"More Ways to Christmas Joy"

Wal Mart has an ad running on the radio right now that promises,
"More ways to Christmas joy." Oh, if it that could be the case that joy might be purchased at my local Wal Mart or other retailer. The problem with this is that many in our society believe just that! We think that joy comes in the form of the newest electronics or flannel bathrobes. Sure, there are things we need, and there are some folks around us who are in great need of basic necessities for daily living. But that's the job of the Church of Christ to take care of- not of Wal Mart, Kohls, Macys, or any other shopping outlet. That's where we get it all mixed up. 

The joy of the Lord comes from our generosity to one another, our love for each other, our ability and desire to care for the needs of each other. More than that, it comes from our growing understanding that God hears our prayers of need, comforts us, and is with us always -- even if he isn't waving a magic wand to fix our situations (though many think he should).

Sometimes I think we try so hard to create joy that we miss experiencing it in the ways that are already present for us: in the faces of children, the hug of a friend, the small gifts that say, "You mean something to me," a kind word when you're having a rough day. No material item can replace the love and kindness we offer one another and in this season of tidings of great joy, do you or others in your life struggle to grasp even a tidbit of peace and joy? All around me I see folks stressed, running as fast as they can, snippy and snappy because there is too much to do "before Christmas."
What's the point of all of this? We have to wonder.

In light of that question, let me be so bold as to come up with my top ten list of "More Ways to Christmas Joy." In no particular order (and keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list):

1. Practice kindness. Kindness is a lost art in our world.
2. Go to worship and sit quietly in the sanctuary. Take in the sights and sounds but keep yourself still and listen for God. This is a calming exercise that is certain to touch your heart with joy.
3. Take a day off from work just to "be."
4. Do something fun! Life is meant to be enjoyed, not slaved through day after day.
5. Read something inspiring!
6. Kiss your family and hug them to pieces. Snuggle with your kids and grandkids. (Hugging produces the hormone Oxytocin which calms us and gives us a sense of peace and tranquility. Isn't God a genius creator??)
7. Call friends and tell them how much you love them!
8. Hang out with some teenagers! They will make you laugh and feel young.
9. Sing Christmas carols! Pay attention to the words and find God there.
10. Take a long walk with the one you love. Hold hands. Take your dog with you! And give thanks for all you have; don't despair about what you don't. Christ is with you. He came to this earth for you and for me because he loves us.

In the remaining days of Advent, I pray you will have a joyful experience. Praise the newborn King for he is our light and our salvation.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Amy+

Encourage One Another

I have to admit it in order to be fair: In gym class I was usually the one doing the picking when it came to choosing teams. I can't actually think of a time when I was the last one picked, but I have compassion for those who are. It hurts my heart when the last one picked feels a blow to their psyche- you can see it on their face, "Last picked again? Left behind again?"  I'd rather be the last one picked if it means that someone is going to be upset because they are- truth is I don't care all that much. I know my gifts and I'm confident in my abilities. I can make lemonade out of lemons most days, so being the last one chosen just means a slight delay getting started.

The thing is, I've been on many, many teams in my life. I've been on basketball teams, volleyball teams, track teams, soccer teams, coached track teams and swim teams and volleyball team, worked on committees and task forces, and the biggest team of all--- the local church! In most cases I didn't get to pick to the players- either they were there already, they volunteered to help, or someone else picked them. I'm fine with all of those options. I'm thrilled that folks want to use their gifts and talents for the team.

But here's the thing: If you want to be on a team, you have to play like a team, and that means encouraging one another rather than tearing each other down or insisting on your own way. 

There's way too much insisting on our own way in the world!

There's way too much insisting on our own way in the church!

In both cases, in the world and in the church, we are in this together. One teammate doesn't have all the answers; one teammate doesn't have all the gifts. (Romans 12:1-8) We are stronger together than we are separate or in factions. We have no time to waste or be complacent, as we are reminded in this Advent season. Christ is returning and we know not the day nor the hour. We are called to work as a team so that all might know the love and peace of Christ. Unfortunately, our sinfulness can get in the way of that goal. We repent of that and vow to do better.

Take a look at St. Paul's advice to the Thessalonians, from the Message (1Th 5:1-13)

5 1-3 I don’t think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen. You know as well as I that the day of the Master’s coming can’t be posted on our calendars. He won’t call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would. About the time everybody’s walking around complacently, congratulating each other—“We’ve sure got it made! Now we can take it easy!”—suddenly everything will fall apart. It’s going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman.

