Joy in the Journey

I Almost Forgot How To Blog:( 04/14/2012

I can’t believe that it has been almost an entire year since I have posted on my blog. I am always amazed at how an effort begins with great joy and excitement, and then for some inexplicable reason begins to turn into work. This is even true, unfortunately, of labors of love like my blog.

Well, let me say that I plan to begin writing again. (That may either elicit a whoo hoo from you or an oh no, depending on your past experience reading my blog posts)  For some reason, I have always felt that taking some time, writing my thoughts down and sharing them with you has been good for my soul and I have very much missed that.

But, it isn’t like I have been sitting around idle. In reality this has been a very long and difficult year for us, arguably the most difficult year we have ever had. The challenges began last July when we lost Karen’s Mom and two weeks later my sister went into the hospital for emergency surgery and since that time, she has spent pretty much this entire past year in either a hospital or rehab center. As I am writing this, she is once again back in Intensive Care.

It has also been a year of joy, for after a nine year journey since being called into ministry, I will be ordained on June 9^th at the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church up in Indianapolis at the Indiana Convention Center. (I am pretty sure that I will have more to say about that)  :)

Anyway, I am looking forward to getting back in touch with you again and sharing with you the variety (if not strange diversity) of things that float through my head, all the while trying to remember not to take the journey  so seriously that we can’t stop and smell the flowers along the way.

Blessings

Maundy Thursday Meditation 04/21/2011

 Today is Maundy Thursday, the day that we commemorate Jesus’ last meeting with his disciples. This is the day that we reflect upon what it means to truly be a servant to our brothers and our sisters. We remember how Jesus washed the disciple’s feet and we think about how Peter was entirely repulsed by this idea, until Jesus said that “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me,” to which Peter responded, “not just my feet, but my hands and head as well.” Are we willing to serve as Jesus served? Are we willing to have our feet washed, or like Peter, does this idea repulse us? What does this mean for us today? Do we want our whole bodies washed clean like Peter, or would we rather pass?

We also think about and reflect upon the sharing of the bread and the cup. Has this simply become a meaningless ritual to us? What significance does it hold for us today? Through the centuries following Jesus’ death and resurrection, wars have been fought and countless lives have been lost over differing understandings of the meaning and significance of Holy Communion. But today, are we even willing to make the effort to leave our houses, miss a night of “American Idol” and go to church and remember the night that the Eucharist was instituted? I had one young boy at church who when offered the bread on Communion Sunday’s always grabbed a big chuck, much to the consternation of his mother, but for me, I love the symbolism of wanting all of Jesus that we can have. Maybe next time we should all take a big hunk of the bread, not only in Communion, but in our spiritual life as well.  Allow Jesus to consume your thoughts, your actions and your deeds. Perhaps we should all approach our spiritual life with the same zest that my young friend approaches Communion.

 This is also the day that we remember Jesus’ commandment to: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” In this world of corruption, greed and power, have we forgotten what it means to love one another? Are we willing to put someone else’s needs above our own, or are we too quick to judge them unworthy? Can people tell that you are a disciple of Christ by your love? I have always loved the song “We are One in the Spirit” And they’ll know we are Christians, By our love, by our love, Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love. It is my prayer that these words are true in your life.

 Another event that we remember today is Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” How often, do we pray for God’s will to be done? Oh we certainly pray those words in the Lords Prayer, but do we really mean what we are saying, or are we just repeating a series of memorized words. One of the difficult things for me is to simply turn my life over to Christ, to surrender everything, body mind and soul. On this most Holy of nights I encourage you to pray that God’s will be done in your life. In addition, I always add the prayer that God never allow me to get in the way of the plans that God has made. Allow me Lord to never become a stumbling block for others, but instead, always to be a stepping stone.

 And finally, today we remember that this was the day that Jesus was betrayed. One of my favorite songs was written by Michael Card titled simply “Why?” In that song he asks, “Why did it have to be a friend who chose to betray our Lord, and why did he use a kiss to show, that’s not what a kiss is for.” Only a friend can betray a friend a stranger has nothing to gain, and only a friend comes close enough to ever cause so much pain.” Have you been hurt by someone who was close to you? Christ understands your pain, for it was on this night that Jesus was betrayed by one that he loved with a kiss. Are we guilty of betraying Christ as well?

 Take the time this evening to go to church. Find a worship service in your area and spend the time necessary to answer these questions in your life and to remember the sacrifice that was made for us. I will be praying for you today! God’s blessings and peace be with each of you on this Holy Day!

