Gratitude Journal
1. Decorations of the season
2. Sacred music of the season
3. The use of candles through the season
4. The joy of a child's heart in this season
5. God's continued overcoming of what we have done to the season!
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
I have often heard this verse (particularly the latter portion), used this time of year to provide some safety net for those who both give and receive abundantly. Yet, it might be good for us to read the total verse and reflect.
A thief may be defined in many ways. One who steals what does not belong. One who takes without thought of the pain and heartache of the one who looses some item. This verse goes on to say that the thief not only steals, but also kills and destroys. This really takes things to the next level of severity.
Fortunately I have never been labeled a thief. Nor have I killed or sought to destroy another person. However, in recent times of reflection on the Christian life and my commitment to God's kingdom, I have begun to take more seriously what I have done that is less than pure when it comes to 'a full life'!
When have I really share the abundance I have with another... to the point of sacrifice? When have I killed the spirit of a child? When have I denied the wealth of resources available to me to stop another's pain and suffering? When have I been an advocate for those who are the 'least of these'...? When have I taken a stand that goes against popular cultural norms? When have I risk being misunderstood for the sake of an individual or family that have been marginalized?
As I partake in "Christmas Cheer..." this year, God convict me over and over to have eyes to see and hears to hear and feet to walk and hands to service. In the true love of the Christ child I pray! AMEN
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
The Harvest...
Gratitude Journal
1. Last harvest of autumn
2. Beautiful foliage of fall!
3. Pumpkins
4. First frost on windshield
5. Flannel shirts
These is something bittersweet about the Autumn season! Watching leaves turn from green to red to brown in a matter of a few days. Watching as they descend slowly to the ground. Hearing their crunch under foot. Feeling a soft breeze turn cool. Although welcomed after a long, hot summer, the change can also bring a reminder of the cycle which all life experiences: birth - growth - strength - decline - death...
Something about the fall as precursor of winter and cold days with roaring fires, brings promise of quiet opportunities for reading and reflection. An abundance of sunlight has always meant a faster pace, activity and movement; that seems to slow down with shorter daytime hours. I look forward to some quiet.
The older I get the more I desire to reflect on the journey. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the journey, but I haven't always spent enough time in 'thanksgiving' for the path. Nor have I spent much time considering the seeds I have planted along the way!
As I take some time to plant daffodil bulbs for springtime, I pray that God will find delight in previous 'plantings' I have made (both conscious and unconscious) and forgive the blunders I've made and redeem and bring forth the appropriate fruit in due season.
SHALOM
J
1. Last harvest of autumn
2. Beautiful foliage of fall!
3. Pumpkins
4. First frost on windshield
5. Flannel shirts
But the seed in the good earth - these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there's a harvest. Luke 8:15 (The Message)
These is something bittersweet about the Autumn season! Watching leaves turn from green to red to brown in a matter of a few days. Watching as they descend slowly to the ground. Hearing their crunch under foot. Feeling a soft breeze turn cool. Although welcomed after a long, hot summer, the change can also bring a reminder of the cycle which all life experiences: birth - growth - strength - decline - death...
Something about the fall as precursor of winter and cold days with roaring fires, brings promise of quiet opportunities for reading and reflection. An abundance of sunlight has always meant a faster pace, activity and movement; that seems to slow down with shorter daytime hours. I look forward to some quiet.
The older I get the more I desire to reflect on the journey. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the journey, but I haven't always spent enough time in 'thanksgiving' for the path. Nor have I spent much time considering the seeds I have planted along the way!
As I take some time to plant daffodil bulbs for springtime, I pray that God will find delight in previous 'plantings' I have made (both conscious and unconscious) and forgive the blunders I've made and redeem and bring forth the appropriate fruit in due season.
SHALOM
J
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Old Photos - Gift of Memory
Gratitude Journal 10-11
1. Movies that touch my soul
2. The return of a precious memory
3. Cousins and other relatives
4. Friends that are close as family
5. The gift of forgetting...
A recent rush to complete a family photo-album project required quick decisions to be made regarding holding onto old family pictures. Some were over 100 years old. Others were more current... BUT, for me to say current, the photos were still old!
