tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post2335659911059859656..comments2023-09-30T05:42:51.940-04:00Comments on BLOGINTHENOW: Happy Thanksgiving! (Updated)Bishop Jim Swilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367155153494024919noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-5944709011909005732010-12-01T01:51:48.640-05:002010-12-01T01:51:48.640-05:00Bless you for your courage and integrity. May God...Bless you for your courage and integrity. May God's blessing rest upon you and your congregation as you journey into the future.The Rev. Dr. Chris Erdmanhttp://chriserdman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-25256485385512131382010-11-28T13:36:30.391-05:002010-11-28T13:36:30.391-05:00Dear Bish,
Thanks.This letter reminded me that som...Dear Bish,<br />Thanks.This letter reminded me that some of my adult children may yet be hurting since my marriage failed, in 1992.<br />It was deep personality problems, resultling in family voilence. But we both had a part in it, and I cannot blame anyone. So I appreciate your apology, as I may give it to my children. But it does not matter, " who sinned?" Let God get the glory, and believe somehow ,"It's all good."<br />Who is to blame? Whose business is it? I did what I had to do, with the courage God gave me. You and Debbie did what you had to do. God will heal the hurt. <br /> In this information about the reason you divorced, I must seek to love and understand and seek clarity and healing--as I would want my children to towards me and their dad.<br />But, even thought this was in <br />1992, I ask for prayers for me and my kids, because I still wish the divorce has not happened. And my family and I are still wounded.<br />Thanksgiving, one of my children's conversation, remined me that he is still living in the pain of the dysfuntional marriage and violent divorce.<br />I think one reason my divorce has been so hard on me, is that I was<br />so legalistic. The spirit heals, but legalism kills.<br />So let's look to the spirit to get clarity, acceptance, peace, and healing for our families and for the church family.<br />"Love your neighbor as yourself."<br /><br />Anon in North GAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-54859132445609468712010-11-27T18:43:49.674-05:002010-11-27T18:43:49.674-05:00Ditto what Melissa said.Ditto what Melissa said.tracyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18353650096163818788noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-20230881654634133022010-11-27T03:16:18.686-05:002010-11-27T03:16:18.686-05:00Bishop, saw the email/letter and appreciate it, bu...Bishop, saw the email/letter and appreciate it, but really do not understand those who it seems it was written to. Love All and whosoever will, and did not relate to the paradigm of who much of it seemed to be written to. <br /><br />We Love you and always have. All is good in that regard. The other aspects We don’t really relate to. I guess We are a little slow there. That’s OK, We are glad to be slow in certain areas. <br /> <br />Love All those that the email was for. Godspeed to All. <br /><br />We are here --- always have been, always will be, Support 100%. <br /><br />All Good. Agreement with All, whosoever will, -- does. Whosoever won’t, does not. <br /><br />All Good, and blessings either way. Selah.Erikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09639126458428187942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-6458986406400483322010-11-26T22:48:04.523-05:002010-11-26T22:48:04.523-05:00Avatar, I loved this! "When two-spirit people...Avatar, I loved this! "When two-spirit people are recognized for their true worth (and realize themselves, no matter what anyone in their lives says to the contrary), we will ALL live in a better world and in better relationships"<br /><br />Pastor DennisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-53812462289897152892010-11-26T22:34:50.934-05:002010-11-26T22:34:50.934-05:00Oh, and can't wait for the new "School of...Oh, and can't wait for the new "School of the Bible V" and the new book!<br /><br />Pastor DennisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-86780274444807142132010-11-26T22:22:48.704-05:002010-11-26T22:22:48.704-05:00Just beautiful Bishop! Comforting, encouraging, he...Just beautiful Bishop! Comforting, encouraging, heartfelt words along with a sagacity speaking directly to my spirit; emanating a deep peace penetrating the very soul....<br />Love ya Bro!<br />Pastor DennisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-37777653629249902562010-11-24T23:51:09.515-05:002010-11-24T23:51:09.515-05:00"My love allows people and events to unfold a..."My love allows people and events to unfold as they need."<br /><br />Your writing often prompts me to respond with a favorite quotation...<br />This particular quotation expresses what is in the deepest parts of my heart regarding recent events surrounding you, P. Debye and CITN...<br /><br />"The face of love is variable. I am able to love without demanding that my relationships assume the structures and forms I might choose for them. My love is fluid, flexible, committed, creative. My love allows people and events to unfold as they need. My love is not controlling. It does not dictate or demand. My love allows those I love the freedom to assume the forms most true to them. I release all those I love from my preconceptions of their path. I allow them the dignity of self-definition while I offer them a constant love that is every variable in shape." ~Julia Cameron<br /><br />I offer you that kind of Love...the God-kind....Melissa Hallnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-2388503310581987822010-11-24T22:41:59.097-05:002010-11-24T22:41:59.097-05:00Dear Bish, P. Deb, and fellow bloggers,
