To my faithful followers. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and when the New Year comes may it be filled with goodness.
I leave you with my favorite Christmas Song and will see you next year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG88QX64wv8
Monday, December 24, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Love (Conclusion)
I found this poem which speaks to what I have tried to put into words all week. Love is give and take. Love is an inseparable bind. Love knows no boundaries. Love is life-giving.
This poem is written for a soldier who is facing death.
A Soldiers Dove
© Korry
as I lay on my back.
I look up into the night sky.
after repelling off the last attack.
I can feel you. I ask why.
I see your face in a distant star.
beaten, broken, and thrashed.
because my dove. you're so far.
wish I could hold your heart.
wish I was home and not here.
each new day I slowly fall apart.
because I'm so far away from my dear.
wanting, needing your love
I think about the past
I think about the night I first met my dove.
our hearts racing so fast.
how we couldn't help but talk for hours.
until we both fell asleep.
what brought us together?
we will probably never know.
it's you dove that holds me together.
even on this battle field you won't let go.
with my face in your hands.
please don't weep when I die.
promise me when you hear the bands.
you won't give up and cry.
this land was my enemy and my dove my sword.
without you they would have won along time ago.
last thoughts in my head my heart you adored.
the enemy and I went toe to toe.
now he stands over top me and blocks the light.
I scream, Run dove! all I can see is darkness.
as I call upon all my last might.
grabbing my last mag out of my harness.
he reaches for his gun.
points and pulls back the hammer.
and says now I have won.
squeezes out his last round.
he missed I'm not hit!
I fire my last shot.
the darkness fades.
so long we had fought.
I apply first aids.
then set up and look around.
he's laying in a pool of blood.
I hear weeping from my back on the ground.
its my dove!
she took the bullet. she's dying.
why my love!?
I just break down and start crying.
I take all my bandages off and put them on her!
but its just not good enough.
as she says "this isn't goodbye lover".
I'm thousands of miles away sleeping in my bed.
this is all in your dreams.
all of this is in your head.
when you wake up you will know what it all means.
I snap awake!
its 3:30 a.m.
there's a call I need to make.
suddenly I hear bells.
my phones ringing
I pick up my cell.
its my dove!
I answer and say............. "I love you"
I look up into the night sky.
after repelling off the last attack.
I can feel you. I ask why.
I see your face in a distant star.
beaten, broken, and thrashed.
because my dove. you're so far.
wish I could hold your heart.
wish I was home and not here.
each new day I slowly fall apart.
because I'm so far away from my dear.
wanting, needing your love
I think about the past
I think about the night I first met my dove.
our hearts racing so fast.
how we couldn't help but talk for hours.
until we both fell asleep.
what brought us together?
we will probably never know.
it's you dove that holds me together.
even on this battle field you won't let go.
with my face in your hands.
please don't weep when I die.
promise me when you hear the bands.
you won't give up and cry.
this land was my enemy and my dove my sword.
without you they would have won along time ago.
last thoughts in my head my heart you adored.
the enemy and I went toe to toe.
now he stands over top me and blocks the light.
I scream, Run dove! all I can see is darkness.
as I call upon all my last might.
grabbing my last mag out of my harness.
he reaches for his gun.
points and pulls back the hammer.
and says now I have won.
squeezes out his last round.
he missed I'm not hit!
I fire my last shot.
the darkness fades.
so long we had fought.
I apply first aids.
then set up and look around.
he's laying in a pool of blood.
I hear weeping from my back on the ground.
its my dove!
she took the bullet. she's dying.
why my love!?
I just break down and start crying.
I take all my bandages off and put them on her!
but its just not good enough.
as she says "this isn't goodbye lover".
I'm thousands of miles away sleeping in my bed.
this is all in your dreams.
all of this is in your head.
when you wake up you will know what it all means.
I snap awake!
its 3:30 a.m.
there's a call I need to make.
suddenly I hear bells.
my phones ringing
I pick up my cell.
its my dove!
I answer and say............. "I love you"
Source: A Soldiers Dove, Long Distance Love Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/a-soldiers-dove#ixzz2FiIFiEyr
www.FamilyFriendPoems.com
Thursday, December 20, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Love (Continued)
Luke 1:39-55
I will do my best to describe what I think is the closest bond and strongest love known to creation; that of a mother with child. When I speak with my wife, my mother, and other women who have children or are with child about their child I always see a glow which I can only describe as a light from within. Try it, ask any mother about her children and you'll see this glow too. It surrounds them, envelops their very being.
I sometimes see a similar glow in husbands when they speak of their wives, but in all honesty I never witness a brighter glow than when a mother speaks of her child. The glow, however, can turn to an impenetrable shield when they feel their children to be in danger. As much as one should thoroughly enjoy being in the presence of a mother who is glowing, one should almost be afraid to be the focus of a woman who thinks they are endangering her child.
Therein lies the love I am talking about. Whether a mother is glowing with pride or impenetrable with protection one thing is very obvious to me; that mother is giving everything she has to and for her child. That, I think, is what Love is. If you are willing to put all of your personal "stuff" aside and give everything you have for the betterment of others, then you have achieved the love that can only be shared between a mother and her child.
Mary and Elizabeth take that love one step further, if that is possible. They both recognize that the love they feel towards the child they are carrying is only possible because of God. It's in this recognition they both share a special joy as well as bring hope to one another that the child Mary is carrying will finally bring peace to their people.
Love one another my friends. Love one another as much as you love yourself. And never, never forget to love your God.