4-8 But friends, you’re not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You’re sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let’s not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we’re creatures of Day, let’s act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.

9-11 God didn’t set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we’re awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we’re alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.

The good news for us is that Christ is on our team. He's the captain of the team. He's the playmaker! And He chose us to play! We may not have chosen all the other teammates on the team had it been up to us, but it wasn't! Christ did the choosing, and that's good enough for me. (John 15:16) Let's take Paul's advice and build one another up! Let's focus on our own part of the game and cheer on our teammates in the process. Every person is a beloved child of God and deserves our deepest honor and respect. When we play the "game" like this we show the world the very nature of our Loving God. 

Have a blessed Advent and Christmas!

P. Amy+

Things I Learned in Malawi: Education is a True Privilege

He who thinks little of the ABC's will never be a man of great learning. 
A Favorite Proverb Martin Luther Wrote on a Wall in His Home

I have always valued education. As a young child my favorite toy of all the toys in my room, was a chalkboard. I saved every paper that was returned to me in grade school and used them to teach my teddy bears and dolls how to read, write, and do math. (Okay so they had a hard time learning, but I'm sure by "teaching" them I learned the material even better.)

Our two children have watched us receive master's degrees and have witnessed their mother being hooded for a doctorate. They know that education is their most important job as young people. It's a culture we have fostered with them from in the womb and they know no other way of being. 

While in Malawi, one of the poorest countries on earth, I saw signs of hope there in the small village of Kanyenyeva where our church, and a handful of other dedicated churches are partners in an orphan care ministry. There are around 300 registered orphans in the KOCM (Kanyenyeva Orphan Care Ministry) Project and each one of them is required to attend school or forfeit the services they receive four times a week. (Food, and more!) It is not mandatory to attend school in Malawi. The government does not have education as a top priority. There are no books, paper, pencils, chalk, or crayons. There certainly isn't a gymnasium or a cafeteria. There are empty shells of buildings and some half finished that are presently unusable. (The new president promised if he was elected that education would be a priority. He started construction on school buildings and once he was in office he quickly forgot about his promises.) 

Funds have been donated to put a metal roof on but there are few laborers to do the work.

Unfinished building erected by newly elected President. 

Another building that was left unfinished.

Classroom for 80 students. 

Chalkboard

The hope that I experienced is that there are people who are striving to get kids enrolled in school but it is an uphill battle. We learned that "ideal" ratio of student to teacher is 60-1. Imagine our teachers in America faced with that ratio! Yikes! However, the ideal is not the case. . . in the level that is equivalent to our Kindergarten or First Grade there are 200 students to 1 brave teacher. It goes down from there; in the 8th grade there are 80 students and 1 teacher. If a student actually qualifies to go to High School by their performance on exams, it is highly unlikely that they will be able to enroll. Their families simply do not have the $150 it costs for tuition to send them. We pay more than that to have our kids play Varsity Sports at our High School in Norwalk, Ohio. 

Together, we are making a difference! The churches who are a part of the Malawi Orphan Care Project are constantly raising funds to get kids to High School. This year, thankfully, almost 40 students qualified to enter High School. We have about half the money at present with a deadline of 2 weeks away when the term begins. We will do it! I know we will. People are responding already because they know that education is the way to change the world, one student at a time. 

As your children head back to school, think about how blessed we are in this country. We complain way too much about our teachers (a most precious resource!), our schools (palaces compared to the third world), common core (at least we have people who consider what our kids should be taught and they work to provide materials), and a whole host of other things we take for granted. Rejoice that our kids are learning and don't have to walk five miles to a beat up building, try to learn without resources, try to learn with 199 others in one class, and are not simply too hungry and tired to learn most days. Education in some places in the world is not a human right, it is a privilege. We would do well to keep that in mind. 

Things I Learned in Malawi, Africa: Our Elders are an Amazing Gift!

Everywhere we go in this short life of ours we learn things. Sometimes they are practical, sometimes they are spiritual, sometimes they are lessons that God has been working on us to figure out for a long time. I recently returned from a two week journey to the country of Malawi where my congregation is a mission partner with an Orphan Care Project. (Google Malawi Orphan Care Project for more information). The site of this project is in a small village outside the town of Salima called Kanyenyeva. It is named for a large hill that occupies space there. It is very remote and fairly densely populated by villagers who live on very little. The spirit of these people is anything but little! They are the warmest, most loving people I have ever met. Their smiles are the most genuine expressions I have ever seen. Their affection is tender and sincere. I know I have changed. .  . I am waiting for God to reveal to me in what ways that has happened.

