Grieving

     My last uncle died, my Dad's last male sibling.   Grandma had seven boys and six girls.  Two of the girls are living still.  But Elton was the last living boy from this sibship of thirteen.  I'm depressed.  Yet I acknowledge that the loss is greater for the sisters, and Uncle Elton's spouse, of course.   Not to mention their four daughters and various grandchildren.  My prayers go out to them.

     Some days I really miss living near family.  I mean, hubby and I have a lovely life -- immediate family, including kids and grands, and a bevy of friends.  The kind of friends who are there when you need them and might well be family measured by the strength of connection.

     Still, in moments like these I find myself longing for the cousins, those companions of childhood who just were. . .not quite siblings, but more than friends, connected by blood and mutual history.

     Perhaps my current funk is also brought on by that spectre of middle age -- the sense of one's own mortality that descends with the passing of relatives and friends so close to one's own age -- or even younger.  This reality is compounded by the fact that I no longer get "carded" when asking for the senior discount.   I could further depress myself by making a list of cousins my age and younger who have gone on.  But I won't -- or maybe I will, but I won't include it here.

    So what's the upside?  Or, why on earth am I writing/posting this?

    For one thing, just writing makes me feel better.  The grief no longer sits in my gut eating on my tranquility.  Rather it resides on a page outside of myself, a testimony to grief. 

    For another, some reading this will relate and realize they are not alone.  The blue funk hits the best of us.  Even Jesus wept. . . though for more profound reasons.

    Nonetheless, scripture describes Jesus as "a man of sorrow, acquainted with grief."  And His words provide comfort:
    

Matthew 5:4  Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

John 14:27   I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give is not fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:18  No, I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm--

I will come to you.

     And with those words, I shall shake off this ennui and get packed for the journey "down home." 

Food for thought

I I met a man on the elevator at school.  He carried the plans for his tombstone.  Yes.  His project for sculpture class was to create a monument to commemorate his life.   I wondered what it looked like, but had no opportunity to look at his plans in our short elevator ride.  And I wondered.  What would I create for myself?

I have a two-page spread in our vacation scrapbook of a Mayan Cemetery at Xcaret.  These are no ordinary American style tombstones.  They are artistic monuments, elaborately planned and executed.  Some look like houses, or an entire village.  Many are churches, some colorful, some more somber.  Many have a cross of one kind or another.    A very intricate jeweled cross for a headstone caught my eye because in the middle of the grave was a lone liquor bottle set in cement.

I wondered. . . A recovered alcoholic who had given his heart to God?  An optimistic family who couldn't resist adding the bottle.  Was the bottle someone's angry gesture?   Or a testament to God's saving grace?

On another plot a huge rustic cross was held up by a large tractor tire...cemented in.  A mechanic?  Or killed by a tractor or truck.  Or was the tire just a handy stand for the cross?  And a very elaborately painted colorful plot bespoke the artist.

So. . .what would I want as a symbol of my life?  Or what would my family choose?  What of my life will my loved ones celebrate?

And you?   How would you symbolize your greatest accomplishments?  

Food for thought.

And....better yet...it's not too late....I'm thinking about it.

REVIVE PROJECT WEEKEND

 

PJ and J

  J and J                                 J and PJ

How many bags for 3 ladies??  A cart full apparently!!

It's a weekend retreat for a few ladies.   Having a great time. . .   and finding refreshing for our souls.    

Last night Julia referred to three erroneous ways in which we view God:

1. Angry God
2. Genie in a Bottle God
3. The Distant -- Clock Maker God

God is NOT watching us from heaven, ready to pounce whenever we hesitate, ready to be angry when we are confused or waiting to punish us whenever we make a mistake.     Nor is God of the "Genie in a Bottle" variety.   That God whom we call upon in dire emergencies.   The one that we ask for help when things look impossible or disaster is pending.    The God that we know is there, but only think to call on if we're drowning and have used all other options.   Neither is he the distant I-put-everything-in-motion now-I'm-leaving-you-to-deal-with-it kind of God.

No.  None of the above.   He is the God who is there.   The one that Paul writes about:

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.  -- The Message, Eph 3:17-18

He is the Jesus of extravagant love; the Father who wants us to live full lives; the Holy Spirit who dwells within.

The psalmist put it well in Psalm 23:6 -- The Message

Your beauty and love chase after me
    every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
    for the rest of my life.

