Hello and Hutuli!

It's been a while since I last posted and with God's grace I look forward to posting more again soon. God is immensely faithful and there are some big changes happening in my life taking effect soon, you can pray for that if you remember.

I hope all of you are well, and just want to encourage you to look to the Lord, open up your life and He'll open up your eyes to see things amazing everywhere on this planet.

Some old friends of mine, a couple who used to go to the church I grew up in, are missionaries in Romania. I get their email updates from time to time and in the last update there were two things I wanted to share. First is that they could use your prayers as they look for a house. Up until now they made trips in and out of Romania, being based out of the UK, but they've recently moved out there permanently. The work continues and their need now is for a house of their own. Their names are Ian and Sue Paxton.

Secondly, they mentioned a new website that's been created about a people group on the border between Romania and the Ukraine called the Hutuli people. There are only a couple of working pages right now (plenty of pictures!) but I want to put it out their for those of you with praying hearts and passion people and groups around the world. May God's glory be known in every town and country and may His praises be sung in every tongue with which He furnishes His eternal Temple. Glory to God, may our hearts be moved.

Here's the story so far:

"Since I [Ian] have been here I have been helping Misu with a project that started out from one of his daughters needing to build a website at school. She decided to build a site about a group of people called Hutuli. They live near the place Misu has been using to house the camps which is near the border of the Ukraine. They speak their own language which is a mixture of Romanian and Ukrainian and have their own traditions, religion etc. The site has only a few pages so far, I will be updating it as I get the information to put up there. The ideas for the site has grown bigger than the original site for school and Misu would like to open a museum and has other ideas. The people don't know whether to preserve their traditions or just to merge into a modern society. Go to www.hutuli.com The site is both in Romanian and English, to go from one to the other click on the flags at the top of the page."

At posting, only the photo album and the 'Traditions' page were working. Both worth a look, the traditional egg painting is amazing!

I never cease to be amazed by this world which God has created and the beautiful variety in human expression. The extravagance with which our God creates and which is in His purpose is awesome. A living Temple, built in and with the lives of all of us, those He has created; He dwells with and within us! No wonder the angels marvel. We are a mystifying and wondrous work. How I look forward to Heaven. If we see His fingerprint of creation upon this Earth, what will that place be like, that which is Rest and Eternal.

I'll post more updates on my own situation soon. For now, rest in and offer praise to God, marvel in His majesty.

Praise you God!

G.

Haiku

If you haven't been keeping up recently, or haven't ever been there, check out Muse In Verse. Trin's been putting out some really good poetry.

Regards.
G.

Standing Still

Where are you heading...and are you leaving today or tomorrow?


Still facing some of the biggest decisions I've had to make in my life I've been lead to think a lot about the eternal purposes of God. The more and more my life has opened up and I've looked at options before me the more and more I find that the only things that matter are those thing that are going to last forever. The Kingdom of God - that which is coming and that which God is making at this very time in and through each and every day - seems be the thing with which we, who are seeking to follow God, should concern ourselves most. Certainly, as I look and seek to choose a path for myself I find that the bigger the question or possibility before me the more I must weigh it in the light of eternity and the service of the Kingdom.

It's been a difficult process and I hardly feel able to comment having not yet come to a final decision with all that is before me. I wanted to share something that has made itself very evident to me. God is on the move. This isn't some attempt at prophecy nor do I mean it as a cliche statement. It's nothing new. Yet it's something that I think sometimes we forget. Sometimes I think we look at our lives and all that's going on, we think about our plans and where we are going, we think maybe about the world, and we think of God as an observer watching us move along before Him and eager to get involved. Yet the truth is that whether our lives seem to be in a whirlwind or seem to be going nowhere, there is no-one who is moving or acting as much or as fast as God.

The first time we see God is in Genesis, hovering, brooding, preparing, right before He launches into creation, and He hasn't stopped acting or moving since. 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 teaches us that the purpose of God on Earth has been our reconciliation to Him. It has been His purpose through history, is His purpose every day we live on Earth and will not be complete until we rest with Him in eternity beyond this Earth. God is moving, He has plans laid out and nothing can interfere with these, although He gives each of us the option to be involved with Him in them; to take part in His creation of eternity.