While I wait for the Holy Spirit to do its work within me, which is often a long process, I want to share with those of you who are kind enough to read my ramblings, some of the things I have learned from this amazing journey. My intention is to write a number of articles with the same title (or nearly so) in the next weeks (maybe longer) as I reflect on my short time in a place I grew to love and hated to leave.

Robina and Mom: These two hit it off famously!

One of the most profound and beautiful things that touched me is where I will begin with this post. My 71 year old mother made this trip with me and 7 others. It was the fulfillment of dream of hers and I was honored to accompany her on this journey. She did marvelously! When we first arrived in Kanyenyeva we were met by the elders of the community and the children of the project. They met our van at the end of a long dusty road that leads to the project with singing and a welcome banner. We could not understand their words but in our hearts we knew exactly what they were saying. "Welcome! We are glad you are here!" As we reached the project and were ushered into the brick hall where teaching and feeding takes place, they danced and sang to us, and grabbed our hands so we would join them in the dance. It was incredible. As we were all introduced to the group that had gathered that day, when it came time for the people to meet my mother, she was introduced as the mom of Abusa Amy. Abusa means pastor in Chichewa. All who were gathered cheered loudly for this person they had just met. Their praise of her was twice as much as any other on the team. My eyes pricked with the potential of tears as I realized that in this culture those who are older are highly valued. This is as it should be!

We can learn much from this show of respect and admiration to those who lived many years more than we have. Their wisdom and experience is hard won by the struggles they have endured in this lifetime. Instead in our county and culture I see something very different. I see elders being pushed aside and viewed as a burden on our time and energy. We are all God's children and thus we are all valuable and precious. We have much to learn from those in our lives who have a few years on us. May God humble us from our egos and complacency and help us to see the incredible gift of knowledge and wisdom that is present in those who are the oldest among us.

Give thanks for those in your life and in your parish who have been there, done that! Talk to them, ask them to share what they have learned. You won't regret it! In fact I believe you will be blessed and filled. It is our call from God to cherish all people and not shove anyone aside. Those who have life experience that outnumbers our own are full of stories and lessons and love that we cannot imagine if we fail to see them and celebrate them.

Have a blessed day!

Amy

The Great Commission is a Global Initiative

In Malawi the average annual income for a household is just $730. That's less than $2 a day.  Think about it! You can't buy a kid's meal at McDonalds for under $2. Your morning coffee probably costs more than this. 

As we have been preparing to make our journey, there have been a few times when good, loving folks have said, "We have starving people in the United States to feed. Why would you go around the world to another country when there is work to be done here?" It's a valid question to be sure, however, as the Church of Christ we are called to go to the ends of the earth to serve God's people.  We DO feed the hungry in our neighborhoods and cities. We DO help the homeless and downtrodden right at home. But that's not to say that our mission in Christ is to stay right where we are. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of ALL nations. So we go and make relationships so that we can gain the trust necessary to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.  One mission does not preclude another. 

One thing that I will most likely be called to do as we set foot in Malawi is to preach in worship. I've asked myself, "What in the world could I possibly have to say to these people who live such joyful lives?" My first thoughts have been that I have no right to speak about faith in Christ as my life is incredibly blessed with enough food, a home, beautiful healthy children, and more. But then it hit me. There is something that I preach about quite often in the parish where I serve as pastor. It has to do with the barrier of faith called affluence. We, in this country, are in desperate need of a relationship with our God. We put way too much emphasis on all the stuff we can and do acquire. It's sad really. In this way, the people of Malawi have something precious that we don't have-- true faith in the midst of hardship. We rely on the consistency of our paychecks, the dependability of our government to care for us when we are in need, and the goodwill of our neighbors who are also affluent and can come to our aid if necessary. The people of Malawi have none of that. They are totally dependent upon the goodness of God. Therein lies an incredible spiritual gift. I am in no way saying that there circumstances are ideal! Simply that we lack the joy that comes from total dependence on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because we have so much "stuff" to occupy our minds, bodies, and hearts. 

So, then, something to think about. How do you rely on Christ and give God the glory even in times when you are struggling? 

