Shaped Through Thirst

But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” Exodus 17

Good morning, Friends!

"Well, the LORD knows best," is the response I heard frequently from one of our dear church saints who has gone on to her heavenly home.  No matter that she could no longer walk easily on her swollen, arthritic knees. (She used to wrap her knees in plastic wrap at night finding some relief from the held in heat.)  No matter that she was sometimes lonely and in pain.  Her countenance would shine and her eyes sparkle as she might let you win at scrabble.  Her countenance would shine and her eyes would sparkle as she shared stories from her youth.  Her countenance would shine and her eyes would sparkle as she shared her troubles, aches, and pains, and she would always conclude with, "Well, the LORD knows best."

She was the exception.  Most of us are like the Israelites who in the moment of their thirst, forgot how God had been faithful, and yes, even miraculous in responses to them.   Most of us in our "here and now" generation think only of our discomfort for the moment and don't recall God's ongoing proximity with us.  Iva had lived God's faithfulness and even in adversity expressed knowing God's loving presence would be her sanctuary.    

This week Brother Mick's message on this 3rd Sunday of Lent is "Is the Lord with Us or Not?" We will travel into the wilderness with the Israelites in Exodus 17:1-7 as Moses is blamed for the lack of water,  and attitudes are gloomy. I hope you can join us as as we are challenged to look beyond the minutia to a more panoramic view.   Other texts of the morning include Psalm 95 and John 4:5-42.  I encourage you to read the texts ahead of time.  Check out http://bible.oremus.org/. 

 

The upper room has lots of exciting goings on as Josh, Kristie, Julie, and others are jumping right into remodeling the area.  After church they plan to get out the paint brushes, so young adults, come on out to help! Julie mentioned pizza.... :)

Lily's CT scan was cancelled.  She'll be re-evaluated in a month.

My prayer for you today:  Creator God, in your hands are the depths of the earth.  The heights of the mountains are yours too. You took a bit of earth, shaped it, and blew life into it forming us in your image.  In these days of uncertainty and violence, of earthquakes and radiation, of joblessness and hunger, you open your arms and invite us into the sanctuary of your peace and the transformation of our lives. Help us to recognize your expansive loving presence. Come Kingdom of God.  Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too.

love and light!

Carol
PS  Someone told me that if I want to be a sweet old lady, I need to begin practicing now. :)

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. " jd