Thursday, October 9, 2008

Church On The Nile (And Then Some)

Later that day...











Hey bloggers, Thanks for the great comments today (currently 17)...I prematurely removed the "Happy Yom Kippur" that I had posted on the blog yesterday. I used Debye's computer to do it, and now I can't find the picture of the man blowing the shofar that I used (she's out of town - with her computer - speaking at the Unveiled Conference in Orlando). Anyway, Happy Day of Atonement...Happy Day of Reconciliation...OUR GOD REIGNS!


__________________

Original Post:



This picture is not very clear (if you click on it, the enlarged image is much clearer) but I wanted to post it because it was taken the same day as the BLOGINTHENOW picture, but this shot is at the source of the Nile where Ghandi's ashes were scattered in 1948. I'm standing in front of a monument to him that marks the spot where the ceremony took place.

Thanks for all of the wonderful comments about the GPF. Reading them again enables me to re-live Tuesday night...which is really important, because it nearly seems dream-like to me...as if I imagined it. I'd like to hear from even more of you who were there.

If you weren't ITB or streaming last night, I encourage you to get the CD or DVD of the service. I think that the word that was delivered is important for everyone who hears my voice to hear, especially in light of all that is happening in the financial world right now.

Speaking of the world's current financial situation, here's a couple of passages from John In The Now that might help balance out all that you're hearing on the news:

“Peace I leave with you; I’m talking about My own, personal sense of peace, wholeness and well-being; I’m actually transferring it to you. You see, My peace is unlike the peace that comes from this realm...the peace that is reactionary and temporal, dependent on outward circumstances to determine its strength and presence. My peace is other-worldly – settled, absolute – causing you to be in harmony with your whole life – past, present, and future – and ultimately with the whole of creation. It will empower you to refuse to let your heart (your inner world) become troubled, agitated, or upset, no matter what is happening around you, and you can be fearless because you will be at peace with the Father, with yourself, and with the universe. (John 14:27 - JITN)


“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have real peace and confident serenity. Now don’t be naïve to the fact that, in the world, you will have trouble. It is a given. But, take heart! You can celebrate and live a joyful life, regardless of any circumstances in your life, because I have completely overcome the trouble of the world and have set the example to show how you can overcome it, as well!” (John 16:33 - JITN)



As I said last night, all day Tuesday seemed to be unusually miraculous for us...I'm curious to know if anything out of the ordinary happened to you on Tuesday, whether you experienced the GPF or not.

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

To Everyone

To those that have an ear to hear, hear this. Last night while fellowshipping; with a friend of mine in Virginia Beach! I was telling her about the GPF. About the work of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit was so strong in the Church! Then, one thing leads to another we started to quotes some verses we know. I remind her about a prophecy she gave to me a while back. I told her I went some where on Tuesday, a lady prophesy the same thing to me. I told the words she gave me back in August has been confirms.
Anyway while on the conversations with her, the Lord speaks to me. He says: KETTLY! Tell my people this “NOW IS THE TIMEFOR ALL MY CHILDREN TO REAP WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN SOWING. “TELLS THEM DON”T LOOK AT THE ECONOMY, BECAUSE IT IS NOT THEIR CONCERNS INSTEAD PAY MORE ATTENTION TO ME AND WHAT I AM DOING ON THIS EARTHLY REALMS RIGHT NOW. HE SAYS: DIDN’T I SAY I WILL TAKE THE TREASURES FROM THE DARKNESS TO GIVE TO YOU! WHY DO ALL OF YOU SIT THERE, AND COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ECONOMY.STOP LOOKING AT THINGS IN THE NATURAL, STOP USING YOUR CARNAL EYES AND MINDS TO UNDERSTAND THE THINGS FROM THE SPIRITUAL REALMS. INSTEAD MY CHILDREN USED THE EYES OF MY SPIRIT TO SEE AND TO UNDERSTAND THINGS OF THE SPIRIT.YES! YES! AND AGAIN I SAY THERE ARE PLENTY CORNS IN EGYTP.
HE SENDS ME TO TWO VERSES TO CONFIRM HIS WORD TO ME.

