The ordeal of packing and moving things continued for two days. I packed. They moved. Orderly. Uneventful. Then the quiet apology came. "That table with the marble top? The marble broke as we were putting it down in the car."
I felt a twinge in my heart. I have several marble-topped pieces, and each has its own sentimental value, each given by or inherited from a special person. Whichever one, some memory was just shattered.
But the men had been so careful, so meticulous as they worked, and I could not be angry about this accident. I assured them that the marble was just a "thing" and that we would not allow ourselves to fret over a broken thing. So we continued with our work, but as I continued wrapping and packing, my thoughts went back to the broken marble. Broken is broken! No repair restores broken marble. It was gone.
And that's when God began to talk to me. In fact, that is usually when he talks to me most clearly--when I am contemplating something. He has a way of turning my thoughts to something that at first seems totally irrelevant. This time I remembered a t-shirt a friend had been wearing--one of those t-shirts with a message: "Justified! Just as if I never had!" My thoughts moved from the marble to the message, and I began to thank God for the incredible fact that his work in my life through Christ actually allows me to stand before him "justified," sinless through the finished work of Jesus! Sins taken away and buried in the deepest sea! Forgotten because Christ bore them for me on Calvary. Suddenly tears of joy began to fill my eyes! How wonderful to be so sure of my Lord's absolutely perfect work for me and of my position before Almighty God!
But how did I get from broken marble to praising God? Then he showed me. The table would never be the same. Broken is broken! That's the way of "things." And that is also the way of human life. Sometimes life gets broken, too. Sometimes it seems hopelessly shattered, unable to be mended, glued back together!
"Not so," said God to my heart. My friend's t-shirt was absolutely right. When Jesus mends a broken heart, a broken life, the result is just as if the break had never happened! The sin confessed, the hurt forgiven, the disobedience erased restores the life as if the infraction had never occurred! Jesus does not put broken marble back together! He does better! He puts broken lives back together--my own the perfect example!
I may not try to have the marble glued back, keeping the broken seam as a reminder that were it not for Christ's perfect finished work on that cruel, mean cross, I'd be as hopelessly broken as the table! I think I'll cherish the scared table more now than before the break!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
What Tomorrow Holds
Then Job arose, shaved his head, tore his robe, and fell on the ground and worshiped. Then he said, 'Naked I came from my Mother's womb, and naked I shall return there; the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.' In all this, Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing." Job 1:20-22
I'm back in Florida for a very few days, doing things that I have dreaded but that I knew had to be done. Three friends from North Carolina accompanied me here to dismantle the house that has been my home for two and a half years and to move me from the place that has been my home for 22 years.
My husband and I built a house here in 1983, moved into that house in January of 1989, and were extremely happy there. No happy is not the word. We were more than happy. We were content. We knew that God had made that wonderful place available to us, and we sat on the floor of the living room when no furniture had yet arrived and dedicated the house to him.
Then Wallace went home to be with the Lord in 2007. I soon realized that the house was more than I could cope with, and in a terribly flat economy when nothing was selling, I sold the house and bought another, smaller and more manageable for a woman living alone. Once again, I knew that God had made the place available to me, and my children and I sat in the new house, thanked God for it, and dedicated it to his service for my lifetime in Florida.
Well, that time is just about to end. Once again I have been very content here, and the home has been just what I needed. I have felt terribly torn as I prepared to move away, but at the same time I knew that God was doing something in my life. I really did not understand, but I was so sure that I continued to move as I thought he was directing, not having any idea what tomorrow held.
Now suddenly, I am taking apart the house that we so carefully made comfortable for me and preparing to go to a place that is not my own--owned by someone else. I have not lived in a rented house for 50 years, but now I will. I'll have to ask permission to paint or plant or change. That seems strange.
My familiar rooms no longer seem familiar because all the things that have made them mine are gone--no pictures of my Wallace or our children, no little personal things that are so much a part of my life. All gone. Packed into impersonal boxes and put into a strange looking monster sitting in my once familiar driveway.
Surely the Lord has blessed my life mightily. Surely he has provided more than generously for many years. Now, just as surely, he is taking me into another tomorrow that I do not know, that I did not plan, that is very unfamiliar, that would never have entered my mind had I been planning my own life, and that scares me more than just a little.
I actually have some very wierd thoughts. If Wallace tried to find me, he couldn't. What if I can't accomplish in the new church what they want me to do? What if I only imagine that my ideas tried and tested here will work there? What if I blow it? Where will I go? What will I do? Dumb, huh? There just the same.
Last evening, after a day of packing and labeling boxes, I climbed once more into my familiar bed--possibly for the last time in this place--and quickly fell into a deep and restful sleep. This morning about 5:30, the Lord woke me with the verses above. I lay here and thought about them for awhile. How like him to remind me that he is Lord and I am his!
The Lord has given and now the Lord is taking away, and I will praise him! I don't know where we are going, but how wonderful to know that we are going together! I don't know if I will succeed or fail, but whatever is there, I know he will use for good. I feel so sad about leaving some friends whom I love so dearly, but I know that more friends are out there for me to meet and love.
I have thought many times about Job and his terrible troubles. But one thing seemed most important to me in that story. Satan told God that Job was only faithful because his life was so full and good. But God knew Job's heart. He knew that no matter what, Job would praise his God. And Job proved God's faith in him to be justified. I have said to God more than once that I would like to be such a Christian. That I would like to be the person whom he would know would always be faithful!
Well, I have not endured the misery that Job endured, and I am grateful for that. I do know, however, that God has given me much, and now he is taking some of that away. And that's okay. I shall drive away from here soon with all my life's accumulation of things on a truck in front of me, going to a very different new phase of my life. But I go knowing who my God is and where I place my loyalty! And as I go, I can only imagine what tomorrow holds.
Even as I write these words, another verse pops into my head. "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the mind of man the wonderful things that God has prepared for those who love him."
Exciting to contemplate.
I'm back in Florida for a very few days, doing things that I have dreaded but that I knew had to be done. Three friends from North Carolina accompanied me here to dismantle the house that has been my home for two and a half years and to move me from the place that has been my home for 22 years.
My husband and I built a house here in 1983, moved into that house in January of 1989, and were extremely happy there. No happy is not the word. We were more than happy. We were content. We knew that God had made that wonderful place available to us, and we sat on the floor of the living room when no furniture had yet arrived and dedicated the house to him.
Then Wallace went home to be with the Lord in 2007. I soon realized that the house was more than I could cope with, and in a terribly flat economy when nothing was selling, I sold the house and bought another, smaller and more manageable for a woman living alone. Once again, I knew that God had made the place available to me, and my children and I sat in the new house, thanked God for it, and dedicated it to his service for my lifetime in Florida.
Well, that time is just about to end. Once again I have been very content here, and the home has been just what I needed. I have felt terribly torn as I prepared to move away, but at the same time I knew that God was doing something in my life. I really did not understand, but I was so sure that I continued to move as I thought he was directing, not having any idea what tomorrow held.
Now suddenly, I am taking apart the house that we so carefully made comfortable for me and preparing to go to a place that is not my own--owned by someone else. I have not lived in a rented house for 50 years, but now I will. I'll have to ask permission to paint or plant or change. That seems strange.
My familiar rooms no longer seem familiar because all the things that have made them mine are gone--no pictures of my Wallace or our children, no little personal things that are so much a part of my life. All gone. Packed into impersonal boxes and put into a strange looking monster sitting in my once familiar driveway.
Surely the Lord has blessed my life mightily. Surely he has provided more than generously for many years. Now, just as surely, he is taking me into another tomorrow that I do not know, that I did not plan, that is very unfamiliar, that would never have entered my mind had I been planning my own life, and that scares me more than just a little.
I actually have some very wierd thoughts. If Wallace tried to find me, he couldn't. What if I can't accomplish in the new church what they want me to do? What if I only imagine that my ideas tried and tested here will work there? What if I blow it? Where will I go? What will I do? Dumb, huh? There just the same.
Last evening, after a day of packing and labeling boxes, I climbed once more into my familiar bed--possibly for the last time in this place--and quickly fell into a deep and restful sleep. This morning about 5:30, the Lord woke me with the verses above. I lay here and thought about them for awhile. How like him to remind me that he is Lord and I am his!
The Lord has given and now the Lord is taking away, and I will praise him! I don't know where we are going, but how wonderful to know that we are going together! I don't know if I will succeed or fail, but whatever is there, I know he will use for good. I feel so sad about leaving some friends whom I love so dearly, but I know that more friends are out there for me to meet and love.
I have thought many times about Job and his terrible troubles. But one thing seemed most important to me in that story. Satan told God that Job was only faithful because his life was so full and good. But God knew Job's heart. He knew that no matter what, Job would praise his God. And Job proved God's faith in him to be justified. I have said to God more than once that I would like to be such a Christian. That I would like to be the person whom he would know would always be faithful!
Well, I have not endured the misery that Job endured, and I am grateful for that. I do know, however, that God has given me much, and now he is taking some of that away. And that's okay. I shall drive away from here soon with all my life's accumulation of things on a truck in front of me, going to a very different new phase of my life. But I go knowing who my God is and where I place my loyalty! And as I go, I can only imagine what tomorrow holds.
Even as I write these words, another verse pops into my head. "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the mind of man the wonderful things that God has prepared for those who love him."
Exciting to contemplate.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Deceember 26, 2919
Simeon took [Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying, "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Luke 2:38
Simeon and Anna waited patiently for they were not sure what, but willingly waited because God had promised to send a Messiah, and they knew he keeps his promises! When they saw the eight-day-old infant, the Spirit of God revealed to each that their wait was over. And old Simeon, a devout man, became a poet, praising God with words that Michael Card has set to music.
Simeon says he is now ready to die, and Anna goes on to tell all "who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem" that she had seen the Messiah.
What about us? Will we sigh that the holiday is finally over, or will we go out to proclaim to all that Christ, the promised Savior has been born? Will we joyfully tell them that just as he kept his first promise, he will keep the second? He is coming again. We know for sure. He promised.
Father, make us as sure of your promises as were Anna and Simeon, and then help us speak what we believe! Amen.
Simeon and Anna waited patiently for they were not sure what, but willingly waited because God had promised to send a Messiah, and they knew he keeps his promises! When they saw the eight-day-old infant, the Spirit of God revealed to each that their wait was over. And old Simeon, a devout man, became a poet, praising God with words that Michael Card has set to music.
Simeon says he is now ready to die, and Anna goes on to tell all "who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem" that she had seen the Messiah.
What about us? Will we sigh that the holiday is finally over, or will we go out to proclaim to all that Christ, the promised Savior has been born? Will we joyfully tell them that just as he kept his first promise, he will keep the second? He is coming again. We know for sure. He promised.
Father, make us as sure of your promises as were Anna and Simeon, and then help us speak what we believe! Amen.
December 25, 2010
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. " Luke 2:13
God is just amazing! The Bible teaches us that in the councils of the ages, God planned to send Jesus to earth to rescue man, this marvelous creature whom he'd made and with whom he'd been pleased at his creation. The man had "goofed" badly, and seldom had done as he was instructed--for 2000 years. Yet God has a plan to redeem his creature, and he sends his Son--who willingly goes--to the planet where all the rebellious creatures live. And he does all this knowing that his Son is going to be horribly mistreated and sacrificed! And all because God loves his creatures.
We believe this, but we'll never understnd it!
And when the day comes for the baby go be born, God's angels have a huge celebration and fill he world with songs of praise to a loving God who would bring such a plan go pass!
God makes a plan in which he knows he is going to suffer hell, and his own angels sing glory to his name! Today we join the angels because we know this baby and the peace the angels sang about, the peace the world does not understand.
Father, your thoughts are indeed higher than ours, and in faith we receive your beautiful Christmas gift. Amen.
God is just amazing! The Bible teaches us that in the councils of the ages, God planned to send Jesus to earth to rescue man, this marvelous creature whom he'd made and with whom he'd been pleased at his creation. The man had "goofed" badly, and seldom had done as he was instructed--for 2000 years. Yet God has a plan to redeem his creature, and he sends his Son--who willingly goes--to the planet where all the rebellious creatures live. And he does all this knowing that his Son is going to be horribly mistreated and sacrificed! And all because God loves his creatures.
We believe this, but we'll never understnd it!
And when the day comes for the baby go be born, God's angels have a huge celebration and fill he world with songs of praise to a loving God who would bring such a plan go pass!
God makes a plan in which he knows he is going to suffer hell, and his own angels sing glory to his name! Today we join the angels because we know this baby and the peace the angels sang about, the peace the world does not understand.
Father, your thoughts are indeed higher than ours, and in faith we receive your beautiful Christmas gift. Amen.
December 24, 2010
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the cglory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Some had seen God's shekinah glory, a great light that shown brighter than anything they knew. They'd seen the fire that led the children in the wilderness. They'd seen the cloud that led them by day. In a vision, Isaiah had seen the "Lord, high and lifted up." But to actually see him? Nobody had.
And now here on that first Christmas, the holy day on our calendar that we celebrate tomorrow, the world is about to see God--wrapped in human flesh and swaddling clothes. God, helpless in a manger, his first lullaby the lowing of a cow, the baaing of a sheep.
All grace and truth lie before us, looking for all the world like any otehr baby--dark and soft, sweet smelling and fragile. God whom nobody had ever seen or understood--and still doesn't--had come to earth to live with us for thirty-three years.
God came so we could know him. John quotes Jesus, "This is eternal life, that they may know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent." (17:3) A baby. This is something we can understand!
How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given, as God impats to human hearts the blessing of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.
Merry Christmas, Faher.
Some had seen God's shekinah glory, a great light that shown brighter than anything they knew. They'd seen the fire that led the children in the wilderness. They'd seen the cloud that led them by day. In a vision, Isaiah had seen the "Lord, high and lifted up." But to actually see him? Nobody had.
And now here on that first Christmas, the holy day on our calendar that we celebrate tomorrow, the world is about to see God--wrapped in human flesh and swaddling clothes. God, helpless in a manger, his first lullaby the lowing of a cow, the baaing of a sheep.
All grace and truth lie before us, looking for all the world like any otehr baby--dark and soft, sweet smelling and fragile. God whom nobody had ever seen or understood--and still doesn't--had come to earth to live with us for thirty-three years.
God came so we could know him. John quotes Jesus, "This is eternal life, that they may know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent." (17:3) A baby. This is something we can understand!
How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given, as God impats to human hearts the blessing of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.
Merry Christmas, Faher.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
December 23, 2010
For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
Hebrews 9:15
The world is full of people who have absolutely no idea what Christmas is all about. They see lights, hear Rudolph or mommy-kissing-Santa songs, so overload their credit cards that they'll be months recovering, overeat, and then sigh that at last it's over.
Missed the point! It's not about presents we give or get! It's not about food. Neither is it aboaut the birthday cake we sometimes bake for Jesus. It's not even about family and the joy of being together.
It's really about being bought back from something terrible--ransomed from our old ways and set on a new course! It's about having a perfect person--a mediator--stand between God and us and make all things right so that we can be in God's presence without fear. Its about being given a present--not one wrapped in foil and tied with a bow-- but an eternal inheritance, so valuable that we can never return in kind what has been given to us!
It's almost here--the day God changed the world by entering as a baby! The world may anot know, but we do!
Father, we are so grateful for Christmas! Remind us how this tiny baby changed the world and us. Amen
Hebrews 9:15
The world is full of people who have absolutely no idea what Christmas is all about. They see lights, hear Rudolph or mommy-kissing-Santa songs, so overload their credit cards that they'll be months recovering, overeat, and then sigh that at last it's over.
