March 15, 2014

Psalm 40:1-11

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,

and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,

who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!

You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;

none can compare with you!

I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.

In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear.

Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.

Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me:

I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation;

behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord.

I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;

I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;

I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.

As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me;

your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!

March 14, 2014

The Flame

John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” - NRSV

During worship I often meditate on the flame of the altar candles.

E. Byron Anderson states in, WorshipMatters: A United Methodist Guide to Worship Work, Vol. II, "The presence of the light reminds us of Jesus’ coming into our world and into our lives. The light is carried into the worship service as a symbol of Jesus’ coming into the presence of the worshiping community. Many congregations use two candles on the altar to point out that Jesus was both a human being and God. At the end of the service, the light is carried out into the world to show that Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere…The acolyte leaves the worship service carrying out the lighted candle lighter. This symbolizes the light of Jesus Christ going out into the world where believers are to serve."

I reflect on the symbolism of the flame. Not only the light of Jesus but the trinity of the flame. For me, the flame helps describe God’s Trinity;
    God the Father
    God the Son
    God the Holy Spirit

There are many illustrations for the Trinity, such as H₂O being water, ice and steam. All different forms, but all are H₂O. Another illustration is an egg having a shell, egg yolk, and egg white, but the egg illustration shows that there would be "parts" to God, which isn't the case.

When I view the candle’s flame I first see the Flame, God the Father, as in the burning bush or pillar of fire. Then the Light of Jesus, God the Son, the Light of the World. With the burning of the candle there is heat. The warmth and comfort of the Flame, God the Holy Spirit.

On May 24, 1738, John Wesley recorded in his journal, “I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

Along with Rev. John Wesley I am grateful for the presence of God through the comforting warmth of the Holy Spirit and the light of Jesus in my life.

Rejoicing,
Denver Higley

March 13, 2014

To Every Thing...

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 

 

For many years now my Lenten devotions have been about our dog, Toby. Well, this will be the hardest to write because he died of a very aggressive lymphoma a couple months ago at only 8 years old. Toby was not a perfect dog. He was really quite a wimp at the vets office (ask Heidi), but he was poetry in motion when he ran. He took a firm hand to control when walking and didn’t greet other dogs in the friendliest manner, but he was my best friend on 4 legs and stayed by my side during this long recovery from head injury. 

 

He was an omnivore: the only thing he wouldn’t eat seemed to be raw mushrooms, but his quirky habits made Dave and me laugh every day and boy, did we need it in 2013. He hated anyone messing with his feet, but his ears were like velvet when you stroked them. Toby wasn’t a show quality Vizsla, his back was a little bony, but he loved to race around the backyard in crazy mode chasing Dave. He did not like toys, but he loved to lie in the chair with his head in my lap. He loved to roll in smelly stuff, but he was so fast he once caught a bird by the tail feathers. 

 

In spite of all his imperfections, we really, really loved him. I think its probably the same with Gods love for us. He sees the imperfection and loves us anyway, finding all the good that there is to see in each one of us. 

 

One thing I know for sure, Toby is up in heaven with our former dogs, Casey and Tucker and hes sniffing around and running for joy with his good buddies Kooder, Campbell, and Bonnie. 

 

God bless our dear friend, Heidi, for finding us a new pup, Jax, to love. 

 

Prayer focus: Dogs and those who love them

Sue DeWitt

March 12, 2014

Some of Us Want to Write

Read: Romans 1:1-7

During my Winter vacation in Florida, GPUMC is often in my thoughts and prayers. Our office manager, Carol Sarvello, mails the Pointer; Carol Ann Maleitzke sends the prayer concerns of the Prayer & Study Fellowship and the Lenten Study booklet created by Charlie van Becelaere.

I especially enjoy the Lenten study booklets because each article is a written gift members share with one another. As I read each one, I thank the author for taking the time to put their thoughts and prayers on paper and giving them to Charlie.

Some of us want to write, but think we have nothing others would find uplifting. It’s too hard to write. The deadline for copy seems to come faster than expected. But remember your efforts are appreciated. I thank congregation members for sharing, and hope you will share again.

