Beatitudes

I have to keep up my blog.  There are so many new and interesting things that have been happening, but now I'm going to cram it all willy nilly in one posting.

First of all, Dan and I have a new Jordanian friend who is very generous and so pleasant.  He invited us over for a feast last fall and we have yet had him over for dinner.  A couple weekends ago we went out to a jazz club and talked politics and religion the entire time.  I can say it was pretty amazing and eye opening for me.  The whole middle east situation is extremely difficult to talk about and I'm glad to say we walked away as friends though we may have disagreed on a lot of stuff.

Secondly, church has been going so well.  We had a meeting last week to discuss where we want to go as a church body.  We have decided that an outreach ministry is a necessity, so we're looking at ways to serve our community.  We are also going to delve into a discipleship program that is one-on-one for 10 weeks.  I am excited about being on the same page and discovering what God has for us individually and as a group.

The sermon last Saturday was on the Beatitudes.  I never heard a sermon given about them that lists them as step.  Our pastor explained that they are all a steps and you can't do one without the other.

Blessed are:
1. The poor in spirit--the loss of oneself and everything in order to follow Jesus
2. those who mourn--rejecting the world's desires and finding joy and peace in Jesus
3. the meek--submitting to God first and then service to others
4. those who hunger and thirst for righteousness--recognize that the world does not satisfy, our only hope is Jesus Christ
5. the merciful--giving, serving, and devoting self to others (the needy, infirm, outcasts)
6. the pure in heart--not influenced by the world's trouble or has to offer, but desire God and His calling plans for your life
7. the peacemakers--those who hate violence and discord as a solution to problems, desire unity and maintenance of fellowship
8.  those who are persecuted for righteousness sake--a willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ, brought to a closer communion with God.

Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the LORD require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Work has been going well.  I have been stacking my three 12 hour shifts, so that can get tiring doing 3 in a row.  I've been on night shift for a bit and unfortunately have to work this weekend.  I am looking forward to an awesome trip to WI and MN to see my family and enjoy a wonderful friend's wedding.  I will be seeing Lynsi too and am excited to spend time with my friend of over 2 decades!!