Here is today's prayer:
I am content, O Father, to leave my life in Thy hands, believing that the very hairs upon my head are numbered by Thee. I am content to give over my will to Thy control, believing that I can find in Thee a righteousness that I could never have won for myself. I am content to leave all my dear ones to Thy care, believing that Thy love for them is greater than my own. I am content to leave in Thy hands the causes of truth and justice, and the coming of Thy Kingdom in the hearts of people, believing that my ardour for them is but a feeble shadow of Thy purpose. To Thee, O God, be glory forever. Amen.
-From A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
April 29, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Almighty God, who is able to make all things new and to restore life anew each morning, help me to never be conformed to the world but to be transformed by the constant renewing of my mind. Through the Spirit of Christ. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 108
Almighty God, who is able to make all things new and to restore life anew each morning, help me to never be conformed to the world but to be transformed by the constant renewing of my mind. Through the Spirit of Christ. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg. 108
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Radically Altered Retreat - Day 3 Session 4
On the last day, we had perfect weather for a Sunday morning service outside in the chapel of the prayer garden. It is one of my favorite places at Trinity Pines Retreat Center.
Before everyone entered the prayer garden to pray and prepare for worship, they were given a clingy cross.
We returned to the theme of living water begun the evening before. We used a call and response out of the Psalms to open after Bobby began leading us in worship. We talked about the feast of the tabernacles or booths and about the time in John's Gospel where Jesus on the greatest and last day of this feast stood and talked about living waters. We poured out water on the steps of the outdoor chapel as the priests may have done to clean the alter area during this last day of the festival. We talked about how an encounter with living water follows us (I walked through the water and left foot prints everywhere). We talked about how we can run into dry times (especially after the spiritual highs of a retreat) and how we can all return to that living water...that Jesus is just a breath, a prayer, a moment away.
Then I filled the same bowl that had been used the night before with clean water and invited people to come forward holding their cross in their hands. I then dunked their hand and cross in the water and in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, invited them to remember their baptism and be blessed (we had talked about how we had died with Christ so that we may also be raised with Christ). I had a towel on my shoulder to dry the hands of those that wanted it. It was another powerful moment for many.
Here are some shots of Bailey, Bobby and me participating in this last day of worship:
Thanks to everyone for their participation...it was an honor and a pleasure to lead this group a little ways along the journey.
Before everyone entered the prayer garden to pray and prepare for worship, they were given a clingy cross.
We returned to the theme of living water begun the evening before. We used a call and response out of the Psalms to open after Bobby began leading us in worship. We talked about the feast of the tabernacles or booths and about the time in John's Gospel where Jesus on the greatest and last day of this feast stood and talked about living waters. We poured out water on the steps of the outdoor chapel as the priests may have done to clean the alter area during this last day of the festival. We talked about how an encounter with living water follows us (I walked through the water and left foot prints everywhere). We talked about how we can run into dry times (especially after the spiritual highs of a retreat) and how we can all return to that living water...that Jesus is just a breath, a prayer, a moment away.
Then I filled the same bowl that had been used the night before with clean water and invited people to come forward holding their cross in their hands. I then dunked their hand and cross in the water and in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, invited them to remember their baptism and be blessed (we had talked about how we had died with Christ so that we may also be raised with Christ). I had a towel on my shoulder to dry the hands of those that wanted it. It was another powerful moment for many.
Here are some shots of Bailey, Bobby and me participating in this last day of worship:
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
Thanks to everyone for their participation...it was an honor and a pleasure to lead this group a little ways along the journey.
Radically Altered Retreat - Saturday Night Fun
It just wouldn't be a retreat with this group of folks if there wasn't fun and games. After a long and very good day of retreating (including some exhilarating zip lining!) the fun and antics continued around the camp fire. There was fire jumping, smores making (and eating), laughing and the like. Then it was back to the meeting house for fun and games in our downstairs meeting space.
Here are some shots from the campfire:
Here are some shots from the campfire:
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
Radically Altered Retreat - Day 2 Session 3
For this session we completely changed the ambiance of the room by using only candle light (and the light off of the projector). The crosses on the floor were created with candles surrounding the poster boards that had been made earlier that day (with the who I am now after an encounter with the grace of God sides up). We explained that these were done this way to remind us that what has been overcome by God stays that way...it is history...it is forgiven.
On a side note, one of the unexpected things that happened at the end of the session was that people began walking around these candle lit crosses as if they were walking a labyrinth. It was a long lingering time of continued worship that happened in silence and was powerful in its own right.
We discussed Mark 7:14-23 and Psalm 139:23-24. We focused on those things in us that separate us from God's ongoing grace and our relationship with others. We examined sins, attitudes, perspectives, etc. that cause us trouble. Recognizing that God's grace was big enough for our initial struggles, we reminded them that God's grace is also big enough for what we are holding on to or experiencing today.
As a response to our conversation, Bobby played a song called "The Alter" while participants took red felt tip pens and wrote a sin, attitude, or perspective that they wanted to turn over to God onto rice paper. Once Bobby was done singing, the participants came up one by one and stirred their papers into a crystal bowl of water. The water became thick and pinkish red. We poured the water out and refilled the bowl with clean water (pouring it from a distance to where it could be seen and heard) and reminded everyone that we are connected to living water and that these things could also be covered by the grace of God.
We then placed the clean bowl of water in the center of one of the crosses and invited everyone to participate in communion. After the communion liturgy, we laid out 12 plates and invited folks to come stand by a plate at the table. I served the first person, and they served the next, and so on. Friends were serving friends, significant others were serving each other, and new friends (former strangers) were serving one another...it was another powerful moment for me.
Here are some pictures of our time together that evening:
On a side note, one of the unexpected things that happened at the end of the session was that people began walking around these candle lit crosses as if they were walking a labyrinth. It was a long lingering time of continued worship that happened in silence and was powerful in its own right.
We discussed Mark 7:14-23 and Psalm 139:23-24. We focused on those things in us that separate us from God's ongoing grace and our relationship with others. We examined sins, attitudes, perspectives, etc. that cause us trouble. Recognizing that God's grace was big enough for our initial struggles, we reminded them that God's grace is also big enough for what we are holding on to or experiencing today.
As a response to our conversation, Bobby played a song called "The Alter" while participants took red felt tip pens and wrote a sin, attitude, or perspective that they wanted to turn over to God onto rice paper. Once Bobby was done singing, the participants came up one by one and stirred their papers into a crystal bowl of water. The water became thick and pinkish red. We poured the water out and refilled the bowl with clean water (pouring it from a distance to where it could be seen and heard) and reminded everyone that we are connected to living water and that these things could also be covered by the grace of God.
We then placed the clean bowl of water in the center of one of the crosses and invited everyone to participate in communion. After the communion liturgy, we laid out 12 plates and invited folks to come stand by a plate at the table. I served the first person, and they served the next, and so on. Friends were serving friends, significant others were serving each other, and new friends (former strangers) were serving one another...it was another powerful moment for me.
Here are some pictures of our time together that evening:
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
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| From Radically Altered Retreat - additional pics |
Radically Altered Retreat - Day 2 Session 2
After lunch (which was far better than any of us expected), we gathered back in the upper room for more worship and activities.