Betty Durkin

March 11, 2014

2013 – Glad to put you behind!

Read: Philippians 3:8-14

2013 was a tough year. My 90 year old larger-than-life Dad died in Ohio after a long two months battling a multitude of illnesses that finally came together in a bad way in Mid-February and Susan, my wife, had to fight with the medical providers on obtaining a new long-term treatment for her concussion. We lost a tenant (and were able to find a replacement) in our small industrial building after making some major repairs, and Susan’s only uncle passed away in mid-summer due to pervasive cancer. Our beloved 8-year old dog, Toby, passed away at late in the year to a fast-acting lymphoma, and I had the continuing business battle to gain against the slow recovering economy. 

 

We are not alone with the curves that life throws to us all; taking one step at a time we prevailed and worked our way through each of the issues. With the wonderful support of my 3 brothers and their wives and the continuing care facility where my parents had lived for over 15 years, we got all the funeral arrangements accomplished, and got Mom settled in the her new one-room suite where she was welcomed and supported by her friends in the facility (and enough funds for her remaining years, thank goodness!). Sue did get the authorization for her year-long concussion treatment, and her uncle’s affairs were in order and required only a small amount of our attention. Our new industrial tenant seems to be working out okay and we are on-the-hunt for a dog, probably of the rescue variety. 

 

In 2014, our kids all have new adventures such as Andrew’s new GM marketing job, Katie is due in June with our first grandchild, and we hope Sgt. Ben will be safe for nine months in Afghanistan as a clerk with his Michigan National Guard transportation unit. They will be located in a long-established US Military base (his third deployment in the Mideast over the years) where they will be involved in getting our military equipment out of the country. Sue is looking forward to developing a relationship with a new dog, and 2014 is looking better on the business front. 

 

This sounds like a family Christmas letter, sorry Charlie, I will get to the Lent perspective now. 2013 was tumultuous and difficult. One affirmative constant in 2013 was GPUMC. The friendships and religious support over the entire year was something that Sue and I could count on to provide the bedrock to lean upon when many things in our lives were in disorder. We tried to give back during the year, particularly with our choir membership, and that focus gave us some ability to concentrate on the positive and pro-activeness. 

 

Thank you GPUMC!

Yours in Christ, 

Dave DeWitt

March 10, 2014

The Periphery

Read: Luke 2:8-20

The Periphery –
That’s where the Inn at Bethlehem really stands.
Rather, that’s where the Innkeeper stands:
     We find him never in the Bible, but
     always in our pageants.
It’s there, with him, that we can stay and watch.
Not quite taking part, but     unable to leave such a scene – such a tale.
We, like the Innkeeper, watch and wonder:

     Who has come to stay with us?     How are we to greet Him?

The One who made us now joins us:
He lives with us      to die for us      to live in us      that we might live.

That visitor, that Child, that Savior, that King

Calls us away from the periphery.
Calls us to Himself.
Calls us to be loved, to live, to love.

Charlie van Becelaere

March 09, 2014

O Master Let Me Walk with Thee (Washington Gladden)

O Master, let me walk with thee
in lowly paths of service free;
tell me thy secret; help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care. 

Help me the slow of heart to move
by some clear, winning word of love;
teach me the wayward feet to stay,
and guide them in the homeward way. 

 

Teach me thy patience; still with thee
in closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong; 

 

In hope that sends a shining ray
far down the future's broadening way,
in peace that only thou canst give,
with thee, O Master, let me live.

March 08, 2014

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

March 07, 2014

Can Our Lenten Experience Be a Transforming One?

Read: Matthew 4:1-11

As those who bear the name of Christ, we Christians have a natural desire to study the life and ministry of Jesus so that we may pattern our lives after his, thus carrying on the work that he began in a time long past. His astonishing Earthly ministry was prepared for by a period of fasting and prayer in the wilderness that lasted forty days (a number thought to signify completion). The Lenten season, which we can use as a period of intense focus on our spiritual lives, corresponds to the number of days Jesus spent apart (and Moses and Elijah in their wilderness experiences, as well).

