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Children's Ministry at FUMC
Monday, April 29, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Chaos Abounding
All around it seems chaos is abounding...things happening and changing at rapid speeds...and last week was too much.
...news of a leadership change, bombs going off, senior night, a letter saying no to that which we were hoping for, explosions in West, terrorists captured...
The rubble of these things just seems to be laying around. We look and wonder what to do with this mess. In the aftermath of chaos I usually get to work. My hands must do something...anything. I spent the weekend finishing a few tasks and restoring order to places in the house that chaos has touched.
After chaos and the rubble is removed and things are put back in place. After it looks as if it never happened, houses are rebuilt, blood on a boat is wiped away, and denials are accepted...what then? My friend he wrote on facebook that our country used to feel safe and now it doesn't. Yes, we can sweep the streets and mend bodies but what about our hearts?
Sometimes the things that happened in the scriptures seem so far away. Yesterday's sermon reminded me of how timeless His Word is. There is Jesus sitting on the mountain with crowds surrounding him. He has spent countless hours healing the sick, giving freedom to those consumed, holding babies and feeding thousands. He has cleaned up the rubble in their lives and taken care of those that need immediate relief. Yet, they still remain...hanging around...following him. Why? What more do they want? After your illness is healed, why not go back home to your normal life?
I am certain that someone in that crowd was like me. Nine times Jesus says the word "blessed". Blessed and the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek and the peacemakers, the hungry and the merciful. This is how He began his teaching...by reminding them that even amidst the chaos and rubble...they are blessed.
I have spent the last few months hiding these words in my heart...memorizing these very words of blessings. Painting a door chalkboard black is my response to the chaos...the not knowing what is coming next. The words read bright on the door.
"Now faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see."--Hebrews 11:1
Faith is a now response to the past, present and future. The rubble becomes building blocks that God uses to build our faith and trust in Him. By faith we call ourselves blessed...in the middle of the chaos...and the rubble...we are blessed.
...news of a leadership change, bombs going off, senior night, a letter saying no to that which we were hoping for, explosions in West, terrorists captured...
The rubble of these things just seems to be laying around. We look and wonder what to do with this mess. In the aftermath of chaos I usually get to work. My hands must do something...anything. I spent the weekend finishing a few tasks and restoring order to places in the house that chaos has touched.
After chaos and the rubble is removed and things are put back in place. After it looks as if it never happened, houses are rebuilt, blood on a boat is wiped away, and denials are accepted...what then? My friend he wrote on facebook that our country used to feel safe and now it doesn't. Yes, we can sweep the streets and mend bodies but what about our hearts?
Sometimes the things that happened in the scriptures seem so far away. Yesterday's sermon reminded me of how timeless His Word is. There is Jesus sitting on the mountain with crowds surrounding him. He has spent countless hours healing the sick, giving freedom to those consumed, holding babies and feeding thousands. He has cleaned up the rubble in their lives and taken care of those that need immediate relief. Yet, they still remain...hanging around...following him. Why? What more do they want? After your illness is healed, why not go back home to your normal life?
I am certain that someone in that crowd was like me. Nine times Jesus says the word "blessed". Blessed and the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek and the peacemakers, the hungry and the merciful. This is how He began his teaching...by reminding them that even amidst the chaos and rubble...they are blessed.
I have spent the last few months hiding these words in my heart...memorizing these very words of blessings. Painting a door chalkboard black is my response to the chaos...the not knowing what is coming next. The words read bright on the door.
"Now faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see."--Hebrews 11:1
Faith is a now response to the past, present and future. The rubble becomes building blocks that God uses to build our faith and trust in Him. By faith we call ourselves blessed...in the middle of the chaos...and the rubble...we are blessed.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
When Things Drop
How many times does one who juggles drop the ball before they get it right? I see a commercial with a man juggling chainsaws and think...
what happens when one of those hits the ground...or foot...or hand?
Yesterday...I juggled. Beginning the day with the notion that abiding in the Presence was an act to do now. Even though God doesn't need time and He is in every moment, our connection with Him, remaining in Him, happens in the moment.
The day's circumstances happen and I take each one and toss high in the knowing that He is control.
A phone call reminds me that when you're learning to juggle, dropping is part of the process. I step into the back office for a moment...to catch my breath. The one in pink, my sister, she sees me and offers her help. Her presence is really all the help I need.
We walk to find Bibles and teary eyed kindergartners fight, boys disrespect...sixth grade girls roll their eyes.
Catch...toss...catch...toss...