We talked about Matthew 22:34-40 and what it means to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. I showed a video from Highway Videos where a guy gets upset with his neighbor for playing loud music at 3 in the morning. This goes on for several days. The guy retaliates by dumping his neighbor's trash all over his front porch, only to discover even more trash all over his front steps when he gets home from work. Later that same evening more loud music. Fed up he goes upstairs, beats on his neighbor's door only to discover a mirror image of himself (only without a beard) looking back from the other side of the doorway.
Needless to say, conversation moved deeper. I heard one of the participants say that we can't love others as ourselves because we can't love ourselves the way that God loves us...WOW-right on the money.
Next, I showed them Brandon Heath's video of "Give Me Your Eyes". Conversation went even deeper. People began talking about the people that they overlook on a daily basis.
As a response to this session, the participants were invited to help build hygiene kits, kids toy packs, and mothers day gifts for the women of Esperanza. The challenge for those attending is not just to make the items, but to take them to their respective ministries in Houston and distribute them to the people they were intended for and to begin to build relationships with those people...truly loving some of their neighbors in ways that are deep and meaningful.
Here are some pictures of the Mother's day gift assembly and card making:
We talked about Matthew 22:34-40 and what it means to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. I showed a video from Highway Videos where a guy gets upset with his neighbor for playing loud music at 3 in the morning. This goes on for several days. The guy retaliates by dumping his neighbor's trash all over his front porch, only to discover even more trash all over his front steps when he gets home from work. Later that same evening more loud music. Fed up he goes upstairs, beats on his neighbor's door only to discover a mirror image of himself (only without a beard) looking back from the other side of the doorway.
Needless to say, conversation moved deeper. I heard one of the participants say that we can't love others as ourselves because we can't love ourselves the way that God loves us...WOW-right on the money.
Next, I showed them Brandon Heath's video of "Give Me Your Eyes". Conversation went even deeper. People began talking about the people that they overlook on a daily basis.
As a response to this session, the participants were invited to help build hygiene kits, kids toy packs, and mothers day gifts for the women of Esperanza. The challenge for those attending is not just to make the items, but to take them to their respective ministries in Houston and distribute them to the people they were intended for and to begin to build relationships with those people...truly loving some of their neighbors in ways that are deep and meaningful.
Here are some pictures of the Mother's day gift assembly and card making:
Radically Altered Retreat - Day 2 Session 1
We began Saturday morning with breakfast, worship and prayer. We spent time praying for all the concerns that we brought into the retreat with us. Once we had shared our joys and concerns and prayed for them, we moved into the rest of the session.
I began by sharing out of John's Gospel (8:1-11) and talking about grace given to both the accusers and the woman in the text. Afterward, I shared my own testimony in light of the text we had examined (you can read part 1 here and part 2 here) .
As I was wrapping up the session, I played Brandon Heath's video "I'm not who I was" (the testimonial version) for them to watch.
As a response to what they had experienced, I invited them to participate in a poster board testimony in which everyone was given a piece of poster board and invited to write something about their lives prior to encountering God's grace and on the other side write something about their lives since their encounter with God's grace.
Once everyone had an opportunity to write, I played Brandon's song again (just audio) and invited folks to come up and share both sides of their poster boards. It was an incredibly powerful moment.
Below you will see the pictures of the poster boards that were made. To protect anonymity and to keep the space safe, we purposely didn't photograph the participants showing their own poster boards. We did, however, get permission of all of the participants to share them anonymously. So here they are (the first half of the slide show is the who I was before grace statements and the second half of the slide show is the after grace statements):
The power of personal testimony is incredible. It allows us to see the grace of God in our own lives and in the lives of others. It also draws a community together like nothing else I know (recognizing that we are all sojourners in grace).
How has your life been changed by grace? If you are up to it, we would love to see your "I'm not who I was" phrases in the comments (you can even comment anonymously if you like). In responding, please first write who you were before grace, then an ellipse (...), and then who you are now on the other side of that encounter with God's grace. It might look something like this:
Broken...whole
addicted...free
abandoned...unconditionally loved
What are yours?
I began by sharing out of John's Gospel (8:1-11) and talking about grace given to both the accusers and the woman in the text. Afterward, I shared my own testimony in light of the text we had examined (you can read part 1 here and part 2 here) .
As I was wrapping up the session, I played Brandon Heath's video "I'm not who I was" (the testimonial version) for them to watch.
As a response to what they had experienced, I invited them to participate in a poster board testimony in which everyone was given a piece of poster board and invited to write something about their lives prior to encountering God's grace and on the other side write something about their lives since their encounter with God's grace.
Once everyone had an opportunity to write, I played Brandon's song again (just audio) and invited folks to come up and share both sides of their poster boards. It was an incredibly powerful moment.
Below you will see the pictures of the poster boards that were made. To protect anonymity and to keep the space safe, we purposely didn't photograph the participants showing their own poster boards. We did, however, get permission of all of the participants to share them anonymously. So here they are (the first half of the slide show is the who I was before grace statements and the second half of the slide show is the after grace statements):
The power of personal testimony is incredible. It allows us to see the grace of God in our own lives and in the lives of others. It also draws a community together like nothing else I know (recognizing that we are all sojourners in grace).
How has your life been changed by grace? If you are up to it, we would love to see your "I'm not who I was" phrases in the comments (you can even comment anonymously if you like). In responding, please first write who you were before grace, then an ellipse (...), and then who you are now on the other side of that encounter with God's grace. It might look something like this:
Broken...whole
addicted...free
abandoned...unconditionally loved
What are yours?
Radically Altered Retreat - Day 1
I had the privilege of leading a retreat for some folks from Chapelwood UMC and some other local churches in the Houston area this past weekend. I thought I would share some of the highlights with you here on the blog.
On the first day (Friday), Erica and I drove into Trinity Pines Retreat Center (in Trinity, Texas) and met Bobby and Vicki and began to unload and set up. Throughout the afternoon and evening people arrived from Houston and the surrounding area and got registered and settled into their room.
About 8 pm we held an introductory session where we showed two video testimonies courtesy of www.iamsecond.com (specifically Shannon Culpepper's and Stevin Baldwin's) and talked briefly about what it meant to be radically altered by Christ.
After some discussion time, we handed out the workbooks and schedules for the rest of the weekend and turned the group over to Stephanie. She lead us through a great ice-breaker entitled "Boundary Breaker". After some serious and some seriously funny answers, we broke up into groups and went our own ways. Some hung out on the porch and around the snack tables, others read, and still others gathered to play games.
Here are some pictures of that first evening together:
I will post about the other sessions shortly!
On the first day (Friday), Erica and I drove into Trinity Pines Retreat Center (in Trinity, Texas) and met Bobby and Vicki and began to unload and set up. Throughout the afternoon and evening people arrived from Houston and the surrounding area and got registered and settled into their room.
About 8 pm we held an introductory session where we showed two video testimonies courtesy of www.iamsecond.com (specifically Shannon Culpepper's and Stevin Baldwin's) and talked briefly about what it meant to be radically altered by Christ.
After some discussion time, we handed out the workbooks and schedules for the rest of the weekend and turned the group over to Stephanie. She lead us through a great ice-breaker entitled "Boundary Breaker". After some serious and some seriously funny answers, we broke up into groups and went our own ways. Some hung out on the porch and around the snack tables, others read, and still others gathered to play games.
Here are some pictures of that first evening together:
I will post about the other sessions shortly!
April 28, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Almighty God, Heavenly Father, Loving-Healing-Caring, hear my prayer.
As I thank you for all your love
your presence
your holy presence
your loving acceptance,
it comforts me
to know you
care for me.