Fasting, in various ways and to different degrees, has for centuries been a Lenten practice for many Christians. I recall as a child some of my classmates asking one another: “What are you giving up for Lent?” (a practice usually prescribed by their faith). What was given up was always something appealing (a favorite food was a prime example). It went without saying that this was just a temporary “doing without.” Life would soon enough return to normal, with no permanent damage done – and no permanent change, either. Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) and a certain highly-sought-after doughnut allow a celebratory indulgence before a Lenten fast begins – a fast sometimes held to, misunderstood, or barely undertaken at all. To put aside a few favorite foods for a time may prove interesting if we come to realize that we can live happily without them. Items given up usually relate to the senses and appetites of the body.

Another approach to a Lenten fast would prove far more valuable and have a lasting, transformative effect: the setting aside of unhealthy and unhelpful thinking. The unholy thoughts that we entertain do not reflect the holiness of the Mind of God, out of which we were created. Mind-wandering and a lack of mental discipline hinder our spiritual advance, both personally and as the larger human family. The concept of “idle thoughts” is contradictory if all thought has power. They either align with God’s truth or further the world of our own making, far from where God would have us be.

According to Matthew’s account, Jesus was thrice tempted in the wilderness, turning away from materialism, the winning of people by a spectacular display, and becoming a political / military figure. Through days of concentrated prayer, Jesus emerged with a clear vision for his ministry. After overcoming temptation, he quoted scripture in a decisive statement: “Worship the Lord, your God, and serve only Him.”

If Christ appeared to us in majesty and glory and asked us to take our place among the saviors of the world, how would we respond? Would we choose the strength of Spirit within us or allow our weakness seen apart from Spirit to direct our thoughts and actions? As we walk the face of the Earth, we are presented with opportunity after opportunity to bring the gifts of God to those who hunger for them consciously or unconsciously. Until we waken and come to our senses, we have the freedom to choose which master we serve. But we cannot serve two, as the Bible says. Our tolerance for pain is great, but not without limit. The world is hurting and, therefore, so are we. Why, then, would we delay? Jesus’ faith in us, however, is not misplaced. He knows our essential nature intimately, for he knows the Source out of which we were brought into being.

So let us use these Lenten days wisely and begin to open our minds to the new age Jesus introduced. And whenever we falter, let us take heart and remind ourselves and each other of Jesus’ words: “Be assured, I am with you always, to the end of time.”

Doug Dykstra

March 06, 2014

Christmas Magic

Luke 18:16 Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

As many of you know, I spent Christmas in Aspen looking after my two grandsons, Ethan, 6, and Charlie, 3. On Christmas Eve we attended the Aspen United Methodist Church, built in 1890. Since we had squirmy children, we got to church really early and staked out the very back pew in case we needed to usher noisy kids to the Fellowship Hall. We got to church so early that I had a chance to chat up the minister and she mentioned that she was extremely pleased with her organist and that we were in for a treat. (Not wanting to “one up her” and being a tourist, I didn’t mention our own amazing organist, Douglas). (I not incidentally helped put out their luminaria. Did I say we were early?!).

So the service started with a lovely prelude, as good as the minister had promised. And when the music stopped, the church was breathlessly silent. And then Charlie, age 3, never known to let silence last more than 2 seconds if he can help it, cheerfully chirped “thank you.” And since the church was so quiet, everyone heard him. And most people chuckled but I am sure I was not the only one who thought of the expression, “out of the mouths of babes.” 
 

The service continued and the minister announced Children’s Time so both boys went up to the altar where there was a manger with the minister’s very own doll from childhood laying in the manger. Ethan was so taken by the minister’s comments about the doll that he reached in and cradled the doll in his arms and looked intently into his eyes. Frankly it was almost as if Aspen UMC had hired my grandchildren to be adjuncts to the service, players in this pageant called Christmas Eve.

Prayer Focus: That we all too may experience the awe and wonder of the birth of Jesus.

