Friday Five from RevGalBlogPals

Five Favorite Places

This is actually harder than you might think...I've been blessed to be able to travel from home in Wisconsin all over the Midwest, and to Florida, New England and the southwest US and Southern California.

But my 5 faves are: (click on the photos to see larger)

1. My church. The building is beautiful, there is a warm sense of “Home” there. And the people are great too :) 
   
2. Riverside Park in my home town. It's beautiful every time of year. 
   
3. The North woods of northern Wisconsin. The beauty of the tall pines and deciduous trees, the sound of a breeze way up in the tops of those trees. Watching and listening to birds- Loons, Bald Eagles, geese, and so many more—so serene. 
   
4. Florida beach. Any one of them. 
   
5. Grand Canyon. It's awe-inspiring. You stop and look at the view and say “Wow!” then walk a few feet, stop, look and say “Wow!” again! So beautiful, and it changes as the light changes. It's hard to take a bad picture there..I tried about 400 times!   
   

"Eye Witness News" a sermon at United Church of Beloit April 19, 2015

Eye Witness News 

Psalm 4 (NIV)

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

1 Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.

4 Tremble and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the Lord.

6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.

8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.

This Psalm, one written by the great King David, has quite the progression, doesn't it? Have you ever had trouble sleeping? This sounds to me like a sleepless night ...and yet it is not an endless night, there is a wonderful progression here...from “Answer me―to “in peace will I lie down and sleep” “Answer me when I call in distress!” that is so intimate and almost demanding...it sounds desperate, even... disrespectful! Yet it moves on to 'how long”, then comes to realize that the people who seek false gods will not be rewarded, God's people are set apart...

and then David says,..and is he speaking here to others or even counseling himself?! {and the best story tellers or speakers do speak out of personal experience} “do not sin...when on your beds search your hearts and be silent' Elsewhere the Bible reminds us “Be still and know that I am God'. When we settle down and have some quiet, we can KNOW God is all around...

“offer sacrifices & trust in the Lord..” means to worship...to read scriptures, to pray, to sing hymns and praise. To bring our offerings. And the psalmist is assured and assures us that God's light shines on us..and our hearts will be filled with joy...with that deep down understanding of God. And we will rest in safety!

{If you have trouble sleeping sometimes, I might suggest reading and praying this Psalm!}

Our Gospel lesson this morning is from Luke..this is one of the resurrection stories! The story takes place on that first Easter! Probably later in the day...

remember first the women went to the tomb to actually finish the proper treatment of the body for burial, and found the tomb empty! Then Peter and John went and also found it empty. There is much discussion, bewilderment, a touch of disbelief and how could this be?

So here is the next encounter with the Risen Jesus.. the disciples, are in Jerusalem, in the place where they had had the last supper with Jesus, and the house is locked up tight! as they are deeply afraid of being rounded up by the authorities for their association with Jesus!

Luke 24: 36-48 (NIV)

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

36 While they were still talking about this, {meaning the other appearances} Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

The Word of the Lord, thanks be to God!

Here again there is a progression..first the disciples think they see a ghost―don't you think they just freaked!? And He reassures them, hey it's Me!? See my hands and feet...touch me! It's ok! Now even tho Jesus has his human body...he has supernatural ability..he just appeared in the middle of a locked house!

so he shows them his hands and feet...the marks of the crucifixion.

Now they've progressed a bit..to Joy and amazement. They are still having trouble believing tho! And Jesus asks for something to eat! What is that about? It's another way of showing that his body is real...a ghost does not eat and drink...but there's more to it....Could it be a gentle reminder that in their excitement, there is still basic hospitality? Hey I'm a guest here...and resurrection is hard work! It's also a return to normalcy. Offering someone something to eat or drink is a mark of compassion and a chance to just relax together for a bit.

And then he reminds them scripture had to be fulfilled...

the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms. The threefold division of the Hebrew Bible. Jesus is saying that every part of Scripture bears witness to Him.