All around me are loving-affirming people,
people who love you
care for you
serve you.
Thank you, Lord, for those here who strengthen my faith--who share the ministry of your word.
I pray, Lord for a renewal of spirit,
a healing of my body
and I praise you, Lord,
for the victories that have been won by your power.
Lord, be with those who call upon you for
help in the deep times of their lives.
Help me--and those I minister to--
to fix their eyes--their minds
on Jesus Christ
And to remember that
you are the Lord of our life
and the Lord of our death.
Living we serve you.
Dying we are with you.
Dispel our fears
And fill us with a confidence
that you are the God
always, now and forever,
even where we do not understand the forever.
Hear my prayer.
Thank you Lord.
In Jesus' name
I pray. Amen.
-From the journal of Richard Allen Ward
Almighty God, Heavenly Father, Loving-Healing-Caring, hear my prayer.
As I thank you for all your love
your presence
your holy presence
your loving acceptance,
it comforts me
to know you
care for me.
All around me are loving-affirming people,
people who love you
care for you
serve you.
Thank you, Lord, for those here who strengthen my faith--who share the ministry of your word.
I pray, Lord for a renewal of spirit,
a healing of my body
and I praise you, Lord,
for the victories that have been won by your power.
Lord, be with those who call upon you for
help in the deep times of their lives.
Help me--and those I minister to--
to fix their eyes--their minds
on Jesus Christ
And to remember that
you are the Lord of our life
and the Lord of our death.
Living we serve you.
Dying we are with you.
Dispel our fears
And fill us with a confidence
that you are the God
always, now and forever,
even where we do not understand the forever.
Hear my prayer.
Thank you Lord.
In Jesus' name
I pray. Amen.
-From the journal of Richard Allen Ward
Monday, April 27, 2009
April 27, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Almighty God, who created us and whose we are, help us to number our days and to live them wisely. Give us your Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us--to the end that the world may be a better place because we have passed through it. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg 102
Almighty God, who created us and whose we are, help us to number our days and to live them wisely. Give us your Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us--to the end that the world may be a better place because we have passed through it. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg 102
Sunday, April 26, 2009
April 26, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
My Lord Jesus, I really long to thank You once more with all my heart for Your amazing grace in granting me the privilege of being Your child. My joy at this overwhelming act of grace and this glorious privilege, and my love for You are sometimes so great that I feel as though I shall burst. All I can do is praise You. Yet I have often been cold towards You for long periods of time. Forgive me, Lord. But now let my life be aflame with love for You alone. And when I do not abide fully in You, lead me along paths of lowliness until I am free of all worldly, human interests and belong to You alone. Grant me the grace to glorify Your name wherever You place me. Oh, that I may reflect Your countenance one day so that even non-Christians would know that it was only Your doing, Lord Jesus. Take my life, Lord. I long to live for You. Use me. I surrender myself to You with all that I am and have...Grant that I may be clothed with Your love and humility. Amen.
-From I Found the Key to the Heart of God by Basilea schlink
My Lord Jesus, I really long to thank You once more with all my heart for Your amazing grace in granting me the privilege of being Your child. My joy at this overwhelming act of grace and this glorious privilege, and my love for You are sometimes so great that I feel as though I shall burst. All I can do is praise You. Yet I have often been cold towards You for long periods of time. Forgive me, Lord. But now let my life be aflame with love for You alone. And when I do not abide fully in You, lead me along paths of lowliness until I am free of all worldly, human interests and belong to You alone. Grant me the grace to glorify Your name wherever You place me. Oh, that I may reflect Your countenance one day so that even non-Christians would know that it was only Your doing, Lord Jesus. Take my life, Lord. I long to live for You. Use me. I surrender myself to You with all that I am and have...Grant that I may be clothed with Your love and humility. Amen.
-From I Found the Key to the Heart of God by Basilea schlink
Saturday, April 25, 2009
April 25, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Yes, Lord, I will try to pray, even when I am afraid to face you and myself, even when I keep falling asleep or feel as though I am going around in circles, even when it seems that nothing is happening. Yes, Lord, I will pray-not only with others, not only supported by the rhythms of the choir, but also alone with you. I will try to not be afraid. Lord, give me courage and strength. Let me see myself in the light of your mercy and choose you. Amen.
-From A Cry for Mercy by Henri J.M. Nouwen
Yes, Lord, I will try to pray, even when I am afraid to face you and myself, even when I keep falling asleep or feel as though I am going around in circles, even when it seems that nothing is happening. Yes, Lord, I will pray-not only with others, not only supported by the rhythms of the choir, but also alone with you. I will try to not be afraid. Lord, give me courage and strength. Let me see myself in the light of your mercy and choose you. Amen.
-From A Cry for Mercy by Henri J.M. Nouwen
Friday, April 24, 2009
Radically Altered - The Retreat
Today we will be loading up and driving from our vacation spot to the town of Trinity here in Texas. It is my honor and privilege to be the guest speaker at Chapelwood UMC's singles retreat.
This year we are going to be looking at the ways that we are radically altered by God's grace. Here is a breakdown of the sessions:
Tonight - introduction to the weekend and fun and games
Tomorrow - 3 sessions:
1) "I'm not who I was - and neither are you" - recognizing the work of grace that was begun in us when we accepted Christ
2) "Give me your eyes" - allowing our perspective to become God's perspective and stepping into mission and ministry in that place
3) "More radically altered" - recognizing that there are things that stand in the way of the work that God is doing in us and through us and letting that stuff go in creative ways to make more room for grace.
Sunday - "Remember your baptism" - a service of commitment and sending forth.
There is going to be great worship music (my friend Bobby Carr is leading the worship), lots of creative and interactive activities, a zip line, a camp fire, a catered BBQ dinner on Saturday evening, Communion, and so much more.
I will post pictures and share some of the wow moments of the retreat in a few days.
In the mean time, how is the grace of God at work in your life? Drop us a comment and let us know!
This year we are going to be looking at the ways that we are radically altered by God's grace. Here is a breakdown of the sessions:
Tonight - introduction to the weekend and fun and games
Tomorrow - 3 sessions:
1) "I'm not who I was - and neither are you" - recognizing the work of grace that was begun in us when we accepted Christ
2) "Give me your eyes" - allowing our perspective to become God's perspective and stepping into mission and ministry in that place
3) "More radically altered" - recognizing that there are things that stand in the way of the work that God is doing in us and through us and letting that stuff go in creative ways to make more room for grace.
Sunday - "Remember your baptism" - a service of commitment and sending forth.
There is going to be great worship music (my friend Bobby Carr is leading the worship), lots of creative and interactive activities, a zip line, a camp fire, a catered BBQ dinner on Saturday evening, Communion, and so much more.
I will post pictures and share some of the wow moments of the retreat in a few days.
In the mean time, how is the grace of God at work in your life? Drop us a comment and let us know!
April 24, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Today, my God, let me hear again your word, "Choose this day whom you will serve" and assist me to choose the way of life eternal. Speak my Lord; your servant is listening. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg 91
Today, my God, let me hear again your word, "Choose this day whom you will serve" and assist me to choose the way of life eternal. Speak my Lord; your servant is listening. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg 91
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Another Day at the Park
While I have spent most of this vacation engaged in some sort of work or school related activity (or so it seems), there have been brief respites of sheer joy. Some of those moments came yesterday when Bailey, momma and I spent some time at the park.