Vivian Anderson

March 05, 2014 – Ash Wednesday

Ways to be Unhurried During Lent

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a

Lent...forty days plus six Sundays...a time to prepare ourselves for the day that defines who we are as the people called Christian...Easter.

There are many ways to observe this season of the Christian year. Often, we think about giving up something that we enjoy....making a sacrifice of sorts. I would like to suggest that we observe this Lent by making room for something. Yes, I know, we are all very busy people, so making room for something else may feel as if it's just too much to ask. But in a few easy steps, with as much or as little time as you want to offer, here are five ways to help you focus on the season of penitence, repentance, and new life.

1. Create a sanctuary outside of the sanctuary...your bedroom, an office, your kitchen table...a quiet place.

2. Light a candle to symbolize the presence of God's spirit in that place.

3. Listen to some meditative music.

4. Be silent. Find the quiet center. As the hymn says: "Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead, find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed: clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes that we can see all the things that really matter, be at peace and simply be."

5. To help you find the quiet center, silently repeat simple contemplative refrains such as "O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer. When I call, answer me. O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer. Come and listen to me."

Prayer: In this holy season, O God, quiet my spirit so that I may drink from the well of your life-giving water, feast on the gifts of your Son's sacrifice, and find rest for my soul in you. Amen.

Rev. Judy May

Introduction - 2014

Introduction

    Once again, it’s been my honor and privilege to edit this book, and as always, it’s been a real Joy to me. As usual, we cut it very close in getting the devotions in – as usual, much closer than I would really prefer! (I’m writing this intro a bit after 2:30 AM on printing day!)

    One thing that is different this year is that there are no repeats of any devotions from years passed. You’ll note that once again each Sunday holds a hymn, and that this year each Saturday serves up a Psalm.

    Well, you may notice that one Saturday holds a devotion from Ron Draper, but if you were at Lake Louise (which you’ll find in these pages a few times as well), you’ll know that our worship focused on the idea that we can each write our own Psalms – prayers of thanksgiving, supplication, awe, love, fear, just about anything we need to tell God about, so consider this a new Psalm.

    Speaking of new things, along with the temperature and the piles of snow outside, the devotion from Vivian Anderson on March 06 gave me permission to include a piece I had written for Christmas, but that I think fits quite nicely any time of the year.

    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

March 31, 2013 - Easter Sunday

The Strife Is O'er the Battle Done

The strife is o'er, the battle done;

the victory of life is won;

the song of triumph has begun:

Alleluia!

The powers of death have done their worst,

but Christ their legions hath dispersed;

let shouts of holy joy outburst:

Alleluia!

The three sad days are quickly sped;

he rises glorious from the dead;

all glory to our risen Head!

Alleluia!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee,

from death's dread sting thy servants free,

that we may live, and sing to thee:

Alleluia!

Anonymous Latin, translated by Francis Pott

March 30, 2013

In Both Calm and Stormy Weather

Read: Philippians 4:10-20

We have moved 3 times in 4 years! Hard to wrap my head around it because I never would have guessed this was to be my path in life. Despite the stress that accompanies packing a bunch of boxes, loading, unloading, changing the mailing address on everything and searching for a new job, Garrett and I have found this to be true in every place we have lived: you will always find goodness and kindness. What a great discovery!

As it says in this passage from Philippians, anywhere you go, you'll always find what you need. We are so very blessed to have been given the opportunity to meet and get to know many wonderful people, because in our many transitions, that is what we have needed. Although change can be hard, what a great lesson to learn that "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Our strength has come in the form of people reaching out and welcoming us into their community.

Change is never easy, but if you keep your eyes and heart open, you'll find the stability you need.

Prayer: Thank you God for always being with us and giving us what we need. Help us to continue to rely on you in both calm and stormy weather.

Prayer focus: change

Katie Broom

March 29, 2103 - Good Friday

A Tree, Planted by the Sanctuary

Read: Psalm 1

If one sits on the left side of the aisle during church service,

     one can see large tree branches beyond the beautiful stained glass window.

