You Have A Visitor

Luke 1:39-57

Yesterday, I got an email from a parent of one of our church teens in which she apologized for her son not replying to an earlier email. Her apology was something like, "I'm sorry he hasn't replied yet. Ever since graduation he's done nothing but sleep in til noon, lay around, and play video games." My reply to her was that I'm glad he's still a teenager and for her to hold on to these times as long as she can. Soon that teenager will be an adult and it all changes.

I still remember the first adult conversation I had with my parents. I had called home to say hi, mostly because I was thinking about my parents and wondering if they were okay. My dad answered and I asked how they were doing, let them know I was okay, caught them up on my life since the last time we spoke, then said goodbye. I didn't ask for anything, which I think puzzled my dad. It was a good feeling to just talk with him without an agenda or request.

When our son moved out it was heart-breaking for my wife. We both knew it was time for him to move on, seeing how he was in his mid-late 20's, but I guess we weren't really ready for it. He and his girlfriend moved in with a friend to share the rent, which is pretty much how I started my adult life away from home.

My wife and I talked, reassuring ourselves that if he ever called for help we would do what we can for him. He would call, see how we're doing, catch us up on his life since the last time we spoke, then hang up. He never really asked for anything, but still my wife and I held true to our commitment.

Then one day, almost 2 months after they moved out he asked if he could come over to visit. Of course we said yes. That night as we sat around the table to share a meal I could see just how filled with joy my wife was that he was home, even if for only a few hours.

I think it's the ones whom we long to see that we become excited about visiting us the most. This, I believe, is what Elizabeth must have felt when her cousin Mary came to visit. Not so much because it was Mary who said hello, but because she could sense the presence of the one all of Judea has been waiting for; the Messiah.

I don't speak about it often, but there was a time in my life when I felt I had everything - a good job, a happy marriage, a nice and humble home. But I can honestly say there was something missing. It's when I went back home to God's house that I understood what that was. It was the excitement God felt when I came to visit.

God waits for you to come home. In the time being at least give God a call to say hello and let God know you're doing okay.

19 Ways To A Better Life, And 1 But

Romans 12:9-16b

Twice this past week I've been involved in very close automobile accidents, both less than a quarter-mile from my home. The first happened as I was turning from the street leading out of my home. As usual I looked left, right, left again, right again, and left one more time before going into the intersection. As I entered the intersection a car came whizzing, seriously, whizzing around the corner and had to swerve to miss me. As it swerved it stopped in front of my car and the driver gave me a look as though it was my fault he had almost hit me.

The second time was as I traveled on a road connecting to the main road out of my subdivision. Admittedly I was going 30 mph in a 25 mph area as I approached a driveway leading out of a townhome complex. A car came out of the driveway without as much as a pause which caused me to swerve in order not to hit the car. This time it was me who slowed down to look at the driver of the other car, giving him the look conveying it was his fault I had to swerve.

In afterthought, both of those events, while they could have ended badly, really would have been accidents, nobody was really at "fault". I'm sure the driver making the turn and almost hitting me had no idea someone would be in the intersection when he turned, just as I'm sure the driver coming out of the driveway most likely didn't see me because of the car parked close to the driveway.

Soon after almost getting into the 2 accidents I prayed for God to help me release the anger I was feeling towards people who don't care about others and only care about themselves. God helped me to see that in at least one of those events I might have been the one who only cared about me, maybe even both times. After the prayer I realized that the safety of the other drivers were in as much risk as mine was. I thanked God for helping me realize this, and will make a conscience effort going forward not to apply blame in cases of accidents.

In today's passage Paul gives us a "to do" list on how to live our lives in order to bring about unity. It's a lengthy list, 20 items in all, that really try to breaks Jesus' basic commandment into sections - love God, love others, love yourself. I don't believe most people go out of their way to harm others, and for those who do there is always an underlying reason which is usually a lack of one or more of the 3 loves. If we try our best to follow the list given to us by Paul, we'll find that we'll come that much closer to living as Christ did; sharing God's all-encompassing acceptance and bringing others into that same love.

So, the next time someone does something nice for you try to do something nice for them, when something goes very wrong in your life be patient, share the joys and sorrows of those around you, and most of all love with everything you are. Especially love those who are the most difficult to love, even if that person is you.

Not By Might

1 Samuel 2:1-10

As I mentioned yesterday my wife and I went to the Lantern Floating Ceremony last night. This was the 15th annual event, and we've been to each one. Every year we've marveled at just how big it's become. The first Lantern Floating was at Keehi lagoon and maybe had 200 people in attendance. Last night, on the shores of Ala Moana Beach, there must have been close to 50,000 people. It was so crowded on the beach that seeing anything on stage was near impossible, but as I''m going to explain, the action this year wasn't on the stage.