And he opened their minds so they could understand. They had to get past their own emotional reactions and fears, and take a step back. And only then could they FULLY understand―that Jesus was indeed the messiah, not a military ruler, not a conquering hero, but the Son of God living with humans, caring for them, sharing in the very basics of life!

“This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.”

repentance for the forgiveness of sins...remember sin is anything that keeps us from God. Even simple distractions, worry, anger, as well as the 'big sins', stealing, murder. It's a real challenge to keep one's focus on God all the time! That's why we pray confession regularly, that's why we take communion, some religions practice daily communion! But God is slow to anger and quick to forgive...

This preaching will be to ALL nations...the word in the bible for nations means not just countries, but all peoples...it's the word Ethnos from which we get the words ethnic and ethnicity. So Jesus will be preached to ALL people, everywhere. And he says “You are witnesses” You saw this YOURSELVES. With your very own eyes, you hear me with your own ears. You touched my flesh, you see the scars in my hands and feet..and touched them. You have heard and seen the evidence and you know the Truth!

You are the eyewitnesses...YOU now share your stories, help others to know the truth, to bring repentance to all people, everywhere starting right here where you are.

We are not eyewitnesses but we have the word of eyewitnesses...4 Gospels, written by either eyewitnesses or those close to them, who did know the eyewitnesses and heard their stories.

Remember in our Psalm, the progression from anxiety and sleeplessness to being able to rest in the sure knowledge of God ?

In Philippians chapter 4, “Do not be anxious about anything,  but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  7  And the peace of God,  which transcends all understanding,  will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

There is a progression in our faith life as well, that this story of the disciples spells out. We are shocked and maybe fearful and then we have amazement and joy, and then we are to share our stories...sometimes in a very ordinary way...we have something to eat together. We spend time together, sharing a bit of ourselves and encouraging the other to share themselves too. This is how we help bring the Light of the Lord, the Shalom, the joy and peace of God. That peace that gives us rest, that helps us connect and care for others. In solitude we can be silent before God and become more aware of God's presence. In community with others we can share our faith and help each other to enjoy the gifts of God, that joy and love and compassion.

Author Henri Nouwen wrote

Every time we forgive our neighbor, every time we make a child smile, every time we show compassion to a suffering person, every time we arrange a bouquet of flowers, offer care to tame or wild animals, prevent pollution, create beauty in our homes and gardens, and work for peace and justice among peoples and nations we are making the vision come true. We must remind one another constantly of the vision. Whenever it comes alive in us we will find new energy to live it out, right where we are. Instead of making us escape real life, this beautiful vision gets us involved. Henri Nouwen

Let's get involved, let's stay involved, in the vision of the Resurrected Jesus, whose Light shines on us, who fills us with Joy and that incomparable peace of the care and protection of God. And may we always bring that Joy and Shalom to all of God's children today and always. Amen. 

Devotion for pastors...and all of us

Devotion

One Sunday morning the organist was changing her shoes so she could play, and I changed into my dress shoes, and I was reminded of a Sunday morning when I forgot to change my shoes. Midway through the service, I was sitting in front pew with a guest speaker, and I noticed I was wearing my Crocs. Now Crocs are comfy, they have arch support and they are cushioned and they are very popular with folks who are on their feet all day, like chefs and nurses. But the 'old school' ones are just about the ugliest things ever created. And this being wintertime, my Crocs had salty smudges from the parking lot and some other yuck on them...and I groaned to see them still on my feet during the service. And my guest speaker whispered, “it's worship..not Broadway”.

What a great saying! “It's worship..not Broadway”. I have said that to myself a few..no several, even many times since. This morning I was reminded of a quote from a prayer by Thomas Merton, who said, “But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.”

If we bring our best to worship, and all that we do as pastors, through the bedside visits, with the mother of the bride, the meetings, the late night phone call, and oh yes, our home lives....if we remember to say that quick prayer “Lord help me” and we really do try to please God -then I believe we do please God, even when/if things are messing up all around us. And God will guide us.

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”

―Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude

Friday Five -Five signs of Spring!

