A Story
Read: Psalm 121:1-8
It is time for the young Cherokee Indian boy to participate in one of the most important rites of his tribe.
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolded, and leaves him all alone. The youth is required to sit on a stump the whole night, and not to take off the blindfold until the rays of the sun shine through it the next morning.
He is all by himself. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he becomes a man.
He cannot tell any of the younger boys anything about this experience, for each boy must come into his own manhood.
The boy is terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises!! Wild beasts are all around him.
His imagination stirs up wild sights and sounds! There may even be some humans who are there to hurt him.
The wind blows the grass and stirs the earth and seems to shake the stump where he sits. Still, he sits still, very still, never removing the blindfold, for this is the only way he can become a man.
Finally, after a horrific night, the sun has appeared and he removes his blindfold. It is only then that he sees his father, sitting on the stump next to him, where he has been watching over him the whole long night.
Anonymous
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
March 30, 2011
Central to Life
Read: Psalm 100:1-5
This winter I am continuing a class I started in the Fall regarding the history of western music. Right now we are just finishing up Beethoven and about to start the Romantic Period. Last September one of the first things our teacher told us was that the history of western music is pretty much the history of Christian church music at least up to the Renaissance. Even after this time, enormous amounts of Christian church music was written especially after the Reformation and the evolution of protestant music .
In the Middle Ages the church was the center for learning and the music composed during that time for the church such as the Gregorian chants was written down and is therefore available to us today. A lot of secular music was not written down so there is not historical record for us to refer to. After the Reformation Martin Luther wrote some of the first protestant hymns to get the congregation involved in the worship service. Members of the congregations were not to be merely on lookers but active participants.
What has struck me in this class is how central the church was for people in these time periods. It is true that with the Renaissance and after, people started questioning religious faith and the church. Martin Luther, of course, was a major player in the scrutiny and criticism of the church. Furthermore people valued reason over faith and the position of the church in the lives Christians shifted, but the church still had a huge influence in the daily lives of a lot of Europeans.
I am not suggesting that we return to the Middle Ages and these other time periods with the Inquisitions, burning of witches, the Crusades, the 30 Years Wars, and antisemitism just to name a few of the travesties that have haunted the Christian church since these times. But Lent in particular is a time to return our focus to what our faith means to us and what a difference it can make in our lives and the lives of those we come in contact with.
Vivian Anderson
Read: Psalm 100:1-5
This winter I am continuing a class I started in the Fall regarding the history of western music. Right now we are just finishing up Beethoven and about to start the Romantic Period. Last September one of the first things our teacher told us was that the history of western music is pretty much the history of Christian church music at least up to the Renaissance. Even after this time, enormous amounts of Christian church music was written especially after the Reformation and the evolution of protestant music .
In the Middle Ages the church was the center for learning and the music composed during that time for the church such as the Gregorian chants was written down and is therefore available to us today. A lot of secular music was not written down so there is not historical record for us to refer to. After the Reformation Martin Luther wrote some of the first protestant hymns to get the congregation involved in the worship service. Members of the congregations were not to be merely on lookers but active participants.
What has struck me in this class is how central the church was for people in these time periods. It is true that with the Renaissance and after, people started questioning religious faith and the church. Martin Luther, of course, was a major player in the scrutiny and criticism of the church. Furthermore people valued reason over faith and the position of the church in the lives Christians shifted, but the church still had a huge influence in the daily lives of a lot of Europeans.
I am not suggesting that we return to the Middle Ages and these other time periods with the Inquisitions, burning of witches, the Crusades, the 30 Years Wars, and antisemitism just to name a few of the travesties that have haunted the Christian church since these times. But Lent in particular is a time to return our focus to what our faith means to us and what a difference it can make in our lives and the lives of those we come in contact with.
Vivian Anderson
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
March 29, 2011
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU
Read: 2 Corinthians 1: 1-5
One night when I was lying awake in my bed I heard footsteps from above me in more than one place at a time. Knowing that only my sister slept upstairs I assumed my dog was up there with her, but just seconds later I heard him outside my door.
I felt so scared that burglars were upstairs, I started to pray. Once I said Amen, I truly felt comforted… I really felt as though God was right there in my room with me.
I slept soundly that night.
Prayer: Thank you God for always being there to protect us. Amen.
By: Faith Rumpp
Read: 2 Corinthians 1: 1-5
One night when I was lying awake in my bed I heard footsteps from above me in more than one place at a time. Knowing that only my sister slept upstairs I assumed my dog was up there with her, but just seconds later I heard him outside my door.
I felt so scared that burglars were upstairs, I started to pray. Once I said Amen, I truly felt comforted… I really felt as though God was right there in my room with me.
I slept soundly that night.
Prayer: Thank you God for always being there to protect us. Amen.
By: Faith Rumpp
Monday, March 28, 2011
March 28, 2011
Giving Thanks Always
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28
I saw a beautiful sunset the other day. The clouds were afire with red, orange, and pink against the deepening blue of the sky.
I said to myself, “that is gorgeous.”
I was having dinner at home one night the other week. The salad was great – mixed greens, tomatoes, pine nuts, all that good stuff. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was just right.
I said to myself, “this is delicious.”
I took my son’s artwork and put it on the refrigerator door (where else?). The colours were vibrant, the energy of his painting made me smile just to look at it.
I said to myself, “that’s a great picture.”
Each of those scenes is easy to imagine, but they just don’t quite ring true.
• Putting Christian’s picture on the fridge, I should have told him how nice I thought it was, not myself.
• Eating the food Heidi had made, I should have told her how delicious it was, not myself.
• Seeing that sunset, I should have told God how beautiful it was, not myself.
When we’re with people we love, we want to tell them how much we love them. We want to thank them for what they’ve done for us. We want to be in conversation with them.
That sunset image is my gateway to a revived prayer life. After all, I’m always in the presence of God, so why am I not talking with Him? He wants us to know Him, just as He already knows us, and what’s better than a good chat to really get to know someone?
Prayer: Father, keep us always aware of your presence, and help us to remember that you’re always more ready to hear us than we are to talk or pray. Give us an awareness of your listening presence, so that we’ll be more ready to chat with you – all the time. Amen.
Charlie van Becelaere
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28
I saw a beautiful sunset the other day. The clouds were afire with red, orange, and pink against the deepening blue of the sky.
I said to myself, “that is gorgeous.”
I was having dinner at home one night the other week. The salad was great – mixed greens, tomatoes, pine nuts, all that good stuff. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was just right.
I said to myself, “this is delicious.”
I took my son’s artwork and put it on the refrigerator door (where else?). The colours were vibrant, the energy of his painting made me smile just to look at it.
I said to myself, “that’s a great picture.”
Each of those scenes is easy to imagine, but they just don’t quite ring true.
• Putting Christian’s picture on the fridge, I should have told him how nice I thought it was, not myself.
• Eating the food Heidi had made, I should have told her how delicious it was, not myself.
• Seeing that sunset, I should have told God how beautiful it was, not myself.
When we’re with people we love, we want to tell them how much we love them. We want to thank them for what they’ve done for us. We want to be in conversation with them.
That sunset image is my gateway to a revived prayer life. After all, I’m always in the presence of God, so why am I not talking with Him? He wants us to know Him, just as He already knows us, and what’s better than a good chat to really get to know someone?
Prayer: Father, keep us always aware of your presence, and help us to remember that you’re always more ready to hear us than we are to talk or pray. Give us an awareness of your listening presence, so that we’ll be more ready to chat with you – all the time. Amen.
Charlie van Becelaere
Sunday, March 27, 2011
March 27, 2011
O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
O, for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad
the honors of thy name.
Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life, and health, and peace.
He breaks the power of canceled sin,
he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean;
his blood availed for me.
He speaks, and listening to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.
Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
ye blind, behold your savior come,
and leap, ye lame, for joy.
In Christ, your head, you then shall know,
shall feel your sins forgiven;
anticipate your heaven below,
and own that love is heaven.
Charles Wesley
O, for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad
the honors of thy name.
Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life, and health, and peace.
He breaks the power of canceled sin,
he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean;
his blood availed for me.
He speaks, and listening to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.
Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
ye blind, behold your savior come,
and leap, ye lame, for joy.
In Christ, your head, you then shall know,
shall feel your sins forgiven;
anticipate your heaven below,
and own that love is heaven.
