Sunday, September 16, 2012

Who Do You Say That I Am?

Now this one got to me today....

I mean... we all know the story..folks thought Jesus was Elijah... or John the Baptist (what?  reincarnated? hmm..) or just another prophet...

And the faithful followers - well, they said - we know, you are the Christ.. the Messiah..

And, of course, you and I - we are smart cookies.... we know Jesus is the Messiah too, right?  You know... God....

(Yes, I know some of you are not Christian.. but bear with me.. this is from the Christian Gospel writers)

The nugget that slithered through the cracks in my brain today was this:

Those who thought Jesus was a prophet.....
   Well.... prophets tell us things... prophets lead us and tell us what to do... prophets tell us what's going to happen...  we LISTEN to prophets....  we DO what we are told....  we FOLLOW... but the nugget is.. we WAIT.  (Because the Messiah (or Son of God) still isn't with us yet)

Those who thought Jesus was the Messiah (God):

   Well... God is well... HERE! (I mean, right here..... right now)  No more waiting....   the nugget is ACTION!

Jesus calls us to ACTION - just as he called the disciples to ACTION.

He said GIVE... He said DO...  He said PRAY....  not wait - but GO and LOVE.  Jesus is full of commands... ACTION words. 

So I think my thought for today is.... what can YOU DO today.... to BE Jesus for someone else?  Can you GIVE.... can you LISTEN.... can you PRAY?

I challenge you to go and DO SOMETHING to make your world a better, more loving place and I will do the same. 




Saturday, March 17, 2012

Prayer of Saint Patrick

This prayer attributed to St. Patrick is one of my all-time favorites.  It's worthy of printing out and repeating all day... and today is the day to do it!

It's a quiet, calm prayer that helps center me.

Take a quiet moment and join with St. Patrick and me to pray together

.... breathe in with every line.. and FEEL Jesus all around you :-)


Prayer of Saint Patrick

Christ be with me, Christ within me,

Christ behind me, Christ before me,

Christ beside me, Christ to win me,

Christ to comfort and restore me.


Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ in quiet, and in danger,

Christ in hearts of all that love me,

Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

AMEN!

Happy St Patrick's Day, everyone!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Through the Looking Glass

One of my great challenges is to keep the right frame of mind.....

what is that?

well..... it's a little like Alice in the Looking Glass.

At first glance.... a change might be sad..... say, a loss of some kind.  A loss of something that brings you security....

..and you mourn.... and you rant and rave.... and you are left with nothing in your hands...

but if you look again....

You are left with endless possibilities....
the emptiness
the nothingness

is the potential of everything!


That which you lost.... once defined you....  secured you, yes.... but by the same token...

bound you
tied you
limited you.

Because of the loss....

you are free....

to start over
to re-create your life
to re-define yourself.

Frightening... absolutely

but exhilarating in a way..

May I never grow too old and tired to accept the challenge to change!



Dear God,

   I know that you are never the cause of sadness in my life.  You are the source of ultimate joy.  To be able to look at things another way.. that is your gift to me... the gift that sustains me, changes me, grows me.  I praise you for the challenges that come my way that help me become the person you want me to be.  And I ask you for the grace and strength to meet these life situations in the way you would want me to.

Amen.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Uncertain Future

Doesn't it seem that when all hope is lost.... several new paths open up?

Thing is.... at this moment I am not sure which is worse... NO options..... or several options that need to be decided right now!

When our financial situation fell apart in January.. things looked pretty bleak.  It took a lot of faith and strength and humor to keep my family moving forward.  (not to mention ME, but we won't go there just now!)

So a few things have come along and we are managing.. for now.

But in the last couple of days... more options have opened up.. requiring even MORE fortitude.  NONE of the choices have predictable endings.  ALL of the choices need to be made soon.  We have a few days to swim around in indecision.

I have no clue even how to advise.

What I do know is this:  God always helps us sort things out if we have faith.

And, whatever the decision... AND whatever the outcome.... we will be fine.

What I WISH is that the people around me had the same faith.


