.e. visiting communities)…
Re-Evaluation — Times of reflection to keep connected as individuals and as a family, often scheduled when a new day is also set aside as a Sabbath, typically Sunday. The community rests (as well as routine activities).
Emergency — Must be willing to be flexible and sacrifice when there are special needs requiring a meeting, discussion, or simply bonding. Looking into place of shelter and need when things may get hairy… Peace be with us all…
All of above can be changed with the approval of the counsel as lead by the Holy Spirit.
Foundation
We who live together in the Neighborhood Service Center (name can be changed) desire to commit to serving Life Eternal through love for Wisdom from The Heavens and serving Earth with loving stewardship of our resources we are given…loving our bodies as The Temple of The Almighty… and loving each-other as we love our-selves… loving our neighbor as ourselves.
We encourage each other in deepening our relationship with Jesus, Father, and Holy Spirit, and being lead by the Holy Spirit every moment.
You are the potter…we are the clay.
Simplicity — We are committed to love, which demands simplicity… Striving to live with only what one needs, not wants…
Non-violence — Driven by love which does not express itself in violence towards people… absolute community and individual commitment to not use violence…
a. Keeping in mind anger in ones heart towards another is the same as murder, Jesus said…
Spirituality — The community shares a common desire for spirituality, meaning that life is lived form the inside out… not the other way around. This is supported through such practices as meditation (being still and listening) and prayer, yoga, praise with our voices to The Almighty… testimonies of good things, encouragement, Truth studies through the Bible and other respected Faiths of Peace… expressing this through our work and sharing of the sacraments.
Worship to the Almighty is doing all these things as unto the Lord…
Relationships — Commitment to balance time inside the intentional community as well as building relationships outside of the intentional community … balance between inner personal growth and growth with relationship to others…
Jobs — Commitment to balance work inside and outside of The Potters House… Striving to create jobs in alignment with our values… ie. Communal working together, including Gardening, Soy-Candles, Plant Nursery,
Kingdom of God — Commitment to building the Kingdom of God at hand by inspiring people to Live in Harmony with Gods laws of the Earth through tending the garden and depending on our health through this which nourishes… Mind, Body, Spirit to sustain us through Eternal Life (7 generations in peace)… On Earth as in The Heavens.
Together – We will strives to work with, not for, people — allowing the people most affected by problems to lead the way in the struggle for their solutions.
Healing — We are all broken. And we are all on a journey towards wholeness. This healing is individual, communal, and social.
Accountability — Community members are held accountable to one another by love. With open permission and intentional commitment to actively hold one another accountable, we work toward loving God and loving people. We use tried and true methods such as Nonviolent communication (Marshall Rosenberg’s model) in order to tell the truth in love, dialogue about differences, and find win-win solutions that are lead by the holy spirit.
Local assembly — The community worships with and builds relationships with local congregations. We are willing to confront them if we see that they are clearly not following the basic, clear teachings of Jesus, and have conversations which we hope will lead to more accountability by the leaders of these churches.
Structure — The community recognizes the necessity and danger of structure, and establishes structures not as a prescription for community but as a description of how the body and family function, often driven by individual roles rather than systematic delegation. We see the structure as similar to the banks of a river. The banks make it possible for the river, or the holy spirit—to flow. We also see structure as a way to create a soil where we as seeds can be planted to be nurtured by the will of God as the sun and the rain. We build healthy soil to grow healthy plants.
The creative and performing arts — We recognize that we are created Imago Dei to be creators. Each individual has unique and special creative abilities that add to communal “art”. Also, we value the role that art has in getting kingdom messages to people who might otherwise not be receptive. Our spirits are fed when we express our creativity, and our children benefit as well.