Charles Wesley
Saturday, March 26, 2011
March 26, 2011
Small Things
Read: 1 Kings 19:9-13
I struggled to find some inspiring event to write about for the 2011 Lenten devotions. I tried to remember some major, impressive thing that I’ve experienced this year. Then, in January, Charlie made a request for devotions, emphasizing that devotions are about how God has touched us, even in small ways. Those small things tend to be forgotten because they are, well, small, but something happened to me in early February that made me stop and think.
Part of my daily prayers is to ask for the wisdom and strength to help care for my 90-plus year old aunt in a way that’s best for her. I also ask God to keep all members of my family safe and healthy.
On this particular day I had an appointment. I planned to drop by to see my aunt on my way home. I left my appointment and, as I got in my car, I thought again about stopping to see my aunt. I planned to do it. I meant to do it. I even wanted to do it. I drove out of the parking lot and promptly made a turn that would take me home without driving past my aunt’s place.
As I pulled into my driveway I slapped myself on the forehead, kind of Homer Simpson-like, and told myself I had forgotten all about seeing my aunt. With the price of gas I hate to backtrack but I figured I’d go into my house, grab a cup of coffee, then go back to see her.
When I walked into the house Lynn was quickly getting ready to leave. It was somewhat earlier than she would normally be on the move if she wasn’t going to work. She called to me, told me our granddaughter Anna was sick, and asked me if I could go pick her up from day care so she could make it to her pediatrician’s office for a rapidly approaching, suddenly made appointment.
All’s well that ends well. Anna got to the doctor on time and I got to see my aunt but I wonder why that chain of events occurred the way it did. If I had stopped to see my aunt first, I would not have made it home in time to get Anna from day care. If, upon my arrival at home, I had immediately pulled out of the driveway to go see my aunt instead of deciding I needed to fortify myself with a cup of coffee, I would have left Lynn with no help in getting Anna to the doctor. Instead, everything happened in the right order so that the most immediate need was met.
Does God move me like a chess piece, controlling my every action during the day? I don’t believe so but I do believe he provides a nudge in the right direction once in a while and I believe he got me to where I needed to be on that morning.
Fred Van de Putte
Read: 1 Kings 19:9-13
I struggled to find some inspiring event to write about for the 2011 Lenten devotions. I tried to remember some major, impressive thing that I’ve experienced this year. Then, in January, Charlie made a request for devotions, emphasizing that devotions are about how God has touched us, even in small ways. Those small things tend to be forgotten because they are, well, small, but something happened to me in early February that made me stop and think.
Part of my daily prayers is to ask for the wisdom and strength to help care for my 90-plus year old aunt in a way that’s best for her. I also ask God to keep all members of my family safe and healthy.
On this particular day I had an appointment. I planned to drop by to see my aunt on my way home. I left my appointment and, as I got in my car, I thought again about stopping to see my aunt. I planned to do it. I meant to do it. I even wanted to do it. I drove out of the parking lot and promptly made a turn that would take me home without driving past my aunt’s place.
As I pulled into my driveway I slapped myself on the forehead, kind of Homer Simpson-like, and told myself I had forgotten all about seeing my aunt. With the price of gas I hate to backtrack but I figured I’d go into my house, grab a cup of coffee, then go back to see her.
When I walked into the house Lynn was quickly getting ready to leave. It was somewhat earlier than she would normally be on the move if she wasn’t going to work. She called to me, told me our granddaughter Anna was sick, and asked me if I could go pick her up from day care so she could make it to her pediatrician’s office for a rapidly approaching, suddenly made appointment.
All’s well that ends well. Anna got to the doctor on time and I got to see my aunt but I wonder why that chain of events occurred the way it did. If I had stopped to see my aunt first, I would not have made it home in time to get Anna from day care. If, upon my arrival at home, I had immediately pulled out of the driveway to go see my aunt instead of deciding I needed to fortify myself with a cup of coffee, I would have left Lynn with no help in getting Anna to the doctor. Instead, everything happened in the right order so that the most immediate need was met.
Does God move me like a chess piece, controlling my every action during the day? I don’t believe so but I do believe he provides a nudge in the right direction once in a while and I believe he got me to where I needed to be on that morning.
Fred Van de Putte
Friday, March 25, 2011
March 25, 2011
Attitudes
Read: Matthew 6:25-34
Back in 2005 I wrote a devotion about starting each day with a positive attitude. I included a chart with options for an attitude for the day.
The chart was
I am amending the chart to move 100% below the line. It does not do the job because it could mean 100% of a whole lot of conditions. Anyone can have a bad attitude and I hope nobody wants to be 100% grumpy.
Each day you choose your outlook because you are in charge. You are responsible for your own joy and happiness. Once you have chosen an outlook for the day, it is important that you share it. You need to notify your face so others will know and can share in your good mood and positive outlook. Starting the day in a positive frame of mind can improve the outlook of others. You don't lift the spirits of others by sending the signal “get out of my way or someone may get hurt.”
It doesn't matter what yesterday was, today is a new beginning. What's past is past, and it's time to forget and look forward to all of God's blessings.
Sharing joy and happiness is infectious. Once you have lifted the spirits of another, that makes two of you doing the work of making the day better. There are always people who are fun to be around because they are uplifting. It's easy to be one of those. Just be one of them!
Jack Van Becelaere
Read: Matthew 6:25-34
Back in 2005 I wrote a devotion about starting each day with a positive attitude. I included a chart with options for an attitude for the day.
The chart was
- Stellar
- Superb
- Marvelous
- Great or Outstanding
- 100%
I am amending the chart to move 100% below the line. It does not do the job because it could mean 100% of a whole lot of conditions. Anyone can have a bad attitude and I hope nobody wants to be 100% grumpy.
Each day you choose your outlook because you are in charge. You are responsible for your own joy and happiness. Once you have chosen an outlook for the day, it is important that you share it. You need to notify your face so others will know and can share in your good mood and positive outlook. Starting the day in a positive frame of mind can improve the outlook of others. You don't lift the spirits of others by sending the signal “get out of my way or someone may get hurt.”
It doesn't matter what yesterday was, today is a new beginning. What's past is past, and it's time to forget and look forward to all of God's blessings.
Sharing joy and happiness is infectious. Once you have lifted the spirits of another, that makes two of you doing the work of making the day better. There are always people who are fun to be around because they are uplifting. It's easy to be one of those. Just be one of them!
Jack Van Becelaere
Thursday, March 24, 2011
March 24, 2011
An Example of Youth living their Faith
Read: 1 Timothy 4:12
At the church we attend in Florida we witnessed an excellent example of youth participation in church life. As is the case in many churches today, the budget was running a deficit. About six weeks ago at the Sunday service the minister announced he had gotten a call from three brothers with an idea to help reduce the deficit.
The boys, ages 11,12 and 14, are from Canada and are only in Florida for four months in the winter. At their family farm in Canada, the boys tap their maple trees and produce their own maple syrup. Their idea was to take the years production of syrup and sell it at church after the Sunday services. They would then donate one-half of the money raised toward the church deficit. They hoped to raise $500 for the church.
The offer was so well received that not only did people at church purchase syrup, but because of exposure over the church web-site, many dollars were received from internet donations.
Last Sunday the boys presented a check for $3,075. A great example of young people living their faith.
Sara and Jack Wooton
Read: 1 Timothy 4:12
At the church we attend in Florida we witnessed an excellent example of youth participation in church life. As is the case in many churches today, the budget was running a deficit. About six weeks ago at the Sunday service the minister announced he had gotten a call from three brothers with an idea to help reduce the deficit.
The boys, ages 11,12 and 14, are from Canada and are only in Florida for four months in the winter. At their family farm in Canada, the boys tap their maple trees and produce their own maple syrup. Their idea was to take the years production of syrup and sell it at church after the Sunday services. They would then donate one-half of the money raised toward the church deficit. They hoped to raise $500 for the church.
The offer was so well received that not only did people at church purchase syrup, but because of exposure over the church web-site, many dollars were received from internet donations.
Last Sunday the boys presented a check for $3,075. A great example of young people living their faith.
Sara and Jack Wooton
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
March 23, 2011
A Challenge or an Adventure
Read: Psalm 119:97-105
“When God closes a door, he opens a window.”
