March 31, 2006

Ironed Sheets

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17. Always be joyful and never stop praying.

I iron my sheets. Oh, I know no one can believe that I do this. Even Henrietta McInally once said to me (when I mentioned it), “Oh, Marianne, you don't!”

It probably goes back to the fact that my mother ironed sheets even before she had a mangle. Early memories of coming home from school to see my mother standing (ironing boards were not adjustable) ironing and listening to Ernie Harwell broadcasting Tiger games will never leave me. Ironing was a real chore then. As a child, my mother used several irons which were heated on a wood stove to iron clothes, so an electric iron was a great improvement.

Later washing machines were not automatic. Clothes were washed and put through a wringer for two rinses, then once again through a wringer and hung on a line outside during warm weather, or in a basement in cold weather.

My mother ironed at least 14 white shirts each week for my father and brother. These were dipped in starch after the last rinse and put through the wringer before they were hung up to dry. Before ironing, they were sprinkled with water, rolled in a ball, and placed in the refrigerator before ironing. Keeping up a house was a lot different too. Lots of work and hours went into cooking breakfast every day, packing lunches and preparing varied and healthful dinners. We always ate dinner together. We were blessed with a Christian home and family.

But back to ironing. There was a list which my mother kept near the ironing board. It was her prayer list, and I know she often prayed for our family, church, friends, missionaries, and other concerns. The King James Version says, “Pray without ceasing.” I think it means whenever you think about something that needs prayer – pray even when ironing.

I know there are many in this church who pray daily and often even with a prayer list. When I wasn't feeling the best, I received a phone call from a dear friend who said, “Don't call me back. I just wanted you to know I am praying for you.” How fortunate we are to have friends who never cease to pray.

Marianne Kiess

Mach 30, 2006

What a Difference a Year Makes

Read: United Methodist Hymnal #496 (Sweet Hour of Prayer)

What a difference a year makes.

Last year at this time, our family was nervously awaiting word of Ben’s convoy through Iraq to Kuwait and out of the war zone. We were fortunate that his year’s deployment ended without incident.

One thing which made that year a little more bearable was the fact that due to the wonders of modern communication, we were able to talk with him almost weekly by phone. It is amazing that in the middle of the turmoil of a war zone, we could speak with him. Hearing his voice and knowing that he was OK somehow helped us get through another week of worry.

How lucky we are that, as Christians, we also have the wonder of communication known as prayer! Anytime, anywhere we can have communion with God even if our personal lives seem at times like a “war zone”.

We thank God for the countless blessings he has given us, especially for the gift of prayer.

Sue DeWitt

March 29, 2006

My Faith

Faith is a very important aspect of my life. When I was little I don’t think I really understood why I went to church and why it means so much to so many people, but now that I’m older I see that many people turn to their faith when they are in need of help. When I was little church was just something I had to do on Sunday. It was something that took up time and made me get up early, but now I look forward to going to church and actually listening to the sermons. I try to be involved with all of our community service programs and other things we do that help other people.

I think that our world can be very troubled at times. For instance right now eleven different countries in Asia are in complete misery, so why would someone from Michigan want to help someone who lives in Sri Lanka? There are so many people all around the U.S. helping people they don’t even know. I wonder what it says to people who are the ones being helped. Most of the people over there aren’t even Christians, but what we are doing is showing them more about the Christian faith. Our faith influences the way people live and we feel like our faith calls us to do good things.

The Ten Commandments, the letters of Paul, and the example that was set by Jesus are ways that we should be living our lives and are guidelines that we should follow. If we tried to live by our faith our world would be much better.

To me God is a friend. He is there when I need him, to thank or him to pray for someone. I know I should talk to him more and that I should be thinking about him and how our relationship works more often and I think that confirmation is helping me do that. Usually talking to God is something I do in church or when I need something. I should be thanking him everyday for everything he does to make my life better.

Quinn Scillian

March 28, 2006

YET! GOD JUST WAS NOT READY FOR ME!!

Read Matthew 9:38, John 15:13,15

Yes, for the fifth time, in my ninety-one years of LIFE – GOD was not ready for me!
On the early evening of Feb. 2nd, 2005; I had gone out back to feed my birds and squirrels – (a bit later than usual). After scattering the feeds; I CHOSE to walk all the way forward on my driveway, to look up and down my block to see what was going on. And, I was my good friend and neighbor, Jim Szlec out in his front yard cleaning up after a snow we had had. -- I turned to go in the house via my front entry walk through the court yard. (I had on my new boot-brace for my poor Left foot.)

Instead of getting my right foot, flat and true, on the entry step-platform; I “kicked the front of it” with such force, that it sent me into complete unbalance, falling and crashing with my head into the face of the square stone column to the wall there --- and, as I am falling, the jagged cutting edge of the stone step's lip; split the face of my Right leg open to the bone, in areas. --- When I came to; I was laying face down in the pachysandra greenery bed. I was in agony, and COULD NOT GET UP. Finally, I was able to roll over on my back. Then, I realized my entire right pant leg was soaked in blood, and a stream of blood was trickling down the drive!! I thought: ”Dear God, let Jim still be out front!” I screamed for him. He answered, and rushed right over.

