Ezekiel 37:1-14
The story of the dry bones. What a lovely way to start our week. The story about the prophet being plucked up and placed in a valley filled with dry bones, and those bones subsequently coming alive, is one of my favorite.
The dry bones are meant to represent the people of Israel and how their lives have become. The dry bones are meant to represent more than a people who are dead, they are meant to represent a people who has had all life removed. The dry bones in that valley are void of flesh, muscle, skin, and, most importantly, spirit - the very parts of us we need to do things.
The stories in the bible have always been stories of action; stories that tell us what we should do. Love God, feed the hungry, house the poor, and take care of the widow and the orphan are commands which come up over and over again in the familiar stories. So, then, what has happened to the people of Israel that their life-force is shown to be nothing more than a heap of dried-out bones.
To be honest, they just downright stopped living for others. They got caught up in the rigidity of the laws and cleanliness codes which only served to separate them from the ones who needed the most help. It would seem that personal well-being was more important than caring for their community. As a result they had lost the true meaning of what it is to live God's law of love and created a division between the "clean" and the "unclean."
God calls us to live fully - to use every ounce of our flesh, muscle, skin, and spirit - for the betterment of community. The welfare of our brothers, sisters, and neighbors is what God calls us to make first and foremost in our lives.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Turn On The Lights
Ephesians 5:8-14
The other day in school the English teacher did an activity to introduce The Wife of Bath from Canterbury Tales in a way I thought to be interesting. She asked the class to come up with 5 things they think women want, then had them share their choices in little groups and decide which one was most important. Then from those choices they were asked to find the top 3.
It was joyful to walk around and watch the boys struggle with finding the answers and the girls try to narrow the choices to 5. Most, not all, of the boys chose things which had a lot to do with how a woman looked or owning material belongings. A rich husband, jewels, being skinny, and the like made their list.
On the other hand, most, and again not all, of the girls picked relational things. Someone who understands them, a partner who would pay attention to them, and independence without being alone were just some of their choices. It was an interesting activity, and eye-opening for many of the teenagers in that room.
While I was walking around the room I overheard a conversation centered around how women want the toilet seat left down and how there's always an argument in this one student's house between he and his 3 sisters. The girls at his table helped explain that they ask for the seat to be left down because when they use the bathroom in the dark they will fall into the toilet if the seat isn't down.
His response was classic: "Turn on the lights, then."
Sometimes it really is that easy. Turning on the lights helps us to see things more clearly.
The other day in school the English teacher did an activity to introduce The Wife of Bath from Canterbury Tales in a way I thought to be interesting. She asked the class to come up with 5 things they think women want, then had them share their choices in little groups and decide which one was most important. Then from those choices they were asked to find the top 3.
It was joyful to walk around and watch the boys struggle with finding the answers and the girls try to narrow the choices to 5. Most, not all, of the boys chose things which had a lot to do with how a woman looked or owning material belongings. A rich husband, jewels, being skinny, and the like made their list.
On the other hand, most, and again not all, of the girls picked relational things. Someone who understands them, a partner who would pay attention to them, and independence without being alone were just some of their choices. It was an interesting activity, and eye-opening for many of the teenagers in that room.
While I was walking around the room I overheard a conversation centered around how women want the toilet seat left down and how there's always an argument in this one student's house between he and his 3 sisters. The girls at his table helped explain that they ask for the seat to be left down because when they use the bathroom in the dark they will fall into the toilet if the seat isn't down.
His response was classic: "Turn on the lights, then."
Sometimes it really is that easy. Turning on the lights helps us to see things more clearly.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
God Is Listening
Psalm 40:5-10
One of my favorite shows on TV was Frasier. In case you're not familiar with the show, it was about a psychiatrist who had a radio program. The show would follow the situational mishaps of he and his family and friends as they lived, or tried to live, a normal life in Seattle.
One of my favorite lines in the show heppened when someone would call in to Frasier's program and he answered the call by saying, "Good morning, caller, I'm listening." The caller would then pour out their heart, usually with situations that were bizarre, at best. Frasier would never react in a negative way to those callers and would do his best to listen to them and offer some kind of solution for them to feel better or overcome their problem.
Sometimes I wonder if we sound like those same callers when we talk with God. Sometimes we talk with God when we're at the end of our rope, and it's in those times we can have mixed thoughts which match our mixed feelings.
Today's Psalmist reminds us that we can come to God regardless of where our thoughts or feelings are.The Psalmist says that whether or not we can offer riches and promises, God is always willing to listen to us when we need someone to listen; no matter if our thoughts or feelings are mixed or coherent.
During this Lenten season I'm doing my best to talk with God more, and I have to admit sometimes I sound like one of those callers from the Frasier show. But, my heart is calmer now as I know, without a doubt, that God listens anyway.
One of my favorite shows on TV was Frasier. In case you're not familiar with the show, it was about a psychiatrist who had a radio program. The show would follow the situational mishaps of he and his family and friends as they lived, or tried to live, a normal life in Seattle.
One of my favorite lines in the show heppened when someone would call in to Frasier's program and he answered the call by saying, "Good morning, caller, I'm listening." The caller would then pour out their heart, usually with situations that were bizarre, at best. Frasier would never react in a negative way to those callers and would do his best to listen to them and offer some kind of solution for them to feel better or overcome their problem.