That thought lingers in my mind very often, especially after August of 2001 when our only daughter died during childbirth. I wrote about it in our Lenten Devotions Booklet a couple of years ago.
Approximately fifteen years ago, I went through a period wondering why I was on this earth...... What was I doing to contribute positively to everyday life and to the future? What was I doing to make this a better world to live in? What was I going to do in my retirement? And, in the scheme of things, did I really matter?
I have come to learn through these past 15 years or so, that I really do matter. That with God’s guidance and help, anything is possible. I may not like that anything is possible, but it is true. We only need to pray for his guidance and he is there to help all of us, including me.
The year of 2010 has been a constant challenge for our family. We struggle with chronic progressive illnesses. Remember the movie entitled, “Pay It Forward and Back.” I can relate to that since starting and facilitating a Parkinson’s Support Group for P.D. patients and their caregivers. GPUMC has been kind to let us use one of their rooms for our meetings once monthly. Betty Durkin is my co-chair when not in Florida. This Group Qualifies as an active mission for our Church.
I believe now that this is, in part, why God has given me the direction and insight and put me on this earth…to lend a hand to those who may be less fortunate than I. Thank you to the people within this Church who have helped me to make this challenge…….an adventure.. Thanks be to God!!!
Karen G. Leigh
Read: Psalm 119:97-105
“When God closes a door, he opens a window.”
That thought lingers in my mind very often, especially after August of 2001 when our only daughter died during childbirth. I wrote about it in our Lenten Devotions Booklet a couple of years ago.
Approximately fifteen years ago, I went through a period wondering why I was on this earth...... What was I doing to contribute positively to everyday life and to the future? What was I doing to make this a better world to live in? What was I going to do in my retirement? And, in the scheme of things, did I really matter?
I have come to learn through these past 15 years or so, that I really do matter. That with God’s guidance and help, anything is possible. I may not like that anything is possible, but it is true. We only need to pray for his guidance and he is there to help all of us, including me.
The year of 2010 has been a constant challenge for our family. We struggle with chronic progressive illnesses. Remember the movie entitled, “Pay It Forward and Back.” I can relate to that since starting and facilitating a Parkinson’s Support Group for P.D. patients and their caregivers. GPUMC has been kind to let us use one of their rooms for our meetings once monthly. Betty Durkin is my co-chair when not in Florida. This Group Qualifies as an active mission for our Church.
I believe now that this is, in part, why God has given me the direction and insight and put me on this earth…to lend a hand to those who may be less fortunate than I. Thank you to the people within this Church who have helped me to make this challenge…….an adventure.. Thanks be to God!!!
Karen G. Leigh
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
March 22, 2011
CATS AND CHRISTIANITY - PART 2
Read: Genesis 1:24-25
Today we will look at the positive characteristics cats can teach humans:
LOVE: Our pets give us unqualified love - supernatural, unconditional, and sacrificial love - as embodied in our Lord Jesus Christ. They do not care if we are good-looking or homely, thin or heavy, tall or short, rich or poor, black or white, red or yellow. They just love us! No strings attached! No prejudices, no bigotry! They just give us true and unadulterated love. Think what the world would be like if we humans were like that.
LOYALTY: Pets have been known to risk their own lives for the sake of helping or saving their humans. They do not abandon us humans if we're occasionally bad-tempered, non-responsive, or preoccupied. We appreciate, seek, and respond to the loyalty of our pets. Just as God appreciates, seeks, and responds to our loyalty to our fellow human beings and, most especially, to him.
PATIENCE: Time is of no importance to a cat. It will wait with infinite patience for its prey ... or its human to appear. Paul lists patience as one of the fruits of the spirit. It is an important and necessary trait for a Christian, especially here in America where instant results and instant gratification are a way of life. American Christians tend to pray, "Lord, give me patience ... and give it to me now!" But God is not tied to space and time and he is definitely not on the world's time schedule. We need to "wait patiently for God" and not run ahead of Him. It's when we get ahead of God that we get into trouble and make a mess of things.
ADAPTABILITY: Animals are very adaptable to situations and conditions - it's how they survive. Christians must adapt to the conditions of our world and culture without compromising our faith. We basically must adapt to living in a hostile environment where we reside as aliens. We are conditioned by our faith to respond, not to react. As Paul said, "I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am."
So "Ask the animals and they will teach you."
DEAR LORD, we thank you for the animals you created to be our companions and friends. Help us to observe them and learn from them to be the humans you would have us to be. AMEN.
Noelle Landin
(Inspired by "Cats in the Parsonage" by Clair Shaffer, Jr.)
Read: Genesis 1:24-25
Today we will look at the positive characteristics cats can teach humans:
LOVE: Our pets give us unqualified love - supernatural, unconditional, and sacrificial love - as embodied in our Lord Jesus Christ. They do not care if we are good-looking or homely, thin or heavy, tall or short, rich or poor, black or white, red or yellow. They just love us! No strings attached! No prejudices, no bigotry! They just give us true and unadulterated love. Think what the world would be like if we humans were like that.
LOYALTY: Pets have been known to risk their own lives for the sake of helping or saving their humans. They do not abandon us humans if we're occasionally bad-tempered, non-responsive, or preoccupied. We appreciate, seek, and respond to the loyalty of our pets. Just as God appreciates, seeks, and responds to our loyalty to our fellow human beings and, most especially, to him.
PATIENCE: Time is of no importance to a cat. It will wait with infinite patience for its prey ... or its human to appear. Paul lists patience as one of the fruits of the spirit. It is an important and necessary trait for a Christian, especially here in America where instant results and instant gratification are a way of life. American Christians tend to pray, "Lord, give me patience ... and give it to me now!" But God is not tied to space and time and he is definitely not on the world's time schedule. We need to "wait patiently for God" and not run ahead of Him. It's when we get ahead of God that we get into trouble and make a mess of things.
ADAPTABILITY: Animals are very adaptable to situations and conditions - it's how they survive. Christians must adapt to the conditions of our world and culture without compromising our faith. We basically must adapt to living in a hostile environment where we reside as aliens. We are conditioned by our faith to respond, not to react. As Paul said, "I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am."
So "Ask the animals and they will teach you."
DEAR LORD, we thank you for the animals you created to be our companions and friends. Help us to observe them and learn from them to be the humans you would have us to be. AMEN.
Noelle Landin
(Inspired by "Cats in the Parsonage" by Clair Shaffer, Jr.)
Monday, March 21, 2011
March 21, 2011
CATS AND CHRISTIANITY - PART 1
"Ask the animals and they will teach you." -Job 12:7
"Christians are like cats, or at least they should be. What does a cat do when he gets dirty? He goes somewhere secluded and cleans himself up. Isn't that what a Christian should do when he/she gets dirty - i.e. sins? Go somewhere alone with God and get cleaned up."
-Dr. Stuart Lease, President of Lancaster Bible College
Cats and Christians have many negative and positive characteristics in common. God can teach us many lessons through our pets - in this case, our cats. Today in Part 1, we will look at some negative characteristics of cats:
CURIOSITY: Curiosity killed the cat. Cats are extremely curious and this often leads to their demise. Curiosity can also have its drawbacks for us humans. The world and culture in which we live offer many allurements which can be destructive to our spiritual growth.- When we Christians take our eyes off God and become curious about the things of the world, we get in trouble. Remember Adam and Eve? But for their curiosity about the Tree of Knowledge, we might all be living in the garden right now!
INDEPENDENCE & STUBBORNNESS: Another trait very obvious in cats. We too can develop that "I can and will do it myself' attitude. Especially here in America, where an individualistic and independent spirit is cherished and admired. Self-sufficiency and a can-do attitude are admirable traits if held in check and used FOR God and not against him. Fellowship, especially to the Methodist, is a large part of our religious experience. We mustn't be TOO independent!
FEAR: Cats really do deserve the term "scaredy cat." They are easily startled and frightened by sudden movement and loud noises. Fear can be beneficial to protecting ourselves, but it can also be paralyzing, preventing us from doing what we need to do. Think of all the references to "fear" in the Bible. All the "FEAR NOTs!" from angels, Jesus, God, and Paul. If we believe in and trust in God, we will not allow fear to overcome us.
Tomorrow in Part 2 we will look at the more positive role model of cats.
DEAR LORD, help us to use curiosity, independence, stubbornness, and fear in ways that lead us to you and your kingdom, not away from you. AMEN.