 Blessings

Susie’s Eyes 03/22/2011

Sunday night at Fountain United Methodist Church was a truly awesome experience.  We had the opportunity to hear one of my favorite gospel groups, “Hearts of Faith” These two sisters, Brenda and Donna, have been singing together their whole lives and their commitment to sharing their faith is remarkable.

This song, “Susie’s Eyes,” is one of the most beautiful songs that I have ever heard. What a different world it would be if we could all see the world through Susie’s eyes:)

End of Times, Zombies and Such… 03/18/2011

I have just got to ask a question, am I the only one who is feeling a little bit apocalyptic right now?  I guess by that I mean that world events seem to be changing faster than ever and in some ways, even spiraling so out of control that I have been almost tempted to start storing up water and food. I was especially concerned about establishing a stock pile of sweet tea, but since I can’t have any until Easter, I am probably safe on that one:)  (I always hoard peanut butter, so I am in good shape there as well)

As I think about where these feelings are coming from, it may be due to some of the media that I have been reading and watching lately. A couple of my most recent books were Stephen King’s “The Stand,” which is all about a virus that kills off almost everyone, then I read “Under the Dome” (also by Stephen King) that describes a small town’s destruction after it is cut off from the world. So perhaps it could be my choice of books.

I suppose that it could also be the fact that I recently watched the entire first season of the new TV drama “The Walking Dead” which is all about what happens in a post-apocalyptic world where zombies rule.

But then the other night we went to see “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Derby Dinner Playhouse, (I should be safe there shouldn’t I?) And oh my, that was nothing what I thought it would be. There were black booted storm troopers, disciples carrying AK-47 assault rifles, and riots in the streets. Thank goodness that was just on stage right?

But when you turn on the news, there are tsunamis, earthquakes, nuclear meltdowns, insurrections and riots. (Well, at least that is halfway around the world)

But then again, there are protests in Wisconsin, Ohio and right here in Indiana. Legislators are fleeing their states (and I don’t care which side of the political spectrum you are on, that seems to be a dangerous precedent to set)

Then yesterday I saw the trailer for the movie “Battle Los Angeles,” and of course I immediately told Karen, “Hey that looks like a movie that I would like to see!!”  What was I thinking!

Now normally, I would offer you a little scripture about not worrying, or not letting your hearts be troubled, but then I started thinking that there is also the story of Noah and the flood and that pesky Book of Revelation to be concerned about! So, I think before I start building a fallout/bomb/keep the zombies out shelter, I will just go have a nice lunch at the Overlook Restaurant in Leavenworth, IN. (Mmmmm) Then I will contemplate this more over a big piece of their wonderful chocolate cake, followed by a nice late winter, early spring walk through O’Bannon Woods State Park. If I am still in this same mood later on, maybe I’ll ask the trustees if they think we should add machine gun turrets to the parsonage:)

Blessings:)

I Know the Bible is Right… 03/16/2011

Yesterday I lifted up a song titled,  “I Know the Bible is Right… and Somebody’s Wrong.” As I mentioned yesterday, I love this song. I first heard it in Homiletics class in seminary (as an example of theology we might not want to preach from the pulpit) But you have just got to love the words. “I said it once… I said it twice… you can’t get to heaven with a sweetheart and a wife…I know the Bible is Right!!!

 I love to watch the people! What do you think would happen if this much excitement broke out in one of our worship services?

Enjoy the video!!!

 Blessings

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled… 03/15/2011

I was at a meeting recently with a group of pastors and the question was asked, “Where do we find God in the tragedy in Japan?” The views offered by the group were certainly diverse, ranging from God allowed the tragedy, to the potential that God had a hand in causing the tragedy for God’s own purpose, to this was simply an example of Gods wonder, awe and creation that we really can’t necessarily understand.

 Then, this morning, I woke up to another pastor on Facebook totally condemning as garbage, Glen Beck, (not necessarily one of my favorite people) who on his television program seemed to lift up the possibility that God’s hand was in the destruction for some reason, and that essentially we should understand the experience as a wakeup call, because the road ahead was going to get bumpy.

So this morning, I want to share a couple of things I have learned about this God that we worship. Let me first share with you that since I began my first fledgling steps on my journey in ministry, I have been exposed to hundreds of differing views of God, ranging from those who believe God to be a wrathful, even vengeful God, to those who believe in Universal Salvation (the idea that everyone is saved and there is no final judgment) The interesting thing is that these views are all found right within the members and clergy of the United Methodist Church.