Missed the point! It's not about presents we give or get! It's not about food. Neither is it aboaut the birthday cake we sometimes bake for Jesus. It's not even about family and the joy of being together.
It's really about being bought back from something terrible--ransomed from our old ways and set on a new course! It's about having a perfect person--a mediator--stand between God and us and make all things right so that we can be in God's presence without fear. Its about being given a present--not one wrapped in foil and tied with a bow-- but an eternal inheritance, so valuable that we can never return in kind what has been given to us!
It's almost here--the day God changed the world by entering as a baby! The world may anot know, but we do!
Father, we are so grateful for Christmas! Remind us how this tiny baby changed the world and us. Amen
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
December 22
I write to you that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ the righteous One. I John 2:1
If anything can make us sing "Joy to the World, the Lord has come," this should be the verse! The bay Jesus is wonderful, and we enjoy the familiar scene of a manager lighted by his presence. We almost sell the hay. We imagine the wonder of the shepherds as they saw him there, innocent and beautiful.
But if we step away from the manger for a minute, if we contemplate our own struggle to do the things we know are right and avoid those we know are wrong, the greatest picture we can imagine is of the grown-up, crucified, risen, and ascended Lord, the "one who speaks to the Father on our behalf" when we sin.
I think about this often. I try and try not to do the wrong things, not to think the wrong thoughts, not to judge another's actions, and then I goof! Sometimes badly! I tell my Father that I am sorry, and I can just imagine Jesus sitting next to him, listening to me once more confess how badly I have behaved, and I almost hear him say, "It's all right, Father. I died for that."
Now I can really sing, "Joy to the World"!
Thank you God for sending Jesus. Thank you Jesus that you came. Holy Spirit come and help us, glorify the Savior's name. Amen.
If anything can make us sing "Joy to the World, the Lord has come," this should be the verse! The bay Jesus is wonderful, and we enjoy the familiar scene of a manager lighted by his presence. We almost sell the hay. We imagine the wonder of the shepherds as they saw him there, innocent and beautiful.
But if we step away from the manger for a minute, if we contemplate our own struggle to do the things we know are right and avoid those we know are wrong, the greatest picture we can imagine is of the grown-up, crucified, risen, and ascended Lord, the "one who speaks to the Father on our behalf" when we sin.
I think about this often. I try and try not to do the wrong things, not to think the wrong thoughts, not to judge another's actions, and then I goof! Sometimes badly! I tell my Father that I am sorry, and I can just imagine Jesus sitting next to him, listening to me once more confess how badly I have behaved, and I almost hear him say, "It's all right, Father. I died for that."
Now I can really sing, "Joy to the World"!
Thank you God for sending Jesus. Thank you Jesus that you came. Holy Spirit come and help us, glorify the Savior's name. Amen.
Monday, December 20, 2010
December 21, 2010
For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men . . .. I Timothy 2:5
It's not unusual today in our multicultural society of political correctness to hear someone say, "We all serve the same God. We just call him something different, and "Some get to God one way; some another." Perhaps we should look at the verse above as we consider these statements.
If we go back to Exodus, we read in chapter 20, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me, for I the Lord am a jealous God." Would he have bothered to say that if there were no others whom we could choose? And in the verse above, he clearly tells that he is the only one, and Jesus Christ is the only way to get to him.
The baby whose birth we will soon celebrate is the Christ, the only son of the only true God, the one who grew to be the only one who could provide the only way for us to know the only God.
At Christmas, we don't like to think of a baby suffering, but that is exactly why he came--to grow up and live to show us how to live and to die to make it possible for us to live forever with the only God, his Father.
Father, only God, Creator, Son, Redeemer, worthy of praise, thank you for the Baby who leads us to you. Amen.
It's not unusual today in our multicultural society of political correctness to hear someone say, "We all serve the same God. We just call him something different, and "Some get to God one way; some another." Perhaps we should look at the verse above as we consider these statements.
If we go back to Exodus, we read in chapter 20, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me, for I the Lord am a jealous God." Would he have bothered to say that if there were no others whom we could choose? And in the verse above, he clearly tells that he is the only one, and Jesus Christ is the only way to get to him.
The baby whose birth we will soon celebrate is the Christ, the only son of the only true God, the one who grew to be the only one who could provide the only way for us to know the only God.
At Christmas, we don't like to think of a baby suffering, but that is exactly why he came--to grow up and live to show us how to live and to die to make it possible for us to live forever with the only God, his Father.
Father, only God, Creator, Son, Redeemer, worthy of praise, thank you for the Baby who leads us to you. Amen.
Friday, December 17, 2010
My New Adventure
For any of you out there who do not know where I am--why would you even think about it--I thought I'd write a little update. The months of October and November were so busy!
Planning to go to Haiti on October 15 for eight days, I worked pretty hard getting things for Christmas at the church done ahead of time, and it was a good thing. In early October my friend, Ben Shepherd, who is a UM pastor in Greensboro, called and asked me to come to North Carolina and talk with his Pastor Parish Committee (human resources) about a new position they were contemplating. Somewhat surprised, I thought I should at least listen to what they had to say, so I flew up here to meet with them.
After a long lunch with the pastor and the Committee Chair, I met in the early evening with the full committee for a pretty long interview. I wondered at their even considering me for this job because I am just not the age that one thinks of for moving from a settled position, settled life to a new position and an unsettled life. On leaving the interview, I went for a walk and had a talk with the Lord. I finally said that I would take the job if they offered it to me, even though it meant selling my home and moving to a strange place and a whole new way of life. I literally put the whole thing in God's hands, saying "If you want me to do this, I will, but you must make it really clear that this is right. So if they offer me the job--even though it seems not to make sense to my mind, I'll know you want me in North Carolina."
Well, they offered me the job, and here I am. I went back from NC to Florida, told my pastor and our Pastor Parish Committee Chair, flew to Haiti for the planned trip, went back to Florida for about three weeks, flew to PA to spend Thanksgiving with Lynne, Michael, and family, flew back to FL on Monday, November 30, left FL on Tuesday, and arrived in NC on December 1.
And I have been really busy since.
I'll go back to FL the day after Christmas to get my things, and I have rented a little house in the edge of a forest (the deer come up to the back yard in the morning) where I will live as long as I stay here, I hope. My house may never get to the market in FL because someone in my former church thinks he and his wife may want it. I'm not in a hurry about that.
All in all, I am content. I don't do well in disorder, and right now I feel that I am more than a little disordered because I am staying with someone else until I can go get my things. That will end soon, and then I'll really settle down.
I arrived on a Wednesday, and it was cool but not cold. By Thursday it was what the natives called "unseasonably cold," and Saturday by midday, it was pouring snow. We have had really cold days since then, with the temperature only once or twice getting to 40 degrees. Most of that time is was in the 20s. Then yesterday (1/16) we had a pretty serious ice storm, enough to stop everything--schools, business, etc. Today it's almost up to 40, and it feels wonderful outside.
'I am getting brave about driving. I can now find Walmart, Lowe's, a Library, several places to eat, and Noveau (for a haircut), my new bank, and a few other things of importance. Have not yet found a Post Office, but I will.
I've already got some things going here at the church, though I must confess that much of my just over two weeks here has been spent going to Christmas parties. The people are wonderful, loving, warm, and helpful. I know that this is going to be a blessing to my life, and I am excited about what God has in store for me.
I wrote about my beautiful day with one of the Sunday School classes as we visited an old church called Shiloh in Troy. It's somewhere on this blog, and if you're interested you can go back and read. Tomorrow a friend and I are going to The Nutcracker Suite, performed by the Greensboro Ballet Company. I am looking forward to that--the first, I hope, of such afternoons here in this lovely city. I guess I haven't missed such performances terribly or I would have found time to drive to Tampa or Ocala, but I am really happy that now things like the ballet and some good concerts will be only a few minutes drive to the heart of the city. I also want to investigate the lecture series at the University.
As you read, I hope you're not thinking that I should act my age and settle down. Maybe I never will. I am so thankful to feel a kind of exuberance I cannot remember feeling in a long time.
Thank you for reading. After Christmas I will write some news from Haiti.
Planning to go to Haiti on October 15 for eight days, I worked pretty hard getting things for Christmas at the church done ahead of time, and it was a good thing. In early October my friend, Ben Shepherd, who is a UM pastor in Greensboro, called and asked me to come to North Carolina and talk with his Pastor Parish Committee (human resources) about a new position they were contemplating. Somewhat surprised, I thought I should at least listen to what they had to say, so I flew up here to meet with them.
After a long lunch with the pastor and the Committee Chair, I met in the early evening with the full committee for a pretty long interview. I wondered at their even considering me for this job because I am just not the age that one thinks of for moving from a settled position, settled life to a new position and an unsettled life. On leaving the interview, I went for a walk and had a talk with the Lord. I finally said that I would take the job if they offered it to me, even though it meant selling my home and moving to a strange place and a whole new way of life. I literally put the whole thing in God's hands, saying "If you want me to do this, I will, but you must make it really clear that this is right. So if they offer me the job--even though it seems not to make sense to my mind, I'll know you want me in North Carolina."
Well, they offered me the job, and here I am. I went back from NC to Florida, told my pastor and our Pastor Parish Committee Chair, flew to Haiti for the planned trip, went back to Florida for about three weeks, flew to PA to spend Thanksgiving with Lynne, Michael, and family, flew back to FL on Monday, November 30, left FL on Tuesday, and arrived in NC on December 1.
And I have been really busy since.
I'll go back to FL the day after Christmas to get my things, and I have rented a little house in the edge of a forest (the deer come up to the back yard in the morning) where I will live as long as I stay here, I hope. My house may never get to the market in FL because someone in my former church thinks he and his wife may want it. I'm not in a hurry about that.
All in all, I am content. I don't do well in disorder, and right now I feel that I am more than a little disordered because I am staying with someone else until I can go get my things. That will end soon, and then I'll really settle down.
I arrived on a Wednesday, and it was cool but not cold. By Thursday it was what the natives called "unseasonably cold," and Saturday by midday, it was pouring snow. We have had really cold days since then, with the temperature only once or twice getting to 40 degrees. Most of that time is was in the 20s. Then yesterday (1/16) we had a pretty serious ice storm, enough to stop everything--schools, business, etc. Today it's almost up to 40, and it feels wonderful outside.
'I am getting brave about driving. I can now find Walmart, Lowe's, a Library, several places to eat, and Noveau (for a haircut), my new bank, and a few other things of importance. Have not yet found a Post Office, but I will.
I've already got some things going here at the church, though I must confess that much of my just over two weeks here has been spent going to Christmas parties. The people are wonderful, loving, warm, and helpful. I know that this is going to be a blessing to my life, and I am excited about what God has in store for me.
I wrote about my beautiful day with one of the Sunday School classes as we visited an old church called Shiloh in Troy. It's somewhere on this blog, and if you're interested you can go back and read. Tomorrow a friend and I are going to The Nutcracker Suite, performed by the Greensboro Ballet Company. I am looking forward to that--the first, I hope, of such afternoons here in this lovely city. I guess I haven't missed such performances terribly or I would have found time to drive to Tampa or Ocala, but I am really happy that now things like the ballet and some good concerts will be only a few minutes drive to the heart of the city. I also want to investigate the lecture series at the University.
As you read, I hope you're not thinking that I should act my age and settle down. Maybe I never will. I am so thankful to feel a kind of exuberance I cannot remember feeling in a long time.
Thank you for reading. After Christmas I will write some news from Haiti.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
December 16
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,and Mary Magdelene. John 19:25
We looked at this verse once, but we need to see it from another perspective. Isn't one of the most difficult emotions loneliness? I love quiet and often spend days with no TV, no music, just quiet. Other times that same quiet becomes oppressive.
Oppressive loneliness is what I imagine for the Lord on that awful cross. Did he wonder where the others were, his best friends for the past three years? Did he long for them, to see their faces, to be touched or spoken to? I know that God was with him, but he was not just God. Jesus was a flesh and blood human, hurting terribly, alone except for four faithful women and John .
Shepherds and wise men came to see him when he was born. Crowds gathered round him when he healed. Multitudes followed him as he taught, or as he fed them on the hillside. They needed and wanted what he had to give, so they got as close as they could.
Now he hangs on a cross, lonely, with only five to comfort him. He knew loneliness. Does he still long for us to come and share his solitude?
Lord Jesus, we cry out to you in our loneliness. We seek you in our need and our desires. Remind us that even now you wait for us to come near, to talk and to listen to you. Amen.
We looked at this verse once, but we need to see it from another perspective. Isn't one of the most difficult emotions loneliness? I love quiet and often spend days with no TV, no music, just quiet. Other times that same quiet becomes oppressive.
Oppressive loneliness is what I imagine for the Lord on that awful cross. Did he wonder where the others were, his best friends for the past three years? Did he long for them, to see their faces, to be touched or spoken to? I know that God was with him, but he was not just God. Jesus was a flesh and blood human, hurting terribly, alone except for four faithful women and John .
Shepherds and wise men came to see him when he was born. Crowds gathered round him when he healed. Multitudes followed him as he taught, or as he fed them on the hillside. They needed and wanted what he had to give, so they got as close as they could.
Now he hangs on a cross, lonely, with only five to comfort him. He knew loneliness. Does he still long for us to come and share his solitude?
Lord Jesus, we cry out to you in our loneliness. We seek you in our need and our desires. Remind us that even now you wait for us to come near, to talk and to listen to you. Amen.
December 19
The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead you ought to forgive and comfort him; so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. II Corinthians 2:8-9
We don't know much abut discipline in the church today. We let people be mad at each other for years and do little or nothing to resolve differences. We pout when we don't get our own way. We gossip, complain, whine, but nobody confronts us. Not so in the early church.
The reference in the Scripture today is to a man who had committed a terrible sin and had been ostracized. We cannot imagine anything worse than having our church tell us that we cannot return to worship or fellowship with them. This man must have suffered terribly for his sin. Now the church is told to forgive him and take him back.
Only a Lord who was like us could understnad the pain of an ostracized man, the loneliness he must have experienced at being cast out. Only a forgiving Lord could understand the man's need to receive forgiveness. Only a Lord who knew us well could have understood that we too have guilt but also the capacity to forgive. Only a loving Lord would challenge us to forgive even heinous sin.
Father, you have freely given us the gift of forgiveness; help us to freely give that gift to others. Amen.
We don't know much abut discipline in the church today. We let people be mad at each other for years and do little or nothing to resolve differences. We pout when we don't get our own way. We gossip, complain, whine, but nobody confronts us. Not so in the early church.
The reference in the Scripture today is to a man who had committed a terrible sin and had been ostracized. We cannot imagine anything worse than having our church tell us that we cannot return to worship or fellowship with them. This man must have suffered terribly for his sin. Now the church is told to forgive him and take him back.
Only a Lord who was like us could understnad the pain of an ostracized man, the loneliness he must have experienced at being cast out. Only a forgiving Lord could understand the man's need to receive forgiveness. Only a Lord who knew us well could have understood that we too have guilt but also the capacity to forgive. Only a loving Lord would challenge us to forgive even heinous sin.
Father, you have freely given us the gift of forgiveness; help us to freely give that gift to others. Amen.
December 18
Our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus
who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross. Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:7-11
We say so glibly that our mission statement for the church is Everyone becoming a disciple of Christ. Yet as I read Paul's challenge to the Philippians, I wonder if we have the vaguest idea what it means to be disciples. We know disciples are learners, followers of Christ, dedicated to his purposes in this world, reaching out to others for him. But can we say that our attitude is the same as the attitude of Christ given above?
Are we living for God our Father? Are we considering our wants to be nothing as we strive for what he wants? Are we willing to die for him? Dare we answer?