Noelle Landin
"Ask the animals and they will teach you." -Job 12:7
"Christians are like cats, or at least they should be. What does a cat do when he gets dirty? He goes somewhere secluded and cleans himself up. Isn't that what a Christian should do when he/she gets dirty - i.e. sins? Go somewhere alone with God and get cleaned up."
-Dr. Stuart Lease, President of Lancaster Bible College
Cats and Christians have many negative and positive characteristics in common. God can teach us many lessons through our pets - in this case, our cats. Today in Part 1, we will look at some negative characteristics of cats:
CURIOSITY: Curiosity killed the cat. Cats are extremely curious and this often leads to their demise. Curiosity can also have its drawbacks for us humans. The world and culture in which we live offer many allurements which can be destructive to our spiritual growth.- When we Christians take our eyes off God and become curious about the things of the world, we get in trouble. Remember Adam and Eve? But for their curiosity about the Tree of Knowledge, we might all be living in the garden right now!
INDEPENDENCE & STUBBORNNESS: Another trait very obvious in cats. We too can develop that "I can and will do it myself' attitude. Especially here in America, where an individualistic and independent spirit is cherished and admired. Self-sufficiency and a can-do attitude are admirable traits if held in check and used FOR God and not against him. Fellowship, especially to the Methodist, is a large part of our religious experience. We mustn't be TOO independent!
FEAR: Cats really do deserve the term "scaredy cat." They are easily startled and frightened by sudden movement and loud noises. Fear can be beneficial to protecting ourselves, but it can also be paralyzing, preventing us from doing what we need to do. Think of all the references to "fear" in the Bible. All the "FEAR NOTs!" from angels, Jesus, God, and Paul. If we believe in and trust in God, we will not allow fear to overcome us.
Tomorrow in Part 2 we will look at the more positive role model of cats.
DEAR LORD, help us to use curiosity, independence, stubbornness, and fear in ways that lead us to you and your kingdom, not away from you. AMEN.
Noelle Landin
Sunday, March 20, 2011
March 20, 2011
Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face
Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face;
here would I touch and handle things unseen;
here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace,
and all my weariness upon thee lean.
This is the hour of banquet and of song;
this is the heavenly table spread for me;
here let me feast, and feasting, still prolong
the hallowed hour of fellowship with thee.
Here would I feed upon the bread of God,
here drink with thee the royal wine of heaven;
here would I lay aside each earthly load,
here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven.
Too soon we rise; the symbols disappear;
the feast, though not the love, is past and gone.
The bread and wine remove; but thou art here,
nearer than ever, still my shield and sun.
Feast after feast thus comes and passes by;
yet, passing, points to the glad feast above,
giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy,
the Lamb's great bridal feast of bliss and love.
Horatius Bonar
Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face;
here would I touch and handle things unseen;
here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace,
and all my weariness upon thee lean.
This is the hour of banquet and of song;
this is the heavenly table spread for me;
here let me feast, and feasting, still prolong
the hallowed hour of fellowship with thee.
Here would I feed upon the bread of God,
here drink with thee the royal wine of heaven;
here would I lay aside each earthly load,
here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven.
Too soon we rise; the symbols disappear;
the feast, though not the love, is past and gone.
The bread and wine remove; but thou art here,
nearer than ever, still my shield and sun.
Feast after feast thus comes and passes by;
yet, passing, points to the glad feast above,
giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy,
the Lamb's great bridal feast of bliss and love.
Horatius Bonar
Saturday, March 19, 2011
March 19, 2011
By My Side
Read: Hebrews 13:1-3
While standing in Borders book store, perusing the game section, I noticed a slim volume lying on top of a row of books; obviously having nothing to do with games. It was titled “May You Always Have an Angel by Your Side.” I leafed through it, admiring the lovely pastel illustrations and gentle quotes and poems. Immediately I wanted to gift a friend who was experiencing too many cloudy days.
The book was priced prohibitively at $16.95, but on the cover was slapped a $2.50 price tag! I felt I was meant to buy this book. Was it a coincidence that I was there and found the book by chance? Or was I meant to be the catalyst delivering it to someone in need of gentle words? It doesn’t really matter. It was a good thing.
The same week, a casual friend wished me save traveling, and “may the angels be with me.” More angels! In my world, angels are messengers of God’s love and of comfort and caring. I think we all can experience angels among us. Some are wonderful people who rise above the ordinary, giving unselfishly to others in need. I think we each have an angel within us. May we find our inner angel when we see someone in need of our special care.
Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 20:29
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:31
Sarah Frakes
Read: Hebrews 13:1-3
While standing in Borders book store, perusing the game section, I noticed a slim volume lying on top of a row of books; obviously having nothing to do with games. It was titled “May You Always Have an Angel by Your Side.” I leafed through it, admiring the lovely pastel illustrations and gentle quotes and poems. Immediately I wanted to gift a friend who was experiencing too many cloudy days.
The book was priced prohibitively at $16.95, but on the cover was slapped a $2.50 price tag! I felt I was meant to buy this book. Was it a coincidence that I was there and found the book by chance? Or was I meant to be the catalyst delivering it to someone in need of gentle words? It doesn’t really matter. It was a good thing.
The same week, a casual friend wished me save traveling, and “may the angels be with me.” More angels! In my world, angels are messengers of God’s love and of comfort and caring. I think we all can experience angels among us. Some are wonderful people who rise above the ordinary, giving unselfishly to others in need. I think we each have an angel within us. May we find our inner angel when we see someone in need of our special care.
Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 20:29
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:31
Sarah Frakes
Friday, March 18, 2011
March 18, 2011
I Saw Jesus
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
We must be willing to give up what we are for what we can become ….
I saw Jesus last week. He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt. He was at the church building. He was alone and working hard. For just a minute, He looked a little like one of our members, but it was Jesus. I could tell by His smile.
I saw Jesus last Sunday. He was teaching a Bible class. He didn’t talk real loud, or use long words, but you could tell He believed what He said. For a minute, He looked like my Sunday School teacher, but it was Jesus. I could tell by His loving voice.
I saw Jesus yesterday. He was at the hospital, visiting a friend who was sick. They prayed together quietly. For just a minute, He looked like a man I see at church, but it was Jesus. I could tell by the tears in His eyes.
I saw Jesus this morning. He was in my kitchen making my breakfast, and fixing me a special lunch. For just a minute, He looked like my Mom, but it was Jesus. I could feel the love from His heart.
I see Jesus everywhere: Taking food to the sick, welcoming others to His home, being friendly to a newcomer, and for a minute, I think He’s someone I know, but it’s always Jesus. I can tell by the way He serves.
Maybe someone will see Jesus in you today.
- Anonymous
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
We must be willing to give up what we are for what we can become ….
I saw Jesus last week. He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt. He was at the church building. He was alone and working hard. For just a minute, He looked a little like one of our members, but it was Jesus. I could tell by His smile.
I saw Jesus last Sunday. He was teaching a Bible class. He didn’t talk real loud, or use long words, but you could tell He believed what He said. For a minute, He looked like my Sunday School teacher, but it was Jesus. I could tell by His loving voice.
I saw Jesus yesterday. He was at the hospital, visiting a friend who was sick. They prayed together quietly. For just a minute, He looked like a man I see at church, but it was Jesus. I could tell by the tears in His eyes.
I saw Jesus this morning. He was in my kitchen making my breakfast, and fixing me a special lunch. For just a minute, He looked like my Mom, but it was Jesus. I could feel the love from His heart.
I see Jesus everywhere: Taking food to the sick, welcoming others to His home, being friendly to a newcomer, and for a minute, I think He’s someone I know, but it’s always Jesus. I can tell by the way He serves.
Maybe someone will see Jesus in you today.
- Anonymous
Thursday, March 17, 2011
March 17, 2011
A Legacy for Years to Come
Read: Mark 10:13-16
I am now just back from the GPUMC Retreat at Lake Louise. What a glorious extended weekend. I am sure many of you have attended and/or have heard about the wonderful facilities and all the activities that occur.
This year, after more than 21 continuous years of attending, was particularly special for one reason: there were many families with young children that had never been there previously. It was exciting to watch their initial reaction to the Retreat Center seeing the beautiful setting in the woods, the lake overlook, and the attractive, well maintained, expansive lodge.
