A Dream Come True

I don't remember how old I was, but I remember having to stand on my tip toes to see over the counter to watch the cotton candy being made. Republic Steel (where our dad worked) sponsored a company picnic at Idora Park in Youngstown every summer my parents took my sisters and I for the day. Two thoughts went through my mind as I watched the cotton candy lady do her magic. "I would love to have that job when I grow up!" and "wouldn't it be fun to eat right out of the machine!"

I've grown up since then. But I haven't lost my love for cotton candy. And I never got to make the stuff .... until today that is.

For the July 4th event, our church sold cotton candy. But the line was non-stop and our team was focused and serious and, well, they were professionals. I watched in amazement from a distance and did get a huge bag to eat. Today the crowd was light and there was no line at our booth. Today was my day. At first, I politely offered. "Does anyone need a break?" "Need any help in there?" The three capable guys returned the politeness with a "no thanks".

I knew my approach would need to change so I humbled myself and begged. "Hey, John would it be okay if I gave that a try?" He passed me a cone, stepped aside and said, "Sure, help yourself."

For the next hour, I spun bubblegum, blueberry and cherry cotton candy. Was it all I had dreamed? Yes! and more. You can relax, because I assure you I did NOT eat right of the machine. But driving home, eating out of my personal bag of bubblegum flavored cotton candy propped up on the passenger's seat, a smile came over my face as I realized it had been a day of a fulfilled dream.. in a sweet and fluffy way.

MOONDOG, My Kinda Guy!

"Hey, there goes MOONDOG across the parking lot! Let's go meet him."
"Wha...t?"
"Come on, hurry, he's leaving. Let's go!"
"Who...?
Here, take my phone I want a picture with him."

The mascot for the CLEVELAND CAVALIERS is a cross between an acrobat, an athlete and an entertainer and today, he made my day! Thanks, MOONDOG!

Ma'am, This is NOT a church.

Since last November, I've been meeting monthly with a group of Christians from all walks of life (educators, social workers, clergy, concerned citizens) who want to pray and collaborate for a Greater Cleveland http://www.agreatercleveland.org/ through the power of Jesus Christ.

Today, we were honored to have Mayor Frank Jackson address the group and field questions. (Thanks to Channel 8 for covering the story). Knowing he was talking to people connected to the church, the Mayor shared a story about a day in the office at his newly opened campaign headquarters when he first ran for Ward 5 councilman years ago. A known neighborhood prostitute, in a moment of wanting to change and reach out for hope, wandered in to the building. He was dressed in a suit and the chairs were arranged in such a way that he resembled a preacher and the room a storefront church. As he listened to the lady speak, he realized that was the assumption she had made. Finally he said to the lady, "Ma'am, this is not a church." She hung her head, walked out, across the street and got in the car of a john and road away.

My involvement in church planting, both at Rockside Church and across Ohio, caused my heart to leap inside me to say, "God help us to plant more churches and especially inside the cities." But beyond the need for more churches, what if we were to see more Christian hairdressers, realtors, bankers, librarians, doctors and truck drivers who leave for work each day full of the Holy Spirit and understanding that WE ARE THE CHURCH. That lady didn't need to find a preacher nor a church building. She just needed to meet one Christian willing to hold out hope for her and show her the love of Christ. May God help us rewrite that story in Cleveland.

September 14, 2007 - Friday
LAST NIGHT’S NICHOLE NORDEMAN CONCERT
.. "Hey Leann, I'm sitting in a Nichole Nordeman concert and couldn't help but think of you. How are you? Love you." (sent from portable device). What a surprise to hear from you! Is Nichole as wonderful as ever? How are you? I love you, too."
Leann moved from Cleveland to New Mexico about 9 years ago and we both have a deep appreciation for Nichole Nordeman's composing and ministry.
The answer is YES! She's as incredible as ever. Last night Cuyahoga Community Church sponsored Nichole in concert here in Cleveland. She is so comfortable on the stage and non pretentious. Her writing is deep, creative and moving. Her performance ... the same, really. Pure, clear, authentic, acoustic excellence. I only wish she would have kept going another hour. Highlights? Hmmm... Her song "I AM" hit me in a new way because of the series we're doing at Rockside Church right now looking at the various names of God. It's a perpetual pursuit to uncover all of God's qualities. The CONCEPT she shared that stuck with me the most is the funny story of buying suction bagging from an info-mercial, then wondering what would remain of our Christianity if we vacuumed all the space and hot air away and nothing remained but the substance of us and GOD and that connection. I've been rolling that thought around in my head all day today. Fantastic concert. Thanks Pastor Brian and CVC for Nichole Nordeman! Leann, let's swap an e-mail!