oasisCHURCH

Behind the Music

As I was reading through Ezekiel I came across a few different passages where God described humanity as His bride.  Perhaps it was the context that these passages were set in that made them hit me so hard.  I guess I had just never considered the relationship between God and His people in that particular light.  These passages of scripture have helped me to deepen my understanding not only of just what marriage means scripturally but also the kind of relationship that God desires to have with us.  As silly as this might sound, when I first read these passages of scripture I thought it was, in it's own way, somewhat romantic and intimate.  My thoughts next turned back to Solomon's Song of Songs and the intimate portrait of relationship that's painted in that book.  The combination of these thoughts led me to inspiration for a new song.  In this song I wanted to try and capture the intimacy of the relationship that God desires to have with us.  So I opened my heart and God truly did all the hard work.  I just finished this song up the other night.  I'll be posting an acoustic version of this song sometime later this week but for now I wanted to share those words with you.  I don't have a title for the song yet but if you read through and something jumps out at you then tell me what you think I should call it.  Anyway...here are the words:

When I dream
You come down to hold me
Love in your arms at twilight
Your Spirit's warm against my skin
Words bathe my ears
And sleep sound my soul

Lay your hands on me
I'm pounding my chest
Because I can't breathe without you

I submit myself
I am released...unbound
I'm ready for you to take control
With my waking eyes
I see you you in my heart...in my touch
Bound to you by grace alone

I can't breathe without you

So that's the basic skeleton of the song.  I always feel weird whenever I read or write song lyrics because somehow it always feels like a little something is missing.  Yet it's amazing how words in song can move you.  It's also amaizing how just the presence of a few words can move our hearts to worship in the most passionate of ways.  God moved me in a very interesting way as I journeyed through the ins and outs of this song.  I came out on the other end with a much more intimate view of God than I had ever had before.  Of course, it wasn't just this song that did it.  The bigger part of this new realization came for me through study of the scripture.  It's nothing short of incredible to read the scriptures and see the form of God's plan come together with each new book and through the eyes of each new author.  It's also rather humbling to think that for as many times as you might read scripture God will always show you something new in even the most familiar of verses.   As time inevitably marches forward our goal is that our relationship with God would continue to grow and blossom to it's true fullness.  As our tomorrows become yesterdays God continues to get more and more intimate with us when we pour our hearts into His relationship.  The rewards of this are beyond the capabilities that any language or expanse of time could ever possibly capsulate into an apt description. 

Recreation

Dictionary.com defines "recreation": (1) Refreshment of one's mind or body after work through activity that amuses or stimulates; (2) activity that refreshes and recreates; activity that renews your health and spirits by enjoyment and relaxation.

Sometimes words make so much sense, speaking entire paragraphs of definition by themselves, but we may become so familiar with a particular word that it just rolls off our tongue and our brain interprets it superficially, but rarely do we ponder the full impact of such a word.

Take a word Jesus used, for example, like "reborn". In order to enter the kingdom of heaven one must be "reborn". Most people have an immediate understanding of the word "reborn" (especially if you have had any Baptist friends). The word "reborn" has been thrown around a lot in Christian conversations and evengelistic efforts. But have you ever stopped to ponder the reality of being RE---born. You have been born once, but in order to enter God's family you must be born a second time. Begin a new life. Start all over.

You see what little words can do? If we just take the time to think about them.

On my way home from the Athens Recreational Center (today was my first day back in 6 months after having our family membership renewed for Christmas... thanks mom and dad!) this morning that's exactly what I did. I pondered a similar word... "recreation". Immediately the definition that comes to mind is "extra-curricular, play, fun, activity." But I love the way the word is broken down logically. It says RE---create. We are God's creation... physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, etc. We are created in His image. But because of sin and separation from His perfect plan we are in constant need of a lot of "RE"s in life. We need to be REborn, and we need to be REcreated.

You see, recreation is something many of us take for granted. We look at it as "extra-curricular" but not necessity. We fill our lives with business, work, ministry... or perhaps even the opposite, like laziness, TV, computer browsing, etc. But most of those activities rarely serve a "recreating" purpose in our lives. Most of those activities expend life, not recreate it. There are certain activities in my life (and not many, but enough) that, when I participate in them I feel like I have been rebuilt... or re-created. Baseball has always been an example of recreation for me. It was once playing the game, but now it's coaching it. It's a recreation that breathes new life into my lungs whenever I am involved in it. I was reminded this morning that running and lifting weights is another one. As I sit here today I feel like a million dollars. Why? Because God has provided recreation.