I am reminded of Robin Williams character in the movie: Dead Poets Society. He took a group of young men to a display case filled with trophies and old photos of school athletes. He whispered over their shoulders into their ears. He told them to look hard into the eyes of the young faces in those old photos. He challenged them to see the bodies full of vigor and ready for combat on the football field of long ago. Then he said, 'the young men in the photos are now dead and time is fleeting.' He whispered to his young students that they too needed to seize the day - Carpa Diem!
As I looked over my own past - school photos of long ago, pictures of family members and ancient reunions, images of church groups and homes we lived in during formative years - I was there all over again. In those moments I was able to go back. I could remember not just the persons, but the emotions that filled my days and nights. I could visit rooms and smell my mamma's cooking. I could see the wrinkles in my grandma's face. I revisited joyful times with my favorite pets.
My childhood from the outside, was blessed. AND I do indeed have much to be thankful for. Good parents, a sister and a large extended family with good friends, enough of the basics of life to never be physically uncomfortable. But, there were scars and wounds that few knew about in those early years. I was emotionally abused as a child. Not intentionally, but with all the love and care that wounded parents could provide me!
One staple for me was God and the gift of a Christian community of faith. While there have been some very lonely periods filled with deep regret and pain, I have never gone for long without the loving heavenly Father touching my path or guiding my way. I have experienced 'the dark night of the soul' on several occasions. But there have always been pastors, or friends, or even strangers that appeared at just the right time to offer hope and healing.
So, as I continue to look at this project and hold old photos of days long ago... as I feel the experiences flooding over me with waves of emotions I thought were packed far away... I give thanks all over again. Christ is the Alpha and the Omega. Not just for all of creation, but for the gift of my life and my life's journey.
SHALOM
JOHN
1. Movies that touch my soul
2. The return of a precious memory
3. Cousins and other relatives
4. Friends that are close as family
5. The gift of forgetting...
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end...Rev. 22:13
A recent rush to complete a family photo-album project required quick decisions to be made regarding holding onto old family pictures. Some were over 100 years old. Others were more current... BUT, for me to say current, the photos were still old!
I am reminded of Robin Williams character in the movie: Dead Poets Society. He took a group of young men to a display case filled with trophies and old photos of school athletes. He whispered over their shoulders into their ears. He told them to look hard into the eyes of the young faces in those old photos. He challenged them to see the bodies full of vigor and ready for combat on the football field of long ago. Then he said, 'the young men in the photos are now dead and time is fleeting.' He whispered to his young students that they too needed to seize the day - Carpa Diem!
As I looked over my own past - school photos of long ago, pictures of family members and ancient reunions, images of church groups and homes we lived in during formative years - I was there all over again. In those moments I was able to go back. I could remember not just the persons, but the emotions that filled my days and nights. I could visit rooms and smell my mamma's cooking. I could see the wrinkles in my grandma's face. I revisited joyful times with my favorite pets.
My childhood from the outside, was blessed. AND I do indeed have much to be thankful for. Good parents, a sister and a large extended family with good friends, enough of the basics of life to never be physically uncomfortable. But, there were scars and wounds that few knew about in those early years. I was emotionally abused as a child. Not intentionally, but with all the love and care that wounded parents could provide me!
One staple for me was God and the gift of a Christian community of faith. While there have been some very lonely periods filled with deep regret and pain, I have never gone for long without the loving heavenly Father touching my path or guiding my way. I have experienced 'the dark night of the soul' on several occasions. But there have always been pastors, or friends, or even strangers that appeared at just the right time to offer hope and healing.
So, as I continue to look at this project and hold old photos of days long ago... as I feel the experiences flooding over me with waves of emotions I thought were packed far away... I give thanks all over again. Christ is the Alpha and the Omega. Not just for all of creation, but for the gift of my life and my life's journey.
SHALOM
JOHN
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Merton Continues to Speak...
Gratitude Journal
1. Nurses and CNA's who work in Nursing Homes!
2. The Power of Stories... and the gift of remembrance.
3. First Days of School Each Year!
4. Cool Fall Weather - Signs of Things To Come
5. The Shoulder of Spiritual Giants on Whom We Build of Faith Journey!
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is Your strength. Isaiah 30:15
Thomas Merton is one of those GIANTS of the faith mentioned above! His words have touched and brought healing and hope during some pretty dark stretches of my own journey.
