tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53891550110601755252011-07-30T11:30:25.513-06:00thoughts on living into the missio deisteve boneshonoreply@blogger.comBlogger1841100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-46913201678319010262011-03-13T21:01:00.003-06:002011-03-13T21:06:47.528-06:00

Is this Lenten season about our personal persistence and disciple? Is it about God's persistent effort to be known fully and revealed perfectly in Christ? Or is it a both/and?

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-36410122911490808162011-03-12T09:56:00.005-06:002011-03-12T10:47:07.806-06:00

Sometime yesterday, shortly after posting the prayer from St Francis below, the energy released from the shifting of two tectonic plates on the ocean's floor began to shake the foundation of the earth and cause wave upon wave to rise up and plow relentlessly into the coast of Japan. Sublime beauty everywhere? In order that we should not be frightened? Destruction, death and despair everywhere.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-15138762331958184522011-03-11T08:28:00.002-06:002011-03-11T08:31:47.801-06:00

Dear God, please reveal to usyour sublimebeautythat is everywhere, everywhere, everywhereso that we will never againfeel frightened.My divine love, my love,please let us touchyour face.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-74425218918532684772011-03-10T08:41:00.004-06:002011-03-10T13:32:17.928-06:00

Life is a journey. We can travel alone or together. I’m pretty sure Christ wants us to walk it together with all his talk of one body, sending people out in pairs to do his work, and promised presence when two or more gather in his name.Last night we started a journey- together. A Lenten journey marked by a commitment to pay closer attention to God’s presence in our lives. Do we hear the

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-549226786587053542010-04-03T11:04:00.000-06:002010-04-03T11:06:04.188-06:00

a day of rest (and following the rules)- (Luke 23:56b)And the people rested not wanting to break the Sabbath commandment.Would these stones hold him?Would the stone in front of the tomb hold him?Would this be the last to be heard of the country boy from Nazareth?

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-76093183668593836232010-04-02T20:02:00.001-06:002010-04-02T20:10:02.002-06:00

death on a friday afternoon (Luke 23:44-56)At noon the sun's light failed and the curtain in the temple was torn in two.He breathed his last committing his spirit to his father. The very man who killed him confesses him as innocent and praises God. The crowd beat their chests. As the women who followed him watch helplessly. The lifeless body is laid in a tomb.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-25866427683626999682010-04-02T19:51:00.002-06:002010-04-03T11:06:54.573-06:00

with one on his left and one on his right (Luke 23:26-42)Jesus is led out in the streets early on Friday morning. He laments over what will become of the city that has rejected him as he carries his cross to the rocky knoll where he will die."Shouldn't such a mighty king be able to save himself?" The criminals that hang on his left and his right argue about their own life and death. The man of

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-38252297813794540492010-04-01T19:39:00.002-06:002010-04-01T19:46:05.096-06:00

in the dark alone (Luke 22:47-23:25)Under the cover of darkness, one friend betrays him with a kiss. Another denies he knows him. He is mocked and beaten. And stands alone before a kangaroo court. Shuttled off into the night for sentencing. The powerful pass the buck on who is responsible. But it is finally the people who welcomed him earlier in the week that sign his death sentence and instead

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-45535812603409490192010-04-01T19:29:00.003-06:002010-04-01T19:46:22.398-06:00

with friends like these... (Luke 22:7-46)Knowing his time has nearly come, he gathers his friends for a meal and an invitation to remember him. His followers miss the point and instead argue about who is the greatest.Certainly it is Peter, but Jesus tells them that Peter will deny knowing Jesus three times before the sun rises the following day. Rejection and redemption are at hand as his friends

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-64010799693398639852010-03-31T06:38:00.003-06:002010-03-31T06:43:31.900-06:00

fear, betrayal, and thirty pieces of silver- (Luke 22:1-6)Jesus has enemies, worldly and otherworldly. And his enemies are afraid. They have heard enough and decided that he must go.Quickly and permantently they plan to shut him up."Let's see if these stones can talk as he told us when he entered the city." There is one rock waiting to speak on his behalf. Golgotha is clearing his throat.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-81549780726952318852010-03-30T14:38:00.001-06:002010-03-30T14:48:23.770-06:00

sadducees, scribes, little old ladies, and the army of one- (Luke 20:27-21:38)The country boy from Nazareth has become quite a spectacle and caught the eye of the powerful and important. The reasonable and intellectual Sadducees are curious. The scribes and Pharisees are becoming furious. But he has come on behalf of the entire world, paying close attention to the people who live humbly and