For today’s Friday Five, write about five signs of spring that you look for each year and most especially this year.

Today is the first day of Spring! Here in the Midwest, we EAGERLY await spring, as the winters are long even in a relatively mild year. (this year was overall mild, but we had some periods that were unrelentingly cold and snowy.)

Five signs of spring that I look for...of course Robins. They migrate away in October and return in March. On March 5 two years ago, I took a photo of a tree full of them in the midst of a blizzard! This year, the Robins returned during mild weather and have been singing every morning! One friend says the return of the Red-Winged Blackbirds is more reliable harbinger of spring than the Robins. I saw and heard Blackbirds on a walk near the river last weekend.

The trees have leaf buds that are getting larger every day. By the end of April and early May we will have trees in bloom, the Crab apples and Redbud trees are my favorites!

Another sign of spring is the early flowers. Bulbs like Iris, Tulips and Daffodils, will poke leaf shoots up even through the last of the snow. The very first Crocus are in bloom now.

One of the surest signs is people's moods lighten! We tend to feel better as the days get longer and there is more sunlight. When we are able to go outside without bundling up in layers of clothing and scarves and gloves, we literally feel lighter! I've been walking outside, and our son has been on bike rides, some of which were very “splooshy” as he said, from riding through large puddles from snow melt! But that is spring in the Midwest, water and mud, late snowfalls, and sudden changes in weather. Winter gets me down, but I can not imagine living where there are not 4 distinct seasons....sometimes all in one day! :)  

Bridges...sermon given at Bethel AME Church

Sermon for Community Lenten service March 11, 2015

Psalm 133 King James Version (KJV)

133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Ephesians 4:11-16 KJV

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

(Gospel lesson next page)

Bridges!

(a bit about me―lay pastor etc..merger church, Pres/Cong. So Brenda & I are an ecumenical gathering all by ourselves!)

How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity!

Brenda & I began this worship with this passage very deliberately. We have been planning and dreaming of this moment for a while now...we only met just over a year ago at an MLK Day event.

Some months ago pastor Tina and I were talking about the problems in Beloit, about violence issues and what if anything our churches can do about it. And we developed the idea of community wide thanksgving service. I called Pastor Brenda and we had that 1st service together at United Chruch on a sunday evening in November. We had folks from 7 different churches there!

So when we began the planning for these lenten services we worked hard to get back to having more churches represented.

Years ago I heard a pastor here in town quote Dr King that '11 am on a Sunday morning is the most segregated time in our country” and that statement is still true today. That statement haunts me...in part because I know that if I am not part of the solution, then I am part of the problem.

So I refuse to be a part of the problem any longer! We need some bridges across the gaps in this city and in this country.

our lesson from Ephesians reminds us that we all have different gifts and abilities. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers. Now some of us have a couple of those gifts. Some have gifts of hospitality, gifts of helps, the folks that work behind the scenes. Never EVER doubt that you are working for the kingdom if you are behind the scenes. Yours may be one of the greater gifts! And these gifts are given, our text says, to build up the body of Christ, until we attain UNITY. Unity!! unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God. We are to grow in our faith together...then we will no longer be tossed about by waves...

our city feels as though we've been tossed about on waves. Waves of economic depression. Waves of unemployment, waves of there's nothing for me here attitudes....the bible story “can anything good come from Nazareth?” sounds familiar to those of us who’ve lived in Beloit for decades!

We, people of faith, struggle sometimes. We love our churches, but they may or may not be growing. Our faith may not be growing, we see trouble but we don;t know what we can do! We need a bridge! A bridge gets us from one point to another making it easier to get across something that is inconvenient, difficult or impossible. A bridge can help us form or preserve community. People are meant to be in community! A cord of 3 strands is not quickly broken!

Jesus is our Bridge to God!

Author Brennan Manning wrote that Jesus says to us, “Shalom, be at peace.. I understand your fears, your failures, your brokenness. I don't expect you to be perfect. I have been there. All is well. You have My love. You don't have to pay for it and you can't deserve it. ..You have only to open and receive it. You have only to say yes to my love-a love beyond anything you can intellectualize or imagine”

Prayer and the Bible are bridges to Jesus!