Tidzaonana. (See you again!)

Abusa Amy (Pastor Amy)

Malawi or Bust!

Dear Friends,

Many of you already know that later this month I will be going on a mission trip (ulendo) to Malawi, East Africa. This trip has been over a year and a half in the making. I am excited about this for many reasons, first and foremost to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ in Malawi who are in need of the basics that we take for granted. Secondly, that my mother who is 70 years old will be making her first mission trip as well. I am so proud of her courage and grace as she prepares for this journey and I look forward to the time we will spend together. Thirdly, two others from my congregation have also discerned God's call to "Go and Make Disciples" across the world.

Malawi is called the warm heart of Africa because the people there are known to be very friendly. I found this out when I met the director of Kenyenyeva Ministries, Mrs. Yamikani Chikoti, who visited the United States and spoke at our church about the orphan care project that we are in partnership. We will be guided by Yami and her husband, Shadreck when we arrive in the country on August 1st. They will be our translators as well as those who will keep us from making any serious social faux pas. The cultures are quite different as we have been learning about for the past year. 

My intent is to post here some information about Malawi, the orphans that are served at the project, as well as my reflections on the journey. 

Here's a phrase for you in chichewa, the native language of Malawi:

Moni muli bwanji? (Hi, how are you?)

Ndili bwino. Kaya inu? (I am fine. How are you?)

Ndili bwino. Zikomo. (Fine. Thank you.)

Zikomo. (Thank you, or you're welcome.)

That's all for today! Zikomo, ndapita. Tidzaonana. (I'll see you again.)

A Letter to Rose: It's Not About the Bunny

My dearest Rose,

It was so wonderful for us to be together on Easter! I am thrilled that you are speaking my name and ask for me from time to time. What a joy that is, to be known by you. . . and even more for us all to be known by God!

Speaking of God, I wanted to write to you to remind you of something very important about Easter. Easter is not about the Bunny. I hope this is not news to you.  Now I know we get all carried away with taking pictures with the Rabbit and hiding eggs (bunny eggs? No!) and all of that fun stuff, but Easter is about what God has done and is doing in our lives. You see, Rose, Jesus is God's son. His only son in the flesh, who came into the world to make sure that all of God's people (that means you and me and Mommy and Daddy and everyone else in the whole wide world) would know him. Just like you know my name and God knows our names, God wants every person in the world to know his name. To know someone's name is to know them deeply and have a relationship with them. The bunny is cute and all, but the bunny didn't do anything for us that required such a deep and abiding love.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that Jesus loves you and so do I! And he came into this world so that we would be free. You don't know what that means yet, but someday you will. Someday you will know the pain of sin and joy of being forgiven. Someday you will understand that there is darkness in the world (you won't like it but you'll recognize it) and you will know the light of Christ. This is the light that shines in and through you because of Jesus, because of your baptism.

Oh and one more thing. In the church on Easter we always get to shouting this really cool phrase because we are so exciting that God raised Jesus from the dead. Yes, that's what I said, he was dead and in a tomb after he was hanged on a cross almost 2000 years ago. But God did a miraculous thing: he made Jesus alive again. And not just for a few days or weeks or years, for ever and always! So in worship one person will say, "Christ is risen!" And then everyone else shouts back as loud as we want to show how happy we are, and we say, "Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!"

Why don't you try it? It's kind of fun actually!

Here's a picture of you, my darling girl, on Easter day.

See you soon,

Your Godmother -Aunt Amy

The Beauty of a Small Church

I've been an active disciples in churches of all sizes, from 500 in worship to 25 in worship and everything in between. I've also examined many churches and the way they function as the people of God who are on a mission in the world. After having served a church with around 100 in worship for the past 12 years* I am more than ever convinced that the small church is the church with the biggest mission per disciple. This is not a competition, of course, just my own personal reflections as a parish pastor and an encouragement to any who might come across this post who wonder if the small church is worth investing in.

In a small church:

* it's impossible to remain anonymous (unless you simply don't participate and, well then. . .)

* when you show up, you are surrounded by friends

* when you don't show up, people are concerned about your health and well being- even if you are just on vacation

* there's a job for everyone which means the pastor can't and won't "do it all"

* because there's a job for everyone, everyone is using their gifts and talents for the Kingdom of God

* there's a collaborative spirit in the small church because we know what it's like to work on a shoestring budget, with minimal resources, and we are great at tapping into our collective creativity

* worship is like a family gathering EVERY week

* the announcements at the beginning of worship are very personal because we care about all aspects of each other's lives

* children are a major focus and are included in everything; so are the elderly!