PROVERBS 3:25-26 – Be not afraid of sudden terror and panic, nor of the stormy blast or the storm and ruin of the wicked when it comes [for you will be guiltless, 26 For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in trap or some hidden danger] AMP

The Life Application Bible: You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, 26. For the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

ISAIAH 43: 2-3 – I go before you and level the mountains [to make the crooked places straight]; I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut asunder the bars of iron. 3.- And I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I , the Lord, the God of Israel. Who calls you by your name? (AMP)

LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE: This is what the Lord says: “I will go before you, Cyrus, and level the mountains. I will smash down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. 3. – And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness- secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.

I ENCUORAGE YOU MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS TO THIS WORD AT HEART. LOOK AND HEAR THROUGH THE EYES AND THE EAR OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

I come in Peace
K.D.

Anonymous said...

Text: African American Spiritual
Music: African American Spiritual
Tune: PEACE LIKE A RIVER, Meter: 77.11 D
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river in my soul.
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river in my soul.

2. I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain in my soul.
I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain in my soul.

3. I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean in my soul.
I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean in my soul

Anonymous said...

God morning to all.

Bishop, I will definately get a dvd of Wednesday.

Concerning Tuesday and did anything unusual happen, yes. You were bathed in a sweet warm light similar to the color of honey. When your Dad spoke of his joy over your works it seemed more like God the Father was speaking and the spontaneous smile that came on your face caused my memory to see the face of my son when he was about six or seven at a time when he was certain that his Dad was proud of him.

The picture of you at Ghandi's memorial is more than significant to me. There were numerous times when thoughts of Ghandi came to me on Tuesday night, most likely triggered by the variety of people at the GPF, but it would not surprise me to find out later that his spirit was actually present. I also thought of Dr. King but it surprised me that did not occur until after his name was spoken. I have often thought of Dr. King in context with thoughts of world peace.

Don't know if I will catch the debate tonight or not. I came in from work late last night and watched the recorded debate from Tuesday. It was a little disapointing and anyone who chose that over coming to CITN is probably kicking themselves.

On another note, there seems to be something strange going on with the perception of time and space in my world recently. Adjustments are being made accordingly and there is no perception of evil but only good. I am probably growing again.

Peace in unity with Christ,

JB

Anonymous said...

What debate is tonight?

Anonymous said...

In case you can’t read it the plaque says:

MAHATMA GHANDI

2.10.1869 - 30.1.1948

UNIVERSAL APOSTLE OF PEACE AND NON-VIOLENCE WHOSE ASHES WERE IMMERSED IN THE NILE RIVER IN 1948


Peace to everyone today, regardless of the crisis.

Remember, there’s corn in Egypt!


Long live “Church On The Nile”!

dgm2007 said...

what debate?

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

My bad - I don't know why I was thinking the last debate was tonight (of course there wouldn't be two debates in one week!)

I think I've watched too much coverage of the campaigns...it's all starting to run together in my brain. I'll remove the question.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

But where is everyone else this morning?

tracy said...

Good morning! I'm here- just being diligent and doing all that my hands can find to do. This jobless thing is driving me nutso and since I can't sit still the smell of bleach and household cleaners follow me wherever I go! About to attempt to download the CD from last night!

Anonymous said...

I'm here Bish.

Didn't know where to jump in, so thought this was a pretty cool place. Particularly, how you wonder if you imagined Tuesday night's events.

Maybe it's my own imagination, but it sure seemed like Chandra "channelled" the Lion of Judah while singing, "He lives in you!" with the CITN choir.

(hope the analogy doesn't weird anyone out. It's the most complimentary way I can think of to convey the embodiment of Christ through song)

There was a moment when I glimpsed something in an expression that represented power & absoluteness & wholeness; so intense - so "other worldly" that confirms today's John 14:27 - JITN for me.

Anonymous said...

TODAY is the DAY of ATONEMENT

DAY of ATONEMET

The name “YOM KIPPUR” means “DAY of ATONEMET!” And that pretty much explains what the holiday is. It is a day set aside to “afflict the soul.”

Yom Kippur is a complete Sabbath; no work can be performed on that day. It is well-known that you are supposed to refrain from eating and drinking (even water on Yom Kippur. It is a complete, 25-hour fast beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the Yom Kippur.

The Day of Atonement is the tenth day of Seventh Month, and can never fall on first, third and sixth days of the week. Fasting began by missing the evening meal before sunset of the beginning of the tenth day of the Seventh Month. Prayer, Bible Study, Meditation, and spiritual fellowship!

DAY of ATONEMENT-Also known and referred to as: Afflicting the Souls, Day of Cleansing From Sin.

