Here we are, and so soon. The final block in the book. And the last verses of the last book of the Bible:
“The Spirit and the Bride say “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”
This last quilt block was an unusual one to make. The name “Water Beauty” explains that maybe it’s a water lily? And the connection is to the “water of life”?
There’s a new movie/documentary being promoted right now, called “Jesus Revolution.” I’m not sure if I’ll go to see it. I don’t think I can separate Kelsey Grammer from “Dr. Frazier Crane.” Besides, I was in high school in Southern California in the 70’s, so I experienced the Jesus Movement firsthand. I attended Chuck Smith’s services. I’ll share a little from what I remember.
I was what you’d call a goodie two shoes. Actually, I was a scaredy cat and keeping on the straight and narrow was the safest way to grow up in my opinion. My high school sorted itself into these groups: the “soce’s”, the “jocks”, and the “bags”. I never knew what “bags” stood for, they were the scary students that came to school stoned. I avoided making eye contact with the “bags.” Then the Jesus Movement happened. I remember seeing “bags” completely transformed. One day they’d be sleeping through the class period. The next morning they were smiling, friendly, and enthusiastic about sharing the gospel. They carried the Living Bible around, a green hardback, or the paperback Good News Bible. They’d consume the Word while eating lunch on the quad. The change was genuine.
I was a Christian, and went to weeknight Bible studies with mutual friends. They were there reading their Bibles, thirsty, open, real. We grew together in faith.
The Jesus Movement rippled through all the different denominations. Maybe it was in part because of our baby boomer population, but most all church youth groups grew to standing room only. We were discussing “The Late Great Planet Earth” by Hal Lindsey. The end times was on all of our minds. The Calvary Chapel nearest me was in a stately old movie theater. They would have movie nights, and show “A Thief in the Night” on a regular basis. We felt we were in the last days for sure.
The music was everywhere. Free concerts were abundant. I still have a stack of albums, of which I have no means to play, of Mustard Seed Faith, Larry Norman, Keith Green, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Pam Mark Hall, Love Song, Phil Keaggy, Barry McGuire, Malcolm and Alwyn, Honeytree, Children of the Day, Karen Rafferty, Twila Paris, Wendy and Mary, and so many more, all purchased at their concerts.
Back to this final quilt block. It reminds me of a spaceship, which reminds me of Larry Norman’s album, “Only Visiting This Planet.” He would close his Friday Night Concerts out at Point Loma College with a certain song, “One Way”. We’d all point our index fingers to the sky and sing along, as there were no cell phones to wave.
One way, one way to Heaven
Hold up high your hands (we’d sing “point your fingers high”)
One way, free and forgiven
Children of the Lamb
Two roads diverged in the middle of my life
I heard a wise man say
And I took the one less traveled by
And that’s made the difference, every night and every day
So I say one way, one way to Heaven
Hold your heads up high
Follow, free and forgiven
Children of the sky
Children of the sky, halelu
Children of the sky
This finger pointing became a “thing” of the Jesus Movement. When we’d pass another believer in a school hallway, or in traffic, we’d point to heaven and smile. It wordlessly conveyed this message: Remember, we are only visiting this planet. Jesus is coming soon.
Cuts With Scissors 