Father, help us this Christmas to want what you want, to bow our knees and really confess Christ as Lord. Amen.
who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross. Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:7-11
We say so glibly that our mission statement for the church is Everyone becoming a disciple of Christ. Yet as I read Paul's challenge to the Philippians, I wonder if we have the vaguest idea what it means to be disciples. We know disciples are learners, followers of Christ, dedicated to his purposes in this world, reaching out to others for him. But can we say that our attitude is the same as the attitude of Christ given above?
Are we living for God our Father? Are we considering our wants to be nothing as we strive for what he wants? Are we willing to die for him? Dare we answer?
Father, help us this Christmas to want what you want, to bow our knees and really confess Christ as Lord. Amen.
December 17
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that you were redeened from the empty way of life handed down to you . . . But with the pecious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. I Peter 1:18-19
I read a book years ago by Stuart Brisco in which he spoke of seeing dead men walking, eyes empty, little sign of real life as they moved through not life but existence. How true, I thought. How often I meet someone who seems to have no purpose, no sense of the importance of his/her life, no goals, no direction. These people were living in the "empty way of life handed down" to them, unaware of their value.
Put that thought together with this. "How much is this piece of real estate worth?" I asked a realtor one day. "Whatever I can get someone to pay for it," he replied.
So as we were walking around in an empty and meaningless life, what did God think we were worth? What was he willing to pay? Jesus! The Bible says that while we were yet lost in our sin, God sent Jesus to get us, to buy us back from our dreadful lives with his own blood!
We were expensive, but the Bible says Jesus counted the cost and came to earth willingly. He gave what he did not owe because we owed what we could not pay.
Thank you, Father, for life, for meaningful life. Amen.
I read a book years ago by Stuart Brisco in which he spoke of seeing dead men walking, eyes empty, little sign of real life as they moved through not life but existence. How true, I thought. How often I meet someone who seems to have no purpose, no sense of the importance of his/her life, no goals, no direction. These people were living in the "empty way of life handed down" to them, unaware of their value.
Put that thought together with this. "How much is this piece of real estate worth?" I asked a realtor one day. "Whatever I can get someone to pay for it," he replied.
So as we were walking around in an empty and meaningless life, what did God think we were worth? What was he willing to pay? Jesus! The Bible says that while we were yet lost in our sin, God sent Jesus to get us, to buy us back from our dreadful lives with his own blood!
We were expensive, but the Bible says Jesus counted the cost and came to earth willingly. He gave what he did not owe because we owed what we could not pay.
Thank you, Father, for life, for meaningful life. Amen.
December 13
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hood of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13
My goal through this entire Christmas devotional has been to help us see Jesus not just as the tiny baby in a manger but as the Living God. How beautifully Isaiah portrays God not as an uninvolved deity, a Creator who distances himself from his creatures, leaving them to fend for themselves, but as a God who is personable, who actually holds our hands.
And knowing how difficult it is for us to grasp the reality of such a God, he comes to us a baby. Remember Paul says, "In Christ dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." The baby is the same God whom Isaiah says takes our hand and calms our fears!
The Christmas infant's hands--God's hands--would one day hold the children, touch the lepers, put spit on the eyes of a blind man, drive the money changers from the temple. They were destined to suffer rthe nails that held Jesus to a tree. And Isaiah says this same God reaches his hand to us with comfort and joy.
Thanks to Jesus, through faith we may grasp God's hand.
Father, we will never understand all of this. How can you be Father and also Son? Yet Jesus told us he and you are one, and we believe him. We need you desperately, and so in Faith we take your outstretchewsd hand. Amen.
My goal through this entire Christmas devotional has been to help us see Jesus not just as the tiny baby in a manger but as the Living God. How beautifully Isaiah portrays God not as an uninvolved deity, a Creator who distances himself from his creatures, leaving them to fend for themselves, but as a God who is personable, who actually holds our hands.
And knowing how difficult it is for us to grasp the reality of such a God, he comes to us a baby. Remember Paul says, "In Christ dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." The baby is the same God whom Isaiah says takes our hand and calms our fears!
The Christmas infant's hands--God's hands--would one day hold the children, touch the lepers, put spit on the eyes of a blind man, drive the money changers from the temple. They were destined to suffer rthe nails that held Jesus to a tree. And Isaiah says this same God reaches his hand to us with comfort and joy.
Thanks to Jesus, through faith we may grasp God's hand.
Father, we will never understand all of this. How can you be Father and also Son? Yet Jesus told us he and you are one, and we believe him. We need you desperately, and so in Faith we take your outstretchewsd hand. Amen.
December 15
But you, Bethlehem Ephratha, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient of times. Micah 5:2
Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea, wrote in the late 700s BC or early-to-mid-600s, yet he prophesied the coming of a ruler who pre-existed himself. We are such time oriented people that we have great difficulty comprehending this! One will come who has always been! Is that double speak? Possible?
Yes, not only possible but fact. From the beginning, the plan had been to send a redeemer for fallen man--God's creationthat pleased him and that he called good, God's creationwho disappointed him but whom he loved and for whose redemption he would die!
I don't know that Micah understood, but he reported faithfully what God had spoken to him..Beginning in Chapter 4, Gd tells Micah his plan, and Micah recorded it for us. From the smallest of the tribes of Israel will come a gift--a baby--who will grow to be the greatest ruler the world has ever known, a strong, eternal ruler. He'll not be just a king but The King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Hallelujah!
Father, thank you for teh King above all kings; thank you for our Lord whose birthday we'll soon celebrate. Amen.
Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea, wrote in the late 700s BC or early-to-mid-600s, yet he prophesied the coming of a ruler who pre-existed himself. We are such time oriented people that we have great difficulty comprehending this! One will come who has always been! Is that double speak? Possible?
Yes, not only possible but fact. From the beginning, the plan had been to send a redeemer for fallen man--God's creationthat pleased him and that he called good, God's creationwho disappointed him but whom he loved and for whose redemption he would die!
I don't know that Micah understood, but he reported faithfully what God had spoken to him..Beginning in Chapter 4, Gd tells Micah his plan, and Micah recorded it for us. From the smallest of the tribes of Israel will come a gift--a baby--who will grow to be the greatest ruler the world has ever known, a strong, eternal ruler. He'll not be just a king but The King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Hallelujah!
Father, thank you for teh King above all kings; thank you for our Lord whose birthday we'll soon celebrate. Amen.
December 14, 2010
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John 19:25
This Scripture messes up our nice, clean Christmas nativity scene! We don't want to think ahead to what the baby would one day endure. As I prepared for our annual; devotional, I read the Serendipity Bible. At the bottom of the page for this text was this question: "How do you feel when you think about how Jesus died for you?" and the editors suggest several answers: "amazed, doubtful, grateful, guilty, sad, loved, relieved, uncomfortable."
Great question! Can we add possible answere? How about, "all of the above"? And when we really contemplate--as I often do at communion--don't we want to add "unworthy" because we know how messed up we are, or "awed" because we are amazed that God allowed it, or "shocked" that nobody seemed to understand what they were doing?
I wonder how the women could be brave enough to watch the horror before their eyes! Were they oblivious that only John was with them?
What do we feel when we consider the cost of our expensive Christmas present? Or do we even consider?
Father, your Christmas present is amazing. Help us to hold it close and appreciate its eternal value. Amen.
This Scripture messes up our nice, clean Christmas nativity scene! We don't want to think ahead to what the baby would one day endure. As I prepared for our annual; devotional, I read the Serendipity Bible. At the bottom of the page for this text was this question: "How do you feel when you think about how Jesus died for you?" and the editors suggest several answers: "amazed, doubtful, grateful, guilty, sad, loved, relieved, uncomfortable."
Great question! Can we add possible answere? How about, "all of the above"? And when we really contemplate--as I often do at communion--don't we want to add "unworthy" because we know how messed up we are, or "awed" because we are amazed that God allowed it, or "shocked" that nobody seemed to understand what they were doing?
I wonder how the women could be brave enough to watch the horror before their eyes! Were they oblivious that only John was with them?
What do we feel when we consider the cost of our expensive Christmas present? Or do we even consider?
Father, your Christmas present is amazing. Help us to hold it close and appreciate its eternal value. Amen.
December 12
Put your hope in the Lord, for the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. Psalm 130:7
Compromise is standard today, and most of us will admit to a certain synicism. The value of our dollars diminishes daily; marriages fail even in the church; businesses are here today and gone tomorrow; promises are not kept; nothing seems stable. Even contracts have fine print that we must read carefully, allowing parties an "out" if things do not go well. So is there anything we can count on? Absolutely!
The Christmas baby who reveals to us a God whose redemption and love we can trust! He's the One we can count on!
The psalmist tells us of unfailing love and absoluite redemption, with no small print for a way out! We see so much fail--even love. Can God's love outlast all that challenges it in our current world? We know how hard we try to be all we know is right and good, and we question that God would even want to redeem the mess we make.
Jesus came to assure us there's no mess too great for him to redeem, no sin greater than his unfailing love! "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends," he promised. Unfailing love and absolute redemption! Count on it!
Father, we understand neither unfailing love nor redemption, but we thank you that Jesus has brought both to us. Amen.
Compromise is standard today, and most of us will admit to a certain synicism. The value of our dollars diminishes daily; marriages fail even in the church; businesses are here today and gone tomorrow; promises are not kept; nothing seems stable. Even contracts have fine print that we must read carefully, allowing parties an "out" if things do not go well. So is there anything we can count on? Absolutely!
The Christmas baby who reveals to us a God whose redemption and love we can trust! He's the One we can count on!
The psalmist tells us of unfailing love and absoluite redemption, with no small print for a way out! We see so much fail--even love. Can God's love outlast all that challenges it in our current world? We know how hard we try to be all we know is right and good, and we question that God would even want to redeem the mess we make.
Jesus came to assure us there's no mess too great for him to redeem, no sin greater than his unfailing love! "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends," he promised. Unfailing love and absolute redemption! Count on it!
Father, we understand neither unfailing love nor redemption, but we thank you that Jesus has brought both to us. Amen.
December 11, 2010
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training a person in right living, that the person of God may be equippped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16
This is a verse I often use to remind myself and others of the critical importance of God's Word. The verse carries a great message, but I want us to only look at two words--"All Scripture."
Remember, when Paul wrote these words to his young aide, the only Scripture recorded was what we call the Old Testament. Paul's letters to the young churches and to several individuals were vitally imortant, but we have no reason to believe that he expected those writings to be included in a later canon of Scipture. But they are included, so now we must assume that "all" means the entire Bible, Old and New Testaments.
So what is the value of our reading brief passages of Scripture as we prepare for our Christmas celebration? That becomes obvious when we remember that this is not just a daily exercise. As we read, the Word itself will "teach, correct, rebuke, and train us." God is not just getting us ready for Christmas but teaching us about himself, getting us ready for life! So I must write carefully, and all of us must look and listen carefully to the reference verses.
Father, day by day, teach us from your Word! Amen.
This is a verse I often use to remind myself and others of the critical importance of God's Word. The verse carries a great message, but I want us to only look at two words--"All Scripture."
Remember, when Paul wrote these words to his young aide, the only Scripture recorded was what we call the Old Testament. Paul's letters to the young churches and to several individuals were vitally imortant, but we have no reason to believe that he expected those writings to be included in a later canon of Scipture. But they are included, so now we must assume that "all" means the entire Bible, Old and New Testaments.
So what is the value of our reading brief passages of Scripture as we prepare for our Christmas celebration? That becomes obvious when we remember that this is not just a daily exercise. As we read, the Word itself will "teach, correct, rebuke, and train us." God is not just getting us ready for Christmas but teaching us about himself, getting us ready for life! So I must write carefully, and all of us must look and listen carefully to the reference verses.
Father, day by day, teach us from your Word! Amen.
December 9, 2010
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7
It's comfortable to think of the baby Jesus, warm, innocent, bright eyes looking into ours, lying in a manger or even in our arms, to think of doing things for a baby. But are we missing something in Isaiah's wonderful prophecy of Christmas?
Isaiah says that he will be our "Wonderful Counselor." Is he? Are we careful to seek his counsel even in the small things daily? Do we even seek his Counsel in the big things? Do we seek his counsel regarding our lives, our work, the on-going work and ministry of our church, or do we go about all this devising our own plans for success? This baby is destined to be our Counselor! That's God's plan.
And he's to be our "Prince of Peace. Later Jesus said we'd always have wars, so that peace must not have been world peace. Was Isaiah referring to the peace that can dwell in our hearts when we know him, the peace that Jesus spoke of in John 14, "that passes understanding"? Surely Isaiah meant the quiet calm that prevails in us even when all around is chaos, just because Jesus has been born in our hearts.
Father, thank ou for this wonderful baby who as becoem our Counselor and peace. Amen
It's comfortable to think of the baby Jesus, warm, innocent, bright eyes looking into ours, lying in a manger or even in our arms, to think of doing things for a baby. But are we missing something in Isaiah's wonderful prophecy of Christmas?
Isaiah says that he will be our "Wonderful Counselor." Is he? Are we careful to seek his counsel even in the small things daily? Do we even seek his Counsel in the big things? Do we seek his counsel regarding our lives, our work, the on-going work and ministry of our church, or do we go about all this devising our own plans for success? This baby is destined to be our Counselor! That's God's plan.
And he's to be our "Prince of Peace. Later Jesus said we'd always have wars, so that peace must not have been world peace. Was Isaiah referring to the peace that can dwell in our hearts when we know him, the peace that Jesus spoke of in John 14, "that passes understanding"? Surely Isaiah meant the quiet calm that prevails in us even when all around is chaos, just because Jesus has been born in our hearts.
Father, thank ou for this wonderful baby who as becoem our Counselor and peace. Amen
December 10, 2010
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, . . . He tends his flock like a shepherd: he gathers his lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. Isaiah 40:10a, 11
Do you notice anything a little subtle about the prophecy from Isaiah above? The two pictures of Jesus that almost seem contradictory? I once watched a Russian violinist in concert, a big strong man with huge hands who obviously could have crushed his violin with one blow, but when he put his bow to the strings, some gentle thing came from him and he almost caressed it as he brought forth the loveliest of sounds!
Isaiah pictures Jesus like this. A strong Messiah but also a gentle shepherd.
Recently I met with our new choir director, Dixie Lay. Jera, her two year old, was also with us, quietly drawing a masterpiece for her father while Dixie and I planned for the children's ministry in music. Tiring of her work, Jera soon climbed into her mother's lap and nestled quietly against her heart, and I wondered if the rhythmic beat soothed her.
That's what Isaiah says of Jesus our Shepherd. With strong hands, he'll nestle us close to his heart so we can be soothed by its rhythm. Oh, my! What a Savior!
Father, cause us to trust you as your strong hand takes outs, and cause us to rest next to your heart. Amen.
Do you notice anything a little subtle about the prophecy from Isaiah above? The two pictures of Jesus that almost seem contradictory? I once watched a Russian violinist in concert, a big strong man with huge hands who obviously could have crushed his violin with one blow, but when he put his bow to the strings, some gentle thing came from him and he almost caressed it as he brought forth the loveliest of sounds!
Isaiah pictures Jesus like this. A strong Messiah but also a gentle shepherd.
Recently I met with our new choir director, Dixie Lay. Jera, her two year old, was also with us, quietly drawing a masterpiece for her father while Dixie and I planned for the children's ministry in music. Tiring of her work, Jera soon climbed into her mother's lap and nestled quietly against her heart, and I wondered if the rhythmic beat soothed her.