Psalm 32:1 “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

Hebrews 9: 22, 27-28, and Heb.10:10; Heb. 10:16-22
Psalm 35:13
JAMES 4:10
DAY OF ATONEMENT-A SPECIAL TIMES OF REPENTANCE!
NUMBERS 5:6-7
NUMBERS 15:30-31
DEUTERONOMY 4:30-31
1 KINGS 8:33-34; 1Kings 25:25-29
2 CHRONICLES 7:14; 2CHR. 33:11-13
JOB 11:14
PSALM 51:1-19
PROVERBS 16:2-6; PROVERBS 28:13
ISAIAH 31:6; 55:6-7;
JEREMIAH 3:12-14; 13:23; 31:34
LAMENTATIONS 5:21
EZEKIEL 18:20,21,24,
HOSEA 14:1-4
MALACHI 3:7
MARK 1:15; 2:17
1 JOHN 1:8-9

ATONEMENT EMPHASIZES SAVIOR’S ATONING BLOOD!

MATTEW 26:28- For this My Blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
LUKE 24:46-47
ACTS 20:28
ROMANS 3:24-25; 5:9
1 CORINTHIANS 15:3
EPHESIANS 1:7; 2:13-18
1 PETER 1:18-20
1 JOHN 1:7; 1 John 2:2
REVELATION 1:5- JESUS CHRIST… that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood….
REVELATION 7:14; 12:11

THE DAY OF ATONEMENT IS ATIME WE ARE TO FREE OURSELVES FROM SIN AND SATAN. ASKING GOD TO MRCIFULLY COVER OUR SINS.

PAULA WHITE SAYS THIS MORNING: THE DAY OF ATONEMENT IS CELEBRATED THIS YEAR OCTOBER 9th 2008. AND IT IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S POWER THROUGH 8 SPECIFIC PROMISES OF THE ATONEMET!

1. INCREASE (JOEL 2:23,NKJV)
2. REVELATION (JOEL 2:24,NKJV)
3. FRESH ANOINTING ( JOEL 2:24,NKJV)
4. GOD’S POWER (JOEL 2:24,NKJV)
5. RESTORATION (JOEL 2:25, NKJV)
6. FINANCIAL ABUNDANCE (JOEL 2:26,NKJV)
7. NO SHAME BUT DELIVRANCE (JOEL 2:27; 2:32,NKJV)
8. GOD’S PRESENCE (JOEL 2: 28,NKJV)

SHE CONTINUES TO SAY THE DAY OF ATONEMENT IS MORE THAN A RITUAL OR ANCIENT FEAST. IT IS A SACRED COVENANT WITH GOD THAT PROVES HIS LORDSHIP IN YOUR LIFE THROUGH YOUR SACRIFICE. BY OBEYING GOD’S COMMANDS, YOU DON’T JUST SAY HE IS LORD, YOU SHOW IT.

ON THE DAY OF ATONEMENT NO ONE APPEARED BEFORE GOD EMPTY-HANDED: “EVERY MAN SHALL GIVE AS HE IS ABLE….” DEUT. 16: 16-17

I COME IN PEACE!
MAY THE LOVE OF GOD ON THIS ATONEMENT DAY, COVERS EACH ONE OF US AT CITN AND AROUND THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD.
GOD BLESS
K.D

Anonymous said...

Maybe this is insignificant, but it seems like a rhema thing going on in my spirit with the words, "ashes", "scattered", "monument" and "ceremony". (the first thing that resonated in me was a verse in Jeremiah about "he that scattered, will gather, as a shepherd keeps his flock.")

Re: Tuesday night's service. I streamed & enjoyed the topic of news, being new & spelled with an "s" for a reason.

Also, the mention of how Jesus ministered to folks, via their perception of Him. (at least that's how I understood it) Always wondered about Mark 7:26; the exchange between Jesus & the Syrophenician woman.

Particularly, His words, "For this saying..." Always wondered if He marvelled how she realized that faith was not measured by the crumbs, but the fact that whatever form it took, it was still bread.

Also enjoyed the mention of "ascension gifts" because it reminded me of James 1:17 & communion with Abba, Father.

Anonymous said...

You mean Wednesday night service, don't you?

Anonymous said...

Uh huh. (but, if you really think about it, there's no time or distance in the Spirit)

So, I consider it a gift. ;)

Yvonne said...

