"True, whole prayer is nothing but love." -St. Augustine
God has graciously allowed me to catch a glimpse into his heart, and I want to share with you what I have seen. Today the heart of God is an open wound of love. He aches over our distance and preoccupation. He mourns that we do not draw near to him. He grieves that we have forgotten him. He weeps over our obsession with much-ness and many-ness. He longs for our presence.
And he is inviting you—and me—to come home, to come home to where we belong, to come home to that for which we were created. His arms are stretched out wide to receive us. His heart is enlarged to take us in.
For too long we have been in a far country: a country of noise and hurry and crowds, a country of climb and push and shove, a country of frustration and fear and intimidation. And he welcomes us home: home to serenity and peace and joy, home to friendship and fellowship and openness, home to intimacy and acceptance and affirmation.
We do not need to be shy. He invites us into the living room of his heart, where we can put on old slippers and share freely. He invites us into the kitchen of his friendship, where chatter and batter mix in good fun. He invites us into the dining room of his strength, where we can feast to our heart's delight. He invites us into the study of his wisdom, where we can learn and grow and stretch . . . and ask all the questions we want. He invites us into the workshop of his creativity, where we can be co-laborers with him, working together to determine the outcomes of events. He invites us into the bedroom of his rest, where new peace is found and where we can be naked and vulnerable and free. It is also the place of deepest intimacy, where we know and are known to the fullest.
-Richard Foster, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home
Meet the Students
1. What is your favorite childhood memory? I once went to a camp called Peniel, meaning "face to face with God" from Genesis when Jacob wrestled with God. There, they have a small, modest outside chapel, where a short vespers service was held. In this particular moment, we sang "Abide With Me" while the wind blew softly through the trees of these woods and the sun was just setting. Though simple, it was majestic. Then I remember clearly the Holy Spirit touching my heart when I asked of Him to "Abide with me fast falls the eventide." It is a peace that I can hardly describe.
2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? After much prayer of the summer, I decided that God wanted me to focus my energy in to this ministry. I have been involved in outreach events, such as Hot Dogs, greeting, and O-Week. I have attended a weekly small group Bible Study. I am now a Prayer Team Leader for 2016.
3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Cornerstone instills in me that God intended His people to be creative, to work, and to serve their fellow man in humility. Our diverse Christian community reminds me that God is always present, and by being present love and hope abounds.
Financial Update
God has blessed us recently in the past few months by helping us reach our monthly goal. Now, we are asking for help on a unique way of giving. If you are interested in learning more, please click on the picture below.
Moore News
We had a great Christmas as well. We spent Christmas day at home in Pittsburgh and then traveled to Morgantown and Oak Hill, WV the following days. During that week, we didn’t do a whole lot except visit family, and it was fantastic and the relaxing break we all needed. Our house is filled with even more video games, remote controlled vehicles, and Star Wars toys. All of which I appreciate. For those of you wondering, yes I did see Star Wars...five times. If you want to hear my thoughts or review of the movie (I obviously liked it, or I wouldn’t have seen it five times), feel free to email me.
We hope this letter finds you well and that God continues to work through you.
In Christ,
Andy Moore
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