changing structures and names

… Community development theory points to simplifying centralised functions

so that where they exist they provide, for decentralised activities and structures

• information,
• resources and
• support.

Issues such as equity and maintenance of standards can be dealt with by more effective

• networking,
• communication and
• coordination (rather than by central control).

I like the feeling engendered here. I do wonder though if sometimes it might be a matter of choosing words to help maintain a vibe, or tone… Maybe a new wine-skin of words to carry the ever new wine, continually pouring from the heart of the one who turned water, into wine. E.g. in that last point, although it may rightly be said that “central control”, can be talking about  the same function as “co-ordination”, I can see quite different drinks being delivered from these two word structures. God please help us to not dance around with symantics for the sake of our feelings or ownership of new structures, but for the sake of your kingdom of love to be willing to keep letting, as does every new mum (& even the apostle Paul), our bodies (minds, souls, naming creativity, analogies, parables..  etc) be the skins in which the new wine of your new life is birthed.

I think someone mentioned that the Navigators have an annual beachside holiday together for their members. I wonder if something like this would replace men's women's and members conference more meaningfully with the focus on relationships rather than on a program?

Wow…  maybe we should keep Canowindra Camp-us, for affordable country camping holidays for us all together...

God help us to not to dance around ‘bout here,

not that dancing is at all a problem,

for like the hills, and trees, and mountains sheer,

we dance that you’re with us - not a goblin!

I’m “scared” of self-full-filling actions which

are not designed to bless and bring your peace;

but mostly for our comfort, words we pitch

to help us feel less tied, and more released.

And yet we know you bring, and give your rest,

and peace that’s like this world can never give.

Maybe that’s why we need each other’s best

to be our goal; to listen, carefully sieve

even what we hear from prophecies that

do come from Godly folk, to help us grow.

Oh, God, may we not be like Eli: fat

and scared to crack the whip on “status quo”.

Well, now I’ve said it. All my fears I give

to you, to simply trust you on these seas.

Oh Jesus, help me now to take and live

your attitude, and also then your peace!

I want to step out of my coracle

which seems to be where fretful focused self

can pout & then ignore the oracle

& prophecies which you give for our health.

And now my fears come racing back again

and almost paralyse me to the floor.

God, thank you for your spirit, who can name,

& help us follow still, and be assured.