lent 2009

In this season of reflection, I personally find myself wondering what the meaning is to Lent and what that meaning is supposed to be; to me personally, to us as a church community, and to the community at large. Where do you find meaning? [dottie]

Christmas Eve

May you, family, and friends be blessed with joy, love and peace that the Child brings to us this night.

The Donkey

Lowly, long-eared donkey; God chose you to be the one
To carry Mary, great with Child, the Christ - her unborn Son.
What special traits did you possess, that God would honor you?
And yet, you seemed to understand what you were meant to do.
God knew you had endurance and heavy loads could bear;
He trusted you, sure-footed to keep her safe within your care.
The journey would be long and hard, o'er rough terrain and trail.
So steadfast was your purpose, you knew you must prevail.
You bore your burden honorably. Exhausted, you must have been !
Nonetheless, you kept your eyes toward far-off Bethlehem.
As Joseph, wearily walked eside his wife, lest she may fall;
He knew that God had chosen well, this donkey who bore it all.

Organized Chaos

For those of you who missed the church decorating, childrens' rehearsal for Christmas Eve, chili supper, and live jazz music on Sunday afternoon - you missed out on a most enjoyable afternoon of organized chaos. The church is beautifully resplendent (you'll have to come and see why!); the children were precocious and energetic; food plentiful; and the music entertaining and inspiring. Thank you to all who organized, set up, served, cleaned up, and entertained all who were fortunate enough to be present.

The First Day of Winter

As if we needed any reminding that it is winter, most of us have another 3-7 inches of the white stuff, and the temperature is far below zero with blustery winds. It is also the first night of Hanukkah. Stay warm by enjoying a meal near your tree, allowing the light of the lights to reflect upon ornaments as you reflect on what the next four days will bring.

"Control"

If I had complete control over life, there would never be any unpleasant surprises. But there would never be any pleasant surprises either.

If I had complete control over life, things would always go my way. But I would never have the need to innovate, to adjust to the unexpected, changing conditions, and to learn new ways of doing things.

If I had complete control over life, I would be responsible for deciding the nature of the moment, and the actions of every person. But just imagine how tedious and unfulfilling that would quickly become.

If I had complete control over life, every desire would be granted the moment I thought of it. But it would be thus impossible to have anything to look forward to.

Thankfully, though there are many important things I can control, much of life is beyond control. It is that fact that is largely responsible for the richness and fulfillment that can be experienced. Life does not always go my way. In that truth is a world of magnificent possibilities.

Psalm 119: 49-50

"Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life."

David is a perfect example of how we are to seek God. Many times we are told that we do not have because we do not ask. Not David. He asks, he seeks, and he keeps on asking until the answer comes. He knows who to ask because he knows God's law. It has been said of David that he is a man seeking after God's own heart. What if we would do the same thing? What if we kept God's word in our heart and believed ALL of his promises? Would our lives be different? God answers this question in Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart". All your heart. What would that look like? Many times it is in our desperation that we seek God with all our hearts. Have you ever heard it say that in the worst of times there is good to be found? Unless you know the Lord, you may not understanding the full meaning of this statement. In fact, to those who do not know him, it may seem foolish.
David's life was being threatened from those who hated him. He pleaded with God and asked that he might be saved. Psalm 119 is used often in Morning Prayer, is the longest psalm in the bible, and there is desperation in the words. This is how we pray when we are at the end of ourselves, when we know with no doubting that we are petitioning the only one who can give us help...our Lord. I do not have the problems of King David, but I understand David's petition. I believe that we are to go to the throne of the living God with our requests and that we are to seek after God's own heart. My trust is in God, who answered the faithful of the Old Testament and still answers us today. It may not be the time table we are looking for, but He still answers us.