In the Wilderness

Good Morning Jerusalem Trekkers,

“Time flies when you’re having fun,” or so the saying goes. And while it’s impossible to have fun ALL the time, it’s probably best to simply acknowledge that “time flies.” We’re almost halfway through our journey to Jerusalem and it seems as if we have just begun. While our weekly lectionary scriptures introduce us to some people Jesus encounters along the way: Nicodemus; the woman at the well; a man who was born blind; and Jesus’ good friends, Mary, Martha & Lazarus; the whole purpose of the 40 days of Lent is to spend time in the wilderness as we make our way to the empty tomb and beyond…

Wilderness wanderings are not just reserved for Lent. I think life itself is made up of different wilderness experiences—some short-lived; others longer than we think we can even bear. A wilderness can be a region uninhabited by humans as well as empty, pathless desert area. We can feel alone and isolated with or without the presence of others; or we can travel about secure in knowing that we are in the presence of the Spirit.

Lately around here, several people have been spending huge chunks of time in the wilderness; trying to find a pathway that leads them back into a saner, safer, more stable existence…In an instant, life as we know it, can change due to an illness; a surgery; an unwelcomed diagnosis; an unexpected death; being there as a loved one is suffering or slowly dying; losing our grip and perspective on life; boredom and unemployment; a request for a divorce; entering the military…you fill in the blank.

As we wander in the wilderness, prayers are offered to sustain us; to open our eyes, ears, minds and hearts to discover a sense of direction; whatever it takes to make that first step onto a new path…and all the while allowing the comfort and care of a loving God to break through and fill up whatever is empty. It becomes clearer and clearer that we must move from a superficial relationship with God—simply calling upon God as we see fit or only in times of horrendous needs; one minute seeking God’s presence and then pushing God aside as we move ahead on our own steam and on our own terms. It’s like putting our toe in the waters of faith, when we need to take a long, hot bath or plunge into the deep end of the pool—to literally “swim in God.”

As I gain perspective on my own wilderness wanderings I am reminded that in the midst of what seems like emptiness or chaos, we are called to move into a deeper, richer, fuller relationship with God on a daily basis—seeking to know ourselves inside and out. Richard J. Foster writes in his book, Celebration of Discipline, as he encourages us to think of our spiritual journey as 3 dimensional: “…a venture inward (solitude), a venture outward (serving) and a corporate venture through our community of faith. This is what draws us into a deeper relationship with God; whose divine love can transform us and heal our poor habits of the heart…”

Let us dare to cut a new path in our wilderness, to reach for the sacred as we are led into the presence of the One who promises to love us, to heal us, to “create a clean heart and renew a right Spirit” within us…(Psalm 51.10) Blessings, Joanne

Super Wednesday

Good Morning, Lenten Travelers,

Since yesterday was Super Tuesday, this must be Super Wednesday! For some of us it was Fat Tuesday—Mardi Gras…a day of last indulgences—celebrating in grand style for one last day, before embarking on our Lenten journey that leads us to Easter morning. Someone suggested that Fat Tuesday needed to be renamed, Fat-Head Tuesday, in reference to Super Tuesday’s political ventures! :) One of the best things about Super Wednesday is that you don’t have to head out to the polls; or endure the all night political pundits. You won’t be bombarded by all the noise and party-line speeches filled with political rhetoric as they try to convince us he or she is the best candidate.

But wait a minute…I believe all the presidential candidates actually saw their shadows yesterday and it does look like their will be at least 6 more weeks of primaries and fierce, down to the wire campaigning! :)

So allow me to invite you to experience another kind of Super Wednesday where you can gain strength for the journey…not just strength to endure the political brouhaha, but a kind of strength that will give you all that you need for living each day to its fullest. Ash Wednesday is super in its own way. It’s not filled with glitz & glamour nor is it a day for loud and raucous celebrations. It’s the onset of 40 days, not counting Sundays, of personal introspection…going where so many of us are reluctant to go.

I suppose our reluctance is based on the uneasiness and maybe fear of what we will discover; not liking what we might see. So it’s important to realize that it doesn’t have to be that way. For no matter what we may learn about ourselves; or what we may have to face about ourselves; no matter how uncomfortable we may become; no matter the struggle, or how difficult the pain or strong the desire to flee from ourselves, there is hope. There is hope in the midst of whatever we discover or what we have always known about ourselves. God is that hope God not only walks with us every step of the way, God desires to remove all fear, guilt or shame. God is there to take our hand and lead us from darkness into God’s marvelous light with the dawn of each new day.