Our Gospel lesson for this evening is from Jesus' great prayer in John chapter 17.

Jesus has prayed for himself, and then for his disciples. And then he prays this:

John 17: 20-26

20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

Jesus prays that all believers...all who will proclaim the name of Jesus will be One. Just as He and the Father are One.. God in Jesus and Jesus in God. That we believers may also be One in the Father and the Son for the Glory of the Lord~!

And that we are to be United because and through the Love that God had before the foundation of the world! BEFORE the beginning of time, God loved....because God IS Love. Jesus made this known to his disciples and to all believers for 2000 years now and into this 21st century....that we may be One in Him to glorify God.....

so how's that working so far?

Not so hot? Do you think we can do better?

I do!

I absolutely do. I think we can do a lot better. I believe our churches, can be bridges that help get us across some of these gaps.

I believe that we can do this as individual churches, and especially in our groups that work together, our Church Women United groups, our members that work together to support Caritas, and other pantries and missions in the city, when we work together to get school supplies to needy kids, we are better together than separately! This is real community. And as we work together, we get to know what we have in common! Then we realize we are all connected. Then we can work together even more effectively and enjoy each other's company while we do!

Then we are modeling effective behaviors to our city, especially to young people. Now I am not so naïve that I think our churches coming together for a few worship services and working on a few missions together is going to solve all the problems of Beloit, never mind the world. BUT we can and we will make a difference in people's lives. And we never know how much of a difference we may make! At a talk recently, I heard that most of the crime problems are because of addictions. I have read that there is new research which shows that addiction treatment is most effective in community-in groups, and that good groups can be a strong deterrent to addictive behaviors! You see why I am so hopeful that our churches can make a difference?

This is the “Communion of the Holy Spirit” ..the spirit of God, given by Jesus so that we can be empowered to use those gifts of evangelism, apostleship, teaching, and other gifts.

This is how we can bridge some of the gaps in our churches and in our communities! This is how we stay focused on the BIG picture!!

When we are very intentional about working together and worshiping together and helping out together, we are helping others see Christ, see the Love of God and that we enjoy using our gifts and talents together for good! We are then modeling community and outreach, we will then help other people, even young people believe in God, believe in themselves and to make better choices and become leaders instead of following in the path of crime and violence.

Remembering that we have a lot in COMMON, instead of what's different. We all have stuff to deal with!! families some of whom drive us crazy. We all have things that we have to cope with, we all have losses at times, maybe health stuff, maybe financial, maybe that crazy family member, everyone has SOMETHING that gets us down, that might hold us back. We can listen to one another. Sometimes JUST listen...and say yes, I understand. I'm here for you, I'm praying for you.

finding that common ground is our key to understanding, and growing, and glorifying God.

A story about a bridge...a few years ago we were on vacation and hiking around a park with water falls. And we came to a bridge that went over a stream that was maybe 20 feet below. And that stream was kind of dried up and you could see big rocks. And we had to walk across that bridge. It was a railroad trestle -no hand rails! so there were gaps in between the wood planks so I could CLEARLY see the water and boulders way down below...and yeah I freaked. It took my son and my husband both hanging on to get me across that bridge. Because I couldn't stop looking down.....i couldn't make myself look AHEAD.

We do that in our churches. We keep looking down, at the trickling stream, at the boulders, boulders of our own inadequacies, our insecurity, our own bias. We need to remember to look UP at Jesus. At His Shalom! We forget to look up and ask for help. Ask for someone to help hang on to our hands, and say a prayer, to help us cross that bridge! Because across that bridge are great things, and the view is spectacular! Can we hold hands and walk together?

Sermon Oh Good Grief (United Church of Beloit 1/25/15)

Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.

