PTL for A8800

Never did I think that a ban on church locations could possibly be a good thing for the name of God. Perspective plays a role here, semantics and even longevity. But once having made headline news for six months in the dailies in NYC -- somebody is going to notice.

Bill A8800 bans churches from renting public schools beginning last February 12.

Elected officials thought that they were doing well politically. But apparently God is winning the popular vote.

Past by the state legislature some time ago, A8800 only recently is being put into action. Last week, the polls were 54% to 7% against the bill.

I've been confused about the whole thing and sought information from the media, pastor and the Internet. Only one thing was clear, February 12. That was the date the churches had to be out of the schools.

ECC was not in school that day! We were in Home Group celebrating worship services in three apartments that day. Our normal is bi-weekly Home Groups meetings and bi-weekly joint meetings at Muscota School.

Most churches are now left without facilities and are now scrambling to locate something. Creative measures are fascinating and sad at the same time. Costs are a major factor.

One church in the Bronx got a ten day reprieve.

One church met in the streets. (And vows to continue meeting there.)

Several have combined. A few have disbanded.

We are blessed to continue in our location.

As explained to me, in order to stay at the school, we now call our time a "teaching" period rather than a "worship service." We teach songs and prayers, bible reading and even give speeches. According to A8800, as written, these activities are allowed.

The bill becomes more confusing as to what acts of worship are actually banned. And what is to happen next.

Watching an entire body respond to governmental degrees about how they should and should not worship is a history lesson to me -- like that of the first church under Roman rule.

Only a taste-bud of an inkling of what they dealt with in order to praise God causes me to rejoice that this silly bill has seen daylight. God's name is in bold print in NYC. People are singing in the streets and demanding He be praised aloud.

The effects of this bill will last for years. Every child in every school and family unit is already asking why, what's going on, did I do wrong? The conversations begun between teacher and students, board members and administration are about the entire affair, what action should or should not happen plus community hearings.

One thing the NY State Senate is right about, God does not need to pay rent to be in public schools.

Conversation and Coffee

Coffee is just black / brown liquid sitting in a cup unless someone is sitting on the other side of the table. I used to think this stuff was smelly, yucky and expensive to boot. Now, this is the true liquid gold, not oil from the ground, but perhaps oil from coffee grounds counts as a jumping off place. Oh, all right, hot tea will work in a pinch.

Lets go get a cup of coffee. It translates in all languages or the sentiment does. It opens up deep heart felt longing found in the bottom of the cups. No one needs to make small talk over a warm cup of any thing, small talk is in the steam and passes out-of-the-way. Getting down to real conversation is exposed with every drop.

The fact that I love coffee helps--soda too actually--steam in the hot months works just as well. Asking for the date is the thing.

Do you know every heart needs a cup of coffee?

Shhhh -- It Snowed!

On the evening of February 8, 2012, it actually snowed in NYC, Inwood. I know, I was here! Oh, yes it has snowed earlier like that freak blizzard in October or the one time I was out-of-town.

Nope, it has been a shockingly mild winter here. In Texas too. I know, I was there! When we left here it was 42 degrees. When we landed there, it was 42 degrees. That's a sweater and jacket for me, short sleeves for hubby. But then while in Texas, we roamed about in 60 - 70's.  Back in NYC, it still in the 50's with a few cool days thrown in for good measure.

The real reason I mention all this winter stuff is preparation. Coats, boots, shoes, umbrellas, rain hats, scarves, gloves, extra towels and blankets, guest comforters and extra raincoats. We purchased all of these things in anticipation of our first New York winter.


Who knows when winter will hit.

After all, the earthquake and hurricane happened in the same week!

Trip Thoughts

January 2012 Texas trip thoughts, scroll to bottom of page, click on title, left column.
(posted on Facebook Notes)

We're Baaaack!

Yes our 1/10 - 26/2012 trip to Texas and back has indeed happen! And somewhere I'll post the complete report as soon as I figure out how to do that obviously simple thing. Until that time, I want to share my personal highlight.

Day 8 (1/17)
Shopping with sister  This is my personal highlight. She is more than my sister, a BFF, or fellow Christian. Knowing that we will giggle in Heaven together makes this world okay. 


Oh, and she showered me with a completely new wardrobe!

Of course hubby and I had many many special visits, appointments, sharing the E.C.C. story and the joys of living in Inwood. In fact 1/17 happen to have a shared highlight, but that's another posting. 

This Just In--

It was a very good night...

 Eyslyn Hunte and me. And thanks for the picture Hae Sung!

Did You Know???

That roaches can fly?

Those that formerly enjoyed the hospitality of our front room failed to ask our permission to move-in. They earned airline miles directly into the trash can.

Some roach facts I already knew, like the females were pregnant for life. No fact sheet needs to tell anyone that. Or that they wear they're skeletons outside of their bodies, ho hum.

Interesting face that I did not know or  really care about is that their blood is white. Okay, that explains why there is no red when they are deservedly removed. Um, are you beginning to see how I feel about these creatures?

I realize that they are God's making, yet there are 5,000 species. And there is only one human species. (Really, again that fact sheet--5,000.) Give me a few spiders and I can deal with it. If you have seen the rats here, then you would call the humane society--for your own protection. Mice? No problem as yet here, but the 58 and counting in the 1st floor apartment has me wondering why she has dogs instead of cats...

Did I tell you that every squirrel that I've seen is either black or deep chocolate?

Living in NYC has its own set of tiny creatures who love and are devoted to being with you. None of whom you are prepared to welcome into your precious food and water supply much share the 1,000 year old plumbing and beautiful architecture.

But it is all worth every antenna and whisker to share God's inner peace with a stressed-out professional. Amazing talent is all around us here and each are striving to use that talent to the best of their ability. The pressure they put upon themselves is overwhelming. We are so glad to be here, share and pray that God's Spirit indwell each one.