Ash Wednesday invites us to a time of worship, gathering together as God’s people for a time of quiet reflection and are signed with the ashen cross on our foreheads. As we receive this symbol of being claimed by God and marked for God’s purposes, we will hear one of two declarations, “You are dust and to dust you shall return;” “Repent and believe the Gospel…” Two phrases that allow us to remember our humble beginnings and also offer us hope for the future found in the promise of eternal life—living FOREVER with God—as we read in scripture.

Hmmmm…does that makes us all “marked” men, women & children? Does that mean there’s a bounty on our heads? Doesn’t sound very inviting…where’s the hope in that? Who wants that? Maybe we all do…after all, the bounty has already been paid and we are forgiven and free…
Thanks be to God…

Blessings, Joanne

Create in me a clean heart...

Good Morning All,

As I make my way through this first month of the new year, I am busy trying to get better organized as I put holiday decorations away (yes, I’m still working on this tedious project—but the Magi only left 2 weeks ago) :) ; and as I make way for the new items I received as gifts; discarding the old, worn-out items that have been replaced; and all the while still trying to carve out time for trips to the Wellness Center. And all these things are in addition to what I do in the name of ministry here at Covenant and my own personal spiritual disciplines. Any of this sound remotely familiar? The tasks may be different for you, but I imagine each of us is attempting to get this new year off to a fresh start as we develop more meaningful and purposeful habits and routines.

Earlier this week I was preparing “A Moment of Inspiration” for a meeting I would be leading. And a particular passage of scripture kept ruminating through my mind: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me…” (Psalm 51) It’s a most wonderful and appropriate verse any time; but especially early in the year. It continues to remind me of the importance of getting my life in some sense of order as I attempt to clean out the clutter and cobwebs that have taken up residence in my soul. And it doesn’t simply stop with the act of de-cluttering and sweeping out the cobwebs. For as great as this exercise is, I think it is greatly overshadowed by asking God and receiving from God, “a right spirit.” Because for me, it is this “right spirit” that then gives me renewed and increased spiritual energy to keep on-keepin’ on as I move full steam ahead into God’s future.

I also draw strength for my spiritual life from a variety of other sources of wisdom and humor. And one of the adages I recently came across in a holiday catalogue made me LOL (laugh out loud) mostly at the truth it revealed: “O Lord, please put your hand around my shoulder and when necessary, your hand over my mouth.” :)

So, as an intro to my “Inspirational Moment,” I put these two thoughts together in a prayer-filled time of confession and seeking God’s wisdom and direction for our lives. And now I offer these to you as well.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me;” for it is time to de-clutter and sweep through our spiritual lives—searching every nook and cranny of our souls; resolving to do whatever is needful to bring forth a spirit of forgiveness, restoration and wholeness in our lives—in our relationship with God and with one another.

And as we journey together along the sacred path that leads us closer and closer to God, may God indeed, “put an arm around our shoulders and when necessary, a hand over our mouths…” I can tell already, 2008 is a wonderful time to be alive and to share in the ministry and mission of Covenant…
Blessings, Joanne

Change

Good Morning All!

New beginnings…fresh start…clean slate…just a few phrases that mark the beginning of a new year. And yet another word, “change” has infiltrated our space and time. While change usually relates to our new year’s resolutions and the changes that hopefully will follow with our cutting calories, increased exercising, our outlook on life, etc. But “change” is the newly recreated buzz word of all these early campaign caucuses and primaries. I just know someone is out there somewhere being paid to count the number of times each political candidate uses the word change in their speeches and conversations---I used to count most speakers’ “uhs” or “you know.” :)

Politics aside, change, while many view it with as much contempt as negative or nasty 4-letter words, is very important when it comes to our attempts at improving our own lives; the way we interact with those nearest and dearest to us; the way we approach our daily work; the way we approach our relationship with God as we seek spiritual energy for our journey of faith…Oh, drat…I guess I’ve crossed that proverbial line between preachin’ and meddlin’—something I can do quite well especially when it comes to you and your life…but as always, I’m stepping on my own toes as well…There is always room for improvement when it comes to every aspect of our lives. But when it comes to our relationship with God and with each other, I don’t know of anyone, with the exception of perhaps some cloistered monks or sisters, who doesn’t need to work on seeking the power and presence of God in our lives—seeking the spiritual energy that fuels our daily walk with God.