Yes.  God is looking for you.   His love is chasing you . . . 

Come rest in the House of God!!

 

 

       

Just Be Good for Goodness Sake?

We've decided this Christmas season we're going to find several church services to attend.  Why?  Well, we'd like to deliver a message to the American Atheist organization who is running an ad campaign this year that says:  "Skip church and just be good for goodness sake."   

Not that two people can change the data -- you know "Church attendance at record high levels this Christmas" -- but that contrary streak in me wants to show somebody something.  Which just goes to show, that perhaps "being good" isn't a natural human trait at all.  

And, I heard it suggested by a news anchor that the idea of "being good for goodness sake" just might open the opportunity for a conversation about:  What is good anyway?  And whose goodness are we taking about? Is my goodness enough?  Or is it only the "Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control",  (Gal 5:22, NLT)  Wouldn't that make an interesting conversation over the water cooler?

I'm thinking it would be fun if the athiests' campaign backfired and prompted record high church attendance this season.  Not that church attendance is in and of itself "goodness" either.   "Goodness" comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ and is the work of the Holy Spirit.   On the other hand, church is a very good place to go to improve that relationship and release the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.   

 So, this Christmas season, we plan to visit a church or two besides the services at our own congregation.  Worshiping with fellow believers will be an uplifting experience.   Anybody care to join us?   Find somewhere to worship this Christmas season.

 




  

Of Nineveh and Nazareth

I preached on Sunday from the book of Jonah.  "You Drive Me Crazy:  Hot Button Issues"  I ended with a bit of the life of Jesus and life in Nazareth.    It won't leave me.   I keep thinking, "Am I now in Nazareth, or in Nineveh?" 

Nineveh:  The place Jonah really didn't want to go.   The people in Nineveh were wicked (Or troubled, depending on the translation of that particular word).   But . . .  this Troubled  people were the enemies of Israel.  AND . . . Amos (a contemporary of Jonah) was prophesying about the demise of the Northern Kingdom at the hands of the Assyrian people, chief among which was . . .   you guessed it, Nineveh.  Nineveh, settled by Nimrod way back in Genesis, chief among Assyrian cities, and Jonah was ordered by God to go and preach there.

Not only would this mean a change of identity for Jonah.  He would then be a prophet to Assyria, not a prophet to Israel.  He is also being asked to go to Nineveh alone, a cluster of three cities, about 600,000 inhabitants and this little former prophet to Israel will be alone.  I can only imagine his dismay, but we see his reaction--he runs. 

In spite of Jonah's disobedience in running, God continued to work miracles.  He did several miraculous things:  He brought on a huge storm; He caused the lot to fall on Jonah; He calmed the sea as soon as the rebel prophet was tossed overboard; He prepared the great fish to swallow Jonah; He resurrected Jonah in the belly of the fish; He caused the fish to vomit Jonah out on dry land; He inspired to sailors to make a sacrifice and vows to follow Yahweh; and He melted the heart of Jonah so that the rebel prophet agreed to go to Nineveh to preach.  Isn't that eight miracles one of which is the conversion of the sailors at a time when their "messenger" is running from God, being quiet about his identity?   (They had to ask Jonah where he was from; what people he belonged to; and what God he served.)  So that, even when Jonah was trying to hide, running from God, God was able to touch the hearts of hardened pagan sailors so that they turned to the one true God to worship and serve.  Should I repeat that?  And "Out of the Will of God" prophet was still a vessel for God to use!!

And then there was Nineveh.  Jonah finally comes through and does what he has been asked to do.   He preaches to Nineveh.  BUT.    He then gets angry because God does what he, Jonah, had known God would do -- give mercy and grace to these people.  These people!!!  These enemies of Israel.  These awful Assyrian people!   So Jonah quits, withdraws, becomes a spectator.  (Are any of these familiar activities/attitudes?)  He makes himself comfortable to watch the spectacle while he is fuming.  And what happens?  God interrupts his pout. . .  by destroying is comfort.  Yep.  God marched right into his man-cave and took away the shade.   

God then talks to Jonah about what is important in the world.   Comfort of the prophet?  Or Salvation . . .  even for the prophet's enemies!!   A lesson in forgiveness.

Nineveh: the prophet in a strange land, following orders from God, after much reluctance.  And a bumper crop of converts:  Pagans on the boat, the King and people of Nineveh.  