It's an amazing thought, and as I said, with my having been stood still in this one spot for such a long time the truth of living for the eternal has begun to glow brighter and brighter before me until it began to glare. As we stand and each day passes so the purposes of God roll on. He works in every life that exists upon this Earth, and no doubt also in governments and actions spanning generations, defying human memory and beyond any human mind. Each day we rise to greet a new morning and watch another day come and another day go. As Christians what are we doing with this time and what are the meditations of our hearts? Are we standing still, are we moving in circles. Are our hearts full of plans and desires so that whilst we acknowledge God and try to seek Him we do not consider the movement of His plans or our place in them? I have come to realise that my life may be still, but God's is not. I could vanish from this Earth tomorrow and God could erase every memory of me, and His purposes will stand - with or without me.

Often times I've imagined great things for my life, thought big ideas and dreamed great dreams, dreams of being woven into the plans of God but it occurs to me, and I've heard it before in Oswald Chambers, that we wait for the great things to come at the peril of today. Oswald's reading for September 10th speaks something to this. My whole life, all the ministry I will ever be able to do is that which is before me today. I can think of how I might encourage many in far away places or in the setting of some church or other, yet those are just possibilities that don't exist yet. They are fancies compared to the real people and opportunities I have around me today. Certainly God prepares things for us to do and will no doubt bring the future things to pass yet the only doorway I have to the future is today. I can and will never get to the plans of tomorrow if I am standing still today, or moving with consideration of Him.

There's more on this that I want to write but rather than open up another can of worms right now I think I want to keep the point simple. As Christians we cannot now ignore the reality which has been opened up to us. We cannot relegate the truth of eternity to the realm of future fantasy as though we will reach it eventually but we can forget about it because it has no bearing upon how things are now. Nor can we acknowledge the reality that eternity is in progress working and being created now, and continue to live according to the boundaries and values the rest of the world uses, leaving our life or actions unaltered, undevoted.

I want to encourage every Christian to truly consider the revelations and the lessons of the Gospel and the realisation that we can spend our lives doing many things but only God's Kingdom will remain. All other kingdoms, all other empires and establishments, lines and families will come to an end. It's a stunning truth but I believe it's a truth nevertheless, that the only thing worth devoting our lives to is God and His service, if we don't devote ourselves to that then we may as well not devote ourselves to anything at all - the time may pass quicker but the end result will be the same.

So it is I find that each day I come to the Lord and I find hope. Whatever the past, however blank the future appears to be, I know that my God is in the present and He is moving, moving fast and with great purpose, and each day He beckons me to join Him on His ride through time; to go with Him on this eternal adventure. I have to choose fast, because the day passes quickly and before I know it I could find another one wasted. If it does end up that way, at whatever point I come to my senses He is always everywhere and always ready to take me onboard, but I don't have to waste it. That first day might not be spectacular or all that I dreamed I might ever do but it is the doorway to the future, the first step into the great plans of God. Each morning I know that I have a choice, and having realised that and knowing that there is nothing else I step up and each day I make that choice, I ask Him, "Lord, on this day, whether tomorrow comes or not, weave me into Your plan." From then on I keep my ear to the ground, seek to live intentionally for the purposes of God and spend whatever time I can with Him or seeking Him.

My God is good, and I have decisions to make, as do we all. As for me, I will surrender my circling to the Lord and choose Him, what about you?

God bless,

G.

The Rose Who Listens

Just a quick hello to new blogspot blogger Samantha Rose who's a friend of mine from Tucson and who, having recently moved to Arlington with her Army husband Stefan (also a good friend) and their new baby Natlya, started writing. She surprised me and I've been enjoying her blogs for a while now on Myspace. Go and pay her a visit at Meditating Rose.

Sam, it's so good to have you around, I'm looking forward to hearing your voice on your new blog.

God bless,
G.

Writing About Reading...

Dave at The Grace Pages has tagged me with a book meme. Not sure how this will turn out:

1. One book that changed your life.
Watchman Nee, The Character of God's Workman

2. One book you've read more than once.
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

3. One book you'd want on a desert island.
I'm trying to think of a book which is a celebration of life and faith, the victorious story of some individual living life and faith, I think I need to read more and longer biographies. Perhaps then I'd just take the Bible (assuming that's already allowed) and 'How to Survive on a Desert Island'. :)

4. One book that made you laugh.
CS Lewis, The Joyful Christian

5. One book that made you cry.
The Bible.

6. One book you wish had been written.
Jane Austen, The Redemption of Willoughby

7. One book you wish had never been written.
Ian Fleming, Casino Royale.

8. One book you're currently reading.
George Eldon Ladd, The Gospel of the Kingdom

9. One book you've been meaning to read.
Ravi Zacharias, Jesus Among Other Gods.

10. Now tag 5 people.
Jaclyn, Dawn, Trin, Mark and Mich.

Well that whole thing was pretty difficult for me. The first question alone was hard enough - I felt as though I could put so many down and yet also that none of them would do. Maybe someone should do a psychological profile on me and figure out where my wires are crossing! :)

Roads and Red Tides

Robert Frost (1874-1963)

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

For almost two years now I've stood at a crossroads. Partly coming from circumstance and shifting situations, yet I know that God is there too. During this time my life has come to a halt. Working has ceased, my routine has crumbled down to the bottom line - leaving only what is necessary to move from day to day - and though sometimes others call me over to help them with something on their path, when I return to my own those here I am.