Recently, listening to the news - famine, financial insecurities, 9-11, health concerns and more - I have been renewed by Merton's words... So today, I share a few of his words in hope and with trust that they might speak to you!
If we forget that the laws and organization of the Church are there only to preserve the inner life of character, we will tend to make the observance of law an end in itself... and this makes genuine holiness impossible, since holiness is the fullness of life, the abundance of charity and the radiation of Holy Spirit hidden within us.
The Holy Spirit does not abolish the Old Law, the exterior command: he makes the same law interior to ourselves, so that doing God's will becomes now no longer a work of fear, but a word of spontaneous love.
But now that Christ has laid down his life and risen from the dead, to take possession of us by his Spirit, the Spirit himself, dwelling in us, should be to us a law.
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 follow 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 that I have the 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 I will 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.
AMEN
1. Nurses and CNA's who work in Nursing Homes!
2. The Power of Stories... and the gift of remembrance.
3. First Days of School Each Year!
4. Cool Fall Weather - Signs of Things To Come
5. The Shoulder of Spiritual Giants on Whom We Build of Faith Journey!
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is Your strength. Isaiah 30:15
Thomas Merton is one of those GIANTS of the faith mentioned above! His words have touched and brought healing and hope during some pretty dark stretches of my own journey.
Recently, listening to the news - famine, financial insecurities, 9-11, health concerns and more - I have been renewed by Merton's words... So today, I share a few of his words in hope and with trust that they might speak to you!
If we forget that the laws and organization of the Church are there only to preserve the inner life of character, we will tend to make the observance of law an end in itself... and this makes genuine holiness impossible, since holiness is the fullness of life, the abundance of charity and the radiation of Holy Spirit hidden within us.
The Holy Spirit does not abolish the Old Law, the exterior command: he makes the same law interior to ourselves, so that doing God's will becomes now no longer a work of fear, but a word of spontaneous love.
But now that Christ has laid down his life and risen from the dead, to take possession of us by his Spirit, the Spirit himself, dwelling in us, should be to us a law.
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 follow 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 that I have the 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 I will 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.
AMEN
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friendship... across the miles - across the years!
Gratitude Journal
1. Memory of friends in special places
2. Memory of friends in special groups
3. Memory of friends from special chapters of my life
4. Memory of friends
5. Memory!
I thank God for every remembrance of thee. Phil 1:3
I recently experienced one of those roller coasters of stress and anxiety that life can throw our way some times. I flew to Denver for a week long conference one day and later that same evening I received word that a family member back home was very ill. She had been hospitalized.
Immediately I was surrounded by close friends who sustained me - supported me - loved me - and cared for my emotions through the next 24 hours as I planned my return home.
This experience reminded me of the many times I have been 'held' by friends during difficult times. Friends are such a gift. To all those folks - past and present - who have touched my life in special ways I give God thanks!
We were not destined to live in isolation. Even the most introverted person needs community. We need persons who care and reach out... not just in times of stress and anxiety, but also friends who rejoice and celebrate with us in the good times.
I also was reminded of the gift of memory. I was blessed to be able to see - in my minds eye - that great cloud of folks who have sustained me through difficult situations or hugged me or whispered words of encouragement or held my hand or touched my shoulder offering physical and emotional strength. Those visual reminders brought joy.
Sometimes we find ourselves in places or events that pinch real hard. In those moments I suggest we stop - breath deep and seek to listen to those special people God has given us. People who are not just people. True friends are not just pieces of furniture we push around the stage of our lives. Friends are gifts from God.
For each of you - I pray in this moment you know how much you mean to me and how much I both love and appreciate your love in return!
SHALOM
J
1. Memory of friends in special places
2. Memory of friends in special groups
3. Memory of friends from special chapters of my life
4. Memory of friends
5. Memory!
I thank God for every remembrance of thee. Phil 1:3
I recently experienced one of those roller coasters of stress and anxiety that life can throw our way some times. I flew to Denver for a week long conference one day and later that same evening I received word that a family member back home was very ill. She had been hospitalized.
Immediately I was surrounded by close friends who sustained me - supported me - loved me - and cared for my emotions through the next 24 hours as I planned my return home.
This experience reminded me of the many times I have been 'held' by friends during difficult times. Friends are such a gift. To all those folks - past and present - who have touched my life in special ways I give God thanks!