* we have the joy of watching each other grow over the years as God draws us deeper into faith and service as we have a common vision for what God is calling us to be and do in the name of Christ

* history and tradition are important foundations for the community

* we have a lot of fun together and that Spirit of joy can be felt as soon as a visitor walks in the room

* it's easy to become a part of the faith family; we welcome everyone!

In a culture that celebrates "bigger is better," the small church simply exists to serve its neighbor. No church is the church for everyone. Each has its own character. But before you write off the small church in your search for a faith home, consider what you are looking for. The small church isn't around to entertain but to inspire. The small church is a true community where love and forgiveness prevail, where spiritual growth is expected, and where we serve side by side in Christ's name.

In Christ,
Amy

* When I began serving Trinity Lutheran Church we were only 35-40 but have grown in many ways, including numerically, over the years.

A Letter to Rose: On Being a Sister

My beautiful niece, Rose, and handsome nephew, Will.

Dear Rose,

Look how fast you are growing up! You are already so smart and beautiful that I simply cannot imagine what God has in store for your life. Maybe you'll be a pharmacist like your Daddy, or a teacher like Uncle Jeff, or a Speech Pathologist like your Mama. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and drive, and we have seen already just how persistent you can be when you want something. (That's a good thing, by the way!)

There is one thing though, sweet girl, that you will always be. Your life changed when Will was born and it took on new meaning, even if you haven't considered it that way quite yet. Forever and always you will be a "big sister." This is something new in our family. Your mom is a little sister, I am a little sister, Anna and Ashley are both little sisters. Even Grandma Little is a younger sister. But you, you're special! You, my dear, are a BIG SISTER.

So what does this mean, you might wonder? Well it means that you are a natural born leader, first of all. We've seen this already in the way you ask us to play with you and how you know your own mind, even at such a young age. More than likely you will grow up and be the one that others go to for advice, to lead, and to be in charge. But be careful, little one, there's a fine line between leadership and being bossy. Most of your friends might fuss at you if you get too bossy. Will might fuss at you if you get too bossy, but he will certainly look up to you and appreciate your presence in his life as he gets older. You will give him opportunities that you haven't even thought about, just by going first. In school the teachers will know you and they will accept him, because he's your brother. They will expect him to be just as smart and kind and wonderful as you are! In sports you will help him develop his skills just by playing with him in the backyard. He will be your first best friend! And you will be his. And for your whole lives you will trust each other to tell the truth when it needs to be told, to be each other's biggest fan, and to be there for one another whenever you are in need.

As an oldest child, dear Rose, your confidence will shine through and your intelligence will serve you well in this world. You have so much to look forward to, so take advantage of every opportunity that intrigues you. I know you will do well. And, as your godmother, it is my job to remind you to keep your eyes on Jesus. He will never leave you and when you pray to him he will answer your deepest needs.

So, you're almost two, little lady! We are all so proud of you and love you very much. Keep up the good work! Be a good sister and teach Will everything you know, okay?

Love,

Aunt Amy

Why Being A Coach Matters

Swimmer Paulina Reyes & Coach Little

If you've ever been on a sports team you know how important the coach is to the overall emotional atmosphere on the court, field, pool, course, and so on. The coach sets the tone for the game. The coach is the leader, who leads by example. He may not be able to play the game anymore, as bones do get old and muscles get tighter as we age, but the depth of knowledge stored in a coach's brain is priceless. The ability to see things in super-slow motion only comes with years of experience. The gift of relationships is even more critical to the game than the skills. I make this bold statement because the skills are developed early and honed over time, but the absence of relationships creates a barrier that prohibits the athlete from excelling to the next level. A coach who knows everything about technique but fails to relate the athlete will only see limited response from that young person. If you want an athlete to "leave it all on the court" then a deep trust has to be formed first. This takes patience and a willingness to commit to the persons involved, not just the sport. I've never met a coach who "does it for the money." We do it because we love kids and we want to be a positive influence in their lives. We want to see them improve every week. We want to see them succeed in the game of life. 