My wife and I have been to so many of these Lantern Floating Ceremonies that we know by the sounds of the event precisely what's going on. It starts with an 'oli, or a Hawaiian chant, inviting everyone gathered to be of one spirit. The welcoming speech from the High Priestess of the Shinnyo-en temple, Shinso Ito, is next which is followed by the Shinto chant gathering all spirits into one place. During the chant the lanterns are released, and it's over.

We couldn't see any of that, so we listened to it instead, and watched the reactions within the crowd. We watched as people made their way towards the shore to release their lanterns. We watched as people cried, laughed, smiled, hugged, and moved in silence to place the messages they wrote for their loved ones into the water. We watched as people from all walks of life came together for one purpose - peace.

In a conversation we struck up with a family sitting next to us we talked about how the gathering of all those people hadn't yet elicited one single negative action. Not one fight, not one argument, not one thing which would require the presence of security forces or extra police presence. Then, as I read this morning's passage it hits me; it's not through might that peace is achieved, it's through unity. All of the people there were there out of respect for passed loved ones, and so all people found a way to respect one another.

It's not in the fights and arguments we find peace, it's in mutual respect for one another. We don't all think the same, feel the same, or act the same in any given situation. But if we can find a way to just respect people for who they are, maybe we'll find a way to live in peace.

A Home For Everyone

Psalms 113

Today is Memorial Day in the States. It's a day when we remember those who have fought, and still fight, for the freedoms we enjoy. Freedoms such as the right to gather as organized people to speak for or against the the things we agree or don't agree with, participate in that which helps us in our spiritual growth best, and the right to protect ourselves are just a few of what those who do battle in far away lands ensure we enjoy now and into the future.

But at what cost?

Last night my wife and I watched a Memorial Day Concert on our local PBS station. The concert did well in recognizing our active and retired Armed Services members, as well as those who have given their lives on the line of battle. However, there was one particular battle which they highlighted that brought me to tears.

In 2001 twin brothers, Earl and Joseph Granville, enlisted in the Army National Guard thinking they would never be called into service. It was an opportunity to volunteer for their country while at the same time earning a college degree. Then, as world events have a way of doing so, September 11 happened and their lives were changed forever.

As it would happen one thing led to another, and soon enough Earl became wounded when a roadside IED exploded, causing him to lose his leg. Joe didn't take it well, already feeling depressed for losing another good friend in an earlier deployment, and after years of trying to deal with those and other issues he gave up trying and committed suicide on December 18, 2010.

Those around Joe Granville knew something wasn't right, but had no idea he was capable of doing such a thing. They all reached out as much as they could, but for some reason they couldn't reach in far enough to help him. This story stayed with me all the way through this morning until reading the passage for today.

The Psalm for today does a great job praising God and reminding us that God takes care of everyone, even those considered to be outcasts of society. The Psalm reminds us that even the poor and the barren woman are recipients of all that God provides and is not considered or treated as anything less than an equal to all of creation. I read the last verse of this Psalm and thought that no matter what we're going through or what life throws at us we will always have a place to go where love never fails - the house of God.

Later today we're planning to go to the 15th Annual Lantern Floating Ceremony. My wife and I have gone every year and do everything we can to go. It's amazing to us how this event has grown from a few hundred participants to over 40,000. A part of the ceremony is the releasing of lanterns with messages written to loved ones who have passed on from this life (this year they're expecting 6000 lanterns to be floated). It's always amazing to feel, actually feel, the freedoms each person feels as the lanterns are floated off the shores of Ala Moana Beach.

Those who have gone before us can never be forgotten, just as those who are still here and need help should never be left alone. Sometimes we don't see just how deep the pain goes into those who are closest to us. Sometimes all we have is our gut feeling, and our compassion.

Sometimes that's enough. Freedom comes from the knowledge people love enough to never give up on you. Just as our soldiers continuously fought and fight for our freedoms, so should we do the same for those around us. Never give up on letting your love be the saving force they might be looking for.

Friday Musings

Unity – by Pablo Neruda      

(translated by Clayton Eshleman)

There is something dense, united, settled in the depths,

repeating its number, its identical sign.

How it is noted that stones have touched time,

in their refined matter there is an odor of age,

of water brought by the sea, from salt and sleep.

I'm encircled by a single thing, a single movement:

a mineral weight, a honeyed light

cling to the sound of the word "noche":

the tint of wheat, of ivory, of tears,

things of leather, of wood, of wool,

archaic, faded, uniform,

collect around me like walls.

I work quietly, wheeling over myself,

a crow over death, a crow in mourning.

I mediate, isolated in the spread of seasons,

centric, encircled by a silent geometry:

a partial temperature drifts down from the sky,

a distant empire of confused unities

reunites encircling me.

Kept In Suspense

John 16:12-15

There's an old joke that goes like this: How do you keep someone in suspense? I'll tell you tomorrow. (badumbump)

I want to say it's human nature to have to know what's going on, and why. Every time we drive by an accident on the freeway, no matter how small the dent we want to know what happened and to whom. We feel torn between watching the end of a good television movie we've never seen before and getting ready for a dinner date. We don't pay attention to our partner's stories because we have to know what's on the next page of the book we're reading.