Maybe for you it's not baseball or weight lifting. It's most likely different for everyone. But it's not an option. I truly believe in the power of recreation. Our bodies in this life are not fit enough to last forever. We know we will ultimately receive a new body when this one passes away. But it's obvious to me through His Word that God has allowed us to keep these bodies to fulfill His mission among His creation. If we hope to be able to carry on... we must allow time for re-creation.

Don't put it off any longer.

Highlights from 2004

A few business items before I make my post:

1. Here's the teaching download from today's gathering. It concludes the Oasis series on the book of Ephesians.
2. This Sunday at our Oasis gathering I will begin a four-week series on the books of the Old Testament. It will be an overview of how the Old Testament is put together and all points to the main story of the Gospel of Christ. We will look at one book from each of the main sections of the Old Testament: (1) The Books of Moses, (2) The History Books, (3) The Wisdom Books, and (4) The Books of the Prophets.
3. This morning we discussed one small way that we, here in America, can help the devastated brothers and sisters in Indonesia and Africa. Here is the link to the Compassion International page that I referenced.

In this, my first post of 2005, I thought I would share a few of what I might consider to be "highlight" posts from 2004:

From January 8, 2004:
A couple of nights ago I sat beside my daughter’s bed singing worship songs with her, and I noticed she seemed very uncomfortable. She was kicking her legs and groaning and tossing and turning in her bed. I asked, “Honey, what’s wrong? Do your legs hurt?” She looked at me with big tears in her eyes and said, “Yes.” She was growing. As her father I knew that, and knew that her pain was being caused by a very good process of life. In fact, if she did not ever have growing pains it would probably mean she was not growing, which would cause much concern, and we would take her to the doctor to find out what the problem is.

This is the great paradox of growth. We know we must, but it hurts. We would get concerned if we were not hitting the appropriate stages of growth in our lives. We know it’s a natural part of life, but the change takes it’s toll on us emotionally. We know we will be exposed to new things and will experience things we’re not sure we are ready for. We know every new step we take means we are getting closer to the goal God has for us in life, but taking steps means we have to leave where we once were. It’s hard. We get used to things. Change hurts. Growth hurts.

But God is Good. And I have one question. It is the burning question that separates disciples of Jesus from church attendees… it separates followers of Jesus from those who believe but are reluctant to follow. Here is the question… Do you trust Him?

TRUST is the fabric of the clothing of Christ (Galatians 3:27 says, “for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ.”). Trust is the fabric of His clothing. Do we lack trust that He really will be faithful to complete the work he has begun? Do we not trust that He knows the needs of our lives, the needs of our children, as much as we do? Do we not trust that He knows where we need to be challenged and where we need to be coddled? Do we not trust that He is Good?

To be excited about a new baby means many changes will be taking place in our lives. At first we don’t think we will like the changes, but as I mentioned earlier, “life hadn’t really begun until we had kids.” This is the great paradox of creating new life. In order for it to take form there must be sacrifice on our part. Sacrifice hurts. But I have experienced that there are some things in life that are well worth the pain we experience. They bring us to a better place. In the middle of the pain we wonder if we will ever make it…

How will we make it?

Trust.

Trust breeds perseverance. Perseverance breeds faithfulness. Faithfulness breeds new seeds. Seeds breed new fruit. Fruit breeds kingdom life. Kingdom life breeds changed families. Changed families breed changed neighborhoods. Changed neighborhoods breed changed communities. Changed communities breed a changed world.

From January 22, 2004:
>> There is no “one-size-fits-all” way for doing things in the church. You know, I’m sure every emerging church leader, every postmodern thinker, would agree with that statement. But you know what is ironic to me? Those same people (and I include myself in this, because I have certainly been guilty of doing this) will still point at a certain method, model, or movement and say, “That’s it… that is what is going to work!” I agree that some things work better than other things. But aren’t statements like that just the beginnings of building another box? Who am I to say that God can’t or won’t use a modern approach and style to reach lost people, even in a postmodern context? The kingdom of God is made up of large churches, small churches, home churches, multiracial churches, intercultural churches, inner city, rural, and suburban churches. It refuses to be boxed in.