Sometimes it’s as simple as being aware of God’s presence as you awaken to a new day. Maybe it’s followed by thanking God for this gift of a new day; which might even be followed by a brief prayer of thanks for those whom you love. And as you move through the day, being mindful of those with whom you share life and work—especially those who irritate the fool out of you for whatever reasons; even those for whom you have the worst of thoughts and feelings, and offer up a sentence or two for patience or increased understanding or new insight into that deplorable relationship-- maybe even praying specifically for good things to come to that person—hey, if they’re happier, maybe that will lessen the tension…This is where I really thank God that God is God and we are not! :)

And then as you make your way through your day, you can take another brief holy time out to thank God for your gifts and abilities to share in your life and work and to seek God’s direction for whatever is lacking in your life…Maybe your seeking employment; or restoration and wholeness in a relationship…Maybe you’re less committed or focused in your relationship with someone; or you’ve drifted away from friends and family; you’re feeling lost or alone; or you are simply not doing all YOU can do to improve your life by bringing about changes that you know must happen. Maybe you’ve drifted away from being in relationship with your church family through worship and simply being surrounded by others who are also seeking to be in a safe and secure community of faith. There is strength in numbers; there is support in gathering together in prayer and worship…

Change, like a lot of other things in life, can only begin with YOU. You must be open and willing for your life to grow, hence change, as you continue to discover why you are on this earth in the first place.

The new year is only 9 days old…”Pea’s porridge hot; pea’s porridge cold; pea’s porridge in the pot, 9 days old…” So what are you going to do? Live with leftovers in the pot.9 days or longer? Or are you going to find the courage to seek fresh and new recipes for preparing and seasoning your spiritual life? Give me strength; give me courage, O God…Show me your ways,
show me YOUR ways…Blessings, Joanne

Breathe

Good Morning Bethlehem Trekkers,

The Peanut’s Gang, of Charles Schulz fame, is once again getting ready for Christmas. Sally is lying on a bean bag chair, watching TV and her brother, Linus, is reading to her about the real meaning of Christmas: “Listen to this, Sally!” “The census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem is said to have been ‘of all the world,’ but this probably really means only the Roman Empire at that time…”

“And when we read that there was no room in the inn, the word inn is really better translated as ‘guest room.’ The intention of course is to contrast a place of human lodging with a place for feeding animals...”

“And look at this, says Linus. “The name Bethlehem is interesting too. It literally means, ‘House of Bread.’ I think things like this are so fascinating, Sally…What do you think?”

“Well…I think if I don’t get every single thing I want for Christmas this year, I’m gonna totally gross out!” :)

Well…How many of us can relate to Sally’s response? Maybe not literally, but I believe there is such a thing as a “Sally Trap”—missing the meaning of Christmas all together because we keep our minds and hearts more on the trappings of Christmas, rather than capturing the true meaning of Christmas.

But the “Sally Trap” can also include being inundated, even beaten over the head with (a nice peaceful sign of Christmas, huh?) “the true meaning of Christmas…” “…the true meaning of Christmas…” Enough already! What if you can’t quite capture or discover this “true meaning of Christmas?” What then? Do you forfeit your church membership? Are you no longer a card carrying Christian? Are you forever banned from attending Christmas parties? Are you eternally relegated into the Bah Humbug Brigade and thereby frozen in time with your cynical, doubting, even unbelieving attitudes?

Of course, none of the above consequences really happen. But I have also come to the conclusion that there really is such a thing as trying too hard to believe…trying too hard to find the meaning of Christmas. But “trying too hard” implies that you and I are actually in control of all this. “Trying too hard” implies that we can somehow “do something” to make this all happen. Ah, if it were only as easy as following “This Way to the True Meaning of Christmas;” not missing even one sign or turn; or baking up a batch or two of “Christmas Spirit” perfectly putting the recipe together; or cranking up the CD player and blasting Mannheim Steamroller or The Trans-Siberian Orchestra through our weary and sad hearts and…Voila! We find the true meaning of Christmas…Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but none of these exercises makes it so either…

So, my advice is quite simple…take time to breathe! Better yet, take some “holy time” to breathe. Breathe deeply and exhale…breathe deeply and exhale…repeat until you relax…with each breath in, breathe God’s presence into your body, mind and spirit…with each breath out, exhale any impurities, sadness, frustrations, worries, concerns, loneliness, struggles, whatever seems to be taking up residence and threatening to take over the entire neighborhood of your being…and make room for the Spirit to move in like an “Extreme Home Makeover…”

Make this exercise a part of your daily prayers, add some patience—maybe a whole lot of patience :); practice at least once a day and discover how God is blessing you on your way to a fuller, richer, deeper understanding of hope, peace, joy & love—the very gifts of God—that move us closer and closer to Bethlehem town to receive the greatest gift of God to the whole world…Jesus Christ…Blessings, Joanne

Courage to Listen

Good Morning Bethlehem Trekkers,

“Rev. Joanne, I don’t mean to interrupt. But if you have time, could you come to my class and speak with the children? They have some questions about angels…” And my mind immediately went back about 12 years ago to a children’s moment when I asked the bundle of Christmas energy gathered before me, “What is an angel?” With no hesitation whatsoever, Ben replied, “Dead people with wings!” :) “Yes, I suppose that’s one way of describing an angel…” All of us managed to recover and make it through the rest of worship. But that one remark was the only nugget we carried with us as we left that morning! Once again, I was upstaged by an 8 year old!

