Advent Day 6 AWAKE

AWAKE

I don't know about you but most days I would have a hard time staying awake if it weren't for caffeine; sometimes its coffee; other days tea or something fancy like a latte.  Caffeine is what keeps me alert to do all the things I need to get done in one day.  So what keeps me awake for God? What allows me to see God in the ordinary?  Spending regular time in prayer; study, fellowship and worship keep me awake.  This is not to say that I am always perfectly disciplined during these practices but the majority of the time as long as I show up and offer God my best ; He honors that.  I have learned too that when I having trouble staying awake if I am honest with God; things go much better.  For some people having a certain place to show up helps them; for me it is the opposite when I mix things up; I am more awake to God; sometimes it's painting and other days it's silence or reading. 

                                                                                                 

Let Us Keep the Feast: Living the Church Year at Home; Epiphany & Lent

Epiphany & Lent; is the second volume in the Let Us Keep the Feast: Living the Church Year at Home series. In the Introduction; the editor of the series; Jessica Snell provides a great introduction to the Let Us Keep the Feast Series correlating the church year with scripture and sharing her desire to help people in their homes develop their own traditions related to the church year.  She particularly focuses on young families.

The book then moves into Epiphany in the second section.  I love the fact that Epiphany is included since it is an often overlooked church season.  In this section; I did learn some things as I had not read about Twelfth night parties or doing house blessings during the Epiphany season before. However, since Epiphany is an overlooked season of the church year; I believe that this section could have contained much more content; especially in the areas of traditions throughout the world; recipes and ideas for young families.  The Epiphany section provided a great introduction but left me wanting more.

For me the Lent section did not offer any new ideas.  I did not gain anything from it.  Again; this section could have included recipes and more discussion on various traditions and practices throughout the church universal.  The Lent section; however, did provide the novice with a great introduction to Lent and in simple language explained the season well.

The most unique facet of this book is the inclusion of scriptures to memorize along with the prayers for each season.  This a very valuable tool and great bonus for young families who want to use scripture and prayers with their children but do not have time to do their own studying.

I would  recommend this book for anyone who is not familiar with Epiphany or Lent at all as well as anyone with children who is looking for a very basic resource for their family.  The book is written in simple to understand language so that even older children could read from it. If you have grown up with the seasons of the church year and/or have studied them as I have them; this book is not worth your time.

 I am a member of the  Doulos Resources/Kalos Press Book Bloggers Program.  VIsit www.doulosresources.org. to learn more this book and other church resources. 

In compliance with the new rules issued by The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that become effective on December 1, 2009; I, Jennifer Trently hereby acknowledge that I received Advance Review Copies(ARC) of this book; a common practice in the Industry; from the publisher and did not accept any monetary payment in exchange for a review or mention nor am I obligated in any way to review the book favorably. 

Flood - Advent Day 5 Flood

Flood

God has promised us in scripture to never flood the whole earth again.  As a part of our waiting and expecting Jesus' birth; God desires us to demonstrate our faith through spending time with Him.  One way to do this is through intercessory prayer for others.

O Blessed Father and Mother;
We pray for those in Philippines who are struggling to rebuild after the Typhoon;
Comfort them in their losses and grant them the courage to start anew.
We pray for others around the world where flooding has led to loss of shelter; loss of life and loss of employment.
We pray for those for whom the snow, the sleet and the freezing rain brings increased hardship.
O Lord; keep them warm and safe; direct us with more to those who need our help.
We are thankful for the water that is life giving but it is difficult when it is destructive and overwhelms our brothers and sisters.  Help us to hear their cries for assistance.
Grant us faith and peace this day that we may recognize you; Emmanuel; God with us in our daily activities and freely give where there is a need.
In the Name of the One who Creates, Redeems and Sustains, Amen. 

TIME - Advent Day 4

TIME

Time; we constantly hear how there is not enough time to get everything done.  Often, this can be an excuse to avoid an unpleasant task.  Other times we just decide to procrastinate.  Us creative types are often guilty of procrastination; we are always looking for the right mood or for the right muse to strike.   Thus I decided that in spirit of procrastination; it would perfect to write about time; the day after it was the word for the day.  Sometimes too we just want to stop time.  This picture is of my daughter and my niece; I know that they cannot stay little but somehow I just want to stop time and go back to those precious moments like the one in the picture.  In this picture; Jane is around 12 and Alexis around 2.  So much time time has passed; I did not even remember how old they are. Yet somehow their age is not important but the relationship that this picture represents.  This is what Jesus desires from us; He wants a relationship with us.   Jesus calls us to be watchful and alert; not to waste time nor to be tied to earthly time but to simply participate in His timing.  We are to acknowledge and treasure in our hearts all of the gifts we have been given believing that the greatest gift of all is yet to come; Emmanuel; God with us.

