Robert A. Emmons said ” Recognition is the quality that permits gratitude to be transformative.” When we recognize what gratitude really is we empower it with our belief and in so doing it now can transform us.As simple as it may seem to most the point here is that the recognition of Jesus is the quality that allows him to empower us–He can now transform us–if we re-cognize our prior perception –re think them ,our new perceptions will allow us to perceive – gain awareness -elevation of our consciousness.
It seem to me this would be finding the Pnneumatic Self ( one who has been made alive in Jesus–the true self.

Skin

Have you ever known someone__ that moves around in spirituality__ the way one move around__ in the coziness of a well-worn coat? Always at ease__ in a tailored garment__ cut from so much grace__ it slashes room enough to reach out and grab hold__ of the ageless, nameless, face.

Have you ever known someone__ altogether comfortable__ with the way an oil-stained collar__ shimmies in__ to cradle his or her neck? Carrying within it__ the full-bodied history__ of sweet and calloused steps.

Have you ever known someone__ to swallow up creation__ the way a hungry heart quickens in the presence of desire? Tangled in arms so long__ that no thought can stray too far__ or stay too far__ from the triumph of beauty.

Have you ever known someone__ with fingers tips that could see? Brave new worlds__ wild with fire__ blazing at the seams__ transcending every boundary__ found in gender, race, and creed.

Have you ever known someone__ naked__ and leather wrapped? Inhaling life__ exhaling wonder__ one__ made from the other__ each for the other__ joined in the silence__ of an old friend.

Your ministry is priceless.

You have no idea how good this makes me feel. I am deeply grateful that you took the time to tell me your story and it inspires and energizes me. Really, I don’t think I could have received better news today.

chuck

In 1995 I was just arrested on my second drug posession charge and was at my lowest point. I was released and living with my mom in Diamond Bar and my brother invited me to Capo Beach Calvary. Having nothing better to do, I went and the only thing I remember was that Jesus spoke to my heart through your transperancy and humbleness and Chris Folsom sang a song where the chorus was “Jesus in the morning Jesus in the night, Jesus wathching over me, everyghing is alright.” I would later see him at one of the men’s retreat and I shared the story and he said at worship that he would sing this song first and he did. Me and my now wife of 12 years went to CBC for many years on both Thursday and Saturday nights all the way from Chino Hills. We loved it and would talk all the way home about the message. People thought we were crazy for driving that far for Church, but we thought that people drove a lot farther for jobs they hate why not a Church we love. To make a long story short, we had children and the long drive was not as much fun, plus we wanted to have a Church family closer to home. It was hard, but we always knew that it wasn’t your goal to build a large mega Church but to make diciples through the Holy Spririt and affect people in our own community. In a way I had to separate from CBC to grow. ( I hope that make sense) Anyway, we have found a great Church home and are in service to our God in anyway he desires and I have also been sober and clean for 16 years. Thank you for giving me the base that has allowed me to grow and do things in Christ that I thought were impossible.
Dan Jesolva and Family.