I will do my best to describe what I think is the closest bond and strongest love known to creation; that of a mother with child. When I speak with my wife, my mother, and other women who have children or are with child about their child I always see a glow which I can only describe as a light from within. Try it, ask any mother about her children and you'll see this glow too. It surrounds them, envelops their very being.
I sometimes see a similar glow in husbands when they speak of their wives, but in all honesty I never witness a brighter glow than when a mother speaks of her child. The glow, however, can turn to an impenetrable shield when they feel their children to be in danger. As much as one should thoroughly enjoy being in the presence of a mother who is glowing, one should almost be afraid to be the focus of a woman who thinks they are endangering her child.
Therein lies the love I am talking about. Whether a mother is glowing with pride or impenetrable with protection one thing is very obvious to me; that mother is giving everything she has to and for her child. That, I think, is what Love is. If you are willing to put all of your personal "stuff" aside and give everything you have for the betterment of others, then you have achieved the love that can only be shared between a mother and her child.
Mary and Elizabeth take that love one step further, if that is possible. They both recognize that the love they feel towards the child they are carrying is only possible because of God. It's in this recognition they both share a special joy as well as bring hope to one another that the child Mary is carrying will finally bring peace to their people.
Love one another my friends. Love one another as much as you love yourself. And never, never forget to love your God.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Love (Continued)
Hebrew 10:5-10
As I listened to President Obama give a press conference this morning I was encouraged by one of the answers he gave. The question asked was (paraphrasing), "In the last four years of your presidency there have been other violent shootings take place around our country, where have you been until now?" President Obama simply reminded this reporter that he has been busy fighting back the worse recession since the depression, keeping the auto industry from falling apart, fighting two wars, and dealing with other pressing issues.
Then he said something that made me smile, because it's about time one of our country's leaders said it. "It's time we all take a step back and look at where we have been placing our priorities" (paraphrasing again).
So, I want to ask you, where are your priorities?
In today's passage, Paul does a pretty good job at determining what Jesus' priorities were. Jesus didn't come to remind everyone of their laws, rather he tried his best to remind those who would listen it's the laws which are separating us from our relationships. In fact, as Paul focuses on in the passage, the people to whom Jesus was speaking no longer showed joy in following the law.
Sometimes we do things because we feel as though those are the things which have to be done. We go through our daily routines because they are just that; routines. To the people of Jesus' time it might be possible that the routines of having to say, do, and live in a strict adherence to a set of rules were becoming far removed from what those rules were meant to represent.
I've been taking a serious look this week at where we, as a society, are focusing our lives. I can see that in many more instances now, as compared to 40 years ago, we seem to be going through our routines without recognizing the rewards of those events. We take our children from one activity to another and barely ask them how they're doing. We have video games, computers, televisions, personal music players, personal hand-held digital devices (aka cell phones), and so much more to keep us busy and away from being with one another.
To be with one another is the most important part of being human. Every being, every piece of creation longs to be with one another. Even a banana tree will not bear fruit unless it has another banana tree sharing it's root. It's time, then, for us to be with one another. This is, and always has been the hope of our God - that all of creation can find a way to live within and a part of that which is created.
The only way to do this is to love - Love yourself, Love one another, and Love your God.
As I listened to President Obama give a press conference this morning I was encouraged by one of the answers he gave. The question asked was (paraphrasing), "In the last four years of your presidency there have been other violent shootings take place around our country, where have you been until now?" President Obama simply reminded this reporter that he has been busy fighting back the worse recession since the depression, keeping the auto industry from falling apart, fighting two wars, and dealing with other pressing issues.
Then he said something that made me smile, because it's about time one of our country's leaders said it. "It's time we all take a step back and look at where we have been placing our priorities" (paraphrasing again).
So, I want to ask you, where are your priorities?
In today's passage, Paul does a pretty good job at determining what Jesus' priorities were. Jesus didn't come to remind everyone of their laws, rather he tried his best to remind those who would listen it's the laws which are separating us from our relationships. In fact, as Paul focuses on in the passage, the people to whom Jesus was speaking no longer showed joy in following the law.
Sometimes we do things because we feel as though those are the things which have to be done. We go through our daily routines because they are just that; routines. To the people of Jesus' time it might be possible that the routines of having to say, do, and live in a strict adherence to a set of rules were becoming far removed from what those rules were meant to represent.
I've been taking a serious look this week at where we, as a society, are focusing our lives. I can see that in many more instances now, as compared to 40 years ago, we seem to be going through our routines without recognizing the rewards of those events. We take our children from one activity to another and barely ask them how they're doing. We have video games, computers, televisions, personal music players, personal hand-held digital devices (aka cell phones), and so much more to keep us busy and away from being with one another.
To be with one another is the most important part of being human. Every being, every piece of creation longs to be with one another. Even a banana tree will not bear fruit unless it has another banana tree sharing it's root. It's time, then, for us to be with one another. This is, and always has been the hope of our God - that all of creation can find a way to live within and a part of that which is created.
The only way to do this is to love - Love yourself, Love one another, and Love your God.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Love (Continued)
Psalm 80:1-7
I am feeling a deep connection this week with the lectionary passages; especially as they lead towards the Sunday in which we celebrate the Love shown to us through Jesus Christ.
As the days distance themselves from last week Friday's shooting I am beginning to see the deep divisions I spoke of yesterday come to fruition. Nothing is making me feel sadder than to hear people actually say that the only solution to these types of tragedies is to put a gun in every hand. Can you just imagine what would happen if a room full of people had guns and one, just one of them felt threatened? There wouldn't be a person left alive.
