Good Morning All,
So here we are less than 50 days away from what is becoming a “defining moment” in political history…or does it just seem that way? Nonetheless, if you come across anyone in our country who isn’t aware of the 2008 presidential election, you might want to ask what planet they’re from! While I am very excited about all the interest that is stirring among us, I am also growing weary with all the ads vying for our attention. It’s a regular hay-day for the political cartoonists, satirists, pundits and late-night talk show hosts, not to mention Saturday Night Live.
I truly believe it’s my civic duty to learn all that I can in preparation to vote for the candidate of my choice and am grateful for the freedom to do so; it also makes me an even stronger proponent of what our nation’s forbears aptly called, “separation of church and state.” And of course I realize as I write this, even the interpretation of this amendment varies among many faithful people.
But I stand quite firm in not crossing the line in using the pulpit as a “bully-pulpit” in support of one candidate over another; or one party or another; or to take advantage of the captive audience of our faith community, to distribute partisan political propaganda. And yet I also believe that my faith certainly does impact my political decisions and my convictions about the work of our government especially when it comes to serving the public good as well as our relations with all those countries we share life with on this planet.
This being said, knowing that none of us can fully know the mind of God, I still can’t help but wonder and ponder about what God must think, if anything, of this 2008 presidential election. And yet there are a whole host of folks out there who are certain of what God thinks and desires, especially as we prepare to elect the future president of the United States .
I came across a cartoon in the September 23, 2008 issue of the Christian Century where God is somewhere “up there” looking very distressed while twirling the planet Earth on his index finger like a basketball. Many political thoughts and comments are ascending to God, like: “God is Pro-life!” “God is a Republican!” God approves MY message!” “God is Pro War!” “God would vote for ME!” “God hates how you draw Him!—No, SHE does not!” Feel free to write in your own thoughts here…And then off to the side of the cartoon are 2 angels offering two presumptions with which I agree… “God must hate elections…One can only presume…” :)
As people of faith, some of the best homework we can do in making any and all of life’s decisions is to study God’s Word and to prayerfully seek the guidance of God’s Spirit to interpret the Word. One’s faith cannot be something that we concern ourselves with and quickly put on a shelf for display when it comes to living a life filled with so many decisions. Faith indeed is to be an integral guide for all of life; building a strong foundation for one’s world view; how we treat others; how we help those in need; how we consider issues of power, greed, economics, peace, war, the environment, etc.
Being able to recognize when to say “NO” and when to say “YES” to any candidate; to whatever is being proposed by a particular candidate; or to a certain direction that our government decides to take; happens best when I choose to allow my faith to guide my actions. But I do so acknowledging that I am speaking or acting only for myself; never presuming that I speak for anyone else. Isn’t that what every “good Disciples of Christ” is called to do?
While I can’t imagine that God has time for any direct involvement in politics or determining the outcome on election night; I do believe that you and I are called to make the important decisions of life based on the guiding principles of our faith…nobody ever said it would be easy… “Choose this day, whom you shall serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve God…” (Joshua 24:15) Blessings, Joanne
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
God Speaks
Good Morning All,
Unlikely places, unlikely faces, unlikely circumstances…when considered as positive situations, I can look at them as good surprises; when considered as negative experiences, I can look at them as barriers to other things. But in general, all of these remind me of how unpredictable life really is. For the most part, I really appreciate and enjoy the times when my world is infused with unpredictability. Because when I’m struck with the unpredictability stick, I know I have been spared from having a ho-hum, ministry as usual kind of day…But also know I’m grateful that it doesn’t happen all the time :) Regardless of my day, I need to always anticipate as each day unfolds that I will meet some aspect of the unknown and will need to roll with the punches.
Some days though, when I least expect it, I encounter people whom I haven’t seen for ages; maybe they are former members who stop by to chat as they pass through town; or I bump into former members who have moved out of the area at the Fairgrounds Flea Market; and other days it’s meeting a stranger on the street or in a store or at the gasoline pump.
As I reflect on these encounters, I wonder what to make of them. Are they simply a nod to chance? Signs of something more meaningful? A “God-happening” perhaps? Maybe a combination? In any case, I find myself paying more attention to them than I used to.