I’ve been here now for what feels like a very long time. For these two years all my journeying has been inward not outward. Who I am inside has been moving on or shuffling round but my feet have not budged. I see so much darkness inside, at times I feel as though I will never get anywhere I desired, that I am destined to be stuck in a cave away from everyone else. I wonder, “How far was Gollum before he couldn't come back?” I’m always wrestling though because I can't give up - even if I'm not sure I'll win. Always pondering too about that outward decision and which path to take. Sometimes it feels as if I'll never take either and will be stuck here forever. Is this how it was supposed to be?

I look at myself and wonder who I've become. Perhaps this is who I've always been only now the curtain is pushed back, the uniform is off, and here is what has always lied beneath, certainly I am not now where or who I thought I would be. So I look back to try to find myself, to try to find some anchoring truth to help me decide, to help me move on dependable ground, to make the right decision even if it isn't the easiest.

The story wouldn't be complete, however, if I didn't mention there wasn't hope. Though I see much darkness now and the curtain is removed yet is this not a necessary step? Better to have the curtain pulled back and begin the long road to restoration than wander around concealed, even to myself, and never know the truth or have integrity. That is one of my greatest desires, to be sound, to be integrity. I suppose it is a part of the Truth which I value so much, more than anything. Truth in reason, truth in knowing, truth in being, even my own being. I want to be true.

Therefore, seeing reality is a part of that, yet that reality now battles with the other desire within me - to be good. At times I want to be good so much that I am willing to sacrifice truth that I may have it - at least - the appearance of it. It can't last though because reality…is. What's more, my desire for truth will not let me rest like that.

Truth and goodness, they keep me moving on. Though sometimes reality dictates the pace and, oh, how slow it has often seemed, especially now, especially recently.

So here I am sat at that crossroads with my chest pulled apart and looking into my own heart. So much of it has been blacker than I imagined, and how surprisingly mysterious. Yet the truth is that it is not all black. The goodness wasn't all a veil. Some of it is red. Some deep red, and I think, just maybe, the black is in parts becoming red too. I think it's getting better.

Seeing that makes me think of something else that's true - it lifts my eyes to a truth that sometimes I've forgotten but when I remember it, I know there's hope and it gives me joy. The reason I know that there is red, there reason I know it has gotten redder, is because of the Blood.

In all my failings, in all my worthlessness and lack of direction I am truly pitiful and barely a man. I am a small tiny drop in an ocean of generations. Years go by, men live and die and are born. Nations and ages pass. Rules and rulers, customs and accomplishments, and I so small in all of this, in that perspective. Yet, that perspective which is true also shows something else, that over all of this, while I am small, yet it is great. As small as I am in the face of all these things, He and it, are great, even more so.

Jars of Clay wrote a song - Jesus' blood never failed me yet.

I search for truth and I am finding it. I search for goodness and I have found it lacking and I despair. Oh, but then I see the redness and I look and I see the blood, and I know that it is coming. More and more. Above and beyond all things I have given myself to it before and so now I am bound to it and I know that His crimson tide will wash over me, and just as nothing else can stand in its way, nor can I.

So I sit here still, not knowing how things will end up, still having to make a decision, still being who I am, but it all seems less now for in my heart there is a little light, a light of hope, and it wont go out.

God bless,

G.

1 Corinthians 4:2-5

Say Hello To: Godzheart - Lessons From Life

Just a quick note to let you know of a blog I recently came upon. Godzheart, who writes 'Lessons From Life', left me a comment on my other blog 'The Treasury of Kings'. Following her link back I found a great blog which seems to be focusing right now on the life lessons of David. There's some great stuff there so stop by and have a look and say hello to Godzheart!

God bless,
G.

Links etc.

Just a quick reminder because I know I have the habit of, once I'm familiar with a blog, just checking the top of the page for new posts.