Kettly, I want to say that both of your entries today was very prophetic, very knowledgable, informative and clear. When I began to read the second one, I thought this person truly paid attention and really took good notes from what was being taught by Paula White.

The first exhortation is very timely and organic.

I appreciate you taking the time to journal these entries because I know what it means to really labor in the spirit and attempt to sow spiritual truths to the body. I understand the courage and time involved.

I knew superficially about Yom Kippur, being raised in NY, but I never was truly exposed to this information and insight. I appreciate all of your efforts and prayers

Peace and blessings to you, in Jesus name,
Yvonne

LisaA said...

Bishop, You asked if anything strange was happening, this story could give some of lesser acceptability cause to call me a "nutter" but this is what happened.
I was meditating on my patio in a club chair. Legs evenly placed on the floor. After some time I went to stand and found I had no sensation at all in my right foot. I'm not talking about numbness or "falling asleep" feeling. No feeling. When I went to put weight on it there was nothing. I stood on one leg and tried again only to fall down. It was the strangest sensation I've ever felt. After several minutes, feeling return and I could see swelling start at my ankle. I immediately received my wholeness and had no pain whatsoever although I got some beautiful purple and green on my ankle! It was like I was walking in 2 different dimensions. Strange indeed.
Peace Love Light
Lisa

SCRIBE said...

HAGGAI 2:4-9

"Be strong , all you people of the land, declares the LORD, and work. For I AM with you, declares the Lord Almighty. This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you. DO NOT FEAR!

This is what the Lord Almighty says: In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of ALL NATIONS WILL COME, and I will fill THIS HOUSE with glory, says the Lord Almighty. The silver is mine and the gold is mine, declares the Lord Almighty. And in THIS PLACE I will grant PEACE, declares the Lord Almighty. "

Amen.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

You're all very prophetic today...I love it!

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

And thanks, JB, for being so in tume with me that you believed there was a debate tonight!

As always, I love what you wrote.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

...and you were also in TUNE with me!

Anonymous said...

I was looking at some of my notes when Kim Clement was at CITN..
One thing I wrote down along with "There is corn in Egypt" that he said was,
and this is when he was being prophetic
I will change the economy...stand still
His voice is in your DNA..His voice gives you dreams and takes you to the event
Egypt is crying out for someone to tell them about the future. Go and tell them what to do with their dreams.
So glad to be alive for such a time as this!

GO Pastor Debye!

Anonymous said...

Tue was awesome the energy on the stage when we sang We Speak To Nations was electrifying.
After I got home a peace came over me one like I haven't felt in a long time.
There is peace in the land.
Times are a changing.
It's a new day.
Get out and do something.
Give your time and talent to your ministry.
If your with CITN
Help out in the EACH program.
See your new day.
It helps when you help.

Anonymous said...

Here's another possible debate topic:

Wonder what Jesus felt like as the 23rd Psalm?

The Cloud of Unknowing said...

Primacy of Love...

From what has been said it will be clear that in the English author the central place in the contemplative exercise is allotted to love. That love is the essence of the whole thing is unequivocally stated again and again in words like the following:

For in real charity one loves God for himself above every created thing and he loves his fellow man because it is God's law. In the contemplative work God is loved above every creature purely and simply for his sake. Indeed, the very heart of this work is nothing else but a naked intent toward God for his own sake.

So the very heart of this work is love, which the English author refers to as a "secret little love," a "naked intent of the will," a "blind outstretching," a "gentle stirring of love," "this work," or simply as "it." It should be noted , however, that he uses these expressions for an activity that includes knowledge or consciousness of some kind. For purposes of analysis it is possible to speak of knowledge and love in contemplation; but the activity the author speaks of is a blend of both, a completely simple experience arising in the depth of the contemplatives heart: in the last analysis it is indescribable, as the author declares when he says that "Whatever we may say of it is not it, but only about it." He has no doubt , however, that its predominant element is love and it is upon this that he puts all the emphasis. The practice of unknowing with its treading down of all distinct knowledge beneath the cloud of forgetting is no more than preparation for the cultivation of this blind stirring that is the most important thing in life. This is reiterated many times, as, for example, in such words as the following:

And so to stand firmly and avoid pitfalls , keep to the path you are on. Let your longing relentlessly beat upon the cloud of unknowing that lies between you and your God. Pierce that cloud with the keen shaft of your love, spurn the thought of anything less than God, and do not give up this work for anything. For the contemplative work of love by itself will eventually heal you of all the roots of sin.