Not too long ago I was waiting for friends to arrive at a restaurant. A woman and her children emerged from the restroom and approached me to ask if I were waiting on the children they saw in the restroom. I said, “No, I’m not.” “Oh, well, I just wanted their parents to know that they are the nicest and most polite children I’ve seen in a long time.” “How nice of you to seek out the parent to tell them something good about their kids.”
And then almost as if in the same breath, she gave me a handwritten note. She said that she felt called to give it to me…
“God makes a promise—
Faith believes it,
Hope anticipates it,
Patience quietly awaits it…”
And as she left she said, “Have a blessed day…”
Hmmmm…What a great way to share your faith with a stranger. I applaud her for finding a way to witness to her faith in a non-threatening; non-offensive way. We can all learn from this as you and I attempt to discover our own ways of telling others how important God is in our lives. But the question remains, “Was this a nod to chance? A “God-happening?” Who’s to say for sure? Maybe it takes such chance happenings for God to speak to us?
Last Sunday during the Children’s Moment I asked the children how God speaks to them/us. After quickly ruling out cell phones, computers, telephone, writing a letter or note, one child with his hand slowly waving in the air, quietly says, “God speaks to us through our feelings…we just know…” “Yes, we just know, don’t we?”
Unlikely place, unlikely face, unlikely circumstance…Waiting for friends outside a restaurant… receiving a handwritten note from a stranger…Maybe God really does write notes…
Blessings, Joanne
Unlikely places, unlikely faces, unlikely circumstances…when considered as positive situations, I can look at them as good surprises; when considered as negative experiences, I can look at them as barriers to other things. But in general, all of these remind me of how unpredictable life really is. For the most part, I really appreciate and enjoy the times when my world is infused with unpredictability. Because when I’m struck with the unpredictability stick, I know I have been spared from having a ho-hum, ministry as usual kind of day…But also know I’m grateful that it doesn’t happen all the time :) Regardless of my day, I need to always anticipate as each day unfolds that I will meet some aspect of the unknown and will need to roll with the punches.
Some days though, when I least expect it, I encounter people whom I haven’t seen for ages; maybe they are former members who stop by to chat as they pass through town; or I bump into former members who have moved out of the area at the Fairgrounds Flea Market; and other days it’s meeting a stranger on the street or in a store or at the gasoline pump.
As I reflect on these encounters, I wonder what to make of them. Are they simply a nod to chance? Signs of something more meaningful? A “God-happening” perhaps? Maybe a combination? In any case, I find myself paying more attention to them than I used to.
Not too long ago I was waiting for friends to arrive at a restaurant. A woman and her children emerged from the restroom and approached me to ask if I were waiting on the children they saw in the restroom. I said, “No, I’m not.” “Oh, well, I just wanted their parents to know that they are the nicest and most polite children I’ve seen in a long time.” “How nice of you to seek out the parent to tell them something good about their kids.”
And then almost as if in the same breath, she gave me a handwritten note. She said that she felt called to give it to me…
“God makes a promise—
Faith believes it,
Hope anticipates it,
Patience quietly awaits it…”
And as she left she said, “Have a blessed day…”
Hmmmm…What a great way to share your faith with a stranger. I applaud her for finding a way to witness to her faith in a non-threatening; non-offensive way. We can all learn from this as you and I attempt to discover our own ways of telling others how important God is in our lives. But the question remains, “Was this a nod to chance? A “God-happening?” Who’s to say for sure? Maybe it takes such chance happenings for God to speak to us?
Last Sunday during the Children’s Moment I asked the children how God speaks to them/us. After quickly ruling out cell phones, computers, telephone, writing a letter or note, one child with his hand slowly waving in the air, quietly says, “God speaks to us through our feelings…we just know…” “Yes, we just know, don’t we?”