>> How would an average person in the church define the word “church”? This question deals not with styles or methods. It goes deeper, to the heart of who the church is. I will give two possible definitions people may give, and then elaborate just briefly.
- Definition #1: I come to church to be fed, to have my needs met through quality programs, and to have leaders teach me and my children about God. Church, in this definition is seen as a dispenser of goods and services… this is called “going to church”. In this definition a person will describe to someone else about the church to which they “GO”.
- Definition #2: I see church as a body of people sent on a mission given by Jesus, and who gather in community for worship, encouragement, and teaching from the Word of God, which supplements how I am feeding myself throughout the week. In this definition a person will describe to someone else the church to which they “BELONG”.

>> The issue is the mindset, not the model. When the mindset of every believer is consumed with a missional vision (definition #2) for the church to which they belong rather than a consumer vision (definition #1), then the model will really not make a difference. God will use the large church, the house church, the simple church, the complex church, the urban church, the rural church.

Some of you reading this are thinking… “Wait a minute, I thought you were adamantly for the simple church, and adamantly against the institution of the church? Are you changing your tune?” Perhaps. But I really don’t think I am changing my tune. I still have personal preferences and convictions. Maybe I’m not changing the tune, just turning the volume down a bit. I hope there is always room in my heart for God to “change my tune,” or perhaps to open my eyes to see things as He sees them. Sometimes leaders and critical thinkers get so bent out of shape over the stuff that really doesn’t matter. If the people of Oasis have a heart for the mission of God and an understanding of their membership in His family, then why would I need to create apologetics for where and how we gather together? If the heart is where it belongs, then it won’t matter if the church is gathered in homes, or in large settings, or in bars, or in legion halls, or in parking lots, or wherever!!!

Dear postmodern, changing culture observers, critical thinking friends: lets get over it!!! Get over your disdain for the modern forms and structures that didn’t teach you anything. Get over your cynicism of the institutions (or should I say, the “IC”) and the models that “don’t get it” the way you do. Set aside the discussion and the philosophy for a few minutes. Ask yourself, “Am I helping the mission of the church in the world by spending much of my time talking about what is wrong with it?” It’s okay if you meet in a simple, home church setting. And it’s okay if the pastor down the street leads his congregation in a large, formal setting. You are brothers. It’s okay if you use candles, and it’s okay if the youth pastor across town uses a disco ball. You are brothers.

From January 29, 2004:
Had a great visit today with "new" friend Chad (one of those things, you know, where we were acquainted with one another for years, but after one sit-down conversation you really get to know someone more in that one conversation than years of just being "acquainted"). Today, before we realized it we had been sitting in Donkey for 3 hours talking about everything from ancient church history, to modern day church, to music, to writing, to a whole list of topics.

Thanks Chad, for taking time out of your day to share your stories and listen to mine. Looking forward to doing it again.

(NOTE: We have been continuing for the entire year. Chad, look at how far we've come!)

From February 13, 2004:
It has been so refreshing to see many new faces in our gatherings and home church meetings. One thing I am constantly reminded of is the fact that worship is, in and of itself, evangelism. The outward expression of worshiping Jesus will naturally draw people to Jesus. What I mean is this... one of the best ways for an unbeliever to become a believer is to see/experience other people worshiping Jesus. Often what happens is they look around and are blown away by what they see. There is nowhere in their life where they see anything like this... a group of people singing and praying, with all their heart, body, and soul. They look at their friends who invited them to come to the gathering. And they look at a community of people who shouldn’t be together, because they don’t look alike, they aren't all in the same economic bracket, they have different interests. And from all those different people they hear one voice being lifted up to God. The presence of the Holy Spirit is there, and I believe one thing that happens is they are faced with a crisis. Their minds are in a deep place (and they like it but they don't know why). They may be thinking, “I’m encountering God right now... and... what am I going to do about it?” In that moment God meets them face to face and calls for a response. Many of you reading this have experienced God like that.