Dear God,

     Like so many of your children, we are facing a very uncertain path right now.  Looking toward a future we can not predict.  Trying to plan the "future" when getting through tomorrow looks dicey.  It's difficult to have faith that all will be well. 

     Please send your healing grace to all those reading here (oh.... and to my family who isn't :-)....  I ask for clarity of mind and purpose.... the strength and wisdom to support and advise...  and the peace not to look backward once choices are made!

     All praise and glory and thanks to you!

Amen..  



Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Covenant of Love

Covenant (defined by Merriam-Webster): a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement

To me, a promise..... a contract...

Willingly entered with mutual respect and understanding

Love

plays a large part in this contract - covenant

Like a marriage, it must be love

NOT fear

that makes us WANT to comply

Fear cannot be the WHY of convenant-compliance





God,

you promised that you would be my parent.

And I promised I would be your child.

Like a child.... an 'oh so rebellious' child, I cannot keep a covenant with you out of fear.  I must test the boundaries.... but I come back to your law of love.

Like a parent.... an everlasting loving parent, you cannot keep a covenant with me out of anger.  You must extend your love to keep me close.

It takes both of us to keep this covenant, day in and day out.

Thank you, God, for opening each of my days with a promise to love me!


Friday, March 9, 2012

By Myself

Woo-hoo!!  I am so excited!  Look at what I did!

I know... it's great!

I am the best!  I am the coolest!  And I did it myself!

You ARE the best.... AND the coolest, for sure!

And I did it myself!

And you did a lot of it

Wait just a minute..... NO ONE was around to help me!  NO ONE came forward at all!  This is MY accomplishment!

You had no help at all?

Are you saying I didn't do it myself?

No, but I do think you might reconsider the thought that no one helped you....

Who was there, then?  Besides you, of course....

Of course.

Well?  Okay then.. I appreciate your help - but you already know that.  I'm just feeling quite accomplished right now.

I know you are grateful to me.  You do tell me all the time.  I appreciate that about you.

So what then?  Who else helped me?

Well, let me ask you.... do you live alone?

What kind of question is that?  You know I don't live alone.  I live with a husband, two sons and a bunch of 4-legged creatures.  But they didn't help me.

Do you have any friends?

Of course I have friends.... both close friends and acquaintances.  But they didn't help with this either.  What are you getting at?

Do you have any close communities of people?

A few.... different groups that I am a member of.... but I am telling you... NO ONE came forward to help.

So here is the thing... what DO these people do for you?

For me?  Well, they accept me - many of them.. and some of them love me...  I guess several are appreciative of me and the things I do.  BUT NO ONE helped me.

Did anybody have to move their needs over so you could do this thing?

What do you mean?

Well, like your husband... you have certain things you do for him.... did you skip some of those so you could do your thing?  

Well... yes, twice I asked him to just get leftovers so I could work on this project.,.. but that is no biggie.  He doesn't mind.

And, if I remember correctly, he offered to fix you something too, didn't he?

Okay - but I didn't want what he offered... does that count?

And your kids.... didn't they do a little extra too... so you could work on this project?

Just a few errands - but they're supposed to help!

I know.  What about your friends?  Did you tell anyone about this project?

A few of them....

And were they supportive of your work?

Yes, of course they were... but I still did it by myself!  Are you saying I didn't?

I don't think I said that.

What are you saying?  That I don't deserve the credit?

I didn't say that either.

But I'm not all by myself then.... is that it?  So I did it myself.... but the real question is: would I have been ABLE to do it by myself without these people that are around me NOT DOING my project?

Exactly.

So now I'm ungrateful?  That's weird.

Is it?

No, not really.  I DO deserve the credit.... but I DO need to remember that YOU connected all of us.  Without YOU and without each other, none of us can accomplish anything.... is that it?

**smile**

You know, God, sometimes talking to you is hard.

You know, Katy, sometimes talking to you is hard too.

Just don't stop, okay?

Back at you.


Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Sharing

I was reading a bit the other day about how important it is to share your gifts.

And I get it.