Unlikely place, unlikely face, unlikely circumstance…Waiting for friends outside a restaurant… receiving a handwritten note from a stranger…Maybe God really does write notes…
Blessings, Joanne
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Finding the Words
Good Morning All,
“Who do people say that I am?” “Who do YOU say that I am?” “Come on now, you’ve known me for a while. You know me better than most of the folks we encounter along the way. Why the hesitation? Why are you looking anywhere and everywhere for the answer when the true answer comes from your heart? Why can’t you look into my eyes and tell me who you have come to believe that I am? Do you even have a clue? Do you have the remotest of inklings as to my identity? And finally Peter blurts out, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!” Good answer Peter…Here’s the keys to the Kingdom…
“Who do YOU say that I am?” What a great question for you, me and countless other seekers, to not only wrestle with initially, but time and again throughout our faith journey. I want to revisit the illustration I shared this past Sunday about a woman leaving worship feeling refreshed and renewed from her time spent with her life-long faith community. She was deep in thought as she contemplated the wonderful morning message; just like you do when you leave Covenant, right? :) And she accidentally bumped into a guy who was standing on the sidewalk, looking at the large opened doors, the sun reflecting from the stained-glass windows of Jesus and his disciples.
“Excuse me; I wasn’t looking where I was going.” And she continued making her way toward the parking lot.
“Ma’am…could I ask you a question?” Thinking he probably wanted money or directions, she walked back toward him. “Yes, what is it?”
“Can you tell me what folks in there believe?”
Probably hoping beyond all hope that he actually wanted a handout, she hemmed and hawed, shifting from one foot to the next; looking everywhere but into his eyes; trying to put a few words into an intelligible sentence; but to no avail. Sensing her discomfort with his question, he simply said, “I’m sorry to bother you; I’ll be on my way…”
He bothered her alright…not for her time but because she couldn’t find the words to adequately answer his question. Whew! Have you ever been in that situation before? Declaring yourself to be a Christian; a faithful follower of this Jesus and you can’t even spit out an intelligible answer as to what you and “folks in there” believe!
This past Saturday at Lazy Daze, Renié was handing out “Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart” cards that offer our website and information about our Sunday and Wednesday services—pick up few! A few times, I was taken aside to share who we are and what “folks in here” believe and practice. I jumped right in! I get excited thinking about all the dynamic leadership we have; the dedicated staff; the teachers and youth leaders; the choir; the children & youth; the volunteer spirit and willingness to share our time, talent, money and energy; and the joy expressed each Sunday in our worshipping community.
At first it may seem that sharing the Covenant Story is a whole lot easier than telling others about this Jesus. And yet, if we had never experienced the presence and power of this Jesus in our lives, we couldn’t begin to enthusiastically tell others what “folks believe in there,” now could we? Our excitement, our joy, about being a part of this faith community called Covenant is only made possible because of the inviting Spirit who is alive and well and bumping around in our hearts and lives. Once we claim what’s already deep within us, we too will be able to find the words that convey our faith to others who are seeking this steadfast relationship with God in Jesus Christ.
So when opportunity comes knocking…don’t hold back! Be Bold! If words escape you, simply blurt out, “Come and See! Come and See!” Blessings, Joanne
Rev. Joanne VerBurg, Sr. Minister
“Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
www.CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org
“Who do people say that I am?” “Who do YOU say that I am?” “Come on now, you’ve known me for a while. You know me better than most of the folks we encounter along the way. Why the hesitation? Why are you looking anywhere and everywhere for the answer when the true answer comes from your heart? Why can’t you look into my eyes and tell me who you have come to believe that I am? Do you even have a clue? Do you have the remotest of inklings as to my identity? And finally Peter blurts out, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!” Good answer Peter…Here’s the keys to the Kingdom…
“Who do YOU say that I am?” What a great question for you, me and countless other seekers, to not only wrestle with initially, but time and again throughout our faith journey. I want to revisit the illustration I shared this past Sunday about a woman leaving worship feeling refreshed and renewed from her time spent with her life-long faith community. She was deep in thought as she contemplated the wonderful morning message; just like you do when you leave Covenant, right? :) And she accidentally bumped into a guy who was standing on the sidewalk, looking at the large opened doors, the sun reflecting from the stained-glass windows of Jesus and his disciples.
“Excuse me; I wasn’t looking where I was going.” And she continued making her way toward the parking lot.
“Ma’am…could I ask you a question?” Thinking he probably wanted money or directions, she walked back toward him. “Yes, what is it?”
“Can you tell me what folks in there believe?”