This first shot is of Bailey and I coming out of the very tall slide for the very first time:
This second shot gives you an idea of the size of the slide (after going through it with momma and I a couple of times, she wanted to keep doing it by herself...we did let her do a couple of semi-solo slides without us holding her, but only following close behind!):
I would have to say she had a great time:
Keep an eye on the family blog that Erica maintains as I am sure that more vacation shots will end up there before it is all said and done!
This first shot is of Bailey and I coming out of the very tall slide for the very first time:
This second shot gives you an idea of the size of the slide (after going through it with momma and I a couple of times, she wanted to keep doing it by herself...we did let her do a couple of semi-solo slides without us holding her, but only following close behind!):
I would have to say she had a great time:
Keep an eye on the family blog that Erica maintains as I am sure that more vacation shots will end up there before it is all said and done!
April 23, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Almighty God, father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I commit all my ways unto you. I pledge my life to your service. Speak to me of duty and faithfulness. Show me my noble task, and strengthen me to walk in it. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People
Almighty God, father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I commit all my ways unto you. I pledge my life to your service. Speak to me of duty and faithfulness. Show me my noble task, and strengthen me to walk in it. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Requesting Your Help - More prayers and information for Ericka Megan
As many of you may know, Ericka Megan (my Erica's aunt)recently experienced a serious brain surgery this past Wednesday. The information that the family and friends received yesterday from the neurologist was that Ericka would not be the Ericka that we had known. Here is the article that was posted yesterday on her Caring Bridge page:
We wanted to share this information with you now that we have had some time to deal with it ourselves.
We met with the neurologist this morning who has given us a grave, best case scenario for Ericka. Simply, he anticipates that she will wake up but she will have severe speech problems and be unable to piece sentences together; she will have minimal use of her right side (worst case, she could be paralyzed on the right side).
From ICU, she will go to intermediate care, then to a neurological rehab hospital, then to long term care. If she does go home, she will need 24-hour nursing care.
Not the story we wanted...we will certainly look for and hope for miracles, but we all need realistic expectations.
Family is here for Perry and me. Ty's parents are here -- he is broken-hearted.
We are keeping our waiting room vigilance...
Many of the cousins have asked: 'how can he know for sure at this stage?' Or, they have suggested that we get a second opinion.
Please know that this was the doctor's medical assessment based on his experience with many, many of these. But we do not know really what will happen. All along we have looked for every sign of improvement -- holding onto hope -- We know that there are miracles; we know that Ericka has a say in this...
She is very much alive. She will be assessed again and again. She will go to rehab. We absolutely do not know how this story will play out.
She will be a different Ericka. We will not get the old Ericka back. I think that is the message that Dr. Camp would want us to hold onto.
It is a new story. We are not writing the end of it, at all.
Please continue to keep Ericka in your prayers. She needs to find that kernel of defiance to work on her story from the inside out. We are here for her, and cherish the ways you have given us strength.
This morning, the family posted this update:
Good morning, Ericka's army. That's how I feel about all of you. You are strong, eloquent, funny, precious friends. You have lifted our spirits and focused our spirituality. You have reminded us that miracles happen, that God has a strong hand in this, and that Ericka is spunky, strong, sassy, feisty...a major player on this team. Thank you.
Yesterday was difficult. Today we are starting on the next phase of figuring out what is best for Ericka.
To your offers to help, we ask that you guide us in our research today. Please share with us your information, contacts, resources or research on any of the following:
* "hemorrhagic stroke" -- medical references and research so we can best understand what happened to Ericka
* stroke recovery -- the best centers (anywhere) for speech, comprehension, and right side motor skill rehab; top clinicians we should contact for other opinions and options
* alternative and additional treatments to consider: homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, others
We think these are the right questions to start with. If you think there are others, please list them -- and provide the answers, if you have them.
Ericka is beautiful. Her head bandage is gone so you can see her scar. It is not 3" long. It is a 9-10" long in the shape of a big question mark; as her hair grows out, you will scarcely be able to see it. About 1/3 of her head was shaved; it is covered in 'peach fuzz' now that it is growing out. The swelling in her face is gone.
Her sedative is continued to be lower so she is more and more alert. Last night her left eye was fairly open -- she smirked (on the left side of her mouth) when Perry cracked some silly dad joke. This morning, both eyes are a bit open.
Many of you have shared anecdotes and witness statements of friends and family members who have received the same dire reports that Ericka got and yet found great recovery over time with much hard work, prayer, support...great expectations for us all.
Here is what I am asking: first, please continue to pray. Second, if you have any information regarding the aforementioned research (the questions that other family members have asked about the condition or stroke rehab facilities) please forward that information to me via email at acts242@hotmail.com and I will see that the other family members get that info.
Thank you for your prayers and faithfulness.
We wanted to share this information with you now that we have had some time to deal with it ourselves.
We met with the neurologist this morning who has given us a grave, best case scenario for Ericka. Simply, he anticipates that she will wake up but she will have severe speech problems and be unable to piece sentences together; she will have minimal use of her right side (worst case, she could be paralyzed on the right side).
From ICU, she will go to intermediate care, then to a neurological rehab hospital, then to long term care. If she does go home, she will need 24-hour nursing care.
Not the story we wanted...we will certainly look for and hope for miracles, but we all need realistic expectations.
Family is here for Perry and me. Ty's parents are here -- he is broken-hearted.
We are keeping our waiting room vigilance...
Many of the cousins have asked: 'how can he know for sure at this stage?' Or, they have suggested that we get a second opinion.
Please know that this was the doctor's medical assessment based on his experience with many, many of these. But we do not know really what will happen. All along we have looked for every sign of improvement -- holding onto hope -- We know that there are miracles; we know that Ericka has a say in this...
She is very much alive. She will be assessed again and again. She will go to rehab. We absolutely do not know how this story will play out.
She will be a different Ericka. We will not get the old Ericka back. I think that is the message that Dr. Camp would want us to hold onto.
It is a new story. We are not writing the end of it, at all.
Please continue to keep Ericka in your prayers. She needs to find that kernel of defiance to work on her story from the inside out. We are here for her, and cherish the ways you have given us strength.
This morning, the family posted this update:
Good morning, Ericka's army. That's how I feel about all of you. You are strong, eloquent, funny, precious friends. You have lifted our spirits and focused our spirituality. You have reminded us that miracles happen, that God has a strong hand in this, and that Ericka is spunky, strong, sassy, feisty...a major player on this team. Thank you.
Yesterday was difficult. Today we are starting on the next phase of figuring out what is best for Ericka.
To your offers to help, we ask that you guide us in our research today. Please share with us your information, contacts, resources or research on any of the following:
* "hemorrhagic stroke" -- medical references and research so we can best understand what happened to Ericka
* stroke recovery -- the best centers (anywhere) for speech, comprehension, and right side motor skill rehab; top clinicians we should contact for other opinions and options
* alternative and additional treatments to consider: homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, others
We think these are the right questions to start with. If you think there are others, please list them -- and provide the answers, if you have them.
Ericka is beautiful. Her head bandage is gone so you can see her scar. It is not 3" long. It is a 9-10" long in the shape of a big question mark; as her hair grows out, you will scarcely be able to see it. About 1/3 of her head was shaved; it is covered in 'peach fuzz' now that it is growing out. The swelling in her face is gone.
