Rivercrest Serenity Garden Balloon Ceremony Fall 1999

The Lord is my strength,
and He will make my feet
like hinds feet,and He will
make me to walk upon my high places.-Hab 3:19

Even though I walk through the lowly valley thou art with me.-Psalm 23


After leaving the emotions anonymous meeting that is held in the True North Annex on the property of Rivercrest on Thursday 4/23/09 I ran my finger over the smooth surface of my gold coin which miraculously symbolizes  ten years of wellness in bipolar living since the last hospital stay in July of 1999. I was curious about the serenity garden that was a labor of love dedicated to Rivercrest and the sobriety renewed for the many who made their way through the premier rehabilitation center since its inception dating back to the early seventies. As I walked across the parking lot to visit the serenity garden I saw a red balloon shoot straight up from the midst of the garden and I realized that this is the day of the balloon ceremony and release of a particular burden that has been held for so long; but has been released by the rhythm of new grace of Jesus Christ set within. Many red balloons today will be released that  carry a life altering hope discovered in treatment just like the red balloon is taken further away by the wind and far beyond sight,so to the hope that you hold on to in your heart will continue . From the start of my walk I knew the ceremony was going to exceed my expectations. It was inspiring to see the first release of red balloons into the sky up,up and buoying through the trees far above my head to see. Eventhough the first balloons were swept away something within my heart determined that nothing would ever truly be gone,and everything good must surely stay. I could just make out some distance away through the early morning fog and mist crossing a bridge a little girl in pig tails with a red balloon tied to one wrist and her other hand clinching so tightly to her fathers hand, one last caress before  precious family visiting hours are over during inpatient care. See a red balloon upon great heights of the sky and follow  the red balloon as far as the eye can see. As I crossed the parking lot I noticed how tiny just a  red dot and then out of sight reminding me that the  The very first striking image in the serenity garden are the pathway bricks which share words of personal recovery.  by those who have chosen to tend to the overgrown weed and thicket of thorns that had overgrown in a fallow time of seeking their own;and families who went alongside loved ones who could leave a testament also know the cut that so many times seemed fatal. The first brick read "M,yes it can be done  love mom and dad"  One brick simply read "Change"." I read significance is in Christ alone". "Learn to open up"  "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Also as a true life warning the brick that I cant get out of my head simply read. "Goodbye Jane, Dead alcoholic." As I ventured past the garden entryway I was overcome with a profound peace that I have never experienced in my life. I said out loud this is recovery. I have been renewed. All the split second frames of the scenes of my past played out in my mind,but it was beautific to see God being at work through everything that seemed so cataclysmic yet had occurred to show how much more the love of God abounds. Inside the garden balloons were held at four different stations along the path. Each balloon released has been set by timer so that each balloon is released from the first station and the other balloons will be released at one minute intervals apart from the proceeding lift. I noticed on a wood bench in the garden that had a quote on a golden plaque that said to walk with God is to cultivate a garden. Several of us who met in treatment held hands and gathered in a circle around the waterfall and a stone tablet with the serenity prayer chiseled on the surface God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. As the rays of sunlight at daybreak reflected from the tablet I was reminded of the Mosaic law brought down from the mount of God. I came to understand that a law has been inscribed upon the clay matter of the heart to be set like an immovable stone in a writ of judgment that pronounces our inability to measure up. What a relief to know we could never measure up to Gods standard. We can cease striving and surrender our glaring imperfection. By the resurrection of Jesus any rock of offense that resides within the heart has been forever rolled away because He as very God in human form took upon Himself  every sin and blemish; as He died for each one of us. He was resurrected after three days giving those who believe in Him a new life like his  We are infused with the  absolute fullness of the power of God. . The sin of the world caused Jesus death but he was raised up overcoming all sin that led to his death   and its pervasive ill effects offering infinite forgiveness as Edens perfection has been restored. There is a new command of love and grace established through Jesus Christ and the holy vestments the son of God adorned on the day of battle at the cross for those gathered at the balloon ceremony;and this gift has been known to all peoples. As we release the 40 red balloons symbolic of the fact that in the book of Genesis after forty days the flood waters which had covered the entire surface of the earth receeded and a dove found dry land. In much the same way through repentance the drowning flood of sins curse in our hearts has dried up landing our lives on a steady firm foundation to rebuild our brokenness.  Before the string is cut each one of us gathered has chosen to share an aspect of recovery and renewal that will be carried in the heart forever just as the balloon in the air will continue to travel beyond the ability to be seen.
Hi My name is Abigail
Im only a child.bb
My precious innocence was taken.
Now Im a child once again.
Ring around the rosy
Pocket full of posy.