But what about those quiet routine days?  Those days when nothing much happens. Those days when I wonder if God even sees me, even cares what I do.   Oh, like those days in Nazareth?   The thirty (30) years that Jesus spent in his home town, doing carpentry.   Just being about "his father's work."  

 Jesus had opportunity.   The 12 year old could have been apprenticed to the Temple in Jerusalem. He had proven himself worthy of such study. 

Yet, it was in Nazareth that Jesus learned to forgive seven times seventy times a day. It was in Nazareth that he learned to turn the other check when someone slapped him. It was in Nazareth that he learned to carry his cross daily. It was in Nazareth that learned to truly love neighbor. It was in Nazareth that he got the muscle memory, the constant living out his compassion and mercy over and over again. It was in Nazareth that he learned the skills to accomplish his mission: to save us from our sins on the cross. It was in Nazareth under the tutelage, not of the greatest scholars in Jerusalem, but from Mary and Joseph. They were his best teachers. They knew how to listen to the word of God and keep it.

Nazareth, known for being a less-than place.   Nazareth, a place from which "nothing good could come."  Nazareth where his friends and countryman tried to throw Jesus off a cliff once he began his public ministry and dared preach the truth to them.  Nazareth where Jesus spent thirty years doing carpentry and learning, preparing for the three (3) years of public ministry.   Huge ratio:  thirty years of preparation for three years of ministry.

So where does your daily grind take place:  the workplace, at home, your town, your county, your school, your family?    Wherever that may be, you find your Nazareth.   Maybe it's not where you want to be.  Maybe it's not where you think you deserve to serve.  Nazareth where one learns to show compassion and mercy--over and over and over and over.  I'm reminded of Mr. Miyagi (The Karate Kid) "Left circle.  Right circle.  Breathe in.  Breathe out."   Over and over and over and over.  You get the idea.   

Nazareth is that place on the way to somewhere else.   That place that feels like you'll never leave, never get out.   That place in which you must just DO THE NEXT THING.  Wherever your Nazareth is, know this: It's a place of preparation.  It is a the place for you to to learn wisdom:  to practice forgiveness, to follow instruction, to show compassion and experience mercy.  Wisdom, Forgiveness, Mercy, Obedience, Gratitude.  All to be found in the Nazareth experience.  

So what's your day today?   Nazareth--same ole, same ole.   Or Nineveh--what do you think you're doing, GOD?   You want me to . . . . ?    Don't you know those people don't deserve. . .???  You fill in the blank.

I'm thinking today is a Nazareth kind of day for me.   Groceries to buy, errands to run, a friend in need to help out.   But one never knows, I could bump up against a Nineveh experience right in the middle of my Nazareth.

What about you?   Nineveh?   Or Nazareth?? 

 

Random thoughts (From September 2013)

AACC Conference

It's a lovely warm, sunshiny day outside.  I can see the sun through the glass panels of the dome overhead.   

An amazing four days are drawing to an end.  I've spent time worshiping, listening to teaching and preaching, and racing around this massive hotel getting lost.   There's been very little time for sleeping, and eating has happened at rare intervals!!   I did have a lovely meal with friends I didn't even know where here.   Thank you, Melanie and Philip Nordstrom for rescuing me from "Life under the dome" for a couple of hours!!



 

All I really need!

Struggling with emotions today for no good reason.    And. . .  ran across these lyrics.

IN THE PRESENCE OF JEHOVAH In and out of situations
that tug of war at me
All day long I struggle
for the answers that I need
But when I come into His presence
All my questions become clear
And in that sacred moment
No doubts can interfere
In the presence of Jehovah
God Almighty, Prince of Peace
Troubles vanish, hearts are mended
In the presence of the King
Through His love the Lord provided
A place for us to rest
A place to find the answers
In our hour of distress
Now there's never any reason
For you to give up in despair
Just slip away and breathe His name
You will surely find Him there
In the presence of Jehovah
God Almighty, Prince of Peace
Troubles vanish, hearts are mended
In the presence of the King
In the presence of Jehovah
God Almighty, Prince of Peace
Troubles vanish, hearts are mended
In the presence of the King

A Word for Today

“You are My ministers of the new covenant.   The enemy has brought many obstacles and hindrances against you.  Do you see the very thing I have called you to, the enemy opposes, but I tell you now you shall leap over them and what was once an obstacle will take you to the next level.  I am bringing you strength to overcome.  I have placed in you My words of truth and life to overcome.  By My Grace you shall prevail over the enemy of your soul.”