We were not destined to live in isolation. Even the most introverted person needs community. We need persons who care and reach out... not just in times of stress and anxiety, but also friends who rejoice and celebrate with us in the good times.
I also was reminded of the gift of memory. I was blessed to be able to see - in my minds eye - that great cloud of folks who have sustained me through difficult situations or hugged me or whispered words of encouragement or held my hand or touched my shoulder offering physical and emotional strength. Those visual reminders brought joy.
Sometimes we find ourselves in places or events that pinch real hard. In those moments I suggest we stop - breath deep and seek to listen to those special people God has given us. People who are not just people. True friends are not just pieces of furniture we push around the stage of our lives. Friends are gifts from God.
For each of you - I pray in this moment you know how much you mean to me and how much I both love and appreciate your love in return!
SHALOM
J
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Little girl with her dogs...
Gratitude Journal
1. Prayer gardens - the gift of special places!
2. Prayer partners - the gift of people who care!
3. Prayer rope - the gift of intentionality!
4. Prayer with others - the gift of community!
5. Prayer - the gift of relationship!
Isaiah 52:6 "Therefore my people shall know my name. Therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here am I.”
Little girl with her dogs...
Right outside my office window is a statue. In fact there are several. But this particular one is bronze. There is a bench with a small child, a little girl with a pony tail, holding one puppy while another looks on from her right.
I have been very blessed to work in a place that provides spaces! Special places of refuge for those who are deeply wounded and struggling with pain. Generally that pain is psychic. It is not seen or most often not available to the naked eye. But it is there.
I have actually heard ministers and religious workers say they wish their wounds were visible for the world to behold. There might be more compassion and support. Yet, many live in a world of assumptions about the strength and courage and holiness pastors should display. They are dumped on by well-meaning folks who want their pastor to talk about God's laws, but not about God's grace. And there are times when the minister is dealing with the normal wounds of life - troubled kids, addictions, money issues, health concerns, trying to cover too many bases with too little time, etc. - that all families face. However, the message to the minister is not to share their grief or struggle. They are 'so close with God' that these matters should not be in the perfect picture of a minister and his/her family life. At the very least, not shared publicly.
Have you ever lived under such stress?
The statue is a gentle reminder that we are not alone. Someone calls out to us and we recognise the voice and delight in our presence. Someone is glad that we exist and that we are available. Whatever pain or difficulty we are welcomed to sit close and find joy.
Thank you God for prayer! And thank You for the reminders in my life - sometimes right outside my window - of Your LOVE...
SHALOM
1. Prayer gardens - the gift of special places!
2. Prayer partners - the gift of people who care!
3. Prayer rope - the gift of intentionality!
4. Prayer with others - the gift of community!
5. Prayer - the gift of relationship!
Isaiah 52:6 "Therefore my people shall know my name. Therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here am I.”
Little girl with her dogs...
Right outside my office window is a statue. In fact there are several. But this particular one is bronze. There is a bench with a small child, a little girl with a pony tail, holding one puppy while another looks on from her right.
I have been very blessed to work in a place that provides spaces! Special places of refuge for those who are deeply wounded and struggling with pain. Generally that pain is psychic. It is not seen or most often not available to the naked eye. But it is there.
I have actually heard ministers and religious workers say they wish their wounds were visible for the world to behold. There might be more compassion and support. Yet, many live in a world of assumptions about the strength and courage and holiness pastors should display. They are dumped on by well-meaning folks who want their pastor to talk about God's laws, but not about God's grace. And there are times when the minister is dealing with the normal wounds of life - troubled kids, addictions, money issues, health concerns, trying to cover too many bases with too little time, etc. - that all families face. However, the message to the minister is not to share their grief or struggle. They are 'so close with God' that these matters should not be in the perfect picture of a minister and his/her family life. At the very least, not shared publicly.
Have you ever lived under such stress?
The statue is a gentle reminder that we are not alone. Someone calls out to us and we recognise the voice and delight in our presence. Someone is glad that we exist and that we are available. Whatever pain or difficulty we are welcomed to sit close and find joy.
Thank you God for prayer! And thank You for the reminders in my life - sometimes right outside my window - of Your LOVE...