The answer to violence is never more violence. Jesus reminds us that if we are stricken we should turn the other cheek. Jesus reminds us that it is the peacekeepers who will see the face of God. As Jesus looked into the eye of extreme injustice he reminded us that to show love, even until death, is really the only way towards peace.
The children at Sandy Hook were shot down because of the decisions of someone who may not have been able to make an intelligent decision. It would also seem he was able to get the guns from his mother, who was living in fear of her government. It is this fear, the fear of the unknown, that drives people to do the things they do. In order to stop things like this from happening we need to find a way for people to trust each other again.
Our Psalm today begs, yes begs for the one who will bring us peace and joy through love; that is the hope of all humanity, don't you think? It is in the love of your God you will find the peace you need to overcome your fears. It is in the love of your God you will find the joy you need to overcome your weaknesses. It is in the love of your God you will find the hope you seek to live in a world void of violence and filled with Love. It is in the Love of your God your lives will be restored to a place where neighbor takes care of neighbor.
On this day look for ways to love, not ways to spread fear.
I am feeling a deep connection this week with the lectionary passages; especially as they lead towards the Sunday in which we celebrate the Love shown to us through Jesus Christ.
As the days distance themselves from last week Friday's shooting I am beginning to see the deep divisions I spoke of yesterday come to fruition. Nothing is making me feel sadder than to hear people actually say that the only solution to these types of tragedies is to put a gun in every hand. Can you just imagine what would happen if a room full of people had guns and one, just one of them felt threatened? There wouldn't be a person left alive.
The answer to violence is never more violence. Jesus reminds us that if we are stricken we should turn the other cheek. Jesus reminds us that it is the peacekeepers who will see the face of God. As Jesus looked into the eye of extreme injustice he reminded us that to show love, even until death, is really the only way towards peace.
The children at Sandy Hook were shot down because of the decisions of someone who may not have been able to make an intelligent decision. It would also seem he was able to get the guns from his mother, who was living in fear of her government. It is this fear, the fear of the unknown, that drives people to do the things they do. In order to stop things like this from happening we need to find a way for people to trust each other again.
Our Psalm today begs, yes begs for the one who will bring us peace and joy through love; that is the hope of all humanity, don't you think? It is in the love of your God you will find the peace you need to overcome your fears. It is in the love of your God you will find the joy you need to overcome your weaknesses. It is in the love of your God you will find the hope you seek to live in a world void of violence and filled with Love. It is in the Love of your God your lives will be restored to a place where neighbor takes care of neighbor.
On this day look for ways to love, not ways to spread fear.
Monday, December 17, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Love
Micah 5:2-5a
As the Nation, and the World, begins to recover from the shock of the shootings in Newtown, CT the conversation about how to best prevent these things from happening again is beginning. We are sure to see the deep-ceded divisions revolved around the right to have a gun or not. The people who are defending our rights to carry a gun will be screaming about how the other side is trying to take away that right. While that's going on the people trying to limit the damage that can be done with the guns people own will be screaming about our right to live in a place that allows for a sensible feeling, and knowledge, of peace.
In the past these conversations revolved around our basic rights as human beings living in a free-world. That is true until now. This time there will be no escaping the fact that the types of guns and ammunition abilities used in this particular shooting found a way to harm the most innocent and loving of all humanity; children. Regardless of where those who will be filling our airwaves stand in the conversations revolving around our right to defend ourselves, and regardless of where you stand in that conversation, let us not forget that unless we stand together in love that conversation will get nowhere.
This week in Advent we are going to do our best to seek the love brought to us by God through Christ. In light of the recent events this may prove to be a more difficult task than we hope for, but together let's take this journey and try to find where that love resides.
In our passage today, Micah prophesies about the one who is coming that will bring peace to our world. In the hearts of Christians we believe this one to be Christ. What Christ brought with him was the understanding, and the teachings toward the understanding, that the way to peace is through love, and that love is the unconditional acceptance of all people.
As the Nation, and the World, begins to recover from the shock of the shootings in Newtown, CT the conversation about how to best prevent these things from happening again is beginning. We are sure to see the deep-ceded divisions revolved around the right to have a gun or not. The people who are defending our rights to carry a gun will be screaming about how the other side is trying to take away that right. While that's going on the people trying to limit the damage that can be done with the guns people own will be screaming about our right to live in a place that allows for a sensible feeling, and knowledge, of peace.
In the past these conversations revolved around our basic rights as human beings living in a free-world. That is true until now. This time there will be no escaping the fact that the types of guns and ammunition abilities used in this particular shooting found a way to harm the most innocent and loving of all humanity; children. Regardless of where those who will be filling our airwaves stand in the conversations revolving around our right to defend ourselves, and regardless of where you stand in that conversation, let us not forget that unless we stand together in love that conversation will get nowhere.
This week in Advent we are going to do our best to seek the love brought to us by God through Christ. In light of the recent events this may prove to be a more difficult task than we hope for, but together let's take this journey and try to find where that love resides.
In our passage today, Micah prophesies about the one who is coming that will bring peace to our world. In the hearts of Christians we believe this one to be Christ. What Christ brought with him was the understanding, and the teachings toward the understanding, that the way to peace is through love, and that love is the unconditional acceptance of all people.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Hope, Peace, Joy...Then Comes Love
I had originally not planned to post anything pertaining to yesterday's elementary school shooting in Newton, CT. My thought was that everyone would have formed an opinion and would have reached out for the words and thoughts needed to make sense of the whole thing in their own time. That was the plan, except that I saw a questioned asked, which I feel compelled to answer in the best way I can.