In my "seeker sensitive" days, I used to think that we shouldn't create an environment where people would have to do things that would be "unusual" for them. I mean, where else do people sing together in public, other than at a baseball game, and only then it's to the tune of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"? But now, however, my feelings are much different... that’s exactly why we should sing, why we should pray for people, why we celebrate communion, why we should baptize people. Because of MEANING... the very thing people are looking for. Meaning. It all means something. The very “oddness” of what we do is important. Community has to have its markers. So, worship is one of the major marking points of our community. Yes, it's all about God, to God, and for God. But part of being about God has to do with identifying ourselves as the church.

Why am I writing these things to you? Because I believe people in our neighborhoods and cities are looking for more than a "feel good" experience or a one-time, get some answers and go, drive-thru church experience. If they come with you to a house church meeting, or to a worship gathering, or to a conversation over coffee at a local cafe... they are anticipating something meaningful, something sacred, something that will in some way connect them with the Almighty God of the Universe... whom they may or may not even believe exists as of yet.

And it's there they continue their journey with God (God had been seeking them for some time)... but begin it in a community of love and worship.

From March 10, 2004:
As most of you who read my blog on a regular basis know, during the past couple of years I have been personally challenged in my theology of church. Many of the things that were once very important to me no longer have great significance in my practice of ministry. This is not to say those things are wrong, or should never be considered significant for anyone else. It just means I believe God has called me to something different. Something simple. Something that appears very “stripped down” compared to my former church work and experiences. Again, I am not bashing or putting down those former things. I have refrained from writing about these things for a long time because I have had a tendency to come across very strong about such matters. But if you could see my heart today you would know that I love ANY and ALL forms of ministry that point people to Jesus. If it points people to Jesus, and not to us, or to the form, or whatever… just to Jesus… then it’s okay in my book.

Now, having said that. Here are some things that I believe regarding church and how we ultimately end up with a “form” for what our church “looks like” in the community in which we live:
· I believe Jesus desires relationships with his children first… before anything else, relationship first. When relationship comes, then comes worship and devotion, Bible study, etc.
· I believe relationships do not require much formal space, training, teaching, buildings, etc. Relationships simply require time, conversations, and ultimately love.
· I believe that when all of the church is boiled down to the simplest factor, it ends up being me having a relationship with Jesus, and me having relationships with others… so that they, too, might meet Jesus through me. That’s being the church.
· I believe it is more important to “be” the church than it is to “go” to church, “get involved” in a church, “attend” a church, etc. I believe this because as I examine the Gospels and the life and teachings of Jesus I find that he gives very little instruction about church forms, and what the church should look like, its’ leadership, it’s programs, etc. However (and this will sound like a contradiction), he actually does give us plenty of instruction through his example of what the church should be, look like, etc. He and his disciples were the perfect example of church life. Always on the move, always doing good, reaching out, healing, giving, teaching, loving, etc. They did this without any of the formalities we have today.
· I believe that Jesus cares little about our forms, and a whole lot about us.
· I believe that God honors many different forms of church today. We live in a variety of cultures and settings that are very different from Jesus’ day, and therefore the church should look different… but it’s actions, it’s heart, it’s ministry should be the same as His.
· I believe the church is the body of Christ, a community, and should look and function very much like a good family.
· I believe it is easy to live and function like a good family when the church gathers in simple settings, such as homes, or in coffee shops, or parks, etc.
· I believe God honors and enjoys our gatherings for worship, whether they are small or large.
· I believe that when it comes to church forms, what works for one town or city will most likely not work for another town or city. Every city has its’ own personality, its’ own culture. And it takes time to discern what that is, and more importantly, to become what that is. Only then will you be ready to gather people into a “form” of church.
· I believe the reason we have the church is because of relationships, not vice versa. The church did not come first, relationships did. This is a very important thing to remember in evangelism… a very important thing to remember when considering our motives for worship gatherings, outreach programs, etc.
· I believe the Gospel does not exist for the church, but the church exists for the Gospel. We ought not view the Gospel through the lens of the church and culture… but rather, view the church and culture through the lens of the Gospel. Only then will our perspective be right for who we are and what we are doing in the world.
· I believe the church is a community of people on a mission. Jesus demonstrated and proclaimed to us the best example of our mission… (1) To seek and save that which is lost; and (2) Not to be served, but to serve.
· I believe God is constantly at work in the world… and as long as I am giving my heart, my love, my devotion to Him first… I will be in His will for my life. His will for me is that I believe in Him and love Him. From that point everything else will fall into place (John 6:29; Matthew 22:37).
· I believe that the Gospel story (the big picture of God and His people) is the most important thing for a person to hear and learn… not all of the peripheral issues the church has added to the gospel story throughout the years of its’ history.
· I believe that a person can focus so much on the peripherals of Christianity that they completely miss the point (John 5:39-40). It happened when Jesus was on the earth, and it happens today… people educated beyond their intelligence.
· I believe that knowing God has nothing to do with how much you understand or can figure out, but everything to do with how much you love. The Bible says, “God is love”… therefore this idea makes perfect sense.
· I believe Jesus loves the church in the same way I love my wife… therefore I should watch my mouth when speaking about it. We have always heard Paul’s command to love our wives in the same way Jesus loves the church. It’s a great comparison when speaking in the context of husbands and wives. But think about that statement in the context of the church. Jesus views the church like His wife. Who are we to smear her name through the mud and bad-mouth her? This is a great lesson I am still learning.