PEACE - Advent Day 3

PEACE

So today's word for reflection is Peace.  I often think of  rest and quiet when I think sleep; hence the photo of my cat, Saya Ming above.  However, what I have realized as I have gotten older is that even rest and quiet do not bring peace.  Why?  because my mind and my body will not stop; often I am restless with worry and anxiety unlike Saya who I am sure knows peace because she has no worries or cares.  Jesus as our Prince of Peace desires us to give our worries to him.  He offers us more than quiet and freedom from conflict.  Jesus gives us an inner peace that allows our minds,bodies and souls to remain calm even in the midst of  the most trying situations.  Yet the peace of Christ is not simply for us to keep for ourselves but we are to offer it to others.  No, I don't mean, share the peace or pass the peace like we do during worship but rather passing the peace in our everyday actions.  So what can you and I do in this Advent season to remind people of the coming of the Prince of the Peace?
  Here are just a few ideas:
1.  Let someone who has more items or a small child go ahead of you in the grocery store
2. Pay for the food of the person behind you in line at a fast-food establishment
3.  Offer to rake your neighbor's leaves or shovel snow from their driveway
4.  Read to your children or grandchildren
5. Snuggle with your spouse, children or pets
6.  Have an unplugged evening at your house - No Phones, Computers, TVs etc.
7. Express disappointment or frustration without raising your voice or displacing your anger
8. Pray for the difficult people in your life
9. Do not grumble or mumble
10.  Offer only words of affirmation and edification

Advent Day 2 - "Bound"

Bound 

I took a picture of this pile of ribbon and stuff for the word bound; because I often think of myself as tangled up.  I get tangled up in the details of life and let them lead me a stray.  Being bound for me is the opposite of expecting Jesus; when I am waiting for Jesus; I am free because I am letting the Holy Spirit lead me.  When I am bound; I have taken my eyes off of the Holy Spirit and lost my focus; instead I am looking for easier ways to cope and things to satisfy my own passions.  I am preoccupied with my own agendas and not really listening to the people and things around me that are calling me to God.  Asking to be filled with the Holy Spirit is a daily necessity as a follower of Jesus.  It doesn't mean we won't get tangled or lost but we will not stay stuck but keep moving forward.  So for today ask yourself; where am I bound and how I can let God free me?  Not only do we need to let God free us daily but also we need to let go of others.  Perhaps our rules and traditions are keeping others in our lives from knowing how much Jesus loves them; perhaps just for today we can let go and let God take care of them.  "Bound"; no we did not need to stay in bound in sin but we need to let the Holy Spirit bind our hearts and minds to Jesus Christ.  

Advent Day 1 - "GO"

GO

Once again, Rethink Church; a division of United Methodist Communications is seeking to breathe new life into the ancient rhythms of the Church Calendar.  In a challenge to keep us mindful that Advent is not about preparing for Jesus' birth and not about shopping, cooking or decorating, they are asking everyone to take a photo a day based on word related to this season of waiting and expecting.

Yesterday's word for the first day of Advent was Go.  For me when I think of going I often think of traveling so I chose this picture of a train.  When one travels by train; you are not in rush; you can see out the windows as you pass by and you have also have the opportunity to converse and interact with various people whom you might not already encounter.  This is what God is calling us to do during the season of Advent; slow down and pay attention.  If we are rushing around and have no time to notice what is around us or to talk with the people we encounter; how can we experience the coming of Jesus?  When you are on a train; it often stops at many places and on some trains; you can buy a ticket but can change your stop along the way if you like.  During Advent; we are called to examine our lives and consider changing our direction so we are ready when Jesus' comes.  Go; yes Jesus calls us to go but are we stopping at the right places?

Hearing Jesus' Call:Let Go and Follow me.

Several weeks ago, during a class, our teacher talked about Ignatian Prayer Method in which you read a Bible Story and then use your imagination to visualize the story.  In visualizing the story; you are asked to think about where you see yourself in the story.  In my class, the story, which we read was the story of the Jesus' healing of the blind man, Bartimaeus.  As I imagined the story; I saw myself as the blind person except that I was not physically blind but I was blinded by other people's opinions and my own desires for acceptance.  As I saw myself sitting on the side of the road;  I heard Jesus telling me that I am his beloved and that I need to get up off the side of the road and stop worrying about other people and stuff.  Jesus has commanded me to get up and follow him.  Following him is not sitting by the side of the road and just watching everything go by but rather it is focusing on Jesus and letting him lead.  Over the past several weeks over and over again, I have heard Jesus saying to me; be not afraid; be courageous and it is okay to take risks.  Following Jesus is not always logical nor practical but He will equip us.  Is this easy?  No, it is not but I get less distracted and know more peace when I focus on Jesus by spending time with Him in silence and letting the fruit of my silence guide me instead of public opinion.

During the same weekend of this class; I heard a sermon about claiming the call of our baptism and living our lives as a beloved child of God.  I then heard a sermon about how all people are called and that call is about following Jesus not just about being a pastor or a missionary.  The third sermon I heard on call was on Hebrews 11.  This sermon reminded me about how God does not call people because they are already perfect but He equips those whom he calls like Abraham, Sarah, Rah ab, Ruth, David, Mary and many others throughout history.  The 4th sermon I heard on call talked about how we are all in this following Jesus thing together; there are not two classes of people; clergy and lay. The church is all of together  affirming and supporting one another.  Part of call is about God shaking things up. Throughout scripture;  it talks about God shaking up the earth and the heavens; about creating a new heaven and a new earth.  So call is about how are we going to follow Jesus and be apart of God's shaking up. The word call and its various forms are mentioned over 800 times in scripture so we know that naming, listening,claiming and following are an important of our Christian life.