That experience gave me the courage and the curiosity to enter the classroom where 2 Kindergartners and 1 first grader were busy coloring paper angels. “Good morning, guys!” “What beautiful angels you’re making!” “I understand you have some questions about angels…” And the conversation went something like this:

“What color are angels?” “Great question, Christopher…” Taking my cue from Jesus’ teaching moments, I quickly answered with another question: “What color are you?” “I’m brown…” “And you, Eli? “I’m white.” “And you, Matthew? Blonde—I think angels are blonde.”
“Well, I think you’ve answered the question yourselves...the way I look at it, God made us and God made the angels; so I think angels are the same colors as we are.”

All the while the coloring continues. “Tell me what you think angels do?” “They fly around.” “They help people.” “How do they know what to do?” “God tells them.” “Do you know what the word, messenger means?” Matthew answered, “Yes, messengers bring messages.” “Good for you…to know that…Angels are messengers…who bring messages…important messages from God…” I think we’re good here…

…Important messages from God…not always with the bold words, “ Greetings, favored one!...Do not be afraid…you will bear a son and you will name him Jesus…” or “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…” But important messages nonetheless come to us from God. But we are not always aware of them. Perhaps we are too busy or our lives are drowning in noises that distract us.

Perhaps we don’t take the time to listen; or maybe, just maybe…we don’t have the desire to listen…or we are afraid of what we might hear God telling us and then we would have to go and do it! It takes courage to listen, especially to God… For the most part I agree with J. Barrie Shepherd, in his book, Faces at the Manger, “…God’s Word then, comes to us through things as they are…God’s Messengers…appear right at the heart of the everyday. But unless we are listening, unless we are prepared to drop, even for a moment, our busy work of preparation, celebration, we will never hear the angels’ song…”

As you continue to make your way to Bethlehem , be aware of God’s messengers all around you, trying their best on God’s behalf, to reach you in the everyday, in the midst of the stuff of life; with an important message custom-tailored just for you…
“Can you hear Me now?

Blessings, Joanne

Countdown to Christmas

Good Morning All,

20…19…18…17…16…15…the Countdown to Christmas is officially in the “Oh my gosh, where has the time gone,” zone! It’s getting more and more difficult to find that “holy time out” we’ve been talking about; and yet the opportunities for worship and enjoyable programs are still before us…after all, we just got started, right? Advent is only 4 days old, isn’t it? So, why is there such a sense of panic in the air…Maybe we’re caught up in “So much to do, so little time…” constantly ringing in our heads like the never ending sounds of the Salvation Army volunteer’s bells and the clanging of change being dropped in the red buckets… leaving us yearning more and more for just a few moments peace and quiet.

And yet, there is something that draws me into all the frenetic activity this time of year. Don’t get me wrong, I still need and crave any and all times when I can retreat and escape the hustle and bustle. In fact it’s the quiet moments that actually give me the strength to enter the chaos. But there is still some thing, some force, like a giant magnet, that seems to draw me into the fray.

For the last couple of years when I have visited NYC during the Thanksgiving/Christmas season, I took time to stand perfectly still, fixed in one spot, in the middle of Times Square at night; in the midst of all the lights; flashing billboards; the endless cacophony of horns honking, music blaring, bells ringing, people shoving and plowing through the crowds, street vendors crying out, “Rolex, Rolex, Rolex! Special price for you! There I stood…taking it all in…this is New York City ! And as crazy as it may sound, I became energized; renewed by all that was happening around me!

Holiday preparations are like this for me…I often look for those moments at the Mall or in the middle of some specialty store or grocery; in the midst of all that is whizzing by, to step back, rest on a bench, take it all in and somehow gain energy from it all. I see and hear many things…some good and heart warming; some not so good, filled with tension and anger…

The spiritual preparations for this sacred season do the same for me…taking time in the middle of all the demands; all our concerns, challenges and sadness; any and all that calls us into the upheaval; to somehow take it all in, sit with it all for a while and then pausing to listen, really listen… for God calling us into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God and each other; to hear God’s voice whispering in our ears…reminding us that this is the time when heaven and earth are one; where all our hopes and fears are met together; as we seek peace, a true sense of well-being; as we are filled with great joy and celebrate the love of God born once again in our hearts and minds…

This is the miracle of Christmas; Christ coming into this time and this place; taking the stuff of life, every bit of the good, the bad and the ugly and transforming us, healing us, energizing us as we become agents and vessels of God’s hope in the world…May you receive Holy Energy from the chaos as we journey to Bethlehem and encourage others to travel with us…Come and see what God has done! Blessings, Joanne