That's what Isaiah says of Jesus our Shepherd. With strong hands, he'll nestle us close to his heart so we can be soothed by its rhythm. Oh, my! What a Savior!
Father, cause us to trust you as your strong hand takes outs, and cause us to rest next to your heart. Amen.
December 8, 2010
Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Sometimes I am impatient with the people who seem oblivious of the fact that Jesus was an unusual baby. Babies are not born to virgins, and when that type of birth--never having happened before or since--occurs, wouldn't you think that everyone would immediately suspect that this was a special baby?
But they didn't then and don't now. So they missed the most significant birth in the whole world.
And they also missed the importance of his name! All good Jews know Emmanuel means God with us, but they missed that clue as well! God had been revealing his presence for generations. He caused a cloud to settle over the childrne of Israel and a fire by night to lead them, just to say, "I am here." Several times in the Old Testament he calls himself Jehovah Shammah, God who is here, but they missed the message. Now Isaiah says the baby's name is Emmanuel, and they again miss that message. Not very observant!
But we must not criticize. We too miss Jesus saying, "I am here" because we are looking for the familiar, the usual. Jesus is so often in the unusual.
Father, thank you for being here, for coming in unexpected ways. Help us to recognize you, Amen.
Sometimes I am impatient with the people who seem oblivious of the fact that Jesus was an unusual baby. Babies are not born to virgins, and when that type of birth--never having happened before or since--occurs, wouldn't you think that everyone would immediately suspect that this was a special baby?
But they didn't then and don't now. So they missed the most significant birth in the whole world.
And they also missed the importance of his name! All good Jews know Emmanuel means God with us, but they missed that clue as well! God had been revealing his presence for generations. He caused a cloud to settle over the childrne of Israel and a fire by night to lead them, just to say, "I am here." Several times in the Old Testament he calls himself Jehovah Shammah, God who is here, but they missed the message. Now Isaiah says the baby's name is Emmanuel, and they again miss that message. Not very observant!
But we must not criticize. We too miss Jesus saying, "I am here" because we are looking for the familiar, the usual. Jesus is so often in the unusual.
Father, thank you for being here, for coming in unexpected ways. Help us to recognize you, Amen.
December 7, 2010
Paul has been commissioned by God to present to us "the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27
The message that Paul says he has been commissioned to give us is staggering! Two things cause real pause because we immediately feel totally unable to live up to God's expectations.
First he says that God's message is to be delivered to the saints, and we quickly argue that we are not saints. That, however, is because we have distorted ideas of what a saint is! Saints are those who belong to Christ and in whom his Holy Spirit lives. So the message is for us, his saints, and we'd better listen.
The second challenge involves the mystery. Paul says that Christ in us must bring hope. We are to be purveyors of hope to the dying world around us! That is the mystery--Christ in us is the hope! That should not only stagger us but fill us with great joy at having such a privilege. In a hopeless world, we get to bring the message of hope! What an awesome gift this baby has brought to us!
Father, thank you for entrusting us with this great gift! Thank you for letting us bring hope to the world for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Colossians 1:27
The message that Paul says he has been commissioned to give us is staggering! Two things cause real pause because we immediately feel totally unable to live up to God's expectations.
First he says that God's message is to be delivered to the saints, and we quickly argue that we are not saints. That, however, is because we have distorted ideas of what a saint is! Saints are those who belong to Christ and in whom his Holy Spirit lives. So the message is for us, his saints, and we'd better listen.
The second challenge involves the mystery. Paul says that Christ in us must bring hope. We are to be purveyors of hope to the dying world around us! That is the mystery--Christ in us is the hope! That should not only stagger us but fill us with great joy at having such a privilege. In a hopeless world, we get to bring the message of hope! What an awesome gift this baby has brought to us!
Father, thank you for entrusting us with this great gift! Thank you for letting us bring hope to the world for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. . . . . There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called." Ephesians 4:3, 6
Isn't it funny that no matter how old we get, Christmas influences our feelings! I know there are still some Scrooges around who "Bah humbug" Christmas, but in general we get warm fuzzy feelings as the holiday approaches. People smile more; they put their dollars in a red kettle for people they don't even know; they decorate trees with dolls for little girls whose eyes they'll not see sparkle when they get them; they buy turkeys for families around whose tables they will not sit.
The baby Jesus's birthday--not even Jesus, just his birthday--makes us gentler, more patient, even kinder. Paul's words remind us that Christians are part of a body and should function in a kind of unity, but Christmas tends to even change our attitude and actions toward those that are just part of the human race--not even part of the body of Christ, people whom we may be totally unaware of the rest of the year! A little Baby's birthday changes how we treat each other.
Father, humility and patience with others are such lovely characteristics. Heop us exhibit them all year, not just at Christmas when we think of Jesus. Amen.
Isn't it funny that no matter how old we get, Christmas influences our feelings! I know there are still some Scrooges around who "Bah humbug" Christmas, but in general we get warm fuzzy feelings as the holiday approaches. People smile more; they put their dollars in a red kettle for people they don't even know; they decorate trees with dolls for little girls whose eyes they'll not see sparkle when they get them; they buy turkeys for families around whose tables they will not sit.
The baby Jesus's birthday--not even Jesus, just his birthday--makes us gentler, more patient, even kinder. Paul's words remind us that Christians are part of a body and should function in a kind of unity, but Christmas tends to even change our attitude and actions toward those that are just part of the human race--not even part of the body of Christ, people whom we may be totally unaware of the rest of the year! A little Baby's birthday changes how we treat each other.
Father, humility and patience with others are such lovely characteristics. Heop us exhibit them all year, not just at Christmas when we think of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
"Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel." Isaiah 7:14
Sometimes I am impatient with people who seem oblivious of the fact that Jesus was an unusual baby. Babies are not born to virgins, and when that type of birth--never having happened before or since--occurs, wouldn't you think that everyone would immediately suspect that this was a special baby?
But they didn't then and don't now. So they missed the most significant birth in the whole world.
And they also missed the importance of his name! All good Jews know Emmanuel means God with us, but they missed that clue as well! God had been revealing his presence for generations. He caused a cloud to settle over the children of Israel and a fire by night to lead them, just to say, "I am here." Several times in the Old Testament he calls himself Jehovah-Shammah, God who is here, but they missed the message. Now Isaiah says the baby's name is Emmanuel, and tehy again miss the message. Not very observant!
But we must not criticize. We too miss Jesus saying, "I am here" because we are looking or the familiar, the usual! Jesus is so often in the unusual!
Father, thank you for being here, for comint in unexpected ways. help us to recognize you. Amen.
Sometimes I am impatient with people who seem oblivious of the fact that Jesus was an unusual baby. Babies are not born to virgins, and when that type of birth--never having happened before or since--occurs, wouldn't you think that everyone would immediately suspect that this was a special baby?
But they didn't then and don't now. So they missed the most significant birth in the whole world.
And they also missed the importance of his name! All good Jews know Emmanuel means God with us, but they missed that clue as well! God had been revealing his presence for generations. He caused a cloud to settle over the children of Israel and a fire by night to lead them, just to say, "I am here." Several times in the Old Testament he calls himself Jehovah-Shammah, God who is here, but they missed the message. Now Isaiah says the baby's name is Emmanuel, and tehy again miss the message. Not very observant!
But we must not criticize. We too miss Jesus saying, "I am here" because we are looking or the familiar, the usual! Jesus is so often in the unusual!
Father, thank you for being here, for comint in unexpected ways. help us to recognize you. Amen.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Paul has been commissioned by God to present to us "the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Colossians 1:27
The message that Paul says he has been commissioned to give us is staggering! Two things cause real pause because we immediately feel totally unable to live up to God's expectations.
First he says that God's message is to be delivered to the saints, and we quickly argue that we are not saints. That, however, is because we hav e distorted ideas of what a saint is! Saints are those who belong to Christ and in whom his Holy Spirit lives. So the message is for us, his saints, and we'd better listen.
The second challenge involves the mystery. Paul says that Christ in us must bring hope. We are to be purveyors of hope to the dying world around us! That is the mysery--Christ in us is the hope! That should not only stagger us but fill us with great joy at having such a privilege. In a hopeless world, we get to bring the message of hope! What an awesome give this Baby has brought to us!
Father, thank you for entrusting us with this great gift! Thank you for letting us bring hope to the world for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Colossians 1:27
The message that Paul says he has been commissioned to give us is staggering! Two things cause real pause because we immediately feel totally unable to live up to God's expectations.
First he says that God's message is to be delivered to the saints, and we quickly argue that we are not saints. That, however, is because we hav e distorted ideas of what a saint is! Saints are those who belong to Christ and in whom his Holy Spirit lives. So the message is for us, his saints, and we'd better listen.
The second challenge involves the mystery. Paul says that Christ in us must bring hope. We are to be purveyors of hope to the dying world around us! That is the mysery--Christ in us is the hope! That should not only stagger us but fill us with great joy at having such a privilege. In a hopeless world, we get to bring the message of hope! What an awesome give this Baby has brought to us!
Father, thank you for entrusting us with this great gift! Thank you for letting us bring hope to the world for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A Wonderful Christmas Surprise
I didn't want to interrupt the order of the Advent Devotional I have been posting daily, but something so lovely happened today, and I want to write it before I forget the details.
Ben Shepherd, the pastor of the new church I now serve, his wife Alice, and I were invited to join one of the Sunday School classes for "tea and dinner," in a nearby town, celebrating Christmas. I didn't know what to expect, but I looked forward to meeting new friends, so of course I accepted.
Moments before we were to leave, someone said, "Look out the window!"
Snow! Great white flakes were pouring from the sky, thick and fluffy, actually obscuring vision at a distance.
We wondered if our trip would be cancelled. A quick phone call assured us it was still on, so we bundled up and joined the caravan at the church. As we drove the snow fell heavier and heavier, beginning to coat the trees and the sides of the roadway. It's been so long since I have lived in snow country that I would have been insecure had I been driving, but I felt absolutely confortable with our experienced Ben, so I just settled snugly in the back seat.
After about an hour's drive and diminishing snow, we turned into the parking area of an old, one room, white board church. The entire picture took my breath away. Tall candles carefully mounted on green wreaths that hung from the ceiling seemed to invite us inside. A Scotsman, handsome in his kilt, piped carols just outside the entry, and beautiful ladies in hoop skirted dresses invited us to sign the guest book.
Through the old doorway, we stepped into another time, a setting of early America, complete with the smell of spiced tea and shortbread cookies. The sanctuary was aglow with candles everywhere--some tiny tapers and others tall and slender. In the front of the church a huge tree. with an antique quilt for its underskirt, had been placed to the left of the altar. It was decorated with hand made ornaments from another time. Slices of dried fruit hung from ribbons; tiny balls of cotton were tucked into the branches; a huge hornet's nest was tucked deep inside the limbs; pine cones added here and there gave off an aroma from their previous homes. Under the tree were fruit and nuts beautifully arranged in old ice cream churns, bowls, a cream churn, and baskets. On the floor among the fruit were turtle shells whose occupants had long ago abandoned them.
To the right of the altar, several accomplished musicians brought forth from their instruments--two flutes, a violin, a cello, a Celtic harp, an autoharp, and another instrument that I couldn't identify, lying flat and played with strange-shaped bows--soul settling music, familiar hymns of Christmas.
Pe0ple continued to pour quietly into the small sanctuary, filling all the hard wooden benches and choosing to stand in the back when no more seats were to be had. After about thirty minutes of beautiful music that literally pulled from my being any stress I may have carried into the room, a man stood and read the familiar Christmas story from Luke 2. Two pastors--one old with a full head of white hair and a full white beard, and the other young, looking often at his six-year old daughter--spoke to us of the real meaning of Christmas, followed with their invitation to all to participate in Holy Communion.
I returned to my wooden bench on which I would never have chosen to sit for an hour but which was absolutely perfect for the moment. The snow had begun to fall again--great white flakes falling thick and fast outside the tall windows. I sat so still. I didn't want to interrupt the unexpected and wonderful peace that had settled over my entire being.
As others moved quietly back to their seats, I felt the tears spilling onto my cheeks. God was so real I wanted to freeze the moment.
Whatever else this holiday holds, this unexpected and wonderful afternoon was my Christmas present from God.
Ben Shepherd, the pastor of the new church I now serve, his wife Alice, and I were invited to join one of the Sunday School classes for "tea and dinner," in a nearby town, celebrating Christmas. I didn't know what to expect, but I looked forward to meeting new friends, so of course I accepted.
Moments before we were to leave, someone said, "Look out the window!"
Snow! Great white flakes were pouring from the sky, thick and fluffy, actually obscuring vision at a distance.
We wondered if our trip would be cancelled. A quick phone call assured us it was still on, so we bundled up and joined the caravan at the church. As we drove the snow fell heavier and heavier, beginning to coat the trees and the sides of the roadway. It's been so long since I have lived in snow country that I would have been insecure had I been driving, but I felt absolutely confortable with our experienced Ben, so I just settled snugly in the back seat.
After about an hour's drive and diminishing snow, we turned into the parking area of an old, one room, white board church. The entire picture took my breath away. Tall candles carefully mounted on green wreaths that hung from the ceiling seemed to invite us inside. A Scotsman, handsome in his kilt, piped carols just outside the entry, and beautiful ladies in hoop skirted dresses invited us to sign the guest book.
Through the old doorway, we stepped into another time, a setting of early America, complete with the smell of spiced tea and shortbread cookies. The sanctuary was aglow with candles everywhere--some tiny tapers and others tall and slender. In the front of the church a huge tree. with an antique quilt for its underskirt, had been placed to the left of the altar. It was decorated with hand made ornaments from another time. Slices of dried fruit hung from ribbons; tiny balls of cotton were tucked into the branches; a huge hornet's nest was tucked deep inside the limbs; pine cones added here and there gave off an aroma from their previous homes. Under the tree were fruit and nuts beautifully arranged in old ice cream churns, bowls, a cream churn, and baskets. On the floor among the fruit were turtle shells whose occupants had long ago abandoned them.
To the right of the altar, several accomplished musicians brought forth from their instruments--two flutes, a violin, a cello, a Celtic harp, an autoharp, and another instrument that I couldn't identify, lying flat and played with strange-shaped bows--soul settling music, familiar hymns of Christmas.
Pe0ple continued to pour quietly into the small sanctuary, filling all the hard wooden benches and choosing to stand in the back when no more seats were to be had. After about thirty minutes of beautiful music that literally pulled from my being any stress I may have carried into the room, a man stood and read the familiar Christmas story from Luke 2. Two pastors--one old with a full head of white hair and a full white beard, and the other young, looking often at his six-year old daughter--spoke to us of the real meaning of Christmas, followed with their invitation to all to participate in Holy Communion.
I returned to my wooden bench on which I would never have chosen to sit for an hour but which was absolutely perfect for the moment. The snow had begun to fall again--great white flakes falling thick and fast outside the tall windows. I sat so still. I didn't want to interrupt the unexpected and wonderful peace that had settled over my entire being.
As others moved quietly back to their seats, I felt the tears spilling onto my cheeks. God was so real I wanted to freeze the moment.
Whatever else this holiday holds, this unexpected and wonderful afternoon was my Christmas present from God.
December 5, 2010
"Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealeed and made known trough the prophetic writings of the command of eternal God, so that all nations might believe nd ob ey him." Romans 16:25-26
Do we consider that we are "established" by "mystery"? Down through the ages, God has been promising through pophets that he was going to send the Messiah, an event so shrouded in mystery that no one really comprehended what the Messiah would be like! Today that mystery prevails, and often without understanding we are established in it.