He called the Police; who were there in less than three minutes. He got a towel and wet it in cold water, and held it hard against the wounds, until the police arrived. They knew what to do until 911 got there (which, again, was very quickly). They cut my pant leg off, got me into the ambulance, calling Bon Secours; that they were rushing in with a man bleeding to death, and to have everything ready. They gave me Blood; cleaned, closed, and sewed up the wounds --- STAT. Had Jim NOT still been outside; no one would have heard me yelling; what with storm windows in; in Kitchens cooking dinner; Televisions on; etc. It was 20 with a strong freezing wind; -- I had no heavy coat on – SO, I would have gone into hypothermia, frozen to death, AND BLED TO DEATH. ---- SO, ONCE AGAIN “GOD WAS NOT READY” FOR ME ---

BECAUSE “GOD STILL HAS WORKS HE WANTS ME TO DO!!!” --- SO, I STRIVE TO PRAY TO GOD, FOR INSTRUCTIONS, ABOUT WHO, WHERE, AND HOW HE WANTS ME “TO BE OF HELP, TO SOMEONE, WHO NEEDS HELP!!” -- THEN, I “TRY TO LISTEN, WITHIN MY SOUL, FOR THOSE INSTRUCTIONS!!!” “THEN, I TRY SO HARD, TO DESERVE HIS CARING, AND COMPASSION.”

AMEN

Robert C. Callaway

March 27, 2006

Gratitude Attitude

Read Luke 17:11-19

One of the benefits of getting older is that you develop more perspective and are able to see the “big picture” in life. I have observed that those who live life with a “gratitude attitude” tend to be happier people who find blessings in everyday circumstances. These people are attuned to God’s goodness and grace and have hope for each day.

The story of the ten lepers as told in Luke illustrates some important lessons about faith and gratitude. Because lepers were ritually unclean they were required to live outside their village. If a leper thought his leprosy has gone into remission, he could go to the priest and if declared clean could return to his village. The ten lepers who saw Jesus had faith they could be healed and followed Jesus instructions to go to the priest even before their leprosy was actually healed. It is disturbing however; that only one, a Samaritan, a race despised by the Jews, returned to thank Jesus. Do we receive God’s gifts with ungrateful spirits? Do we fail to thank Him after we have asked for his favor? Do we recognize God’s blessings when they come? Are we more likely to go to God with a request than a response of praise?

You may remember the idea of a ‘gratitude journal’ Oprah Winfrey promoted a while back. It was somewhat of a commercialization of a non-commercial act but made an important point. When you consciously identify all you have to be grateful for, you realize how much you are truly blessed. As Christians do we take the next step and thank God or do we prepare new requests for more blessings? God has not demanded that we thank Him but he is pleased when we do so. When we acknowledge all we have is a gift from God, he gives us grace to grow in our faith, a positive perspective on life, and hope to face an unknown future.

Perhaps a gratitude journal would be helpful to you. Daily devotions are a great way to have a direct line to God. I try to thank God throughout the day for blessings great and small and have found when I have trouble sleeping, a mental gratitude journal soon puts me at rest. Expressing gratitude may initially require a conscious effort but with time it becomes a habit that gives us joy in developing a close personal relationship with God.

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”

Pat Deck

March 25, 2006

I Believe

Read UM Hymnal #880 (Nicene Creed)

Just a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of listening to a presentation of Bach’s Mass in B minor, a choral work that sets the text of the Latin mass to music. I have sung it myself several times. When I first learned it, I borrowed a missal from a Roman Catholic friend so I could read the English translation and better understand the context and mood of the music. I was inspired when I sang it but, concentrating on making music, it was easy to forget that the text spells out what we, as Christians, believe. Not so as I recently listened to it.

Bach’s use of music to set the tone of the text is a fitting subject for a learned paper and I’m certainly not writing one of those. One section of the Mass, the Credo, literally says what Christians believe. Listening to one portion of the Credo in particular, though, caused me to reflect somberly upon the enormity of God’s gift to us, his son Jesus Christ. The text translates, “…[he] was crucified under Pontius Pilate, suffered, and was buried.” All the vocal parts end this section very quietly, in the lower parts of their vocal ranges. Surely the suffering and death of Jesus is the ultimate gift, but Bach tells us more.

Within seconds after that most somber section of the piece, my mood swung to the other side of the scale, as I realized, with joy, the victory over sin and death that God has promised us. Accompanied by the celebratory sounds of trumpets, the choir sings, “Et resurrexit tertia die secundum Scripturas…” “On the third day he rose according to the Scriptures.” Even if I didn’t know what the words meant, I still could not help but feel the joy conveyed by the music.

It’s cliché to say it, but it’s the truth; the hair on the back of my neck stood up as I listened to the beauty of the music and the power of message. Christ lived among us, died, and returned to us. To paraphrase another section of the Mass, “God, I thank you for your great glory!”

Fred Van de Putte

March 24, 2006

An Owner's Manual

Read Psalm 46

I have often heard people say that kids don’t come with an owner’s manual. It would be nice if they did. There are lots of books out there, but how can something so general help you with your child? I have a book I’m reading that somebody recognized my need for a few years before I did. I’m glad I finally pulled it out because it feels as if it is an owner’s manual for one of my kids. This seems like the exact book for her make and model – although probably not the same year. I am very glad for the book’s help.

I have also recently had a need for my car’s owner’s manual. They have found amazing hiding places for spare tires now. I was certainly glad for that book’s help (even though I did call in reinforcements). Thankfully there’s an index that is user friendly. I don’t know about you, but I don’t find a car owner’s manual light reading.

