"within your wounds hide me"

From Brother Roger of Taize:

Soul of Christ, sanctify me,
Body of Christ, save me,
Blood of Christ, refresh me,
Water from the side of Christ, wash me,
Passion of Christ, strengthen me,
O good Jesus, hear me,
Within your wounds, hide me,
Let me never be separated from you,
From the powers of darkness defend me,
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come with you,
That with your saints I may praise you
>For ever and ever.

Book Review

Night Light, by Terri Blackstock.

{figure it's about to time to post this review, seeing as how book 3 is out!}

The second novel in the Restoration series, this one picks up right where Last Light left off. The world has been struck by an electro-magnetic pulse, which has made anything with computer-related break down -- which effects everything from modern automobiles, telephones, the electric grid, water treatment facilities . . . everyone is forced to adapt to the new living conditions.

The series focuses on the Branning family of Georgia, and this book focuses on their decision to being into their home four siblings whose mother has either abandoned them or been kidnapped or killed . . . at the start of the novel, we don't know.

Well-written, pretty fast-paced, good characterization, not a lot of surprises. Blackstock started her writing in the romance field, and although there are a few spots where the novel becomes a little too "girlie" for me, it is an ultimately satisfying read.

Grace & Mercy

It is important to keep these two theological concepts distinct, because they represent two separate events. Mercy is the removal of a negative consequence that was deserved. In terms of eternity, this is the freedom from Hell. But that does not automatically mean the provision of Paradise. We tend to think that to be saved from Hell automatically means eternity in God's presence, but I don't think it would have to be that way.

Compared to an eternity in torment, annihilation would be a preferred result, and that would be Mercy that is worthy of praise. But God has gone so far beyond Mercy, beyond the elimination of our deserved eternal punishment.

Grace is the recieving of an undeserved good thing. This is relationship with God, this is an eternity in His presence on a New Earth, designed for that purpose. This is a separate and distinct act of God, a separate act worthy of praise and thankfulness.

The great dance of God

I do not know who to credit this to, but I found this written on a scrap of paper in my pack of stuff from the Cornerstone festival:

The Trinity is the great dance of God, which we have been invited to participate in. All of life flows from a relationship .... a relationship holds the entire universe together.