Projects — The community may find projects to do as a Body and family, which all persons commit themselves to (in different capacities), and individuals initiate personal projects with the community involvement in mind. All projects are born out of love, not out of the desire for programs. We encourage each other with ideas, resources, prayers and networking even if we are not actively involved in a project. We find ways to tie all the projects together so that they support each other and our values. Before taking on a major project, we consult with the household so that we can be accountable to each other in terms of how time is used and how it will impact the household.
Growth — The nature of love is to grow. There are both opportunities and dangers in growth. Everyone is invited to “come and see”. Anyone desiring to join the community or start another Potters House must first have a journey with the existing community members.
Balance — The community will continue to struggle for transformation both on the systematic (in the macro and micro) level and on the personal level… small things with great love, great things with great love.
Play — The community is committed to playing… creating foolishness as we dance together; never forgetting to cry and always remembering to laugh.
Rest — Action must be accompanied by reflection, and reflection by action. Rest is done as a community and as individuals, distinct from playing.
Justice- Reap what we sow…and sow what we want to reap…
Hope- for the best, while preparing for worst…
Beauty- is reflected in the heart and character of individuals and common-unity of a group…
Functionality (what it really looks like each day)
Decision making- Decisions which are related to usage of the house and community guidelines and values are made by the Potter’s house council, which now consists of Clay and Patricia. The council can add people as they prove themselves trustworthy. The council makes decisions based on consensus, always receiving counsel from people that the decision affects.
Order- Place for everything, everything in its place. Cleanliness is next to godliness…
Money –Residents of TPH share all things in common, discussing together how money will be spent. We take care of each other, having faith that all our needs will be met.
Drugs – No illegal substances are allowed in the house under any circumstance.
Relationships: Single people are celibate until making a commitment to marriage… Support each-other in finding ways to avoid promiscuity and remain pure to self. We do not allow ourselves to be alone with people we will potentially be attracted to. As relationships develop, we encourage members to be accountable to the community in relationship to how deep the relationship goes. Since we are family, and will be affected by these relationships, with people potentially wanting to marry and thus join the community, we want to be able offer counsel and feedback.
Communication: We completely and unequivocally refrain from gossip about other members. We speak positively about each other, and go directly to a person if we have issues. If necessary, we bring a brother or sister into the conversation. If this does not work, we bring the conflict before the whole community for resolution and counsel
Children- We treat children with the same respect as we treat adults. We non-coercive methods to help them to grow in discipline and love depending on their age…
Alcohol – We recognize that some people have issues with alcohol, and we do not want to tempt them. We will only have alcohol in the house at specific times and when consensus is reached.
Weapons — No implements of death allowed, regardless of race, creed, religion, or perceived level of power or authority (including police officers).
Donations – As we host gatherings, classes and other activities, including other people hosting approved events, we gratefully receive donations.
Guests — there are several levels of commitment for guests. Initially, we generally invite anyone to visit anytime. Any overnight visits are decided as a community. If individuals want to become permanent community members, this is to be discussed after previously visiting. They must commit to Loving God, Loving People and Following Jesus, and to the vision, commitments, Foundation, and Functionality of the community and The Potters house. A trial period may be instituted as necessary.
Non-violent civil disobedience — There are times when we must choose to stand in solidarity with the oppressed rather than follow the law of the world. We choose non-violence because the powers of the world choose violence to do so. Our resistance is always born out of relationships where the people most affected are in leadership…
House meetings — Mandatory, once a week…”points” meetings designed to connect with information, dates, ideas, struggles.
Prayer — Sometimes scheduled, sometimes not… highly suggested, not mandatory even when scheduled.
Family Dinners — Mandatory, bi-weekly… scheduled dinner time for the family to check-in with one another and be together.
Meals: Community members often share meals together outside this scheduled time. Our goal is to have shared meals as often as possible with people signing up for preparing meals.
Types of Foods- Clay and Patricia choose vegetarian meals while looking forward to eating 80% raw foods… and we discourage processed foods while encouraging whole foods in bulk and locally grown vegetables.