In this time of Advent, when we seek comfort in the coming of our Christ, how can we see hope, peace, or joy in any part of this horrific shooting?
My wife is a Kindergarten teacher. When it became clear through the news that this tragic event involved a classroom of 5-year olds my first thought was, "Why the children?" My second thought came to me immediately after, "My wife, she must be devastated."
I called her, and she hadn't heard the news. I told her I didn't want to be the one to give it to her, but I also knew she would find out as soon as I hung up anyway. When I told her that the kids involved were kindergartners I could honestly feel her heart break.
Later that afternoon, when she came home from school, she asked to watch the news and cuddled next to me on the couch. She was not only visibly sad but also "felt" empty, as though she was drained of all emotion. After watching a news update which did a very good job on summarizing the day's events she asked for a hug. After the hug she said she now had a better understanding of why it happened, and she could see that the people in that town were reaching out to one another in the love only true neighbors can show.
Hope had begun to settle in, peace was not far behind, and soon there would again be joy, all it took was a little love.
I define love as unconditional acceptance. It's when we can find a way to put our differences aside to be with each other. It's when we can see and be ourselves for the person we are. It's when we understand that there is a force greater than us who brings life into this world.
Love makes hope, peace, and joy possible - hope, peace, and joy make love possible. Let's start loving each other now.
In this time of Advent, when we seek comfort in the coming of our Christ, how can we see hope, peace, or joy in any part of this horrific shooting?
My wife is a Kindergarten teacher. When it became clear through the news that this tragic event involved a classroom of 5-year olds my first thought was, "Why the children?" My second thought came to me immediately after, "My wife, she must be devastated."
I called her, and she hadn't heard the news. I told her I didn't want to be the one to give it to her, but I also knew she would find out as soon as I hung up anyway. When I told her that the kids involved were kindergartners I could honestly feel her heart break.
Later that afternoon, when she came home from school, she asked to watch the news and cuddled next to me on the couch. She was not only visibly sad but also "felt" empty, as though she was drained of all emotion. After watching a news update which did a very good job on summarizing the day's events she asked for a hug. After the hug she said she now had a better understanding of why it happened, and she could see that the people in that town were reaching out to one another in the love only true neighbors can show.
Hope had begun to settle in, peace was not far behind, and soon there would again be joy, all it took was a little love.
I define love as unconditional acceptance. It's when we can find a way to put our differences aside to be with each other. It's when we can see and be ourselves for the person we are. It's when we understand that there is a force greater than us who brings life into this world.
Love makes hope, peace, and joy possible - hope, peace, and joy make love possible. Let's start loving each other now.
Friday, December 14, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Joy (Conclusion)
Sometimes other people can say it better than I ever could. Here's a few words from others.
We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When
the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. - Buddha
Love is a force more formidable than any other. It is
invisible - it cannot be seen or measured, yet it is powerful enough to
transform you in a moment, and offer you more joy than any material possession
could. - - Barbara de Angelis
We need to give each other the space to grow, to be
ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that
we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity,
joy, healing, and inclusion. - Max de Pree
Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. - Mother
Teresa
If my world were to cave in tomorrow, I would look back on
all the pleasures, excitements and worthwhilenesses I have been lucky enough to
have had. Not the sadness, not my miscarriages or my father leaving home, but
the joy of everything else. It will have been enough. - Audrey Hepburn
Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn
out the pain. - Joseph Campbell
Do something joyous this weekend!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Joy (Continued)
Luke 3:7-18
The first thing that came to mind after reading today's passage is, "That's good news?" Visions of being chopped down at the root and burning with the rest of the chaff in an unquenchable fire doesn't sound so good. Since our challenge for the week is to find a way towards peace through our readings, I re-read the passage to find that way, and don't you know, there it was.
The way towards peace is in John's response to those wishing to be baptized by him. Give unto others, don't be greedy, treat everyone fairly, and be happy with what you have. I especially like the last piece of advice.
One of the church's elders sat in our Youth Sunday School last week. Towards the end of the class he asked permission to begin a conversation about Christmas. The youth said it was cool and he asked them this question: "Why do you give gifts at Christmas?" The youth were dumbfounded, they honestly didn't know how to answer.
Then, from somewhere in the middle of the class a voice rang out, "I can't speak for everyone, but I give gifts because I feel like I have to." The proverbial can of worms had opened and a spirited conversation on the shortcomings of Christmas in a commercial world began. One of our youth actually said that if she could only give gifts to her immediate family that would be more than enough because to her those were the only people she wanted to show true appreciation to.
If Advent is the expectation of Christ's entrance into our lives, we then need to be open to all the ways he is coming. We also need to be aware of those who are preparing the path for our journey with Christ. Jesus had John the Baptizer. Who do you have? Our communities are filled with people waiting to show us little, and sometimes big, visions of Christ, we just need to have the open hearts and minds to let it happen.
Go out today and begin appreciating the things you have. My bet is that once you are satisfied with what you do have you will find a piece of peace you might have been looking for.
The first thing that came to mind after reading today's passage is, "That's good news?" Visions of being chopped down at the root and burning with the rest of the chaff in an unquenchable fire doesn't sound so good. Since our challenge for the week is to find a way towards peace through our readings, I re-read the passage to find that way, and don't you know, there it was.
The way towards peace is in John's response to those wishing to be baptized by him. Give unto others, don't be greedy, treat everyone fairly, and be happy with what you have. I especially like the last piece of advice.