So what about life in general? There are lots of self-help books, but those don’t really guide us through life’s ups and downs. There is a song I like where a mother is sending her daughter off into the world. She reminds her, “Before you hit the highway, you better stop for gas, and there’s a 50 in the ashtray in case you run short on cash. Here’s a map and here’s a Bible, if you ever lose your way.” The Bible – I have been resisting reading it for the same reason I have resisted reading my car owner’s manual. They are both intimidating. I have come to the conclusion though that the Bible will turn out to be the best owner’s manual for my life. I have used the index (concordance) in mine to look up specific issues. I also have looked over the highlighted words, like in textbooks and manuals, for quick reference. My Bible has everything Jesus said highlighted in red. So in fact it has a striking similarity to my car’s manual. I began reading a Children’s Bible, which is written in a story format. I find myself not only enjoying it, but reading well past my intended stopping point. While the index and highlighted parts might help me with a specific need, it’s also nice to get the rest of the story – my history. I’m glad for The Book’s help. So I guess I do have an owner’s manual for my life. I need to remember to use it more often – not just for troubleshooting. Now if only car manufacturers would add stories to their manuals…

Prayer for the day: Dear God, thank you for your written word. On days when I may not be able to hear your answers, help me to remember to look for them written down. Amen.

Thought for the day: Look it up! You’ll remember it better.

Jacki Rumpp

March 23, 2006

A Choice for Peace

Photographer Nick Ut received a Pulitzer Prize for a dramatic war-time picture taken in Viet Nam. You may remember seeing it. The picture shows a little girl in agony walking naked down a country road amongst other weeping children. Dark smoke hangs heavily in the sky behind the fleeing group. The child's arms are painfully outstretched and her face is contorted in an expression of terror and misery. Napalm bomb, dropped on her village, seared off the little girl's clothing and severely burned her skin.

The date is June 8, 1972. The child, Kim Phuc, was carried by Nick to a truck and transported to an area hospital. She cried over and over, "Non'g Qu'a. Non'g Qu'a," which means "Too hot! Too hot!"

Kim hovered between life and death. She required 17 different surgical operations and months of rehabilitation. Today, she lives in Canada and has become an important spokesperson on issues of peace. "Pain never disappears," Kim says. "You just learn how to deal with it."

In 1996 she was asked to say a few words at the Viet Nam War Memorial in Washington D.C. Kim talked about forgiving those people who were responsible for all the misery and suffering inflicted that tragic day. She said, "Even if I could talk face to face with the pilot who dropped the bombs, I would tell him we cannot change history but we should try to do good things for the present and for the future to promote peace." It was a message of forgiveness. She knew that her acts of reconciliation were the bricks that could pave the only true road to peace.

Kim could easily spend the rest of her life blaming others for her suffering. She could have grown up a bitter and resentful woman. Instead, she made a courageous choice - a choice for peace.

It's a choice none of us can escape.
Cindy Rolka

March 22, 2006

God is with us, especially when electricity isn’t.

Allow me to quote my favorite band, Radiohead: “Most people gaze neither into the past nor the future; they explore neither truth nor lies. They gaze at the television.” It may not be scripture, but I find that there is truth to this statement, especially when one lives in a dorm where electronic distractions (or detractions) are quite prevalent. I have yet to encounter a living soul who is without a cell phone and I am continually amazed by the number of “talkers” on my brief treks between classes - I often ponder the importance or triviality of their conversations. I also find it is hard to meet a music-lover who can part with their i-pod for more words than “hello”, a sports nut who can pry their eyes from the latest broadcast event, or a college woman who can go a week without being drawn into their favorite television program (or subjecting themselves to a bombardment of advertisements that usually accompany the event).

I wonder what life would be without all of these things. Could we survive without hearing the latest top forty songs at every waking hour of the day? Would we cease to function when the television no longer told us what to think? Wonderful it would be, when one could sit in silence and thought. Better yet, the day students could walk to class and allow the beauty of the campus to permeate their bodies. This, of course, is only wishful thinking.

On Friday, January 20, 2006, God sent down a miracle. The power went out. TV’s spontaneously combusted, instant messages were delayed, wireless connections were lost, stereo systems ceased to blare, time stood still, and the best part of it all… …students flooded the hallways. In the dim glow of the emergency lights, groups of people gathered in circles and down passageways to talk.

I found myself sitting with my friend Meredith at the time of the miracle, and when the electricity stopped coursing through our building, I invited her to a game of checkers by candle-light. We played and laughed until my room started filling with friends who had a similar urge: a good game in good company. Sean had brought a deck of cards and suggested a game in which the eight of us could participate. We all enjoyed ourselves as Katie hummed and sang familiar tunes, bringing smiles to those who sat around the too-small table. Becky joked about getting closer (with the impending drop in temperature) while Aaron discussed the vast potential of hide and seek in the apparent darkness.

When I looked around the table, I saw bright eyes, clear eyes, eyes untainted by the glare of a television screen or the luminescent glow of a computer screen. We were engaged in each other with no other distractions and the time we spent together was very memorable. Eventually, however, the flicker of candles paled in the brightness of the overhead fluores-cent lamp. The familiar thump of sub-woofers returned at full volume and the student body found its way back to its usual position on the couch.

A few of my guests took their leave, but those who remained were satisfied when the door to the outside was closed, the artificial lights were dimmed, and a new game began, by candle-light.

This situation reminded me of my congregation. When we wake up on Sundays, we all light our candles and make a light greater than that of our own. Our eyes are clear, and not distracted, as we come together in fellowship after each service. The light given off by our combined candles becomes more brilliant.

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.”
-Luke, Chapter 11, Verses 33-36

Dear Lord,
Direct me in the path of your commands,
For there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statues
And not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
Preserve my life according to your word.
Amen.

-Psalm 119, Verses 35-37

Paul Thomas

March 21, 2006

Gifts of Time and Wisdom

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12: 1-2

When Fred Rogers of children’s television fame died in early 2003, for several weeks afterwards the news was filled with stories and remembrances of this kind and gentle man. One reported remembered that day when Fred Rogers had been invited to address the prestigious National Press Club in Washington, DC. The National Press Club was accustomed to hearing speeches from diplomats, top administration officials, and key opinion makers on the top issues of the day, and some members of the press club had privately joked that with “Mister Rogers” on the podium, they were no doubt in for a “light lunch.”