Sometimes I wonder if we sound like those same callers when we talk with God. Sometimes we talk with God when we're at the end of our rope, and it's in those times we can have mixed thoughts which match our mixed feelings.
Today's Psalmist reminds us that we can come to God regardless of where our thoughts or feelings are.The Psalmist says that whether or not we can offer riches and promises, God is always willing to listen to us when we need someone to listen; no matter if our thoughts or feelings are mixed or coherent.
During this Lenten season I'm doing my best to talk with God more, and I have to admit sometimes I sound like one of those callers from the Frasier show. But, my heart is calmer now as I know, without a doubt, that God listens anyway.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Just Ask
Isaiah 7:10-14
The first thing I learned as the part of my life which included retail sales is that if you don't ask you won't get. That rule doesn't just apply to the final "Is this what you want to buy today?" in order to get the sale, but the very first, "Hi, I'm Randy. What's your name?"
The first questions are really the more important ones. Questions such as "What can I help you find?" or "Is there something you want what you're buying today to have or do?" or "Who else in your home might be using this product?" are all questions to help the customer find the exact product they are looking for. They are also questions that build what is called rapport.
Rapport is more than conversation. It's conversation in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas by building a relationship. Most times a good rapport will result in a good sales experience for everyone involved. The opposite is just as true. If neither person is willing to share in building a good relationship in which trust and honesty is primary, then the sales process can be very weary, at best.
It would seem this is what is happening with Isaiah in today's passage. I like that the word "weary" is actually used to describe the relationship between the people of Judah and God. When he says to the king of Judah to ask of God anything, anything at all, Ahaz says he won't do it. The question I'm pondering is did he refuse to ask because he was being respectful, or because he didn't feel comfortable?
God wants desperately to be in a relationship with us. The kind of relationship God seeks is one built through trust and honesty. This starts with asking and answering the simple questions like, "What's your name?" or "What's happening today?" These are questions which build rapport, the kind of rapport which eventually becomes a close relationship.
The first thing I learned as the part of my life which included retail sales is that if you don't ask you won't get. That rule doesn't just apply to the final "Is this what you want to buy today?" in order to get the sale, but the very first, "Hi, I'm Randy. What's your name?"
The first questions are really the more important ones. Questions such as "What can I help you find?" or "Is there something you want what you're buying today to have or do?" or "Who else in your home might be using this product?" are all questions to help the customer find the exact product they are looking for. They are also questions that build what is called rapport.
Rapport is more than conversation. It's conversation in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas by building a relationship. Most times a good rapport will result in a good sales experience for everyone involved. The opposite is just as true. If neither person is willing to share in building a good relationship in which trust and honesty is primary, then the sales process can be very weary, at best.
It would seem this is what is happening with Isaiah in today's passage. I like that the word "weary" is actually used to describe the relationship between the people of Judah and God. When he says to the king of Judah to ask of God anything, anything at all, Ahaz says he won't do it. The question I'm pondering is did he refuse to ask because he was being respectful, or because he didn't feel comfortable?
God wants desperately to be in a relationship with us. The kind of relationship God seeks is one built through trust and honesty. This starts with asking and answering the simple questions like, "What's your name?" or "What's happening today?" These are questions which build rapport, the kind of rapport which eventually becomes a close relationship.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Outside In
John 4:5-42
I haven't had as much time as I'd like for myself this week, but the time I have had was well-used for things that needed to get done. My plans for spring break included a lot of sleep, some writing, work on my yard, and lots of down time. I can check one of those things off: work on my yard.
However, even if I didn't get the amount of rest I was hoping for, the week has been very productive towards my personal journey in Lent.
On Wednesday I spent the whole day with a group of people prepping the room our youth meet in at church for painting. We had about 8 or 10 people helping, some from the church and the others from the high school I work at. We were an eclectic group of people; ranging in age from 11 to 60, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and abilities. We were a very diverse group.
What made the day interesting is not once did our differences become a topic of conversation or a something that was even noticed. We were all there to accomplish one goal as one people. As morning became lunch, and as the work of prepping the rooms was becoming finished, we started talking about one another's personal lives. Topics such as where we were from, what our family dynamics were, what our hopes and plans for the future were, and more were being shared.
As the conversation went on it became clear that we were very different people who had found a way to live within the differences and be as inviting as possible of bringing those differences into our own lives. That, I think, is what the story of "The Woman at the Well" is about.
The people who would have read this story would have understood the "wrong" Jesus was doing by 1) Entering Samaria, 2) Speaking to a Samaritan, and 3) Speaking to a married woman alone. These things would have been considered high crimes within the Jewish traditions of Jesus' times, and therefore would have been scandalous at the very least.
Jesus begins the conversation with the woman with a simple request to please have a drink of water. The response of the woman is one of discomfort to the point of being defensive. "Who are you to talk to me?" she asks, only to be taught by the Rabbi about the type of "drink" Jesus can offer if only she would let down her defenses.
People who are cast out of society or looked upon as being "less than" because of their life-choices have every right to be defensive. They've been discarded by friends, family, work, and even their church. They've been told they don't belong and never will unless they can change into something that society can accept. Maybe it's time mainstream society takes a closer look at itself.
On that day, when our eclectic group got together to work, we were also very aware of the fact that we had differences. We also showed how much our differences didn't matter. We sat together at the well and drank the water that Jesus offers; the water of everlasting love and unconditional acceptance. By the end of lunch we had become friends and knew a little more about each other; our relationships grew - and that's what my Lenten journey is about.