Anonymous said...

Amen to all the above!

tracy said...

OK ready to detail and recap my thoughts on Tuesday night. First there is not a better word to describe it for me than surreal. I saw so many of you there and watched the effect it had on you...Izumi/Joy -you sat right in front of me and I saw your childlike anticipation with your face pointed toward the stage anticipating what was to come next. PM- i saw you unabashadly wipe the tears from your eyes with your shirt sleeves thru out the whole nite....causing tears to flow from my own eyes, because I know that this kind of peace and joining of faiths is what you live for, Iris and Eric saw your excitement and could hear you in my spirit say "YES"! Avatar -saw you working ( as usual) and being so obviously proud of what was taking place in your house. Bishop- you like the proud daddy of the house knowing you threw a good party.Pastor Debye thinking duh of course it's going to be awesome...IT IS Church in the NOW! Missing the presence of DBA and SOZ knowing they would dig the whole thing. Wondering....where is Abraham and where has Elle been? I didn't see the rest of you there, some I know by your blognames, some I don't. I just know the profound effect of the Buddhist monk in his beautiful robe(if that is what they call it), the Jewish Rabbi's hand raising and smile for all, the Muslims, Pentecostals, Methodists and Protestants and Lord knows every other faith represented...I just know for me it was awesome and wonderful and I couldn't raise my hands high enough and I couldn't smile wide enough and I couldn't shed as many tears as the moment called for.......it was just SO GOOD and SO GOD! A memory not soon to be forgotten.

Unknown said...

Checkin' in.
Full day.
Church on the Nile...makes me smile.
Love Wins!!

Unknown said...

Wow, Tracy...THAT was certainly worth the wait--smile!

Amen and Amen.

Word ver: nlsgmmf.
Somehow that translates to me as "nugglesmumph"...which means: great big snuggly hug for Tracy.

Anonymous said...

Garth Brooks - The River

You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores
And I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
It has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance that tide
And I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
There's bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll tke soome falls
With the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all
And I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Lord, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Yea






Title: Garth Brooks - The River lyrics

Artist: Garth Brooks Lyrics

Visitors: 9281 visitors have hited The River Lyrics since May 27, 2008.

Print: Garth Brooks - The River Lyrics print version




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You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores
And I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
It has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance that tide
And I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
There's bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll tke soome falls
With the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all
And I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Lord, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Yea

Erik said...

Hello,

Cloud of U – Knowledge of Consciousness and Knowledge of Love, piercing any cloud of unknowing with our keen awareness of Love, we are healed of any ill.

Love is the foundation of everything, God is Love. We Love because that is what we are, breathed into existence by Love, by God. Anything else is smoke and mirrors, like a web game, virtual reality.

The foundation is entwined between each of us. Love exists as it is, Love does not require a promise, or any condition. We Love first, before anything else. We all are of God, and God is every one of us. We Love each other because it is who we are, We Love God because of who God is, with no reliance on any promise, salvation, grace, or blessing. All of those are wonderfully excellent, but not conditions of Love. The keen awareness of Who We Are, of The I Am, We Are. We All Are One – God we love, All others we love, ourselves we love – One.

There is only gain on The River, even on the shoreline, we move in The River. Our dreams are the dreams of God - Peace, Joy, Rightness (valid in our existence) with God and each other.

Anonymous said...

Well, I think I can somewhat now write about the Global Peace Festival.

One day one of my aunts turn the water off in the house where I lived and it was a struggle for me with my family. I complained to the Lord about not having the convenience of running water and He said, But you have water. The holy spirit gave audience to me with all of my pity and whining to let me know that He was living water. The GBF reminds me of that word, and you know when you are in dry place and you receive a word from God, you don't forget it. He said you have water. He is the water, His spirit is the water.

The water, the living water that was present in church in the now and the water, the symbolic water of peace through the beautiful interfaith ceremony. That is special for me, to be a part of that. I felt a part of because I truly invited a lot of people, and I am not sure if they were there, but I felt a part because I knew the sigficance of the Peace for the entire family of God.

I feel as though, this was one of the most dynamic ceremonies ever, above weddings, graduations, ordinations was performed in my midst and I was totally jazzed about it.