As I write, I am sitting in a cardiac care waiting room, and next to me a family waits for news of a loved one. As each additional family member joins the clan, I hear them say they are trusting Jesus as a precious life hangs in the balance. They join hands and pray to the Lord whose birthday we will soon celeb rate. In the hour or so that I have waited here, I've seen how strong this family is because they are "established
in the "mystery "of who their Lord is! They cry a little, but they are not tears of despair.
Paul wrote of this mystery in the first century. The people near me are still trusting that Mystery.
Father, we continue to praise you for your Holy Presence in a Baby, even though we don't fully understand. Amen.
Do we consider that we are "established" by "mystery"? Down through the ages, God has been promising through pophets that he was going to send the Messiah, an event so shrouded in mystery that no one really comprehended what the Messiah would be like! Today that mystery prevails, and often without understanding we are established in it.
As I write, I am sitting in a cardiac care waiting room, and next to me a family waits for news of a loved one. As each additional family member joins the clan, I hear them say they are trusting Jesus as a precious life hangs in the balance. They join hands and pray to the Lord whose birthday we will soon celeb rate. In the hour or so that I have waited here, I've seen how strong this family is because they are "established
in the "mystery "of who their Lord is! They cry a little, but they are not tears of despair.
Paul wrote of this mystery in the first century. The people near me are still trusting that Mystery.
Father, we continue to praise you for your Holy Presence in a Baby, even though we don't fully understand. Amen.
Friday, December 3, 2010
December 3, 2010
"And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things inheaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ." Ephesians 1:9-10
Just when I think things can get no worse, I pick up the morning paper and read that anaother group is trying to establish a "new world order," a uniting of all the countries of the world under one leader with one language and one monetary system. I usually smile indulgently, wishing I could tell them that they are wasting their time. Oh, it is going to happen, but they won't bring it to pass!
Jesus came the first time as an infant, but he promises to return as the world's "one head"--when, we don't know. Every generation has anticipated that return since Jesus went back to heaven. In some wonderful mysterious way, when all is just right, Paul says in Ephesians, Jesus is comingagain!
The first time he xcame as an infant, and most didn't recognize him, though he'd told them over aqnd over. This time he'll come as ruler over all! Most were surprised the first time. Will we be the second?
Just when I think things can get no worse, I pick up the morning paper and read that anaother group is trying to establish a "new world order," a uniting of all the countries of the world under one leader with one language and one monetary system. I usually smile indulgently, wishing I could tell them that they are wasting their time. Oh, it is going to happen, but they won't bring it to pass!
Jesus came the first time as an infant, but he promises to return as the world's "one head"--when, we don't know. Every generation has anticipated that return since Jesus went back to heaven. In some wonderful mysterious way, when all is just right, Paul says in Ephesians, Jesus is comingagain!
The first time he xcame as an infant, and most didn't recognize him, though he'd told them over aqnd over. This time he'll come as ruler over all! Most were surprised the first time. Will we be the second?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
December 4, 2010
"For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth . . . yet for us there is one God, the Father from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 8:5-6a
Knowing who one's god is has a huge impact on how that person lives, on what he focuses his attention. A young friend brought his new, bright red Corvette to show me. He said he wanted to take good care of it, so he parked it a long way away from crowds. If he couldn't, he'd shop at another mall or eat at another restaurant. Protecting his prize against dings!
Later when I saw him at a restaurant, I commented that I had not seen his car outside. He explained that he had sold the car. "It was all I thought about;" he said. "It had become my god."
Paul reminds us that there are indeed other gods, and we must carefully choose the one whom we will serve. Unexpected things grab our attention and easily become too important. We must serve only One God. God came as a baby, but in that tiny infant dwelt the Triune God, the same one who warned that we should "have no other god" before him! He doesn't look very "godlike" in our little creches, but we know he is indeed the great I AM.
Father, forgive us that we often focus our love and commitment on someone or something other than you! Help us to recognize you, even as a baby. Amen.
Knowing who one's god is has a huge impact on how that person lives, on what he focuses his attention. A young friend brought his new, bright red Corvette to show me. He said he wanted to take good care of it, so he parked it a long way away from crowds. If he couldn't, he'd shop at another mall or eat at another restaurant. Protecting his prize against dings!
Later when I saw him at a restaurant, I commented that I had not seen his car outside. He explained that he had sold the car. "It was all I thought about;" he said. "It had become my god."
Paul reminds us that there are indeed other gods, and we must carefully choose the one whom we will serve. Unexpected things grab our attention and easily become too important. We must serve only One God. God came as a baby, but in that tiny infant dwelt the Triune God, the same one who warned that we should "have no other god" before him! He doesn't look very "godlike" in our little creches, but we know he is indeed the great I AM.
Father, forgive us that we often focus our love and commitment on someone or something other than you! Help us to recognize you, even as a baby. Amen.
December 3, 2010
"And he made known to us the mysstery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ." Ephesians 1:9-10
Just when I think things can get no worse, I pick up the morning paper and find that another group is trying to establish a "new world order," a uniting of all the countries of the world under one leader with one language and one monetary system! I usually smile indulgently, wishing I could tell them that they are wasting their time. Oh,it is going to happen, but they won't bring it to pass!
Jesus came the first time as an infant, but he promises to return as the world's "one head"--when, we don't know. Every generation has anticipated that return since Jesus went back to heaven. In some wonderful mysterious way, when all is just right, Paul says in Ephesians, Jesus is coming again.
The first time he came innocently as an infant, and most didn't recognize him, though he told them over and over. This time he'll come as ruler over all! Most were surprised the first time. Will we be the second?
Father, cause us to look with anticipation to your second coming, to relish the idea of your kingdom, to be ready to meet you without fear and with joy when you arrive! Amen.
Just when I think things can get no worse, I pick up the morning paper and find that another group is trying to establish a "new world order," a uniting of all the countries of the world under one leader with one language and one monetary system! I usually smile indulgently, wishing I could tell them that they are wasting their time. Oh,it is going to happen, but they won't bring it to pass!
Jesus came the first time as an infant, but he promises to return as the world's "one head"--when, we don't know. Every generation has anticipated that return since Jesus went back to heaven. In some wonderful mysterious way, when all is just right, Paul says in Ephesians, Jesus is coming again.
The first time he came innocently as an infant, and most didn't recognize him, though he told them over and over. This time he'll come as ruler over all! Most were surprised the first time. Will we be the second?
Father, cause us to look with anticipation to your second coming, to relish the idea of your kingdom, to be ready to meet you without fear and with joy when you arrive! Amen.
December 2, 2010
"But we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory . . .. Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him." I Corinthians 2:7, 9.
We enjoy little mysteries, the anticipation of new experiences--a birthday party, a trip to some new spot, a visit from an old friend. Well, the God who made us realizes this, and the Scriptures tell us that he has surprises we can never imagine! The verses above tell us not to waste time time trying to imagine because his mysteries are beyond anything we have ever seen or heard!
We enjoy our present relationship with God, the prayer time, the new things he shows us in his Word, the surprises he has in store for us each day. But what we know now is nothing compared to what we'll know when this phase of life is over, and we see him face to face! We cannot imagine light coming directly from him. We can't contemplate no more wondering, just clear understanding of life's mysteries.
The knowledge and wisdom of God are beyond us, and he understands that, but he promises someday we'll know his secrets. Christ has given us much, but there is much more to come?
Father, your mysteries are like presents under the Christmas tree, and we thank you for each revelation. Amen.
We enjoy little mysteries, the anticipation of new experiences--a birthday party, a trip to some new spot, a visit from an old friend. Well, the God who made us realizes this, and the Scriptures tell us that he has surprises we can never imagine! The verses above tell us not to waste time time trying to imagine because his mysteries are beyond anything we have ever seen or heard!
We enjoy our present relationship with God, the prayer time, the new things he shows us in his Word, the surprises he has in store for us each day. But what we know now is nothing compared to what we'll know when this phase of life is over, and we see him face to face! We cannot imagine light coming directly from him. We can't contemplate no more wondering, just clear understanding of life's mysteries.
The knowledge and wisdom of God are beyond us, and he understands that, but he promises someday we'll know his secrets. Christ has given us much, but there is much more to come?
Father, your mysteries are like presents under the Christmas tree, and we thank you for each revelation. Amen.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
December 1, 2010
"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets . . . in these last days has spoken to us in [by] His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world." Hebrews 1:1
Often I hear the sadness in God's voice, and I'm reminded of earthly parents--how hard we try to get our children to listen to us about things we know are important to their lives. Education, health, goals, spiritual well-being. They often don't listen, but neither do we! They to us and we to God!
"I've told you through the prophets, through ancestors," he says. "Now I am telling you through Jesus!"
So what does he want so desperately for us to hear? What is he speaking now? Is he telling us there is nothing to worry about because he has sent his Son to restore us to the Father? That everything needed to reestablish our broken relationship to Him has been accomplished in Christ Jesus? That even the angels recognize that He is worthy of praise? That He has sent "ministering spirits" to care for those who love Him?
The infant-become-man is now in charge! Is that what He is trying to get us to hear? Is that this year's Christmas present? Greater understanding?
Father, we are self-willed, determined to go our own way! Cause us to listen to your voice, to obey your word. Help us not to grieve you or to resist your Son's authority in our lives. Amen.
Often I hear the sadness in God's voice, and I'm reminded of earthly parents--how hard we try to get our children to listen to us about things we know are important to their lives. Education, health, goals, spiritual well-being. They often don't listen, but neither do we! They to us and we to God!
"I've told you through the prophets, through ancestors," he says. "Now I am telling you through Jesus!"
So what does he want so desperately for us to hear? What is he speaking now? Is he telling us there is nothing to worry about because he has sent his Son to restore us to the Father? That everything needed to reestablish our broken relationship to Him has been accomplished in Christ Jesus? That even the angels recognize that He is worthy of praise? That He has sent "ministering spirits" to care for those who love Him?
The infant-become-man is now in charge! Is that what He is trying to get us to hear? Is that this year's Christmas present? Greater understanding?
Father, we are self-willed, determined to go our own way! Cause us to listen to your voice, to obey your word. Help us not to grieve you or to resist your Son's authority in our lives. Amen.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
November 30, 2010
"For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and 0n earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created by Him and for Him."
Colossians 1:16
This passage contains more than we can talk about here, so let's just concentrate on five words.
According to Paul everything was made "by Him and for Him." Everything? Insignificant little Israel, a tiny piece of land over which men have fought for generatiopns? Bethlehem, of even less importance? A stable for animals? A star at exactly the right time to indicate his birth and identify the place? Oh, I know that many say planets converged, but that's okay! The miracle is that all took plalce at precisely the correct time to guide seekers to the right country, village, stable, and manger! Poor shepherds, rich kings, and wise men found the baby that would change the world!
The miracle is that in the "council of the ages" the plan originated, and in creation the conceived plan became reality, all planned " by Him and for Him."
Caesar August thought it was his idea to demand a census, but actually it was God's way of moving Mary and Joseph to the place prepared for Jesus' birth. Amazing!
Father, we often think so superficially! Forgive us! Help us recognize the vastness of your plan! Amen.
Colossians 1:16
This passage contains more than we can talk about here, so let's just concentrate on five words.
According to Paul everything was made "by Him and for Him." Everything? Insignificant little Israel, a tiny piece of land over which men have fought for generatiopns? Bethlehem, of even less importance? A stable for animals? A star at exactly the right time to indicate his birth and identify the place? Oh, I know that many say planets converged, but that's okay! The miracle is that all took plalce at precisely the correct time to guide seekers to the right country, village, stable, and manger! Poor shepherds, rich kings, and wise men found the baby that would change the world!
The miracle is that in the "council of the ages" the plan originated, and in creation the conceived plan became reality, all planned " by Him and for Him."
Caesar August thought it was his idea to demand a census, but actually it was God's way of moving Mary and Joseph to the place prepared for Jesus' birth. Amazing!
Father, we often think so superficially! Forgive us! Help us recognize the vastness of your plan! Amen.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Tell Me About the Christmas Baby
Merry Christmas! Welcome to Advent 2010.
As I write, it’s a 94-degree July day; as you read I hope it’s cool , and your thoughts are moving toward the wonderful Christmas before us.
This year, I’m broadening the audience for whom I am writing. In the past, I have written to the church family here at Homosassa United Methodist; however, over the years, you have told me you send our devotionals to friends. This year I hope to make each day’s thought relevant to our extended family, friends whom we love and welcome, with whom we want to share.
Does the name of our devotional seem inappropriate? I hope it won’t as you proceed through the pages. As you read, you’ll see that the Scriptures tell us of Jesus, not just as a baby, but as Creator, a Great Mystery, God Incarnate, our Redeemer, our Suffering Christ, and our Mediator/Advocate. So beginning at Genesis I have chosen Scriptures that reveal who Christ Jesus is, why he came, and what he did.
The Scripture references are very short. My prayer is that what I have chosen will whet your appetite , cause you to read in your own Bible the entire reference. I’ve taken a narrow view; you can put a wide lens on to see the whole picture. Read and find hope!
Remember, “Everything that has been written was written for our instruction, that through our perseverance and the revelation of the Holy Spirit, we might find hope.” (Romans 15:4)
As I write, it’s a 94-degree July day; as you read I hope it’s cool , and your thoughts are moving toward the wonderful Christmas before us.
This year, I’m broadening the audience for whom I am writing. In the past, I have written to the church family here at Homosassa United Methodist; however, over the years, you have told me you send our devotionals to friends. This year I hope to make each day’s thought relevant to our extended family, friends whom we love and welcome, with whom we want to share.
Does the name of our devotional seem inappropriate? I hope it won’t as you proceed through the pages. As you read, you’ll see that the Scriptures tell us of Jesus, not just as a baby, but as Creator, a Great Mystery, God Incarnate, our Redeemer, our Suffering Christ, and our Mediator/Advocate. So beginning at Genesis I have chosen Scriptures that reveal who Christ Jesus is, why he came, and what he did.
The Scripture references are very short. My prayer is that what I have chosen will whet your appetite , cause you to read in your own Bible the entire reference. I’ve taken a narrow view; you can put a wide lens on to see the whole picture. Read and find hope!
Remember, “Everything that has been written was written for our instruction, that through our perseverance and the revelation of the Holy Spirit, we might find hope.” (Romans 15:4)
Advent Devotional, November 28, 2010
I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head; you shall bruise Him on His heel. Genesis 3:15
Do you wonder why this Scripture is in a Christmas devotional? Yes, it belongs to the Genesis story, but it also belongs to Christmas.
This little verse, called the proto evangel, is the beginning of the gospel. Right there in the third chapter of Genesis we find God’s first promise of Jesus.
Adam and Eve have disobeyed God, who chastises them but also promises that he will send a redeemer. God speaks to “that old serpent the Devil” and tells him what the future holds! God promises that eventually the snake, who caused all the problems for Adam and Eve, will one day have his head smashed—destroyed by a descendent of Eve. Not, however, until he (Satan) has bruised the heel of Eve’s descendent, The Messiah, whom God will send to overcome Satan.
Two thousand years before Jesus was born, we learn how he will die. Only in crucifixion does the means of death bruise the heels of its victim. Not only did God promise to send Jesus, but he told us in a subtle that his coming and dying would be painful!
Who is the baby whose birthday we will soon celebrate in December? He is the one God promised to send to destroy the Satan, who tempts us daily as he seeks to turn us from God. Four thousand years ago, God promised.
Father, thank you for the promise of Jesus, for keeping your promise, even after 2000 years, and for his birthday we celebrate 4000 later. Amen.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The Long-Awaited, Much-Needed Container
My good friend, Pastor Montreuil Milord, went to Haiti to be on site when the container finally arrived. Thank goodness he was there, for even as the container was en route to Petite Goave, there was still some confusion about where it would be put!