Romans 8:31-39 NIV

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(intro) continuing our Sermon series on “Giving up our baggage”

Now I have to admit, I have some baggage...ok I have a lot of baggage. Many of us do! It's part of the human condition! I have worked hard to get rid of some of it, but there is more work to be done! So when I asked Steve which particular baggage I would be preaching on, he gave me a partial list to choose from. This was after a recent meeting and some of the folks were still there. I read through the list ...loneliness, weariness, anger, doubt, worry, anxiety; and said, “Bingo!”

we all deal with some of these at one time or another. Several of you have said you have a lot of them too! We are all a work in progress! Sometimes we get 'stuck' and just can not let go. Sometimes we are so used to having these things in life we can't fathom another way!

Oh Good Grief! We don't think of grief as being good...but it's sure common. Grief happens when we lose someone we love of course. It's also part of any sort of loss...job, health issues for example. and even part of change..even good changes. There is a process that happens through any change of life...

So let's look at our Psalm. This is one of the Psalms of ascent..that is one of the songs sung by the Jewish people as they ascended, walked to worship at the temple in Jerusalem. This psalm refers to the return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian Exile―more than 500 years before the time of Jesus. The Exile had lasted for 70 years! Most of those marched away from Jerusalem had died off, their children and children's children were the ones who returned to Jerusalem..so they were 'coming back home for the first time!” this psalm is a hymn of joy, the streams in the Negev means streams of water in a desert, parched land into vibrant life! Carrying sheaves..sheaves are bundles of grain, so that is symbolism of a plentiful harvest! that God had intervened and their deep grief and sadness had been turned into joy.

This is a theme in many of the psalms and prophets, that the struggles and despair that happen in life will turn into joy, mourning into dancing one psalm says! The troubles of life are not permanent. There is MORE!

So let's look now at our new testament lesson. This is from Romans, Paul's incomparable letter to the church in Rome. Romans is a book that is challenging, inspiring, will make you say WOW and Huh?! Sometimes all in the same breath! This is a part of chapter 8....

“these things...”... He says earlier...in Verse 18

“  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Paul is talking here about the struggles of life, the challenges that come with being human, and trying to live for God..for Christ.
{READ Romans 8:31-39}

NOTHING can separate us from the Love of God.....

this is a text that we share at funerals.. it's a powerful reminder that the one we lost is not lost for all time! NONE of us is, if we are in Christ! God who did not spare his own son...part of Gods very self!! Jesus who died. Who more than that was raised to life!

Now I confess when I read this at a funeral I do skip verse 36, the sheep to be slaughtered. That's a reference to Psalm 44, another psalm of the struggles of life.. that Paul's listeners would get....but modern families prob won't..

we are MORE than conquerors....imagine the power of hearing this read to you, when you live in ancient Rome, with soldiers in full armor always around! We are MORE than those warriors! Through the One who loved us...and Loves us and will always love us because God was and is and ever shall be!

So what does this mean to us and our baggage, to our grief?

Grief is part of any sort of loss, or change..even good changes. (marriage, births, church mergers...) There is a process that happens through any change of life...

most of us have heard the 'stages of grief” defined by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross in her ground-breaking work. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. One of the things we need to be reminded is that our work through the stages does not happen neatly. It is rarely a set period of time, with an orderly progression through each stage, culminating in a sigh of relief and gratitude. Nope...in my experience personally, and with family and friends, as well as a pastor, it;s almost never a neat tidy process.

Our reactions to grief are in large part a reaction to something we can't control. Yes we love to be in control. We want things to be a certain way. When change happens, when someone is ill or dying, we are not in charge any more and it makes us crazy. We may complain about things, we may find something else that we do frequently to bring that sense of control back...years back, when my dad was dying of cancer, I realized that I was obsessively doing laundry. I got over that! It was something that I could keep on top of, my way of finding some sort of order in a situation that I couldn't handle.

