July 17, 2006 The big week ahead....

The cohort meets this week, and I am eagerly anticipating meeting, in the flesh, the friends I have made online.

Earnie and I went to the Louisville Slugger Museum this weekend to get away for a time and thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't believe I hit over .450 the last season I played- I was pretty good at the game. Couldn't hit a fastball now to save my life! Photos to come! It was nice to have a Saturday to do something together- not that we have been apart, but all our time has been eaten away by the move and settling in. Oh the joys of new home ownership!

This morning's meditation...Acts 20:28 He purchased us with His own blood, the blood of the Beloved...

The Blood of the Beloved With a coat of single color I am covered. I've a robe of a favorite son and I have discovered The blood avails, the blood attains The final sacrifice remains All our loss is turned to gains Because of the blood of the beloved. The only lamb that can save a man Can save all who believe His blood flowed free on Calvary, A gift we can all receive. Wondrous mercy at such a cost Wondrous mercy there at the cross The blood of the Beloved Son Makes us beloved too when it's work is done. Bruised for our iniquities, Pierced for our sin The blood of the beloved frees The weary souls of men. Wondrous mercy at such a cost Wondrous mercy there at the cross The blood of the Beloved Son Makes us beloved too when it's work is done. July 18, 2006 Anthony Foster

Sole Satisfaction

The God shaped, empty void
That dwells within our hearts
Awaits the One who's due to be enjoyed
The hollow's now the hallowed part You fill
Here within the center of your will.

There is no other source for which we cry
Nothing this world offers can truly satisfy.
Our desire is for a reason, a mark for which we're made
To have your glory placed in us so as to be displayed.

Now in your will and in your way
In your time and your control
We are fulfilled and made complete
You are the sole satisfaction of our souls.

Our hearts are restless till
They find their rest in you
In the center of your will
The good the beautiful , the true reside
In your heart we will learn to hide.

Now in your will and in your way
In your time and your control
We are fulfilled and made complete
You are the sole satisfaction of our souls.

Anthony Foster
July 16, 2006

Cartesian blog shirt spotted on the web...

The cohort met yesterday for the first time. It is amazing how different people look in person. I recognized everyone, the beard threw a few who didn't know me. My student ID has the goatee version.

It was an exercise in humbilification as Poirot would say. I am not really sure I suffer from the "impostor syndrome" Dr. Bredfeldt described, where you think everyone else but you should be there;but I do admit to being in awe of how far God has taken Earnie and I on this journey. through many dangers, toils and snares, we have already come; but I still worry and fret over things like means and security in spite of what I know in my heart of hearts. I hope to gain courage and exhortation for this leg of the relay, and to be an encouragement as well.

Draw Us Near We are yours Oh Lord, We have heard your voice We are yours and so We come to rejoice In your shepherd's call As your flock we fall On our knees as raise our voice. Draw us near, draw us near To your wounded side Draw us near, draw us near, 'Neath the cross and your wings we will hide Draw us near to the cross where you died. You raise us up to new life when we hear The voice of the great shepherd drives away fear. A kingdom, priests gathered at your throne, You are the rock And we are your flock We belong to you alone! Draw us near, draw us near To your wounded side Draw us near, draw us near, 'Neath the cross and your wings we will hide Draw us near to the cross where you died. Anthony Foster July 20,2006