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-9907673259577769802010-03-29T11:27:00.002-06:002010-03-29T11:37:12.700-06:00

stirring the pot from the start- (Luke 19:28-20:26) It doesn't take Jesus long to start mixing things up with the crowds who had welcomed him with praise and fanfare as he entered Jerusalem. When they raised palms and shouted Hosanna hoping he was their long expected savior they didn't know he was coming to save them from themselves. Your nationalism and defense efforts won't save you he said

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-84260764643934127942010-01-27T09:47:00.002-06:002010-01-27T09:48:59.741-06:00

Lord, help us to sow good seed.Since we will be the ones eating from the harvest.God Is No Stranger, p. 50

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-73510186057339374132010-01-26T16:42:00.002-06:002010-01-26T16:44:32.992-06:00

Don't say I can't feed my child or put him in school.Say I lack faith.God Is No Stranger, p. 90

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-80734655435707221142010-01-25T06:17:00.003-06:002010-01-25T06:19:36.419-06:00

Lord, What we were yesterday is not what we are today.What we are today is not what we were yesterday.All me hated we now love.All we loved, we now hate.God Is No Stranger, p. 62

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-64195435816691853682010-01-24T09:41:00.002-06:002010-01-24T09:43:25.863-06:00

Lord, if we are alive today in spite of hurricanes and sickness, we should say,"Thank you Lord. We must be here for a purpose."God Is No Stranger, p. 94.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-6769956463653032742010-01-22T12:16:00.004-06:002010-01-25T06:20:08.843-06:00

Don't put your load of trouble in a basket on your head.Put them on Jesus head.You won't have head aches.God Is No Stranger, p. 86

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-11587402058984692422010-01-21T15:28:00.003-06:002010-01-21T15:31:07.789-06:00

Father, they say that I am poor.Thank you, Father.May I also be poor in spirit, that I may inherit the Kingdom of God.God Is No Stranger, p. 54

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-36921320867932675792010-01-20T09:03:00.002-06:002010-01-20T09:05:23.854-06:00

Father, we are all hungry baby birds this morning.Our heart-mouths are gaping wide, waiting for you to fill us.God Is No Stranger, p. 14

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-50290574677746476832010-01-19T07:52:00.002-06:002010-01-19T07:54:08.381-06:00

Life without Jesus is a sewing machine come unthreaded.You pass over but you sew nothing.God Is No Stranger, p. 80

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-45687233441145289622010-01-18T09:49:00.001-06:002010-01-20T09:06:00.426-06:00

16 April 1963My Dear Fellow Clergymen:While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would have little time for anything other than such correspondence in the course of the

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-30214783498009165532010-01-18T06:11:00.003-06:002010-01-18T06:13:57.209-06:00

Lord, if we are alive today in spite of hurricanes, hunger and sickness, we should say, "Thank you Lord. We must be here for a purpose."God Is No Stranger, p. 94

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-73656728733014735682010-01-17T21:39:00.003-06:002010-01-21T15:31:39.929-06:00

Lord, I know my garden doesn't grow or produce unless I work it and visit it.So, please Lord, work and visit the garden of my heart.I want to produce for You.God Is No Stranger, p. 108.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-29110872790426429102010-01-16T08:01:00.003-06:002010-01-16T08:06:27.593-06:00

Lord, thank you that you have given us the name Christian.Now, give us the strength to carry it. God Is No Stranger, p. 6.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-56421016710281434462010-01-15T09:46:00.004-06:002010-01-16T08:06:06.086-06:00

Lord, our hearts are like a storeroom for all the tools needed to do our work.Our mouths are the doors to the storeroom.Put in our hearts the tools of love and grace.God Is No Stranger, p. 64

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-23098268611450355252010-01-14T09:51:00.004-06:002010-01-14T09:57:27.562-06:00

