Update #71

“You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.” Psalm 51:6

Sequim, WA shoreline

When I say the word “intimacy” of what do you think? What words or pictures come to your mind? I asked a guy this question, without pause, he said: “Sex.” Yeah, well, that is intimate, but, I think “intimacy” so much, much more than physicality.

All of us want to be known - known for whom we really are and what we really desire. We want our hopes, our dreams, our aspirations acknowledged and accepted. We want transparency without the fear of being hurt. Basically, we want to be known, loved and accepted unconditionally. We want those around us to “into me see” – intimacy.

Most of us seek “into me see” with other people. We seek it from parents, siblings, friends, co-workers, bosses, peer groups, churches, community groups, worship teams, fellowship ministries, mission trip teams, pastors, counselors…none of which are wrong. The difficulty is we all have post-conception add-on filters producing perception distortion. These filters, put in position by past life experiences and pain, cause our worldview lens to be colored, warped, and distorted; rendering relationship with others blurred and not entirely true. (This can be overcome of course, but it is work; look at any marriage relationship.)

So where do we turn for true “into me see”? Where do we find someone whose perception isn’t altered by history and suffering? There is only one being who is free of pain filters, past experience filters, problems parent filters, difficult relative filters, tough teacher filters, arduous relationship filters…and that is (surprise) God. God sees us for who we are, what we are, where we are, how we are – his vision is clear, transparent, and plain. He knows us and loves us unconditionally.

Unfortunately, the intimacy relationship with God is mostly one sided – he loves unconditionally; we have a multi-layered filter problem. He loves, we need lens cleaner. He loves, we miss the mark. He loves, we mis-interpret. He loves, we judge.

It is work, on our part, to have intimacy with God. We need to discover our “filters” and clean or dislodge them in order to see and understand God clearly. Do you want a deeper relationship with someone who already loves you for who you are all your bumps and lumps included? Do you want to be “known” deeply and truly? I do and I am willing to put in the work to extricate extraneous filters and lacquered lenses that are in the way…are you willing to do the same?

If you are, simply ask God where your acuity is altered. He’ll show you. He has shown me. Greater “into me see” with God, I feel, equals greater freedom in life.

Updates:
Living – I am back in the San Francisco Bay area and currently living with my relatives (God bless them), the Johnsons have made an offer on a property in Los Gatos so I may be moving in the next few months.
Work – working from anyplace that has wi-fi internet access…cafés, libraries, at home…and out of the trunk of my car!
Seattle – The weather was warmer than San Francisco while I was there (thank you God) but I did go on a hike in the snow! My open house was a huge success – it was fun to see my hard-body girlfriends (Pam the mountaineer and Dory the Boston marathoner) pregnant!

Requests:
Housing – provision for the property the Johnson’s have made an offer…$2 million needed by the first part of August…and for my little space somewhere!
Work – for the upcoming training – we need a coordinator and recruits! Also for perseverance through this transitory time – it is hard being scattered, working virtual, and trying to stay on top of “the next thing.”
Purpose – I really feel part of my purpose is intercession and am taking a class that is quite in-depth – pray that I can assimilate what I am learning!
Relationships - deepening of present ones, start of new ones and that God will be present.
Financing - If you are interested in contributing, please see ‘Contribute’ at http://www.repurposing.biz/ on the left of the page, or visit http://www.denaandrews.blogspot.com/ and read the footer for additional info.

Dena