One of the church's elders sat in our Youth Sunday School last week. Towards the end of the class he asked permission to begin a conversation about Christmas. The youth said it was cool and he asked them this question: "Why do you give gifts at Christmas?" The youth were dumbfounded, they honestly didn't know how to answer.
Then, from somewhere in the middle of the class a voice rang out, "I can't speak for everyone, but I give gifts because I feel like I have to." The proverbial can of worms had opened and a spirited conversation on the shortcomings of Christmas in a commercial world began. One of our youth actually said that if she could only give gifts to her immediate family that would be more than enough because to her those were the only people she wanted to show true appreciation to.
If Advent is the expectation of Christ's entrance into our lives, we then need to be open to all the ways he is coming. We also need to be aware of those who are preparing the path for our journey with Christ. Jesus had John the Baptizer. Who do you have? Our communities are filled with people waiting to show us little, and sometimes big, visions of Christ, we just need to have the open hearts and minds to let it happen.
Go out today and begin appreciating the things you have. My bet is that once you are satisfied with what you do have you will find a piece of peace you might have been looking for.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Joy (Continued)
Philippians 4:4-7
I really like the theme our readings are taking us through this week. First we were asked to remove all fear from our lives, which is more difficult than we admit. Next came the reminder that we should put our trust not only in our God, but in others as well, which probably proves more difficult than having no fear. Today we are being reminded that the more we worry the less peaceful we are.
Worry is a part of everyday life. There is no getting around it. So, in order to understand how we can take worry face-on, and find a way to get past it let's define worry. Worry is described as any action with one's self which causes a disturbance or interference with their own comfort or peace of mind. In other words you are responsible for the things which you allow to make your life uncomfortable and less peaceful.
Now that you know who's in control of the worrisome things in your life, maybe you can find a way to stop it, if not at least slow it down. I won't promise you it's an easy task, nor will I say this can be done overnight. I will say, though, that you and only you can accomplish this one.
Of course you'll have God's help too.As it says in our passage today, when you find a way to stop worrying and learn to let God help you with the things which do worry you, your life will find a peace which surpasses all understanding.
I really like the theme our readings are taking us through this week. First we were asked to remove all fear from our lives, which is more difficult than we admit. Next came the reminder that we should put our trust not only in our God, but in others as well, which probably proves more difficult than having no fear. Today we are being reminded that the more we worry the less peaceful we are.
Worry is a part of everyday life. There is no getting around it. So, in order to understand how we can take worry face-on, and find a way to get past it let's define worry. Worry is described as any action with one's self which causes a disturbance or interference with their own comfort or peace of mind. In other words you are responsible for the things which you allow to make your life uncomfortable and less peaceful.
Now that you know who's in control of the worrisome things in your life, maybe you can find a way to stop it, if not at least slow it down. I won't promise you it's an easy task, nor will I say this can be done overnight. I will say, though, that you and only you can accomplish this one.
Of course you'll have God's help too.As it says in our passage today, when you find a way to stop worrying and learn to let God help you with the things which do worry you, your life will find a peace which surpasses all understanding.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Joy (Continued)
Isaiah 12:2-6
This week is "Finals Week" for many of our high schools, colleges, and universities. It's a time filled with lots of stress due to getting projects and papers completed, all-night studies, improper eating habits, and general nervousness about taking exams.
Yesterday one of the students I work with came back from a one week break due to surgery. He came back to school just in time to take his finals. I asked him if he was worried about taking the tests, especially after taking a whole week off and not benefiting from the class reviews we had in his absence. I smiled and chuckled a little when he said, "No worry, I got this" I asked how he could be so calm, to which his reply was "I just have to trust I know what I need to know."
Trust. It's a tricky word, but one that is necessary to bring peace. I want all of you in a committed relationship to ponder this: Would you be able to sleep at night if you didn't have complete trust in your partner as he/she lay next to you in the dark?
A complete trust in people removes a lot of the fear that is associated with mistrust. As in the case of that student, he was completely at peace while taking the tests because he trusted not only in himself, but also that the teachers would not put anything on the test that was meant to "trick" him. What would happen if we put that same kind of trust in our God?
God wants us to know that we can put our trust in God, and to help make this point God sent us Jesus who lived a life in complete trust of what God's plans for him were. In fact, Jesus trusted God so much that when the time came for Jesus to give his life he knew God would be there on the other side.
I guess the question for us to ponder today is just how much trust do we have in ourselves, in each other, and in God?
This week is "Finals Week" for many of our high schools, colleges, and universities. It's a time filled with lots of stress due to getting projects and papers completed, all-night studies, improper eating habits, and general nervousness about taking exams.
Yesterday one of the students I work with came back from a one week break due to surgery. He came back to school just in time to take his finals. I asked him if he was worried about taking the tests, especially after taking a whole week off and not benefiting from the class reviews we had in his absence. I smiled and chuckled a little when he said, "No worry, I got this" I asked how he could be so calm, to which his reply was "I just have to trust I know what I need to know."
Trust. It's a tricky word, but one that is necessary to bring peace. I want all of you in a committed relationship to ponder this: Would you be able to sleep at night if you didn't have complete trust in your partner as he/she lay next to you in the dark?
A complete trust in people removes a lot of the fear that is associated with mistrust. As in the case of that student, he was completely at peace while taking the tests because he trusted not only in himself, but also that the teachers would not put anything on the test that was meant to "trick" him. What would happen if we put that same kind of trust in our God?