So now you are probably wondering have any I reached any definitive answer?  No, I have not; I have some inklings and have had some paths affirmed but I am still wrestling with what Jesus' call for me is. For some reason the call of  Jesus seems so much simpler in scripture; I mean Peter and Andrew just put down their nets and followed Jesus. They didn't explore their options or check out seminaries. However, perhaps it is that simple; let go and follow Jesus. 

Two Poems on Sacred Rhythms and Service

Being a monk, an artist and a mystic

I cook, clean, fold laundry and pay bills while listening to God

The daily rhythms ebb and flow nurtured by silence

Now I can listen to my muse while freeing my hands of structure and confinement

The rules fade from my mind and I try new things

Daily I create not judging but investing in my craft

It feeds my spirit making the daily rhythms deeper and awakening

The Holy Spirit illuminates me through the day

God’s presence fills my whole being

My soul finds rest in the quiet mystery

Life moves from drudgery to adventure

Creating space and widening the borders

Possibilities Abound!!!

Written January 17, 2012

 Holy Service 

In my world this means:

Let the Spirit lead

Allow Compassion and Gentleness to Speak

Sit and Listen

Create Space for God

In all things regardless of importance:

Be mindful

Pay close attention

Do not rush

Slow down and let the creativity freely pour

Written March 24, 2012 


These poems were inspired by the book and class by Christine Valters Painter, The Artist's Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom; visit http://abbeyofthearts.com/books/ for more information. 

Startled by God:Wisdom in Unexpected Places; a book review

“We need to make regular appointments with God to have the eyes of heart examined, and when necessary change the prescription of our glasses. Allowing our injured eyes to be healed in the loving graze of Jesus keeps God and grace as part our lived experience not just polite ideas.” writes Joe McHugh in his newly published book, Startled By God: Wisdom From Unexpected Places. Throughout the 122 pages of Startled by God, McHugh’s stories describe his experiences of recognizing God in the ordinary and mundane. He challenges his readers to do the same and almost in every chapter; suggests practices to deepen our connection with God in our everyday life.
McHugh divides Startled by God into three parts, “What? So What? and Now What?” with each part bringing a different challenge. What? focuses on what McHugh, calls, “Dilemmas of Perspective” or rather, with how we see God in our lives. So What? , or “Dilemmas of Discipleship” confronts the reader with examining the meaning of God in their lives. Now What? or “ Dilemmas of Discernment” engages the reader in thinking about what their response to God is going to be. However, McHugh’s book focuses not on a program that one must follow but rather on developing one’s own unique relationship with God. McHugh desires his readers to claim Jesus’ healing for themselves and begin to discover the living God where they live.
While it would be possible since it is so short for one to simply to read the entire book in one or two sittings; Startled by God is designed more to be savored. Each chapter can stand on its own. One can feel free to choose the order of reading. McHugh encourages readers to read the chapter and ponder it before reading another. Experiencing God is McHugh’s desire for his readers.
In keeping with his focus of finding God in a meaningful way, McHugh writes in simple, everyday language. He approaches sharing his wisdom in a humble, graceful manner that illuminates timeless truths for the reader. His stories make the book relational and accessible for all.
Having had Joe McHugh as an instructor for a class through Perkins School of Theology, I can tell you that Joe conveys the same humility and desire for others to meet God; in person as he does in his writing. Joe is not interested in getting more people to study theology but rather in having more people be “startled by God” in those everyday places like coffee shops and hair salons.
He writes, “Prayer is a way in which God can deal with us directly, giving the stories of our lives a chance to mix with God’s great, silent story of gracious, forgiving love.” Startled by God: Wisdom from Unexpected Places, refreshed and challenged my heart, mind and soul. It exudes God’s love and draws you into to wanting more.
Available in paperback and e-reader editions, I would recommend this book for people from 16 to 106; and for seekers to seasoned disciples regardless of lifestyle or occupation. If savored, Startled by God offers new possibilities and fresh insights for all.

This review was published in the newsletter of FUMC Jackson, TN.

For more info about Joe McHugh: visit http://www.spiritualdirectiontwincities.com/

25 Books Every Christian Should Read

During his lifetime; John Wesley compiled a list of 100 books that he believed all Christians should read.  Borrowing from this idea, Renovaré, a ministry dedicated to helping people live a life with God through the process of Spiritual Formation, published the book, 25 Books Every Christian Should Read.  These books were selected by Renovaré and a specially created editorial board that includes such writers and teachers as Richard Rohr, Richard Foster, Phyllis Tickle and Dallas Willard. 