 The first thing that I try not to do is be judgmental of those who hold a different belief than I do. There is an old song that says, “I know the Bible is right… and somebody’s wrong…”  (I love the song by the way) But I don’t necessarily love the theology behind it. It implies that one person or one groups view and interpretation of scriptures is prescriptive for all, and I have found that just isn’t true. For instance, in the United Methodist Church we hold the view that women are not only blessed by God, but that they should be ordained as Elders and Deacons. This is one of the wonderful things that make me proud to be a United Methodist. But, as many of our female clergy will share with you, they often face real discrimination and challenges in their communities and at times even within their own churches by those who hold the belief that “Women should remain silent in church.”

 The God that I serve is a God of Love. I must admit that I cling to Bishop Woodie White’s theology that “God is good all the time…and all the time, God is good.” This understanding of God is one of the cornerstones of my faith. When I am asked to find God in the tragedy in Japan, I look to see where there is good in the face of tragedy.

I see God in the face of the rescuers who are willing to risk their own lives to help people that they don’t even know. I see God, in the concern and compassion of the response from around the world, letting these people know that they are not alone. I see God in the hope that a kind word or a cup of cool water can bring even in a situation filled with total devastation.

 Tragedies happen, including earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, hurricanes, accidents…   But no matter what happens, God will give the strength to carry on… no matter what tragedy befalls, God will walk with us and see us through, and yes, if necessary God will even carry us.

 You know, I am afraid that Glen Back was probably right, the road ahead is going to be bumpy. Cling to Jesus with all of your might and remember these words…

Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me… My peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid”

 Blessings

Temptation…Temptation… 03/11/2011

“Oh my dear sweet tea, it has only been three days and I already miss you!!!”  I think that it is so very appropriate that the Gospel Reading for this Sunday is the “Temptation of Jesus.” I can’t tell you how many times in the past three days I have been asked which beverage I would like and “Sweet Tea” almost slipped out of my lips. Now, I realize that my temptation is nothing compared to turning stones into bread if I were starving, or being offered all of the kingdoms of the world, but I must admit that it does require a moment of sober and reflective thought about what I am doing and why I am doing it. (I think perhaps that is the entire point of a fast:)

In the past few days I really have enjoyed talking to people about what they have (or have not) given up for Lent. It has given me an opportunity to have a wonderful conversation with the teller of my bank branch, family and church members and even a woman standing in the checkout line at Walmart. Any opportunity that we have to share our faith and our experience with this Jesus is a wonderful thing.

So, with that said, I hope that your Lenten season is going well so far, and that your temptations are not so great that, with God’s help, you can overcome them.

 I also pray that during this Holy season of Lent, you continue to find peace and joy in your journey!

Blessings

If It’s Ash Wednesday… It Must Be Lent!! 03/08/2011

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and together we begin our Journey through the season of Lent. I wish that I could say that I looked forward to Lent with great anticipation each year, but unfortunately, that just has never been the case.  The first challenge that I face with Lent is the music. Lenten music tends to be very somber, contemplative and sullen, with much of it written in minor keys. As someone who loves a little more spirited tempo in music, this can be a real challenge. Besides, I prefer Christmas music! I tend to keep at least a couple of Christmas songs on my mp3 player all year-long (It’s funny, I don’t recall having a single Lenten song on there at all)

The next challenge is the fact that Lent is a season steeped in reflection, fasting, contemplation and meditation… not that any of these things are bad, but I tend to do each of these a great deal anyway as a part of my personality. (not the fasting part) I have been told way too many times that I think too much. (Which can either be good or bad, I suppose… I’m really not sure if it is meant as a compliment or insult?) However, there is no doubt that it helps me a great deal in my role as a pastor.

Another aspect of this season that is challenging for me is the idea of giving something up for Lent. I must admit that I have always struggled with this. In a way, it is a little bit like making a New Years resolutions, if I don’t make them, then I won’t break them. The main thing that concerns me is that when I make a promise to give something up for Lent, I am making the promise to God, and not just to myself. (Talk about added pressure!!!) But, when I listen to the young children in my congregations share that they are giving up candy and soft drinks (and really meaning it) I am a bit embarrassed, and tend to look up to God and say…”I know, I know, I am the one who is supposed to be setting the example, not a seven-year old!”

So with these thoughts in mind, and Lent beginning tomorrow, I have decided to give up my favorite beverage on the earth… “Sweet Tea!” Mmmm, just the sound of those words begins a sugar rush flowing through my body. Oh and to make matters worse, Corydon is without a doubt the Sweet Tea Capital of Indiana. (It may even be the Sweet Tea Capital of the North!)  GOD GIVE ME STRENGTH!!!

But with God’s help, I will make it through another journey through Lent. I will survive the music that reminds me of a funeral dirge. I will try not to contemplate too much, at least not much more than normal, and I will make every attempt not to let the little ones put me to shame, by honoring my Lenten fast.