However, according to the reporter, when Fred Rogers stood up to speak, he said that he knew that the room was filled with many of the best reporters in the nation – men and women who had achieved much. Rogers then took out his pocket watch and announced that he was going to keep two minutes of silence, and he invited everybody in the room to remember people in their past – parents, teachers, coaches, friends, and others – who had made it possible for them to accomplish so much.

And then, Mr. Rogers took out his pocket watch, and stood there and said nothing. The room grew quiet as the seconds ticked away, but the reporter said that before Fred Rogers tucked away his watch, one could hear all around the room people sniffling as they were moved by memories of those who had made sacrifices on their behalf and who had given them many gifts of time and wisdom.

Likewise, if those of us who find meaning and comfort in the Christian faith that we have were to take two minutes to reflect on how our faith came to be – few of us would say that we got it from a book, and none of us would say that we thought it up on our own. Quickly or gradually, we would begin to remember people who treated us with kindness and goodness – who spoke to us and lived before us – the faith that sustains us. We heard and saw and we believed – slowly or suddenly – in a moment of stillness or in a thunderstorm of passion – we believed. The faith that we have, whether large or small – whether born of struggle or comfort – whether richly textured or barely patched together – is a part of our lives because somebody along the way had the courage and the conviction to talk about – or through their goodness in living – spoke to us about God and Jesus Christ.

From “Testimony: Talking Ourselves into Being Christian” by Thomas G. Long

Submitted by Rev. Bob Wright

March 20, 2006

Reflections on Scripture
(from the Living Bible – Paraphrased 1971)

Philippians 4:8 – and now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others.
Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about!

Colossians 3:16 – Remember what Christ taught, and let His words enrich your lives and make you wise; teach them out in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing to the Lord with thankful hearts.
Almost sounds like John 3:16, doesn't it?

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – “Dear brothers, honor the officers of your church who work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them, and give them your wholehearted love, because they are straining to help you. And remember, no quarreling among yourselves.”
That's a tough one, isn't it?

1 Timothy 4:12 – Don't let anyone think little of you because you are young. Be their ideal: let them follow the way you teach and live; be a pattern for them in your love, your faith, and your clean thoughts.
Thank you, youth of our church, for GPUMC Youth Work Camp Motto, July 2001!

2 Timothy – Again I say, don't get involved in foolish arguments which only upset people and make them angry.
Boy – that is good advice, and it's tough to do sometimes in committee meetings.

Bob Kiess

March 18, 2006

Where is Your Faith?

Read Luke 8:22-25

"They went to him and woke him up, shouting, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, "Where is your faith?" --Luke 8:24-25

It is hard for me to believe that my tenth wedding anniversary will be this year! I remember, as though yesterday, our beautiful little wedding (right outside in the church garden with only a handful of friends and family), and the celebration we had a few months later in Pennsylvania for my large extended family and friends. I was the only one in my immediate family born in Michigan; the rest were from the Allegheny mountain region of Pennsylvania. It was always my dream to have my wedding celebration in the tiny country church next to my Grandmother's old farmhouse, in Fallen Timber, Pennsylvania, which is part way up the side of a mountain. The area is gorgeous, and I used to spend summers there as a child. The day of the family celebration was wonderful, and the wedding ceremony, conducted by a country preacher, Rev. Warful, very moving. He asked my husband, Kelly and I, if we had a particular piece of scripture that we wanted to use in the service. We decided on the story of Jesus calming the sea, as sailing has been a big part of both of our lives, and we absolutely love the water. In his sermon, Rev. Warful pointed out that the only answer that we can give to Jesus' question in the gospel passage we had chosen is, "Our faith is in you, Master!".

As many of my church friends know, our marriage has been eventful, to say the least, from practically the first day. Major surgery for both of us, a triple by-pass for Kelly, multiple hospitalizations, lost jobs, Kelly's heart attack and three strokes, many, many EMS runs to save Kelly's life, a major car accident and other problems of a more personal nature have been a major part of our life together over the past decade. Yet today, our marriage, and our faith, is stronger than ever. We have come to learn that the only security and constant in our somewhat tumultuous lives is the Lord, and we have learned to place our problems in his hands. With Jesus' help, our marriage has survived and our love for each other grown immensely. I've often thought about what Rev. Warful told us when we stood before him as newlyweds, ten years ago. He was so right!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of faith, and teach us to place our daily concerns in your merciful and protective hands. Amen.

Thought for the Day: The Lord is always with us, including in times of great trouble.

Prayer Focus: Those struggling with marital problems.

Joyce Reynolds

March 17, 2006

Luck

I must be an excellent judge of character.
Look who I picked for a wife.

I must be very lucky.
I have two children, both healthy, both very bright.

They both have to be excellent judges of character.
Look who they picked for spouses.

We all are lucky, our kids for their children, and Shirley and I for those grandchildren, all healthy, all very bright.

We are all lucky to be part of a church family that really cares about each other.

In a country where so much is taken for granted, where almost anything is available, where you suddenly realize at Christmas, birthdays, etc. there is nothing you really need, almost nothing you really want (that you don’t already have), it is easy to forget the important things.

God has been really good to me and my family.

Jack Van Becelaere

Thought for the day;
Any day is a lucky day when God is watching over you.

March 16, 2006

Lost Dog

There's a well-worn joke that I've always liked about a notice that was posted in a local newspaper. It read:"Lost Dog. Please help us find our pet. Mixed breed. Blind in one eye. Deaf. Missing several teeth. Has only half a tail. Suffers from mange. Answers to "Lucky.""