Probably hoping beyond all hope that he actually wanted a handout, she hemmed and hawed, shifting from one foot to the next; looking everywhere but into his eyes; trying to put a few words into an intelligible sentence; but to no avail. Sensing her discomfort with his question, he simply said, “I’m sorry to bother you; I’ll be on my way…”
He bothered her alright…not for her time but because she couldn’t find the words to adequately answer his question. Whew! Have you ever been in that situation before? Declaring yourself to be a Christian; a faithful follower of this Jesus and you can’t even spit out an intelligible answer as to what you and “folks in there” believe!
This past Saturday at Lazy Daze, Renié was handing out “Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart” cards that offer our website and information about our Sunday and Wednesday services—pick up few! A few times, I was taken aside to share who we are and what “folks in here” believe and practice. I jumped right in! I get excited thinking about all the dynamic leadership we have; the dedicated staff; the teachers and youth leaders; the choir; the children & youth; the volunteer spirit and willingness to share our time, talent, money and energy; and the joy expressed each Sunday in our worshipping community.
At first it may seem that sharing the Covenant Story is a whole lot easier than telling others about this Jesus. And yet, if we had never experienced the presence and power of this Jesus in our lives, we couldn’t begin to enthusiastically tell others what “folks believe in there,” now could we? Our excitement, our joy, about being a part of this faith community called Covenant is only made possible because of the inviting Spirit who is alive and well and bumping around in our hearts and lives. Once we claim what’s already deep within us, we too will be able to find the words that convey our faith to others who are seeking this steadfast relationship with God in Jesus Christ.
So when opportunity comes knocking…don’t hold back! Be Bold! If words escape you, simply blurt out, “Come and See! Come and See!” Blessings, Joanne
Rev. Joanne VerBurg, Sr. Minister
“Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
www.CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Carrying People
Good Morning All,
“Woke up this mornin’ with my mind, stayed on Jesus;” Woke up this mornin’ with my mind, stayed on Jesus; Woke up this mornin’ with my mind, stayed on Jesus; Allelu, Allelu, Allelu-ia.”
(African-American spiritual) And so I did this morning, just as I usually do each morning. I awakened with thoughts that soon breathed their way into prayers…
And I was reminded of the good friend and colleague in ministry who visited me a few days ago as part of her “Birthday Tour.” She talked of how she “carries” about 50 people with her everywhere she goes—and while she doesn’t serve a local congregation, these folks are her congregation…family members and dear friends; folks who have different needs from time to time and at other times bring her great joy.
The image of “carrying people” in our hearts, minds and memories is one with which most of us can resonate. During the course of a given day, I carry the burdens, joys, challenges and pain of a lot of people, mostly because that’s what it means to be in relationship with others. God calls us to do so and I would also add, God calls us to use good judgment and wisdom in the process, lest the relationships take us where we don’t need to go.
Some other song lyrics popped into my head this morning from, “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” a song in the late 1960’s (how very last century that sounds :) ) made popular by Dusty Springfield: “Just wishin', And hopin', And thinkin', And prayin', Plannin’ And dreamin'…” These words, while from an oldies’ love song, also seem to describe a process that many of us unconsciously go through when thinking about the future…personally and in other ways as well…“Wishin’ and hopin’; thinkin’ and prayin’; plannin’ and dreamin’”…
And this morning, these words remind me of a long-time member of our congregation, Denise Loughridge, who for almost 2 years has battled some very tough, life-threatening health challenges. She is facing a surgical procedure today that when first done earlier this spring, kept her in the hospital for 5 weeks in very serious condition. Those of you who know her well and have most recently heard her share her thoughts in her Sunday School class, also know that Denise, in the midst of all the frustrations, disappointments, pain and suffering, continues to emerge as a courageous and strong woman of faith. And this means that she is also quick to pray for you and to be in “your stuff” with you whenever invited to do so!
That’s what we do when we “carry people” with us. Doing so causes us to not only take our minds off our own concerns, but to put life in perspective; to realize what’s important and what’s not; what we need to hold on to and what we need to let go—ah, another song enters my mind: “You gotta know when to hold ‘em; know when to fold ‘em; know when to walk away; know when to run…”--thank you Kenny Rogers. :)
Carrying people with us also allows us to enter into a deeper partnership with God, the One who invites us to not only share the joys and burdens of our lives but encourages us to “offer up” whatever is in our hearts and minds and let God handle it all--especially when you and I in our human efforts have done all that loving hands can do.