Down towards the bottom right of the Hidden Fountain front page, beneath the links, I show a number of book and CD titles which I recommend or am currently reading or listening to. If they're under the recommendations list then, you guessed it, I recommend you take a look at them, even if it's just reading the description on Amazon or something to see if you might be interested. If they're not recommendations, or even if they are, and you're curious feel free to email me or leave a comment asking any questions or for a review or something and I'll be happy to oblige.

One of the best parts of this blogging thing, at least for me, is the input and interaction so don't be shy and make yourself known. Oh, and don't forget to check out some of the other blogs and links listed from time to time. I find that sometimes I manage to forget about a real treasure I found and it's a pleasure to rediscover it.

I know I haven't updated that section very often but I do update it so keep your eyes open. :) Finally, if any links I provide don't work, let me know and I'll fix them.

Alright, God bless, and a hello to all my blogging friends, Jaclyn, Mich, Dave, Trin, Mark, I hope all is well with you, God be with you all - and to any of you whom I don't hear from regularly, thanks for reading and say hello some time, it would be a pleasure to meet you.

G.

PS - A site that has sat quiet for a while now is my other blog The Treasury of Kings. I'm currently talking with Trin about picking that one up soon so keep your eyes open. There's not much there but if you wouldn't mind heading over and re-reading some of the posts to get a feel for things I think there's a lot of potential for a blog where Christian individuals can get together over a question or a subject and dig up the truth and treasures from God's word and share their discoveries. In the words of the Psalmist, 'may we never neglect His word' but let us dive proudly and eagerly into the glorious inheritance handed down to us.

James Hudson Taylor: White Devil

I've not read it but this one has me excited.

A while ago I stumbled onto a project but didn't take much notice of it until I ran into it again recently to find it almost complete and now here it is. The folks over at OMF (formerly the China Inland Mission) whose missionary focus is aimed at East Asian peoples have put together a manga version of the James Hudson Taylor story, called White Devil.



As I've said, I've not read it so I have no idea as to its quality - one would hope and assume it greatly exceeds other comic form publications like Chick tracts (which while having some popularity would be ill received by those familiar with the quality and production of anime and manga) - but to see a missions organisation stepping out into this kind of popular territory is exciting. Obviously manga and its sister anime are more popular in the East which is their target audience for missions but being a viewer of anime here in the West when the medium is just about approaching main stream it is exciting. Those over at the Christian Anime Alliance have been working on producing a manga version of the classic Bunyan tale 'Pilgrim's Progress' and such ideas are hoped for excitedly by Christians who love the form of anime and manga yet find little material compatible with their faith.

The Church so often seems 'behind the times' and plays 'catch-up' with trends hitting society - only recently has the Christian music scene offered productions of equal standard to that which the 'non-religious' musicians and labels have been knocking out for decades. So then, even though this might be 'catch-up' for Christians in the East where manga is everywhere, perhaps something like this can ride along on the very same wave which is just now breaking on Western shores.

According to the website an anime (manga style animation) version is also coming soon and though I know next to nothing as to the effectiveness of such tools in mission in the East - there's a subject I'll have to brush up on - this whole thing, if it's done well, really excites me and fills me with hope. Especially when I think of the many talented and mature Christians for whom something like this could be a breaking new mission field. Christian Mangaka bringing their talents together for the Kingdom of God and telling the Christian story with boldness, skill and beauty.

The bold proclamation of Christianity is that it brings fulness to life. The most glorifying of acts is to appreciate, celebrate and enjoy the great variety and colour God has provided in this life seeing all of it as sacred. Christianity isn't about life in a church building it's about the redemption of the whole world and life in all its facets. Anime and manga have come about as one unique and beautiful way of expressing the life God has given us yet whereas they have, for so long, lacked the one thing that mattered most the beauty and center of our Saviour, King and Creator, perhaps now we'll find the Church able to step up and into this genre with natural ease to bring to the fore true and beautiful expressions of the message and love which is at our very heart.

One can only hope and pray.

In the meanwhile I think I'm going to check this publication out and I encourage all of you to enrich your lives with the various forms of life available to you as well as with the moving and inspiring stories of past Christian men and women. Saints who have thrown their lives away to offer God the fullest opportunity to express His love and desire through them, themselves gaining something even better. They are an encouragement and a challenge to us all. Let us live life to the full with mastery and devotion, beauty and divine expression.

For other expressions of faith through this medium, in various styles, check out:

Psychoteers

Christian Manga/Steelblood

Kingdom Come

Shelter of Wings

Or for more check out the Cognatio web-ring.

And once more, I have it as a link on the right, but for reviews, discussion, information and a whole lot more from a community of anime/manga-loving Christians - CAA

God bless.