There are many things I am learning and developing as I do my best to walk in the light of Jesus’ love and grace. I prefer not to call it a theology, although that is what it is. I just know that it is constantly changing, constantly moving. It’s a “liquid theology” if you will. It doesn’t mean it is wishy-washy… it just means I don’t have a corner on understanding and enlightenment. And according to the apostle Paul we will never have a corner on them until we leave this imperfect and cursed world (1 Corinthians 13:9-12).

From September 9, 2004:
In many ways today is a day that was called into being a long time ago… in my estimation, at least three years ago, but perhaps even longer in God’s mind. It was three years ago that April and I had begun seeking the Lord about where he was leading us. When we drove through southeastern Ohio it certainly seemed right to us and to the Holy Spirit that He would be sending us to Athens. When we drove uptown Athens it became even more apparent to us that our ministry would involve direct links to the campus of Ohio University.

If you were to ask me three years ago to define what that meant, I would have probably given you a much different explanation… if I gave any at all. Would it mean that we would start an Oasis in Athens that would meet on or near the campus and have a large college student constituency? Would it mean that one of us would work for Ohio University and therefore have direct links to the campus? Would it mean that we would be involved in starting a new campus fellowship at Ohio University? We just didn’t know.

During the last 3 years there have been many things that have not gone as anticipated. Some to our dismay, but some to our pleasant surprise and excitement. God has brought many people into our lives, and has allowed many to exit from our lives. What’s important is that HE has always remained. He is constant, and His plan is constant. He is persistent. He never fails. Even when we feel like we have failed Him, He keeps going, and for some reason He picks us up and brings us along. Sometimes we are dragging our feet in bewilderment, other times we are running along beside Him (or even out in front of Him at times… but that is another article), and sometimes He just needs to carry us for a while. But regardless, it is always good to be with Him. He never fails.

From October 24, 2004:
We try to place a lot of value on what we call "simple church." Simple church is just like it sounds... simply BEING the church, without placing a lot of extra-curricular rules on people. I suppose the most specific definition of "Simple Church" would be this... our goal is to make sure that whatever we do can be easily duplicated. If the church is going to multiply rapidly it must be kept simple. Multiplication will not happen in the large meetings, but rather, in the smaller, simpler gatherings of people all throughout the community.

Church is not about the weekly gathering (whether it's in homes or wherever)... although those are alot of fun... it's about a different way of life. I want to make sure I am not just talking about this... but living it out, and exhorting others to do the same.

From October 27, 2004:
I believe God honors our distinctions. He looks around His kingdom and He sees lots of flavor, lots of diversity. And this world is in need of lots of flavor. Even the smallest of towns in the USA is in need of distinct flavors. So please don’t despair just because you live in a town of 500 people and there are 50 different churches. Don’t assume there is a great division among God’s people. Instead, recognize the beauty in being distinct. Just never allow your distinctions to divide you. There is a thin line between the two. And we do have to be careful. The moment one group says, “We worship the ONE Lord but you don’t because you do this or that,” well there you have the root of division. Allow one another to be distinct. And recognize the unity God has given us in Jesus Christ, through the Spirit. Unity is something that comes from the Spirit, not from us. As long as churches think unity is something they can accomplish they will forever be missing the point, and they will lose every distinction and calling God has placed on them in a given community. Because all of their efforts will go toward creating unity instead of fulfilling the mission of God.