The real excitement for me was not that they were new to Lake Louise, but that they, as families, were participating in a Christian activity, with all age groups. Please note….there was not a TV turned on the entire time….and even the internet connection stopped working in the middle of the weekend!
So, what did these families do? Did the kids “weird out” and complain? Nope. Let me see, there was: a self-made sledding hill (lit at night with lanterns); a talent show; an endless snack table; some religious instruction; ping pong; grace at every meal; skiing; bonfires; S-Mores; walking in the woods; and an indoor water park down the road.
But perhaps the most enjoyable for me was just to see the kids playing down the hallways, living areas, in the dining hall and in front of the fireplace. They were of various age groups and genders, just goofing around and making their own fun.
What positive memories of a church activity!
These same families are the ones that are going to continue the GPUMC legacy for years to come. Thanks to all who help, not only organizing the this Retreat, but create ongoing activities for the GPUMC youth throughout the year.
Due to our increasing complicated lives, it takes effort to keep Christ in our living. May we continue to have GPUMC as a place where we can find Him.
Dave DeWitt
Read: Mark 10:13-16
I am now just back from the GPUMC Retreat at Lake Louise. What a glorious extended weekend. I am sure many of you have attended and/or have heard about the wonderful facilities and all the activities that occur.
This year, after more than 21 continuous years of attending, was particularly special for one reason: there were many families with young children that had never been there previously. It was exciting to watch their initial reaction to the Retreat Center seeing the beautiful setting in the woods, the lake overlook, and the attractive, well maintained, expansive lodge.
The real excitement for me was not that they were new to Lake Louise, but that they, as families, were participating in a Christian activity, with all age groups. Please note….there was not a TV turned on the entire time….and even the internet connection stopped working in the middle of the weekend!
So, what did these families do? Did the kids “weird out” and complain? Nope. Let me see, there was: a self-made sledding hill (lit at night with lanterns); a talent show; an endless snack table; some religious instruction; ping pong; grace at every meal; skiing; bonfires; S-Mores; walking in the woods; and an indoor water park down the road.
But perhaps the most enjoyable for me was just to see the kids playing down the hallways, living areas, in the dining hall and in front of the fireplace. They were of various age groups and genders, just goofing around and making their own fun.
What positive memories of a church activity!
These same families are the ones that are going to continue the GPUMC legacy for years to come. Thanks to all who help, not only organizing the this Retreat, but create ongoing activities for the GPUMC youth throughout the year.
Due to our increasing complicated lives, it takes effort to keep Christ in our living. May we continue to have GPUMC as a place where we can find Him.
Dave DeWitt
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
March 16, 2011
Ta Ra Ra Boom Di Aye
Read: Proverbs 22:6
Oh the pain of it all. I’m getting old and at the same time I’m becoming my mother.
As time goes on I find myself singing to myself for no apparent reason, ”Ta ra ra Boom di aye”, “Seventy six trombones and a hairy ape…”.
I’m always repeating things Mom said like “Any old port in a storm”, “Look before you leap”, “He who hesitates is lost”, “A fool and his gold are soon parted”, “Use your head, that’s what the good Lord gave it to you for”, and my own personal favorite, “As you travel down the road of life dear brother, whatever be our goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole.” I find myself dancing the Tango with the Lovely & Gracious JeriLynn in the kitchen for no reason, something Mom taught me when I was a kid. I look in the mirror and tell myself the wrinkles only come where the smiles have been.
Most of all though I find myself repeating the Lord’s Prayer, something Mom taught me as soon as I could remember words. I’m not sure why or how it works, but I’m convinced it works. On the way into and out of every job I repeat the prayer. I’ve always wondered if surgeons do this. For some reason, since I started doing this several years ago everything seems to work better.
Maybe this shouldn’t be a startling revelation for someone of my age, but I never claimed to be the fastest learner in the room. I also wonder, as I always have, if there is something wrong or self serving about saying a prayer hoping something good will happen. In college philosophy classes I was taught that such things were amoral, neither good nor bad.
The older I get the less I care about those college philosophers and the more I pray, and oddly enough, the better and better things get all the time. Turns out, Mom was right all along. Ta Ra Ra Boom Di Aye!!!
Happy birthday, Mom.
Ron Draper
Read: Proverbs 22:6
Oh the pain of it all. I’m getting old and at the same time I’m becoming my mother.
As time goes on I find myself singing to myself for no apparent reason, ”Ta ra ra Boom di aye”, “Seventy six trombones and a hairy ape…”.
I’m always repeating things Mom said like “Any old port in a storm”, “Look before you leap”, “He who hesitates is lost”, “A fool and his gold are soon parted”, “Use your head, that’s what the good Lord gave it to you for”, and my own personal favorite, “As you travel down the road of life dear brother, whatever be our goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole.” I find myself dancing the Tango with the Lovely & Gracious JeriLynn in the kitchen for no reason, something Mom taught me when I was a kid. I look in the mirror and tell myself the wrinkles only come where the smiles have been.
Most of all though I find myself repeating the Lord’s Prayer, something Mom taught me as soon as I could remember words. I’m not sure why or how it works, but I’m convinced it works. On the way into and out of every job I repeat the prayer. I’ve always wondered if surgeons do this. For some reason, since I started doing this several years ago everything seems to work better.
Maybe this shouldn’t be a startling revelation for someone of my age, but I never claimed to be the fastest learner in the room. I also wonder, as I always have, if there is something wrong or self serving about saying a prayer hoping something good will happen. In college philosophy classes I was taught that such things were amoral, neither good nor bad.
The older I get the less I care about those college philosophers and the more I pray, and oddly enough, the better and better things get all the time. Turns out, Mom was right all along. Ta Ra Ra Boom Di Aye!!!
Happy birthday, Mom.
Ron Draper
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
March 15, 2011
Life
Read: John 10:7-10
Send me LIFE and bill me later! That's what it said on a magazine subscription card that came wit the magazine a neighbor gave me. She also gave me the New Yorker, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, and Reader's Digest. I'm grateful to her for these gifts, for there is nothing like poring over magazines to speed one's return to health.
Send me Life and bill me later! I wonder whether I can have life now, and “pay for it” later.
I've read that a person has three choices: to die, not to die, or to live. There is a difference between not dying and living. There's more to life than just being alive. And I'm sure that in order to have real LIFE, I must “pay as I go.” Not because there is some kind of bookkeeper in charge, and not because my credit isn't good, but because that is how life is.
In order to be really alive, I need to be involved with other people. I need to be open to others and really listen to them. And I need to share my thoughts and feelings.
I need to be open to God as well; to realize that I am surrounded by His love and care.
That's how to have life, and pay for it as I live it.
Glenn DeLodder
Read: John 10:7-10
Send me LIFE and bill me later! That's what it said on a magazine subscription card that came wit the magazine a neighbor gave me. She also gave me the New Yorker, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, and Reader's Digest. I'm grateful to her for these gifts, for there is nothing like poring over magazines to speed one's return to health.
Send me Life and bill me later! I wonder whether I can have life now, and “pay for it” later.
I've read that a person has three choices: to die, not to die, or to live. There is a difference between not dying and living. There's more to life than just being alive. And I'm sure that in order to have real LIFE, I must “pay as I go.” Not because there is some kind of bookkeeper in charge, and not because my credit isn't good, but because that is how life is.
In order to be really alive, I need to be involved with other people. I need to be open to others and really listen to them. And I need to share my thoughts and feelings.
I need to be open to God as well; to realize that I am surrounded by His love and care.
That's how to have life, and pay for it as I live it.
Glenn DeLodder
Monday, March 14, 2011
March 14, 2011
How About a “Vision” Test?
Read: Philippians 2:1-15
“May the mind of Christ, our Saviour, live in us from day to day, by his love and power controlling all we do and say.” (Kate Wilkinson)
These words are from a hymn text I recently rediscovered in the hymnal in use at my home church when I was a youth. (They were also included in the musical benediction which concluded our worship on Feb 20.) To me, the idea of taking the mind of Christ as our example is the most uplifting, energizing, and inspiring thought I can imagine. Moving away from the ego mind that concerns itself solely with the individual, and joining with the Christ Mind allows us to rise above our seemingly separated selves onto a higher plane of consciousness, reflective of the connectedness and unity found within God’s creation.