Meanwhile, they touch our hearts. They change us as people and we have a different relationship with each and every student-athlete because each of them are different people. These amazing young athletes continue to shape us as human beings as bonds are formed in practice, in competition, and for many coaches who are also first and foremost teachers, in the classroom. This coach is a pastor, so in many ways a teacher. . . just not in a schoolroom. 

Being a coach matters. It's a huge time commitment! But it is worth every minute spent with these young people who matter. They matter to their parents, their friends, but mostly they matter to God. A coach does kingdom work. Think about it. . . encouraging is a kingdom job, teaching is also a kingdom job, picking up the pieces of a bad day is holy work, walking alongside a person who is becoming more and more who God made them to be is sacred business. We can't check our faith at the door of the gym. We can't stop being who we are in Christ at the entrance to the track. We cannot deny our faith as we enter the natatorium. And we may not talk about it, but it shines through. It really does. 

I can remember the names of the kids I had on my very first track team that I coached circa 1994. There was that amazingly energetic girl named January, and that fellow who became a pastor years later named Mike. Many of the kids I've coached have graduated college and are now coaches themselves. And ones that are still in High School have hopes of being coaches when their time comes. My coach in college taught me more about life by being on that track with me than I can ever tell you. Thank you, Coach! Thanks for staying with me so many nights at the high jump when everyone else had gone. Thanks for the kick in the butt when I needed it. Thanks for the hugs and affirmation when it was necessary. Thanks for being you and being a huge part of my life. It mattered. It still matters. 

Practical Wisdom on Our Words: Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18 is our Lenten Reading today. Read here.

Words, words, words. One of my favorite movies of all time is "On Golden Pond." 

Henry Fonda plays the cantankerous dad, Norman, of his real life daughter, Jane Fonda,  who is Chelsea in the movie. They don't get along very well but perhaps that's because they are so much alike: stubborn, wounded, opinionated, looking for the other to accept them as they are. At one point Norman, who is a man of few words gets tired of all the talking and says this quote, (that apparently I am the only one in the world who thinks is funny or poignant because I couldn't find it online ANYWHERE!) "I don't know why everybody has to talk about everything all the time."

Sometimes it just seems like there is too much talking going on. It seems like everyone has something to say, and most of it could be left unsaid. Words just spoken for the sake of speaking. I yearn for quiet. Do you? I yearn for simple company in the presence of another where words do not have to be spoken. Where translations don't have to be made, "What did you mean by that?" or "Why did you say that?"  There are but a few people I know who don't say something unless it is worth being said. You can count on them to speak when they have something important to say, otherwise they just keep their mouths shut. I admire that quality so much!

"A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."

Hmmm. We don't listen enough, do we?

"The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook." Our words can encourage rather than tear down.

"A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating." Our words can get us into serious trouble. 

"A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul." Our words injure others and not easily forgotten. 

"The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body." Gossip and malicious talk hurt deeply.

"If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame." Again with the inability to listen carefully and attentively. We jump too quick without thinking things through. Perhaps we need a "time-out." 

"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." What better knowledge and wisdom is there than the fear of the Lord?

"The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him." Consider that one.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." Our words have such power, why not use them for good rather than evil? 

Something to ponder for today. What do you think? 

Straddling the Fence

Imagine in your mind's eye a beautiful green meadow. There are farm animals wandering around: sheep, cows, the occasional horse so you hear their sounds in your highly attuned ears. Smell the grass in all of its sweetness. See that fencing over there? Walk toward it in your mind. You can see that its sturdy, even if it is a bit rustic. Not one of those perfectly formed plank fences. This one has spots that are higher near the posts and lower in the middle due to time in the sun that caused it to sag just a bit. You decided to climb over to the other side. As you raise one leg over the crosspiece you soon realize that it is higher than you thought. Now you have one leg touching the ground on the side you approached from and one on the other side, unable to make it all the way to the ground beneath. This is what they call, "straddling the fence." Part of you on one side and the rest of you on the other.

Listen to Paul's words to the church in Corinth and imagine yourself straddling that fence again (2 Corinthians 6:2-7):
See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God. 