Riding in the car later with the one I love...talking about the day and hoping I can salvage what I have dropped. I describe the juggling and he wisely says..."there are times when we have to juggle so many things that something is sure to drop."
Learning to abide in this season is not about keeping everything in the air. It is not about striving to be perfect...never letting anything fall. Practicing Presence is focusing on Him in the midst of it all.
I'm awake this morning and it's a new day full of potential to catch...toss...drop. I am sure all three will happen...and yet joy and peace reign in my heart. I hear the notes faintly growing stronger as I put words to melody...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
what happens when one of those hits the ground...or foot...or hand?
Yesterday...I juggled. Beginning the day with the notion that abiding in the Presence was an act to do now. Even though God doesn't need time and He is in every moment, our connection with Him, remaining in Him, happens in the moment.
The day's circumstances happen and I take each one and toss high in the knowing that He is control.
A phone call reminds me that when you're learning to juggle, dropping is part of the process. I step into the back office for a moment...to catch my breath. The one in pink, my sister, she sees me and offers her help. Her presence is really all the help I need.
We walk to find Bibles and teary eyed kindergartners fight, boys disrespect...sixth grade girls roll their eyes.
Catch...toss...catch...toss...
Riding in the car later with the one I love...talking about the day and hoping I can salvage what I have dropped. I describe the juggling and he wisely says..."there are times when we have to juggle so many things that something is sure to drop."
Learning to abide in this season is not about keeping everything in the air. It is not about striving to be perfect...never letting anything fall. Practicing Presence is focusing on Him in the midst of it all.
I'm awake this morning and it's a new day full of potential to catch...toss...drop. I am sure all three will happen...and yet joy and peace reign in my heart. I hear the notes faintly growing stronger as I put words to melody...
"Great is thy faithfulness. Oh God my Father.
There is no shadow of turning in thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not
As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Pardon for sin and a strength that endureth.
Thou own dear Presence to cheer and to guide.
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessing all mine with ten thousand besides.
Great is thy faithfulness. Great is they faithfulness.
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I hath needed thy hand hath provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto to me."
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
When we make things complicated
Today in Sarah Young's Jesus Calling:
These words echo what a sister said yesterday, "we make this too complicated". At times it is hard...but it is really not that complicated. And so I am letting go of always analyzing emotions and thoughts and actions. No need to analyze what I already know. I know when I sin...I know how I feel...I know the voice that belongs to Him.
The whirring of a mind always thinking brings me to a self-centered life.
My friend, she is right you know...it is really not that complicated.
...we live and abide in Him
...we make mistakes and repent
...He recycles those mistakes into good
...transformation happens
And what do I do instead...focus all that energy on giving thanks and trusting Him.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Trust me in every detail of your life. Nothing is random in my Kingdom. Instead of trying to analyze the intricacies of the pattern, focus your energy on trusting me and thanking me at all times. Nothing is wasted when you walk close to me. Even your mistakes and sins can be recycled into something good.
The whirring of a mind always thinking brings me to a self-centered life.
My friend, she is right you know...it is really not that complicated.
...we live and abide in Him
...we make mistakes and repent
...He recycles those mistakes into good
...transformation happens
And what do I do instead...focus all that energy on giving thanks and trusting Him.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, April 5, 2013
Joy Texts
My phone beeps with an incoming text. It was a word of encouragement from one of my oldest's friends. Her words describe me as strong. Who me? How does she see that? Most days looking from the inside out...there is no strength.
I type back these words among others...
"warning: I am not that strong. I just know the one who is."
I send the message and glance at the clock. 9:00...The Hour of Blessing. Walking to my room I hear the echo of my words...
I know the one who is! Joy it floods my soul as I think, really think, about those words. I know the God who is....
God who is peace and joy and power...love and good and Holy. Whatever I need, he is, and I find joy there.
"This day is holy to our God. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I type back these words among others...
"warning: I am not that strong. I just know the one who is."
I send the message and glance at the clock. 9:00...The Hour of Blessing. Walking to my room I hear the echo of my words...
I know the one who is! Joy it floods my soul as I think, really think, about those words. I know the God who is....
God who is peace and joy and power...love and good and Holy. Whatever I need, he is, and I find joy there.
"This day is holy to our God. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Touchpoints
I've been thinking about this word I used to describe this praying through the hours...touchpoints. I honestly don't know when it entered my vocabulary. Is it even a "real" word. My thinking sent me on a search for the definition.
I google touchpoints and realize that this is a term used in the business world. Those in the marketing field use it to describe the point when a customer has contact with a product. It is the way a customer forms a relationship with the product. Relationships with products...really?