Time spent waiting in airports is usually mindless and useless for me. Listening to music, reading, browsing a shop or two. While waiting for our return flight to board in Port-au-Prince in August, I came across a Haitian prayer book, God is No Stranger. It captures the depth and simplicity of the spirituality of the Haitian people alongside a picture of the person who offered the prayer.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-39481211579577893182010-01-11T19:54:00.001-06:002010-01-11T19:55:43.441-06:00

Recipe TimePost yours in the comments

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-5663097132902098832009-12-25T13:58:00.002-06:002009-12-25T14:00:55.514-06:00

On How to be a Manger (Barbara Germait)be emptybe sturdybe soft insidebe stillbe readyMerry Christmas!

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-15842668535072313662009-12-08T12:34:00.004-06:002009-12-08T12:46:43.446-06:00

gen·er·a·tive (jen′ər āt′iv, -ər ə tiv)adjective- having the power or function of generating, originating, producing, or reproducingI am pretty sure most people want to be generous. I mean, does anyone really want to be a scrooge? I think most people wish they had more money (me included) and many people wish they had more so they could give more of it away. Sharing our blessing does something

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-53398720469132774032009-11-30T19:03:00.013-06:002009-12-01T10:10:40.554-06:00

This year, River of Joy will once again be participating in the Advent Conspiracy.Last year we helped with clean water efforts in Nigeria. This year we are conspiring to stock a global barnyard of animals for unknown brothers and sisters around the world. Care to buy some chickens to help a family in the third world? How bout a duck? A pig? An alpaca? Perhaps a cow to provide milk or maybe

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-81342540339394986072009-11-19T11:23:00.005-06:002009-11-19T11:29:26.389-06:00

a poem written by homeless advocate julia dinsmore read by danny glover

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-8423481750211837292009-11-06T10:36:00.000-06:002009-11-06T10:37:15.068-06:00

TransFORM: Missional Community Formation from TransFORM on Vimeo.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-86160164556476019042009-10-16T08:34:00.004-06:002009-10-16T08:42:48.263-06:00

This is Nenason Msola, an evangelist in Tanzania. Yesterday some missional friends from MN bought him a new bike on behalf of River of Joy. Click here to read more. Thanks Don and Karen!

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-75082482410968499292009-10-14T08:42:00.001-06:002009-10-14T08:42:30.266-06:00

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-87025682473345955272009-10-13T08:09:00.002-06:002009-10-14T08:42:49.638-06:00

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-71760800192167344072009-09-02T12:04:00.007-06:002009-09-03T11:20:02.401-06:00

I just read a story in the Pioneer Press that reported that returning servicemen from Iraq and Afghanistan bring aggressive, self-preserving driving habits home with them when they return to the states. A quarter of those surveyed indicated that they had run through a stop sign or driven down the middle of the road without regard to oncoming traffic; not polite (or legal) driving practices in

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-83095962169608076002009-08-28T05:47:00.003-06:002009-08-28T06:06:05.028-06:00

We took a two hour journey up into the mountains yesterday and visited a children’s rescue center called Real Hope for Haiti. This center focuses on providing crisis nutritional care for young children. We met a two year old girl (in the picture above being held) who came to the center the previous day. At age two she weighs only 14 pounds. The name does this clinic well. There is a

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-8921651711132714912009-08-27T05:42:00.005-06:002009-08-27T05:54:25.516-06:00

Yesterday we visited three orphanages. The hardship with which life is lived in Haiti is hard to comprehend unless you see it. Yet there is hope in the eyes of children and teens who dream of being doctors and lawyers and making this island a better place. One moment I find myself thinking that there is no future for this island as I see the squalor and poverty and the next I meet a person

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-51960551091864903842009-08-26T05:31:00.010-06:002009-08-26T05:43:13.099-06:00

I spent the first half of my employed life working for a big brown delivery company. The challenge of getting boxes from here to there in the most efficient and economical way was amazingly energizing for me. Today we saw God’s fleet of delivery vehicles and met his delivery drivers. Unlike what we are accustomed to seeing, the vehicles aren’t standardized, and neither are the drivers. And the