I love to share.... and I love to give.

But I got to thinking about WHAT I am sharing.

I do like to do for others...

But am I cheerful about it?

In my day to day, am I kind and cheerful

Or is my norm a little more grumbling.....

or perhaps a bit martyred even....

I mean, shouldn't these people I am giving to

understand that I COULD be somewhere else...

reading, or crocheting, or doing something more important to ME?

I don't want to be selfish - but I get into such bad habits that I don't even realize sometimes that I am grumbling.

Dear God,
  Help me to be careful in the way I do things.  I do want to give.  But I want to share my talents and energy in a cheerful way.  What use is my gift if I begrudge it?

And, mundane though it is, doing laundry, preparing meals, cleaning up after animals and people..... well, those ARE my daily GIFTS..... not chores - GIFTS!

Please help me go about these tasks so that my family feels loved....

Help me share a positive viewpoint and good attitude!


Amen

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Raindrops!

Stepping out into a fog-encased world this morning was a solitary experience

Not that I was alone... my pup was snuffling along beside me...

But the cotton batting surrounding us muffled other morning sounds

Except for raindrops....

Big fat raindrops

Plopping one by one

On me and around me

I thought of your blessings, Lord..

Falling on and around me

One by one

HEALTH.... plop!

FAMILY.... plop!

FRIENDS.... plop!

....and smaller ones that I take for granted....

Clothing.... plop!

Food... plop!

Internet... plop!

..and even more blessings fall that I don't take enough notice of...

random smiles.... plop!

budding flowers.... plop!

a stranger's miracle I am privileged to read about... plop!

Blessings and miracles all..... plop!

All around and on me in my quiet morning hour....

thank you, God!

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Osprey

The other day

I watched an osprey.....

Battling the wind in the stormy weather

It was tossed back.... then straightened itself out

..and keep going...

Only to be whipped sideways... and thrown off kilter..

Righting itself again and regaining its course

Again and again.

But as I watched.... that magnificent creature never faltered.

It trusted in its wings, its instinct, its goal..

It never wavered..... it kept right on going!


Dear God.
            Help me trust!  I am not as fearless as your beautiful osprey.  I want to spread my wings.... and soar.... but I am weak on my own.  I want to be able to self-correct my course when life tosses me around a bit... but I am clueless without you.  I want to be able to fight back to keep flying where you want me to go.... but we both know I can't do it without you.  I know that you are always there for me.. but I am forgetful.   Please keep me mindful that YOU are that little lift that keeps my spirit strong!

Amen!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Child of the King!

As a child of God..... if I believe it... I am royalty.

No matter where I live....

No matter how I feel...

No matter what tasks lie before me.... whether it be leading troops into battle... or cleaning a toilet...

No matter what...

I am royalty.

And so are you....

Which means

We are setting examples...

that there is no room in our royal  lives

For whining and complaining....

For gossip and petty thoughts...

For unkindness or laziness..

Wow...



Dear God,
       After I ponder this thought for a while, I am also filled with self-doubt and denial.  Please strengthen me!  I know that I am your child..... but I don't often think about the royal duties that come with it.  I only know that by myself, I am inadequate to the task.  Please strengthen me!  I am responsible for helping to build your Kingdom...right here ....right now...   I am special.... but also filled with responsibility.  

Help me to remember - as I go about my day - all day - that I am Your child..... the child of a King....

Amen

Monday, February 27, 2012

Blessings!

Too many times we feel alone.

There are things happening in our lives that we don't understand.  AND we have to smile and be cheerful for our loved ones so THEY won't worry... even though we are sick inside.

It is you that I want to pray with this morning.

So.... take a minute and know that I see you.  I know you.... and I am sending a big hug to you.


Dear God,

     Please bless the person praying with me right now.  This is a strong, kind person who is carrying one of life's heavy burdens.  My friend and I both know that You are in control.... that You have a master plan.  We trust that You are working through us to bring good.. to help bring about your Kingdom... but, Lord,  my friend feels lost right now..... overwhelmed and alone.  And I want my friend to have the peace and faith that can only come from You.  Father, hold this child of yours in the palm of your hand and shelter her from her fears.  Give her the health and strength and grace to face the week ahead.  Help her know that You are right there beside her.  Please bless her family and friends and all those she is caring for.  Give her the peace she needs to hold firm and do your Will in her life.