When you are going through these emotions, pray about them! It's ok to say to God “I am hurting here!” or even “i am angry!” and it can help a lot to pray it out. It really is ok to tell God you are mad that God took your loved one...or whatever the situation is...It's not a sin to say you are mad at God. God has big shoulders. And praying out these feelings can help. It's helpful too to journal, write things down in a notebook.. journaling is a powerful tool to help with the grief process and in most life situations. And using support systems, like your church, Hospice counseling and so on, are great tools to help get us through, especially if you start to feel stuck at any point.

When we have these feelings one positive thing we can do is create a new tradition or new ritual to honor the past. When holidays come, maybe having a special ornament to remember your loved one. Giving to their favorite charity! Friends of ours have fundraisers every year for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society to honor the memory of their loved one who died of leukemia.

We commemorate the good events..celebrate anniversaries and birthdays. We have rituals for these celebrations. (NOTE when I suggest creating a new tradion or ritual to honor a loved one, I am saying we have to spend a lot of money! It's possible to do things that are very economical...even if it's serving their fave food at the holiday meal...getting out pictures and sharing memories...great way to commemorate losses and celebrations!

As I said earlier, our psalm speaks of -deep grief and sadness had been turned into joy. Not necessarily happiness, they are different. To be happy is more of a temporary thing, it's transient, it depends on circumstances. but Joy lives deep inside and is a recognition that things will be ok, that God is in charge. It's a realization of the big picture. We can have joy even in the midst of trouble or grief...i guess that is 'good grief.'

This week Ernie Banks died, the legendary Chicago Cubs shortstop. He was a terrific ball player, and also a person who was universally viewed as a happy man who people loved to be with. He was well known for his quote..."It's a great day for a ballgame. Let's play two!” That's more than happiness, that's Joy.

this week author Marcus Borg died. He was a prolific writer, sometimes thought of as a very 'liberal' theologian, but his writings showed a depth of faith in Jesus as Lord. -some so called liberal theologians seem to think Jesus was nothing more than a nice guy...but Borg's faith was much deeper than that. I want to share a quote of his with you...this is from his book Speaking Christian.

    “So, is there an afterlife, and if so, what will it be like?

I don't have a clue. But I am confident that the one who has buoyed us up in life will also buoy us up through death. We die into God. What more that means, I do not know. But that is all I need to know.”

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The One who lived, died, was raised from dead, is love, loves us always and will see us through it all and we will one day ALL be together with him! 

a new Friday Five from RevGalBlogPals

It’s official. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, you are experiencing winter. SO… tell us:

1. Winter: What do you think about it in general? Do you love it? Hate it? Or say, “meh – it’s just another season!”
   I have lived all my life in Southern Wisconsin and I hate winter. I hate being cold, I dislike snow, I especially hate ice.....but I LOVE spring and fall, and one doesn't get either of those without winter. And I very much appreciate the beauty of fresh snow. Every season has beauty and my camera and I  like finding the beauty of nature all year round ;)

2. Footwear: Show us or tell us about your favorite winter shoes/boots.
   I wear Crocs...old school black Crocs, because they are comfy on my achy feet, and Crocs do not slip easily on snow and ice :) but....they are ugly LOL

3. Discuss: Pedicures in winter – necessity or silly? Necessary, tho my budget keeps me doing my own mani-pedis. 

4. Toasty toes: Whether you knit your own or buy them, tell us what socks keep your feet toasty warm!
   ::::blushing:::  I am so boring...plain old white cotton sports socks.

5. Driving me crazy: What do you wish the drivers around you would do to make travel during the winter months a little less nutty?
   Pay ATTENTION! Ice is not always visible! and your SUV, being very heavy is going to skid a LOT further than you think. 

BONUS: What’s the weather like out there? Share a picture so we can shiver or be jealous!
This is a pic i took a year or two ago by the river in town. Today looks pretty much like this :)  yes, it;s cold!

The Spirt Flows (sermon given at Sun Valley Pres Jan 11, 2015.

Genesis 1:1-5
1:1 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth,
1:2 the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.
1:3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.
1:4 And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.
1:5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Mark 1

1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ,  the Son of God. 