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-56060961095392909322009-08-24T18:56:00.004-06:002009-08-24T19:06:52.330-06:00

Before I left MSP I stopped at a cash machine and withdrew $300 for travel expenses during the trip. As we left the airport in Port Au Prince traveling in a steel mesh enclosed truck the level of poverty that the people of this country wrestle with every day became all too evident. The $300 dollars I had stashed in my luggage and in my wallet is nearly equal to a year’s wages for the average

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-28472560486775105812009-08-23T23:54:00.006-06:002009-08-24T00:51:48.429-06:00

Waiting. Patiently. Not a strong suit for many of us. I just spent three hours waiting in a plane parked at a departure gate for the repair of a radio. Would have been easier to wait if the captain had not told us that the radio that they needed to fix was for international use (we were on a domestic flight) but it needed to be fixed per FAA regulations nonetheless.I waited patiently for the

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-12553351869523890982009-08-22T23:10:00.007-06:002009-08-23T07:52:36.982-06:00

It has been an interesting week. A week ago, we gathered in a park with some friends from neighboring faith communities to raise awareness (and money) around the issue of hunger in our local and global community. We did it because Jesus asks us to care for those who are hungry. We did it because to do so gave us life and connected us to something much larger than ourselves. Last Wednesday, we

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-88129158551438475042009-08-03T10:46:00.002-06:002009-08-03T10:50:48.951-06:00

I look out the windowThe birds are composingNot a note is out of tuneOr out of placeI look at the meadowAnd stare at the flowersBetter dressed than any girlOn her wedding daySo why do I worry?Why do I freak out?God knows what I needYou know what I needOur God in heavenHallowed beThy name above all namesYour kingdom comeYour will be doneOn earth as it is in heavenGive us today our daily

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-91610988821372074082009-07-21T14:31:00.003-06:002009-07-21T15:07:13.846-06:00

The story continues and invites all who hear into it's life-giving movement and rhythm...

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-1816379866708387182009-06-09T08:20:00.005-06:002009-06-09T08:31:24.064-06:00

Lloyd-Jones and Jago have team up to bring a truly inspired gift to the world in this amazing children's Bible. Every story they share through word and art indeed whispers the name of Christ.An excerpt:"God looked at everything he had made. "Perfect!" he said. and it was.But all the stars and the mountains and oceans and galaxies and everything were nothing compared to how much God loved his

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-67522801404361271312009-06-01T08:21:00.004-06:002009-06-01T08:28:22.690-06:00

Somtimes we can get lost and think that the mission of God somehow belongs to us as Christians and to us as the church. It is comforting to know that the opposite is actually true. We as Christians, and collectively as the church, belong to the mission of God. We belong to it. It is not ours. We are its. In this truth we should find peace and hope beyond measure.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-13401280075145455612009-04-28T07:28:00.003-06:002009-04-28T07:42:44.534-06:00

"I AM in Midtown Manhattan, where drivers still play their car horns as if they were musical instruments and shouting in restaurants is sport."I am a long way from the warm breeze of voices I heard a week ago on Easter Sunday.“Glorify your name,” the island women sang, as they swayed in a cut sandstone church. I was overwhelmed by a riot of color, an emotional swell that carried me to sea..."

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-2100485057454689102009-04-27T14:12:00.001-06:002009-04-27T14:12:51.371-06:00

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-38447671293461246732009-04-20T10:22:00.003-06:002009-04-21T07:13:03.085-06:00

I was on Facebook today and a friend noted that Easter is not a single festival day but a season of new life and re-creation in Christ. It made me think of the quote below and the gift we have been given- to participate in this season of newness and life that has been passed down from sinner/saint hybrids through the ages. Resurrection living was here before we were born and will move forward

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-84824242191409448272009-04-05T08:09:00.002-06:002009-04-05T08:18:52.074-06:00

\Jesus and his rag tag band of misfit soldiers are laying seige to Jerusalem. Within a few days, they will betray, desert, and deny their commander leaving one casuality...an apparent defeat...then VICTORY.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-29204770216771788982009-04-01T10:50:00.000-06:002009-04-01T10:51:33.046-06:00

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-10930779562708117692009-03-26T07:49:00.003-06:002009-03-26T07:56:34.841-06:00

St. Augustine (354-430) lived in what is now modern day Algeria. Probably the most influential philospher/theologian of the early church. Click here to read more about Augustine.“This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections.”