It is so easy to get caught up in our own personal lives, and not make the effort to see how we fit into the larger picture (taking a broad view). We may feel enchained by mistaken thoughts of the past, rather than freeing ourselves through forgiveness, which leads to cleaner and brighter days ahead. Perhaps we make plans in the present and for the future without seeking divine guidance from the One Who, with infinite wisdom, can bring harmony into our affairs and relationships. To me, God’s love must be perfect, and given to all in equal measure. Certainly, the mind of Christ knows the love of God intimately and completely. We, therefore, can put our whole trust in Christ, and pattern our thoughts after his without the slightest hesitation.
The Christian path, however, is often not an easy one to take, and can be quite challenging. Happily, the church provides us with many opportunities for spiritual growth, enlightenment, and service along this chosen path. Each Sunday, we gather to worship the one true God … to strengthen our relationship to Jesus Christ, and to our Creator and Sustainer … to inspire one another to think and live at ever higher levels … to attend with all our hearts to the teachings of Jesus, in turn offering them to others we meet along the way. Numerous weekday gatherings provide additional learning opportunities as we walk the Christian path.
Try to imagine for a few moments what our world would be like if many or even most of us walking the Earth were to join our minds with the mind of Christ. Nothing short of the most remarkable transformation would take place! So we must ask ourselves if we are wiling to adopt a radically new way of seeing and thinking; for if we do, we will come to experience a new-found freedom, wholeness, and sense of well-being that will give great meaning and purpose to our lives.
The world is weary and worn and calls out for the vision of Christ that offers life rather than death, waking rather than sleeping, peace rather than war, love rather than hate. Out of sincere gratitude for the wonder of our creation – for life itself – let us choose a course with a single, unified purpose, so that the peace of God becomes our one goal, the end we seek, and the aim of all our living here. Let all the world be blessed with peace and love through us! Contemplate with care and a generous spirit the many ways, both large and small, in which you can help to bring this about. If uncertainty or hesitation arises, use these words from the Salisbury Primer of 1558 as an affirmative prayer:
God be in my head and in my understanding;
God be in mine eyes and in my looking;
God be in my mouth and in my speaking;
God be in mine heart and in my thinking;
God be at my end and in my departing.
Doug Dykstra
Read: Philippians 2:1-15
“May the mind of Christ, our Saviour, live in us from day to day, by his love and power controlling all we do and say.” (Kate Wilkinson)
These words are from a hymn text I recently rediscovered in the hymnal in use at my home church when I was a youth. (They were also included in the musical benediction which concluded our worship on Feb 20.) To me, the idea of taking the mind of Christ as our example is the most uplifting, energizing, and inspiring thought I can imagine. Moving away from the ego mind that concerns itself solely with the individual, and joining with the Christ Mind allows us to rise above our seemingly separated selves onto a higher plane of consciousness, reflective of the connectedness and unity found within God’s creation.
It is so easy to get caught up in our own personal lives, and not make the effort to see how we fit into the larger picture (taking a broad view). We may feel enchained by mistaken thoughts of the past, rather than freeing ourselves through forgiveness, which leads to cleaner and brighter days ahead. Perhaps we make plans in the present and for the future without seeking divine guidance from the One Who, with infinite wisdom, can bring harmony into our affairs and relationships. To me, God’s love must be perfect, and given to all in equal measure. Certainly, the mind of Christ knows the love of God intimately and completely. We, therefore, can put our whole trust in Christ, and pattern our thoughts after his without the slightest hesitation.
The Christian path, however, is often not an easy one to take, and can be quite challenging. Happily, the church provides us with many opportunities for spiritual growth, enlightenment, and service along this chosen path. Each Sunday, we gather to worship the one true God … to strengthen our relationship to Jesus Christ, and to our Creator and Sustainer … to inspire one another to think and live at ever higher levels … to attend with all our hearts to the teachings of Jesus, in turn offering them to others we meet along the way. Numerous weekday gatherings provide additional learning opportunities as we walk the Christian path.
Try to imagine for a few moments what our world would be like if many or even most of us walking the Earth were to join our minds with the mind of Christ. Nothing short of the most remarkable transformation would take place! So we must ask ourselves if we are wiling to adopt a radically new way of seeing and thinking; for if we do, we will come to experience a new-found freedom, wholeness, and sense of well-being that will give great meaning and purpose to our lives.
The world is weary and worn and calls out for the vision of Christ that offers life rather than death, waking rather than sleeping, peace rather than war, love rather than hate. Out of sincere gratitude for the wonder of our creation – for life itself – let us choose a course with a single, unified purpose, so that the peace of God becomes our one goal, the end we seek, and the aim of all our living here. Let all the world be blessed with peace and love through us! Contemplate with care and a generous spirit the many ways, both large and small, in which you can help to bring this about. If uncertainty or hesitation arises, use these words from the Salisbury Primer of 1558 as an affirmative prayer:
God be in my head and in my understanding;
God be in mine eyes and in my looking;
God be in my mouth and in my speaking;
God be in mine heart and in my thinking;
God be at my end and in my departing.
Doug Dykstra
Sunday, March 13, 2011
March 13, 2011
Take Time to Be Holy
Take time to be holy,
speak oft with thy Lord;
abide in him always,
and feed on his word.
Make friends of God's children,
help those who are weak,
forgetting in nothing
his blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy,
the world rushes on;
spend much time in secret
with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus,
like him thou shalt be;
thy friends in thy conduct
his likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy,
let him be thy guide,
and run not before him,
whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow,
still follow the Lord,
and, looking to Jesus,
still trust in his word.
Take time to be holy,
be calm in thy soul,
each thought and each motive
beneath his control.
Thus led by his spirit
to fountains of love,
thou soon shalt be fitted
for service above.
William D. Longstaff
Take time to be holy,
speak oft with thy Lord;
abide in him always,
and feed on his word.
Make friends of God's children,
help those who are weak,
forgetting in nothing
his blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy,
the world rushes on;
spend much time in secret
with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus,
like him thou shalt be;
thy friends in thy conduct
his likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy,
let him be thy guide,
and run not before him,
whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow,
still follow the Lord,
and, looking to Jesus,
still trust in his word.
Take time to be holy,
be calm in thy soul,
each thought and each motive
beneath his control.
Thus led by his spirit
to fountains of love,
thou soon shalt be fitted
for service above.
William D. Longstaff
Saturday, March 12, 2011
March 12, 2011
A Chance Meeting
Read: Proverbs 31:10-31
Every once in a great while, a few times in a lifetime if you’re lucky, you may meet someone and right away you know you’re looking into a face sent to you from God. Such was the case many years ago when I went to see a marina service business owner to pay an invoice. While I could have mailed a check, I wanted to do it in person. The owner mistakenly thought I was there looking for a job and made me an offer. Thinking quickly I negotiated a better deal than I’d ever had at that time and he voided the invoice I came in to pay. On the way out I had to stop by to see his secretary to make the arrangements and clear my debt. That’s when it happened.
We had seen each other around the marina before but had never formally met. After the paperwork, we talked and I learned she was raising 2 boys on her own. She left a better job at a bank to come to the marina because it was closer to home. When she was done at the marina she went to a 2nd job she worked to make ends meet. In the weeks and months that followed I learned she was the one who actually ran the place. She handled all the day to day operations, HR work, budgets, inventory, payables, receivables etc. Everyone in the harbor kept an eye on her and helped out if she needed something done around the house.
The younger of the 2 boys was born with a hole in the base of his spinal cord. The doctors gave him a good chance to live, but said he would never walk. The poor doctors didn’t know she’s Irish on one side and Italian on the other and nobody was going to tell her what her boy couldn’t do.
Scared and alone, haunted by the possibility the doctors could be right, saddled with a mortgage and two hungry mouths to feed, she went out into the garage, found some old scraps of lumber, some nails, and a small hammer. She didn’t have a saw, but she had a Ginsu knife. Using what she had, she built tiny gym equipment in her living room and with the help of his slightly older brother she taught the lad to walk. Growing up was harder for him, but if you met him you’d never know. While he didn’t win many foot races, nothing on God’s green earth can stop that boy today.