2  As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, 

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
        who will prepare your way,
3  the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
        ‘Prepare  the way of the Lord,
        make his paths straight,’”

1:4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
1:5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
1:6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
1:7 He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.
1:8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
1:9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
1:10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
1:11 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

Our Old Testament lesson is of course the very first verses of the Bible, indeed the word “Genesis” means “in the beginning”. It's so familiar, and so beautiful!

1:2 the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.

Formless void.....also translated chaos..... God creates order of out of chaos!

“Wind from God' Hebrew word is Ruach...which is translated spirit, wind, breath, this is the Holy Spirit, hovering over the waters...

a bit later in Genesis God will breathe the breath of life into the humans.

Mark's gospel first one written. Matthew and Luke wrote about 10 years or so later, expanding on what was in Mark and writing for specific audiences..Matthew writing to Jewish people, Luke to Gentiles (prob in asia minor) Mark was writing to get these stories DOWN, people had been telling about Jesus and each of the Gospel writers determined to get a good accurate version recorded, now that it was about 30 years after Jesus' time, the original disciples and witnesses to Jesus miracles and teachings were getting old and dying off. And there was serious persecution from Rome after Nero became Emperor.

{READ GOSPEL LESSON}

Mark 1, “The Beginning of the Gospel...” I think Mark deliberately used the word Beginning here! To echo the very beginning of the scriptures. John's gospel of course also echoes the 1^st five verses of Genesis.

gospel.  A term meaning “good news.” The Greeks used this word for events such as the birth of an emperor or a major military victory. So when the authors of the NT used it, this was a means of saying, the emperor, the military, this is all temporary, there is REAL good news...the Good News of Our God, the one true God, not the pagan gods.

Mark 1:4 John appeared proclaiming baptism of repentance for sins,..

there was before this a tradition of cleansing, purification at the temple, which was for 'paying customers', wealthy people. John is proclaiming this for everyone! “all the people' from all over Judea -note, John did NOT offer forgiveness....that was the job of God alone, this was purely an act of repentance.

“clothing and locusts....” genuine prophet in the tradition of the Hebrew Scriptures, our Old Testament. Jewish people had not had a genuine prophet of God for centuries. John was perceived to be the real deal and they were ready!

in the wilderness.  John’s preaching in the wilderness symbolically reminds Israel of her covenantal origins in the Exodus. The Hebrew people were yes indeed wandering for 40 years, but God never left them through all that time. God was present as a cloud by day—protection from the sun! And a pillar of fire by night— providing light and heat, and protection from wild animals.

so John opened things up for everyone and anyone. And then Jesus came along...

and John tells the people, “I baptize with water but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. -John himself was 'filled with the holy spirit from before birth! He leapt in his mother's womb when she heard the voice of pregnant Mary....

and John (and others?) saw the spirit descending like a dove...and remaining on Jesus.

The Holy Spirit...flows..going where it pleases like wind or like flowing water...(metaphor used sometimes since we can see water flow, we can't really see currents of air! We only see and feel the effect! So flowing water helps us envision the spirit flowing.)

Jesus gave the disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit after his resurrection, when they were gathered in the Upper Room and he appeared to them, he breathed on them and said 'receive the Holy Spirit” --for their guidance.

Then the spirit appeared on followers-Christian Converts- 50 days later, on Pentecost...this time as tongues of flame above their heads!

The spirit is symbolized by wind, water, flames....3 of the most powerful forces of nature!

The Spirit serves as our Advocate...Prays for us, intercedes for us, helps get our message to God when we have no words...thank God!

Jesus gave this third person of the Holy Trinity, father son and holy spirit (or holy ghost) to be our advocate, our helper, our companion. And the spirit is there, available and will guide us if we ask. Sometimes I pray

quickly, Lord give me the right words, or tell me to be still...when someone confides to me. And often the stillness is the best help.. or the spirit may guide us to do something for someone,... whether we are to listen and just BE there, or even to pray with a friend, a neighbor, a church member....that is God working through us every day.

Spirit is voice of God, our intercessor, guides us, that little nudge that reminds you havent heard from So and so in a while... and when you call, they say, “Wow I was just thinking about you!”