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-33584445969579662012009-03-23T08:07:00.002-06:002009-03-23T08:16:58.758-06:00

With a catalyst of Ignatius and his six friends who founded the Jesuit order, the gospel and it's freeing for the sake of love of neighbor has (and continues) to shape and challenge our collective life together on this blue boat we call earth.Probably one of the best films ever produced about spiritual life and the struggles of church, culture, and personal freedom and responsiblity. Certainly

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-56916171491318501062009-03-20T11:12:00.003-06:002009-03-20T11:16:41.772-06:00

Another saint of Spanish origin who lived at the time of the reformation. Founder of the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, the largest of Roman Catholic monastic orders.“Teach us to give and not to count the cost”

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-29242471855284284672009-03-17T14:21:00.001-06:002009-03-17T14:22:18.108-06:00

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-16714715118514440892009-03-12T11:03:00.002-06:002009-03-12T11:07:44.995-06:00

Irish saint of great reknown who was a missionary at the end of the 4th and start of the 5th century. Click here for more history.Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-28741538268332828522009-03-10T10:18:00.002-06:002009-03-10T10:21:33.128-06:00

Laughter Came From Every BrickJust these two words He spokechanged my life,"Enjoy Me."What a burden I thought I was to carry--a crucifix, as did He.Love once said to me, "I know a song,would you like to hear it?"And laughter came from every brick in the streetand from every porein the sky.After a night of prayer, Hechanged my life whenHe sang,"Enjoy Me."

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-11790528399234128352009-03-10T10:15:00.001-06:002009-03-10T10:17:56.144-06:00

Not Yet TickledHow did those priests ever get so seriousand preach all that gloom?I don't think Godtickled themyet.Beloved--hurry.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-18224772793898228102009-03-06T07:45:00.003-06:002009-03-10T10:22:43.618-06:00

Clarity is FreedomI had tea yesterday with a great theologian,and he asked me,"What is your experience of God's will?"I like the question-for the distillation of thought hones thought in others.Clarity, I know, is freedom.What is my experience of God's will?Everyone is a traveler. Most all need lodging, food,and clothes.I let enter my mouth what will enrich me. I wear whatwill make my eye

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-31313084531340010352009-03-05T08:11:00.002-06:002009-03-05T08:21:32.037-06:00

Another Spanish mystic/poet(1515-1582), Teresa's work is marked by a deep desire for unity with God in all things to be realized through prayer and meditation.From a distance all want to enter His house.Once near, watch out for the guard dogs--both four-legged and two.Some of them arecrazy ashell.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-49794802682329770812009-03-01T12:10:00.006-06:002009-03-05T08:11:17.270-06:00

St John of the Cross was involved in the reform movement in Spain among his particular monastic order, the Carmelites. Kidnapped, imprisoned and beaten by a group of rival monks he penned the poem found below about this experience. St John of the Cross was excommunicated by one pope during his lifetime for his work of reform but subsequently canonized by papal decree 131 years after his death.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-67641437584380314362009-02-27T09:39:00.002-06:002009-02-27T09:42:09.004-06:00

ArroganceThe weight of arrogance is suchthat no bird can flycarrying it.And the man who feels superiorto others, that man cannot dance,the real dance when the soul takes Godinto its arms and you both fallonto your knees ingratitude,a blessed gratitudefor life.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-41509727655664421862009-02-26T14:15:00.004-06:002009-02-27T09:42:40.043-06:00

The Essence of DesireI did nothave to ask my heart what it wanted,because of all the desires I have ever known just one did I cling tofor it was the essenceof all desire:to hold beauty inmy soul'sarm.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-19062907832936337502009-02-25T13:24:00.002-06:002009-02-25T13:30:37.872-06:00

Spanish mystic poet (1542-1591) who was forcibly converted to Christianity as a child and would eventually become Carmelite friar and reformer. More history.“In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.”