Wanting to know what's coming next in something we're very interested in holds us in suspense until the resolution of that which we are beholden to comes to fruition. That's just fancy talk for "I gotta know now."

When Jesus tells his disciples that he's going away he also tells them there's more to say, just not yet. I can just imagine what it might have been like in that room when he says that. First, Jesus washes their feet which is followed by grim talk about body parts and blood in the blessing of a meal. This is followed by the revelation that one of those at the table will betray Jesus and now...I'm going away before I've been able to teach you everything.

There's more, but the television show has ended and the book has run out of pages before the ending is revealed.

Well, in Jesus' defense the story hasn't ended yet. On that same night Jesus did the things mentioned above, he also says that the Spirit of truth is coming. As Christians we continue to add to the story of Christ's work on this earth. So, perhaps, and this may seem like a reach for some of you, we are that Spirit. At the very least we have that Spirit working in us and through us.

This doesn't mean we are to go into the world and make Christians of everyone, rather we are to do our best to understand how the Spirit works through us to ultimately realize the work Jesus did in this world; to share God's unconditional love in order to bring unity to all people on this earth.

We still have lots of questions about our faith and the role we play in this ever growing ecclesiastical world, and we seek the answers to help us better understand. We read our bibles, go to church, attend classes, and have fellowship with fellow believers. Ultimately, though, the answer will come in it's time and when we, as Jesus puts it, are ready to know it.

In other words, we'll be told tomorrow.

If A=B and B=C, Then...

Romans 5:1-5

Today's post will be short and to the point.

Behavior breeds behavior. How you treat someone will be how they treat you.

How will you treat others today?

Before answering, read today's passage. It's amazing to me how Paul knew that suffering eventually leads to hope.

That's it, no stories, no explanation. Today you are left to your own thoughts. Maybe you want to share some with me.

In The...I Mean - Before The Beginning

Proverbs 8

One of the questions I'm often asked is "If God is a good god why does God allow bad things to happen?"

The answer I used to give never seemed to satisfy people's need for knowledge. When it came to evil being done by people I would say, "One of the gifts guaranteed to us by God is that of free will, we're allowed to make our own decisions and sometimes some of us make the wrong one." When it came to death and destruction through natural disasters I would say, "God created the world and set it "spinning", what happens after that is the result of creation."

I can see how those answers don't satisfy people's need to know why things happen. They sound evasive, almost as if I'm trying to make some sort of defense for God so that God doesn't take blame for anything bad that happens in this world. Don't get me wrong, I still don't think God is to blame for the bad things that happen in this world, I just have a better answer these days.

Now, when people ask me why, I simply say, "I honestly don't know why bad things happen but I can say that God won't be found in the bad things, rather God will be found in how we react to those bad things."

After the shootings in Newtown, Connecticut I found it difficult to place blame on anyone and found myself on a mission to stop the anger, hate, and division being spread in the name of those who own guns. After the bombings in Boston, Massachusetts I found it difficult to place blame on the two brothers that committed the crime. Instead I found myself trying to stop the anger, hate, and division being spread in the name of everything from immigration to Muslim. After the tornado which struck the town of Moore, Oklahoma I find myself crying in sadness for the loss of 7 precious children and crying in joy for the teachers who risked their own life for, or thought only of, the children's safety. I'm waiting to hear if someone will find a way to place blame on God for this one.

Today's passage reminds me that before we can understand how God works in our world we must first gain understanding. As I sit and write I recall the words spoken by an instructor in Biblical Theology at Whitworth University. She said, "If we believe that God is ultimate goodness we have to also believe that God does not possess evil." What she meant by this is that God is not responsible for the things which happen in this world, and it isn't fair if we place blame of these things on God. What we have to try and understand is that God's intent for creation now is the same as when God created the world; for all of creation to live in joy and peace with each other.

Before you start looking for blame in anything which happens in this world try to understand why they happen in the first place. Many times you will find, at least in the case of people doing evil, that the answer is because they've lost relationships somewhere. In the case of natural disasters, well...those just happen.

We're All That, And A Bag Of Chips

Psalm 8

Yesterday, in our pre-Confirmation gathering, we asked the Youth, Young Adults, and Adults who were there to answer one question; what was the one thing you learned or the one thing you enjoyed most about the Confirmation process?

The answers mostly circled around what their favorite moments were, as opposed to what their favorite class was. As we went around the circle, giving everyone an opportunity to speak it became obvious there wasn't one overall answer to the question, nor was there one particular moment. It would seem that as each person spoke and gave what was their memorable class, teacher, or subject all the others agreed and a conversation  about whatever that thing was began.

We laughed as we told our own stories and in the end everyone felt really good about the process which brought us to that particular day. We saw, even though we may not have realized, that we had grown closer in relationship with one another and with God - and maybe along the way we grew a little closer to our self.