Her sedative is continued to be lower so she is more and more alert. Last night her left eye was fairly open -- she smirked (on the left side of her mouth) when Perry cracked some silly dad joke. This morning, both eyes are a bit open.
Many of you have shared anecdotes and witness statements of friends and family members who have received the same dire reports that Ericka got and yet found great recovery over time with much hard work, prayer, support...great expectations for us all.
Here is what I am asking: first, please continue to pray. Second, if you have any information regarding the aforementioned research (the questions that other family members have asked about the condition or stroke rehab facilities) please forward that information to me via email at acts242@hotmail.com and I will see that the other family members get that info.
Thank you for your prayers and faithfulness.
April 22, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
O Lord Jesus, your words to your Father were born out of your silence. Lead me into this silence, so that my words may be spoken in your name and thus be fruitful. It is so hard to be silent, silent with my mouth, but even more, silent with my heart. There is so much talking going on within me. It seems that I am always involved in inner debates with myself, my friends, my enemies, my supporters, my opponents, my colleagues, and my rivals. But this inner debate reveals how far my heart is from you. If I were simply to rest at your feet and realize that I belong to you and you alone, I would easily stop arguing with all the real and imagined people around me. These arguments show my insecurities, my fear, my apprehensions, and my need for being recognized and receiving attention. You, O Lord, will give me all the attention I need if I would simply stop talking and start listening to you. I know that in the silence of my heart you will speak to me and show me your love. Give me, O Lord, that silence. Let me be patient and grow slowly into this silence in which I can be with you. Amen.
-From A Cry for Mercy by Henri J. M. Nouwen
O Lord Jesus, your words to your Father were born out of your silence. Lead me into this silence, so that my words may be spoken in your name and thus be fruitful. It is so hard to be silent, silent with my mouth, but even more, silent with my heart. There is so much talking going on within me. It seems that I am always involved in inner debates with myself, my friends, my enemies, my supporters, my opponents, my colleagues, and my rivals. But this inner debate reveals how far my heart is from you. If I were simply to rest at your feet and realize that I belong to you and you alone, I would easily stop arguing with all the real and imagined people around me. These arguments show my insecurities, my fear, my apprehensions, and my need for being recognized and receiving attention. You, O Lord, will give me all the attention I need if I would simply stop talking and start listening to you. I know that in the silence of my heart you will speak to me and show me your love. Give me, O Lord, that silence. Let me be patient and grow slowly into this silence in which I can be with you. Amen.
-From A Cry for Mercy by Henri J. M. Nouwen
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
April 21, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
For the power Thou hast given me to lay hold of things unseen;
For the strong sense I have that this is not my home;
For my restless heart which nothing finite can satisfy;
I give Thee thanks, O God.
For the invasion of my soul by Thy Holy Spirit;
For all human love and goodness that speak to me of thee;
For the fullness of Thy glory outpoured in Jesus Christ;
I give Thee thanks, O God.
-From A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie
For the power Thou hast given me to lay hold of things unseen;
For the strong sense I have that this is not my home;
For my restless heart which nothing finite can satisfy;
I give Thee thanks, O God.
For the invasion of my soul by Thy Holy Spirit;
For all human love and goodness that speak to me of thee;
For the fullness of Thy glory outpoured in Jesus Christ;
I give Thee thanks, O God.
-From A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie
Monday, April 20, 2009
April 20, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go.
Flood our souls with your spirit and life.
Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly that our lives may only be a radiance of yours.
Shine through us
and be so in us
that every soul we come in contact with may feel your presence in our soul.
Let them look up and see no longer us
but only Jesus.
Stay with us
and then we shall begin to shine as you shine,
so to shine as to be light to others.
The light, O Jesus, will be all from you.
None of it will be ours.
It will be you shining on others through us.
Let us thus praise you in the way you love best by shining on those around us...Amen.
-From Words to Love By by Mother Teresa
Dear Jesus,
Help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go.
Flood our souls with your spirit and life.
Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly that our lives may only be a radiance of yours.
Shine through us
and be so in us
that every soul we come in contact with may feel your presence in our soul.
Let them look up and see no longer us
but only Jesus.
Stay with us
and then we shall begin to shine as you shine,
so to shine as to be light to others.
The light, O Jesus, will be all from you.
None of it will be ours.
It will be you shining on others through us.
Let us thus praise you in the way you love best by shining on those around us...Amen.
-From Words to Love By by Mother Teresa
Sunday, April 19, 2009
A Not So Unusual Pose
This is another shot this week taken with my Blackberry. If you spend any time around Bailey at all, this is a view that you will see with great regularity (it simply seems that she is always drinking milk or apple juice!).
The most amazing thing about this photo is that Bailey is still wearing my hat (albeit backwards) that we had just placed on her head...this is a relatively new phenomenon (her liking hats enough to leave one on).
The most amazing thing about this photo is that Bailey is still wearing my hat (albeit backwards) that we had just placed on her head...this is a relatively new phenomenon (her liking hats enough to leave one on).
Another Saturday Night
Every other week in our current community, we gather at a local auction house for hamburgers and auction activity. It is one of my favorite country pastimes. Please excuse the quality of this photo (I need more practice with my blackberry camera I suppose), but it is indicative of a typical Saturday evening in the Edom and Midway communities:
We have found some great deals over the years we have been here...anyway, until next time.
We have found some great deals over the years we have been here...anyway, until next time.
April 19, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Ever-loving God, who came into the world clothed in our garment of flesh and who willingly gave yourself to the cross, clothe us in your own Spirit, that persons will recognize you in us and receive your great gift of love. In the name of Jesus, your greatest gift. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg 47
Ever-loving God, who came into the world clothed in our garment of flesh and who willingly gave yourself to the cross, clothe us in your own Spirit, that persons will recognize you in us and receive your great gift of love. In the name of Jesus, your greatest gift. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg 47
Saturday, April 18, 2009
April 18, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Our Father, give us the faith to believe that it is possible for us to live victoriously even in the midst of dangerous opportunity that we call crisis.
Help us to see that there is something better than patient endurance or keeping a stiff upper lip, and that whistling in the dark is not really bravery.
Bless us with the greatness of humility, that we may feel no shame in expressing our need of a living God. Forgive the pride that causes us to strut about like knights in shining armour when we know full well that we are but beggars in tattered rags.
Plant a seed of faith in us today and nurture it that it may grow. Then, trusting in thee may we have the faith that goes singing in the rain, knowing that all things work together for good to them that love Thee.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
-From Letters from the Desert by Carlo Carretto
Our Father, give us the faith to believe that it is possible for us to live victoriously even in the midst of dangerous opportunity that we call crisis.
Help us to see that there is something better than patient endurance or keeping a stiff upper lip, and that whistling in the dark is not really bravery.
Bless us with the greatness of humility, that we may feel no shame in expressing our need of a living God. Forgive the pride that causes us to strut about like knights in shining armour when we know full well that we are but beggars in tattered rags.
Plant a seed of faith in us today and nurture it that it may grow. Then, trusting in thee may we have the faith that goes singing in the rain, knowing that all things work together for good to them that love Thee.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
-From Letters from the Desert by Carlo Carretto
Friday, April 17, 2009
April 17, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Thank you, my God, for the Good News which awaits my coming to you today, and always. Thank you for the grace and mercy which promise to set me free of all the sins and disappointments of life which yet hinder me on my journey toward your kingdom. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg 36
Thank you, my God, for the Good News which awaits my coming to you today, and always. Thank you for the grace and mercy which promise to set me free of all the sins and disappointments of life which yet hinder me on my journey toward your kingdom. Amen.