Roundtables (guest dinners) — Bi-weekly dinners, often inviting guests… for the purpose of discussion or special activities (i.e. visiting communities)…
Re-Evaluation — Times of reflection to keep connected as individuals and as a family, often scheduled when a new day is also set aside as a Sabbath, typically Sunday. The community rests (as well as routine activities).
Emergency — Must be willing to be flexible and sacrifice when there are special needs requiring a meeting, discussion, or simply bonding. Looking into place of shelter and need when things may get hairy… Peace be with us all…
Amen, Amen, Amen
I have had an unreliable car battery for about four months. I have not prioritized buying a new battery. In fact, I haven’t even had it checked until today! It has been a kind of adventure–all the times I have needed to get my car jump started–about thirty times all together I think. Some by strangers, some by friends and relatives. Sometimes at very inconvenient times, but mostly at times when it wasn’t so bad.
Last night I was at Arsaga’s working hard on the computer–mostly promoting the local Time Bank we are starting, and studying teachings of followers of Christ. I suspected that the musicians might be Christians, and over heard conversations that included words like “baptism” and “sermon”. I found out after the concert was over that all the musicians, which featured Matt Knoble, were on the worship team from Pinnacle Church. (I think that is the name) I really liked the music a lot, by the way.
When I went to start my car, the battery was dead. I had noticed one guy who seemed particularly warm and friendly, so I asked him if he would help me out. He was more than willing, and quickly pulled his car next to mine. I found out his name was Joel, and his companion was Samuel. I told him that I often had trouble with my battery.
After the car was running, Joel said, “I notice that your battery is rather old. And, it is going to be cold pretty soon. That is going to be really hard on you. Would you allow me to buy you a new battery?”
I was a bit shocked. But I quickly recovered and said, “sure!”
They followed me to Walmart where we found a battery. They bought it and even got a tool so they could put it in. The bolts would not give, even with some coke poured on them, and I encouraged them to give up since I knew my partner would be able to easily install it.
I found out that Joel is on staff at Pinnacle Church doing videography and in charge of a newly formed college ministry. I look forward to offering some ideas for how young people can reach out to their community and be the hands and feet of Jesus–including Time Banks and Saturday Night Alive, free concerts and worship but on by Hope Chapel
I love telling everyone I talk to about the miracle that occurred last night. It has encouraged Robert, my partner very much. I told a man at a produce stand and he charged me almost half price, saying, “If someone helped you buy a battery I can give you a deal, too!” My battery died again today, but I easily recharged it by jumping my old battery with the new one. Amazing! I even told one of my gardening clients about the story. I knew that she goes to the same church, and she knew Joel! I love spreading positive rumors:)
People love to hear about the love of Christ being shared in this way. I am grateful to Joel and Samuel for their help, and for the love of Christ that Joel shared in a very tangible way. My car, which I call Esther, will be happy to have a dependable battery, and I will be reminded every time my car starts how very much God loves me and how I can trust in him for my every need.
I really, really enjoyed this article that resonates with my heart about how God uses but does not cause suffering to help draw people to Him. I hope you will read the whole article..but here is a sample:
There is a fine line, that we dare not cross, between saying God permits something to happen, and God causes something to happen. In times of natural calamity or in cases of man’s inhumanity to man, God can and will and does use these events to draw men to Himself, and He will often directly intervene in these events in order to minimize, or otherwise reduce, the negative impact such events may have. It is presumptuous to think that He sends such events upon the world today in order to “pour out” His wrath. To claim otherwise is be inconsistent with this season of God’s dealings. To attribute the evil acts of evil men to something God is doing to teach us a lesson is to grossly mischaracterize and misrepresent God, and it ought to stop.
Read more here
I am thoroughly enjoying many articles I am reading from this web site The School of Christ
I particularly enjoyed this article that is helping me achieve my goal of practicing the presence of God every moment.
Is keeping agreements good for your health? I did a quick google search and couldn’t find proof, but I am guessing that keeping agreements is one of the best ways to stay energized, and breaking agreements tends to drain energy.