Hello my name is Travis.
I don't run from pain
because it reveals a refined diamond set within.

My name is Kirsten.
My struggle has been done for me.
My freedom in Christ lies on
the other side of the resurrection of
Christ Jesus.

My name is James.
I will change and embrace the change
Because nothing has to stay the same.
The status quo begs to be dismantled.

Hello Im Gwen.
Im rediscovering the gift of art and drawing
that I just abandoned as a teenager for drugs and alcohol.
I recognize a need for illustrated childrens books
to bring hope to those in troubled homes like I experienced.

My name is Virginia.
You better learn to open up.

My name is Ramauld.
My heart doesn't  have to be confined
to multiple sclerosis and the wheelchair.
I choose to let God shine through my adversity.

The use of the red balloon may seem childlike, but that is just the point you see. The balloon so accurately illustrates the sheer simplicity and ease of the gospel of grace when it fills the heart just like the little red balloon that only knows to soar in freedom with no restraint. Jesus took our sins and shortcomings upon Himself. Breathe deep. Breathe in life saving justification. This is the air I breathe. I came to an awakening through the balloon ceremony that nothing is every really chained down. I walked through the serenity garden having shed my skin. This is the new stuff. I kicked a habit. Shed my skin. Come on help me through. I want to feel the power each and every day.

Let There Be ants

I stopped in my tracks  on my usual nature trek as I noticed a large colony of ants  crossing over a patch of dirt on a worn path surrounding a small lake in the neighborhood. They were industriously busy in formation. This same crossing of ants is focused and determined at work each and every day I pass by on the trail. I can follow an army of red ants on tiny pathways forged on the ground floor amidst blades of green grass several inches high towering above the ants at play. This creaturely activity is  set in motion by the "word" Jesus Christ which brought forth the created order as the divine and spiritual impetus which John speaks about in his gospel. If this divine attention to the tiniest form of life is at work just how much more does God care for us as men and women created in his image?

The Seeping Blood

His body taken down from the cross and wrapped in burial cloth soaked through every bit of the garment. His wounds and blood that covered his entire body, and bled through having poured over the wounds of my personal imperfections. As he was resurrected he was healed. All of the blood loss receded and shriveled up seeping back through the pores in the skin simultaneously. Each wound and scrape of skin healed over as the trickling blood that is the healing of all life is reclaimed into the body, and restored within the blood flow from whence it had poured out. Each drop of wet blood dried as tiny pools of blood between hair on his forearms evaporates. He sat up in the tomb with a force that shook the whole earth. The shroud which held messiah had come undone.