She eventually left the marina for a better opportunity at the world’s leading packaging company. Even though she left the marina behind, you could say we stayed in touch. It was tough but she climbed the corporate ladder to become the Comptroller of the local branch of a Global Fortune 500 company. After 11 years though the company made an unfortunate decision and eventually closed all 7 branches in Michigan and left the state.
Somewhere along the way she met a sailing charter boat captain in between sojourns and he taught her to drive a boat. Now she’s back in the old marina on her own boat and became the envy of the old crew because she can handle a twin engine Chris Craft as well as anyone in the business.
The passing of parents and the trials and tribulations of daily life have slowed us all down now and the moments we share together are more and more treasured each time I see her.
Even though she can finally have pretty much whatever she wants, she still won’t buy anything unless she has a coupon, and she still gets all excited when the right coupon comes in the paper.
Through it all she’s maintained a smile and laugh such that she can light up any room simply by entering it.
And that boy who wasn’t supposed to walk?? He just made me a grandpa.
As the late great Paul Harvey used to say, “Now you know the RRRRRrrrest of the story.”
Ron Draper
Read: Proverbs 31:10-31
Every once in a great while, a few times in a lifetime if you’re lucky, you may meet someone and right away you know you’re looking into a face sent to you from God. Such was the case many years ago when I went to see a marina service business owner to pay an invoice. While I could have mailed a check, I wanted to do it in person. The owner mistakenly thought I was there looking for a job and made me an offer. Thinking quickly I negotiated a better deal than I’d ever had at that time and he voided the invoice I came in to pay. On the way out I had to stop by to see his secretary to make the arrangements and clear my debt. That’s when it happened.
We had seen each other around the marina before but had never formally met. After the paperwork, we talked and I learned she was raising 2 boys on her own. She left a better job at a bank to come to the marina because it was closer to home. When she was done at the marina she went to a 2nd job she worked to make ends meet. In the weeks and months that followed I learned she was the one who actually ran the place. She handled all the day to day operations, HR work, budgets, inventory, payables, receivables etc. Everyone in the harbor kept an eye on her and helped out if she needed something done around the house.
The younger of the 2 boys was born with a hole in the base of his spinal cord. The doctors gave him a good chance to live, but said he would never walk. The poor doctors didn’t know she’s Irish on one side and Italian on the other and nobody was going to tell her what her boy couldn’t do.
Scared and alone, haunted by the possibility the doctors could be right, saddled with a mortgage and two hungry mouths to feed, she went out into the garage, found some old scraps of lumber, some nails, and a small hammer. She didn’t have a saw, but she had a Ginsu knife. Using what she had, she built tiny gym equipment in her living room and with the help of his slightly older brother she taught the lad to walk. Growing up was harder for him, but if you met him you’d never know. While he didn’t win many foot races, nothing on God’s green earth can stop that boy today.
She eventually left the marina for a better opportunity at the world’s leading packaging company. Even though she left the marina behind, you could say we stayed in touch. It was tough but she climbed the corporate ladder to become the Comptroller of the local branch of a Global Fortune 500 company. After 11 years though the company made an unfortunate decision and eventually closed all 7 branches in Michigan and left the state.
Somewhere along the way she met a sailing charter boat captain in between sojourns and he taught her to drive a boat. Now she’s back in the old marina on her own boat and became the envy of the old crew because she can handle a twin engine Chris Craft as well as anyone in the business.
The passing of parents and the trials and tribulations of daily life have slowed us all down now and the moments we share together are more and more treasured each time I see her.
Even though she can finally have pretty much whatever she wants, she still won’t buy anything unless she has a coupon, and she still gets all excited when the right coupon comes in the paper.
Through it all she’s maintained a smile and laugh such that she can light up any room simply by entering it.
And that boy who wasn’t supposed to walk?? He just made me a grandpa.
As the late great Paul Harvey used to say, “Now you know the RRRRRrrrest of the story.”
Ron Draper
Friday, March 11, 2011
March 11. 2011
Lenten Thoughts
Read: James 1:2-12
For years, people I know have given things up for Lent. Children are cute when they try to “give up” vegetables. Adults often use Lent as an excuse to lose weight by giving up sweets, red meat, or other dietary staples that we blame for our over-all lack of good health. I am 28 years old and have had an eye opening experience when it comes to this Lenten season. Giving up vegetables, no matter how bad they are for you, and giving up sweets, no matter how good they taste, doesn’t fully epitomize what the Lenten season is all about.
Pause a moment and reflect why we celebrate Lent. Someone gave up their life and livelihood just so we could be forgiven of our sins if we choose to seek God’s grace and love. This is often looked at as the ultimate sacrifice. God sacrificed his son for us, and his son sacrificed himself for the betterment of all mankind. Who are we if we do not use and take full advantage of this gift every day?
Being a teacher gives me a unique perspective on this question. Posted on my board in my classroom is the question I pose to my students on a day to day basis. “What have you done today that makes you a better person than you were yesterday?” Well, people of faith, what is it? How often have you truly looked into the mirror for a period of self-reflection and realized that you could be a better person? As I stated previously, my eye opening experience came as a result of a visit to the doctor’s office. It is no secret that I am a big man. I was a high school athlete, and have vowed over and over again to get into the kind of shape I was when I was 18 and 20 years old. Well, that has not happened, not by a long shot.
I would lose ten pounds, get some compliments, and then rest on my laurels. Before I knew it, I had gained the ten back, plus an additional five, go hard or go home right? After my last visit to the doctor I realized that being healthy would take more than a fad diet and a quick mouth. It would take more than giving up sweets for a month. Like a spiritual journey, this would take an entire life-style change. I am proud to say that I have stuck to this change for a few weeks now and things are looking up for me. Clothes fit better, I don’t get tired as easily, and magically, I have still found time to be with the people I love. The excuse of inconvenience is no longer present.
Why am I equating losing weight to a spiritual journey? It is simple, and comes back to the question I asked at the beginning of my writing. “What have you done today to make yourself a better person than you were yesterday?” This simple quote can honestly change your life, both physically and spiritually. How long has it been since you have truly talked to God, then paused a moment and listened for an answer? No person on this planet is perfect, far from it actually. But if everyone took the meaning of Lent and applied it every day of the year, I think this world would be a far better place, both physically and spiritually.
James Van de Putte
Read: James 1:2-12
For years, people I know have given things up for Lent. Children are cute when they try to “give up” vegetables. Adults often use Lent as an excuse to lose weight by giving up sweets, red meat, or other dietary staples that we blame for our over-all lack of good health. I am 28 years old and have had an eye opening experience when it comes to this Lenten season. Giving up vegetables, no matter how bad they are for you, and giving up sweets, no matter how good they taste, doesn’t fully epitomize what the Lenten season is all about.
Pause a moment and reflect why we celebrate Lent. Someone gave up their life and livelihood just so we could be forgiven of our sins if we choose to seek God’s grace and love. This is often looked at as the ultimate sacrifice. God sacrificed his son for us, and his son sacrificed himself for the betterment of all mankind. Who are we if we do not use and take full advantage of this gift every day?
Being a teacher gives me a unique perspective on this question. Posted on my board in my classroom is the question I pose to my students on a day to day basis. “What have you done today that makes you a better person than you were yesterday?” Well, people of faith, what is it? How often have you truly looked into the mirror for a period of self-reflection and realized that you could be a better person? As I stated previously, my eye opening experience came as a result of a visit to the doctor’s office. It is no secret that I am a big man. I was a high school athlete, and have vowed over and over again to get into the kind of shape I was when I was 18 and 20 years old. Well, that has not happened, not by a long shot.
I would lose ten pounds, get some compliments, and then rest on my laurels. Before I knew it, I had gained the ten back, plus an additional five, go hard or go home right? After my last visit to the doctor I realized that being healthy would take more than a fad diet and a quick mouth. It would take more than giving up sweets for a month. Like a spiritual journey, this would take an entire life-style change. I am proud to say that I have stuck to this change for a few weeks now and things are looking up for me. Clothes fit better, I don’t get tired as easily, and magically, I have still found time to be with the people I love. The excuse of inconvenience is no longer present.
Why am I equating losing weight to a spiritual journey? It is simple, and comes back to the question I asked at the beginning of my writing. “What have you done today to make yourself a better person than you were yesterday?” This simple quote can honestly change your life, both physically and spiritually. How long has it been since you have truly talked to God, then paused a moment and listened for an answer? No person on this planet is perfect, far from it actually. But if everyone took the meaning of Lent and applied it every day of the year, I think this world would be a far better place, both physically and spiritually.