Although there were many visitors, I am really proud of my church family, really. The spirit of excellence, the zeal, their gifts and talents and our accomplishment as a body a many membered body in particular set on a hill with corn (produce)/a harvest for the entire creation to see. What a trip!

The references made to Dr. Martin Luther King's speech that Rev. Moon continued to make and the fulfillmet of Dr. King's life being enacted on IRIS drive with God's eye watching us.

The electric permeating from the stage and flowing over into the pews. Sitting in back of Hindus and next to Buddhist and in from of Muslims, I just loved it immensely.

Chandra C. giving her unique rendition of "He Lives in you" with so much soul and the audience salsa/ing and dancing to the beat of Nation of Worship, headed by Pr. Jimmie Mayo. Senator Steen Martin's cool excitement with so much pride. The forgiving mothers and an example of true forgiveness between different religions - God's kingdom coming in earth as it is in heaven. Giving them a hug afterwards and being blessed by the hugs of by new friends and church family. Seeing Bishop Tommy and seeing his maturity since I came to the church.

Sitting there and the Lord reminding me how badly I wanted to go to DC this past August and how the Lord truly gives us the desires of our hearts and He bought the nations to me, as His inheritant. I thought, how much daddy loves me and numbers the hairs on my head that he would orchestrate the entire festival to come to CITN to Conyers Ga.

Watching the youth run down front to scream a little at P. Scott and Judah sing "one family" in a rap style. The different nations including hip hop and rap being recognized.

Looking at your Bishop, bounce, bounce, bounce on stage at He lives in you and Pr. Debye absolutely doing aerobics as often as she could and you Bishop turning to her to tell her not to clap when they are paying her honor, and her child-like laughter, as in "my bad".

The joy, how I wish we could recapture those moments on DVD but understanding that one had to B ITB on October 7, 2008.

The different religions and nations represented in garments was very special too. And the feeling that I believe I will never forget and the little bottle will help me remember how connected we all were in Conyers Ga.

The pride of Rev. Swilley for his son and daughter-in-law for their accomplishments and their vision. Bishop allowing us to see what it means to grow up in a household where everyone was shown dignity and respect and where race wasn't an issue. How his unbias upbringing was a part of the reason why there was even a church in the now in the first place.

I am grateful for having participated in this beautiful beautiful night. Thank you Bishop and CITN staff and volunteers. You rock!


Water Walker

NTL said...

Bish,
You invited the different. They came and they've gone, yet they remain. Each one of them affected us differently, yet they too were affected, each one differently. There was not a dominator among them, yet each one of them dominated in their own right. Peace was the agenda and it motivated itself. It moved in the waters each one poured and had its way in the bowl of one. We who witnessed this true manifestation are changed. Thanks to you and Pastor Debye, we too are in the different now. Peace.

NTL said...

And I don't think any of us would be surprised if you told us that the Jewish Rabi went to Synagogue In The Now. Shalom

Lise said...

HEY, EVERYBODY :)

Tracy, it's me... Elle... present and accounted for. Been MIA lately. Sorry. Much has been going on, especially this past week.

Man, Africa looks beautiful! Honestly, I never would have imagined, but I've always heard that once you go it's in your blood. I'm sure the experience was unforgetable in so many ways for all who participated.

Sounds like Tuesday night was incredible, as well. Wish I could have been there.

Joe & I might... MIGHT... be making a pretty big decision in the near future, depending largely on this Saturday. We've toyed around several times with this idea, but have never been in a more favorable position to do anything about it until now. Given the current housing market, we're thinking... ONLY THINKING about upgrading to a different home. Mostly because our area is so overbuilt, and our house hasn't appreciated nearly as much as it should have over 12 years. We'd never get our $ back out of it if we were to add the kind of additions that would satisfy us both, so now just might be the time for us to make a move. We'll be looking at 10 homes this Saturday with a realtor (gal I was in high school with), weighing pros and cons, etc., and will go from there. My prayer is that if it is a smart choice, God will let us know somehow. So that's where I've been. On the computer, just a different site. Basements are hard to come by in these parts. I've been researching so much, I feel like my hiney has permanently melded to this chair. Not a good thing.

Anyway, I have blurked from time to time, and my thoughts are with you all more than you know. Glad to hear about all of the great things going on. So, be blessed, everyone, and I'll chat again when I can!

Anonymous said...

Surreal. YES. Thank you Tracy!