Amen.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Half Loaf

The other day, I was talking with a woman who had been given a gift.

When I mentioned how thoughtful the giver was, she pursed her lips and told me how they wouldn't do something else.

The details aren't important.  The words were.

The words and facial expression said....

"What I was given was not enough (or right or whatever)"

I wondered if that was true.... if she really meant it.

The first thing that popped into my head was the old adage.... 'HALF LOAF is better than NONE."

Was she truly ungrateful or was she merely in the throes of a negative habit? 

I don't know.... but the effect was the same.

Her (probably unconscious) actions placed her (and me) in a negative place of ungratefulness.

How many times do I receive an offering from someone..... and I respond ungratefully?  I am not an ungrateful person..... I don't think.... am I?


Dear God,
           Please open my eyes and ears to the many gifts and blessings that I receive every day.  Open my heart by helping me SHARE your abundant grace by SHOWING my gratitude for what others (and YOU) give me.

Help me grow a grateful heart, Lord!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Pride

There are many reflections that almost didn't get published.

They aren't polished.

They are often 'off the cuff'.

Sometimes I get an idea.... and I want a scripture verse to go with it.  And I get this whole idea going on - the reflection is almost written.... and I can't find the verse I thought was there.  So I try to set it aside and wait for the verse.

Do you know what happens next?

No more ideas.

Nada.

Zilch.

Until I give up the idea of 'finishing it'.
Until I give up the idea of 'making it perfect'.
Until I get over MY PRIDE and let it go the way it is.

God works through my weaknesses.
God doesn't want me to wait.
God wants me to share his glory.

NOW.
However it turns out.... God is pleased.


Dear God
        ..... Help me get over myself.  Help me 'tune in to you' and drop my own personal agenda.  "Perfect" is not what you ask from us.  "Faith" and "Constancy" is what you cherish.  Help me remember that if you wanted us perfect - you would have created us that way.  It is the choice that I make.... every day.... to try to walk in your footsteps..... THAT CHOICE is what you ask for.  NO MATTER what it looks like.

Just me.

That's what you want.

Amen.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Make Your Dwelling Place in Me

I woke this morning with a plea swimming around in my head....

"Lord, make your dwelling place in my heart!"

And then, the next voice rising.....

"Why, oh why, would the Almighty choose to dwell in YOU?

In all your human brokenness, how could you POSSIBLY be a fit dwelling place for the Lord of Hosts?"

And then, thank you Lord.....

"I am a child of God.  Whatever I lack, God will provide."


A simple statement of faith rising from my half-zombie sleep state.  Wow.

As I shake my grogginess away, I think of my children.  I think of the love I bear them.  And I know that my God... my God of infinite love... loves much harder and stronger and, well.... just BETTER.... than I ever could.

I know that I would want my child to receive me.... no matter what.


Dear God,
        Help me today.  Help me keep you in the front of my mind....... help me remember not only to 'clean house' in my heart and be a fit dwelling place for you..... but to remember that I AM worthy.  You made me worthy.  You WANT me to WANT to receive you and keep you in my heart.

Me.

Just like I am.

Amen.





Thursday, February 23, 2012

Praise!

I am reminded on this beautiful Spring morning of life and new growth!  We've had a mild winter.... seriously - there has been nothing to complain about here (though I have heard MUCH! :-)  ONE snow.... overnight before a holiday... and melted by the following evening..... easy-peasy.

But the next few weeks will be ones of major swings.... we will have bright sunny warm days... and we will have freezing rainy gray ones.  And during this unpredictable time, a new creation will emerge.... Spring will bring more new growth and beauty than we can imagine.