It's funny, of course, but you know something? That dog was lucky; he was lucky because someone loved him, and so badly wanted him returned that they paid for a classified ad in the newspaper. You would think that this was a dog that only a mother could love, and you would be wrong.

I think we're a little like that dog. We're mixed in that we are each a bundle of contradictions. Our inner selves fight it out all the time as we try to weigh the things we want to do against the things we need to do. Most of us are blind in one eye in that we often see only what we wish to see -- about ourselves, about others, about the events around us. We can be completely deaf in the same way. Our teeth and our tail make plain that we have been through some battles in our day, battles in which life has scarred us with its indignities small and large. And the bright, shiny outlook with which we wish we could greet each day has gotten a little mangy from life's setbacks.

And yet, someone loves us. God loves us anyway, and keeps putting out the call for us to make it back home in time for supper. We tear up the yard, howl at the moon, and get into too many scraps with the other dogs, but still there waits for us a good meal, a warm blanket, and a soothing hand.

We should answer to "Lucky."

Amen.

Devin Scillian

March 15, 2006

Glad to Return the Favor

To most of my friends, I used to joke, "I'm spoiled, but without the bad attitude,” whenever my parents got me something really nice and or did something really nice for me.

My parents are very generous, not just to me and my sister, but to everyone; and not just with money, but with their time, bodies, and hearts. So one weekend night, as thoughts were flying through my head while I attempted to go to sleep, one final thought swept through my brain as I pulled my covers over me, "Spoiled without the 'tude is called lucky. Lucky is what I am." Now don't get me wrong, I've always known I've been lucky for so many things in my life, for my life; however, it is one thing to impress upon yourself and others just how lucky you are, it is entirely another to impress it upon those who are responsible for making you that way.

Lucky is certainly the word for it.

So very, very lucky. Lucky that my parents are so caring for everyone and each other. Lucky that they love me and my sister. Lucky because they are my parents. Lucky that I notice this all. I'm lucky because I am grateful. And all I have to do to return the favor is be happy (and give my mother grandkids someday... :) )

So to all the parents and grandparents who make us lucky, to all the people who love and make people feel lucky, thank you; some of us may not have had our bed-time epiphanies giving us the strength or words to say it, but we know we are lucky for having you in our lives and we're glad to return the favor.

May luck be with you all,
Emily Stowell

March 14, 2006

Never Forget

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the sepulcher. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come; see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. Lo, I have told you." So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Hail!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me." - Matthew 28:1-10

Once, when he was traveling by car in the south of England, William Willimon discovered that his car was in the process of breaking down. As he waited for the arrival of the mechanic, he wandered into the cemetery of a nearby village. He writes:

“Over in the corner of the cemetery there was a beautiful, low, brick wall enclosing fifty graves. The grass had nearly choked the plot. A large granite slab, set in the wall, bore the words, ‘We shall never forget your sacrifice.

“Here were fifty graves of young men from New Zealand – ages 17 – 25. There was no explanation as to why these men were buried in that small village cemetery so far from home. I found the town museum and inquired there. The attendant there said, “Strange that you should ask, I have no idea. If you give me a few days I could no doubt find out.” As I was not going to be there for a few days, I asked several other people who I met walking around the village. No one knew.

“‘We shall never forget your sacrifice.

“Was the impressive inscription a lie? No one could remember.”

I wonder if, as they made their way to the tomb, the women were speaking of Jesus, trying to recall for each other the way he phrased things, the sound of his voice, a certain look in his eye. I wonder if they recall how he ate and the way he greeted his friends. I wonder if, for them, as for so many of us, they found that Jesus’ memory was already starting to slip though their fingers. Sometimes we forget – not because we are faithless – but because our lives become so full of the demands and expectations of living that we forget the love and grace of the Author of Life. There is more to this world than we know.

In the midst of a Good Friday world, I would ask you to remember your Easter faith. It is a day when we, formally, declare our belief in the Resurrection and the Living Lord! Today we remember and share in a common belief and hope in Jesus rising from the tomb. The Easter faith – the Risen Christ – means that death does not and did not and shall not have the final word for us! Easter faith means new life! Easter is the miracle of our faith!

Today I hope that you will pledge yourself to struggle to live out of your Easter faith. I hope that you will remember and continue to struggle to move beyond the explanations of Easter to the experience of the Living Lord.

Let us remember. Let us celebrate. “The Lord is risen. The Lord is risen, indeed!”

Submitted by Rev. Bob Wright

March 13, 2006

Reflections on Scripture
(from the Living Bible – Paraphrased 1971)

Matthew 10:39 - “If you cling to your life, you will lose it, but if you give it up for Me, you will save it.”
Life is like a game of tennis ... you can't win without serving well!

Mark 6:38 - “How much food do we have?” He asked. “Go and find out.” They came back to report that there were five loaves of bread and two fish.
Sure fed a lot of people.

John 4:6 – Jesus was tired from the long walk in the hot sun, and sat wearily beside the well.
Do you know why? Was it just because it was hot and there was water?

Romans 14:8-9 – Living or dying, we follow the Lord. Either way we are His. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose, so that He can be our Lord, both while we live and when we die.
A retired Air Force Colonel was on our 1967 staff at YMCA Camp. He shared this verse on one of the canoe trips in our devotional time together.

1 Corinthians 9:24 – In a race, everyone runs, but only one person gets first prize, so run your race to win.
We all can't always win, but we can give our best.