I haven't had as much time as I'd like for myself this week, but the time I have had was well-used for things that needed to get done. My plans for spring break included a lot of sleep, some writing, work on my yard, and lots of down time. I can check one of those things off: work on my yard.
However, even if I didn't get the amount of rest I was hoping for, the week has been very productive towards my personal journey in Lent.
On Wednesday I spent the whole day with a group of people prepping the room our youth meet in at church for painting. We had about 8 or 10 people helping, some from the church and the others from the high school I work at. We were an eclectic group of people; ranging in age from 11 to 60, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and abilities. We were a very diverse group.
What made the day interesting is not once did our differences become a topic of conversation or a something that was even noticed. We were all there to accomplish one goal as one people. As morning became lunch, and as the work of prepping the rooms was becoming finished, we started talking about one another's personal lives. Topics such as where we were from, what our family dynamics were, what our hopes and plans for the future were, and more were being shared.
As the conversation went on it became clear that we were very different people who had found a way to live within the differences and be as inviting as possible of bringing those differences into our own lives. That, I think, is what the story of "The Woman at the Well" is about.
The people who would have read this story would have understood the "wrong" Jesus was doing by 1) Entering Samaria, 2) Speaking to a Samaritan, and 3) Speaking to a married woman alone. These things would have been considered high crimes within the Jewish traditions of Jesus' times, and therefore would have been scandalous at the very least.
Jesus begins the conversation with the woman with a simple request to please have a drink of water. The response of the woman is one of discomfort to the point of being defensive. "Who are you to talk to me?" she asks, only to be taught by the Rabbi about the type of "drink" Jesus can offer if only she would let down her defenses.
People who are cast out of society or looked upon as being "less than" because of their life-choices have every right to be defensive. They've been discarded by friends, family, work, and even their church. They've been told they don't belong and never will unless they can change into something that society can accept. Maybe it's time mainstream society takes a closer look at itself.
On that day, when our eclectic group got together to work, we were also very aware of the fact that we had differences. We also showed how much our differences didn't matter. We sat together at the well and drank the water that Jesus offers; the water of everlasting love and unconditional acceptance. By the end of lunch we had become friends and knew a little more about each other; our relationships grew - and that's what my Lenten journey is about.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Thirsty Yet?
Exodus 17:1-7
Lent is about 25% of the way through. This is usually when things begin to get a little more difficult in keeping with any commitments made for this 40-day journey and the temptation to give up begins to set in.
I'm not sure I mentioned what I'm giving up for Lent, and if I did I'm sorry for repeating myself. Sweets, especially the occasional dessert, is something I look forward to after having a satisfying dinner and when cuddled warmly with my wife just before bed. Those are the times when a cookie covered with some ice cream tastes so good.
But, since I gave up sweets for Lent I'm not able to satisfy that craving. Instead I watch as commercials on TV show the happiness people feel when biting into a smooth, sweet piece of chocolate. Ohhh...the temptations.
However, stories like today's one help to keep my commitments in focus. Moses is leading the Hebrew people through the wilderness, having left Egypt with only the things they could carry. By the time this story is told the people are running very low, if not have already run out of some basic needs.
The people are running out of water, and I'm certain are becoming concerned for their survival as well as the survival of their families and livestock. They are traveling through the desert and water is scarce, if not non-existent. As a result the people become scared, and when a crowd begins to fear for its survival bad things begin to happen. A mob mentality ensues and the anger becomes focused on Moses.
Moses is to blame for the demise of all the people who decided to follow him.
Who are we starting to blame for the things which happen to us?
A lot of times when things begin to go wrong in our lives we find someone or something to blame. Never mind that the decisions we made along the way have an impact on our current situation, it has to be someone or something else's fault we're in the place we are. Perhaps we even become like the Hebrew people in today's story and demand that something be done to make our situation better, no matter who we hurt in order to get it.
One thing the people in today's story forgets is that Moses is one of them. He, too, is journeying through the desert. He, too, is without water. He, too, is afraid for his life - not just from the lack of water, but from the anger of the people. This is when Moses turns to the one thing that can help them get through this difficult path on the journey: God.
God is compassionate and offers Moses a way to help the people find peace and continued hope to go on. Perhaps if the people would have asked God for the same help, instead of blaming and accusing and threatening Moses, the water they were desperately seeking would have come sooner.
A part of the journey of Lent is to take a look at where our relationships are. Are we thirsty and blaming others for our lack of water, or are we reaching out to others and God to allow their compassion to rescue us. The choice really is yours, which choice will you make?
Lent is about 25% of the way through. This is usually when things begin to get a little more difficult in keeping with any commitments made for this 40-day journey and the temptation to give up begins to set in.
I'm not sure I mentioned what I'm giving up for Lent, and if I did I'm sorry for repeating myself. Sweets, especially the occasional dessert, is something I look forward to after having a satisfying dinner and when cuddled warmly with my wife just before bed. Those are the times when a cookie covered with some ice cream tastes so good.
But, since I gave up sweets for Lent I'm not able to satisfy that craving. Instead I watch as commercials on TV show the happiness people feel when biting into a smooth, sweet piece of chocolate. Ohhh...the temptations.
However, stories like today's one help to keep my commitments in focus. Moses is leading the Hebrew people through the wilderness, having left Egypt with only the things they could carry. By the time this story is told the people are running very low, if not have already run out of some basic needs.