They might sway gently in a breeze,

     remain stationary on a still day,

          or blow gustily in a storm.

One can watch the changing of the seasons from Spring buds

     to full leaf to bare lace against a Winter sky.

Nature becomes part of the service as one views the tree.

The full circle of life's experience

     with the promise of continuity,

          as it leafs anew each Spring.

"For every thing there is a season and a time for every matter under the Sun." Ecclesiastes 3

Sarah Frakes

March 28, 2013 - Maundy Thursday

That God Thing

Read: Numbers 6:23-27

Every once in a while, grandparents get the privilege of participating in the ritual at bedtime – putting kids to bed. And it is a ritual. It must be followed exactly, and in the prescribed order.

This ritual can include:

Medicine with a drink of juice, sometimes a snack, bath or shower accompanied by various and sundry creatures (fish, dinosaurs, turtles, boats, etc.), hair washing and drying (with not too hot a drier), correct pajamas and socks (in winter), tooth brushing, story time, climbing in bed with the correct amount and position of soft toys, prayers, back rub, overhead light off, night light on, closet light on (door closed), room door open just so far, hugs and kisses, “Good night, I love you.”

At the funeral of Dr. James Greer, his son, Rev. James Greer, mentioned that his father – as part of their nightly ritual – always said that lovely passage in Numbers 6:24-27. It was a blessing which God gave to Moses to give to Aaron, saying, “This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel.” (It is my favorite benediction, and I especially love to hear it sung.)

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face to shine upon you;

And be gracious unto you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.”

I began to insert this into the night time ritual after prayers. Our six year old grandson always asks for it to be repeated.

If I should forget to say it; he says, “Say that God thing, Nana.” What a beautiful way to end a day.

Marianne Kiess

March 27, 2013

Exchanging pop cans for a lesson

Matthew25: 34-36

³⁴ Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.

After finishing a sweaty Zumba workout at church, I headed to the Kroger on Kercheval to recycle a collection of soft drink cans. When I headed down the steps into the recycling center, a man was already settled in at one of the can deposit spots, humming softly to himself. I had seen him riding his bicycle up to the store as I drove into the parking lot.

"Wow, you have got a lot of cans there!" he exclaimed cheerily. "I got a lot of cans myself, picked 'em up along Kercheval down there by Lakewood and Newport. Can't believe how people just throw these cans down on the sidewalk. That's like throwin' away money!"

"I know what you mean," I said, weary from a day of work and an hour of exercise as I methodically put my cans into the chute.

"Well, I'm out of work, and a man's got to do something to get a little extra cash, you know. This is better than some stuff, you know what I mean?"

He paused briefly. "Where'd you pick all of your cans?"

At first, his question confused me. Then I realized he thought I was in the same business he was. "Oh, I got all of mine from home," I said quickly.

He looked at me quizzically then asked if I knew what day it was.

"Sure. It's Wednesday," I said.

"Ah, then that means tomorrow is Thursday. That's the day you can get a free meal over there at that school by St. Phil's. You know that school by Marseilles and Mack. Real good food. Ever been there? They don't ask you any questions. They just seem happy to give you a good meal. You should try it," he said, still as chipper as when I'd arrived.

What? I should try the free meal? What was he talking about? Did he think I was a vagrant who'd picked up these cans off the street? That I needed the handout of a free meal? Did I really look that bad after Zumba?

I'm sure he must have seen the confusion on my face but the look on his face was sheer generosity. He was doing the best he could for himself. He didn't have much but he was still offering to help me because he thought I needed it.

My prayer is that I am always so generous to those in need, that I never look past someone who is sad or hungry or lonely, that I always take the time to look closely and respond to their needs.

Joan Richardson

March 26, 2013

Brushstrokes

Read: Psalm 19

An artist named Helen Frankenthaler was quoted saying, "A picture that is beautiful or that works looks as if it was all made at one stroke. I don't like to see the trail of a brushstroke or a drip of paint."