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-61255025049391301912009-01-23T08:12:00.007-06:002009-01-23T08:17:12.966-06:00

Every house where love abidesAnd friendship is a guest,Is surely home, and home sweet homeFor there the heart can rest.Henry Van Dyke

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-38596435017888132412009-01-21T16:59:00.007-06:002009-01-21T17:52:02.104-06:00

I appreciate the public proclamation of theology and scripture immensely as it is expressed on the side of this building in the lower ninth ward in New Orleans. And the image above captures a pain that is unknowable for someone who has not lived in one of the most violent cities in the United States. But in fairness to the scripture, it needs to be noted that there are two chapters of Genesis

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-1929203411657745692009-01-20T17:07:00.005-06:002009-01-20T17:49:54.619-06:00

" Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many.They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-29379024494004979622009-01-07T14:36:00.002-06:002009-01-07T14:42:56.473-06:00

Thought I would share a poem that a friend wrote recently that I found to be inpsiring as we move into the new year.anger aggravates, accommodates, advocates abuse. authenticity awakens action. beatitudes bear burdens with bold, brave, beautiful belief. condemnation consumes, confines, confuses, cancels, quenches.charity cheerfully choses changeless truthful chance.desolate isolation destructs,

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-35517531939642650422008-12-22T11:10:00.002-06:002008-12-22T11:13:32.532-06:00

I waited patiently for the LORD;he inclined to me and heard my cry.He drew me up from the pit of destruction,out of the miry bog,and set my feet upon a rock,making my steps secure.He put a new song in my mouth,a song of praise to our God.psalm 40:1-3

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-53331024072400381292008-12-16T15:24:00.004-06:002008-12-22T12:20:19.320-06:00

Jesus associates child-like eyes with our ability to see the kingdom of God in our lives and the world around us. On Saturday I invited the kids at ROJ to make Christmas cards to go with the gifts that we are giving to residents of a local teen homeless shelter. I told the ROJ kids that these children will not be spending this Christmas with their moms and dads.The card below reflects

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-1328807930643818442008-12-10T11:52:00.003-06:002008-12-10T14:28:31.375-06:00

I think John Mayer has humanity pegged in identifying our inability to change the world on our own. You can be an armchair critic, a passionate and zealous advocate, or and indifferent clod. None of these will change the world.The good news for the world is that we don't have to change the world because Christ already has! This is why we celebrate Christmas, because the light that causes

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-84789491964435740962008-12-05T11:20:00.004-06:002008-12-22T11:15:09.002-06:00

I gave away my first glovebox bundle last night as we headed downtown to a concert. Three things about sharing this gift are stuck in my mind. First, the man’s voice saying over and over again “thank you, thank you, thank you” as we pulled away from the curb. It is a voice that will stick with me for a long time. Second, what seemed like a scene in slow motion as I was watching him in the side

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-2166478113338136142008-12-01T08:23:00.006-06:002008-12-01T15:52:58.339-06:00

What do you want for Christmas this year?"Boxes wrapped in strings and empty things?" Or something more? Something bigger? Something more meaningful and deeper?Can we have a better Christmas through the gift of "faith, and trust, and peace" as we strive to live a life where the world begins anew with the "one poor child who saved the world?"And you asked me what I want this yearand I try to

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-74623570354798136912008-11-28T13:43:00.004-06:002008-11-28T16:32:21.398-06:00

This Advent, River of Joy will be perpetuating a conspiracy of love and peace that began with a newborn child with no place to stay- embraced by his mother and laid to rest among the farm animals. Care to join us? Click here for more information about how to get involved.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-86588164208087226652008-10-31T09:37:00.003-06:002008-11-03T12:15:43.575-06:00

Kingdom's have citizens.citizen1: an inhabitant of a city or town ; especially : one entitled to the rights and privileges of a freeman2 a: a member of a state b: a native or naturalized person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to protection from it3: a civilian as distinguished from a specialized servant of the stateClick here to see who these citizens are and notice that they

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-42446217225664579892008-10-24T10:17:00.002-06:002008-10-31T09:36:44.152-06:00