God wants us to know that we can put our trust in God, and to help make this point God sent us Jesus who lived a life in complete trust of what God's plans for him were. In fact, Jesus trusted God so much that when the time came for Jesus to give his life he knew God would be there on the other side.
I guess the question for us to ponder today is just how much trust do we have in ourselves, in each other, and in God?
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Joy
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Today's passage approaches the definition of joy by describing it as the absence of fear. I did have to think about it for a moment as the stubborn in me kept insisting that a life without fear would be a life lived in peace. However, as I thought about it longer it came to me that a peaceful life can still have moments of being afraid of something, but to truly be emptied of fear, well that's rather joyous.
In our youth group yesterday we spoke about one of my biggest heroes, Nick Vujicic. Nick is my hero for many reasons, but mainly it's because of his joy-filled life I have to say I look to his life as an example for how to live mine.
Nick was born with no limbs; no arms and no legs. At the age of 8, after seriously contemplating suicide, he came to the realization that he was what he was, and that is who he is. He made the decision that day to never let his disability get in the way of his abilities. If you took a look at his life today you would see a man with no limbs do everything from brush his own teeth to play soccer. If you get the chance look him up.
In one of his interviews they show him standing on a diving board which stood maybe 3 or 4 feet above the water. While at the edge of the board he makes jokes like, "I'm the one going out on a limb here." He then get's ready to jump, saying to the camera that to do what he is about to do either means he has no fear of what was coming, or is completely an idiot. Nick jumps, doing a back flip into the water. He raises his body above the waterline, shakes the water from his hair, and with a deeply heartfelt voice lets out the most joyous "WHOOO!" one has ever heard.
Indeed, a life without fear can be a life filled with joy.
Today's passage approaches the definition of joy by describing it as the absence of fear. I did have to think about it for a moment as the stubborn in me kept insisting that a life without fear would be a life lived in peace. However, as I thought about it longer it came to me that a peaceful life can still have moments of being afraid of something, but to truly be emptied of fear, well that's rather joyous.
In our youth group yesterday we spoke about one of my biggest heroes, Nick Vujicic. Nick is my hero for many reasons, but mainly it's because of his joy-filled life I have to say I look to his life as an example for how to live mine.
Nick was born with no limbs; no arms and no legs. At the age of 8, after seriously contemplating suicide, he came to the realization that he was what he was, and that is who he is. He made the decision that day to never let his disability get in the way of his abilities. If you took a look at his life today you would see a man with no limbs do everything from brush his own teeth to play soccer. If you get the chance look him up.
In one of his interviews they show him standing on a diving board which stood maybe 3 or 4 feet above the water. While at the edge of the board he makes jokes like, "I'm the one going out on a limb here." He then get's ready to jump, saying to the camera that to do what he is about to do either means he has no fear of what was coming, or is completely an idiot. Nick jumps, doing a back flip into the water. He raises his body above the waterline, shakes the water from his hair, and with a deeply heartfelt voice lets out the most joyous "WHOOO!" one has ever heard.
Indeed, a life without fear can be a life filled with joy.
Friday, December 7, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Peace (Conclusion)
Luke 3:1-6
Here we are at the end of week two of our four-week series and I don't know about you but time sure seems to be going along at a quick pace. With all the busy-ness we're involved in we barely find time for ourselves, let alone time for and with our God. I always find it refreshing to sit at my computer on most mornings to connect with people on social media, read the lectionary passage for the day, and let my fingertips touch the letters on this keyboard to write what I am thinking.
Believe it or not I do all those things to prepare my day, not anyone else's. I would be less than honest to say I am always surprised when others comment on my social media outlets that they like my posts or enjoyed reading them, so for the dozen or so of you who do so I want to say thank you for taking fifteen minutes out of your day to spend with me and my thoughts.
I write this today because it seems to me that John, the son of Zechariah whom we mentioned the other day, now seems ready to fulfill what would be his purpose in life; to prepare the people for what was coming. Not much is told to us about the life of John "the Baptizer", but my guess is he must have felt a certain peace in knowing that he was doing exactly what he was born to do, regardless of what others thought or said about him.
I wish more of us could feel that way. How much better would your life be if you could honestly say that you were doing what your life's work was meant to be? How much more peaceful would you feel if you lived a life according to what you feel led to live, regardless of what others said or thought about it?
John prepared the way for the coming of Christ by living in a way he thought to be right for him to live; to prepare others for the coming of Jesus. Let's try our best to do the same.
Here we are at the end of week two of our four-week series and I don't know about you but time sure seems to be going along at a quick pace. With all the busy-ness we're involved in we barely find time for ourselves, let alone time for and with our God. I always find it refreshing to sit at my computer on most mornings to connect with people on social media, read the lectionary passage for the day, and let my fingertips touch the letters on this keyboard to write what I am thinking.
Believe it or not I do all those things to prepare my day, not anyone else's. I would be less than honest to say I am always surprised when others comment on my social media outlets that they like my posts or enjoyed reading them, so for the dozen or so of you who do so I want to say thank you for taking fifteen minutes out of your day to spend with me and my thoughts.
I write this today because it seems to me that John, the son of Zechariah whom we mentioned the other day, now seems ready to fulfill what would be his purpose in life; to prepare the people for what was coming. Not much is told to us about the life of John "the Baptizer", but my guess is he must have felt a certain peace in knowing that he was doing exactly what he was born to do, regardless of what others thought or said about him.
I wish more of us could feel that way. How much better would your life be if you could honestly say that you were doing what your life's work was meant to be? How much more peaceful would you feel if you lived a life according to what you feel led to live, regardless of what others said or thought about it?