This period of time reminds us of God's way.  We do not always understand the ins and outs, the ups and downs of life.  We do not understand our losses.. any more than we understand our gains (we just like the gains better!).  But this is God's way.. there IS a master plan.  And the master plan has greater riches than we can imagine.

I want to offer praise to you, God!  Praise for allowing me to be part of an unfolding drama.  Praise for letting me see that many times... the only loss I really have.... is the loss of a dream... MY dream.  And I know - and I thank YOU for that knowing - YOUR plan for me is so much bigger than my own dream.

Thank you, God.  Thank you for blessing me.  Thank you for helping me see truth... the truth that YOU are in control and I am but a small piece of your plan ... thank you for helping me have peace with the things I CAN control.  Thank you for holding me in your hand and allowing me to play a part in this grand life! 

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Penance

Penance......

depending on your personal background

Penance is a word

that conjures up powerful images

 ....medieval acts of self-torture

.....personal memories of a Catholic sacrament.... good memories or bad memories.... powerful, affective, emotional memories....


Emotions cloud truth.


Penance....

....is simple.

Strip away the bandaid of emotional response and reveal

   ...raw, red, pulsating remorse.

Penance

....is sorrow.

Sorrow for turning away from God.


Acts of penance reflect

 .....attempts to make amends

            .....turning toward the light.

Penance....

...is broken
               ...being made new.

Be repentant....

Be honest...

Have faith....  God is there...

Waiting for you to turn and be made whole.

God is there....

It was up to you to move away....

It is up to you to turn back...

God is there.


Sunday, February 12, 2012

Thank you, God....

My word, the sun has been shining so beautifully the last few days... thank you, God....

I'm glad you noticed

It feels like you've done it just for me.  I was pretty upset the other day.

Of course you were.  Disappointments are hard

Just fear, God...  I get scared sometimes about how we are going to make it.

I know

But I appreciate that you always manage to help me figure things out.  AND that you send me little signs that help me know things will be okay

It helps that you talk to me... and even more when you LISTEN

I have to admit it feels dumb sometimes


Of course.  That's where faith comes in.  

Thanks for helping me see that your hand is everywhere.... that there are really no coincidences...

What do YOU call it when things happen mysteriously?

Not coincidences, certainly.... you are clearly mixing and stirring and helping things to happen....  I think I call them

Yes??

Miracles.   Yes, God.... your miracles.. are everywhere in my life.   And I thank you.

You are welcome.... you know..  you are my precious child.... and I want the best for you. 

I believe it, God... and I appreciate your loving me through my fears.  I will try to listen and keep my feet on the path you set.

That's all I ask.


Sunday, February 5, 2012

God, I'm scared..

Okay - so you know about this really bad thing that happened to us last week, right?

Of course I do.

And you know that we were really shocked and we are now in a lot of trouble?

Yes.

And you know that even though I keep saying.... 'things could be so much worse' .. and 'many people are much worse off than we are'... well, between you and me - you know the TRUTH... I don't really mean it.

I know who you are.

I mean - it's true...... many people are SO much worse off than we are.  We still have a roof over our heads and no one here is hungry.

I know

But you know what?

What?

I'm still scared
I'm still mad
I'm still not sure what to do next

Wellll..... I know you are mad and I know you are scared..... and I know you feel that you shouldn't feel that way.

That's right.... I shouldn't

But feelings are feelings - you can't help those.  And feelings get harder.

What do you mean?

Well... it's like anything else you do....  it's new the first time.  You don't even have time to BE scared half the time.   But the next time, you know what's coming.  And it gets harder.

I totally get THAT!  This is really scary.... and I really don't know what to do next.

Now this is where I take issue with what you say.

What?


You absolutely know what to do next.

WHAT???

I talk.  You listen.  And you know.

uhhhh... the only thing I have on my agenda is laundry and dinner... and I think I have my grandbaby next weekend.


There you go.

WHAT???

Do you trust me?

Of COURSE I do.

Then do it.

Do what?

What you said....

Laundry??

..and dinner.. and playing with your grandchild.

Really?