2 Corinthians 9:7 – Everyone must make up his own mind as to how much he should give. Don't force anyone to give more than he really wants to, for cheerful givers are the ones God prizes.
Wonder what the Finance Committee thinks of this verse?

Galatians 5:14 – For the whole law can be summed up in this one command:
“Love others as you love yourself.”
Wow!

Ephesians 6:1-2 – Children, obey your parents; this is the right thing to do, because God has placed them in authority over you.
This is the first of God's Ten Commandments that ends with a promise.
Sometimes this is a tough one, Dad & Mom.

Bob Kiess

March 11, 2006

On Being Picture-Perfect

I am watching a mother who is carrying a large diaper bag and a very small camera. She is arguing with her two-year-old son over why he should not be walking on the sidewalk. He is not wearing shoes. “You will burn your feet,” his mother says. He doesn’t appear to care. “Let’s put your shoes on so you don’t hurt your feet.” The boy continues walking, running, stopping, bending over. He touches the grass, looks at the sky, wanders over to a bench, walks back on the sidewalk. The mother’s one-sided argument continues. The boy continues walking, paying no attention to his mother although I am paying full attention now. I have heard it’s pointless to try to reason with a two-year-old so there’s a story in here somewhere.

Not only does the mother want him to put on his shoes, she wants him to wear a hat. “It’s your birthday,” she says, “and I want to take a picture because you’re two years old now. Please wear this hat. PLEASE.”
It is an ugly hat, and here is the problem: his mother has turned the entire picture-taking process into a contest. I see this clearly from my point of view beneath a tree, pretzel in hand. I see this clearly from my point of view of being alone in the park, responsible today for my own self only, walking wherever I please with my shoes on or off and from never having had to argue with a two-year old!

The father shows up. Birthday boy’s parents gear into bribe mode to get their picture, when his picture would be so much better. He is small and blond with a round baby face. This is a sunny day, clouds high in the sky. He wants to run. He wants to roll in the grass and put his hands in the dirt.

His parents put him on a bench and push the hat on his head. They promise him pizza. They promise him ice cream. They make him sit for the photos, one, two, three. The boy squeals in that “let me go” way children have. The mother frowns; she adjusts the birthday hat. I laugh at the fact it’s a crown. And then I ponder the way in which birthday boy’s mother is not alone in the world: so many of us fight to take the pictures we want instead of the pictures that are happening right in front of us. Point well-taken on living life joyfully, just the way it comes.

Jenneth Wright

March 10, 2006

Answers to Prayer

Norman Neaves shares this about prayer as it relates to life’s journey:

• If what you pray for is not right…. and you are not right…. and the time is not right….
  God will answer your prayer by saying “No.”
• If what you pray for is right…. and you are right…. but the time is not right….
  God will answer your prayer by saying “Slow.”
• If what you pray for is right…. and the time is right…. but you are not right….
  God will answer your prayer by saying “Grow.”
• And if what you pray for is right…. and the time is right…. and you are right….
  God will answer your prayer by saying “Go.”

March 9, 2006

God's Word

Read Isaiah 55:8-11

My maiden name is Reed. My grandmother, Mary Hankins Reed, went West in a covered wagon. Two of my aunts from Nebraska traced the Hankins family back to Virginia, enabling them to join the DAR. Nobody seemed interested in following the trail of the Reed genealogy until the advent of the computer; when a cousin, a Statistics Professor, traced the family to Cornwall and Wales.

To celebrate our fiftieth wedding anniversary, Bob and I decided to visit Cornwall and Wales. Bert Prisk's family came from Cornwall (his relatives were miners, mine were farmers), and he gave us reliable information on the old city of Truro. We visited Truro, St. Ives, Penzance, and Newport, Wales. There were many Reeds in the telephone books, and there were several business establishment in all the towns with the name of Reed.

In St. Ives, we visited a delightful bookstore with books about Cornwall and its history. Among these books was a religious history of Cornwall. John Wesley (1703 – 1791) traveled many exhausting miles throughout Cornwall preaching the Word of God. Today, after two hundred years, there are Methodist Halls of Worship in many villages and hamlets. One book stated that Wesley probably changed the lives of the Cornish more than any other preacher. He continually spoke of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. In 1789, Wesley at the age of 86 preached his last sermon to hundreds of Cornish people. He knew his message would be perpetuated, because he was God's servant, preaching God's Word.

This message was brought to America where it spread throughout the country in Methodist churches. In the 1930's, my parents, who attended no church, chanced upon a service in the Van Dyke Methodist Church. This same message changed their lives, and I was fortunate to be raised in a Christian family. It was a thrill to see some of the area where John Wesley traveled and to know God's word does not return to Him without doing everything He sent it to do.1 God's word does not return to Him
void.2

Marianne Kiess

1 – The Learning Bible
2 – The King James Version

March 8, 2006

LOGOS (The Word)

Read John 1:1

In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(John 1:1 - King James Version)

We get to come to LOGOS on Wednesday and be together for Recreation, Bible Time, Worship Skills and Family Time.

The most important part of LOGOS is recreation because we get to know each other better by playing games together. We get to have snacks together and we get to have fun and be nice to each other.

The most important part of LOGOS is Bible Time because we get to learn stuff about the Bible we didn’t know. We have really nice teachers and we play fun games and draw pictures.

The most important part of LOGOS is Worship Skills because we get to do music together. We get to make cards and things for people so they know we are thinking about them. We get to learn about our church and about the windows and make our own stained glass cross.

The most important part of LOGOS is Family Time because we get to know each other better when we eat together and we get to know our table parents. We get to have great desserts and play fun games together.

Prayer. Dear God bless all the people who help with LOGOS and make it fun for us. And bless all of the children of God.