He finally got all that resolved, and the container moved through the streets to the Methodist Mission Compound in Petite Goave, to the spot where it had been directed so long ago to go! Something that large inevitably attracted attention, and a crowd gathered in hopes of getting food. Soon the "crowd" turned into a riot of about 2000 people, and Montreuil had to call the police to handle the situation. The contents of the container were to go to specific people who would know how to distribute them, and being sure of that turned out to be a major undertaking.
For you who have not been to Haiti, it seems cruel not to give the food to whomever needed it. And in the best of all possible worlds, that could have been done. However, we don't live in the best of all possible worlds. Some of the people were probably really in need, but many were ready to take advantage of the situation, steal what they could, and then sell it for exhorbitant prices. That is not what the people who gave the money to purchase the food intended.
The food and tents were finally unloaded and locked away. Now in an orderly way, Pastor Maude Hyppolite can see that the people who are really needy can be fed. There were also a numbe of tents--seventeen, I believe--and they will be welcomed by many who are still without shelter!
I think that this may be the last time we send food on a container. This one should never have sat for over a month waiting to be released!
Thanks again for caring. And please don't stop praying for my beautiful Haitian friends.
He finally got all that resolved, and the container moved through the streets to the Methodist Mission Compound in Petite Goave, to the spot where it had been directed so long ago to go! Something that large inevitably attracted attention, and a crowd gathered in hopes of getting food. Soon the "crowd" turned into a riot of about 2000 people, and Montreuil had to call the police to handle the situation. The contents of the container were to go to specific people who would know how to distribute them, and being sure of that turned out to be a major undertaking.
For you who have not been to Haiti, it seems cruel not to give the food to whomever needed it. And in the best of all possible worlds, that could have been done. However, we don't live in the best of all possible worlds. Some of the people were probably really in need, but many were ready to take advantage of the situation, steal what they could, and then sell it for exhorbitant prices. That is not what the people who gave the money to purchase the food intended.
The food and tents were finally unloaded and locked away. Now in an orderly way, Pastor Maude Hyppolite can see that the people who are really needy can be fed. There were also a numbe of tents--seventeen, I believe--and they will be welcomed by many who are still without shelter!
I think that this may be the last time we send food on a container. This one should never have sat for over a month waiting to be released!
Thanks again for caring. And please don't stop praying for my beautiful Haitian friends.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Sometimes God Moves Slowly--or So It Seeme to Us
I seem always to be in a hurry, but often I have to be reminded God's time and mine may be different. A case in point: the seemingly ill-fated container of goods for our Haitian friends in Petite Goave and surrounding areas!
As most of you know, a container filled with thousands of dollars worth of goods and food was shipped to Petite Goave early in March. During this past week it finally arrived at its destination, after spending more than four weeks in Port au Prince because of some crazy problem in shipping! I have prayed, cried, pled with Haitians, paced, and racked my brain about how to get it to the appointed spot. To absolutely no avail, or so it seemed. Now it's there!
Pastor Montriuel Milord, my dear friend and constant co-worker in Haiti, went to Haiti on Wednesday to see to the proper distribution of the container's goods, and he was met with more difficulties. The container was en route to Petite Goave, but someone was insisting that it not be placed in the designated spot. After much ado and with the absolute determination of my friend Pastor Maude Hyppolite, it was placed as intended on the grounds of the Methodist Mission Compound. (Maude was in the Dominican Republic working with other Haitian women who were addressing the needs in their country and how to meet as many of those needs as possible. Even absent from the country, she showed amazing competence as she had people in place to carry out the task of unloading and securing the food that would feed many who have often thought they were forgotten by the world.)
Once the container was in place, the real trouble began.
Obviously it had not been moved through the tragic streets of that little community unnoticed, and people quickly surmised correctly that it contained relief. A mob approached the Mission Compound. (Maybe "stormed" would be a better word.) So great was the threat to bodies and contents, to having the strongest overcome all plans, that the police had to be called. I wasn't there, so I can only report what I was told. Monteuil reports that it was a little frightening and dangerous, but finally order was restored, the crowd was moved away, and the unloading work could begin.
We had always said that the goods and food were not to go just to Methodists but to any in need. That was one of the reasons that I, personally, had wanted Pastor Maude to be in charge. I know her heart. She loves the sheep in her flock, but she also has great compassion for others whose needs she is well equipped to recognize. If I have ever seen anyone who is daily, moment by moment directed by God, it is she. In her absence, there was no one to determine if these people were the ones in need or if they the merely strongest who would take advantage of an opportunity to line their own pockets with the money they could make from the food they could get and sell. Both the opportunists and the needy fill the country.
Once the crowd was controlled, Montreuil gathered workers, and the container was unloaded. The food was placed in a secure place, under strong lock and key. Maude is back now, and I'll call her tomorrow to find out more details.
I write before getting further details because I want to think for a few minutes about the lessons learned. Why, when the need was so great, did God not intervene? Why, with all my pacing and praying, after making funds available and supplying tents, did God not move them forward to their appointed destination? Why had this whole process that should have taken about seven days taken almost six weeks?
We learned a great deal about man's inhumanity to man, even to those whom they would call their own. We relearned about a terrible thing called "turf protection." We learned that though people often begin with the best intentions, sometimes hearts change tragically to be governed by greed and a desire for personal gain or credit. But more than anything else, we learned the importance of absolute trust in God, in his overriding purpose in all we do, and in our own absolute need to realize that without him we can literally do no thing!
Thanks to the generosity of many people, Haitians in little communities of Petite Goave, Carrenage, Olivier, and Guimnee now know they are not forgotten. They can now go to sleep protected from the rain, with tummies full of good rice and beans. I cannot tell you how I praise God for each one who trusted me with the dollars to accomplish this awesome task!
As most of you know, a container filled with thousands of dollars worth of goods and food was shipped to Petite Goave early in March. During this past week it finally arrived at its destination, after spending more than four weeks in Port au Prince because of some crazy problem in shipping! I have prayed, cried, pled with Haitians, paced, and racked my brain about how to get it to the appointed spot. To absolutely no avail, or so it seemed. Now it's there!
Pastor Montriuel Milord, my dear friend and constant co-worker in Haiti, went to Haiti on Wednesday to see to the proper distribution of the container's goods, and he was met with more difficulties. The container was en route to Petite Goave, but someone was insisting that it not be placed in the designated spot. After much ado and with the absolute determination of my friend Pastor Maude Hyppolite, it was placed as intended on the grounds of the Methodist Mission Compound. (Maude was in the Dominican Republic working with other Haitian women who were addressing the needs in their country and how to meet as many of those needs as possible. Even absent from the country, she showed amazing competence as she had people in place to carry out the task of unloading and securing the food that would feed many who have often thought they were forgotten by the world.)
Once the container was in place, the real trouble began.
Obviously it had not been moved through the tragic streets of that little community unnoticed, and people quickly surmised correctly that it contained relief. A mob approached the Mission Compound. (Maybe "stormed" would be a better word.) So great was the threat to bodies and contents, to having the strongest overcome all plans, that the police had to be called. I wasn't there, so I can only report what I was told. Monteuil reports that it was a little frightening and dangerous, but finally order was restored, the crowd was moved away, and the unloading work could begin.
We had always said that the goods and food were not to go just to Methodists but to any in need. That was one of the reasons that I, personally, had wanted Pastor Maude to be in charge. I know her heart. She loves the sheep in her flock, but she also has great compassion for others whose needs she is well equipped to recognize. If I have ever seen anyone who is daily, moment by moment directed by God, it is she. In her absence, there was no one to determine if these people were the ones in need or if they the merely strongest who would take advantage of an opportunity to line their own pockets with the money they could make from the food they could get and sell. Both the opportunists and the needy fill the country.
Once the crowd was controlled, Montreuil gathered workers, and the container was unloaded. The food was placed in a secure place, under strong lock and key. Maude is back now, and I'll call her tomorrow to find out more details.
I write before getting further details because I want to think for a few minutes about the lessons learned. Why, when the need was so great, did God not intervene? Why, with all my pacing and praying, after making funds available and supplying tents, did God not move them forward to their appointed destination? Why had this whole process that should have taken about seven days taken almost six weeks?
We learned a great deal about man's inhumanity to man, even to those whom they would call their own. We relearned about a terrible thing called "turf protection." We learned that though people often begin with the best intentions, sometimes hearts change tragically to be governed by greed and a desire for personal gain or credit. But more than anything else, we learned the importance of absolute trust in God, in his overriding purpose in all we do, and in our own absolute need to realize that without him we can literally do no thing!
Thanks to the generosity of many people, Haitians in little communities of Petite Goave, Carrenage, Olivier, and Guimnee now know they are not forgotten. They can now go to sleep protected from the rain, with tummies full of good rice and beans. I cannot tell you how I praise God for each one who trusted me with the dollars to accomplish this awesome task!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Haiti's Beautiful People
I promised yesterday to tell you about Vinnie and Calvin. I want to add one other, and I'll begin with her.
When I went to Haiti the first time, one of the first persons I met was my now much-loved friend, Maude Hyppolite. Maude is a lovely, well-educated tiny woman who is pastor of seven churches and District Superintendent of the Miragoane District. She is also the person into whose care all mission teams in the Petite Goave are entrusted. She, with a limited staff, manages the Mission House and takes extremely good care of all of us.
Pastor Maude, as most people call her, is about 15 years younger than I am, grew up and was educated in Port au Prince. For many years she was a teacher and headmistress of a school. During her time at the school, she began to sense God's call on her life. She left her school, moved to Jamaica, and went back to school for further graduate study--this time to Seminary. A few years later she was one of the only--possibly the only--woman serving as pastor of churches in the Haiti Methodist Church. Women seldom rise to such important roles in Haiti, and it was doubly surprising when she was made a District Superintendent.
She has one church that is near her home, but most of them are in distant rural places, often high on the top of some mountain range. Maude carefully attends to the needs of all those entrusted to her as their shepherd. I love going about the community with her, for people stop our car on the street to tell her about some person who is sick, or a baby born, or some other bit of news in one of her many churches. When she pulls our car over to the curb, blows the horn, someone always come out to answer her questions about some person for whom she has been praying.
I love to be with her when she prays. Her words are filled with respect as she speaks to her Lord, but they are also extremely personal. There is no question that she is talking to someone she knows. I have at times been embarrassed, feeling as if i were eavesdropping on a private conversation.
Maude has a decided limp, the result of a childhood illness that I assume was polio. But nothing slows her down. When a missionary from Texas was injured in the recent quake, she walked miles to get help from the nearest medical facility.
She loves to laugh, carries two phones with her at all times, can barely see over the steering wheel of her car, and seldom slows much during her busy day. She never married.
You have to know her in order to understand about the other two whom I have promised to introduce. Maude's sister found Vinnie somewhere in rural Haiti, and she brought her to the city to live with her and go to school (with, of course, Vinnie's parents approval). Vinnie was long past the usual six years for beginning school, but she started just the same, proving that she was as smart as her benefactor had expected. When Maude's sister came with her husband to the U.S., Vinnie would have had to go back to the country, but Maude took her to live with her in the Mission House.
Vinnie is a beautiful girl, twenty-five years old, who now has two more years of high school to earn her diploma. She has a wonderful smile, loves to dress up in genes and sling heel shoes. quickly and freely smiles. She works without complaint to make all missionaries comfortable, seeing that we have our much-needed coffee every morning early, cooking things that she recognizes we enjoy, and making every effort to make the table and the food presentation attractive with a very limited amount of options in both food and utensils.
Last year someone gave me some money to buy something for Vinnie, and we purchased a pair of goats to be sent to her father in the country to begin a small business for her. She was pleased with the gift, but being a typical girl, she is most excited when we bring her gifts such as costume jewelry, or a denim skirt, or a cute blouse.
I'm going to investigate the possibility of getting a visa for her to come to the U.S. for a visit with Maude this summer. That will not be easy because she is not Maude's child. She can get a passport easily but a visa is another problem.
Then there's Calvin, who also lives at the Mission House. Calvin is the son of a young woman who sometimes helps Maude at the house. His mother cannot care for him, and Maude wants him to be educated. He is a handsome ten year old boy, much lighter skin than most of the Haitians, huge brown eyes, and a smile that would melt any heart. He has beautiful manners, understands more English than he will admit, and is most appreciative of anything we take to him. I have watched him play, and he is imaginative, creating toys from twigs, socks, or whatever is at hand.
Maude is careful to see that Calvin is regularly in school, and he is progressing as expected according to his age. She also wants to be able to bring him to the U.S., but a visa for him will be as difficult to obtain as the one for Vinnie.
There are teachers and children at the school in Carrenage whom I know, love, and look forward to seeing each time I go. But these are the three who are most precious to me. These are three who show me what Haitians at their best are like. They are beautiful, giving, loving, unselfish people. They are my Haitian family in my Haitian home, the Mission House.
Please pray for Maude, Vinnie, and Calvin this spring and summer, that they will be safe when the storms come until we can get the house repaired for them to return to the safety of their home.
When I went to Haiti the first time, one of the first persons I met was my now much-loved friend, Maude Hyppolite. Maude is a lovely, well-educated tiny woman who is pastor of seven churches and District Superintendent of the Miragoane District. She is also the person into whose care all mission teams in the Petite Goave are entrusted. She, with a limited staff, manages the Mission House and takes extremely good care of all of us.
Pastor Maude, as most people call her, is about 15 years younger than I am, grew up and was educated in Port au Prince. For many years she was a teacher and headmistress of a school. During her time at the school, she began to sense God's call on her life. She left her school, moved to Jamaica, and went back to school for further graduate study--this time to Seminary. A few years later she was one of the only--possibly the only--woman serving as pastor of churches in the Haiti Methodist Church. Women seldom rise to such important roles in Haiti, and it was doubly surprising when she was made a District Superintendent.
She has one church that is near her home, but most of them are in distant rural places, often high on the top of some mountain range. Maude carefully attends to the needs of all those entrusted to her as their shepherd. I love going about the community with her, for people stop our car on the street to tell her about some person who is sick, or a baby born, or some other bit of news in one of her many churches. When she pulls our car over to the curb, blows the horn, someone always come out to answer her questions about some person for whom she has been praying.
I love to be with her when she prays. Her words are filled with respect as she speaks to her Lord, but they are also extremely personal. There is no question that she is talking to someone she knows. I have at times been embarrassed, feeling as if i were eavesdropping on a private conversation.
Maude has a decided limp, the result of a childhood illness that I assume was polio. But nothing slows her down. When a missionary from Texas was injured in the recent quake, she walked miles to get help from the nearest medical facility.
She loves to laugh, carries two phones with her at all times, can barely see over the steering wheel of her car, and seldom slows much during her busy day. She never married.
You have to know her in order to understand about the other two whom I have promised to introduce. Maude's sister found Vinnie somewhere in rural Haiti, and she brought her to the city to live with her and go to school (with, of course, Vinnie's parents approval). Vinnie was long past the usual six years for beginning school, but she started just the same, proving that she was as smart as her benefactor had expected. When Maude's sister came with her husband to the U.S., Vinnie would have had to go back to the country, but Maude took her to live with her in the Mission House.
Vinnie is a beautiful girl, twenty-five years old, who now has two more years of high school to earn her diploma. She has a wonderful smile, loves to dress up in genes and sling heel shoes. quickly and freely smiles. She works without complaint to make all missionaries comfortable, seeing that we have our much-needed coffee every morning early, cooking things that she recognizes we enjoy, and making every effort to make the table and the food presentation attractive with a very limited amount of options in both food and utensils.