From November 7, 2004:
I shared with our Oasis gathering this morning that I absolutely despise morality. "Why?" you might say. Shouldn't we stand for morality? Especially in a culture that has appeared to have lost all sense of morality? Yes, but here is the problem. Morality is merely a form of godliness, and it ultimately denies God altogether. Morality is what causes all of the confusion in the world about God, salvation, and hell. Have you ever heard the question, "Why would God send GOOD people to hell?" We all know good, moral, people... don't we? Some say that it just doesn't seem right that a God who claims to be "just" would send a good, moral person to hell. The problem with that line of thinking is the assumption that morality is the goal. If the goal were morality then it's true, it would not be just for "good people" to go to hell.

But morality is not our goal. JESUS is our goal. Intimacy with Jesus is the goal, and the solution for overcoming sin. The world is confused because for too long the church has put so much emphasis on morality and so little emphasis on Jesus. If sin is our problem (which it is), then the answer to it will never lie within oursleves. Morality lies within ourselves. It's something we can all accomplish. But we need something much greater in order to overcome sin. We need Jesus. He's the only correct answer. Intimacy, friendship with Jesus.

From November 23, 2004:
...it is NOT the Lord’s will that you face awful circumstances. But as I reflect on the Scriptures I have read and studied over the years of my life I seem to find this common thread being spoken of as the will of God. Are you ready? It’s really deep…

To KNOW Him.

Could it be that the will of God that Paul speaks of in Ephesians 5 is simply this… to be close to Jesus. Could it be that this is what it’s all about? The whole Christian life. To simply be close to Jesus.

If so, then it now finally makes sense why I should give thanks in everything — all circumstances — even the bad ones. Not because God has given us those circumstances, and we respond by saying “thank you” like children do when you hand them a Popsicle.

But because in everything — whether good or bad circumstance — we have the potential of being drawn closer to Jesus.

And for that we give thanks.

_________________________________________

I'm looking forward to contributing to, reading, and learning from "BeTheChurch.com" this year. Let the creativity flow in 2005!

I Make all Things New

It's a new year. Time to make resolutions, which we will most likely break before the day is done.  I have found that it really doesn't do any good to make a list of things that I want to do differently, or habits I want to change, and then think that by my own willpower and determination, I am going to have any type of lasting change.  It seems, at least in my own personal experience, that unless God's grace is on me to overcome a habit, or to change something in my life, that I always fall miserably short.  It is only when I cooperate with the Holy Spirit, that I have the strength and ability to make a lasting change. 

Having said that, and since this is Jan. 1, 2005, the start of a new calendar year, I would like to talk about the word "new".  If we look at scripture, we find that Jesus came to give us new things.  In Luke 22-20, it records that Christ came to establish a NEW COVENANT. He explains that that the cup represents the new covenant in his blood, which is poured out for us. We are no longer under the law. Christ has brought us back into relationship with the Father, through His death on the cross.

In II Cor. 5:17 we are reminded that in Christ,  we are NEW CREATIONS.  How great is this?  The old is gone.  We have a NEW BIRTH according to I Peter 1:3.  We have been given a NEW COMMAND, that we "love one another", (John 13:34).  God puts a NEW SONG in our heart.  By the time we get to Revelation, chapter 21:5, God finally sums it up this way.  "BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW".

Don't you find new things exciting? Such as: going some place where you have never been, or vacationing at a new exotic location.  It is exciting when we are able to purchase something new that we have been saving for.  However, these things pale in comparison, to discovering NEW things about our relationship with Christ.  Isn't it exciting to see God work in your life?  To plant a seed in someone's life, and watch God bring a harvest? There is nothing better or more satisfying than stepping out, and doing something that God has laid on your heart, and then to watch God work, and make something powerful happen, despite our weak and pitiful efforts.  That makes it all the more exciting to realize that His power is perfected, through our weakness.   

  When we look that God's character, it seems that He really doesn't mess with old, dead things.  God is living, and creative.  He wants us to have an exciting and wonderful life.  As we begin this new year, I encourage everyone to spend time with God.  Discover the NEW things that He has for you this year.  Get out of your comfort zone. Don't be afraid, but embrace the life that God has given you.  As the saying goes, "break out of the box" and try some NEW things.  Become the wonderful, original, unique person that God designed you to be.  Everyday, look for someone whom you can bless. Have a great 2005.