2 Corinthians 3:4-6  And we have such trust through Christ toward God.   Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,  who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Ps. 144:1  Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle—  

2 Samuel 22:30  For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall.

Joel 3:9-10  Proclaim this among the nations:  “ Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, Let all the men of war draw near, Let them come up.  Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’”   

Joel 2:11a  The LORD gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great; For strong is the One who executes His word.
      

2 Corinthians 12:9  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.    

     

Eph 6:10-13  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

PATTY KERST
Steamboat Springs, Colorado

http://ft111.com/ 

This resonated with me today!     

May it be a blessing to you!!

Pastor Phylis

OVER-CONTROL

1 Samuel 15:23 (The Message)

 ^22-23 Then Samuel said,
    Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—
      empty rituals just for show?
   He wants you to listen to him!
   Plain listening is the thing,
      not staging a lavish religious production.
   Not doing what God tells you
      is far worse than fooling around in the occult.
   Getting self-important around God
      is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors.
   Because you said No to God's command,
      he says No to your kingship. 

This scripture is not one that I would have associated with "over-control" or even "not listening" as it reads in the KJV or NIV, but here, the connection is clear.    

An article from Os Hillman started off with a quote from a pilot who said that whenever a jet goes out of control and begins to spin, the only thing to do is totally take your hands off the controls and the plane will right itself.   That's a little like steering INTO the skid on an icy road--not an easy thing to do and completely counter-intuitive.

I also remember hearing a reporter talking to a man after the 2004 Tsunami in Asia.   The man ran an orphanage located on the beach.   There was no where for them to flee except INTO the wave.  He loaded all the children onto his little boat and headed out to sea to FACE the storm.    He said he just had to keep the boat straight, facing the wave and it rode atop the waves.  Everyone on board was safe.

Intuition tells him to run from the immense wave; intuition tells the pilot to steer to counter the roll; intuition tells the driver to steer away from the skid.  Intuition is wrong.  

God says listen to Him.  Just listen, no self-importance, no fancy strategies, no lavish production.   Listen and obey.

I hear you Lord, but can I really listen?

MERCY AND GRACE

Sister Sandra Susan Shantay Stout

Could not take the garbage out!
She'd go to church to pray and sing
She's gladly do most anything
Although most days she would not pout
She would not take the garbage out.
Within her heart old things piled high
She'd close her eyes as she passed by
Scars from wounds creating ridges
Right beside old bandages
She nursed her wounds however small
Each slight, each insult standing tall
"You can't", "You won't" the voices echoed
In the corner sat a truckload
Memos old, but not forgotten
Those were memories most rotten
Accusations, false or true
Within her heart, resentment grew
Bitter, acrid deep regrets
She fed them daily just like pets
Of course she hid them carefully,
Trying hard, to live joyfully.
Bit by bit her heart filled up
Stuff inside she can't cleanup
Unforgiveness, fits of rage
She felt trapped, in a cage
The Master came and offered free
to cast it all out in the sea
"I like this stuff," she said with glee
"Looks good on me. Don't you agree."
"It's who I am. I cannot change."
"No attitude would seem so strange."
And so He left her, let her be.
Nearby He waited patiently.
Each day she added to her mess,
Gossip, lies, small-mindedness.
Increasing in intensity,
Anger exponentially,
Addictions, strife, and rivalries
Casual immoralities
Fornication, lust and merriment
In her own way, she was very set.
And then one day it seemed too much
She realized she was out of touch
The Master seemed so far away
Her life in total disarray
Things are rough, life is tough
To call on Him, is it enough?
Suddenly at the door
He appeared, just like before
Grace and Mercy came through
This time, she knew what to do
"Come on in, I must confess,"
"I've made a life of one mess."
In no time at all,
He had cleaned up the hall
The secrets things of night
He brought to the light
The scars, the memories: away to the sea
The sin and addiction just so much debris
Gone are the remnants of hell
When Grace and Mercy come to dwell.
So remember Sister Sandy Stout
Who could not take the garbage out
Ask the Master. You won't lose face.
It's never too late for Mercy and Grace!

Over-Stimulated Teens

The amount of words and ideas that I am unable to use due to over-sexualized boys this yeaR IS AMAZING. Story Topics like "My favorite Toy" (Okay it was dumb to have on a list -- one I procured from another school) in a list of 50 ideas, resulted in the disruption of 30 students for several minutes. I am appalled at the lack of parental supervision, at the lack of control over these children.