“this is my son, beloved...”

God is Love. God's Son is Love and of course God's Son is Beloved...

we all are loved by God.

When we act in love, we are sharing God...that is what our faith life is all about!

author Anne Lamott who writes with deep honesty about her recovery from alcoholism and other things, and what she describes as teeny tiny self esteem issues...said,

  “I believe in two things, God and my friends. They are both Love, and they stay close to me no matter how awful I am being.

Both {seem to} have very low standards, which is all I have going for myself.”

-Anne Lamott

We are all God's Children, allow the Spirit of God to envelop you in that love, allow it to permeate your life and help shape you to share and care for others In His Name.

there are lots of references to the Holy Spirit in scripture, here is one of my favorites....

2 Corinthians 13:13

13  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Communion..also translated as “fellowship”, “Sharing with”

the words for communion and community literally mean together with.

Author Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Life Together:

Christian community is not an ideal we have to realize, but rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate. The more clearly we learn to recognize that the ground and strength and promise of all our community is in Jesus Christ alone, the more calmly we will learn to think about our community and pray and hope for it.’ 

There is some parallelism later in Mark's gospel that echoes this passage..the Heavens being torn open, the Spirit and the voice saying This is My Son...

Mark 15:37  And Jesus {On the cross} uttered a loud cry and breathed his last.  38  And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

“the communion of the Holy Spirit” the spirit of God is what brings us together-with God and with each other. The Spirit flows, as long as it is not blocked! Acting in UN loving ways blocks it, unforgiveness blocks it...If we are open to the Spirit, it will flow through us, It will help us realize that we all have things in common, with other people, even people very different from ourselves! and helps us to look at those commonalities rather than the differences.

That is real community, that is how we will effect change in our own lives, in our churches, in our city and beyond! That is the REAL peace of God, having God's love in our hearts and lives, and serving, bringing God's Shalom to others-the perfect peace that gives protection, wholeness.

May it be so today and always!  

Friday Five topic: NEW

 NEW. (Friday Five topic from RevGalBlogPals.org) 

1. If you have one, what is your new resolution?
   Lose the last 20 lbs! And I am rocking the plan. Regular exercise and healthy foods, whole grains, fruit and veggies at every meal, lean protein. Savor tastes, aromas, colors, textures. (stay away from the ice cream! Ben & Jerry, I have broken up with you!)

2. Many folks choose a new word for a year’s beginning, as Marci’s congregation does with StarWords. Some let their word choose them, like Christine at Abbey of the Arts. Do you have a word for the year?
   
   My word for the year is Community. This has been so much on my heart and in my mind. In the past 2 years since our church merger, 2 things kept coming up in my reading and in worship...Keeping our focus on God first and foremost, and community. We are better together than separately, both as people and as churches--especially in outreach. And I am working with other pastors to bring more togetherness into our city through our churches.

3. What is your new favorite exclamation/phrase at times of joy or frustration?
   Hmm, I don't have a 'new' exclamation or phrase....and I need to get rid of some old ones! taming my mouth is a full time job ;) My Dad always said the kitchen was Mom's 'cussing room' and I seem to have carried on that tradition pretty well.

4. Do you have a new favorite food, or an old one you are newly enjoying?
   current fave is plain Greek Yogurt. I love it with granola and fruit for breakfast, and have been cooking with it, using it in place of cream cheese in dessert or ricotta in baked pasta. Works great, and cuts fat and calories!

5. Finally, in general: what is your new favorite thing?

Putting a system in place to achieve my goals. It's great to decide something, but one must have a plan to make it happen! For example, I am reading through the Bible this year. I resolve to do so every year, and have read all of it, but never stayed with a plan. It ends up being sporadic. So I decided, I eat breakfast every day, why not set that as my reading time? I have my plan printed off close by and when I sit down to eat, I read. It's working great. And I have a checklist at night to mark off that I read, that I did my exercise and that I got in my 5 a day of fruit & veggies. That system is keeping me on task.