I invite you to be in prayer for and with Denise…“wishin’ and hopin’; thinkin’ and prayin’” that this surgery will be successful and she will have many years to continue “plannin’ and dreamin” with her husband and sons, other family and friends. May it be so, O God…May it be so…
Blessings, Joanne
“Woke up this mornin’ with my mind, stayed on Jesus;” Woke up this mornin’ with my mind, stayed on Jesus; Woke up this mornin’ with my mind, stayed on Jesus; Allelu, Allelu, Allelu-ia.”
(African-American spiritual) And so I did this morning, just as I usually do each morning. I awakened with thoughts that soon breathed their way into prayers…
And I was reminded of the good friend and colleague in ministry who visited me a few days ago as part of her “Birthday Tour.” She talked of how she “carries” about 50 people with her everywhere she goes—and while she doesn’t serve a local congregation, these folks are her congregation…family members and dear friends; folks who have different needs from time to time and at other times bring her great joy.
The image of “carrying people” in our hearts, minds and memories is one with which most of us can resonate. During the course of a given day, I carry the burdens, joys, challenges and pain of a lot of people, mostly because that’s what it means to be in relationship with others. God calls us to do so and I would also add, God calls us to use good judgment and wisdom in the process, lest the relationships take us where we don’t need to go.
Some other song lyrics popped into my head this morning from, “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” a song in the late 1960’s (how very last century that sounds :) ) made popular by Dusty Springfield: “Just wishin', And hopin', And thinkin', And prayin', Plannin’ And dreamin'…” These words, while from an oldies’ love song, also seem to describe a process that many of us unconsciously go through when thinking about the future…personally and in other ways as well…“Wishin’ and hopin’; thinkin’ and prayin’; plannin’ and dreamin’”…
And this morning, these words remind me of a long-time member of our congregation, Denise Loughridge, who for almost 2 years has battled some very tough, life-threatening health challenges. She is facing a surgical procedure today that when first done earlier this spring, kept her in the hospital for 5 weeks in very serious condition. Those of you who know her well and have most recently heard her share her thoughts in her Sunday School class, also know that Denise, in the midst of all the frustrations, disappointments, pain and suffering, continues to emerge as a courageous and strong woman of faith. And this means that she is also quick to pray for you and to be in “your stuff” with you whenever invited to do so!
That’s what we do when we “carry people” with us. Doing so causes us to not only take our minds off our own concerns, but to put life in perspective; to realize what’s important and what’s not; what we need to hold on to and what we need to let go—ah, another song enters my mind: “You gotta know when to hold ‘em; know when to fold ‘em; know when to walk away; know when to run…”--thank you Kenny Rogers. :)
Carrying people with us also allows us to enter into a deeper partnership with God, the One who invites us to not only share the joys and burdens of our lives but encourages us to “offer up” whatever is in our hearts and minds and let God handle it all--especially when you and I in our human efforts have done all that loving hands can do.
I invite you to be in prayer for and with Denise…“wishin’ and hopin’; thinkin’ and prayin’” that this surgery will be successful and she will have many years to continue “plannin’ and dreamin” with her husband and sons, other family and friends. May it be so, O God…May it be so…
Blessings, Joanne
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
VBS Reflections
Good Morning All,
Take a few rooms, add scads of children; lots of volunteers and yummy snacks. Puree fun games that spend lots of energy & cool beach crafts. Mix-in lively music performed on colorful surfboards; alternate with a dose of Flamé, the Flamboyant Flamingo. Blend in adventurous stories from scripture and clever science demonstrations...Repeat for 5 evenings, letting set overnight each time. It’s a tried and true recipe for summer fun--“Beach Party-Surfin’ through the Scriptures” Vacation Bible School !
The lively pace of this exciting week is rewarding on so many different levels. Of course there’s the obvious fun from learning the stories of faith and new songs; and all the excitement and endless energy exhibited by the children and leaders. But it’s also the unsolicited comments: “I’m having so much fun!” “This is so cool!” “Hey, wanna race?” as well as the unsolicited actions of comforting a friend who tripped and fell; holding hands even with your sister :) ; sharing the last cookie. What joy comes from being together with church friends and making new friends as we have fun learning about the “Be-Attitudes:” Be Obedient…Be Kind…Be Forgiving…can’t wait to see what we learn tonight and Thursday!
