returning to my mountain

Each month I am assigned a book to read for the Protege Program and this month it was Called Simple Church by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger.  It was a really great read and I took a lot out of it just about the process of church and keeping the message and vision simple so that people are able to understand and get involved easier.  In our group meeting we talked about how the word simple does not mean easy and that may be why we don't see the words simple and church next to each other in our mind...church is not easy, but it can be simple.  We all need to simplify our lives...defining core values and convictions and making sure everything we do aligns with them.  The same goes with church...if we know why we exist and what the vision is every aspect of the church should be in line with that vision.  I recommend reading it...there is obvious tension throughout it because it's not an easy process, like I said, but it's worthwhile to evaluate life through the eyes of this book even if you're not working in ministry per say.  

My favorite part of the book is when they talk about Moses and how he always went to the mountain to hear from God and be transformed. They were addressing this in context to providing a place for people to have their own mountain top experiences...offering various options and atmospheres as to bring people through the transforming process.  It really hit me personally though and challenged me to find my mountain.  During school I always woke up early because I had class early usually and for my last year because I wanted to get a good parking spot...but it provided an awesome opportunity to spend time with God before people were awake and bustling around the campus.  I often went outside and sat meditating in the morning.  With my job here and having different hours of work I don't always wake up at the same time and I often stay in bed as long as possible.  However, I have made a decision to return to my mountain, setting my alarm for 6am daily and waking up no matter what time I need to be at work.  For the month of December I am going to make sure this happens everyday...waking up at 6am gives me time to go to the gym and have extensive quiet time before venturing out on the streets of DC.  I love when God uses one sentence in a book to affect change in my heart!

So far so good...I love being on my mountain again! Obviously it's not a physical place for me...it's a time! Find your own mountain whether it be a certain time of day or a place of importance to your relationship with God! Join me in the goal of visiting that mountain daily this month!  It will condition you to remain there long after this month is over!