Look at that list again: it's like Paul's saying, "Do you want the bad news or the good news first?" The bad news in that on one side of our faith fence the tough stuff; on the other side of that same fence are the good gifts. They go together. He goes on to make it more explicit (6:9-10). We have to manage a whole lot of fence straddling as followers of Christ:

treated as imposters              standing in the truth

unknown                                  well known by God

dying                                         fully alive in Christ

punished                                  but not killed

sorrowful                                  always rejoicing

poor                                           making many rich

having nothing                        possessing everything

This is the call to discipleship in Christ. The call to straddle the fences of this world that looks at us with dirt and ashes on our heads and mutter to themselves that we are weird, unusual, foolish even. To be an ambassador for Christ is to do our very best to live like he lived and to die to old selves so that all may know the joys of his life and love. Be not afraid, for the Lord your God is with you! On both sides of that tricky fence!

It is Good for Us to Be Here, Lord!

As a pastor I often run into folks at the grocery store, oftentimes people I haven't seen in worship for a long time. One of the first things they say to me is, "Sorry I wasn't in church, I was sick (or out of town, or whatever the case may be." This always causes me to giggle just a little bit because I am not the teacher at the front of the class calling out names to see who is in attendance and handing out demerits if they are absent (though we do miss them when they are away).
"Jones?" "HERE!"
"Madison?" "HERE!"
"Alexander?" "Alexander?"

But at the heart of their apology I believe is a deep desire to be present with the community of faith on Sundays. They miss the Christian companionship. They truly long to be with the saints to give thanks and praise to God. Something is missing and when they see my face it makes them think of their brothers and sisters in Christ. When we gather for worship in the comfort of our faith communities we feel the Spirit's presence, make a sigh of relief and prepare ourselves for honoring God. We say (at least internally if we don't speak it aloud) "It's good for us to be here."

Matthew 17 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” 10 And the disciples asked him, “Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”11 He replied, “Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.”13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

Just before this encounter on the mountaintop, Jesus has predicted his death in front of his disciples.  Peter is very unhappy about this and gets a little bossy, "God forbid it Lord! This must never happen to you." I can imagine him saying to Jesus, "Look man, this is not what I signed up for when I dropped by fishing nets by the sea and followed you. I left everything! My people, my business, my security. This is not what I bargained for! Say it isn't so!" 

How often have you felt like that in the face of struggles that arise from your faithful walking with Christ? 

But Jesus quickly gets upset with Peter; he calls him the devil! "Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things!" In other words: You haven't a gosh-darned clue about what God is up to, Pete ole boy, so back down and keep quiet!

Isaiah tells us that God's ways are not our ways. We simply don't get it when it comes to seeing God's hand in our lives because God never does it the way we would do it. The cross of Calvary is the number one example of that fact. 

So then, Jesus invites the top three to take a trip up the mountain. Peter is thrilled with this part of the journey. He says, "Wow! What an awesome view from up here! You can see for miles and miles, Jesus! Thanks for inviting me; I am so very glad to be here." 

“Lord, it is good for us to be here."

On that mountain Peter had the privilege of seeing Jesus' face shine like the sun. He caught a glimpse of Moses and Elijah. He was so excited he wanted to stay up there forever. "Let's put up some tents Jesus and stay awhile!" But the mountaintop experiences of our lives don't last forever. Those rare and wondrous moments when it feels like God is closer to us than ever. Truth is, God is always this close, we simply don't always detect the divine presence. 

The disciples and Jesus descend the mountain. That "high" is over for now but they can hold onto it in their hearts. Ever had one of those amazing experiences where you want to bottle it up and keep it forever? Maybe on your wedding day, or when your child was born? The emotions remain a distant memory as we come down the mountain to ordinary, daily life. That's where we exist. The foot of mountain, not at the peak but at the bottom. And God meets us there too! But often it is sheer faith that carries us through our daily existence. At the base of the mountain we don't hear Peter saying, "It is good Lord for us to be here." But perhaps he should. Perhaps we should. 

We also don't hear Peter saying these words as he tries to stay awake in the Garden of Gethsemane. He utters not a word as Jesus dragged off to Pilate's court. And at the foot of the cross he is nowhere near to even try to speak. In those moments between Jesus' death and the discovery of the empty tomb, when the eleven are hiding out in fear, do we hear Pete say, "It is good for us to be here!?" 

Just silence. 

But it IS GOOD for us to be here. Wherever here happens to be, because God is fully and completely present with us in every "here" there is. At a loved one's hospital bedside, at the side of a casket during calling hours, in a difficult and tumultuous relationship, in our fears and yearnings--- and also in our joys and mountaintop moments. God never goes away. He never hides from us. He is always with us and so that means. . .

“Lord, it is good for us to be here."

Amen.