-From A Guide to Prayer for All God's People, pg 36
Thursday, April 16, 2009
April 16, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Sensitize our spirits, our Father, that we may tread reverently in the common way, mindful that the glory of the Eternal is our companion. May we shrink not from the present intensity of our experiences lest we turn away from the redeeming power of Thy Perfect Love. Amen.
-From The Inward Journey by Howard Thurman
Sensitize our spirits, our Father, that we may tread reverently in the common way, mindful that the glory of the Eternal is our companion. May we shrink not from the present intensity of our experiences lest we turn away from the redeeming power of Thy Perfect Love. Amen.
-From The Inward Journey by Howard Thurman
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April 15, 2009
For the next month or so, I would like to share some prayers with you that come from a variety of places (and authors), but that have been gathered into a single volume that I highly recommend for everyone's library (A Guide to Prayer for All God's People by Rueben P. Job and Norman Shawchuck and published by The Upper Room). In addition to these and many more prayers found in this text, there is a plethora of quotes from a variety of Christian writers (as readings for reflection), hymns, daily prayer models, and monthly retreat models. Again, I highly recommend this book for your library!
Anyway, here is today's prayer:
O high and glorious God,
enlighten my heart.
Give me unwavering faith,
sure hope,
and perfect love.
Give me deep humility,
wisdom, and knowledge,
that I may keep your commandments. Amen.
-From I, Francis by Carlo Carretto
Anyway, here is today's prayer:
O high and glorious God,
enlighten my heart.
Give me unwavering faith,
sure hope,
and perfect love.
Give me deep humility,
wisdom, and knowledge,
that I may keep your commandments. Amen.
-From I, Francis by Carlo Carretto
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Constitutional Amendments for the United Methodist Church
I recently received an email with links to these two videos by Maxie Dunnam regarding items that will be voted on at our upcoming Annual Conferences as possible constitutional amendments.
I thought I would repost the videos here. Here are the videos:
I am curious what you all think about the amendments. Should we pass them? Why or why not?
I thought I would repost the videos here. Here are the videos:
I am curious what you all think about the amendments. Should we pass them? Why or why not?
April 14, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Our God, you are King of kings and Lord of lords. We thank you for the gift of eternal life that is available through the blood of Jesus. May the world know of your great love and may we be the ones who tell it. Amen
Our God, you are King of kings and Lord of lords. We thank you for the gift of eternal life that is available through the blood of Jesus. May the world know of your great love and may we be the ones who tell it. Amen
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Serenity Prayer
Here is today's prayer:
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And the wisdom to know the difference.
AMEN!
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And the wisdom to know the difference.
AMEN!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Sunday
Here is today's prayer:
God of life,
through Jesus Christ
you have bestowed upon the world the light of life.
Sanctify this new fire,
and grant that our hearts and minds may also be kindled
with holy desire to shine forth with the brightness of Christ's rising,
that we may attain to the feast of everlasting light;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(BOW 371)
God of life,
through Jesus Christ
you have bestowed upon the world the light of life.
Sanctify this new fire,
and grant that our hearts and minds may also be kindled
with holy desire to shine forth with the brightness of Christ's rising,
that we may attain to the feast of everlasting light;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(BOW 371)
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Goodbye Maximus
Today we sent Maximus (aka Max the neurotic dog) to a new home. We have enjoyed almost 5 years of playfulness and friendship. He was one of the best camping dogs I have ever had. We adopted him at about 2 years old from a shelter in Houston and he was a good dog. He has always done much better with adults than with kids and with Erica considering going back to work and an almost 2 year old in the house, we opted to find him a home with someone that would be able to give him more attention and to make sure that he and Bailey didn't get into it over toys (he had a tendency to be very protective of his).
So in honor of Max, I offer up these two photos:
We trust that he will be well cared for, but we will (and already do) miss him.
So in honor of Max, I offer up these two photos:
 |
| From Photo Blog 2009 |
 |
| From Photo Blog 2009 |
We trust that he will be well cared for, but we will (and already do) miss him.
April 11, 2009 – Holy Saturday
Here is today’s prayer:
This contemporary litany of confession comes to us from the Cathedral Church of Saint George in Cape Town, South Africa, which was Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s cathedral:
Lord, we confess our day to day failure to be truly human.
Lord, we confess to you.
Lord, we confess that we often fail to love with all we have and are, often because we do not fully understand what loving means, often because we are afraid of risking ourselves.
Lord, we confess to you.
Lord, we cut ourselves off from each other and we erect barriers of division.
Lord, we confess to you.
Lord, we confess that by silence and ill-considered word
We have built up walls of prejudice
Lord, we confess that by selfishness and lack of sympathy
We have stifled generosity and left little time for others.
Holy Spirit speak to us. Help us to listen to your word of forgiveness, for we are very deaf. Come, fill this moment and free us from sin.
-United Methodist Hymnal 893
This contemporary litany of confession comes to us from the Cathedral Church of Saint George in Cape Town, South Africa, which was Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s cathedral:
Lord, we confess our day to day failure to be truly human.
Lord, we confess to you.
Lord, we confess that we often fail to love with all we have and are, often because we do not fully understand what loving means, often because we are afraid of risking ourselves.
Lord, we confess to you.
Lord, we cut ourselves off from each other and we erect barriers of division.
Lord, we confess to you.
Lord, we confess that by silence and ill-considered word
We have built up walls of prejudice
Lord, we confess that by selfishness and lack of sympathy
We have stifled generosity and left little time for others.
Holy Spirit speak to us. Help us to listen to your word of forgiveness, for we are very deaf. Come, fill this moment and free us from sin.
-United Methodist Hymnal 893
Friday, April 10, 2009
April 10, 2009 – Good Friday
Here is today’s prayer:
God, be merciful to me;
On Thy grace I rest my plea;
In Thy vast, abounding grace,
My transgressions all erase.
Wash me wholly from my sin;
Cleanse from every ill within.
For my sins before me rise,
Ever present to my eyes.
I have sinned ‘gainst Thee alone.
In Thy sight this evil done;
That Thy judgment may be clear,
And Thy sentence just appear.
Lo, brought forth was I in sin;
When conceived I was unclean.
Lo, Thou dost desire to find
Truth sincere within the mind:
And Thou wilt within my heart
Wisdom unto me impart.
Then with hyssop sprinkle me,
And form sin I clean shall be.
Wash me from its stain, and lo,
I shall whiter be than snow.
Make me hear joy’s cheering voice;
Make my broken bones rejoice.
From my sins hide Thou Thy face;
My iniquities erase.
O my God, renew my heart,
And a spirit right impart.
Cast me not away from Thee,
Nor Thy Spirit take form me.
Give salvation’s’ joy again,
And a willing mind sustain.
Then thy perfect ways I’ll show
That transgressors may them know;
They converted then shall be
Sinners shall be turned to Thee. Amen. (Psalm 51)
Trinity Psalter,
Pittsburgh: Crown & Covenant Publications, 1994
God, be merciful to me;
On Thy grace I rest my plea;
In Thy vast, abounding grace,
My transgressions all erase.
Wash me wholly from my sin;
Cleanse from every ill within.
For my sins before me rise,
Ever present to my eyes.
I have sinned ‘gainst Thee alone.