I would like to think this is what our Psalmist is reminding us of today. As humans we're always in God's mind, which seems amazing when we think about it. The world is full of so much beauty - majestic snow-capped mountains, shimmering sunlight on the ocean, red-orange skies spotted by silver puffs of cloud as the sun sets - that sometimes we forget God has time for us.

It's when we gather in a room, willing to be open and non-judgmental in a civil conversation, that we begin to understand just how much God thinks of us. In my opinion there's no way 12 people, all of different backgrounds, each with a different reason for being there, can get together and openly share what is on their mind and in their heart, unless they are all willing to listen.

The Psalmist puts an enormous amount of importance on the human race as caretakers of the earth. I think in order to be effective caretakers of God's creation we need to first be caretakers of each other. What I witnessed in that room yesterday seemed to be a great beginning, and an even better example, of just how we can take care of one another.

Friday Musings

Come Holy Spirit Poem – Author Unknown

Come, Holy Spirit, come in power

You wish us all to bloom and flower

Fill us now with all we need

Change us, as on you we feed.

Help us concentrate on you

Waiting for your point of view

Show us where we need to change

Our priorities, rearrange.

Lead us to the precious Lamb

Loving God’s most loving plan

Let us celebrate love now

And to God let’s make a vow.

We desire to seek God’s face

Put love and hope in proper place

The reason for all we say and do

Come, Holy Spirit, help us to.

Litany to the Holy Spirit – By Robert Herrick (1591-1674)

In the hour of my distress,

When temptations me oppress,

And when I my sins confess,

         Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When I lie within my bed,

Sick in heart and sick in head,

And with doubts discomforted,

         Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the house doth sigh and weep,

And the world is drown'd in sleep,

Yet mine eyes the watch do keep,

         Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the passing bell doth toll,

And the Furies in a shoal

Come to fright a parting soul,

         Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the tapers now burn blue,

And the comforters are few,

And that number more than true,

         Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the priest his last hath pray'd,

And I nod to what is said,

'Cause my speech is now decay'd,

         Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When, God knows, I'm toss'd about

Either with despair or doubt;

Yet before the glass be out,

         Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the tempter me pursu'th

With the sins of all my youth,

And half damns me with untruth,

         Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the flames and hellish cries

Fright mine ears and fright mine eyes,

And all terrors me surprise,

         Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the Judgment is reveal'd,

And that open'd which was seal'd,

When to Thee I have appeal'd,

         Sweet Spirit, comfort me! 

Who Are You In?

John 14:8-17

It's an unfortunate truth that when we proclaim our love for Christ a label of some kind is immediately put on us. We're either the kind of Christian who condemns people, or the kind of Christian who wants to be sure everyone is "saved". A Christian is either viewed as closed-minded, opinionated, unable to accept current culture, or similarly in a negative point-of-view.

That's why it's always fun to me when people who know me discover I am working towards being an ordained minister. It truly tickles my soul when those around me struggle with my acceptance of science, homosexuality, rock and roll music, other world religions, and the like. It's especially fun for me when people ask me how I can be so accepting of different ideas and people and still be a Christian.

My answer: Well, that's how I think Christ was.

Today's passage is from the book of John. I won't pretend to know as much as other people about that particular Gospel and will only say that my understanding of that Gospel is that it was written by a small group of people in such a way as to protect, preserve, and pass on their belief in Jesus as Christ. This is done not by what was previously considered strong evangelical declarations but by exposing the unbelief of those around Jesus.

Hence, when Jesus says, "How long have I been with you and you still don't get it?" he's highlighting the disbelief of his disciples. I can only imagine what it was like to be told by Jesus after 3 years of being his closest companion that I still don't get it. But, Jesus reminds them, another one is coming, one who will help them to understand. This "other" is what is called the Holy Spirit and the day we celebrate the coming of this Holy Spirit is this Sunday.

In the beginning of this school year I consoled a young woman as she learned of the untimely passing of her brother. I clearly remember being in the room as she broke down. I could feel her pain as I simply sat and shared the space with her. Her friends came in and she told them to leave as they began to speak. Other teachers came in and she asked them to leave her alone. But, for whatever reason I wasn't asked to leave, so I remained and sat quietly and simply shared in her pain.

This young woman began to open up, telling me of how terrible her life was, how bad of a person she was for the things she's done, and how it was impossible for anyone to love her. I asked for her permission to hold her hand and say a prayer. In as few words as possible I thanked God for her, asked God to continue to reach out and hold her as she goes through this difficult time in her life. I also thanked God for always loving her, no matter what. She was not a Christian, but knew I was one.

Tuesday was the last day for our Seniors, and as she came to say goodbye to me she gave me the best hug I've had in a while, looked me in the eye with a smile in hers, and said a very simple thank you for everything. Later that day she led her class in a prayer and in the silence of that room, broken only by the words she spoke to her God, a presence of calm and peace entered.

The Spirit of God came to visit us that day.