For 25 years I've taught public school adolescents and have never had a group this reactionary. It makes teaching tantamount to walking on eggs. I can't even remember what previous triggers have been this year; they are many and diverse. The entire English language is mostly off-limits to these little boys who have been subjected to an adult-oriented world that I can only guess at. They listen to music that contains vocabulary and innuendo that I neither know nor want to know. They watch the trashiest of TV programs and apparently believe that the world does or should operate on such lurid devices and with total lack of principle.

How does one teach common civility to such ill-bred children? How does one even have conversation, much less encourage them to explore memory and imagination when such as been contaminated by the basest and vilest that American media can offer?

I'm not ready to give up, nor am I ready to blame the victim, for I do see them as victims as much as little girls whoa re treated as sexual objects by perverted family members, other adults, or even by the same adolescent boys.

How does one go about rescuing the most vulnerable among us from the vile filth to be found online, in media and very possibly in their own homes?

Indeed, it seems as though this year will be spent putting Band-Aids on damaged psyches. However, at the same time, I must encourage them to find a healthy outlet for natural energy to be expected in adolescents and find some manner of helping them drain off the disgusting putrification that has collected due to damaging experiences.

Heven help us all! No wonder I'm exhausted on a regular basis. It's a battlefield out there. Pray for teachers!! Pray for Students!!! Pray for parents!!

PASTOR PHYLIS

I'm Just Sayin'

"Best of" programs will be run on "I'm Just Sayin'" through November and December. My interview with Dan Willis will be run again on 12/1/2010.

Just go to TCT/TV on demand. Program list. "I'm just Sayin'" is now in the right hand column about half way down the list. Click. And after Dec 1, it will be there for three weeks.

When it shows, I'll post a direct link.

AND...."I'm Just Sayin'" was also nominated for an EMMY!!! Congratulations to Dan Willis and all the staff at "I'm Just Sayin'" Great Job!!

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint"   Isaiah 40:29-31  (NIV)

Recently a friend was rejoicing that some promises God had made to her has come to pass in her life.   At the same time, she was able to see that something that she had wanted with all her heart would have turned out badly.  Sometimes God allows us to see things like that.   But what about those times when we can't see?

I think the prophet is talking about those times.  Times when the view is dismal; times when our vision is blurred; times when it seems all is about to be lost.   

But those who HOPE in the Lord.   King James expresses it as those who WAIT on the Lord.   When we can lift our eyes beyond the present, beyond the daily grind, beyond the fear of failure, THEN we can see HIM.    When the view, the vision, the daily grind, and the present moment contain HIM, we are able to HOPE, to BELIEVE, to WAIT on the promises of God.

Last evening, I had another one of those moments, a time when God whispered "that's will be yours.  This will come to pass."   My strength has been faltering, my hope waning.  Just one whisper from God and I believe I can make it through.  I will soar on wings like eagles; I will run and not grow weary; I will walk and not be faint. 

Psalm 121:1-2 (The message)   I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?   No, my strength comes from God who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

HOW TO TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS!

How to Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

We were having a quiet work time during science class.   A girl raises her hand and asks, "Mrs. Huerta what does "Grenade" mean? "  

I tried the standard answers:  a small hand held explosive..

"No.  When talking about a person.  What does it mean to call a person a grenade."

I don't think I've ever heard it.   Metaphorically, someone who explodes, as in a volley ball player who really gets into the game?

"No!  It was a girl on the sidelines."

Smeone who gets angry easily?

"no. She was like...a girl with long blond hai."

Long blond hair doesn't have anything to do with a grenade.   I turned to the young college student who happened to be  observing that day and raised my eyebrow??

Embarrassed, she stuttered, "I think it means an ugly girl"   Then in a whisper.  "It's used on Jersey Shore that way."

The student was satisfied with "Ugly girl".   HOWEVER, a couple of tables of boys who had stopped working to listen to the interchange, were giggling in that manner that all teachers know.  You just can see when 13 year old boys are thinking about ....  uh.... well, whenever the testosterone is flowing.  They were giggling like third graders, heads together, glancing over their shoulder, giggling more.   

So I walked to my computer and but in Urban Dictionary:  Joisee Shoor  (If you know what I mean).   And...a grenade is indeed an ugly girl in a group of "hotties" and in order for males to gain entree to the "group" someone must "throw himself" on the grenade in order for them to get action in the group if you know what I mean.