In Thy sight this evil done;
That Thy judgment may be clear,
And Thy sentence just appear.
Lo, brought forth was I in sin;
When conceived I was unclean.
Lo, Thou dost desire to find
Truth sincere within the mind:
And Thou wilt within my heart
Wisdom unto me impart.
Then with hyssop sprinkle me,
And form sin I clean shall be.
Wash me from its stain, and lo,
I shall whiter be than snow.
Make me hear joy’s cheering voice;
Make my broken bones rejoice.
From my sins hide Thou Thy face;
My iniquities erase.
O my God, renew my heart,
And a spirit right impart.
Cast me not away from Thee,
Nor Thy Spirit take form me.
Give salvation’s’ joy again,
And a willing mind sustain.
Then thy perfect ways I’ll show
That transgressors may them know;
They converted then shall be
Sinners shall be turned to Thee. Amen. (Psalm 51)
Trinity Psalter,
Pittsburgh: Crown & Covenant Publications, 1994
Thursday, April 9, 2009
April 9, 2009 – Maundy Thursday
Here is today’s prayer:
Almighty Father; we enter your presence confessing the things we try to conceal from you and the things we try to conceal from others. We confess the heartbreak, worry, and sorrow we have caused, that make it difficult for others to forgive us, the times we have made it easy for others to do wrong, the harm we have done that makes it hard for us to forgive ourselves. Lord have mercy and forgive us through Christ. Amen.
Paul E. Engle,
Baker’s Worship Handbook,
Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1998
Almighty Father; we enter your presence confessing the things we try to conceal from you and the things we try to conceal from others. We confess the heartbreak, worry, and sorrow we have caused, that make it difficult for others to forgive us, the times we have made it easy for others to do wrong, the harm we have done that makes it hard for us to forgive ourselves. Lord have mercy and forgive us through Christ. Amen.
Paul E. Engle,
Baker’s Worship Handbook,
Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1998
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
April 8, 2009
Here is today’s prayer:
Holy God, Lord most gracious!
Rebuke us not in your anger, nor chasten us in your wrath!
Holy you have called us to come to you.
We feel unworthy, for we have failed you again and again.
We feel like running away, yet you keep calling us.
Have mercy on us, O God.
Have mercy!
Holy God, Father most gracious!
Rebuke us not in your anger, nor chasten us in your wrath!
Heal us from our sin, for we are troubled.
Deliver us for the sake of your steadfast love.
Our sins trouble us, O God.
We are troubled by how they have hurt others.
We are troubled by how they have hurt us.
Your ways are right! O righteous God!
And whenever we have refused to follow them
we have found out how right they are.
Have mercy on us, O God.
Holy God, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us for the sake of your Son,
who died to free us from our sins.
To you be honor and glory! Amen.
Hughes Oliphant Old,
Leading in Prayer,
The Book of Common Worship (1932),
Grand Rapids: Erdmans Publishing, 1995
Holy God, Lord most gracious!
Rebuke us not in your anger, nor chasten us in your wrath!
Holy you have called us to come to you.
We feel unworthy, for we have failed you again and again.
We feel like running away, yet you keep calling us.
Have mercy on us, O God.
Have mercy!
Holy God, Father most gracious!
Rebuke us not in your anger, nor chasten us in your wrath!
Heal us from our sin, for we are troubled.
Deliver us for the sake of your steadfast love.
Our sins trouble us, O God.
We are troubled by how they have hurt others.
We are troubled by how they have hurt us.
Your ways are right! O righteous God!
And whenever we have refused to follow them
we have found out how right they are.
Have mercy on us, O God.
Holy God, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us for the sake of your Son,
who died to free us from our sins.
To you be honor and glory! Amen.
Hughes Oliphant Old,
Leading in Prayer,
The Book of Common Worship (1932),
Grand Rapids: Erdmans Publishing, 1995
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Serve God Save The Planet - Revisited
I was perusing my email today when I came across a notification that a new comment had been posted on submission to the blog I had made a few weeks ago. I appreciate the graciousness of the author of the comment and the opportunity to continue the dialog regarding Matthew Sleeth's book Serve God Save the Planet. So, I thought that I would post the comment here and respond and invite you to join Nick and I in this conversation.
Here is Nick's comment:
Russel-
Im a student at Mid America Nazerine University. I wanted to hear your thoughts on somthing in the book. I felt that throughout the book, Sleeth tried to state that the reason for so many problems(depression,family and marriage problems, ect.), were due to the fact that those people were not turning directly to saving the envirement. I wrote a book report on this book, and many of my class mates shared the same opinion.
Do you think it is that, or do u think those people are having those problems because they simply lack a true relationship with God??
-Nick
To answer the question first, I would have to say that a lot of the problems are predominately attributed to what you have called a 'true relationship with God'. And if I have heard and read Dr. Sleeth correctly, he would be on the same page. I would point readers to page 61 of the book where Dr. Sleeth states, "Perhaps many of our problems, including those of depression and anxiety, are warning signals that we are living a lifestyle that God does not sanction or want us to lead. The response to mental pain and discomfort should be to seek restoring connection with God. In seeking quiet moments, green pastures, and still waters, we may find just what our soul needs."
Coming from a theological perspective, it involves an understanding of our relationship with God, with each other, and with the rest of the created order. As I read the scriptures I notice that our fall or separation from God distorted all of the relationships we were created for. Sin separates us from God. Sin can distort and destroy our relationships with one another. Sins involving selfishness and self-centeredness distort and destroy our relationship with the rest of the created order. It is only through the act of grace through Christ Jesus that we are brought back into right relationship in all areas of our relatedness. Just as sin has affected (and still does) both humanity and the created order; the reconciliation in Christ Jesus affects both humanity and the created order. Those who have stepped into that life giving relationship with Jesus are being transformed from the inside out. As Colossians 3:9-10 states, "...seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator...", we are reminded that we are being restored to the goodness that God originally intended for us.
Dr. Sleeth utilizes Christ's dialog about the greatest of the commandments (loving God first and then others as ourselves) as part of his scriptural and theological framework throughout the course of the book to say essentially the same thing. He claims that in order to love God, we must love what God has created and called good (ie. creation). He is also quite explicit in saying that loving others includes changing our understanding of stewardship. Are we really loving others if we are using more than we need and others are going without? Are we really loving our family if our drive for more (gadgets, filled schedules, etc) causes us to have no time to invest in those relationships? Are we really loving God, the created order, and others if we are adding exorbitantly to the pollution levels (which in turn harms all areas of our relatedness)? For Dr. Sleeth, it appears that living out the greatest of commandments, thereby living out our faith in Jesus Christ, requires that we change not only our views, but also our practices when it comes to creation care. It is not simply going green for going green's sake. It is an explicit part of our call as followers of Christ.
I invite you to join in the conversation. Have I read Serve God Save the Planet accurately? Do you agree with my assessment of Dr. Sleeth's position? Is creation care an imperative of our faith? Let us know what you think!
Here is Nick's comment:
Russel-
Im a student at Mid America Nazerine University. I wanted to hear your thoughts on somthing in the book. I felt that throughout the book, Sleeth tried to state that the reason for so many problems(depression,family and marriage problems, ect.), were due to the fact that those people were not turning directly to saving the envirement. I wrote a book report on this book, and many of my class mates shared the same opinion.
Do you think it is that, or do u think those people are having those problems because they simply lack a true relationship with God??