Blake Prentice, Reed Prentice, Jack Bracci, Robbie Bracci, TJ Stevenson, Alex Blunden, Michael Hensley, Bethany Hensley, Will Lorenz, Carter Harrison, Coleman Harrison, Christa Sicklesteel, Katie Sicklesteel, Ashley Boulier (The kids of Logos)

March 7, 2006

An Attitude of Gratitude
Read: Luke 17:11-19

“An attitude of gratitude” - this catchy little phrase you've probably heard from time to time. It sprints to my mind often. I've found it to be most helpful, and believe that if it were practiced widely in our world, would change it for the better.

It is quite easy to take one's blessings for granted, especially those that are a part of daily life. A lengthy list of things (largely material) for which to be thankful could readily be drawn up by any of us. Some things we have “earned,” such as those we purchase with income derived from our jobs. Others come to us as “gifts,” given by family members and friends. We are fed, clothed, sheltered, and provided for by them, bringing us comfort, security, ease, and enjoyment.

There is also much that nourishes our minds and spirits, often coming to us freely, and without charge. As I write this, I am looking out the window into the garden covered with freshly-fallen snow, its features beautifully “painted” by nature in pure white, and where each contrasting season offers its own beauty. I think of the countless times I've listened to a piece of great music, happened upon a beautiful landscape or building, driven down a pleasant tree-lined street or country road, enjoyed a sunny summer afternoon by the lake or the smile of a passing stranger, appreciated the warmth and companionship of family and friends, etc, etc.

At the close of each day, I try to remember to enumerate those things and experiences for which I am grateful, and express my gratitude to God, the source of all that is good and beneficent. Do you remember the words of the old song - “Count your many blessings, name them one by one?” How much better I feel in doing so!

As I see it, there are three simple steps we can take to increase the awareness of our many and varied blessings:

1. Acknowledge God as the one and only source of all that is good
2. Be Grateful in your heart (my dictionary defines grateful as “warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received
3. Offer Thanks (thanksgiving is defined as “an act of giving thanks, grateful acknowledgment of benefits or favors”)

The importance of this last step needs to be emphasized. Being grateful within always precedes the act of expressing thanks. Steps 2 and 3 are not the same. Gratefulness is an attitude of mind, and thanksgiving is the resultant action, one following the other. If we do not express our thanks in a meaningful, tangible way, its beneficent power is limited. Though God is the source of all good, we must remember that in this world, the wonder of His love and caring is expressed through specific channels, and we must be grateful for and thankful to them. We must remember, too, that because of the oneness and unity of all creation, any gift we offer to another is really the gift we are offering to ourselves. (Conversely, a blessing denied another is a blessing unavailable to ourselves. Thanksgiving blesses all, for “truly, it is as blessed to give as to receive.”

Love, joy, peace, harmony, abundance, life itself, all have their source in our Creator-Sustainer God. How many things can you find in your life for which to be thankful? Even a few moments of sincere reflection will bring so very much into your awareness, lift your spirits, and encourage you to anticipate God's numerous blessings to come!

Dear God,
We express sincere gratitude to You, our Creator, for our very existence and our thanks to all living things that offer us the opportunity to remember You. Your tender care sustains us all our earthly days, and Your unending love surrounds us in the eternal home You have prepared for us. Help us to live our lives in joyous service to You as a tangible expression of our thankfulness. Amen.

Doug Dykstra

March 6, 2006

Time for Extravagant Love

A young mother of a two-year-old looks down at the gentle rounding of her stomach as she enters the fourth month of her second pregnancy and secretly wonders if it’s possible for her to love another child as much as she does her first. A doting grandmother, having fallen head over heels in love with her first grandchild, also harbors a fear that she’ll be all out of love by the time another grandchild is born.

What both of these women fail to realize is that love isn’t something we dredge up from the inner sanctums of our own souls. God is love. He is the ever flowing, everlasting source of love. Not only does He increase our capacity to love whenever He sends someone new into our lives, He makes it possible for us to love extravagantly, with a love that exceeds all boundaries.

Couldn’t our world use more extravagant love right now? We have an entertainment industry that often suggests love is synonymous with sexual activity. We see daily reports about pockets of violence where it seems the darkness of hate has overpowered the light of God’s love, if only temporarily. We have children and teenagers shuttling from one foster home to another, wondering why they’re the ones forced to look for love in all the wrong places.

To love extravagantly we have to be willing to love the unlovable—to reach outside our own comfort zones. And we have to be willing to love even if it means we’re risking being hurt later. My mother very reluctantly moved into an assisted living facility three years ago. Certain she had already made all the friends she needed in her life, she kept to herself at first. But then she met Marge. The two became fast friends and loyal bridge partners. Marge died this week. “I will
miss her so much,” my mom told me. “I really loved her.”

It’s never too late to risk loving again, and love is always worth any pain it brings. When we dare to love by calling on the power we have through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we can send extravagant love into the world. May that be our focus this Valentine’s Day.

Nancy Parker Brummett
(a freelance writer who lives in Colorado Springs, CO)

March 4, 2006

Lenten Devotion
Thus the Israelites were subdued at that time, and the people of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the Lord, the God of their ancestors. - 2 Chronicles 13:18

Recently, I encountered an article that spoke of Christianity as nothing more than a crutch. It went on to say that “the only reason people claim to trust Jesus is that they are wimpy weaklings….” I thought about that statement a long time, and as I did so, my thoughts wandered off into my front hall closet where the crutches that I had been dependent on for many months now rested from their labor.