John prepared the way for the coming of Christ by living in a way he thought to be right for him to live; to prepare others for the coming of Jesus. Let's try our best to do the same.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Peace (Continued)
Philippians 1:3-11
Last night I had somewhat of an unplanned, albeit a needed break; somewhat. We usually have two bible studies back to back for our Youth and Young Adults between 7 and 10 pm. With the ending of the semester upon us, however, they decided their time would be better spent studying for finals and finishing projects and papers. Good decision on their part.
As a result I found myself with an extra hour or so to do other things and I used that time to read. It's honestly been a while since I read just because I wanted to. And with all the things I had in my office at work to read - magazines, books on teenage spirituality, news articles, and even our newly revised church by-laws - I chose to read my bible.
It was honestly nice to be able to read the bible without having to dissect it for any particular reason. As I read the beginning of the story of Jesus' life as told by Luke I found myself becoming enveloped by the words put on this paper. The most difficult part was pretending to not know the story as I read it; not easy.
As I read I began to see that from the beginning Luke is telling a story filled with contrasts between knowledge and action. As I read on, and as I tried harder to pretend I didn't know the story, I found myself realizing the love God showed through the life of Christ Jesus. As Paul put it, my love flourished in the "knowledge and full insight" of God's love.
I can say that in the hour or so I read, my relationship with God through Christ grew stronger, and with that growth came a certain peace I haven't felt in a long time. I was alone, I was at rest, and I was doing something for me. In the process I was able to sit with God and enjoy God's company.
That's what I call peace.
Last night I had somewhat of an unplanned, albeit a needed break; somewhat. We usually have two bible studies back to back for our Youth and Young Adults between 7 and 10 pm. With the ending of the semester upon us, however, they decided their time would be better spent studying for finals and finishing projects and papers. Good decision on their part.
As a result I found myself with an extra hour or so to do other things and I used that time to read. It's honestly been a while since I read just because I wanted to. And with all the things I had in my office at work to read - magazines, books on teenage spirituality, news articles, and even our newly revised church by-laws - I chose to read my bible.
It was honestly nice to be able to read the bible without having to dissect it for any particular reason. As I read the beginning of the story of Jesus' life as told by Luke I found myself becoming enveloped by the words put on this paper. The most difficult part was pretending to not know the story as I read it; not easy.
As I read I began to see that from the beginning Luke is telling a story filled with contrasts between knowledge and action. As I read on, and as I tried harder to pretend I didn't know the story, I found myself realizing the love God showed through the life of Christ Jesus. As Paul put it, my love flourished in the "knowledge and full insight" of God's love.
I can say that in the hour or so I read, my relationship with God through Christ grew stronger, and with that growth came a certain peace I haven't felt in a long time. I was alone, I was at rest, and I was doing something for me. In the process I was able to sit with God and enjoy God's company.
That's what I call peace.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Peace (Continued)
Luke 1:68-79
This is another one of my favorite stories. I can't help but imagine Zechariah's words and actions as he spoke these words. Keep in mind that he had been stricken mute for almost a year and how frustrating that must have been for him, being a priest of his hometown temple. The circumstances of his being stricken mute, his disbelief of the word of God's messenger, would have most certainly added to his frustrations as he waited as patiently as he could for the day when he would be able to speak again arrived.
That day arrives in today's passage. I can always imagine Zechariah's voice as he begins to speak. If you've ever been quiet for a long period of time you would notice your voice takes a while to warm up and I have no doubt that being silent for as long as he was would have had Zechariah speaking softly at first, doing the best he can to form words through a cracked voice, then finally being able to speak loudly as he proclaimed his new son, John, to be the newest prophet of God.
I want to take a step back, however, and think about what that first moment was like when Zechariah regained his speech.
I sat with a dear friend recently as he told me about things that have been on his mind and in his heart for a few years. I don't want to say more except that this friend felt an extremely heavy burden lift as he opened himself enough to begin emptying his soul of the darkness he was carrying around. He had muted some things which needed a voice. When he was able to talk about these things he began to speak in a soft, cracked voice. Before too long his voice began to strengthen, as did he.
Later in the conversation I asked him how difficult it was for him to open up about those things and he said it was very hard. He added that once it started to come out, though, he felt a peace he hasn't felt in a long time.
What is it that you are carrying in you that needs to be said? Our voice needs to be heard. Your God waits for you to open up and Christ lives in this world so you have someone to talk to. Zechariah found his peace after finding his voice as did my friend. Perhaps you will find the same.
This is another one of my favorite stories. I can't help but imagine Zechariah's words and actions as he spoke these words. Keep in mind that he had been stricken mute for almost a year and how frustrating that must have been for him, being a priest of his hometown temple. The circumstances of his being stricken mute, his disbelief of the word of God's messenger, would have most certainly added to his frustrations as he waited as patiently as he could for the day when he would be able to speak again arrived.
That day arrives in today's passage. I can always imagine Zechariah's voice as he begins to speak. If you've ever been quiet for a long period of time you would notice your voice takes a while to warm up and I have no doubt that being silent for as long as he was would have had Zechariah speaking softly at first, doing the best he can to form words through a cracked voice, then finally being able to speak loudly as he proclaimed his new son, John, to be the newest prophet of God.
I want to take a step back, however, and think about what that first moment was like when Zechariah regained his speech.