I receive...Dear Bish, P. Deb, and fellow bloggers,<br /><br />I received a copy of this letter today, and read it aloud in the car (from my cell). No, I wasn't driving. Good thing, too. (Oy! The tears!)<br /><br />I'm glad you addressed the situation. Particularly, unspoken questions, etc. We were stunned with your announcement. I never even realized you were divorced.<br /><br />Yes, it was/is a lot to process. Like juggling (emotions) while tight rope walking. (one of my daughters is separating, a friend's undergoing chemo, another's mom is having radiation, another's addicted to antidepressants;seizures from lack of sleep. All the grands repeatedly had some form of school crud... etc. Just... information overload for me. <br /><br />Honestly? I don't know how this changes everything. I still honor the call and anointing on your lives. Even if I rarely say (write) it. Please don't mistake silence for indifference/aversion; just processing.<br /><br />I pray that your Thanksgiving is truly peaceful. <br /><br />Good night, beloved Universe. So much to be thankful for.Izumi/JOYnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-27576071882976843622010-11-24T19:53:07.252-05:002010-11-24T19:53:07.252-05:00Bishop, Just want you to know from me, that I am s...Bishop, Just want you to know from me, that I am so proud to have you as my Bishop. I am absolutely fine with all of the REAL you. Just recently, I recommitted myself to GOD and to my CITN church family, financially and spiritually...IT IS ALL GOOD!! Much Love, Stephanie GaleStephanie Galenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-89395313478004335382010-11-24T17:11:45.851-05:002010-11-24T17:11:45.851-05:00Hey Bish,
All I know is I have known you and Pasto...Hey Bish,<br />All I know is I have known you and Pastor Debye for 17 years and in that time you have always been there for me. You were there when my Mom passed, you were there when I got sick, praying for me, encouraging me, checking on me... You have always spoken truth into my life and I know you are my pastor. I love you...nuf said<br />Linda Richardsonlindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16411041232405600949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-57092611252941953762010-11-24T15:56:17.506-05:002010-11-24T15:56:17.506-05:00Bishop,
Thank you for WHO you are. I love you an...Bishop, <br /><br />Thank you for WHO you are. I love you and P. Debye and choose to support you and stand by you with not just my attendance, but my financial support and servitude to the on going vision of CITN. <br /><br />You have made all that I have learned from you all the more real. I know some can not "go" there with you and that's ok. But as for Kevin and I, we got your back! lol. We do love and honor the Spirit within you that continuously feeds us the words of life! <br />Thank you for being a true Pastor...even in the midst of your own personal challenges...you always take the time to care for us and our emotional needs! You always say for us to "get ours"...well I guess right now I feel like it's time for me to not be so needy and lift you up for a change! We as a body will get through this and as for the NOW, we are definately becoming stronger,it's pushing us to grow and directing us towards our greatness...CITN is looking soo good! <br />Love you so much, have an amazing, stress free, relaxing, and peaceful Thanksgiving with your family...do lots of laughing!<br /><br />Love <br />Pam Thompsonptrain007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-36904068744187482932010-11-24T15:04:06.626-05:002010-11-24T15:04:06.626-05:00Tears after reading your heart in the letter. Elle...Tears after reading your heart in the letter. Elle said it so well! Even though I live a few hours away, your ministry has impacted my life! <br /><br />I am still wraping my mind around it...even though I may not be able to completely comprehend or understand it all...I don't need too! I do understand in part....but am confused...the main thing JESUS!<br /><br />I have more than enough working out my own salvation to judge anyone else!<br /><br /><br />I so appreciate your integrity and honesty...it's a rare find these days!<br /><br />Main thing that I wanted to say is that I love you & Debye!!!!<br /><br />Blessings & HAPPY Thanksgiving!! =)<br /><br />Linda L.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-89489877069524951042010-11-24T14:31:53.057-05:002010-11-24T14:31:53.057-05:00Classy!