I disagree. Brushstrokes are a big part of the beauty to me. They tell so much about the process, the journey. I went to the DIA looking for some inspiration and some help with a project. By studying a Matisse painting and looking specifically for the brushstrokes, I got a personal lesson from Matisse himself. In fact from that point on I discovered brushstrokes (and yes even drips) in many paintings ‑ each one a lesson in technique and paint thickness.

A pure blue sky can be beautiful in its simplicity, but I like to see God's brushstrokes dragging the clouds from one place to another. God's amazing sky paintings can come naturally from the clouds, but even a jet plane striping the pale blue canvas is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of all of God's gifts. How much more beautiful is a sunset when there are bold strokes of clouds across the sky.

On our own faces we can see the brushstrokes of our lives. When I look in the mirror and see lines around my eyes, I try to remember all the good reasons I smiled so much to make them ‑ or even the beautiful sunny days that made me squint (and yes gave me the sunburns to add to the wrinkles). Instead of seeing imperfection and aging, I need to embrace the brushstrokes and be grateful for all the things that made them.

Personally I like brushstrokes in a painting. They let us into the artist's mind and they show us the creative process. I like the brushstrokes in nature too. They show us God's creative process. I'm trying to like the brushstrokes I see in my mirror. They are evidence of God's gifts to me and God's work through me.

Dear God, Thank you for the beauty you have given us. Thank you for the evidence that you are at work in our lives. Thank you for all the brushstrokes. Amen.

Jacki Rumpp

Look for God's brushstrokes in your life.

March 25, 2013

As a Child I Spoke as a Child

Read: Psalm 139

When we were youngsters and leaving the house, my mother would call out “Remember God is with you.” My oldest brother, Jim, would leave for the “High,” Jack to Pierce Junior High, and I to Trombley Elementary, all exiting at different times, but each would hear Mom's refrain of “God's with you.” To me it was a feeling that I was safe or being watched over and protected. For Jim and Jack, it probably conjured up “be good or else.”

One Spring morning it was sunny and warm out. I did not even need a coat. A sweater jacket for a wrap would do just fine. As I was walking, I pondered on where God would be that day – in my pocket, on my shoulder, or maybe in my lunch box? I decided that He was probably on my shoulder, as it was so nice out. (As you can see, I really had an imagination!) At recess that afternoon we played baseball. Roger hit the ball and it came right to me. I held up my two hands to catch it, but alas it slipped through and skimmed my shoulder... the one that I was sure God was sitting on. I started to cry, believing that God had been hit for sure. Neither Miss King, my teacher, nor Miss Coe, the Principal, could understand that the pain was in my heart and not my shoulder. The Principal ended up walking me the short half block to my home and my mother.

After Miss Coe left, I related the story to my Mommy, telling her about the ball, my shoulder, and God. I remember saying, “I couldn't see Him to help Him.” My mother smiled and assured me that God was very wise and all-knowing, and probably knew just where that flying ball was headed, and was out of harm's way. Her words – plus the milk and cooky – relieved my anxiety almost immediately.

Well, I guess what I'm trying to convey in this short tale is that I'm thankful for a wise, alert God, and for mothers with their wise words of wisdom.

Jean Buhler

March 24, 2013 - Palm Sunday

All Glory, Laud, and Honor (UMH #280)

Refrain

All glory, laud, and honor,

to thee, Redeemer, King,

to whom the lips of children

made sweet hosannas ring.

Thou art the King of Israel,

thou David's royal Son,

who in the Lord's name comest,

the King and Blessed One.

(Refrain)

The company of angels

are praising thee on high,

and we with all creation

in chorus make reply.

(Refrain)

The people of the Hebrews

with psalms before thee went;

our prayer and praise and anthems

before thee we present.

(Refrain)

To thee, before thy passion,

they sang their hymns of praise;

to thee, now high exalted,

our melody we raise.

(Refrain)

Thou didst accept their praises;

accept the prayers we bring,

who in all good delightest,

thou good and gracious King.

(Refrain)

Theodulph of Orleans, trans. by John Mason Neale