What does this kingdom of God that Jesus talks about look like?Take a peek in scripture here.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-73781703847538106342008-10-20T11:45:00.003-06:002008-10-20T11:59:24.391-06:00

“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's always doing both.”James

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-11600056347016989472008-09-30T11:13:00.008-06:002008-09-30T13:34:07.856-06:00

The one that is closed and bound. Tempered together and unable to break free?Or the one that is easily clicked open by Christ and reconnected to others for the sake of building up and supporting one another in the traversing of life?Check out the end of this post (sept 6) which was sent to me today. It is a great story of the spirit of Christ clicking people together for the sake of building up

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-4461130216307952552008-09-30T11:00:00.007-06:002008-09-30T13:33:04.765-06:00

Paul writes to his friends in Corinth, “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”Can it be that simple? We come together to build each other up. In Christ. With Christ. And through Christ? Each bringing his/her unique life story and giftedness?

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-91601994301445451882008-09-24T09:10:00.009-06:002008-09-24T13:52:10.978-06:00

As part of our fall worship series, God’s work. Our hands., we are journeying together with provisions; reading some of the same books, listening to some of the same music, and watching some of the same movies. Here are the things we are traveling with this fall:The Big Sort- examines the ‘self sorting’ of American culture and the negative impact that this practice has in a more and more

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-57124624308428384402008-08-25T09:21:00.020-06:002008-08-26T08:18:56.682-06:00

One of the images that really resonates with me these days is the notion of our relationship with God being like a dance. Perhaps like the first dance of a newly married couple or the dance of bride with her father, or the joyful dance of a people in worship, or a tribal dance handed down, preserved, and stylized from generation to generation.Dancing with God to the rhythms of life. Not alone,

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-25115496407067196712008-08-18T11:28:00.002-06:002008-08-18T11:34:26.627-06:00

Click me.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-67802796505871501902008-08-15T20:31:00.001-06:002008-08-15T20:31:35.008-06:00

Some of the ROJ community headed to north Mpls last night and enjoyed a community picnic hosted by Redeemer Lutheran Church. It was amazing to see this faith coummunity open its backyard and welcome the larger community into a time of music, play, food, and laughter.This video is of Agape, a Christian hip hop artist who helped develop JUMP worship, a hip hop service hosted by Redeemer. Enjoy,

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-78774685780531686892008-08-10T08:11:00.002-06:002008-08-10T08:19:18.381-06:00

"Music has long been a vessel of change and hope. Music speaks a language of its own and has brought cultures together for thousands of years...."“We are not going to bring local and global hunger to a screeching halt by gathering together, inviting our friends and neighbors and hosting a concert,” said Steve Bonesho, a pastor at River of Joy Lutheran Church. “But perhaps, just maybe, as we come

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-72773407413166149762008-07-24T09:20:00.001-06:002008-07-24T09:20:52.286-06:00

with the Law and the Prophets testifying to it-the clarity of God’s goodness and loveglistening in living waterflowing from a saviorhanging on a crossand meeting usin baptism

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-13756597654960522322008-07-23T13:24:00.002-06:002008-07-23T13:27:51.702-06:00

the righteousness of God has been made clear...with spittled mudand a touch (or two)for usand through usfor the world

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-28831962294884515672008-07-22T08:34:00.004-06:002008-07-23T13:27:27.912-06:00

but now, apart from the law…to believe it is to die to live it- a saintto give it voice- an apostleto move in it- daring to be the new creation God willswitnessed by the prophetssin lies deadand so do I

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-26671264330731629612008-07-05T12:31:00.001-06:002008-07-05T12:31:38.465-06:00

I posted this video on the worship leader’s blog the other day for them to see and then read in the Minneapolis paper this morning that the singer is from Northeast. Pretty cool video that speaks volumes of hope and joy without words. I will let the video speak for itself but wonder if this is not what the writer of Revelation has in mind when he writes that into the kingdom will be brought the

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-34266932645589428662008-07-03T11:20:00.010-06:002008-07-03T11:53:29.933-06:00

Yesterday afternoon, Micah, Ben, Heatherlyn and I were sitting outside at Caribou planning the Community Hunger Concert for August 15th. Let me rephrase that, Yesterday afternoon, I had the opportunity to warm my soul beside the fire of three creative and talented people as they began to give shape and form to what should be a great evening. We were sitting in the sun until a table with an