Katy, my dear.. that is all I ever asked you to do.  Whatever life brings... you have people who need to eat... who need clean clothes.. who need YOU and the love and life you bring to them.

Oh come on.... I need to be able to FIX this!

You can't.  This is where I come in.  YOU take care of your people....  Let ME take care of the details.

I'm supposed to TRUST you now?

Now more than ever.. just go for it.... just trust me and see what happens...

Okay...  does that mean I get some sleep now?


Hmmm..... if you can really let go and trust... yes....

I'll try.... but God?

Yes?

Will you still be there tonight if I can't sleep?

Of course... aren't I always?

Yes, I know, you really are... but I'm scared.

Scared is okay.... but I love you..... so go to sleep.

Okay..... but I'll be talking to you later.

I count on it :-)

Sunday, January 22, 2012

STOP CALLING ME!

Hey God!  Can you PUH-Lease STOP calling me?  I'm really getting tired of all this work you are asking me to do!

Me?  You sound stressed.

Wellll...... yes, I am.

Why are you stressed?

You're kidding, right?  You called me to do this... and you called me to do that.... and then my husband got sick... and the car got a flat... and I still had to do this thing you asked me to do.

Are you SURE I asked you to do all of that?

OF COURSE!  Why else would I have moved heaven and earth to get that done with so much at home to take care of?

Well, honestly, I don't know.

Well, who else was going to do it?  No one else can do it as well as I can.  That's why you asked me, right?

Hmmmmmm... I agree about taking care of your husband.

But what about the other stuff I had to handle?  I'm the only one who knows how to do it right.

Really?  You really think that?

I know that.  I'm the ONLY one who EVER takes care of those things.

This doesn't sound right to me.  Didn't you read the part about 'my yoke being light'?

Of course I read it.. but I didn't get it.  There's too much to do!  I'm too upset about everything.

Can you tell me WHY you think you are the only one who could handle the stuff you are talking about?

BECAUSE YOU CALLED ME!

Do you think that just because you have ALWAYS handled it, that I mean for you to ALWAYS handle it?

What else am I supposed to do?  No one else will do it.

Did you ask?

Why should I?  They are supposed to volunteer to help.

Do they know you NEED help?

Why shouldn't they know that already?  I do so much.

That doesn't sound fair.

It's NOT!  That's what I am telling you.  I can't handle it.

I am always fair.  I know you.  You can always handle what I ask of you.

Then what is wrong?  Do you think I WANT to do everything?

Mmmmmm.....

Really?  How could that be?

Who sets the standards for the jobs you are doing that you say you don't want to do?

I don't know.... it's the way it's done - well, the way I do it... so I guess..... I must set the standards.

Which maybe MIGHT be why no one does it better...... or why no one thinks you need help?

Maybe.  But it would be prideful to think I do it best.  I don't think I am prideful.  I work hard for you.

You do.

I wish others worked as hard for you as I do.

So do I.  I wish SOMEone would give others a chance to do just that.

Huh...

well... what if it gets done wrong?

Well... what if it does?  What if..... it doesn't get done at all?

If I am hearing you right, you are saying that I am prideful.  That I think I do everything the best.  That some of this stuff I am handling.... you DIDN'T ask me to do?  You might not even want it done?

Are you stressed and conflicted?

YES!!

Then this is easy.  It's not from me.  I don't cause you stress.

Wow....  You mean all this running around is NOT for you?  Well, that is just a bit crazy then.  I need to think about this. 

No you don't.  You know your priorities.  Focus on those and hand off the other stuff that is worrying you so much.  If no one picks it up.... maybe it doesn't need to be done.

Huh...  I guess I'm not as important as I thought.

Ohhhh..... you are wrong there.  You are very important.  As a matter of fact, you are a critical part of my plan.  That is why I take such good care of you.  When you let me, that is.

So I guess I can turn this over to you now?

Now you are getting the idea.

Okay God, I am officially scaling back and letting you handle things.  But do me a favor?

What?

When there is something you REALLY want me to do... will you make sure I know what it is?

I always do.  Now go to sleep and let me do my job.