I was aghast.  First of all, that a term exists for that.   Secondly that my 13-year old students know the word and what it means!!  Apparently, more than the 20 year-old college student!  I called her over to show her the explanation on my computer and she had an aha moment.

Then she asked, "How old are these kids?"    

And we shared a moment of consternation in silence, staring at the students who were once again studying with heads bent over their books.

I suppose I shouldn't be shocked.  But bad taste and degradation never fail to amaze me.   I

realize that one cop-out would be that it is an expose' to demonstrate just how amazingly stupid certain groups can act.   but it isn't.   

It's a chance for decent people to live vicariously, live a life of degradation with all the cheap thrills that unlimited liquor consumption and unbridled human passion could provide while remaining safe on the living room sofa without the danger of STD's, the emotional, legal and physical danger that abandonment to the darker side would incur.  

But it's also a chance for young teenagers to find heroes and role-models who lead them to believe that fun and freedom is found in that same unlimited liquor consumption and the release of unbridled human passion.   It provides the opportunity for these children to learn from a dangerous source values that should be found in the classroom, in the family, in religious education.   

Unfortunately, the parents of most of my children are busy working two and three jobs, and are unavailable or unable to block such programs from their tv's.  

I respect the freedom of press, freedom of artistic expression.  But there's also something within me that asks:  "Isn't there a way to protect our children?   All of our children!!!"   And those students of mine?   If they are not able to find values and grounding somewhere, they WILL become a problem for ALL of us!!!  You can take that to the bank!  Or back to MTV!

And this very senior teacher has learned something new today.   I must ever be diligent to discover what my children may be absorbing from those forces out to subvert American culture.  

There are days when I know that I am getting too old for this!!!

Provide (comfort) for those who grieve in Zion

Looking for a place to provide comfort? Try this one!!

The story had me in tears.   Yet I noticed that the Grandmothers (grannies) there were rejoicing!  Rejoicing that their grandchildren though stricken with AIDS and rendered parent-less, had food to eat and clothes to wear.   Although I did note that some of the little tee-shirts had huge holes!  In addition the ministry assists young girls to get out of the sex trade and acquire an education.

Uganda.  I think of Idi Amin and his reign of terror during the 1970's.  Today Uganda is 207 (out of 227) in per capita income.   It is certainly not a prosperous place, but they are working on providing employment and income for their people.  The per capita income is averaged at $1,200.   (Makes me cringe...even if I did grow my own vegetables.)   That doesn't pay for much education and health care.  It is 14th in the world with the most people living with HIV/AIDS.   Most of them children.  Most of those orphaned.

I'm thinking I may be headed to Uganda this summer.     But in the meantime, if you hit the "donate" button on the website, you can fund a child's education for a paltry $30.00 per month.   I'm gonna take the leap on that one -- today!!!   Who will join me??

 Two ex-sex workers with a volunteer.

 Children from the orphanage and nursery lined up for lunch.

A Canadian medical doctor dances with the "Grannies".   The grannies take care of their orphaned grandchildren in the village, but are assisted either through no cost loans, or donations of animals, etc. to raise their standard of living.   "Teach a grannie to fish" is the idea!!

Like I said, I'm helping out today!!!

Blessings,

Pastor Phylis

 

Good News To the Poor

Isaiah 63:1  "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor."

We are engaged in an interesting activity this week.   During Tuesday night Bible Study, each participant was given a $20-bill with instructions to give it away this week and report back on Tuesday what happened.  We were to get out of our usual patterns of interaction and look for someone that would be blessed.

 

Bob and went out tonight to a 1/2 price night at a resale shop not that far from where we live.   I met someone I used to know and felt the urging of God to give mine to her with a blessing from me and the church and a promise of prayer. 

Bob went into the resale store and found a 3-member, 3-generational family sorting clothes in a basket.   He introduced himself, "Our church is doing a project.  We are to bless someone this week.  Would it offend you if I gave you $20 as a blessing from God."

The grandma promptly responded, "Offend us?  It would save us!  We're trying to decide which of these clothes we can buy for my grandson.   He needs some warm clothes."

We chatted for a few minutes, and gave them a church card.    As we were walking away, I heard the child ask, "What did they do."   

Grandma, "They gave us $20."