Sunday during lunch I asked everyone about their memories of Vacation Bible School either growing up or with their own children, now grown. Of course, decades ago, it really was simpler—or does it just seem that way? Bible stories shared in a circle with flannel board characters; singing “The B-I-B-L-E,” “Jesus Loves Me;” “We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder;”(the songs didn’t have to match the lessons :) ; basic crafts out of popsicle sticks and lots of Elmer’s glue; relay games to wear us out; a cup of Kool-aid and a couple of homemade cookies; a black & white group photo; and we were good to go. And “Go” we did—to every Vacation Bible School in our area—what a great tribute to Christian unity! This all gives credence to “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
In the midst of all that is high-tech and holy, I found my heart smiling on Monday night. VBS had officially ended and the children adjourned to the front yard for the “unofficial” program of playing until parents dragged them home…while they were headed in a gazillion directions, it was as if someone had hollered, “Freeze!” And without any one specific child leading the pack, you could hear them shout, “Fireflies!”—with a few “Lightning Bugs!” thrown in for good measure! And they began chasing them all over the yard. Some things never change! And as they were leaving I overheard a few of the parents attempting to explain how fireflies do their thing...helpful and informative, of course…but you know, I think it’s really more about chasing fireflies than explaining how fireflies do their thing.
My heart smiled again the next morning as I read one of the Tuesday morning comics, Rose is Rose. The little girl was simply ecstatic as she danced and sang; jumped for joy with drawings of hearts, rainbows and musical notes all around her. And over head in the night sky, fireflies were glowing while two of them said, “She REALLY enjoyed our show!” “She seems to LIGHT UP whenever we perform!” :)
The joy of unsolicited responses…whether it’s learning about God calling us to be obedient; to be kind; or to be forgiving; or simply dancing and jumping for joy that’s what makes vacation bible school times memorable and fun…that’s what makes so much of life memorable and fun. Pure bliss in the midst of God’s summer light show…
Blessings, Joanne
“Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
www.CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Fixing the Connections
Good Morning All,
Last week when we took a look at Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom of God ; the Realm of God, One of the things to which Jesus compared it all, was a mustard seed—reminding us that bigger is not necessarily better. My recent encounter with “new and improved” technology caused me to reflect upon this teaching when it comes to the countless advertisements shouting at us about upgrades, the bundling of services and other technological gadgets. Is the latest and greatest that technology has to offer, better? I really do wonder…
A few weeks ago one of the thunderstorms that rolled through our area affected my cable TV service. I was a bit perplexed in that it only affected the TV in the living room—yes, I have more than one television in my home…but we’re not going there, OK? :) Tried as I might, I couldn’t get it to work and had to resort to going online with “live tech support.” After about 20 minutes of instructions, ranging from, “Tell me what is lit up on the box” to “Let’s reboot by unplugging the electrical connection in the wall,” the internet connection fails and “Bye-bye tech help!”
Then thru the magic of cyberspace, I get reconnected, not to the same tech of course, who finally told me that she would make arrangements for an onsite tech to come out and fix the problem. And 4 days later, the tech did just that…and to my embarrassment, by punching a few keys on the remote!
And then 5 days later someone is in the driveway spray painting orange and red lines from the road to the house. What are you doing? I’m preparing the way for some cable guys to lay a new cable line…and I’m thinking, “Funny, you don’t look like John the Baptist!” :) And 3 days later, 2 other guys arrive to lay the new cable. While doing so, I have no cable, no internet, no phone—the joys of “bundling” my services—more like bungling. When they said they were finished and we’re leaving, I asked them to wait while I checked to see if everything was back up and running…And yes, you guessed it; I still had no connections of any sort…
“Well, Ma’am, our lines are definitely connected…you’ll have to call for a Time Warner tech to come out.”
“And I’m supposed to do that by using a dead phone?”
Hmmmm…”Let me see what I can do…” And off he goes to consult with his companion…and 30 minutes later all is connected correctly to the power source; the services are restored… WoooooHooo!