-Nick
To answer the question first, I would have to say that a lot of the problems are predominately attributed to what you have called a 'true relationship with God'. And if I have heard and read Dr. Sleeth correctly, he would be on the same page. I would point readers to page 61 of the book where Dr. Sleeth states, "Perhaps many of our problems, including those of depression and anxiety, are warning signals that we are living a lifestyle that God does not sanction or want us to lead. The response to mental pain and discomfort should be to seek restoring connection with God. In seeking quiet moments, green pastures, and still waters, we may find just what our soul needs."
Coming from a theological perspective, it involves an understanding of our relationship with God, with each other, and with the rest of the created order. As I read the scriptures I notice that our fall or separation from God distorted all of the relationships we were created for. Sin separates us from God. Sin can distort and destroy our relationships with one another. Sins involving selfishness and self-centeredness distort and destroy our relationship with the rest of the created order. It is only through the act of grace through Christ Jesus that we are brought back into right relationship in all areas of our relatedness. Just as sin has affected (and still does) both humanity and the created order; the reconciliation in Christ Jesus affects both humanity and the created order. Those who have stepped into that life giving relationship with Jesus are being transformed from the inside out. As Colossians 3:9-10 states, "...seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator...", we are reminded that we are being restored to the goodness that God originally intended for us.
Dr. Sleeth utilizes Christ's dialog about the greatest of the commandments (loving God first and then others as ourselves) as part of his scriptural and theological framework throughout the course of the book to say essentially the same thing. He claims that in order to love God, we must love what God has created and called good (ie. creation). He is also quite explicit in saying that loving others includes changing our understanding of stewardship. Are we really loving others if we are using more than we need and others are going without? Are we really loving our family if our drive for more (gadgets, filled schedules, etc) causes us to have no time to invest in those relationships? Are we really loving God, the created order, and others if we are adding exorbitantly to the pollution levels (which in turn harms all areas of our relatedness)? For Dr. Sleeth, it appears that living out the greatest of commandments, thereby living out our faith in Jesus Christ, requires that we change not only our views, but also our practices when it comes to creation care. It is not simply going green for going green's sake. It is an explicit part of our call as followers of Christ.
I invite you to join in the conversation. Have I read Serve God Save the Planet accurately? Do you agree with my assessment of Dr. Sleeth's position? Is creation care an imperative of our faith? Let us know what you think!
April 7, 2009
Here is today’s prayer:
Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son.
Book of Common Worship,
Louisville: Westminster/John Know Press, 1993
Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son.
Book of Common Worship,
Louisville: Westminster/John Know Press, 1993
Monday, April 6, 2009
April 6, 2009
Here is today’s prayer:
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Episcopal Book of Common Prayer
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Episcopal Book of Common Prayer
Sunday, April 5, 2009
April 5, 2009 – Sixth Sunday of Lent/Palm Sunday
Here is today’s prayer:
The 7th Step Prayer
My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad.
I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows.
Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen.
-12 Steps and 12 Traditions and the Big Book of AA
The 7th Step Prayer
My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad.
I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows.
Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen.
-12 Steps and 12 Traditions and the Big Book of AA
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Concert Photos
For this week's photoblog submission, I am including these photos from our block party at Edom UMC.
This is a picture of Shelly Wilson singing:
Shelly Wilson and Kerri Crocker singing together:
Kerri Crocker singing by herself:
Shelly and Kerri together again:
And finally, a little family fun as Shelly and Kerri join their children in the bounce house:
It was a real blessing having them in Edom this weekend!
This is a picture of Shelly Wilson singing:
 |
| From Photo Blog 2009 |
Shelly Wilson and Kerri Crocker singing together:
 |
| From Photo Blog 2009 |
Kerri Crocker singing by herself:
 |
| From Photo Blog 2009 |
Shelly and Kerri together again:
 |
| From Photo Blog 2009 |
And finally, a little family fun as Shelly and Kerri join their children in the bounce house:
 |
| From Photo Blog 2009 |
It was a real blessing having them in Edom this weekend!
Special Thanks to Shelly Wilson and Kerri Crocker
Today we had the privilege of hosting Shelly Wilson and Kerri Crocker in concert at Edom United Methodist Church. These two ladies are a real blessing through their songs and testimonies. Thanks to both of them for giving up their Saturday afternoon to hang with us in Edom!
Here is a taste of what you missed. This first clip is of Shelly singing:
This second clip is of Kerri singing:
I know that the quality on these videos does not do these ladies justice (inexpensive camera and lots of wind!), but I would encourage you to check out Shelly Wilson on her website at http://shellywilson.com/
and Kerri Crocker on her website at http://kerricrocker.com/ and listen to their music. Edom has been a fan of theirs for several years and we would highly recommend them for your church gatherings!
Here is a taste of what you missed. This first clip is of Shelly singing:
This second clip is of Kerri singing:
I know that the quality on these videos does not do these ladies justice (inexpensive camera and lots of wind!), but I would encourage you to check out Shelly Wilson on her website at http://shellywilson.com/
and Kerri Crocker on her website at http://kerricrocker.com/ and listen to their music. Edom has been a fan of theirs for several years and we would highly recommend them for your church gatherings!
April 4, 2009
Here is today’s prayer:
Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment. Set us free from a past that we cannot change; open to us a future in which we can be changed; and grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image, through Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Amen.
From the PCUSA Book of Common Worship
Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1993; p. 88
Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment. Set us free from a past that we cannot change; open to us a future in which we can be changed; and grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image, through Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Amen.
From the PCUSA Book of Common Worship
Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1993; p. 88
Friday, April 3, 2009
April 3, 2009
Here is today’s prayer:
Almighty God, who does freely pardon all who repent and turn to Him, now fulfill in every contrite heart the promise of redeeming grace; forgiving all our sins, and cleansing us from an evil conscience; through the perfect sacrifice of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Worship, 1946
Almighty God, who does freely pardon all who repent and turn to Him, now fulfill in every contrite heart the promise of redeeming grace; forgiving all our sins, and cleansing us from an evil conscience; through the perfect sacrifice of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Worship, 1946
Thursday, April 2, 2009
April 2, 2009
Here is today’s prayer:
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from Your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is nothing good in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent; according to Your promises declared unto men in Christ Jesus our Lord. Grant that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life; to the glory of His name. Amen
----Author Unknown
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from Your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is nothing good in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent; according to Your promises declared unto men in Christ Jesus our Lord. Grant that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life; to the glory of His name. Amen
----Author Unknown
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April 1, 2009
Here is today’s prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we lower our heads before you and we confess that we have too often forgotten that we are yours. Sometimes we carry on our lives as if there was no God and we fall short of being a credible witness to You. For these things we ask your forgiveness and we also ask for your strength. Give us clear minds and open hearts so we may witness to You in our world. Remind us to be who You would have us to be regardless of what we are doing or who we are with. Hold us to You and build our relationship with You and with those You have given us on earth. In Christ’s name. Amen.
----Author Unknown
Dear Heavenly Father, we lower our heads before you and we confess that we have too often forgotten that we are yours. Sometimes we carry on our lives as if there was no God and we fall short of being a credible witness to You. For these things we ask your forgiveness and we also ask for your strength. Give us clear minds and open hearts so we may witness to You in our world. Remind us to be who You would have us to be regardless of what we are doing or who we are with. Hold us to You and build our relationship with You and with those You have given us on earth. In Christ’s name. Amen.
----Author Unknown
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