I realize that I haven’t exactly painted a beautiful picture of Lent, and perhaps there is a good reason for that. The road to Jerusalem is long and difficult. It is a journey fraught with challenge, peril and even death. We travel together along this path every year, hoping to learn more about ourselves, seeking to draw closer to God, and praying that we draw closer to each other.

May your journey be insightful, memorable and blessed!

Blessings

“What A Day That Will Be!” 03/05/2011

“What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see, and I look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand, and leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be.”

I just love that old song! Well, I guess it really isn’t THAT old, it was written in 1955 which was only four years before I was born, so let me rephrase that… I love that song that is in the prime of its life Well, that’s my story anyway!

So, when I woke up this morning, those were the words that were on my mind. And I have to admit that the first conscious thought after I realized what I was humming was… “Well, that may be all great and wonderful for that day, but in the meantime, there is way too much work to get done!!!”

Do you ever get stressed! Do you ever feel almost to the point that you are just keeping your nose above water? I certainly do sometimes, and as I look ahead and realize that this Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the day which heralds the beginning of the busy Lenten season, I realize that those stress levels will only tend to increase over the weeks to come.

The challenge we all face is to realize what we are doing and who we are doing it for. The stress levels always seem to increase when we think that we are on our own. We tend to get overwhelmed when we don’t stop and take the time necessary to recharge our batteries and reconnect to the source. When I think about Jesus’ ministry, I often think about the times that we find Him going off alone to pray. I think about the times that He went to a solitary place or up on a mountain to get away from the stress of his ministry, to pray and reconnect to His Father.

This Sunday is “Transfiguration Sunday,”  or the day that Jesus took Peter, James and John and went up to a mountaintop, away from the world below, for a short time of rest and from that experience we are able to catch just a momentary glimpse of the peace and heavenly glory that awaits each of us.

We all need those times away to reconnect and recharge, because there is work for God’s Kingdom to be done. God has a plan for each of us, and we each need to be our best in order to do what it is that God is calling us to do.

My friends, take time each day to pray! Take time to study the scriptures. Take time to reconnect and recharge your batteries that tend to drain down so quickly in the hustle and bustle of our crazy world.

If you do, you could find that like Peter, James and John, you might just catch a glimpse of the glory that awaits. And indeed, “What a Day, glorious day that will be…”

Blessings

Joy, Laughter, Tears and Love… 02/28/2011

Sunday was a day filled with blessings! It was one of those days that truly confirms that God has not only called me into ministry, but also equips me as well. It all began with worship Sunday morning. Both church services seemed to overflow with a sense of vitality and joy, which could be because both churches were preparing for large afternoon celebrations. Oak Grove was celebrating the 90th birthday of Mildred Craig a life long member of the church and Fountain was preparing to celebrate the 50th Wedding Anniversary and Renewal of Vows for Billy and Bonnie McCollum also lifelong members. Of course, from a pastoral perspective, wouldn’t you know it that these two historic events would be scheduled at almost the same time! (so goes the life of a pastor)

As I was on my way to Mildred’s birthday party, under a bit of a time constraint, I suddenly became painfully aware that the directions that I had received to the Senior Citizens Center, where the event was to be held, were, shall we say, in error. I stopped and asked an older man coming out of a local market if he knew the area, which he responded that he had lived here his entire life. When I asked him about the Senior Center, he said, “Isn’t that the place up on the hill? No, wait a minute, isn’t it down one of these streets? Or, is that the one that is out there by Walmart?” Oh my, I thought, he’s lived here his entire life and he’s asking me????

About the time I was figuring out that I would have to go to plan B, even though I had no idea what plan B was, a van pulled up and rolled down its window. “Are you lost?” Thank goodness, it was one of my parishioners. “Yes I’m afraid so!” I sheepishly responded. “Well, you’re in luck,”  he said, “you can follow me.” I have to admit, that God is really good to me. (much better than I deserve) What seemed to be heading towards a certain disaster, quickly became a great victory. I was able to arrive at the Birthday party and spend time with Mildred and her family before needing to leave for the Renewal of Vows service at Fountain.

As I reflect on the Renewal of Vows service and party at Fountain, I must say that they were truly memorable. There were so many in attendance, around 200, that we had to move chairs into the sanctuary, which is a first for me. The music, which was beautiful, was highlighted by a lady who also sang for the couple 50 years ago. Everything about the celebration seemed to go perfectly, including God weighing in on the festivities. The moment I pronounced them husband and wife again… a loud clap of thunder echoed through the valley. I took that as God voicing approval.

Sunday was filled with joy, laughter, tears and love. I don’t think that life (or ministry) gets any better than that.

Blessings