"$20???" He asked in the incredible voice I might have used if someone had handed me a week's salary.

Sometimes the good news to the poor is a tangible evidence that God loves them!!!    No matter who you are, or what your circumstance, God loves YOU!!!

Headed toward a Goal

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."  

Phil 3:14 (KJV)

I noted an interesting phenomena this week.   Our core (110 kids; 4 teachers) had a series of field trips.  We're studying the history of our town.   Each student went to the local Historical Society museum, took a walking tour of the historical district, spent 2 hours to begin research, and watched a movie.    Each teacher accompanied one group to the museum and on the walk.    My group visited the museum on the first day.  It should have been a 30 minute walk, but we made it in 20 minutes.    And I was exhausted.   They were excited to go to the museum and afterward wanted to get back for lunch, so they were booking!!   The students took the lead; I walked at the rear of the pack.   My colleague who took kids on the walk that morning said her kids were so slow that she had to keep reminding them to speed up.   

  Today, my group did the walk.   And...they were slow.   They sat or lay down at every opportunity--whenever a tiny patch of grass or a concrete step presented itself while the  tour guide was explaining something.   I was amazed at the difference in energy levels.

     However, as soon as they realized we had turned back toward the school, they picked up the pace and walked quickly again, leaving me in the dust.  

     I checked with my colleague again.    Those slow students took 35 minutes to arrive at the museum (didn't particularly want to go), when on the way back to school, they made it in 20 minutes.   The teacher was huffing and puffing. 

     I started thinking:  What caused this drastic change in behavior?    When they were they goal directed, they walked quickly.  When they had to follow the guide and didn't know where the next stop would be, didn't know the next turn, they were slow.  They also used the energy for annoying behavior.   When they knew where they were headed, they headed straight there.   Happy as little larks.

    And the lesson??   For me as a Christian, when I know where I'm headed, when I keep an eternal perspective, I can stroll happily through life.   Tired?  Yes.   Working hard?   Yes.  But walking briskly and cheerfully toward the goal.    

     When I forget the goal, when I believe that I'm only putting one foot in front of the other to just keep moving anywhere, it's slow laborious work.   It's exhausting.  I lack motivation.

     " I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."  Phil 3:14  (New Living Translation)  

     But I have a goal.   I'm moving quickly, briskly, happily toward the heavenly prize!!

I'm Just Sayin'

I'm Just Sayin' 

Watching the Interview with Pastor Dan Willis on "I'm Just Sayin" I began thinking...a dangerous thing.   For me, retirement from teaching is just around the corner.  Sometimes closer than I like to think about.   But while in the studio, I realized that I have ahead of me more freedom than I've had before.  Freedom for ministry.  I'm excited to see what doors God will open for me in the next few years.    Yet I must take advantage of the opportunities God is giving me in the here and now!  There are students under my care every day.  Hurting kids.  For many of them no one has time to give the extra attention they so much crave.   So I shall redouble my efforts to make a difference where I am now, but at the same time keep an eye on what doors God will open for me.

The interview on TCT's "I'm Just Sayin" aired last night.   The direct link is below:

http://vidego.multicastmedia.com/player.php?p=nnjfri68 

Or you can check out all of TCT's programming at:

http://www.tct.tv/demand.php  For "I'm Just Sayin"  scroll down to the sixth icon in the middle and click on "I'm Just Sayin'" -- your viewing and clicks do make a difference!   (When the windows appear, scroll to the left....I'm the lady in purple) 

 

2.) If you like it, drop a brief email to imjustsayin@tct.tv, call the network at 618-997-4700 or write a note to

TCT

PO Box 1010

Marion, IL 62959

When you watch it, do comment!!  I'd love to hear from you!

  

UPDATE

For any new readers, in order to focus my blog, I'm in the process of transferring posts.  This blog will be for spiritual encouragement and will have the story of my liver donation, cancer surgery and chemotherapy.    That's why there is a huge gap of time between blogs....hope to finish soon!

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1.03.01

The next step

I'm Just Sayin'

What a marvelous day!!!   Was it only Thursday??   Pastor Dan Willis was his usual effervescent self; the staff was kind and gracious; the crew efficient and on-task. . . when they weren't playing practical jokes on the host!!  I was initiated into the world of television production.   And I loved it.  Such a high-energy group of people!   Thank you all so much for a lovely day.

Will let you know when the show is to air.   Keep an eye on this spot!

--Pastor Phylis