If you have ever felt intimidated when looking at a copy of Augustine’s Confessions or when someone talked about the discipline of spiritual reading and study; then 25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics; is a great place for you to start.  This book not only contains excerpts from each of these 25 classic books but also notes and study questions for each excerpt. 

25 Books Every Christian Should Read opens with a foreword by Chris Webb President of Renovaré which leads into an introduction that provides a reader with a description of the process of how and why the 25 books were chosen.  As a bonus; at the end of the book there is a contemporary authors section in which they have selected living authors whom they recommend.  A description of each author and his/her recommended works is given.

Each of the 25 chapters follow the same format; there is  an introduction about the book, some explanation about why reading this work is essential and how to read it followed by the excerpt of the work and then study question perfect for individual or group study.  Also throughout the book the various members of the editorial board share their top 5 personal favorites that they would recommend for spiritual reading. 

Since the 25 chapters are each excerpts of different works; they did not have to be read  in any order making it more enjoyable.  For example if you found Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton particularly taxing; you could then jump to read the excerpt of The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J.M. Nouwen.  Then perhaps you might go back and read an excerpt from The Rule of St. Benedict followed by C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity.

This book is available in paperback, kindle and epub formats.  In 416 pages; the reader will gain a vast knowledge of some of the best literature representing the various streams and traditions with Christianity.  I personally purchased the book in order to study some of the famous works that I found intimidating but I love it also for its excerpts of some of my favorite Christian Classics that I have read in their entirety including A Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly and The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton. 

The book is a very worthwhile investment not only to provide you with a challenge in your reading but access to a range of spiritual classics without having to buy all of the books.  Julian of Norwich, Augustine, Gerald Manley Hopkins, John Calvin and Teresa Avila are among those whose works are included along with those previously mentioned and the rest well you will just have to read the book to discover them.

First appeared  as an article written by me in the  October newsletter of Jackson First United Methodist Church

Keeping Jesus' Words - Moving in God's Breath

“Keeping Jesus’ Words” – John 14:22-29

Parsons UMC – May 5, 2013

Good Morning, it is an honor and a privilege to be here and to be able to share with you this morning.

Hear these words from the Gospel of John (NRSV):

Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” ²³Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ²⁴Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.

²⁵”I have said these things to you while I am still with you. ²⁶But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.²⁷Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

²⁸You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. ²⁹And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.

This passage in John on this sixth Sunday in the Easter Season is a part of the four chapters known as “discourse on intimacy and union” also sometimes called the final discourse.  Jesus has celebrated the Passover meal, washed the disciples’ feet and shared with his disciples the bread and the wine.  So now imagine this; for the last time Jesus before the crucifixion and resurrection is surrounded by his disciples and is teaching them.  They are asking questions and he is providing them with commandments to live by.  In this passage one of his disciples has asked, “How is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”    The disciples unlike us had not lived through the Resurrection nor experienced Pentecost yet.  Therefore, I believe for us as Easter People; as disciples who know that Jesus has risen and conquered, the question we need to ask is, “Jesus, how do we keep your words?”  It sounds simple enough but keeping Jesus’ words is more than putting them in your pocket or remembering them once in a while.  We know also that it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can love those around us including our enemies unconditionally.  So how then do we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and how can we know peace as only Jesus can give it?

Perhaps we can examine these questions better by hearing this scripture in a different form.  Listen to this translation by Alexander Shaia, author of “The Hidden Power of the Gospels,”

14 John 22-29- copyright 2013 Dr. Alexander Shaia
Judas (not Iscariot) asks, “Holy One, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to those unaware?” Jesus answers, “Those who love The Way will move with my breath and my Source, my Father, my Mother will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love The Way does not move with my breath. The Wisdom of The Way that you hear is not mine, but is from the Source/Father who sends me. “I say these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Source/Father sends in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I say to you. Shalom I leave with you; my Shalom I give to you. I do not give to you as one unreflective gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You hear me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you love The Way, you will rejoice that the I AM is going to The Source/Father, because The Source/Father is greater than I. And now - I tell you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may "know" it. ¹

Shaia translates keeping Jesus’ words as moving with God’s breath.   Sometimes when we think of the Holy Spirit we only think of prophesying and speaking in tongues but it is more than that.  In order to live like Resurrection people it is important to spend time with God and many of us do have a daily devotional time.  For the part, however; we Christians excel in “being active” in the church, whatever, that means.  I hear it all the time; “he or she is so active in their church. ”   It probably means that they are exhausted from attending meetings, planning meetings, and evaluating meetings.  A few months ago, I read an article in the paper about a city in Texas that gives an award to the family, which is most involved in their community.  The family who won the award had two elementary school aged children.  Each child played on three different sports teams, belonged to two school clubs plus took dance, karate and music lessons.  Each parent served on two community boards, belonged to two service clubs and they were active in their church being deacon, teaching Sunday school, serving on the outreach, children’s’ and worship committees and also sang in the church choir.  Their prize was a night out for dinner and a day trip to a local amusement park.  Personally I would need a year’s sabbatical in the Bahamas. 