The people are running out of water, and I'm certain are becoming concerned for their survival as well as the survival of their families and livestock. They are traveling through the desert and water is scarce, if not non-existent. As a result the people become scared, and when a crowd begins to fear for its survival bad things begin to happen. A mob mentality ensues and the anger becomes focused on Moses.
Moses is to blame for the demise of all the people who decided to follow him.
Who are we starting to blame for the things which happen to us?
A lot of times when things begin to go wrong in our lives we find someone or something to blame. Never mind that the decisions we made along the way have an impact on our current situation, it has to be someone or something else's fault we're in the place we are. Perhaps we even become like the Hebrew people in today's story and demand that something be done to make our situation better, no matter who we hurt in order to get it.
One thing the people in today's story forgets is that Moses is one of them. He, too, is journeying through the desert. He, too, is without water. He, too, is afraid for his life - not just from the lack of water, but from the anger of the people. This is when Moses turns to the one thing that can help them get through this difficult path on the journey: God.
God is compassionate and offers Moses a way to help the people find peace and continued hope to go on. Perhaps if the people would have asked God for the same help, instead of blaming and accusing and threatening Moses, the water they were desperately seeking would have come sooner.
A part of the journey of Lent is to take a look at where our relationships are. Are we thirsty and blaming others for our lack of water, or are we reaching out to others and God to allow their compassion to rescue us. The choice really is yours, which choice will you make?
Thursday, March 13, 2014
On The Wind
John 3:1-17
Nicodemus is most likely my favorite bible character. The story we're told about his journey in the Gospel of John so closely relates to mine, that I cannot help but to put myself in his place.
Today's passage from John introduces Nicodemus as someone who holds a position within the current religious hierarchy and so has to come to Jesus under cover of the night. Nicodemus doesn't come to Jesus to ask questions, however, he actually comes to Jesus to proclaim that Jesus is in fact a "teacher who has come from God."
Jesus quickly notes that it is true that no one can do the things he does without it coming from God, or as he puts it, "without being born from above." This statement confuses Nicodemus and for the rest of the opening paragraph of chapter 3 we watch as Nicodemus is thrown into a tailspin of confusion, trying to ask question after question and only getting more confused with the non-answers Jesus is giving. It gets to a point where, almost comically, Jesus finally compares what's happening to floating aimlessly in the wind, which blows wherever it wants.
Sometimes things in life can feel just like that; caught in a whirlwind. We think we understand what's going on around us, but the truth is that in the moments just before things get out of control we can sense how much we're not in control.
It's in those times we need to trust in how much help we have around us. I will always be confident that God has put people on our paths who can, and will, help us through the difficulties in our life, just as much as there are people in our lives to share in our joys. I will also always have faith that God is guiding me through life's many paths and if I am able to listen, instead of question, then those paths will not be as difficult.
Nicodemus begins this new journey with many questions. In time, though, he will come to an understanding. The same is with us and it's okay to have questions. I have to say that having questions is highly encouraged, just don't get caught up in having to have the answers. Instead open yourself up to what is being said to you, then go from there.
Nicodemus is most likely my favorite bible character. The story we're told about his journey in the Gospel of John so closely relates to mine, that I cannot help but to put myself in his place.
Today's passage from John introduces Nicodemus as someone who holds a position within the current religious hierarchy and so has to come to Jesus under cover of the night. Nicodemus doesn't come to Jesus to ask questions, however, he actually comes to Jesus to proclaim that Jesus is in fact a "teacher who has come from God."
Jesus quickly notes that it is true that no one can do the things he does without it coming from God, or as he puts it, "without being born from above." This statement confuses Nicodemus and for the rest of the opening paragraph of chapter 3 we watch as Nicodemus is thrown into a tailspin of confusion, trying to ask question after question and only getting more confused with the non-answers Jesus is giving. It gets to a point where, almost comically, Jesus finally compares what's happening to floating aimlessly in the wind, which blows wherever it wants.
Sometimes things in life can feel just like that; caught in a whirlwind. We think we understand what's going on around us, but the truth is that in the moments just before things get out of control we can sense how much we're not in control.
It's in those times we need to trust in how much help we have around us. I will always be confident that God has put people on our paths who can, and will, help us through the difficulties in our life, just as much as there are people in our lives to share in our joys. I will also always have faith that God is guiding me through life's many paths and if I am able to listen, instead of question, then those paths will not be as difficult.
Nicodemus begins this new journey with many questions. In time, though, he will come to an understanding. The same is with us and it's okay to have questions. I have to say that having questions is highly encouraged, just don't get caught up in having to have the answers. Instead open yourself up to what is being said to you, then go from there.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Faith And Trust
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
One of the recurring themes in the bible as well as interpretations of the bible is that of faith. It's interesting, though, how the translation of the words in its original meanings have been re-identified as something else.
Faith, as used in the Hebrew Bible, is never used as something that is possessed, but rather as something which is performed. One does not "have" faith but can only "be" faithful. Looking up the word in any online bible dictionary will give you this meaning: to support, uphold, nourish, be faithful. Other definitions given include to be certain, firmness as in a belief, or to trust. These are all words which describe actions, not something which can be possessed.
As used in the New Testament, the word faith carries similar meanings: to persuade or be persuaded, to listen to, obey, or to trust. The particular meaning of today's use of the word, pistis, is that of a deep conviction of something you believe in, or better put - complete trust.