The problem with breaking agreements is that often I break agreeements because I am not really taking the agreement seriously. I say I will do something, but don’t write it down. I forget. I don’t follow up. Then I make excuses like:
“Hardly anyone follows through–why should I?”
“They won’t even notice.”
“They won’t care that much.”
“What they don’t know won’t hurt them.”
“It is just too hard.”
Now I realize that at times we need to break agreements, but it is important that I do so in a way that is as nurturing as possible. Just being able to communciate my regret is important. I want to do my best to only make agreements when I can commit to keep them.
Ever since I learned at age 26 the importance of identifying my values and then living in congruence with those values–I have really done my best to do what I say i will do. I find that the more busy I get, the more I spread myself too thin, the more I tend to make excuses as to why I am not doing so well in keeping my agreements.
I feel like a sieve with lots of holes. Every broken agreement is like a hole where my energy goes. Emotions such as fear, hurt, sadness, irritation tend to drain me of energy when I let people down. Of course people may be disappointed in me because I say, “no”, but it is better to say no than to make an agreement and then need to break it.
So I am re-committing to keep my energy high and alive, and to keep my agreements, and take them seriously. Every thought I make is an agreement to either live in love or not in love–and so I want to keep the agreement to live in love all the time by every thought I choose. When I think thoughts that are not comitted to love, I choose to look at what is keeping me from thinking thoughts of love.
Keeping agreements with others is a commitment to love others. I can commit to God and myself also–and love myself and God so much that I want to honor those agreements.
When I break agreements, I will grieve and learn why I broke it.
I am looking forward to feeling clearer, more joyful, more innocent, and more energized as I keep agreements.
I hope this helps you!
Here is a great list I was given–I hope this helps you publisize your next event.
POST FLIERS:
Mullins Library
Passages
Ozark Smokehouse
The Fayetteville and Springdale Public Library
Nightbird Books
Arsaga’s Greg and Mission & Crossover
Petra Café
Ozark Natural Foods
The Perk
Bulletin Boards in Kimpel
Farmer’s Market-flier hand out
Harp’s
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
Myspace page
Facebook Page
Individuals/email listservs
Terri Chadick’s website terri@lifepluskids.com
Vilma Dominguez vilma@rogerslowell.com
(Chamber of Commerce)
Office for Nontraditional/off campus students
Sylivia Scott sscott@uark.edu
Angie Dean <angie@arkansasheritage.org> Arkansas Arts Council Calendar Listing
Blog Spot
Sarah E. Lewis sel01@uark.edu
Sang Valley Association leader and arts advocate
Sang Valley Association leader and arts advocate
NWA Kids Guide pam@nwakidsguide.com
COMMUNITY CALENDARS
Clear Channel
Public Service Announcement
4209 Frontage Road
Fayetteville, AR 72703
or by email to Duce Foreman. duceforeman@clearchannel.com
Please note: Clear Channel reviews all submissions for appropriateness before airing and posting on the calendar and reserves the right to edit any submission for time and space and does not promise that all submissions will be posted or aired. If there is an error in posted information on this page please send the correct information to Duce Foreman.
Fayetteville Public Schools
Springdale Chamber of Commerce http://www.springdale.com/
KUAF Community Calendar-kuaf.org
The Democrat Gazette-Date book Cyd King-cking@arkansasonline.com
NWA Scoop
The Morning News: bmartin@nwaonline.net
City of Fayetteville http://www.experiencefayetteville.com/Requestevents.php
Free Weekly fax: 444-7289 sporter@nwaonline.com
40/29 http://www.4029tv.com/communitycalendar/index.html
email event to community@4029tv.com
University of Arkansas Office of Affirmative Action Comm. Calendar
Newspapers/magazines/radio
NWA Times whatsup@nwarktimes.com
the morning news bmartin@nwaonline.net
The Traveler http://www.thetraveleronline.com/calendar/
NWA business http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/events.asp
CitiScapes Community Calendar calendar@citiscapes.com 4 weeks before the first of the month that the event takes place. Include brief event description, dates and times, admission, location and a telephone number.