Last year someone gave me some money to buy something for Vinnie, and we purchased a pair of goats to be sent to her father in the country to begin a small business for her. She was pleased with the gift, but being a typical girl, she is most excited when we bring her gifts such as costume jewelry, or a denim skirt, or a cute blouse.
I'm going to investigate the possibility of getting a visa for her to come to the U.S. for a visit with Maude this summer. That will not be easy because she is not Maude's child. She can get a passport easily but a visa is another problem.
Then there's Calvin, who also lives at the Mission House. Calvin is the son of a young woman who sometimes helps Maude at the house. His mother cannot care for him, and Maude wants him to be educated. He is a handsome ten year old boy, much lighter skin than most of the Haitians, huge brown eyes, and a smile that would melt any heart. He has beautiful manners, understands more English than he will admit, and is most appreciative of anything we take to him. I have watched him play, and he is imaginative, creating toys from twigs, socks, or whatever is at hand.
Maude is careful to see that Calvin is regularly in school, and he is progressing as expected according to his age. She also wants to be able to bring him to the U.S., but a visa for him will be as difficult to obtain as the one for Vinnie.
There are teachers and children at the school in Carrenage whom I know, love, and look forward to seeing each time I go. But these are the three who are most precious to me. These are three who show me what Haitians at their best are like. They are beautiful, giving, loving, unselfish people. They are my Haitian family in my Haitian home, the Mission House.
Please pray for Maude, Vinnie, and Calvin this spring and summer, that they will be safe when the storms come until we can get the house repaired for them to return to the safety of their home.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
God Never Tells Us to Do the Impossible
About 6 a.m. on Tuesday before we were to leave on Friday, I got a call from Pastor Maude, my trusted contact in Petite Goave. We talked about my upcoming trip on the weekend and how great it would be to see each other again. Then she asked if I'd do something for her. She said that many people were unable to get to church now because of the damage to their homes, their cars, and the roads--sometimes for the damage to their own bodies. She said that she is going to the countryside to take communion to some of these, and she has no "proper" containers to take the holy elements in. Could I, she asked, find a small set to hold the wine and the bread that she could carry in her purse. Not knowing how I would manage, and with only a little hesitancy, I said I would find one.
Of course, I know that there are lovely communion sets available, but could I find one before we left? I asked several people and could not find one. I called the closest bookstore in Leesburg, Florida. They had one. $50! That doesn't sound so bad, but I had spent money for supplies, for a tent, for emergency food. I was just about "spent out." But Maude needed it, and how could I say that Holy Communion for those in need was not worth another $50? "Send it, fastest way," I said.
Tuesday afternoon, I went home for lunch, and there on the door was a note. I wasn't expecting anything, so I opened the envelope and found a note from a woman that I had met at a luncheon the day before, a woman I had never met before who doesn't even live in this town. Her note was simple. "Thank you for what you are doing in Haiti," she said. Enclosed was a check for $50. Isn't God amazing?
Then there was another incredible experience that week. I got up early to spend some time in prayer before I got busy for the day. I am so guilty of talking too much when I pray, of forgetting that I need to listen to God as well as tell him all the things I think he needs to know. At one point in my prayer, he seemed to be encouraging me to be still. Verses I'd committed to memory began to pop into my mind, such as "Be still and know that I am God," or "Put a guard over my mouth that I might not sin against thee." So I actually said out loud, "God, are you telling me to stop talking? Okay. I will." In the stillness two people came into my mind along with a figure--$1000. It had only been a couple of days since I had on faith promised a gift to Maude and had the $50 supplied. But now God seemed to be telling me to give money to two people whom he had actually brought to my mind and another who was unclear. I didn't argue with him, but I finished my prayers assuming that I was imagining things.
All during the day, I was oh, so busy because I was supposed to meet John and John Petro at their home at 3:00 p.m. to begin our trip to Miami where we would stay the night, flying out on Saturday morning for Port au Prince. About 11:00 I remembered several things that I had forgotten. I jumped in the car and hurried to the church. As I passed the mail boxes, I noticed an envelope in my box, grabbed it and continued to my office.
I did the couple of things I needed to do before leaving and noticed the envelope on my desk where I had tossed it as I came in. Quickly I opened it, to find a lovely note from someone that she hoped the letter would arrive before I left. She wanted to have a part in the work I was doing in Haiti, and she had enclosed a check. You guessed it. $1000! I sat down and cried.
While I was in Petite Goave, i took $350 to a woman who is the matriarch in a huge family--a woman whose wrinkled face belies her young years (much younger than I), who has a huge responsibility for all the children running around in her compound, whose compassion goes beyond anything I can imagine. I rolled the bills into a tight little roll and put them in her hand. With tears, a hug, and laughter she thanked me. The whole family--immediate and extended--would eat for days.
A man who has helped me over and over again also received an unexpected $350--a lot of money to a man who earns little! I cannot imagine how he'll use it, but he has called me since I returned to thank me again.
Finally, as I left my tent for the last time on Tuesday morning, I looked around me at the hungry people in our tent city, some with a piece of bread for their breakfast, some with only a piece of mango. I asked Pastor Maude how much money it would take to buy food for each family there --about seventeen of them--for several days. She was hesitant to say because I had already given her money to feed the children at the school at Carrenage, more to pay the teachers there, more to buy the roof for the church, more to buy food for the families at the church. My own church has been extraordinarily generous in their giving, and I had taken a lot of money with me to use where she and i recognized real need. I had given almost all of it away, and she knew it. She is also not a grasping woman. She asks for little. Her hesitation came out of her desire not to expect too much of us. Finally, she reluctantly told me that she could feed the entire little city for several days with about $300. Exactly what I had left in my pocket from the lady's $1000 check.
The Haitians are right! "Bonye bon tout ton; e tout ton Bonye bon." "God is good every day; every day God is good."
I'll try to tell you about Vinnie and Calvin tomorrow. Bless you, every one!
Of course, I know that there are lovely communion sets available, but could I find one before we left? I asked several people and could not find one. I called the closest bookstore in Leesburg, Florida. They had one. $50! That doesn't sound so bad, but I had spent money for supplies, for a tent, for emergency food. I was just about "spent out." But Maude needed it, and how could I say that Holy Communion for those in need was not worth another $50? "Send it, fastest way," I said.
Tuesday afternoon, I went home for lunch, and there on the door was a note. I wasn't expecting anything, so I opened the envelope and found a note from a woman that I had met at a luncheon the day before, a woman I had never met before who doesn't even live in this town. Her note was simple. "Thank you for what you are doing in Haiti," she said. Enclosed was a check for $50. Isn't God amazing?
Then there was another incredible experience that week. I got up early to spend some time in prayer before I got busy for the day. I am so guilty of talking too much when I pray, of forgetting that I need to listen to God as well as tell him all the things I think he needs to know. At one point in my prayer, he seemed to be encouraging me to be still. Verses I'd committed to memory began to pop into my mind, such as "Be still and know that I am God," or "Put a guard over my mouth that I might not sin against thee." So I actually said out loud, "God, are you telling me to stop talking? Okay. I will." In the stillness two people came into my mind along with a figure--$1000. It had only been a couple of days since I had on faith promised a gift to Maude and had the $50 supplied. But now God seemed to be telling me to give money to two people whom he had actually brought to my mind and another who was unclear. I didn't argue with him, but I finished my prayers assuming that I was imagining things.
All during the day, I was oh, so busy because I was supposed to meet John and John Petro at their home at 3:00 p.m. to begin our trip to Miami where we would stay the night, flying out on Saturday morning for Port au Prince. About 11:00 I remembered several things that I had forgotten. I jumped in the car and hurried to the church. As I passed the mail boxes, I noticed an envelope in my box, grabbed it and continued to my office.
I did the couple of things I needed to do before leaving and noticed the envelope on my desk where I had tossed it as I came in. Quickly I opened it, to find a lovely note from someone that she hoped the letter would arrive before I left. She wanted to have a part in the work I was doing in Haiti, and she had enclosed a check. You guessed it. $1000! I sat down and cried.
While I was in Petite Goave, i took $350 to a woman who is the matriarch in a huge family--a woman whose wrinkled face belies her young years (much younger than I), who has a huge responsibility for all the children running around in her compound, whose compassion goes beyond anything I can imagine. I rolled the bills into a tight little roll and put them in her hand. With tears, a hug, and laughter she thanked me. The whole family--immediate and extended--would eat for days.
A man who has helped me over and over again also received an unexpected $350--a lot of money to a man who earns little! I cannot imagine how he'll use it, but he has called me since I returned to thank me again.
Finally, as I left my tent for the last time on Tuesday morning, I looked around me at the hungry people in our tent city, some with a piece of bread for their breakfast, some with only a piece of mango. I asked Pastor Maude how much money it would take to buy food for each family there --about seventeen of them--for several days. She was hesitant to say because I had already given her money to feed the children at the school at Carrenage, more to pay the teachers there, more to buy the roof for the church, more to buy food for the families at the church. My own church has been extraordinarily generous in their giving, and I had taken a lot of money with me to use where she and i recognized real need. I had given almost all of it away, and she knew it. She is also not a grasping woman. She asks for little. Her hesitation came out of her desire not to expect too much of us. Finally, she reluctantly told me that she could feed the entire little city for several days with about $300. Exactly what I had left in my pocket from the lady's $1000 check.
The Haitians are right! "Bonye bon tout ton; e tout ton Bonye bon." "God is good every day; every day God is good."
I'll try to tell you about Vinnie and Calvin tomorrow. Bless you, every one!
Getting Settled
We had arrived from Port au Prince at about 2:30 or 3:00 on Saturday, and by the time we had greeted Maude, Vinnie, and Calvin (The latter two are children who do not belong to Maude but whom she has more or less adopted and who live and work with her in the mission house. Another story for another day.) and gone to purchase the food for distribution the following day, it was beginning to get dark. Our tents were not set up.
Hurriedly we went to the "tent city" just outside the inner gate of the compound and began to work. Patience and Bill (my children) had shown me how to do that before I left home, and I had taken it down by myself; however, little things that were so important seemed difficult, especially as the light of day was gone! Finally enough had been done to make the tent secure for the night, and I fell into bed.
One problem, however, that I failed to mention. There was no bed! I had brought a pad and a very light sleeping bag, but all that went down to the ground. I got down with relative ease, but I quickly realized that getting up would be another story! If you are reading this and you don't know me, I should let you in on the secret. I will soon be 79. My knees do not work as they once did, so getting down is one thing, and getting up is altogether another!
Deciding to face the rising part only when it was absolutely necessary, I relaxed and quickly slipped into sleep--in the middle of my prayers of thanks for a safe journey. Sometime around 1:00 I was awakened to the sounds of "tent city." It was not really disruptive; it was actually an unusual experience I won't forget.
I listened to a mother speaking softly and soothingly to a child who cried. The cry was not a cry for attention but the little sobs that come being afraid. I realized this must be going on all over Haiti, as children still terrified by what they have seen and heard wake in the night, again afraid for their very lives. I pictured the mother, holding her child, and reassuring him/her that the worst was over, that all would really be all right. Though they have very little, this child must have missed the familiarity of home. Sleeping in that big tent with so many others was no longer a game. The fear returned in the pitch black dark of the night.
From another tent I heard the soft voice of a woman singing hymns. I could not understand the words she sang, but the tunes were familiar and I could whisper with her the familiar words that had comforted me at times in the past. "It is well with my soul," "great is thy faithfulness," "hallelujah, hallelujah." The great songs of our faith are not restricted to any one language.
A little gray goat that I had seen running around before I entered my tent began to plead to be released from the tent next to me, but no one would open the door. At first I wondered why, and then I realized that he'd been brought into the safety of the tent so that some hungry soul could not get him when he was unprotected during the night. I wondered how many times I had cried out for God to set me free from something that I thought was confining, only to have him refuse. Just as the goat did not understand being kept cloistered in a tent, I had sometimes not understood God's "no" to my plea to be set free. The following morning I saw the little goat bounce from the tent and welcome his freedom as he ran around the compound looking for whatever goats eat, investigating the new day as he paused here and there.
Just before I had entered my tent to rest, Pastor Maude had handed me a plastic pail. As I lay on my pad, I heard the reason for it. One after another, sounds of water hitting another pail came to my ears. Even in the midst of the devastation that surrounded us, people were trying to maintain some aspect of sanitation, using a pail in the night instead of going out to empty a full bladder on the ground. I, too, learned a "new exercise ' in the night in the tent city.
The wind picked up as I lay there, and as it blew rather furiously, I wondered if there were any warning when a quake occurs. It was just wind, but it seemed louder and stronger than usual. Was this just because I was in a tent and not inside four solid walls? I wasn't really afraid, but I was alert, wondering what I should do if the tremors began. I had forgotten to ask Maude about that before we crawled into our respective tents.
Then the rain began, a drop here and there, and then coming down in earnest. It had been a long time since I'd slept in a tent in the rain--about 40 or 45 years! I loved the sound as it hit the rain catcher on my tent, even enjoyed a slight mist that came through the screens on the open windows and onto my face. As I lay there listening, I was aware of God's holy presence. Here I lay, absolutely secure from the rain and wind, and I thanked him for the many times he has "tented" himself all around me, protecting me from the calamities of life, from the things that could harm me.
As I began to drift off, I remembered something God had told me to do while in Haiti, and I wondered how I would accomplish it when I had so little time there. Somehow, I thought. Tomorrow . . ..
I felt extremely safe and secure, sliding back into the comfort of sleep, grateful that once again God had used circumstances I could not imagine to teach me.
Hurriedly we went to the "tent city" just outside the inner gate of the compound and began to work. Patience and Bill (my children) had shown me how to do that before I left home, and I had taken it down by myself; however, little things that were so important seemed difficult, especially as the light of day was gone! Finally enough had been done to make the tent secure for the night, and I fell into bed.
One problem, however, that I failed to mention. There was no bed! I had brought a pad and a very light sleeping bag, but all that went down to the ground. I got down with relative ease, but I quickly realized that getting up would be another story! If you are reading this and you don't know me, I should let you in on the secret. I will soon be 79. My knees do not work as they once did, so getting down is one thing, and getting up is altogether another!
Deciding to face the rising part only when it was absolutely necessary, I relaxed and quickly slipped into sleep--in the middle of my prayers of thanks for a safe journey. Sometime around 1:00 I was awakened to the sounds of "tent city." It was not really disruptive; it was actually an unusual experience I won't forget.
I listened to a mother speaking softly and soothingly to a child who cried. The cry was not a cry for attention but the little sobs that come being afraid. I realized this must be going on all over Haiti, as children still terrified by what they have seen and heard wake in the night, again afraid for their very lives. I pictured the mother, holding her child, and reassuring him/her that the worst was over, that all would really be all right. Though they have very little, this child must have missed the familiarity of home. Sleeping in that big tent with so many others was no longer a game. The fear returned in the pitch black dark of the night.
From another tent I heard the soft voice of a woman singing hymns. I could not understand the words she sang, but the tunes were familiar and I could whisper with her the familiar words that had comforted me at times in the past. "It is well with my soul," "great is thy faithfulness," "hallelujah, hallelujah." The great songs of our faith are not restricted to any one language.
A little gray goat that I had seen running around before I entered my tent began to plead to be released from the tent next to me, but no one would open the door. At first I wondered why, and then I realized that he'd been brought into the safety of the tent so that some hungry soul could not get him when he was unprotected during the night. I wondered how many times I had cried out for God to set me free from something that I thought was confining, only to have him refuse. Just as the goat did not understand being kept cloistered in a tent, I had sometimes not understood God's "no" to my plea to be set free. The following morning I saw the little goat bounce from the tent and welcome his freedom as he ran around the compound looking for whatever goats eat, investigating the new day as he paused here and there.
