Becoming a Hoy People

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Becoming a Holy People

Our Presbyterian Women's Bible Study this year is An Abiding Hope.  Last month's lesson was on 

"Becoming a Holy People".

Exodus 19: 3-6  Matthew 22: 34-40

The "key idea" was "In the covenant relationship, God offers us abundant blessings.  We honor this covenant through the choices we make each day."  The study concluded with a story about a Jewish gentleman who was questioned about his kosher eating habits. "I am free to eat anything.  I choose to eat only that which declares my loyalty to God."



We discussed what we do or have which declares our loyalty to God.   One person suggested wearing a cross is a daily reminder.  Another said she listens to Chuck Swindoll on the radio each morning on her way to work which is a great way to start her day.

Several responded that reading  a daily devotional like the Upper Room, prepares them for the day.  My mother and sister used to read the Upper Room together at the same time each morning in Dallas and St. Louis.  They didn't Skype and didn't use the phone.  It was just something they did in their own homes across the miles which brought them closer to each other and to God.

 I have a towel that hangs in my laundry room which I see every day as I go in and out the door to remind me that I am God's servant.  This was given to me many years ago when I became an elder at St. Mark as a reminder to serve.  Although I am no longer on session, it was a covenant that I still take seriously.

My daughter has another idea that I love.  She takes a photo on Instagram of three things each day that she is thankful for. #ldwthankful2014.  With that hashtag (#), she can see all of the photos she has posted for the entire year. Read her explanation---Click here.  By the end of the year, she will have 1000 things she is thankful for.

What do you do every day or during Lent to remind you of your covenant with God?

Holy God, we thank you for the amazing grace that makes us treasured in your eyes.  Help us to continue to grow into the people you would have us be---a covenant community dedicated to you and you alone.  Kindle such love in our hearts that all our choices may declare our devotion to you, especially as we reach out to those around us who have come to our area out of necessity and perhaps unwillingly.  May they discover your love and care through all who seek to help them.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Thin Places

 

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Thin Places

A few days ago, V. Sherman posted on Facebook "Just about to load the car to go to the sand dunes at a place that I think of as a 'thin place'. "  

She also included a link to an article about "thin places" from the New York times (Click here).  The first time I had heard of "thin places" was when Kim Skilling gave a series at St. Mark Presbyterian's Midweek on Celtic influences on Christianity called " Beneath the Celtic Cross of Jesus" where she talked of Iona (one of the "thin places" mentioned in the article).   I always thought there was maybe a list of "thin places"---it never occurred to me that they could be personal and maybe not be places recognized by the spiritual community as being "thin".  Reading the article and V's comment about the sand dunes, it didn't take me long to realize where my "thin place" is.

I had just said last weekend, I must visit Shaw's Garden (Missouri Botanical Garden) several times a year to feel restored.  When friends post on Facebook that they are there, I feel a tugging in my heart.  I always thought it was because I grew up near there:  it was where my family including grandparents went every Sunday after church.  Even when we moved to North County, I found myself drawn there.  Just this year, I posted on Facebook a photo of nothing special at the Garden, but commented, "I am in Heaven."  I even told my daughter, "If your dad and I renew our vows at 50 years, this is where I want the ceremony."  

I am very fortunate that my "thin place" is close and not several hundred miles away like V's is. Where is your "thin place", where you feel Heaven is close to earth, where you feel your soul soaring, where you feel complete, restored, alive?

Never too Old

 

Will I ever be too old to dream. . . .

too old to wonder what could be,

what tomorrow will bring.

My body may ache 

I may move more slowly

but my heart is still growing 

although sometimes it misses a beat.

Despite cataracts, my eyes see clearly

To see those who need a touch, a whisper,

a laugh

I’m not too old to dance

mostly in a chair not taking a chance. . . 

But moving my body to the music

takes me back when these feet 

could dance all night long.

I’m not too old to sing

perhaps at a lower tone

but I’m still singing.

I’d rather sing a little off key, reaching for notes

than to just listen to music.

My body may have a few pounds but it can still

Move to the sounds.

My balance sometimes falters but 

I’d rather dance with a walker

or in a chair

than to never dance at all.

I’d rather dream and hope, rather than

be in  a  television trance:

seeing the world in black and white.

I’d rather touch and be touched, 

laughing with friends,

than to be cozy and comfy on my couch.  . .

alone.

I’m still dreaming

growing

seeing

dancing

singing

Jesus Drives Out Impure Spirit

 

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit

Luke 4:31-37 New International Version (NIV) 

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit 

31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. 

33 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34 “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 

35 “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. 

36 All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” 37 And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. 

My husband has cancer.  To see the PET scan showing the mass in the middle of his chest and the other places it had spread was a frightening experience.  A PET scan looks a little like an X-ray excepting where there is cancer.  If cancer is present, it lights up with an almost blinding light---it’s as if some alien creature has somehow managed to be introduced into his body and is replicating. 

There was never any discussion between us on what needed to be done.  Dave just said, “Get it out of there—start chemo as soon as possible.”  There is comfort in the words, “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.”  

Dave is now half-way through the chemo process.  Chemo is a very mixed blessing.  It is part demon and part miracle.  While it is certainly doing the job of ridding him of cancer, his body is being thrown down in the process.  It remains to be seen if cancer will “come out without injuring him”. 

He has been fortunate that he hasn’t been nauseous yet.  Nor has he had trouble sleeping with night sweats. The hair loss is annoying but tolerable.  Mostly he has been affected by extreme fatigue accompanied by intestinal issues.   

It's Spring now and we are mentally ready to get out to the Botanical Garden, travel to our daughters’ homes, but I’m reminded of Jesus’ words, “’Be quiet,’ Jesus said sternly.” Let the miracles of chemo work---don’t rush it. His body is weak.  Be quiet.   Let the healing happen.

Dear God, We need to remember whatever we are struggling with, we have Jesus by our side to help us. Please give us patience, strength and faith as we fight our battles. When we become impatient with the pace of change, remind us to "Be Quiet" and let God help.  Amen

PET scan images are from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PET-CT

Jaclyn Morgan

Dreamin'

On sunny snowy days, 

I do still dream of skiing down a snow-covered hill

Breathing in the cold air and 

basking in the warmth of the sun.

I can’t ski anymore and even worry about walking in the snow,

but I’m not too old to sit outside on a sunny day.

With snow all around me

and my breath

unfurling in the frigid air.

My memories keep me warm

on this chilly January day.

The drive to ski slopes

over-dressed for the chill 

of waiting in a lift line

was all worth it.

With my first breath of air at the top of a mountain. . . 

and the “Schuss” down a hill.. .

flying

soaring throught the snow.

Then I zig-zag across the slope

not to go slowly

but for the run 

to last longer.

I also dream of dancing with my love in a ballroom

Dipping and gliding to an orchestra playing a walz

A final spin into his arms, eyes locked. . . .

Sitting at a cloth covered table with candles

drinking wine 

while holding hands. . 

Not talking, just absorbing the magic.

Don’t tell me I get no benefit from memories.

Memories allow me to relive magical moments

of my life. 

And, they remind me

there are more memories to be made,

if I reach out and take a chance.

And, it’s all right for me to just sit in the sun

or 

in a chair for a dance. . . 

remembering