I think they are on to something. Let me give you an example, if you hear these words "Here's a story of man named Brady. Who was bringing up three boys..." Well if you are like me...you remember the Brady Bunch, and maybe see the faces of the kids, the mother, Alice, and maybe you can remember the television you watched it on, and the smell of your mother cooking supper as you watched.
Praying through the hours...these are the touchpoints, the contact we have with God. The times on the clock that signal us to pray serve as reminders that there is a deep need to stay in touch.
My mind is shifting as I struggle to "pray continually". My definition of prayer changing from an event that must get done sometime during the day to an ongoing interaction with the Holy.
It is not by accident that I used this word to describe this way of prayer. Those who practice it...get it. The Awakening Hour is upon me and I feel a need to praise him for life, and love, and learning.
"Be cheerful no matter what, pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ to live."--1 Thes 5: 16- 18 The Message
I google touchpoints and realize that this is a term used in the business world. Those in the marketing field use it to describe the point when a customer has contact with a product. It is the way a customer forms a relationship with the product. Relationships with products...really?
I think they are on to something. Let me give you an example, if you hear these words "Here's a story of man named Brady. Who was bringing up three boys..." Well if you are like me...you remember the Brady Bunch, and maybe see the faces of the kids, the mother, Alice, and maybe you can remember the television you watched it on, and the smell of your mother cooking supper as you watched.
Praying through the hours...these are the touchpoints, the contact we have with God. The times on the clock that signal us to pray serve as reminders that there is a deep need to stay in touch.
My mind is shifting as I struggle to "pray continually". My definition of prayer changing from an event that must get done sometime during the day to an ongoing interaction with the Holy.
It is not by accident that I used this word to describe this way of prayer. Those who practice it...get it. The Awakening Hour is upon me and I feel a need to praise him for life, and love, and learning.
"Be cheerful no matter what, pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ to live."--1 Thes 5: 16- 18 The Message
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Touchpoints
I wake up in an unfamiliar setting and reflect over the craziness of the last few days. The preparations and cleaning, the practice of music, egg hunts, and weather anxiety.
I am awake in a dark hotel room thinking of how I failed this Easter weekend. Failed the spiritual discipline of praying seven times a day...failed to complete things and failed in how I treated others. I think I missed the boat...what now?
Do I continue these "sacred pauses" throughout the day? Is this something I should continue to make a part of my daily walk? I pick up Sarah Young's Jesus Calling. The reading for the day says,
"I am calling you to a life of constant communion with me. Basic training means learning to live above your circumstances, even while interacting on that cluttered plane of life. A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with me, even if many things remain undone at the end of the day."
Does it get any clearer than that. A word that pushes me past my failures to continue. The days that I stayed connected through this spiritual discipline I felt in touch. Not as much "sacred pauses" but touchpoints throughout each day.
This Easter Sunday was quite dark for me. No sun shining that morning...no lights working in the sanctuary. I spent the entire worship service anticipating when the lights would come on...thinking someone should turn the lights on!
The most beautiful thing about Easter...is that never again is it just one day. We are Easter people...what Jesus did is a done deal. There is no going back to before resurrection. So today...I celebrate and tomorrow I will celebrate. I can hear my mom singing the tune she often woke us up with on Easter morning...
"Every morning is Easter morning from now on. Every day's resurrection day the past is over and gone."
I am awake in a dark hotel room thinking of how I failed this Easter weekend. Failed the spiritual discipline of praying seven times a day...failed to complete things and failed in how I treated others. I think I missed the boat...what now?
Do I continue these "sacred pauses" throughout the day? Is this something I should continue to make a part of my daily walk? I pick up Sarah Young's Jesus Calling. The reading for the day says,
"I am calling you to a life of constant communion with me. Basic training means learning to live above your circumstances, even while interacting on that cluttered plane of life. A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with me, even if many things remain undone at the end of the day."
Does it get any clearer than that. A word that pushes me past my failures to continue. The days that I stayed connected through this spiritual discipline I felt in touch. Not as much "sacred pauses" but touchpoints throughout each day.
This Easter Sunday was quite dark for me. No sun shining that morning...no lights working in the sanctuary. I spent the entire worship service anticipating when the lights would come on...thinking someone should turn the lights on!
The most beautiful thing about Easter...is that never again is it just one day. We are Easter people...what Jesus did is a done deal. There is no going back to before resurrection. So today...I celebrate and tomorrow I will celebrate. I can hear my mom singing the tune she often woke us up with on Easter morning...
"Every morning is Easter morning from now on. Every day's resurrection day the past is over and gone."
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