Trust is not something you simply possess. It's something that takes time to develop as much as it takes a lot of work to maintain. In order to have complete trust in someone or something one can have no doubt that what it is they are trusting will never bring harm to them. We trust our pastor, our life-partner, our closest friends. We trust that when we place our life's savings into a retirement account, that money will be there for our future. We even trust the little things like when we go to sit down the chair will be under us.
Trust is not something we can simply say we have and be done with it. Otherwise trust becomes complacent and turns into something else, something akin to taking our loved ones for granted. When we allow trust to stop developing, we stop growing in our relationships. Our faith, if you will, becomes tainted and not something that is completely shared by others, nor is it something that others want to share in.
As Lent continues I hope to repair or rebuild any of my relationships which have become untrustworthy. I plan to take a closer look at those around me in whom I have allowed the relationship to become complacent and therefore allowed the pistis to fall apart.
One of the recurring themes in the bible as well as interpretations of the bible is that of faith. It's interesting, though, how the translation of the words in its original meanings have been re-identified as something else.
Faith, as used in the Hebrew Bible, is never used as something that is possessed, but rather as something which is performed. One does not "have" faith but can only "be" faithful. Looking up the word in any online bible dictionary will give you this meaning: to support, uphold, nourish, be faithful. Other definitions given include to be certain, firmness as in a belief, or to trust. These are all words which describe actions, not something which can be possessed.
As used in the New Testament, the word faith carries similar meanings: to persuade or be persuaded, to listen to, obey, or to trust. The particular meaning of today's use of the word, pistis, is that of a deep conviction of something you believe in, or better put - complete trust.
Trust is not something you simply possess. It's something that takes time to develop as much as it takes a lot of work to maintain. In order to have complete trust in someone or something one can have no doubt that what it is they are trusting will never bring harm to them. We trust our pastor, our life-partner, our closest friends. We trust that when we place our life's savings into a retirement account, that money will be there for our future. We even trust the little things like when we go to sit down the chair will be under us.
Trust is not something we can simply say we have and be done with it. Otherwise trust becomes complacent and turns into something else, something akin to taking our loved ones for granted. When we allow trust to stop developing, we stop growing in our relationships. Our faith, if you will, becomes tainted and not something that is completely shared by others, nor is it something that others want to share in.
As Lent continues I hope to repair or rebuild any of my relationships which have become untrustworthy. I plan to take a closer look at those around me in whom I have allowed the relationship to become complacent and therefore allowed the pistis to fall apart.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Helping Others
Psalm 121
Yesterday I actually had time to visit one of the students I work with in his science class. I say I had time because during that particular class period I have to visit two other students as well as be "security" for a building during lunch. When my time needs to be divided that much I usually visit the students who aren't doing as well, focusing on helping them get their grades up. The student I visited yesterday is getting a great grade in science, so I spend less time with him than I would like to.
I walked into the class and saw another Educational Assistant (EA) sitting with him, which made me feel less guilty for not stopping by more often. I stopped by other tables, talking with and helping the students at those tables. Finally I stopped by the table of the student I am responsible for and the EA looked at me with a puzzled expression.
She said they were stuck on a page in the worksheet they were working on. I took a look at the page and it was filled with numbers and charts. Add to that we had to divide the information into north and south hemisphere into appropriate seasons; winter in the south is summer in the north.
I should mention here this student has certain physical and learning abilities which causes him to be socially unaccepted. He's never been bullied, not that I know of, but he really has no social interactions outside his teachers.
I told her I could work with him. We talked a little about how other things were going in school for him. He talked about wanting to go to junior prom but not being able to. He talked about this girl he likes and how he doesn't know how to approach her just to say hi. We talked about his upcoming trip to a neighbor island for the spring break. We just talked about life.
In between the conversations I broke down the assignment into little pieces, explaining each step along the way. He began filling in the chart and drawing his bar graph. We began talking about what the graph meant and why the seasons were different for the top and bottom halves of the world. We noticed how the graph showed a trend of where and when shark bites happen the most (fyi - don't swim in the southern waters during their summer).
Before we knew it the period was almost over and he was done with that page in his worksheet. When the bell rang he slung his backpack over his shoulder, smiled that beautiful smile he has at me, and said thank you.
Yesterday I actually had time to visit one of the students I work with in his science class. I say I had time because during that particular class period I have to visit two other students as well as be "security" for a building during lunch. When my time needs to be divided that much I usually visit the students who aren't doing as well, focusing on helping them get their grades up. The student I visited yesterday is getting a great grade in science, so I spend less time with him than I would like to.
I walked into the class and saw another Educational Assistant (EA) sitting with him, which made me feel less guilty for not stopping by more often. I stopped by other tables, talking with and helping the students at those tables. Finally I stopped by the table of the student I am responsible for and the EA looked at me with a puzzled expression.
She said they were stuck on a page in the worksheet they were working on. I took a look at the page and it was filled with numbers and charts. Add to that we had to divide the information into north and south hemisphere into appropriate seasons; winter in the south is summer in the north.
I should mention here this student has certain physical and learning abilities which causes him to be socially unaccepted. He's never been bullied, not that I know of, but he really has no social interactions outside his teachers.
I told her I could work with him. We talked a little about how other things were going in school for him. He talked about wanting to go to junior prom but not being able to. He talked about this girl he likes and how he doesn't know how to approach her just to say hi. We talked about his upcoming trip to a neighbor island for the spring break. We just talked about life.
