Prosperity|God|Prosperity

[Carl Thomas Gladstone]

::The Conversation::                                        August 17, 2006 Over the summer I visited a number of places that lacked television.  Some even lacked radio and cell phone reception.  Some of these places barely had running water. It was in those moments- while being separated from those things that the world uses to measure "prosperity" that I was able to sit and see the prosperous things that God already provides.  Blue herons flying across the water, mountains revealed in the lifting of the fog, streams of crystal-clear water, friends telling stories and playing music. When I got back to the city I was sitting in traffic.  The earliest Dream Cruisers had already gummed up Woodward.  I was surrounded by these tricked out, refurbished, classic vehicles that are supposed to show their owner's prosperity - and they were nice to look at! - but I couldn't help but think that they were just one example of all the things that we try to replace the goodness of God with in our lives. Maybe I just had the traffic jam blues, but I hope we all find ways to find God and the call of Jesus despite our worldly successes. Striving not to lose God, Carl FEATURED LINK 3rdtestament.com GATHER the EMERGE community Royal Oak Friends in Faith YAFF: Rochester Newburg YA Fellowship Wesley Foundation UofM GROW Emerge Podcast [coming soon] Soulstretch GO The NOAH Proj. Cass Community Baldwin Center Sierra Service Project City Year: Detroit Project Transformation PT: Oklahoma PT: Virginia Peace Corps READ Deuteronomy 8 - What prosperity has entered your life?  Has it been easy or more difficult to be close to God amongst that prosperity?  What should we do if our prosperity gets in the way of our relationship to God?

Upcoming Events Information Thursday, August 17 Emerge Community Worship/Coffeehouse, 8 PM Worship * Concerts * BibleStudies/Trips *

*For those new to this email list - each Thursday I send an e-message to students and young adults connected with BHAM First UMC, and with the developing EMERGE worship community for young adults.  These emails are meant to stay in touch with you, encourage you in your Christian journey, and pose some faith-filled questions that might spark some email correspondence.  If you have any questions about this list, just drop me an email at the address above. Peace.

.::Carl Thomas Gladstone::. 
Deacon, First UMC: Birmingham
“Original acoustic music on the prophetic edge”
www.carlthomasgladstone.com
ca...@carlthomasgladstone.com
(248)646-1200