James Van de Putte
Thursday, March 10, 2011
March 10, 2011
Signs of God’s Presence
Read Matthew 25:42
The good thing about our crazy dog, Toby, is that he needs a walk every day, and the bad thing about Toby is that he needs a walk every day.
When we chose him, I wanted a walking companion; well, as they say, be careful what you wish for. Toby is like the Postal Service: neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night… So the other morning when I looked out the window and saw rain and looked at the thermometer and read 35 degrees, I was little grumpy.
We follow a fairly predictable, quiet route and, believe me, there was no one else out that morning. Turning off Lakeshore at our regular corner, we were startled by a gorgeous pheasant running across the street right in front of us and eventually flying off toward the lake. It was a shock because it was so close and so out of place on a usually busy intersection.
It’s easy to get caught up in everyday worries and routines and forget about the wonders that are often there when we least expect them. So I was grateful to be reminded that we should always be ready for signs of God’s presence even on a cold, wet morning on a deserted suburban sidewalk.
Sue DeWitt
Read Matthew 25:42
The good thing about our crazy dog, Toby, is that he needs a walk every day, and the bad thing about Toby is that he needs a walk every day.
When we chose him, I wanted a walking companion; well, as they say, be careful what you wish for. Toby is like the Postal Service: neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night… So the other morning when I looked out the window and saw rain and looked at the thermometer and read 35 degrees, I was little grumpy.
We follow a fairly predictable, quiet route and, believe me, there was no one else out that morning. Turning off Lakeshore at our regular corner, we were startled by a gorgeous pheasant running across the street right in front of us and eventually flying off toward the lake. It was a shock because it was so close and so out of place on a usually busy intersection.
It’s easy to get caught up in everyday worries and routines and forget about the wonders that are often there when we least expect them. So I was grateful to be reminded that we should always be ready for signs of God’s presence even on a cold, wet morning on a deserted suburban sidewalk.
Sue DeWitt
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
March 9, 2011 - Ash Wednesday
Beginnings
Read Genesis 3: 19; Joel 2: 1-2, 12-18; Psalm 51: 1-17
Every journey has a beginning. There is always that moment when we leave behind the known and familiar and start into the new and unknown. Even if we know the end point…the destination…we aren’t always sure what we will encounter along the way, what new insights or experiences might present themselves.
As Christians setting off on the journey to the cross, on the Wednesday six and a half weeks before Easter, the body of Christ begins its Lenten journey. While we know that the cross, and ultimately resurrection are our destination, we don’t know what experiences and insights will meet us on our journey. Throughout the Gospels Jesus reminds us repeatedly how important it is to prepare and take stock of who we are and of what we are capable.
We begin our Lenten journey this year on March 9th in a service of worship that includes marking our foreheads with ashes. Dust and ashes are signs of our humanity. God created us out of the earth, and throughout the scriptures, dust and ashes also serve as signs of mourning and grief. When Joshua grieved for the people who had been killed, he tore his clothing and put dust on his head (Joshua 7:6). Job, mourning the death of his children, sat on the ash heap (Job 2: 12). Job’s friends, coming to comfort him, threw dust in the air and on their heads when they saw his condition.
Ashes were also outward and visible signs of confession. Nehemiah and the people of Israel fasted, dressed in sackcloth, and put earth on their heads as they sought to atone for their sins before God (Nehemiah 9:1). And Job declared, “I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6).
“You are dust, and to dust you will return.” This ancient formula will be heard by millions of Christians all over the world this Ash Wednesday as the sign of the cross is made with the ashes of burned palms from last year’s Palm Sunday. This symbolic act is both a solemn reminder of our broken relationship with God and an invitation to renewal as we repent and seek reconciliation that is made available through the life, death and resurrection of our Lord.
Won’t you join the journey through Lent from the beginning as we worship together at 7:30 P.M. on March 6th?
Judy May
Prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:10-12).
Read Genesis 3: 19; Joel 2: 1-2, 12-18; Psalm 51: 1-17
Every journey has a beginning. There is always that moment when we leave behind the known and familiar and start into the new and unknown. Even if we know the end point…the destination…we aren’t always sure what we will encounter along the way, what new insights or experiences might present themselves.
As Christians setting off on the journey to the cross, on the Wednesday six and a half weeks before Easter, the body of Christ begins its Lenten journey. While we know that the cross, and ultimately resurrection are our destination, we don’t know what experiences and insights will meet us on our journey. Throughout the Gospels Jesus reminds us repeatedly how important it is to prepare and take stock of who we are and of what we are capable.
We begin our Lenten journey this year on March 9th in a service of worship that includes marking our foreheads with ashes. Dust and ashes are signs of our humanity. God created us out of the earth, and throughout the scriptures, dust and ashes also serve as signs of mourning and grief. When Joshua grieved for the people who had been killed, he tore his clothing and put dust on his head (Joshua 7:6). Job, mourning the death of his children, sat on the ash heap (Job 2: 12). Job’s friends, coming to comfort him, threw dust in the air and on their heads when they saw his condition.
Ashes were also outward and visible signs of confession. Nehemiah and the people of Israel fasted, dressed in sackcloth, and put earth on their heads as they sought to atone for their sins before God (Nehemiah 9:1). And Job declared, “I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6).
“You are dust, and to dust you will return.” This ancient formula will be heard by millions of Christians all over the world this Ash Wednesday as the sign of the cross is made with the ashes of burned palms from last year’s Palm Sunday. This symbolic act is both a solemn reminder of our broken relationship with God and an invitation to renewal as we repent and seek reconciliation that is made available through the life, death and resurrection of our Lord.
Won’t you join the journey through Lent from the beginning as we worship together at 7:30 P.M. on March 6th?
Judy May
Prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:10-12).
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Introduction - 2011
At last, a Lent that doesn’t start early in the year, that doesn’t sneak up on us before we have a chance to finish, or at least to start writing those devotions we’ve been storing up since last Easter. Yes, we actually had three weeks more this year than last to get things written and submitted.
But wait, the last fifteen submission all showed up in the week after the deadline? You mean I didn’t do enough early begging ... Again?
Well, after twelve of these books, I suppose it’s reasonable that we’ve all gotten a bit complacent. It’s easy to think there’s that one more day, and it turned out that we got what we needed.
As has often happened in previous years, there seemed to be a bit of a theme or thread going through a bunch of this year’s devotions. I saw a lot of what I would call Providential themes coming out - find the ones that really strike you that way, I’d be interested to see if we read each other’s writings the same way.
At any rate, just as God has provided for many of those who’ve shared their experiences in this volume, He has blessed me with those writings in time for this book to actually come out on time. I pray He blesses you through the stories, thoughts, Scripture, and prayers shared here with you by your church family
Just as we have each year since reviving this Lenten tradition, we repeat the introduction from our congregation's first book of devotions of well over thirty years ago:
Again, we can but say, “Amen.”
Charlie van Becelaere, Editor
But wait, the last fifteen submission all showed up in the week after the deadline? You mean I didn’t do enough early begging ... Again?
Well, after twelve of these books, I suppose it’s reasonable that we’ve all gotten a bit complacent. It’s easy to think there’s that one more day, and it turned out that we got what we needed.
As has often happened in previous years, there seemed to be a bit of a theme or thread going through a bunch of this year’s devotions. I saw a lot of what I would call Providential themes coming out - find the ones that really strike you that way, I’d be interested to see if we read each other’s writings the same way.
At any rate, just as God has provided for many of those who’ve shared their experiences in this volume, He has blessed me with those writings in time for this book to actually come out on time. I pray He blesses you through the stories, thoughts, Scripture, and prayers shared here with you by your church family
Just as we have each year since reviving this Lenten tradition, we repeat the introduction from our congregation's first book of devotions of well over thirty years ago:
Keeping a true Lent requires us to be vigilant in many ways: in prayer, study, worship, sacrifice, giving, meditation, and fellowship.
One or all may take precedence, depending upon our daily commitments. From these devotions, lovingly prepared, may you find a well spring of faith to renew and sustain you, so that the Glorious Triumph that is Easter will remain with you always.
The Lenten Committee
Again, we can but say, “Amen.”
Charlie van Becelaere, Editor
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