 Moving with God’s breath challenges us to go a step further beyond being active in the church and having a daily devotion time.  We are called as followers of Christ to allow God to be present in everything we do.  Here are three spiritual practices that can help us move with God’s breath and reflect Jesus’ love at all times and in all places.

The first way we can move with God’s breath is by practicing gratitude.  Being thankful is our way of acknowledging the gifts God has given.  Therefore when we are grateful and give God the glory; the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us.  In the Old Testament; we observe in the Israelites how complaining and demanding what we want can separate us from God.  The Israelites received manna from heaven instead of meat.  However, instead of being thankful they grumbled and complained which then caused being separated from God.  God eventually gave them meat, however; they did not follow the Spirit and share equally with everyone but some gathered more than enough for themselves.  Because they were greedy and ungrateful; the Lord struck the Israelites with a great plague and many died.  As Christians with the full knowledge of the Resurrection of Jesus; we are exhorted by Paul to give thanks in all circumstances not just when we feel like it or when we get what we want.   When I lived in Johnson City, TN; I met a woman named Crystal who been homeless for over a year and lived in a tent.  When I asked her if she ever got lonely; Crystal replied, no, “I never get lonely; I have Jesus and the birds. Every day I share part of my crackers with the birds as a way of thanking Jesus for loving me. “  

This past fall; as my 40^th birthday was approaching; I thought that it would be really neat for us to go away for a few days as a family.  However, as I looked at different options; somehow the Holy Spirit kept nudging me that the timing was not right.  This turned out to be true as I became very ill the week before my birthday and in the midst of my illness; I was very thankful that I listened to God and didn’t rush ahead.  Often when we rush ahead; we miss out on God’s blessings.  Other times we miss out on God’s blessings because we are too preoccupied with what we want rather than like Crystal being thankful for what we have.   Be thankful in all circumstances; practice gratitude every day.

A second way we can move with God’s breath is through practicing simplicity.  No I am not saying give up all your technology or only wear one color of clothing.  I am saying to evaluate your priorities; how you use your time, money and talents.  Practicing simplicity means giving God your best.  Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Do not allow yourself to fill your time with frivolous activities simply to please or get the approval of others.  When I first moved to Jackson; I joined several groups to get to know people.   If anyone asked me, I would join because I was so excited just to be asked.   However, as time went on, I began to realize that some of these groups did not allow me to give God my best.  One of my involvements was the community garden project; I joined this because I liked the idea of growing fresh vegetables but after 2 years I realized that I had no talent or passion for growing vegetables.   Simplicity is also about focus.  In our 24/7 society, multi-tasking rules us.  In the car while commuting, some of us make phone calls, fix our make-up, eat breakfast and even finish doing our hair all while listening to the radio.  When we observe people on the street; they are often walking, talking on their phone, texting and/or listening to a digital book or music.  However, when we multi-task often we miss out on experiencing the blessings of one particular task through our five senses and instead find ourselves with sensory overload. We do many things okay instead of doing one thing well.  God expects excellence and demands our attention. Living simply means experiencing life abundantly with all of our five senses rather than hurrying and scurrying about all the time.  By allowing our minds and hearts to direct us and not others; we practice simplicity and make room for the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. 

One Sunday in church, a girl named Angela and her brother were sitting together.  Her brother kept giggling and playing around; Angela finally said pointing to the men in suits at the back of the church; be quiet or the hushers will get you.  While God does not send out hushers; He does give us the Holy Spirit to quiet our souls.

As we practice gratitude and simplicity; we create space for contemplation or rather more of an opportunity to be drawn closer to God.  As we unclutter our lives; we begin to notice God’s presence and hear that still small voice.  Yet perhaps some of you have thought like I did that in order to practice contemplation or be contemplative; we had to find a place and sit in silence for a certain amount of time.  While being silent is part of contemplation; we do not necessarily have to be still.  We can learn to slow down and be with God in our daily chores such as doing laundry, washing dishes, mowing the grass and cleaning the bathroom.  However since these activities are so mundane and our minds tend to wander during them at least mine does; consider beginning your contemplative practice with one of your hobbies such as walking, gardening, baking bread or taking pictures.  If you are not used to silence and normally listen to music or have a   friend with you during these activities; try doing it by yourself one day and spend at least 3-5 minutes of your activity being silent.  Focus on the present and on offering yourself as a prayer to God.  Thank God for this opportunity to do one of your favorite activities and allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within you.  When spending time with God doing something I love which for me more often than not is doing some kind of art or walking outside; I notice that I feel more rested and renewed.  Move towards spending your entire hobby time in silence and then try it with one of your household chores.  Notice how you begin to recognize that there is no separation between the secular and the sacred.   I have observed that even things I don’t like to do like folding laundry become effortless when I give them to God. 

The fruit of practicing gratitude, simplicity and contemplation is peace.  Jesus says to us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”   The world views peace as the absence of conflict and stress.  However, if this is our only definition, then peace does not occur very often.  We can easily turn on the TV or the radio and become bogged down by the constant stories of war and terrorism.  As Christians, however, we  can give all of the conflicts present in the world and in our lives over to Jesus.  In our giving thanks, living simply and contemplating Jesus’ love on a moment by moment basis; we can experience the peace that passes all understanding in all times and places. 