SHALOM
Sunday, June 12, 2011
With THANKSGIVING and appreciation for Fran
Gratitude Journal
1. Friendly times with new neighbors
2. Great worship!
3. Slow steady rain... on hot, dry days
4. SUPERMAN Undies (thanks Harper!)
5. BRAVES winning streak!
(In tribute to Fran Magoni, as she leaves the Pastoral Institute to move to the Macon Georgia area, to follow where God may lead her to offer her talents in ministry!)
"The person who trusts the Lord will be blessed." Jeremiah 17:7
I have known Fran since she arrived at the Pastoral Institute ___ years ago. She began her career with us as a secretary/receptionist for the Clergy Resource Center. Through the years her talents have been utilized in many ways including through the Servant Leadership program and most recently with our Right from the Start initiative.
At each turn along her path she has moved with greater and greater openness to the task before her. She was over-qualified to serve administratively. Yet she took on the opportunity with a smile and brought efficiency to the office. Later when she moved to Servant Leadership she did so with joy and excitement for the young people with whom she worked. I never witnessed her pointing accusatory fingers toward these young scholars for some blemish or failure, although I am sure many dropped the ball when Fran thought it was in secure hands.
Her recent leadership role at the Pastoral Institute has been - according to her words - a passion. Her desire to see folks experience wholeness and health in their significant relationships has been awesome to watch unfold. She has worked tirelessly on each new program, event, or aspect of our program. She has indeed been passionate. She has been a fierce defender of the great potential of this initiative and because of her belief that RFTS can make a difference, she has tackled tasks and obstacles with grace and a bright smile. And she biting her tongue when she had too.
What is it about Fran that I most admire? While we have not always agreed, throughout these years I have grown to appreciate Fran's faith. She truly trusts her Lord. While she does not wear it on her sleeve, she is willing to take a stand for what she believes is right and she trust that if she gives her best, God will bless the effort. That is a lesson I need not only to observe, but also to seek to emulate more within my own life. I sincerely appreciate the seeds you have planted and I know they will bear fruit for years to come.
Fran, thank you for being the gift you are and for coming my way! Please know I personally will miss you. I pray that our paths will cross again and often. And I rest assured that because of your strong faith God will continue to bless and use you in wonderful ways.
SHALOM
J
1. Friendly times with new neighbors
2. Great worship!
3. Slow steady rain... on hot, dry days
4. SUPERMAN Undies (thanks Harper!)
5. BRAVES winning streak!
(In tribute to Fran Magoni, as she leaves the Pastoral Institute to move to the Macon Georgia area, to follow where God may lead her to offer her talents in ministry!)
"The person who trusts the Lord will be blessed." Jeremiah 17:7
I have known Fran since she arrived at the Pastoral Institute ___ years ago. She began her career with us as a secretary/receptionist for the Clergy Resource Center. Through the years her talents have been utilized in many ways including through the Servant Leadership program and most recently with our Right from the Start initiative.
At each turn along her path she has moved with greater and greater openness to the task before her. She was over-qualified to serve administratively. Yet she took on the opportunity with a smile and brought efficiency to the office. Later when she moved to Servant Leadership she did so with joy and excitement for the young people with whom she worked. I never witnessed her pointing accusatory fingers toward these young scholars for some blemish or failure, although I am sure many dropped the ball when Fran thought it was in secure hands.
Her recent leadership role at the Pastoral Institute has been - according to her words - a passion. Her desire to see folks experience wholeness and health in their significant relationships has been awesome to watch unfold. She has worked tirelessly on each new program, event, or aspect of our program. She has indeed been passionate. She has been a fierce defender of the great potential of this initiative and because of her belief that RFTS can make a difference, she has tackled tasks and obstacles with grace and a bright smile. And she biting her tongue when she had too.
What is it about Fran that I most admire? While we have not always agreed, throughout these years I have grown to appreciate Fran's faith. She truly trusts her Lord. While she does not wear it on her sleeve, she is willing to take a stand for what she believes is right and she trust that if she gives her best, God will bless the effort. That is a lesson I need not only to observe, but also to seek to emulate more within my own life. I sincerely appreciate the seeds you have planted and I know they will bear fruit for years to come.
Fran, thank you for being the gift you are and for coming my way! Please know I personally will miss you. I pray that our paths will cross again and often. And I rest assured that because of your strong faith God will continue to bless and use you in wonderful ways.
SHALOM
J
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)