Kids Directory nwakids@cox.net Shirley Rather
phartma@uark.edu KUAF Public Service Announcements
Events and activities-Northwest Arkansas Times
Tyson newsletter Kristal.Ashmore@tyson.com
Peekaboo– peekaboo.enderle@gmail.com
I will include your events each month if you just want to send them a month in advance
Sarah Lewis <sel01@uark.edu>
Jones TV calendar http://www.jonesnet.org/jonesTelevision/jones_tv/comcal.htm
I haven’t heard this group, but I know two of the women and they are fantastic musicians–I want to check them out one of these days and thought you might enjoy doing the same!
BIG BAD GINA
3 women, 9 instruments, 2 performances, a rockin’ good time!
Renee Janski – vocals, fiddle, banjo, guitar
Melodie Griffis – vocals, guitar, bass
Jori Costello – vocals, guitar, percussion, bass
Saturday, September 5th from 6-9pm
Smiling Jack’s Fresh Foods
262 N. School
(behind Dickson St. Bookshop)
Thursday, September 10th from 7-9pm
Teatro Scarpino
329 N. West St.
(beside the Fayetteville train bank)
Thanks for supporting live music and local business!
Keep Fayetteville FUNKY!
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Nitron is a fabulous place in the tiny town of Johnson which is next to Fayetteville, Arkansas. They have organic fertilizers which even commercial landscapers get by the truckload or the bag. I was fortunate that one of my landscaping clients wanted all of the space fertized with organic fertilizer. I am getting ready to do that in a few minutes.
The last time I went to Nitron I immediately had a deep conversation with one of the workers who I had met when we were in the Ron Paul movement. She recognized me since I was the coordinator of the Ron Paul meetup, and we started talking about very deep subjects including spirituality.
We planned on connecting again, but I have been super busy and have not prioritized calling her. But another worker at Nitron told me this story.
“The other worker was really excited about her conversation with you. That day she went to Wal Mart to shop, and she forgot her debit card. The woman behind her gave her $40. Sara was so excited especially when the woman said, “God works in mysterious ways.”
I was practically in tears because I knew this person was having a hard time feeling God’s love, and to have that immediate confirmation was so beautiful.
Then a guy came in and I asked him if he believed that God loves everyone equally. He said he wasn’t sure and we had a great discussion about the character of God. He shared how some relatives were having a baby, and the doctor diagnosed the child in the womb as having a hole in her lung which would have to be operated on when the child was born. Every prayer network in Arkansas was activated, and after two visits the doctor said the hole had completely healed. He said he had nerver seen such a thing.
I asked one worker about his Swastika tatoos–what they meant to him. I discovered that we had much in common, and he was so eager to share his views.
I asked one other worker if he thought God was crazy about him, and he said yes.
It was fun–just sharing spirituality in a common place, simple setting. I hope to connect with all these people since I got contact information-maybe we will find ourselves at the same community gathering sharing our hearts once again.
“Where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I,” says Jesus. I believe Jesus was very present and all were uplifted.
Another tool that is useful to stay in a loving space is to have a calendar where you can keep track of your time, projects, goals and connections to people. When you are able to keep track of your time commitments, and schedule in those things that are important to you, you have more peace and there for more space for having a loving heart.
I am going to write an article some day about my system which I have been using for 25 years, and now my son is using it! It is cheap, simple, and quick.
Another tool is a blender so you can make a green smoothie. This is the cornerstone of healthy eating in my opinion and a growing number of others. You just mix water, fruit, fresh greens and your choice of micro nutrients and very quickly you have a healthy blended meal. www.greensmoothiegirl.com has lots of great ideas.