I won't lie; I was stunned, and I thin...Classy!<br />I won't lie; I was stunned, and I think I must have missed some things when streaming was shut down for awhile. When I was able to stream again, I wondered why Debye no longer shared the platform with you or did announcements or ministered once in awhile. I just assumed that it was because Judah had taken on a new role and that the church was utilizing him more.<br /><br />I hope you don't take offense to this, because you're my Bish, and you're anointed, and I know that... but I think what I felt more than anything was a sense of loss... a grieving of the dissolution of a marriage that to perhaps many of us seemed nearly perfect. No one nor any one marriage is perfect, but some of us can certainly use a good example from time to time. I appreciate the fact that Debye knew. I guess, in my opinion, that makes what you and she shared/share true love. Respect, in or out of marriage is enviable and often hard to come by. I'm not sure why that is, but I can see that the two of you have respect for one another. If not, CITN never would have grown to be what it is.<br /><br />So, yes... you rocked our world a little bit, but thanks for being honest. I learned many years ago that it's best not to pass judgment at all, but especially in regard to things that I could never possibly understand. And let me just say, there are MANY things in life that I'll never understand. So, best just to look to the author and finisher of my faith and to mind my own business. Heaven knows my own life is plenty enough to tend to!<br /><br />I hope that you, Debye and all your family members have a truly blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving! <br /><br /><3 Lisa (elle)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-40303178907305187032010-11-24T14:05:10.562-05:002010-11-24T14:05:10.562-05:00(Updated)...Happy Thanksgiving, blog fam and also ...(Updated)...Happy Thanksgiving, blog fam and also to you, Bishop! <br /><br />Okay, this is probably wrong, but...I'm thinking the Message version of Philippians 1:3 actually supports lots of exclamation points! (SMILE!!!)<br /><br />"Our situation"...those are the important words for me.<br /><br />Last paragraph...I do, they are, I am, I will.<br /><br />Last sentence...amen.<br /><br />Salutation...ditto.Avatarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272707274578250714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-30417091738468155892010-11-24T13:21:00.631-05:002010-11-24T13:21:00.631-05:00Anon@7:17 I like your post. I woke this morning w...Anon@7:17 I like your post. I woke this morning with similar thoughts. The distilled version: is it possible that deep within us all the "separation" is about giving up on the struggle to manifest the truth of our oneness? <br /><br />It is much easier to sense the peace of oneness when we "separate" into "like" groups. But, they always degenerate into a form of spiritual death for the members. (Frighteningly, into harm of all forms for non-members)<br /><br />I see it is in learning how to celebrate our oneness with ALL--being willing to seek to understand AND opening up to being understood...to be challenged without giving up--in THAT tension-filled place, that life, eternal life, can be known. And in that place the sword Jesus came to bring makes sense...He did not come to bring the peace sought by the old system, but the shalom of being whole.<br /><br />On the GLBT label: I sense, with gratitude, that two-spirit people bring an opportunity for understanding more about the concept Paul hinted at when he said there is no male/female in Christ. No labels...invest the time to get to know your "neighbor"...be in relationship...or have no opinion. <br /><br />When two-spirit people are recognized for their true worth (and realize themselves, no matter what anyone in their lives says to the contrary), we will ALL live in a better world and in better relationships.Avatarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16272707274578250714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-37589718761542764172010-11-24T08:56:29.611-05:002010-11-24T08:56:29.611-05:00God Bless you, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Than...God Bless you, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!<br />Thank you for being such an inspiration, and role model.<br />You have gained a fellow laborer in the ministry here in Oklahoma.<br /><br />Again God bless you!<br /><br />~Prophet MichealAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09757348531759892585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-73638711470533275212010-11-24T07:17:52.754-05:002010-11-24T07:17:52.754-05:00You have heard it said that there are thousands of...You have heard it said that there are thousands of denominations (divisions)across this planet that separate humanity according to their paradigm (doctrines)...<br />I say that there are actually close to 7 billion individual sets of "rules" or "religions" that uniquely govern each of us...<br /><br />There is only ONE Being amongst us that speaks ALL 7 billion languages that separates us from one another...unity occurs from "hearing" that voice which speaks our unique language...<br /><br />The restoration of ALL begins with the restoration of ONE...<br /><br />Our natural state of Being is that of well-being (wholeness)...<br /><br />I am thankful to be an important part of a covenant community that is connecting and speaking the Source language of Love that transcends all "labels" and all "isms"...<br /><br />Being labeled as LGBT is just a means to that end...a redefining of what that label really means is imminent as the message from and through us reaches many from a global platform...a new WORD is coming forth...a new Reality...<br /><br />Enjoy your day as you bask in the ease and effortlessness of Our Creator in our daily routines and lives!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-85392064282726248652010-11-23T23:28:44.433-05:002010-11-23T23:28:44.433-05:00Since I am the first, let me say Bish that I am gr...Since I am the first, let me say Bish that I am grateful to know a man of integrity and courage. This has been a difficult process for me/sitting in the pews/but I thank youfor your candor and realness. This is the second year after my mom's death and holidays hold mixed emotions. I am thank-full for a place of hope for myself and others as life continues bring trials and test, I find a real church family who loves me. I thank youBish and Pr Debye for depicting real life in front of us. Your annoucement last month really stretched me but I am so grateful that I have been taught by you as my spirtual dad to hear the whole matter. I am grateful for my daily bread/God's mercy and loving kindnes and grace. I thank God for a church called NOW..speaking spiritspeaking spiritnoreply@blogger.com