Chosen And Accepted

Romans 8:14-17

I was listening to a conversation between two women the other day (more like eavesdropping, actually) and I heard one say to the other, "By the way, I have great news, we're expecting." Her friend squealed with excitement and congratulatory exclamations and seemed thoroughly confused when her friend further revealed, "No, it's not like that. We're adopting." The conversation went quiet for a brief moment until I heard a sniffle and a soft, calm response, "God bless you, there are so many children out there who need a better life than they're in now."

The truth is there are many children in the world who are living in less than acceptable conditions in orphanages or adoption warehouses (sorry for the strong language, but yeah) just waiting for someone to love them enough to bring them home to a better place. These places don't only exist in what the Western culture would call a third-world country, but these places exist across the Americas and Europe as well. A cursory look at adoption centers in the US alone would boggle your mind as to what these children and youth are living with.

These are the images I envision as I read Paul's words in our short passage this morning. It would seem to me that when Paul exclaims that we're no longer children of the fear of slavery but are instead the newly adopted children of God's love he truly understood what those who live in orphanages during his time went through. If things can be as bad as they are in certain parts of our world today, imagine how they might have been in Rome 2000 years ago.

I know of several children who have been adopted into loving families and I can tell you first hand these children have a deep appreciation and love for their families. Sometimes they have more appreciation for the families they live with than the children who were born into their families. When I talk to them about this most tell me it's because they feel chosen by their families to share in the life and love of those families and the choice to love them never seems to stop.

I think that God is choosing us to be a part of God's family in that same way. I also believe that the unconditional acceptance God has with us continues forever. So, because of this I will do what I can to continue to do what I can to bring others into the family of God in the same way.

Welcome to the family.

Full Circle

Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-21

When it comes to certain Christian holidays I can be a traditionalist. Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost are those holidays which I hold closely to how my faith has been formed. If you've followed this blog for the almost 2 years I've been writing it you will see how a few of those other Christian holidays have an affect on me, for now I'd like to stay on the theme of Pentecost. Pentecost is, to me anyway, a time when we celebrate the first known unification of the Christian Church.

The lectionary asks us to choose between the Genesis and Acts passages. I really don't know how we can do that since the one only makes sense with the other. The Genesis passage has humankind being separated by language through an act of God. In our continued reading of the Old Testament we see how different ideologies, cultures, societies, and the like are formed because of the non-understanding of one another.

The Acts passage has people with different languages, ideologies, cultures and the like coming together in one room and being unified through an act of God. In my opinion this solidifies how through Christ and the Holy Spirit the laws of the Old Testament are no longer valid. It shows to me that God's true intent is for us to be one people, under one love; the love of God.

Our differences are to be celebrated, not used as a way to divide. It was never God's purpose to divide humankind. The story of Babel was not meant to highlight our differences, but a way to acknowledge that those differences exist as well as a way for an ancient culture to explain how those differences came to be. It's through the words and actions of humankind that the differences we all have were made to be something which defines us.

As a Christian we should find the words and actions to celebrate and hold in unity the differences which make us the people we are. We are all unified through one Spirit for that exact purpose, so is the lesson of Pentecost.

To Be Is Being

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

This is the week we celebrate the birthday of the Christian Church. Christians around the world will be gathering this Sunday to commemorate the day of Pentecost; the day when the "helper" Jesus promised us comes in the form of a tongue of fire - according to the Acts of the Apostles, anyway. It's a day when Christians can unite around one idea; we are a people who are led by and through the love of God as shown to us by Jesus and explained to us by the Holy Spirit.

Today's Psalm seriously extols the power of God. With its images of God opening God's hand and all the animals of the world receiving anything they might need for survival and this same God taking life by turning away from creation the Psalm explains just how much all the earth is dependent on God. We continue to read about the earth trembling at the mere gaze from God and God's simple touch making the mountains smoke when suddenly the Psalmist exclaims, "I will sing praise to my God while I have being."

I have to admit that as soon as I read that proclamation I stopped and asked myself, "Do I praise God with all my being?" Does everything I am, all that is me, each and every action, word, and thought praise God?

I then to put myself in the place of this Psalmist and began to look at the world through his eyes. I began to watch the rain gently fall outside my windows and understood that without the rain plants would not live. I watched the wind blow through the trees outside my front door and understood that without the wind the mountains would not be formed. I smiled as my wife softly stroked our pet cat and knew that in the quiet they shared there was peace.

Yes, God is in everything and of everything. It's because of God all things are.

This will be my thought for the week as the day of Pentecost approaches; that I can be in that place of understanding which brings to me the feeling that through God's never-ending presence I can find a way to share God's unconditional acceptance of all creation.

Friday Musings

Personal note and apologies to the author: I made 5 editorial changes by replacing the male pronoun normally used for God with the name God. Please forgive my indulgence. 

Genesis - a Triune poem - By Joanee Tolles

In the beginning
            all was God and God was all
                                                there was.