This day let us practice moving in God’s breath and accept the peace Jesus has given us.  In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen. 

¹  “One of the transitions that Quadratos invites is to move from Jesus as a static reality to one that is a dynamic presence leading us on a never ending journey of growth, love and transformation.  In the Quadratos metaphor-Jesus the Christ is The Way – and The Way is four particular yet universal paths in an every on-going journey.  To Know Jesus is to live-ever deeper-The Way of the Four Paths.”  - Alexander Shaia- for more information visit - http://www.quadratos.com/

God is the Mixing of the Colors

This past weekend in a class I attended; we were given the assignment of thinking and writing about our image of God.  At first I struggled with trying to come up with an image.  At first I only thought of ideas; God as presence or God is mystery.  I thought of God in my books but that didn't seemed to fit because my books are something that leads me to God not necessarily an image of God.  God can be presence and mystery but again those are words that represent the indescribable and the unexplained.  So then I realized the question for me was;  where is God most alive in my life right now; what draws me closer and fuels this relationship.
So after a little less than 24 hours; it hit me; my art is where God is  most alive.  Yet God somehow wasn't the art and later as I meditated; it came to me; God is in the mixing of the colors because it is in the mixing of the colors I experience God's creation anew.  However; my image of God was still not done; it was going to change one more time as I wrote it down.  When I finished writing; I read what I wrote and instead of saying God is in the mixing of the colors; I had written God is the mixing of the colors.
  As I pondered this; I realized that this image fit for this season of my life.  As someone who has had no formal training in art; all of my art represents God's work within me.  Therefore; since I do not use any formulas nor are the colors ever same;  God is the mixing of the colors because the mixing of the colors is always a new creation.  The possibilities God offers are endless.  They are fresh each and everyday.  As it says in Lamentations; "his mercies are new every morning and they never fail," God is the mixing of colors; always calling forth a new creation within us.
Where is God most alive in your life right now; what image cries out to you?  

Reconciliation: Living a Grace-Filled Life , A sermon on Philemon preached at Parsons UMC on 9/8/2013

For us as Christians when we hear these words what comes to mind?  We think about Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.  In Jesus’ death the result of our sins, we are granted forgiveness and given the gift of grace.  Through his resurrection, Jesus restores our relationship with God and offers us a new life for all of eternity.   However, this reconciliation and the gift of grace are not only for making a one –time commitment to Jesus but for committing to continuing the journey.  In Paul’s Letter to Philemon; we are given a case study of how to live a grace-filled life.  Listen to these words from the Holy Scripture: Read Philemon 1-25.  

 These twenty-fives verses are a letter written by Paul to Philemon, master of the slave Onesimus.  This letter deals with their relationship and could be considered a personal matter with no application for us today.

This is just like when we pass by a dead armadillo on the road; we simply pass by and see it as no concern of ours.  Perhaps though we do ask some questions; we wonder why there are so many armadillos dead on the road and where they come from.  We may even begin to debate with others about whether or not they should be hunted.  Yet when we consider the issue long enough, we must moving from our heads to our hearts acknowledge that the dead armadillo is not just something to be ignored but a symptom of our stewardship or lack thereof for  God’s creation.  

Similarly, we often pass over and dismiss Paul’s Letter to Philemon as a personal matter or we can get caught in wanting the facts.  We can want to know where and when it was written.  We can wonder who the people are who are mentioned in the letter.  We could even begin to debate whether or not Paul is condoning or condemning slavery in this letter.  Jus t like with the dead armadillo, we must move from our heads to our hearts in examining Philemon to come to the central issue; we must admit that this letter isn’t just about masters and their slaves but it is about  relationships and exemplifying God’s love in all  of them. 

However, when we face the centrality of the Gospel; that we are to share the love of God in all circumstances and share His love with everyone; we wonder can we be disciples of Jesus with such a cost. It can be quite overwhelming and we wonder where to start. 

First, of all, we start where Paul starts in his opening lines, when we read the text closely; we are reminded that no man is an island.  This letter is not just written to Philemon but to all who are a part of the church who meets in Philemon’s home.    Paul is stressing that grace is relational and communal.  As Eugene Peterson says, “every movement we make causes a ripple effect.”   As a Christian community we are to pray for one another and support each other in the task of loving all people.

This letter seeks to reconcile Philemon and Onesimus.  So let’s look at how Paul does this; is he demanding or forceful?  Does he take advantage of his prior relationship with Philemon or invoke his apostolic authority?  No, Paul does none of these things.  Paul makes his request humbly and tactfully.  He emphasizes to the church that in spite of his own imprisonment the law of love comes first.  Paul did not have to return Onesimus; he could have had him imprisoned for being a runaway slave or could have kept him for himself just out of spite saying well he is my slave now.  Yet Paul knows that what God desires more than anything is for us not just to love Him but to love each other in ways that go above and beyond what is expected of us.  This means even in our own suffering put others before ourselves.