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-90826063834175588462008-06-26T09:44:00.001-06:002008-06-26T09:46:53.737-06:00

Jon, Swati, and Neil are settling in to their new life in India. We hope to be able to have a live video feed at worship sometime in the near future so they can share for themselves what God's mission looks like in their new corner of the world. Here is an update I received this week:Hi folks It has almost been a month since we have arrived in Pune. We are beginning to adjust to living in

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-42351257930067457102008-06-16T18:28:00.006-06:002008-06-16T21:41:32.536-06:00

We are gathering ROJ kids and their friends from the larger community into a creative adventure for kids we are calling Summer Grace. It is an opportunity for kids of all ages to explore art, music, faith and story as a community that is created to partner in God's ongoing creation. Here are some pics from the first day.Click here to visit the Summer Grace. website.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-9915349868041357312008-06-05T15:30:00.003-06:002008-06-06T15:34:02.756-06:00

As we have been heading into this season for the stranger, we have been working on developing a new website. Click here and check out the new site mock up. If you visit the new site, please come back and leave a comment on what you think or email me your thoughts. This will help us to determine where we need to tune the site.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-48880591030672591182008-05-20T14:50:00.004-06:002008-05-20T14:59:50.039-06:00

About six months ago the four of us pushed two mini-tables together at Starbucks. A chance meeting had found us in the same coffee shop for two separate meetings. A musician, a pastor, a health care consultant, and a finance professional; two acquaintances and two strangers sharing the presence of the Spirit with conversation that was deeper and richer than the coffee we were drinking. When we

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-76807318499030161082008-05-13T11:13:00.005-06:002008-05-13T11:37:28.247-06:00

Water. Two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom. With it- life. Without it- death.Jesus, full of grace and truth, comes into this world and announces himself to be a new and different type of water. He declares himself to be living water, gifted to the world directly from the source of all life, his Father. Christ himself, a new living water that refreshes and quenches our inner beings at a

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-43654750352602911592008-05-07T11:52:00.006-06:002008-05-07T13:06:41.372-06:00

Plenty of bad jokes and truly destructive stories could be told about strangers who meet in bars, but Christ's life-giving and restorative presence will not be denied a seat anywhere that we go...Our leadership team meets weekly in the bar/lounge of a local restaurant to discern action and plan activities for our faith community. So last night we got together and you could feel the joy of being

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-10112183651422651942008-05-06T07:32:00.001-06:002008-05-06T07:32:07.971-06:00

I think a certain 12th century Franciscan monk is smiling as the Spirit inspired words he penned breathe life into a new generation.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-51774837413511621152008-04-30T12:01:00.007-06:002008-04-30T13:24:41.450-06:00

To whom are you a stranger? To whom are you called to be the welcoming arms of Christ?From Dictionary.com:1. a person with whom one has had no personal acquaintance: He is a perfect stranger to me.2. a newcomer in a place or locality: a stranger in town.3. an outsider: They want no strangers in on the club meetings.4. a person who is unacquainted with or unaccustomed to something (usually fol.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-74796421276011744092008-04-25T09:51:00.001-06:002008-04-25T09:51:51.188-06:00

Worth the seven minutes of your life to watch this video through to the end and consider the way that God has called you to be a blessing to the world.

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-63694039641686379132008-04-23T09:15:00.001-06:002008-04-23T09:15:53.388-06:00

From the song, "Israel in 4 BC had no mass communication..."But 2004 years later we do. Jesus will not be held captive by death, disbelief, the stone outside the tomb, the walls of an inward focussed church, the mistakes of a misguided outwardly focussed church, your heart, my heart, your brokenness, my brokenness, those who think they know him best, those who wish he was dead, those who know

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389155011060175525.post-18993449370549951662008-04-10T20:18:00.001-06:002008-04-10T20:18:33.944-06:00

First Kid Rock. Now Jesus finds his way onto American Idol for two weeks in a row.What's next?Isaiah 43:18-19

steve boneshonoreply@blogger.com1