I had been thinking about giving them to the rummage sale or throwing them away be-cause of the discomfort they brought to mind—not only my sore and swollen ankle, but the general discomfort that came from relying on them. When I slouched instead of standing up straight when using them, it caused pain in my neck and back. If I rested my crutches in my arm pits, as many people do, they chafed and bruised the tender flesh there. I remembered how difficult it was to carry items from place to place when I was on crutches. Bags held in my hands would slap against the side of the crutch—throwing me off balance; and although my backpack equally distributed the things I was carrying, when full it placed quite a bit more weight on my good ankle. Using crutches left me with little energy to do other things and they were a constant reminder that I was dependent on them (and on others) to do what I had always been able to do by myself.

Then I remembered that I would not have had as much freedom of movement without them. Even though the wheel chair left my lap free to carry necessary items, it was cumbersome and required the same amount of energy to operate. It didn’t fit into small places and I needed help loading it in and out of the van in order to go anywhere outside of the church or my home. I was resigned to admit that even though I had not enjoyed relying on my crutches, I had needed them. They brought about healing. They freed me from bondage to my injury. They taught me how to be a gracious receiver.

Once again, my thoughts returned to the statement I had read. I realized that we do trust in Jesus because we know that we are “wimpy weaklings.” We can not do it all on our own and we need help in and with our lives. Understanding that there is more to life than we know about, we become aware that we are not the center of the universe.
We rely on God, because we know that God is “the be all and end all.”
We believe in Christ because through Christ comes healing. Christ frees us from the bondage of our self-centered ways, a.k.a. sin and death. Christ gives us freedom to live life abundantly—free of guilt, free of fear, free of disease regardless of the form that it takes. Christ challenges us to stand on our faith and walk with him—passionately, filled with joy, hope, and love.
And when we stumble or are thrown off balance by the challenges of this world, the Holy Spirit intercedes—teaching us how to be gracious receivers when blessings come our way.

I think I will keep those crutches for a while longer. Now that I have thought it through, they no longer remind me of my discomfort. Once I took my focus off of myself and began to think about God, I began to see those crutches in a new light. Today, they remind me that God is always there to catch me when I fall, to hold me up when I am weak, to heal me when I am broken, and to help me get back on my feet, so that I can continue to walk in faith.

Rev. Pam Beedle-Gee

March 3, 2006

God asks no more of you than you can accomplish ...

Read Exodus 4:10-17
“Moses said, ‘O Lord, please send someone else.’” Exodus 4:13

Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted an old friend in the audience, and walked down the aisle to greet her.

Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose, and eventually explored his way through a door marked “NO ADMITTANCE.”
When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing. Suddenly the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.

In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, “Don't quit. Keep playing.” Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.

The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played – only the classic, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

Perhaps that's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful, flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful.

The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master whispering in your ear, “Don't quit. Keep playing.”

May you feel His arms around you, and know that His hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Remember, God doesn't seem to call the equipped; rather, He equips the “called.”
[Author unknown]

Dear God,
I thank you for all your wonderful blessings. During those times when I forget, and I feel over-whelmed by the tasks before me, help me to remember that you are never more than a prayer away. Your arms will be around me, helping turn my feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Amen.

Karen Bromley

March 2, 2006

Meditation for Lent

There is silence in Heaven (Revelation 8:1) while God listens to all of our prayers; prayers of praise or despair, prayers of request or thanks, prayers of anger or serenity, prayers of joy or sadness. Not one word is lost. Our prayers are heard, the world comes into perspective, we acquire hope.

We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all – all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrews 4:15-16

Then God answers, and your life is turned around. There is no room for control, calcula-tions, or conditions. You are forced to give up your ego and respond to God in faith. This my be against all intuition and training, but you must eventually submit yourself to God.

Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. 2 Corinthians 1:20-21

However, you need to prepare before all of this happens. Like a backpacker who spends days selecting clothing, packing food, waterproofing tents, checking the first aid kit, and studying maps. At last you are at the trail head. Up to this point, everything is under your control. Then, nothing is under your control as you meet uncertainties like weather changes, wild animals, your own endurance. You have lived by sight and experience. Now you must rely on faith. And when God answers your prayers and petitions, you must be prepared to hear His answer and follow it.

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. Hebrews 11:1-2

Ched Fine

March 1, 2006 - Ash Wednesday

Groundwork

“so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Hav-ing gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” - Romans 12:5-8 ESV

I like to sing. I have an OK voice, not great but not bad. I can’t read music, which can be a problem, so I sing soprano, even though I can’t always hit the high notes. But I like to sing and I can hear the melody (especially with Heidi standing behind me) so I sing soprano in our church choir.

When my family first joined GPUMC I really enjoyed listening to the choir. I often thought about joining but I was intimidated by the quality of the group, and my weak gifts held me back. So for several years I just listened and sang along from the pew. Then finally one Thursday night I decided to go to a rehearsal, I figured I could sit in the back and see how it went. The reception was so warm and everyone was so helpful that I came the next week. Within a few weeks I felt like I fit right in, and now I am blessed to sing my heart out to the Lord.

Being involved in choir had brought me closer to our church family too. As a matter of fact every committee I’ve been on and every job I’ve been recruited for (no matter how reluctantly) has blessed my life. GPUMC is a wonderful church full of wonderful people with a strong faith to share – many of whom I wouldn’t know if I hadn’t stepped outside of my comfort zone.

Lent is traditionally thought of as a time of preparation. The thesaurus lists “groundwork” as a synonym for “preparation”. This Lent, lay the groundwork for making a closer connection to our church; take on a challenge, join a committee, or sign up for a Bible study class. The experience of being with your Christian brothers and sisters will bring you closer to God.

Prayer: Lord let my heart be touched by someone today and let me touch someone.

Cathy Lorenz