He reminds Philemon of how valuable his work in the church is.  Paul himself has been blessed and encouraged by Philemon’s love and prayers.   Paul shares Onesimus’ conversion and reminds Philemon of how he led him to Christ.  He even admits his own selfish desires’ of wanting to keep Onesimus with him because Onesimus has been such a help. 

Paul requests that Philemon treat Onesimus now as a brother.  Onesimus has repented of his past sins and is returning a new man.  He asks Philemon to treat Onesimus as he would treat him if he came to visit.  There is to be equality in Christ.   Paul desires Philemon out of love to accept Onesimus as a brother and be an example for the community.  Paul expresses his belief in Philemon that he will do the right thing and be obedient to the higher law of love rather than worry about his own respectability in the community.  Philemon is held to the highest standard as Paul led him to Christ and now he is a leader in the church.  

 Do we lovingly expect obedience and have faith in the other person to do what is needed to be done?  Often in our fast-paced instant world; we do not.  I often find myself after asking my daughter to do something; going back within only a few minutes and asking her again.  Sometimes even at work or church; I feel the need to check and recheck how something is going to be done when I am not there.  Avoiding the trap of falling back on the old cliché; that if something is going to be done right we must do it ourselves is hard to do. While there is a place for accountability; we also need to give others the opportunity to do what is being asked of them.  There are no exceptions to this.  We all have gifts to offer.  For as it says in Galatians 3:28, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”  

So how do we apply these principles of non-dominance and equality in our own communities of faith? Can we in church meetings or gatherings, when discussions become heated, act as mediators and bring it back to the issue at hand lovingly?  Can we in our Sunday school classes or small groups not tolerate gossip or judgment but rather remind everyone that no one is perfect and we are not God.  Welcoming and including everyone is not an option but a command by Jesus.  However, in the same way that Paul gives Philemon a choice so Jesus give us a choice. 

So how do we lead if we choose to follow Jesus’ way, the way of love? We need to see ourselves as servants and be patient with those whom we lead.  We cannot be tireless and demanding taskmasters either in the church nor at home nor at work.   In my Sunday school class; we practice collaborative leadership allowing anyone who desires to the opportunity to teach.  We strive during our lessons to give all who wish to an opportunity to contribute.  Yet we also trust our class leaders to make the necessary final decisions regarding curriculum and other issues related to the management of the class.  The key word here is trust as leaders we must foster trust lovingly.  Our new Bishop, Bill McAlilly; has been and continues to work tirelessly at having open dialogue throughout the Memphis Conference.  He is working to gain our trust by giving us opportunities to give input and by keeping us informed through his blog.  Bishop McAlilly is setting an example for us and encouraging us as a conference to believe that greater things are yet to come.  The Bishop desires not only our obedience but for us to listen and forge new relationships with each other.   We need to permeate the church and all of its gatherings with grace and love.  We need to take the time to listen to each other and not succumb to the disease of this age which is only paying partial attention because somehow we must be doing two or three things at once.  We must clothe ourselves in love and let His amazing grace permeate our churches rather than regulations; disagreements and traditions.   However we should not stop there; as Christians we are called to go out into the world. 

Institutions cannot change overnight but we can change how people are treated.  We can offer smiles to strangers and friendly faces to cashiers at Supermarkets and gas stations.  We can offer appreciation to those who serve such as housekeepers and maintenance crews who are often viewed as invisible.  We can tip and be complimentary when a job is well done.  We can speak out regarding crucial issues without attacking those who disagree with us.  We can urge others to get involved in their communities.

I am involved in a community mediation program that works with non-violent juvenile offenders.  This program offers an opportunity for both the offender and the victim to share their stories and reach an agreement of how to resolve the issue together.  This program stresses relationships rather than punishment.  Resolving conflicts through mediation is one way to bring reconciliation to the world.

As time goes on, maybe we can even do the unexpected.   For example at 8 years old, my sister very innocently and lovingly held the door for the doorman at a hotel we were staying at.  This made quite an impression on him.  He told her that no one had ever held the door for him before.  So what would happen if our employees saw the boss emptying the garbage, if our bosses’ saw the employees going the extra mile and finishing our reports instead of rushing off, if we did not complain about waiting our turn or did not judge those who look different from us?   What would happen if we started eating lunch with the person who has no one to eat with?  We may think that only children and teenagers leave others out for petty reasons but it even happens with adults.  When my mother was teaching in the late 1960s; all of the children went home for lunch so all of the teachers would often go out for lunch but they would not invite the one teacher who was missing part of her hand.   After several occasions, my mother asked the teacher with the missing part of her hand to eat lunch with her and thus my mother was also ostracized by the other teachers.  Are we willing to risk those relationships that are comfortable and convenient? 

 Another piece of reconciliation sometimes involves assuming others’ debts so that they can have a second chance.  Paul does this for Onesimus as a way of encouraging Philemon to accept him as a brother in Christ.  Paul assures Philemon that he will repay anything that is owed.   This may not always be in monetary terms but can also mean vouching for another’s character; offering someone a place to live or assisting them in making that difficult phone call to the person they have wronged.