I sat with a dear friend recently as he told me about things that have been on his mind and in his heart for a few years. I don't want to say more except that this friend felt an extremely heavy burden lift as he opened himself enough to begin emptying his soul of the darkness he was carrying around. He had muted some things which needed a voice. When he was able to talk about these things he began to speak in a soft, cracked voice. Before too long his voice began to strengthen, as did he.
Later in the conversation I asked him how difficult it was for him to open up about those things and he said it was very hard. He added that once it started to come out, though, he felt a peace he hasn't felt in a long time.
What is it that you are carrying in you that needs to be said? Our voice needs to be heard. Your God waits for you to open up and Christ lives in this world so you have someone to talk to. Zechariah found his peace after finding his voice as did my friend. Perhaps you will find the same.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Peace (Continued)
Malachi 3:1-4
Do you remember the good old days? What do those memories bring?
For me the "good old days" bring back memories of families sitting together and enjoying a holiday meal. The holiday may be Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, a birthday, anniversary, or even a celebration of being in the school's winter play (even if I was only the narrator).
These memories bring back times of being with friends, playing outdoors, running around and laughing. The good old days didn't include worrisome responsibilities beyond getting my homework done, nor did it involve much of anything beyond respecting my elders.
Then I grew up. I still had fun, I still played, but there seemed to be heavier consequences for my decisions. Adulthood took over, followed by family person. Life is now filled with a daily routine from which I get home too tired to enjoy that which I've worked so hard to accomplish.
And yet, if I take the time to look around me I'll see a new generation enjoying their "good old days" and that thought, for some reason, brings me peace. The things I enjoyed as a child were possible because of what those who came before me had done. What I am doing now is paving the way for those who are yet to come. The only question now is if I'm doing enough.
Malachi reminds us that when the "promised one" comes he will bring with him a purifying force. Jesus came and began a new age, showing us that the way to peace is unconditional acceptance. Maybe my thoughts went to the days of my childhood because it is there that I felt the most accepted by everyone around me.
The promise of peace can only be fulfilled when we begin making all our days "the good old days".
Do you remember the good old days? What do those memories bring?
For me the "good old days" bring back memories of families sitting together and enjoying a holiday meal. The holiday may be Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, a birthday, anniversary, or even a celebration of being in the school's winter play (even if I was only the narrator).
These memories bring back times of being with friends, playing outdoors, running around and laughing. The good old days didn't include worrisome responsibilities beyond getting my homework done, nor did it involve much of anything beyond respecting my elders.
Then I grew up. I still had fun, I still played, but there seemed to be heavier consequences for my decisions. Adulthood took over, followed by family person. Life is now filled with a daily routine from which I get home too tired to enjoy that which I've worked so hard to accomplish.
And yet, if I take the time to look around me I'll see a new generation enjoying their "good old days" and that thought, for some reason, brings me peace. The things I enjoyed as a child were possible because of what those who came before me had done. What I am doing now is paving the way for those who are yet to come. The only question now is if I'm doing enough.
Malachi reminds us that when the "promised one" comes he will bring with him a purifying force. Jesus came and began a new age, showing us that the way to peace is unconditional acceptance. Maybe my thoughts went to the days of my childhood because it is there that I felt the most accepted by everyone around me.
The promise of peace can only be fulfilled when we begin making all our days "the good old days".
Monday, December 3, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Peace
Baruch 5:1-9
Today's passage comes from the Apocryphal Deuterocanonical books of the bible (ho, I sound smart yeah...lol) and I'm not sure if you all have it, so I made a link you can follow in order to be able to read the passage.
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=221552729 (you may have to cut and paste this into your address bar)
I have to say that on my first reading of these verses I found myself feeling proud to be one of God's people. Not proud as in, "hey, look at me", but proud as in a child who's parent just won the Parent of The Year Award. I saw myself standing tall, my shoulders back and chin up, wearing my best clothes, holding the hand of my parent and saying, "yup I belong to this family".
I then went back in time to a place where our family used to always be together; Christmas. No matter how busy my father was, or how many jobs my mom had we somehow always found a way to be together on Christmas day. I'm not naive enough to believe this is the way it is for all people, but as for me this is a memory I can carry as long as I have a memory.
I reread the passage and on taking a closer look at it I noticed there was not a mention of war, battle, or conflict of any kind. The reading simply says that one day we will all be able to stand together as one people, as one family, in the beauty of the world which God has given us. According to our reading that day will be called the day of Righteous Peace, Godly Glory.
Oh for that day to come.
Today's passage comes from the Apocryphal Deuterocanonical books of the bible (ho, I sound smart yeah...lol) and I'm not sure if you all have it, so I made a link you can follow in order to be able to read the passage.
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=221552729 (you may have to cut and paste this into your address bar)
I have to say that on my first reading of these verses I found myself feeling proud to be one of God's people. Not proud as in, "hey, look at me", but proud as in a child who's parent just won the Parent of The Year Award. I saw myself standing tall, my shoulders back and chin up, wearing my best clothes, holding the hand of my parent and saying, "yup I belong to this family".
I then went back in time to a place where our family used to always be together; Christmas. No matter how busy my father was, or how many jobs my mom had we somehow always found a way to be together on Christmas day. I'm not naive enough to believe this is the way it is for all people, but as for me this is a memory I can carry as long as I have a memory.
I reread the passage and on taking a closer look at it I noticed there was not a mention of war, battle, or conflict of any kind. The reading simply says that one day we will all be able to stand together as one people, as one family, in the beauty of the world which God has given us. According to our reading that day will be called the day of Righteous Peace, Godly Glory.
Oh for that day to come.
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