Just before I had entered my tent to rest, Pastor Maude had handed me a plastic pail. As I lay on my pad, I heard the reason for it. One after another, sounds of water hitting another pail came to my ears. Even in the midst of the devastation that surrounded us, people were trying to maintain some aspect of sanitation, using a pail in the night instead of going out to empty a full bladder on the ground. I, too, learned a "new exercise ' in the night in the tent city.
The wind picked up as I lay there, and as it blew rather furiously, I wondered if there were any warning when a quake occurs. It was just wind, but it seemed louder and stronger than usual. Was this just because I was in a tent and not inside four solid walls? I wasn't really afraid, but I was alert, wondering what I should do if the tremors began. I had forgotten to ask Maude about that before we crawled into our respective tents.
Then the rain began, a drop here and there, and then coming down in earnest. It had been a long time since I'd slept in a tent in the rain--about 40 or 45 years! I loved the sound as it hit the rain catcher on my tent, even enjoyed a slight mist that came through the screens on the open windows and onto my face. As I lay there listening, I was aware of God's holy presence. Here I lay, absolutely secure from the rain and wind, and I thanked him for the many times he has "tented" himself all around me, protecting me from the calamities of life, from the things that could harm me.
As I began to drift off, I remembered something God had told me to do while in Haiti, and I wondered how I would accomplish it when I had so little time there. Somehow, I thought. Tomorrow . . ..
I felt extremely safe and secure, sliding back into the comfort of sleep, grateful that once again God had used circumstances I could not imagine to teach me.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Foiled Plans
I carefully carried my little new laptop to Haiti so that I could report to all each day's activities, only to find when I got there that Pastor Maude had no Internet connection. I was disappointed. Now I'm going to have to resort to the old way--telling you bits and pieces of my days there in an "installment" plan. Here goes!
One of the things--small as it may sound--that I had prayed for was that somehow I would know whom I could trust when we got to the airport. There is always an absolute mob of men there, all reaching out for bags and almost demanding that they be be the one chosen to handle the bags. I was carrying a lot of money, and I had prayed for a face that I would know intuitively that I could trust. Well I got it!
The mob approached, and there in the midst was the police officer who had helped me before, smiling and reaching out to me. I was so sure I knew him, and then he said, "Patience, come." I almost cried! He got the bags, led us outside to find a car, where we found Emmanuel, the driver from the mission house, smiling and waiting for us to emerge! I just cannot tell you how overwhelmed I was at the fact that our great God even took care of such a small thing as a sense of security as we arrived.
The ride through Port au Prince was heartbreaking! Rubble in the streets right next to demolished homes and businesses, and tents set up in the midst of the rubble in any spot smooth enough to hold a tent. Water everywhere in the streets, standing from the night's rain, and people wandering aimlessly through the debris. It took at least an hour to just get out of town, and from there the ride to Petite Goave that should have taken about an hour and a half took considerably longer because on a couple of places we had to detour where the road was gone, or other places where we had to weave our way through broken places in the pavement. Emmanuel is a master at maneuvering, and we arrived safely at the mission house.
Unexpectedly, I burst into tears when I saw my friend Maude safe and sound. She had told me she was all right, but when I saw for myself, I was just more relieved that I had expected. After greetings, unloading our car, and a drink of water, we quickly discussed plans for worship the following day. She told me she'd like us to go with her to a little church "up in the mountains." My dear Maude is the absolute master of understatement, so I was immediately suspicious of the "up the mountain" statement. When she told me that Emmanuel was going to drive us, I warned John and Jann that they should be prepared. Emmanuel does not drive Maude unless she knows the road is awful.
We were going to a church that no one had visited since the earthquake, and Maude said that they would be in real need of food. Quickly we went to a market and bought $500 worth of beans, rice and oil--enough to give generously to the approximately 50 families she expected to attend.
At about 7:00 on Sunday morning, with the car completely filled in the back, we began our journey. In my 78 years I cannot remember being on such a trip! Jann kept saying, "Oh, my! We are going to die!" I responded with, "If my children could see where I am they would scream!" On many of the ridges, the road was just barely as wide as the car. The tiniest mishap on either side would have sent us down a barren mountain with nothing to stop our descent. Each time we said, "Oh, Emmanuel" I remembered the meaning of his name, and our cries became almost a prayer. God was indeed with us all the way!
After about two hours we arrived, to be greeted by a lovely little congregation, in a pathetic church with holes in the tin roof. All of them were praising God for our coming, and that before they knew that we had brought food! When they asked me to speak, I greeted them in the name of the Lord and our churches here in Citrus County. Then I told them that we had brought food and the money to put a new roof on their church so they could worship even if it rains. Their response was so genuine, and I felt extremely grateful for those who had made this possible.
The service over, we poured the rice into large bags that Pastor Maude had brought, the beans into other bags, and put a bottle of oil in the top of each rice bag. Then Pastor Maude invited them to come and take a bag of each. They hugged us, kissed us on the cheeks as is their custom, and left with tears and laughter at their wonderful gifts. One little old lady (she even looked older than I) got down on her knees and picked up every grain of rice that had fallen to the floor in the measuring process, carefully putting the handful of grain into her bag. What a sight!
To our amazement, the pastor's wife--who knew Maude was bringing three guests but did not know that those guests were Americans or that we would bring anything with us--brought us dinner at the end of our food distribution. She had killed a priceless chicken, cooked some rice and beans, and even had a plantain for dessert. They are certainly a giving people, and I know this lunch cost them money they could ill afford. We ate lightly so they could have some left, bade them farewell, and began the hair raising, white knuckled journey down the mountain--this time in a light rain. A happy, painful, frightening, rewarding, exhausting, memorable day.
Home at the mission house, we had to prepare for the night. But that's a story for tomorrow.
Good night and God bless you. Don't forget to thank God for your plenty tonight, and as you do, remember the people on the mountain at Guimney Methodist Church.
One of the things--small as it may sound--that I had prayed for was that somehow I would know whom I could trust when we got to the airport. There is always an absolute mob of men there, all reaching out for bags and almost demanding that they be be the one chosen to handle the bags. I was carrying a lot of money, and I had prayed for a face that I would know intuitively that I could trust. Well I got it!
The mob approached, and there in the midst was the police officer who had helped me before, smiling and reaching out to me. I was so sure I knew him, and then he said, "Patience, come." I almost cried! He got the bags, led us outside to find a car, where we found Emmanuel, the driver from the mission house, smiling and waiting for us to emerge! I just cannot tell you how overwhelmed I was at the fact that our great God even took care of such a small thing as a sense of security as we arrived.
The ride through Port au Prince was heartbreaking! Rubble in the streets right next to demolished homes and businesses, and tents set up in the midst of the rubble in any spot smooth enough to hold a tent. Water everywhere in the streets, standing from the night's rain, and people wandering aimlessly through the debris. It took at least an hour to just get out of town, and from there the ride to Petite Goave that should have taken about an hour and a half took considerably longer because on a couple of places we had to detour where the road was gone, or other places where we had to weave our way through broken places in the pavement. Emmanuel is a master at maneuvering, and we arrived safely at the mission house.
Unexpectedly, I burst into tears when I saw my friend Maude safe and sound. She had told me she was all right, but when I saw for myself, I was just more relieved that I had expected. After greetings, unloading our car, and a drink of water, we quickly discussed plans for worship the following day. She told me she'd like us to go with her to a little church "up in the mountains." My dear Maude is the absolute master of understatement, so I was immediately suspicious of the "up the mountain" statement. When she told me that Emmanuel was going to drive us, I warned John and Jann that they should be prepared. Emmanuel does not drive Maude unless she knows the road is awful.
We were going to a church that no one had visited since the earthquake, and Maude said that they would be in real need of food. Quickly we went to a market and bought $500 worth of beans, rice and oil--enough to give generously to the approximately 50 families she expected to attend.
At about 7:00 on Sunday morning, with the car completely filled in the back, we began our journey. In my 78 years I cannot remember being on such a trip! Jann kept saying, "Oh, my! We are going to die!" I responded with, "If my children could see where I am they would scream!" On many of the ridges, the road was just barely as wide as the car. The tiniest mishap on either side would have sent us down a barren mountain with nothing to stop our descent. Each time we said, "Oh, Emmanuel" I remembered the meaning of his name, and our cries became almost a prayer. God was indeed with us all the way!
After about two hours we arrived, to be greeted by a lovely little congregation, in a pathetic church with holes in the tin roof. All of them were praising God for our coming, and that before they knew that we had brought food! When they asked me to speak, I greeted them in the name of the Lord and our churches here in Citrus County. Then I told them that we had brought food and the money to put a new roof on their church so they could worship even if it rains. Their response was so genuine, and I felt extremely grateful for those who had made this possible.
The service over, we poured the rice into large bags that Pastor Maude had brought, the beans into other bags, and put a bottle of oil in the top of each rice bag. Then Pastor Maude invited them to come and take a bag of each. They hugged us, kissed us on the cheeks as is their custom, and left with tears and laughter at their wonderful gifts. One little old lady (she even looked older than I) got down on her knees and picked up every grain of rice that had fallen to the floor in the measuring process, carefully putting the handful of grain into her bag. What a sight!
To our amazement, the pastor's wife--who knew Maude was bringing three guests but did not know that those guests were Americans or that we would bring anything with us--brought us dinner at the end of our food distribution. She had killed a priceless chicken, cooked some rice and beans, and even had a plantain for dessert. They are certainly a giving people, and I know this lunch cost them money they could ill afford. We ate lightly so they could have some left, bade them farewell, and began the hair raising, white knuckled journey down the mountain--this time in a light rain. A happy, painful, frightening, rewarding, exhausting, memorable day.
Home at the mission house, we had to prepare for the night. But that's a story for tomorrow.
Good night and God bless you. Don't forget to thank God for your plenty tonight, and as you do, remember the people on the mountain at Guimney Methodist Church.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
We're Off!
It's just wonderful to see God's hand in things!
John, Jann, and I were called this a.m. at 6:30, but no need. We were all awake and ready to begin our exciting day. About an hour later we arrived at Tampa airport to an empty bay. With no wait, we walked right through both the check in and security. Here we sit, waiting for boarding for our on-time flight, and my heart begins to beat a little faster as I hear Creole spoken all around me!
Once again, the smooth beginning assures me of God's hand on our venture.
The Petros are excited because they have not been to Haiti before and the unknown of our adventure lies ahead. I am getting excited because I'll soon see some people I love and have been concerned about and praying for for months.
Keep us in your prayers as the day goes on!
Bonye bon tout ton e tout ton Bonye bon!
John, Jann, and I were called this a.m. at 6:30, but no need. We were all awake and ready to begin our exciting day. About an hour later we arrived at Tampa airport to an empty bay. With no wait, we walked right through both the check in and security. Here we sit, waiting for boarding for our on-time flight, and my heart begins to beat a little faster as I hear Creole spoken all around me!
Once again, the smooth beginning assures me of God's hand on our venture.
The Petros are excited because they have not been to Haiti before and the unknown of our adventure lies ahead. I am getting excited because I'll soon see some people I love and have been concerned about and praying for for months.
Keep us in your prayers as the day goes on!
Bonye bon tout ton e tout ton Bonye bon!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Let's Catch Up on Haiti's News
I have had so little news about what is going on in Haiti, and that's the main reason I haven't added anything to the blog in a month. I was so sure when I wrote last that the container was on the way that I'd soon be able to tell you it had arrived. Wrong!
The shipment moved as expected to Port au Prince, and as it neared port, we were pleased to have a highly qualified Haitian volunteer to go to PAP to meet it. That was a month ago, and from the day he arrived he met with absolutely no cooperation from the Haitian Methodist Church! A man on the President's Council was supposed to write a letter releasing the container's contents as humanitarian aide, but he continued to say that he was busy and could not get the letter to the authorities. The result? Our man-on-the-ground is still there and the container has not moved an inch! Meanwhile, people who need the food have not received it. People who need the tents are sleeping outside in the rain. And those of us who raised the one money to buy these supplies and ship them are frustrated.
I'm in Miami as I write, leaving in the morning for PAP, and among other things I hope to speak to the President's representative to see if we cannot get this shipment moved.
My youngest daughter, Patience, went to PAP in March with a medical team in March. I was not surprised that the Haitians won her heart. She was devastated by what she saw, but she was also amazed at the great strength of the people, at their hope and faith, and at their determination to recover from their tragic circumstances. I don't remember seeing Patience so overwhelmed. She has been working in missions for many years, has gone to South America, Africa, Malta, gulf states' hurricane communities. But when she came home this time, she was very emotionally tender!
That brings me to now. I have longed to go back, ever since the earthquake. But I finally determined that it was to satisfy my own needs, that I would probably just be in the way. In recent weeks, however, I began to sense a need to go, and the Lord began to reinforce my desire by little--and sometimes huge--moments of encouragement.
I have talked to my best and most reliable Haitian contact, Pastor Maude Hyppolite, and found that there is food there now and that she could purchase it if she had money. I have some money that our church has raised, and I quickly realized that I can help her by taking the money to her. So I'm on my way now with help. (Transferring money is very difficult and often impossible to ensure that it gets to the right hands.) And God has been encouraging me to believe it is time to go.
A lovely small thing happened this week. Pastor Maude told me that she is going out into the country to take communion to people who can't get to a church. She has no nice way to take these holy elements to the people. She asked if I might find "one of those little cases that hold a communion set." I couldn't find anyone who had one they'd give me, so I called Cokesbury to look for one. They had only one, a very expensive one, but I decided the elements for the Lord's Supper should be appropriately delivered to these hurting Haitians. I bought it. That very day I went home to find a note on my front door, from a woman I met rather casually last week. We had barely talked about Haiti, but she wrote, "Use this check for something needed in Haiti." You guessed it! It was exactly what I needed to pay for the communion set. I cried when I saw the check.
This morning I woke early, lay in the bed and prayed about the day's journey. In the middle of the my prayers, I sensed the Lord's prompting to be still and listen. So I quit talking and listened. The Lord began to encourage me to give a particular sum of money to two specific people. I didn't exactly argue with the Lord, but I did remind him that I didn't have the money, and I wasn't sure how I could do that. Before leaving for Miami, I had to run by my office for something totally unrelated to my prayer. There in my mailbox was a note and a check for exactly the amount of money that the Lord talked to me about this morning, I sat at my desk and wept! I am so ashamed that I am surprised when God does these wonderful things. The Haitians have taught me, "Bondye bon tout ton e tout ton bondye bon." (God is good every day; every day God is good.) They are so right! I have a lot to learn about our wonderful God and the fact that he wants to have an interactive relationship with us.
I've been a little apprehensive about going to PAP without my trusted friend, Montreuil Milord. He has traveled with me every time I have gone, and I feel extremely secure when he is by my side. This time, I am on my own, and though I am not frightened, I know I must make all the decisions on my own. I asked several people to pray that I could be wise in whom I trust to take care of us at the airport. Without knowing my apprehensions, Pastors Maude and Montreiul have taken care of the situation! Maude is sending her personal driver,Immanuel, to pick us up, and Montreuil has called his Police Chief friend who will meet us and take us to Immanuel. Once again, I asked God to lead me to someone I could trust, and these two friends do more than I could ever have asked to ensure our safety.
My new friends John and Jann Petro are traveling with me. I bought myself a little laptop, and I'll post as we go along for the next few days. Maybe with some help, I can even add a picture or two.
Thank you for your continued prayers. Don't stop! Besides the fact that I need your prayers, you get to talk to and listen to the only true God about some very important things.
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