In between the conversations I broke down the assignment into little pieces, explaining each step along the way. He began filling in the chart and drawing his bar graph. We began talking about what the graph meant and why the seasons were different for the top and bottom halves of the world. We noticed how the graph showed a trend of where and when shark bites happen the most (fyi - don't swim in the southern waters during their summer).
Before we knew it the period was almost over and he was done with that page in his worksheet. When the bell rang he slung his backpack over his shoulder, smiled that beautiful smile he has at me, and said thank you.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Original Blessing
Genesis 12:1-4a
Our study group had an in-depth conversation about original sin vs. original blessing. We had watched a video presentation which introduced the idea (or fact, depending on how you receive it) that Jesus, his followers, and the earliest Christians practiced, studied, and lived the Jewish faith. The point was also made that the idea of original sin was developed much later in the early 5th Century. Therefore, neither Jesus, his followers, nor the earliest Christians would have any idea about the concept of original sin.
Instead, Judaism teaches the concept of original blessing; the idea which is set forth in today's passage. Original blessing begins when God calls Abram (aka Abraham) to leave his land and go to a strange place. In that place God promises God will bless Abram by ensuring that through him and his families a great nation will come.
The covenant between God and Abram goes on to promise a great number of descendants and as much land as is needed to ensure the prosperity of that great nation. In other words, God will always be with them and as long as Abram and his descendants remember God they will have nothing but a good life.
I'm not sure about you, but I would rather live a life where I am blessed with greatness the moment I'm born instead of a life where I have to earn that blessing by finding a way to lose my sinful ways.
In this time of Lent I am taking a look at my inner-relationship - my relationship with myself. I want to truly get in touch with the person I am inside; the person God created me to be and the person I am being called to be. I have been asked to leave everything I know to move into a new, unknown land. God's reassurance through Christ is that God is, and will always be with me as I go into this new land.
Our study group had an in-depth conversation about original sin vs. original blessing. We had watched a video presentation which introduced the idea (or fact, depending on how you receive it) that Jesus, his followers, and the earliest Christians practiced, studied, and lived the Jewish faith. The point was also made that the idea of original sin was developed much later in the early 5th Century. Therefore, neither Jesus, his followers, nor the earliest Christians would have any idea about the concept of original sin.
Instead, Judaism teaches the concept of original blessing; the idea which is set forth in today's passage. Original blessing begins when God calls Abram (aka Abraham) to leave his land and go to a strange place. In that place God promises God will bless Abram by ensuring that through him and his families a great nation will come.
The covenant between God and Abram goes on to promise a great number of descendants and as much land as is needed to ensure the prosperity of that great nation. In other words, God will always be with them and as long as Abram and his descendants remember God they will have nothing but a good life.
I'm not sure about you, but I would rather live a life where I am blessed with greatness the moment I'm born instead of a life where I have to earn that blessing by finding a way to lose my sinful ways.
In this time of Lent I am taking a look at my inner-relationship - my relationship with myself. I want to truly get in touch with the person I am inside; the person God created me to be and the person I am being called to be. I have been asked to leave everything I know to move into a new, unknown land. God's reassurance through Christ is that God is, and will always be with me as I go into this new land.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Pushing Through
Matthew 4:1-11
I did it! I made it through my first day of Lent doing the things I committed to do. In case I forgot to tell you my plans for Lent it's that I will be giving up sweets (all sweets - candy, chocolate, cake, cookies, etc.) and reading the Acts of the Apostles from beginning to end. I know...not very difficult things to commit to, but, please remember that for the next 6 1/2 weeks I won't be able to have any sweets, including ice cream, and I have to finish the book of Acts.
Having done a Lenten focus like this before, I can personally tell you there will be a day, a time, a moment when my need for a cookie will become overwhelming. There will be a day, time, moment when I realize I haven't yet read from Acts and it's past my bedtime. There will be a day, time, moment when I will think of all the excuses to make myself comfortable in making the choice to have that donut or skip my reading for that day.
It's on those occasions I will have to reach deep into myself to resist the temptations. And if I know myself as well as I do, those temptations will be strong. When those temptations become overwhelming I will need to find that inner strength to push me past those temptations. It's in the experience of getting through the provocation of breaking the 40-day vow I've made that my the relationships I'm hoping to repair and rebuild are being strengthened.
I'm hoping the next 39 days will be as successful as yesterday. If the day comes, though, when I need to find that inner strength to keep moving forward I know I will be able to gather that strength from those closest to me as well as, and mostly from, my God through Jesus Christ.
I did it! I made it through my first day of Lent doing the things I committed to do. In case I forgot to tell you my plans for Lent it's that I will be giving up sweets (all sweets - candy, chocolate, cake, cookies, etc.) and reading the Acts of the Apostles from beginning to end. I know...not very difficult things to commit to, but, please remember that for the next 6 1/2 weeks I won't be able to have any sweets, including ice cream, and I have to finish the book of Acts.
Having done a Lenten focus like this before, I can personally tell you there will be a day, a time, a moment when my need for a cookie will become overwhelming. There will be a day, time, moment when I realize I haven't yet read from Acts and it's past my bedtime. There will be a day, time, moment when I will think of all the excuses to make myself comfortable in making the choice to have that donut or skip my reading for that day.