God held hope and love like a babe
wrapped in a soft cotton coverlet.

God softly caressed courage and fortitude
between His strong hands.

God whispered words of power while
God watched imagination flower.

In the beginning
            all was good and there was peace
                                                in the calm.

The first sunrise spread gracefully across
the earthen orb.

From east to west

light frolicked in the dawn shadows
and found a home place.

Trees reached for the light in the sky
and buds became tomorrow's beauty.

In the beginning

           a man and a woman shared
                 dominion and tended the home place.

Made in God's image,
they danced in the dawn
and raised grateful hands
in thanks to their God.

In the beginning
            all was good and good was all

                                                            there was.

Open Minds Lead To Open Hearts

Luke 24:44-53

This morning I resume my normal routine from my usual seat at my own dining table. As I sit here I can honestly say I'm glad to be home. As we drove to our house we looked at the lush, green mountains to our right and the red-orange sunlit sky to our left. We could see lights of gold sparkling off the waters which surround our island home as the sun slowly sank behind the Waianae range. Yes, we were home.

The silence in the van as we rode between the airport and a saimin dinner (why do we always miss the food the most?) was calming, and whenever someone did decide to say something it was to the effect of, "It's good to be home."  At dinner our conversation settled around the past few days spent in beautiful Vancouver and how we completely appreciated the clear blue sky, bright sun, and gentle cool breezes of our host country. It was towards the end of the conversation I began thinking, "And the people, I truly appreciated the people of Vancouver as much as I adore the people of Hawaii."

As I read the passage this morning I begin to understand the global-ness of our world and just how small we really are. It's amazing to me that no matter where we go in the world we will find that the beauty of creation and the kindness of the people are what we always seem to enjoy most. Think for a moment about a vacation you have taken to anywhere outside where you live and what the things you enjoyed most are; what was the one or two things which took your breath away? My guess is that scenery and people will be in your top three.

So what is it that allows us to put people and places at the top of our lists? Do I venture to guess a longing for relationship which allows us to simply be who we are without judgment.

The other thing I've noticed about people as they go away to a foreign place is they tend to relax and enjoy the things around them and leave the life they normally live in behind. In other words they allow themselves to be in the moment and to be themselves. For a week or two or three they allow their minds to be opened, their spirits to take chances, and their hearts to know love without conditions.

Imagine, then, if we could bring that same person home. When Jesus ascends into heaven he leaves final instructions for his disciples. In the Gospel of Luke he opens their minds to the understanding of scripture. He also reminds them that another is coming to help them in this process. It's when our minds are opened that our hearts become opened and the love of God intended for us to share is available for all to enjoy. All we need to do is be open to receiving that which God is giving us.

Ceaseless Thanks

Ephesians 1:15-23

Today is the last day of this trip to Vancouver. In the few days I've been here I've reconnected with a few people I consider to be family, spent quality time with my wife and parents, and gotten to see the beauty of God in the snow-capped mountains of British Columbia. It was most definitely a time when I was able to reconnect with a few of my relations.

"All of my relations" is a First Nations belief that all of creation is connected. It reminds us that every decision made, every action performed, and every voice spoken causes a reaction that affects all and everything the Creator has created. Humankind, therefore, is called by the creator not to be in dominion over that which is created, but to instead be a part of all which is created; just as the birds of the air, the fish of the sea, the beasts of the earth, and the plants, rocks, and soil of the land are a part of this same creation.

It's no wonder that I enjoy coming to Vancouver so much because while I'm here I am reminded that I am a part of creation, not the reason for it. While I'm at home in Hawaii I get caught up in the daily activities of life. I often forget to take the time out to enjoy all of God's creation. Of course I enjoy being with family and friends and I enjoy doing tasks which make those relationships better. I also enjoy being in prayer and meditation when I'm with my God. It's remembering to be a part of all of creation I often forget, and yet I live in one of the most beautifully created places on Earth - at least I think so.

What this short trip has reminded me is that I am a part of creation, and as such God wants me to be a part of creation. It's for that reminder I find myself extremely grateful every time I come here. Now the prayer is to remember to always keep this feeling in my heart and thought in my mind. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, thanks that church for their love of God and their faithfulness towards Jesus Christ. He says to them that he never ceases to give them thanks for their faithfulness and tells them he prays that they will continue to come to understand the teachings of Jesus Christ.

I want to express this same thankfulness to my relations in Vancouver as this place, and all which is in it, constantly reminds me that I have a God who loves me so much that God gives to me the opportunities to visit snow-capped mountains and say hi to a few members of my extended family.

Going and Coming

Acts 1:1-11

Firstly, let me apologize for missing yesterday's post. I had a few things on my mind; I have to iron my shirt, where should we go for breakfast, I hope I'm not late for practice. I wasn't thinking of anything that would fit into a particular category, but all thoughts I had pointed to one thing - Convocation.

