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Is there ever really a perfect church?

Karah — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:34:31 -0700

The word "church" means different things to different people. For traditional Christians it means a building, but it's beginning to take on a new meaning. Church doesn't mean a place, but more of a broad feeling associated with the place. It's not usually thoughts of the building that you take with you during the week, but the people, the generosity, and the feeling of meeting God in a place are what really stick.

Church used to mean an uncomfortable pew and holding still while my dad preached, but recently I've been imagining what "church" would be to me if I could design it myself!

Tell me what YOU would like to see or feel in church and I'll post later about what's on my mind!

Leave a comment about something like:

What factors to you make a perfect church

Have you had an experience at a church that was really unique and good?

What's your dream church like?

Looking forward to hearing your brilliant thoughts!

Chit-Chat . . .

Karah — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 01:47:56 -0700

I recently took a cross-country flight, and after finishing a book I'd been working on for months, I found my self people-watching. It used to be one of my favorite things to do in malls and airports, but once the kids came along . . . let's just say that wasn't a luxury I could afford.

In the relative quiet and pseudo-solitude, I let my imagination wander into the lives of the strangers around me. What kind of mother is she? What type of business does he do? Is he usually this grouchy? What is she so tense about? I wonder why the lady next to me isn't interested in small talk?

Kirabo Foundation and Mindy Burgin

Brent — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:42:37 -0800

BeZao.com: Tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up in Uganda?

Cry Out for Levi

Karah — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:25:26 -0800

It's an easy thing to pray. Only a short few minutes of our day, asking, talking, sharing, praising Him who gives us so much.

So, today, I'm asking that you'll pray especially for someone close to our hearts here at beZao. Larisa & Matt are co-founders of Kirabo Foundation and over the course of the past 8 years, has adopted 5 children from Uganda. Levi, their youngest & newest son has required a heart surgery since birth, and on February 11, he officially & legally joined their family and headed to the hospital for preparations. Here is an excerpt from their blog.

Get Into the Battle

Brian — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:31:55 -0800

By Faith...that is the way that Christ has asked us to live this Christian life.

Faith, the opposite of fear, is moving beyond your feelings, stepping out into the unknown, trusting that your foot will land on the solid Rock of Christ.

Winter Hiding

Brent — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:36:26 -0800

I'm never one to complain about snow. In my book, there is never enough on the ground. Winter is one of my favorite times of the year. It does have the draw back that you don't get to see your neighbor's much. Well, most winters at least.

This year we have had record snowfall. We currently have a little over 2 feet on the ground and most of that fell in the last 3 weeks.

While most of the time in the north country, people tend to stay indoors during the winter, (at least in our neighborhood) when we got our big dump of 14 inches of snow in 24 hours, people had to get out and shovel. So after the snow stopped falling, we headed out to shovel and dig each other out. I think on that one day, we met more neighbors then I have in the 4 years of living here. We met people that we never see.

Feasting

Karah — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:05:35 -0800

I live in a big city with a large university and medical
center where people from all over the nation and the world come to "earn wisdom
and stature" before moving on. The nature
of the community is somewhat transient, which allows for some unique
elements. Conversations are always
bracing, friendships are diverse, and new thoughts and ideas are endless. I must admit, I love it! My church experience has been a bit less
thrilling. This town is large and spread
out, and our local church is not really central to anyone. Busy work and school schedules and travel distance
seem to prevent some of the “normal” things you might see in a medium sized
church from occurring.

Match Made In Humidity

Karah — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:35:06 -0800

If you are the single type, looking for another "just right" type out there, you may have tried this or this, in an effort to meet Mr. or Ms. Right.

I have another suggestion for you. Why not try this?

Over the past few months, Wendy, our blogger living in Palawan Philippines became friends with a young pilot who came to the island to serve the community and the clinic there in her village. Over the course of several months, their friendship grew into more, and they are now engaged.

Kirabo Foundation

Karah — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:39:01 -0800

Uganda is a poverty stricken country in Eastern Africa where public school doesn't exist, and if one wants to be educated, the $100-300 cost per term is nearly impossible to afford on a $300 annual income. If you're an orphan, as 2.4 million Ugandan children are, it's an unattainable dream.

Thankfully, my friends Mindy & Larisa created a foundation to sponsor HIV/AIDS orphans across Uganda. Kirabo Foundation. The education of students involved in the program is partially or fully provided along with simple school supplies and sometimes uniforms. They are sponsoring children of all ages from Primary through Secondary school.

It's a very small organization so almost 100% of your contributions go directly to the students!

Our beautiful student Esther A. 's picture is proudly displayed on our refridgerator and the kids pray for her daily. For only a few dollars every semester, we've been able to reach across the globe and share Christ's love with our favorite 2nd grader!

Looking for the small moments

Karah — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 22:29:54 -0800

It was cold and they still had so many miles to go.

Holiday traffic was killer, and the kids weren't that cheerful anymore.

Just a quick stop to get some snacks and stretch.

Everyone else was loaded back in the Suburban, but she was the last.

Cold biting wind made her turn away, and that was how she saw him.

Curled near the door. Disheveled. Covered in loneliness.

Only a few steps from the car now, she turned back and went inside.

A minute later she returned to the cold with a brown bag.

"I dont' know if you realize it, but today is Christmas. I don't know if you have a family or someone who's looking for you right now. But I just thought you should know that Someone does care. I got you some beer because I figured that's what you'd want! Merry Christmas."

She got in her waiting car, kids full of questions, and drove on.

I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. Matthew 25:35