Rom 5:1,2,15-17 2Co 5:19

When Dietrich Bonhoefffer talks about  the idea of "cheap grace" it must be understood in the historical context of Nazi occupation in Germany that shaped the direction  of his faith and devotion.  Bonhoeffer gave his life for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. After Bonhoeffers daily prayers he calmly and without hesitation took his place at the gallows,and he was tried for treason,found guilty,and hanged in the  concentration camp Flossenburg in the spring of 1945. "Cheap grace" is grace without repentance. Yes, all men and women are freely justified and redeemed by the saving work of Christ alone(Rom 3:24). So grace is available in unlimited supply to all;but it is very costly,because of what Jesus endured on our behalf. In the book of James the scripture teaches that "faith without works is dead"(Jm 1:22 Jm 2:14,18). Is there a conflict between Bonhoeffer's radical faith and understanding of cheap/costly grace and the rest of scripture? Costly vs cheap grace can be confusing to some people. As I studied a commentary on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's work titled The Cost of Discipleship I was apprehensive,because I thought I needed to do something other than accept God's free gift of grace and righteousness. I didn't want to discover an aspect of grace that would hinder the beautiful favor I believe I have through Christ. To me cheap grace is when a person is binge drinking all weekend and hooking up and never having a  devotional time, but on Sunday they recieve the benefits of grace and they are ok and so is God. This becomes ineffective and "cheap grace". When you recognize what Christ has done for you then living a Christ centered life will be a spiritual byproduct of your belief. Because of what Christ has done for us,and because our freedom and grace came at such a high price; and was so costly we should prioritize our lives in such a way that we offer our lives in service to the king of all kings.
Jesus is worth following. In our culture we have tried to dumb down Jesus,and tried to weaken His eternal cause. When Jesus resurrected from the dead He exhibited absolute power. I don't care how many super hero movies that Hollywood subjects the masses to or how invincible you may believe you are when you die you will not come back in three days. Don't you want to give your life to the God Man who conquered death.

I'm alive,and given the opportunity to find my way through the 21st century where all is known because all cards lie face up on the table disclosing the full gamut of experience man could ever be involved in. All that is shown serves merely as a reminder of all the peril as well as the joys of redemption that can be encountered on ones path. In this fresh clearing Im quite sure we will turn interpersonal sledge into diamonds that must be gathered in the strongest net at low tide. I carry all the burdens like a rolling wave made up of all times gone by and gathered,and then placed upon my shoulder. I know difficulty lies in store, but I stand established in hope because this unique occasion is an opportunity to create unheard of experiences consisting solely of  the ingenuity to get around any problem we may face. My love may cower and fall back, but God is the spirit of creation that will prevail in me.

King Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel the Old Testament Prophet

Lycanthropy: A very rare symptom of mental disorder in which an individual believes that he or she is or that he can change into a wolf.
     As Daniel entered his chamber for the night his candle was burning like the sole torch in the Babylonian kingdom. Daniel stands before an open window where he has prayed three times a day for thirty years while in captivity. He is expectantly waiting with a singular focus on the promise of the Lord to restore the children of Israel with the fall of Babylon. For a messiah is still to come from the heritage of Judaica, a throng exiled exiled in Babylon; and the devil would thwart an earthly reign of God through any means necessary. Daniel believed he knew everything about King Nebuchadnezzar, but from the window Daniel saw a ghastly sight that would remain seared in his mind for the rest of his days. Far away from the hieght of the looming turrets of the kingdom King Nebuchadnezzar sat against a tree, and he was eating blades of grass and berries from the earth that the deer of the fields graze upon. King Nebuchadnezzar's hair was long, pure white and fell past his knees. His beard extended to the middle of his cheast. From afar because of all of his unkempt hair he could resemble a wolfen creature. The hair follicles on the king's arms were thick, long strands of white that were so thick the white skin upon the king' forearms were no longer visible. King Nebuchadnezzar's fingers and toenails were long and came to sharp points like eagle talons. Even several of the king's teeth had been filed sharp to elongated encisors which resembled a wolfen bite. The king was rumored to live among the wild beasts at this time just like a wolf. for a moment King Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel made direct eye contact. The countenance of the king was not like any man Daniel had ever seen. The king uttered a screeching sound, and made a gesture with his right hand as if it was a claw to tear through tender flesh.

Mt5:42 Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

Facebook has an estimated $96 billlion net worth.In our cultural frenzy of dazzling social media how do you really connect with other people?!In Jesus sermon on the mount Jesus calls for a way of relating to others that completely transcends how we relate on a human level. This is a call to interact with others in a way that reaches the deepest aspect of someone elses life. Each individual has been fashioned in the image of God, and Jesus placed a significant value on human life and potential. He died to restore human worth and dignity due to the loss that sin brought into the world. To embrace the beatitudes creates a reservoir of kingdom rescources to bring into our relationships with others. In John 15:13 Jesus Christ told his most intimate followers that no one has greater love than that someone would lay down his life for his friends.