Last night was the night I received my Masters Degree in Divinity. It was a night when I, along with many friends and my immediate family, celebrated the end of the first length of the journey I'm currently on. Most of you know I'm working towards becoming an ordained minister within my denomination, and the receipt of this degree is the end of the first leg of that journey.

There were many great things said to us last night. We were told that a great seed has been planted in us and the fruits of the tree which will grow from that seed will be harvested in its time, it then becomes up to us how those fruits will be used. We were reminded that the stronger the community the better the harvest as everyone works together towards ensuring the fruits grown are of the best possible quality.

We were also reminded that we hold worlds within our words.

Many times we forget that as a minister, as a perceived representative of God through Jesus Christ, the things we say and the actions we perform have long-lasting effects on those around us. People go to their ministers in times of pain and joy, in times of normalcy and crisis. People listen to the words and watch the actions of their ministers for guidance, comfort, understanding, and affirmation.

I am of the belief we are all ministers of God's love through Jesus Christ the moment we proclaim ourselves to be Christian,  So, in that sense today's passage brings to mind a thought from the author of Acts. We are reminded that just as Jesus goes, so will he come. Jesus went with the final words "You will be my witnesses to the ends of the world." So Jesus will come to to the world in that way - through us, from us, by us. Therefore, Jesus' message of God's unending love and acceptance of all peoples is brought to life and kept alive by us, the ministers.

After all, we do hold worlds within our words.

An Open Letter

Some people just know how to say it better. Read this letter, and if you want to sign a petition in support of the letter follow this link: http://action.groundswell-movement.org/petitions/tell-espn-christian-does-not-equal-anti-gay?time=1367517592

Now here's the Letter:

Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing www.religiousinstitute.org

An Open Letter to Religious Leaders on Sexual and Gender Diversity

As religious leaders, we affirm sexual and gender diversity as gifts people offer to their congregations and communities. We urgently call for faith-based approaches that embrace this diversity and advocate justice.

Living in a time of rapid social change challenges us all to create loving, respectful relationships and to honor the many ways that people live and love. While most of usmay be accustomed to categorizing people as male or female, heterosexual or homosexual, binary thinking fails to reflect the full diversity of human experience

and the richness of creation. The courageous witness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT), along with a growing body of social and scientific research, inspire us to affirm sexual and gender diversity as a blessed part of life.

LAMENTATION

Too many religious institutions have failed to embrace sexual and gender diversity. Some have mistakenly called homosexuality sinful when the real issue is heterosexism or the unjust privileging of heterosexuality. Heterosexism devalues gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, just as sexism and male privilege devalue women. Silence, misinformation, and condemnation of differing sexual and gender identities have created despair, destroyed relationships, and led to violence, suicide, and even murder. Sexual and gender oppression can no longer be portrayed as virtuous and morally defensible.

SCRIPTURE AND TRADITION

At the center of our traditions is the Biblical mandate to love, do justice, seek equality, and act with compassion. The richness of our sacred texts allows for a variety of interpretations, and there is room for legitimate and respectful disagreement about the meaning of specific passages. However, using the Bible to exclude or attack people violates the very spirit of our traditions and is morally unconscionable. Sacred texts provide moral wisdom and challenge, but some passages may also conflict with contemporary ethical insights. As we move toward a more just society, we approach our texts and traditions with fresh questions and new understandings.

For example, biblical texts that condone slavery, regard women as property, forbid divorce, or equate disease with divine retribution can no longer be regarded as authoritative. We honor instead those texts and traditions that invite us to welcome the stranger, love our neighbor as ourselves, and view all people as created in God’s image.

Even so, we cannot rely exclusively on scripture or tradition for understanding sexual and gender diversity today. We must also pay attention to the wisdom of excluded, often silenced people, as well as to findings from the biological and social sciences. As religious leaders, we have an obligation to create a world that embraces the diversity of God’s creation. We urge religious leaders to:

• Educate themselves and their faith communities on the diversity of human sexualities and gender identities through age-appropriate sexuality education.

• Obtain training and support to address the pastoral needs of congregants on issues related to sexual and gender diversity, such as the birth of an intersexed child, the coming-out process of a youth or adult, or an individual who is transitioning genders.

• Use the pulpit and public podium to acknowledge the complex realities of personal experience, including family and relational diversity, and to condemn discrimination and violence.

• Encourage their congregations to engage the formal welcoming program of their denomination.

• Work within their denominations and multifaith organizations for sexual justice and the full inclusion of LGBT persons, including ordination, family recognition and rites of passage.

• Publicly advocate for the civil rights of LGBT persons, including anti-discrimination laws, marriage equality, and access to health care.

• Develop partnerships with community and national organizations that promote justice and health for LGBT persons.

• Acknowledge and support religious leaders, individuals, and communities who have, at great cost, embraced the diversity of sexualities and gender identities.