It's on those occasions I will have to reach deep into myself to resist the temptations. And if I know myself as well as I do, those temptations will be strong. When those temptations become overwhelming I will need to find that inner strength to push me past those temptations. It's in the experience of getting through the provocation of breaking the 40-day vow I've made that my the relationships I'm hoping to repair and rebuild are being strengthened.
I'm hoping the next 39 days will be as successful as yesterday. If the day comes, though, when I need to find that inner strength to keep moving forward I know I will be able to gather that strength from those closest to me as well as, and mostly from, my God through Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
TEAMwork
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Some might think that TEAM is an overused acronym. A random search for the meaning of that acronym shows almost 300 different interpretations for TEAM. Some of the less-known ones are: Train, Endure, Achieve, Matter used for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; Technical Enhancement and Architectural Modernization used by a mobile company's cellular tower builder/designers; and The Electronic Auction Market used as Canada's online cattle marketplace.
Then there's the better known use of TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More. As oft used an acronym that is, it still holds true in its imagery. Story after story of people trying to accomplish something found greater success as more joined in their endeavor. Building wells in Africa, rebuilding villages in storm-ravished Asia coastlines, and building homes for the houseless here in the States are all ventures which started as the hopeful dream of one person which grew into world-wide projects.
Such is the way of Christ. Paul reminds us that we work together with Jesus to remove the obstacles that exist in stopping us from becoming one people, unified in one love - the love which is shared through the unconditional acceptance of God.
That's a little more difficult to do then it seems. Ever since the first attempts by Paul to start churches where what we do is more important than what we believe, those who place themselves at the hierarchies of Christianity have done all they can to make it a religion about laws and rules and creedal commitments. What the church by Paul, in today's passage the church of the Corinthians, is battling with is how to bring together people of all thoughts, theories, teachings, and ideologies to understand that being unified as one people under God does not mean having to follow one set of those ideologies, but rather to open ourselves up to the fact that we are all different and it's through those differences we will be find a common ground to try to finish what Jesus started; the repair and rebuilding of God's dwelling place for all.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time when we're asked to reflect on our relationships and find a way to forwardly transform ourselves in order to repair and rebuild those relationships, whether they be with God, others, or ourselves. To forwardly transform one's self is not to find a way back to when times were good, but to find a way forward to make things good again. My hope is that in this Lenten season many of you will find that path forward into relationships that have long been distressed and make them whole again.
Paul's call for us to work as a team so that we can accomplish more in the way of bringing people together still rings loud and true today. As you go through the next 40 days (not including Sundays) search within yourself for those relationships you can fix and make better. It's in that way Jesus taught us to be his followers.
Some might think that TEAM is an overused acronym. A random search for the meaning of that acronym shows almost 300 different interpretations for TEAM. Some of the less-known ones are: Train, Endure, Achieve, Matter used for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; Technical Enhancement and Architectural Modernization used by a mobile company's cellular tower builder/designers; and The Electronic Auction Market used as Canada's online cattle marketplace.
Then there's the better known use of TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More. As oft used an acronym that is, it still holds true in its imagery. Story after story of people trying to accomplish something found greater success as more joined in their endeavor. Building wells in Africa, rebuilding villages in storm-ravished Asia coastlines, and building homes for the houseless here in the States are all ventures which started as the hopeful dream of one person which grew into world-wide projects.
Such is the way of Christ. Paul reminds us that we work together with Jesus to remove the obstacles that exist in stopping us from becoming one people, unified in one love - the love which is shared through the unconditional acceptance of God.
That's a little more difficult to do then it seems. Ever since the first attempts by Paul to start churches where what we do is more important than what we believe, those who place themselves at the hierarchies of Christianity have done all they can to make it a religion about laws and rules and creedal commitments. What the church by Paul, in today's passage the church of the Corinthians, is battling with is how to bring together people of all thoughts, theories, teachings, and ideologies to understand that being unified as one people under God does not mean having to follow one set of those ideologies, but rather to open ourselves up to the fact that we are all different and it's through those differences we will be find a common ground to try to finish what Jesus started; the repair and rebuilding of God's dwelling place for all.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time when we're asked to reflect on our relationships and find a way to forwardly transform ourselves in order to repair and rebuild those relationships, whether they be with God, others, or ourselves. To forwardly transform one's self is not to find a way back to when times were good, but to find a way forward to make things good again. My hope is that in this Lenten season many of you will find that path forward into relationships that have long been distressed and make them whole again.
Paul's call for us to work as a team so that we can accomplish more in the way of bringing people together still rings loud and true today. As you go through the next 40 days (not including Sundays) search within yourself for those relationships you can fix and make better. It's in that way Jesus taught us to be his followers.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Shrove Tuesday aka Mardi Gras
Psalm 51:1-17
There are many traditions associated with today. Depending on how far back, and how "pagan" you want to be, the traditions of Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday, are as varied as the people who celebrate this day. There is one thing in common, though: the want to relieve one's self of the things that are not good for them.
The term "Mardi Gras" literally means Fat Tuesday. It's the day before Lent begins and is the day when households are supposed to clear all of the fat they have stored. The differences are what is considered fat. Whether it's the fat in cooking lard, oils, nuts, meats, or whatever is considered fat, a household is expected to rid themselves of these things and not use them for the entire Lenten period.