Okay God.  thanks.  It always helps when I talk to you.

You know, I sit here all day waiting to hear you say that.  Now go to sleep and talk to me sooner tomorrow!






Sunday, January 15, 2012

Hello? God Calling!


Are you being called?  Will you hear it when you are being called?

When I think about 'being called', I think of BIG things.  I think of people filling a grand and glorious destiny...  people who give up everything and move to foreign lands.... people who lead the charge against poverty and disease... people who research and study and devote their lives to things I will never understand.

I don't think of the reality that ALL of us are called to action by God.
 
I don't know that I WANT to think of the ways that God calls me every day.  It makes life harder when I THINK about it.

Somehow it's easier if I just DO the little things that 'feel' right.  Don't we know that those little things - if filled with LOVE - are 'God calling'?

Today's reading in church reminded me that the little 'calls' may be more significant than we realize.  Today we heard about St. Peter and how he answered God's call.  (Paul's 'call' is even more dramatic!)  SO when we talk about being called - the emphasis is usually on how the leaders accepted the responsibility that Jesus shared with them.

But I wonder how things would have played out if ANDREW had not answered HIS call....  the call to INTRODUCE Peter to Jesus.  Andrew's 'call' was to get all excited and introduce his brother to Jesus.  Such a simple thing.....  Of course, God would have gotten Peter in another fashion because God is like that......  BUT that crazy excited NEED to share...... was Andrew answering.

All of us are called by God to be part of the plan.  And the plan is a mystery.  Our part in it is unclear.... but what IS clear is that God is calling.... every day... all the time....  stay awake.... stay full of love and excitement... you won't want to miss it :-)

*****

I know you are there, God.  I know you have a special plan for me.... and, even if it is doing laundry or walking dogs.... I want to be present and ready to recognize your voice.  Help me be there for you, God.  Amen!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Who Recognized Jesus First?

It wasn't the chief priests.

It wasn't the scholarly scribes.

It wasn't the leaders of the Jewish community.

It was Jesus' parents.... a simple couple from an impoverished part of Judea.  Simple... they believed they spoke to angels, for heavens' sake.  Poor.  Nobody important, nobody with any status in the eyes of that community.

It was a group of uneducated rough shepherds..... men and boys who spent their lives camping out in the hills watching sheep.  Outcasts.  Nobody important, nobody with any status in the eyes of that community.

It was a trio of strangers..... odd strangers who followed a star to locate the baby.  Weirdos.  Nobody important, nobody with any status in the eyes of that community.

Jesus' community... the one he was born into.... didn't recognize him.  It was the others.... the poor, the outcasts, the weirdos.... the marginalized... those unimportant people.  THEY were the ones who quickly saw Jesus for who he was.

We need to reflect and remember... especially if we have any status at all...  to be simple, to be humble, so that we can know Jesus.

We need to throw away the things in our lives that separate us from Jesus, some of them material things, most of them less tangible.... but barriers nonetheless.  They prevent us from 'see'ing Jesus.

Importance here on this earth... is NOT important IF you want to 'see' Jesus.

Dear God, help me to get rid of anything that keeps me from recognizing your son...... most particularly, my judgment of other people.... you know, the ones who follow stars and speak to angels?

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Jan 1, 2012

 One of the readings today was one I particularly wanted to share as we begin this new year....

I think it is an fantastic way to begin a new year :

"The LORD bless you and keep you!

The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!

The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!"

 These verses from the book of Numbers... where God tells Moses what to tell Aaron so that Aaron would know how to bless the Israelites... remind me that God will always guide me if I keep coming back to him with questions.  Moses talked to God a lot... and he often acted like he was pretty clueless.  Like me half the time.

But God took the time to tell Moses what to do... in words of one syllable... so that it was really clear.  God loves us dearly.  And God doesn't care if we mess up.  God wants us to come back and ask questions.  God wants us to trust.

So here I am... trusting.... and I want to bless those who are reading now..

Until next time:


"The LORD bless you and keep you!

The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!

The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!"


(from Numbers 6:22-27)