Yet we cannot do any of this in our own strength considering ourselves superior or our actions will seem patronizing and self-serving.  Like Paul, we must act with humility and out of God’s transformative power.  We need to admit when we are wrong and ask for forgiveness.  We must heed the words of Ephesians 4:26, which reads, “Be angry but do not sin, do not the sun go down on your anger.”  We must reconcile relationships as soon as we can; there is no time like the present.

Sometimes however we are not going to know what the outcome is. Historically; there is some evidence that Onesimus was freed and went on to become a leader in the church but what actually occurred remains a mystery.  Like Paul, we may be called to move on to other places before relationships change but that should not keep us from always acting out of love in the present moment.

Yes this is the message of Philemon, not to condemn but to love in all circumstances and change the world one person at a time.   We as Christians are called to pray for each other and support each other in being a part of this ministry of reconciliation.  The church is to be a laboratory for sharing God’s love. 

So today I challenge us as individuals and as a church community to practice reconciliation.  Spend time each day confessing your sins to God; let love and grace permeate your household and treat everyone with a loving spirit.   Let us be known by our love in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.   

May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit; go out into the world sharing His grace with everyone.

"No one is climbing the spiritual improvement ladder" -Nadia Bolz-Weber. Do I really want to be made new?

As  I sat  reading Nadia Bolz-Weber's latest book, Pastrix: the Cranky, beautiful faith of a Sinner & Saint; this quote hit me right between the eyes.  I thought about a conversation recently when I expressed an opinion in a way that others saw as judgmental and self-righteous but when I thought about it; I realized that what I  said really was about my own loneliness and frustration not even about the issue at hand.  But at the bottom of my own loneliness and frustration is my trying to do stuff in my own strength.  I have become too focused on the "spiritual improvement ladder" ; rather than focusing on being made anew in Jesus Christ.

Weber further states, "We die and are made new, but that's different from spiritual self-improvement." Dying and being made new are God's work not  us trying in our own strength trying to become  super Christian.
So then the question becomes, Do I really want to be made new? and the answer is yes and no.

No, because being made new means admitting that I am broken and yes because I am tired of being broken.  Yet, believe it or not somehow I have become proud of my brokenness.  Instead of letting God heal my loneliness and insecurity;  I often wear it as a badge of honor, because in the short-term it lessens the pain.  It seems easier to wear the badge of honor that reads, I love not belonging and not being understood. In the long-term it only creates more barriers; because it hurts my relationship with God and then I miss out on learning from others because I am so focused on self-preservation.

So today, I confess and I say God, forgive my foolish and selfish pride that lets me think I am making spiritual progress but instead I am becoming more dead and less alive.  Help me to focus less on being understood but rather on understanding and loving others following your example.  In Jesus' Name Amen.

Learn more about Nadia be by reading her blog, http://www.patheos.com/blogs/nadiabolzweber/

A Review: Picturing the Face of Jesus

Picturing the Face of Jesus: Encountering Christ Through Art by Beth Booram is an excellent book for group or individual study.  Published by Abingdon Press, it is arranged into six chapters each covering a different face of Jesus.  The study can be extended for eight weeks if one uses the introduction and epilogue as separate chapters.

What makes this study unique is the eight pictures of Jesus located in the middle of the book.  Each picture is a painting or drawing of Jesus from a different museum collection.  Some are famous and others are not so famous.  Booram in each chapter connects the pictures with a story of Jesus from scripture. 

For me I like the connections Booram makes between the pictures, scriptures and our own lives.  Each chapter invites one to experience Jesus through reading, visualizing, praying, reflecting and discussing.  She reinforces the idea that building a relationship with Jesus is not something to be rushed.  Her challenges push readers to go deeper with their minds, hearts and souls.  The book caused me to further examine how I apply scripture to my own life. I also thought about how much I let Jesus into my heart and mind. 

The pictures are an excellent guide to viewing Jesus as having emotions. Looking at the faces of Jesus in each picture allowed me to experience in new way Jesus’ humanness.  I considered how often I ignore the human side of Him paying attention only to the Divine.

Booram invites readers to confess their own feelings and longings to God.  The book stresses that only when we are honest with God can we experience healing and reach out to others.  It caused me to examine how I follow Jesus’ example in my interactions with others. 

Many of the questions asked throughout the book are questions that many of us will wrestle with throughout our lives.  Therefore, this study is one that can be returned to again and again.  The material is inexhaustible.  There are endless possibilities; one could go through the book using it only for contemplation or for discussion or for journaling or for scripture study. 

 Even though Picturing the Face of Jesus is only 112 pages in length; its riches are immeasurable. The short chapters and simple concepts are what make it accessible for all regardless of life experience. 

Considering its wealth of material and richness of art; Picturing the Face of Jesus is very affordable.  It is available in paperback for $6.00 and through the Kindle store for $9.99. For any individual or group looking for a non-traditional study, I highly recommend this book.  Its affordability and accessibility make it well worth your time and money.  Visit http://www.bethbooram.org/ to learn more.