The other thing cultures would do is seek out a priest of some sort to forgive them for their personal sins. In the medieval English traditions these priests were called shrives. One would see a shrive somewhere between sunset on this day and sunrise tomorrow. Once their sins were forgiven they would pledge to live without sin for the entire Lenten period.
It's on this day, then, that people were expected to cleanse all aspects of their personal lives in order to more intently focus on their relationship with their God. If at all possible, find some time today to do the same. Ask yourself what things are getting in the way of you being a more healthy person. Seek for the answers to how you can be a better person to those around you. Pledge to grow in your relationship with your God.
The Psalm for the day is a good prayer to say for today. If you click on the link above a window will open so you can read that Psalm. I rarely do this, but today is a different day, so...I strongly encourage you to open up that Psalm and say that prayer to start your Lenten time of reflection.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
There are many traditions associated with today. Depending on how far back, and how "pagan" you want to be, the traditions of Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday, are as varied as the people who celebrate this day. There is one thing in common, though: the want to relieve one's self of the things that are not good for them.
The term "Mardi Gras" literally means Fat Tuesday. It's the day before Lent begins and is the day when households are supposed to clear all of the fat they have stored. The differences are what is considered fat. Whether it's the fat in cooking lard, oils, nuts, meats, or whatever is considered fat, a household is expected to rid themselves of these things and not use them for the entire Lenten period.
The other thing cultures would do is seek out a priest of some sort to forgive them for their personal sins. In the medieval English traditions these priests were called shrives. One would see a shrive somewhere between sunset on this day and sunrise tomorrow. Once their sins were forgiven they would pledge to live without sin for the entire Lenten period.
It's on this day, then, that people were expected to cleanse all aspects of their personal lives in order to more intently focus on their relationship with their God. If at all possible, find some time today to do the same. Ask yourself what things are getting in the way of you being a more healthy person. Seek for the answers to how you can be a better person to those around you. Pledge to grow in your relationship with your God.
The Psalm for the day is a good prayer to say for today. If you click on the link above a window will open so you can read that Psalm. I rarely do this, but today is a different day, so...I strongly encourage you to open up that Psalm and say that prayer to start your Lenten time of reflection.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Monday, March 3, 2014
They Didn't Die, Or Did They?
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
The earliest stories within our bible bring with them the brightest, most vivid images. Formless voids bring forth light and life, dust is gathered and humanity rises, small springs of water push through dry wasteland to bring forth great rivers of life-giving waters. The pattern, until this morning's passage, is life from lifelessness.
After the creation of all that humankind is supposed to take care of, God takes mankind (the Hebrew word used is 'adam which translates to mankind, not man as is generally taught) on a tour of the Garden of Eden. God says to them they have free use of the land as they see fit, but please don't eat the fruit of a certain tree or they will die.
However, as the story continues the woman half of humanity (sorry ladies, that's how the story is told) is tricked into eating the fruit of the forbidden tree. If logic is to be followed the next part of the story should have the woman dying, but, as well crafted stories are meant to, what is expected doesn't happen.
Was God mistaken? Did the woman have special powers that protected her from the effects of the forbidden fruit?
A closer look at the words within the story show us that when the storyteller uses the Hebrew word muwth, the intention was not to be an immediate, physical death but what is called a "premature death" of certain traits of humanity. More to the point, wisdom and morality will die.
Lent begins on Wednesday. During the season of Lent we'll be asked to renew our relationships with God, each other, and our self. I find it interesting that the first reading of this Lenten season is a call to look at the things which cause our morals and ability to make good decisions based on the betterment of all creation to die.
The question for me today, and maybe the entire Lenten season, will be what am I doing to create a separation in my relationships and what is it I can do to make those relationships better. In order for me to do this I'll be taking a look at how the decisions I make might be immoral or not be in the best interest of God's creation (people included).
I'm looking forward to this Lenten season, won't you please join me?
The earliest stories within our bible bring with them the brightest, most vivid images. Formless voids bring forth light and life, dust is gathered and humanity rises, small springs of water push through dry wasteland to bring forth great rivers of life-giving waters. The pattern, until this morning's passage, is life from lifelessness.
After the creation of all that humankind is supposed to take care of, God takes mankind (the Hebrew word used is 'adam which translates to mankind, not man as is generally taught) on a tour of the Garden of Eden. God says to them they have free use of the land as they see fit, but please don't eat the fruit of a certain tree or they will die.
However, as the story continues the woman half of humanity (sorry ladies, that's how the story is told) is tricked into eating the fruit of the forbidden tree. If logic is to be followed the next part of the story should have the woman dying, but, as well crafted stories are meant to, what is expected doesn't happen.
Was God mistaken? Did the woman have special powers that protected her from the effects of the forbidden fruit?
A closer look at the words within the story show us that when the storyteller uses the Hebrew word muwth, the intention was not to be an immediate, physical death but what is called a "premature death" of certain traits of humanity. More to the point, wisdom and morality will die.
Lent begins on Wednesday. During the season of Lent we'll be asked to renew our relationships with God, each other, and our self. I find it interesting that the first reading of this Lenten season is a call to look at the things which cause our morals and ability to make good decisions based on the betterment of all creation to die.
The question for me today, and maybe the entire Lenten season, will be what am I doing to create a separation in my relationships and what is it I can do to make those relationships better. In order for me to do this I'll be taking a look at how the decisions I make might be immoral or not be in the best interest of God's creation (people included).
I'm looking forward to this Lenten season, won't you please join me?
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