Amid all my frustrations, I pause…there really is a life lesson at work here…isn’t this the problem that you and I have from day to day? When we find ourselves not working or functioning up to par, it doesn’t take long to realize that we are not connected to the Power Source. The Power is there, but it’s not coming through. Yes, you and I are functioning at some level—maybe even able to sit up and take a little thin soup—but it’s not enough to tackle what we must tackle in any given day. Sooner or later we run out of steam; we must reboot our system so that we may be connected to the source of power…THE Source of Power, lest we lose important data.
Excuse me…I must go now and Power Up so that I will have whatever I need to move through this day…perhaps you need to do the same…
Blessings, Joanne
“Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
www.CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org
Last week when we took a look at Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom of God ; the Realm of God, One of the things to which Jesus compared it all, was a mustard seed—reminding us that bigger is not necessarily better. My recent encounter with “new and improved” technology caused me to reflect upon this teaching when it comes to the countless advertisements shouting at us about upgrades, the bundling of services and other technological gadgets. Is the latest and greatest that technology has to offer, better? I really do wonder…
A few weeks ago one of the thunderstorms that rolled through our area affected my cable TV service. I was a bit perplexed in that it only affected the TV in the living room—yes, I have more than one television in my home…but we’re not going there, OK? :) Tried as I might, I couldn’t get it to work and had to resort to going online with “live tech support.” After about 20 minutes of instructions, ranging from, “Tell me what is lit up on the box” to “Let’s reboot by unplugging the electrical connection in the wall,” the internet connection fails and “Bye-bye tech help!”
Then thru the magic of cyberspace, I get reconnected, not to the same tech of course, who finally told me that she would make arrangements for an onsite tech to come out and fix the problem. And 4 days later, the tech did just that…and to my embarrassment, by punching a few keys on the remote!
And then 5 days later someone is in the driveway spray painting orange and red lines from the road to the house. What are you doing? I’m preparing the way for some cable guys to lay a new cable line…and I’m thinking, “Funny, you don’t look like John the Baptist!” :) And 3 days later, 2 other guys arrive to lay the new cable. While doing so, I have no cable, no internet, no phone—the joys of “bundling” my services—more like bungling. When they said they were finished and we’re leaving, I asked them to wait while I checked to see if everything was back up and running…And yes, you guessed it; I still had no connections of any sort…
“Well, Ma’am, our lines are definitely connected…you’ll have to call for a Time Warner tech to come out.”
“And I’m supposed to do that by using a dead phone?”
Hmmmm…”Let me see what I can do…” And off he goes to consult with his companion…and 30 minutes later all is connected correctly to the power source; the services are restored… WoooooHooo!
Amid all my frustrations, I pause…there really is a life lesson at work here…isn’t this the problem that you and I have from day to day? When we find ourselves not working or functioning up to par, it doesn’t take long to realize that we are not connected to the Power Source. The Power is there, but it’s not coming through. Yes, you and I are functioning at some level—maybe even able to sit up and take a little thin soup—but it’s not enough to tackle what we must tackle in any given day. Sooner or later we run out of steam; we must reboot our system so that we may be connected to the source of power…THE Source of Power, lest we lose important data.
Excuse me…I must go now and Power Up so that I will have whatever I need to move through this day…perhaps you need to do the same…
Blessings, Joanne
“Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
www.CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Wastefulness of God
Good Morning All,
During the Commission on Ministry meeting earlier this month, one of the seminarians who appeared before us showed me a book he was reading and recommended. He had me when he said it was an easy read; emphasis on easy. :) That’s what I like especially in the summer. I’m sure some of you are already familiar with The Shack (Where tragedy confronts eternity) by William P. Young. I only lack a few pages until finishing it and have thoroughly enjoyed how the story brings the reader into a yet another approach to a relationship with God, spurred on by an encounter with personal tragedy.
The 6 year old daughter of the main character, Mack, was abducted while on a family camping trip and later found in an abandoned shack. “Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him to return to that same shack for a weekend…In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant, The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, “’Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?’” (from the back cover)
It’s important to note that this is a work of fiction—the author is not a theologian—and it’s not to be taken as gospel truth. But the story line raises many questions that beg the reader’s own answers--questions that deal with who God is; the nature and makeup of the Trinity (which isn’t even mentioned in scripture); good and evil; free will, etc. And anything that causes us to wrestle with what YOU and I each believe about our faith; anything that causes us to strengthen what YOU and I believe, can’t be all bad, right?