IN CLOSING

There can be no turning back from the goal of the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in our faith traditions and communities. We recognize that this work may challenge beliefs and unsettle relationships, but it goes to the heart of our mission as faith communities: to create the conditions so that each person can flourish. Loving, just communities embrace everyone; they are strengthened when all people are able to live fully and express their gender and sexuality with holiness and integrity. We celebrate sexual and gender diversity as a blessing that enriches all.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

The Open Letter was developed at a colloquium of theologians sponsored by the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing. Participants included Rev. Steve Clapp, Christian Community Inc.; Ann Thompson Cook, God Loves Each One Ministry; Rev. Dr. Marvin M. Ellison, Bangor Theological Seminary; Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, Pennsylvania Council, Union for Reform Judaism; Rev. Dr. Horace L. Griffin,The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church; Rev. Debra W. Haffner, Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing; Dr. Mary E. Hunt, Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER); Rev. Dr. Jay Emerson Johnson, Pacific School of Religion; Rev. Barbara K. Lundblad, Union Theological Seminary; Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, William Paterson University; Rev. Irene Monroe, Harvard Divinity School; Timothy Palmer, Religious

Institute; Dr. Judith Plaskow, Manhattan College; Rev. Michael D. Schuenemeyer, Wider Church Ministries, United Church of Christ; Rev. Dr. William G. Sinkford, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations.

Listen Up

John 14:23-29

As a part of my job at the high school I sit in a math class to help any students who may need it. It's not difficult math, like algebra, it's a very basic course in probabilities. In the class the most math we do is multiplying fractions and that's about as much math as anyone in that particular class can do. It's a fun class, the students may not have the capacity for using the quadratic formula or binomial theorem but they are a group of the most loving, caring, hard-working people I know.

The teacher also displays these same qualities. She goes above and beyond her "regular" duties to help any and all students who need it. Her patience and acceptance of who these kids are and where their abilities are is really inspiring.

Let's take for example her test reviews. She'll make a worksheet with all of the math problems and formulas the students will need to know. As she goes over each question on the worksheet she reminds them that the questions on the test, "will be very similar, very, very similar" and she works through each question slowly, making sure each student understands how the answer to the question was achieved. By the end of the review there are no questions about what's expected on the test.

I remember the first test day in that class. She passed out the test and all of the students seemed confused. "Miss, you already gave us this worksheet the other day." You see, the teacher had given them the same questions for the test as she did for the review. The students just didn't know what they were hearing when she said, "Remember, the test will be very similar to the review." Not only was the test the same as the review, it was also an open notes test which meant you could look at your notes from the review to take the test. Needless to say all of the students passed.

I think that story echoes the story of Jesus' life in the Gospel of John. We're given a methodical review of what we're expected to do as Christians, then when it's time to be a Christian we're allowed to use the review notes to help us along the way. Jesus tells his disciples that he's done all he can in the "review" process, and to help them with what comes next God is sending someone else to help them; sort of like the open notes concept I spoke of earlier.

It's our duty as Christians, then, to take good notes, ask questions to clarify, and do what we can to understand as best we can what Jesus is teaching us so that when it comes time for the "test" we'll be ready.

Hey! Where's All The Stuff?

Revelation 21:10, 22 - 22:5

A few weeks ago the high school class I help with had two guest speakers; one was a realtor and the other was a mortgage loan officer. The purpose of the talk was to help our high school seniors and juniors realize that in order to live on their own they're going to have to get a good education and find a good career, one that pays well enough for them to afford a place of their own. The students really had their minds opened to the fact that if they want to afford a place of their own they're really going to have to do well in school, so I guess you can say the goal of the lesson was accomplished.

Maybe because I already have a place of my own, or maybe because I didn't really see a purpose for me to completely tune in to what these two guest speakers were saying I distracted myself by correcting papers. As I marked papers I partially listened to what they were talking about; rental versus owning, down payment requirements, apartment versus condo versus single family home, credit worthiness. All things someone with my life experiences already knows, but things very good for 16 and 17 year olds to try and understand.

Then they said something which made me sit up straight and listen. "In your lifetime you will notice that when you start out you'll most likely live in a studio or small one-bedroom apartment and as life continues and you get a life-partner and maybe a family you'll begin to look at multiple room condos or townhomes and single-family homes. Then, as your children move out and it becomes just you and your life-partner you'll begin to downsize, most likely living out your retirement in a studio or single bedroom apartment or condo."

The two guests had just introduced them to the cycle of home ownership life. The reason this made me perk up and listen is because I'm currently in that downsizing process, looking to move to a single bedroom condo  in about 5 to 10 years, and the one thing I'm finding out is we're going to have to get rid of a lot of things -  a lot of things.

Today's passage reminds me that we don't really need all the stuff. If the holy city of Jerusalem can come down from heaven and not need a temple, the sun, nor the moon then why would I need a large screen TV, a king-sized bed, or a complete living room set. All I really need is enough to be comfortable and the love of those around me.

God provides us with all we need. It's become human nature to want more. Those two speakers and today's passage remind me that what it really comes down to is that all we need is each other and our God.