Easter is coming! Just a couple of weeks away, now. And it's the most exciting, most celebrated day of the year for followers of Christ. Because it's the day that changes everything.

And of course churches throughout our community are celebrating big, as they should. And it's one of the best days in the year to invite a friend to check out God with you, so churches are opening up the invitations wide.

And all around I see bumper stickers. And there's nothing wrong with that! Seriously. More power to the sticker.

But, I just think baskets are better.

Follow me on this: We want as many as our friends as is humanly possible to discover the grace and vitality that comes from a life of constant surrender, connection, and willingness with God. And Easter is a great time to expose a few friends to just that. So somebody came up with this idea -- based on a popular Halloween / neighborhood thing -- to give away baskets. A basket is dropped off at someone's door anonymously, and it's full of goodies, and it brings a little more happiness to their day. And then they're encouraged to do it to somebody else, which brings even more happiness to their day. And with it comes an invitation to join us on Easter.

And maybe it's me -- cuz bumper stickers are fine -- but don't you think that's better? The basket is funner, more personal, and it brings love! It helps make love just a little more famous, don't you agree?

And don't you want to bring a little love and happiness to your neighborhood? Really now. Grab a basket this weekend, fill it with cool goodies, and drop it at a neighbor's door. Let's help some of our friends and neighbors connect with God this Easter.

So ... who you gonna egg?

I want to suggest that there is a version of you that is just as real as the version you saw in the mirror as you were getting ready to come here today. A "YOU" you were created to be. And you are a masterpiece. Good & noble, strong & secure. Created to be like God in truth, righteousness, and holiness (otherliness).

This YOU is creative & productive — does good things that you were created to do, that were planned for you before the world was born. Advances good and beauty in the world. This YOU exercises leadership & influence without ego or self-consciousness. Speaks up freely, acts strongly.

This YOU loves so well — connects freely with people … laughs easily, serves joyfully. This YOU does not hold yourself back because of fear or shame; it is not consumed or concerned with what will come back to you once  you give yourself away.

And above all, this YOU is humbly & willingly connected with God — the Source of your Life — moment-by-moment. And so life is an adventure … a moment-by-moment adventure into the next opportunity to be you together with the God who made you YOU.

It is the YOU you were created to be. It is the "real" you. And YOU … you are a masterpiece.

But you are not yourself.

— From "The Mud & The Masterpiece" part 2



JOHN: Seems like in just about every group of people I'm with these days, somebody mentions the Relational Intelligence series, and things that are standing out to them. Of course, one of the best ways we learn -- and remember what we learn -- is to interact with others.

So here's a a question for you: What are you getting out of the "Relational Intelligence" series? Which topic or idea has stood out to you? Why? What has been a key point? What have you tried to "do" as a result of this series? Is there anything you've tried to implement? What was it? How'd it go?

Take a second, hit "comment" and interact! I'll start it out with one of my learnings ... (hit "comment" to see).

A Monday morning question after a power packed weekend which included the One Step Vision Event, the kick-off of our expanded kid's emphasis on Saturday nite, part 4 of Relational Intellgence, finishing up with a rowdy and noisy pastor's open house at John and Debbie Reed's:  What attracts you to Terra Nova?

That's a question we've been asking often in this new year.  We've been able to use it a bunch as people have walked into our community wanting to check out us out.  Some have come to Terra Nova after meeting us at a local Albertson's back in the holiday season, as we leaned into feeding needy families.  A few have gotten to know us through this website.   Others were invited by a friend at work.  Still others saw  our sign out in front.  Lot's of different factors play into checking out a church like Terra Nova for the first time, but if you come a second time, and continue to come and explore, well...there's probably a reason for that.

So...what's your reason?  What attracts you to Terra Nova?  I'd love to give a few days for you all to post, and then I'll give you what John and I continue to hear as we ask the question...

JOHN: For a few months now, we've been talking and dreaming and praying about refreshing our SuperNova Saturday Nights -- our kids classes on Saturday nights. So we've recruited a DREAM TEAM of leaders across the board, in all of our classes. Really great, gifted, passionate teachers and leaders.

And we're adding a 3rd – 5th class and a 6th – 8th class. (Woo HOOO!)

And then we're just taking everything up a notch -- from the treats and crafts to the personal attention. Plus, for our older classes, regular off-site trips to Starbucks and "Snow-on-the-Go" (the new local shave-ice place!).

We really want Saturday Nights to be a great place to bring the family, especially for families involved in sports, but also for those who perahps just want a "family day" on Sunday.

And it all kicks off this Saturday night (the 20th) with a PIZZA PARTY for the kids! So come on out this Saturday night and give the NEW SuperNova Saturday Nights a try!