In the story line is an exchange that speaks to what I have come to believe about the nature of God and God’s grace; that God offers us the “wastefulness of grace…” Some of us might look at wastefulness as a bad thing…so what’s up with the idea of God’s grace being wasteful? Does this mean that God spends or uses the gift of grace in a less than careful manner? That God squanders the gift of grace? Hmmmmmmm….
Perhaps the “wastefulness of God” can be viewed in the same way as an approach to the parable we usually call, “the Prodigal Son.” One approach ends up naming it as the story of the Prodigal God! The word, “prodigal” by first definition is, “recklessly extravagant” and can be attributed to the younger son in the parable as he goes about wasting his resources and his life. The second definition is, “one who spends or gives lavishly. This second definition fits more with who God is and what God does…offering us lavishly all that we need; lavishly, with reckless abandon, offering us God’s gifts…
For many of us this remains a difficult concept to wholeheartedly believe. Surely God doesn’t mean to shower everyone with blessings we don’t deserve—the obedient as well as the disobedient? How foolish! Surely God doesn’t shower everyone with God’s grace—the good as well as the bad? What a waste!
Which leaves me asking yet another question: Who are we to question God’s actions?
I for one am eternally grateful for the wastefulness of God…How ‘bout you?
Blessings, Joanne
“Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
www.CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org
PS. I would like you to consider reading The Shack as an “easy summer read” and get back to me as to whether you would like to explore the questions and answers that are presented in the story and wrestle with what YOU believe…I’ll check back with all of you in a few weeks and we’ll find a time to get together…one daytime and one evening time…
During the Commission on Ministry meeting earlier this month, one of the seminarians who appeared before us showed me a book he was reading and recommended. He had me when he said it was an easy read; emphasis on easy. :) That’s what I like especially in the summer. I’m sure some of you are already familiar with The Shack (Where tragedy confronts eternity) by William P. Young. I only lack a few pages until finishing it and have thoroughly enjoyed how the story brings the reader into a yet another approach to a relationship with God, spurred on by an encounter with personal tragedy.
The 6 year old daughter of the main character, Mack, was abducted while on a family camping trip and later found in an abandoned shack. “Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him to return to that same shack for a weekend…In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant, The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, “’Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?’” (from the back cover)
It’s important to note that this is a work of fiction—the author is not a theologian—and it’s not to be taken as gospel truth. But the story line raises many questions that beg the reader’s own answers--questions that deal with who God is; the nature and makeup of the Trinity (which isn’t even mentioned in scripture); good and evil; free will, etc. And anything that causes us to wrestle with what YOU and I each believe about our faith; anything that causes us to strengthen what YOU and I believe, can’t be all bad, right?
In the story line is an exchange that speaks to what I have come to believe about the nature of God and God’s grace; that God offers us the “wastefulness of grace…” Some of us might look at wastefulness as a bad thing…so what’s up with the idea of God’s grace being wasteful? Does this mean that God spends or uses the gift of grace in a less than careful manner? That God squanders the gift of grace? Hmmmmmmm….
Perhaps the “wastefulness of God” can be viewed in the same way as an approach to the parable we usually call, “the Prodigal Son.” One approach ends up naming it as the story of the Prodigal God! The word, “prodigal” by first definition is, “recklessly extravagant” and can be attributed to the younger son in the parable as he goes about wasting his resources and his life. The second definition is, “one who spends or gives lavishly. This second definition fits more with who God is and what God does…offering us lavishly all that we need; lavishly, with reckless abandon, offering us God’s gifts…
For many of us this remains a difficult concept to wholeheartedly believe. Surely God doesn’t mean to shower everyone with blessings we don’t deserve—the obedient as well as the disobedient? How foolish! Surely God doesn’t shower everyone with God’s grace—the good as well as the bad? What a waste!
Which leaves me asking yet another question: Who are we to question God’s actions?
I for one am eternally grateful for the wastefulness of God…How ‘bout you?
Blessings, Joanne
“Come, Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
www.CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org
PS. I would like you to consider reading The Shack as an “easy summer read” and get back to me as to whether you would like to explore the questions and answers that are presented in the story and wrestle with what YOU believe…I’ll check back with all of you in a few weeks and we’ll find a time to get together…one daytime and one evening time…
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