When my daughter Kori was in high school and there was "down" time with the youth group, she'd inevitably start a round of what we dubbed "Kori questions."

 Would you rather eat  cookies or cake? Would you rather be attacked by a shark or mauled by a grizzly bear?  Would you rather have an extra nose on the back of your head or a a third eye on your forehead?  Would you rather awaken with a tarantula on your chest (Brady Bunch, anyone? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh9dRcga8YE ) or trip over a yellow jacket nest?
You get the idea.

As I read Brother Mick's presermon notes for his message, "What are you chasing?" on Paul's words in I Timothy 6:6-19 for this Sunday, I thought about "Kori questions."
Would you rather....? 

• have oodles of cash or tons of friends? 
• be known as part of the popular, cool crowd or the kind, thoughtful individual?  
• be the one everyone turns to for the latest gossip or the one people turn to for an empathetic listener? 
• be the one known for outrageous pranks or generous good deeds? 
• be known for your quick wit and intelligence or your wise, gentle actions? 
• be known as hard-working and driven or playful and a rose aficionado?

In and of themselves some of these things aren't bad.  Brother Mick says, "I want to spend some time inviting us to reflect on our personal pursuits during the message time particularly as we prepare ourselves for sharing in the world communion event the following Sunday." 

Questions I pondered this week (and other weeks!) 

When life is so very difficult/hellish for someone, (e.g. child suffering the deaths of both parents, rape, war-torn lives, abuse, school shootings, earthquakes, hunger...), how does one best communicate God's love?  Does my saying, "You are loved by God" sometimes result in anger/hurt/frustration? There are times words sure don't seem like they have much meaning.  "For the Bible tells me so..." seems awfully flat to me in these situations. 

What do you think? Hmmmmm...... 

The senior high class will join the young adults for the second lesson in the Judah Smith study "Jesus Is____."  Brother John will be teaching. :) The Christian formation hour begins at 9 a.m., and the worship service is at 10:15 a.m. Everyone is welcome! 

Marcie will be joining a team from The Factory (http://thefactoryministries.com/wordpress/) at a national conference in Oklahoma City addressing poverty next week.  Sharing part of her story, Marcie will no doubt inspire hope and action.  I'm not sure I've ever met anyone so determined to get up again and keep trying after being "kicked in the teeth" time and time again. Those of us who are the "haves" could learn much from our "have not" sisters and brothers.  Those of us who are the "haves" should shut up (ok, I know I have to wash the dishes for saying, "shut up," but I'll take my medicine) and listen to the stories of the "have nots." Those of us who are the "haves" should have to walk in the shoes of the "have nots" for a month and gain understandings of the challenges. Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now.   

A "Walk for Hunger" is being held on Sunday, October 20 at the Salisbury Park. Monies will help support the food pac program for Pequea Valley School District.  Contact Char if you're interested. 

Thoughts of love and caring are going out to Tynea and Travis in the death of their grandpa this week.

Prayer for today:   For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is God's constant love toward humankind. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. Thank you! In you, Gentle God, is our hope and healing. Let us be aware of your Presence and Grace. Grant us wisdom in sharing your 

love be it in action or word.  As the Horst family grieves the loss of grandfather/father wrap them in your comforting light.  Thank you that Your grace and mercy are living water for our souls. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. In JESUS name. AMEN. 

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

Love and Light,
Carol

(PS For a closer look at the photos, click on them!) 

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"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

A few weeks ago following my devotions, I decided to look for beauty and God-spark in each person I encountered. If I truly believe that all people are made in God's image, if I truly am serious about my Kingdom walk with Jesus, if I truly am authentic, then rather than seeing people as messed-up, ugly, chubby, smelly, trite, pretentious, annoying jerks, I should be consciously looking for the beauty and God-spark in each one. Everyone. No exceptions.

"So, Carol, how're you doing with that?" you ask with a grin.

Apparently I still have some work to do.  On my recent flight to Phoenix, I was scanning the airport lines as we prepared to board. Yeah, there was that one person.... "Please, I don't want to sit next to him." You could tell in his countenance he was cranky, very cranky. He was also large, very large.  A simple sentence to describe his appearance?  He was a very large, cranky, old man.  I was also sure, even from just using my sight, that he emitted unpleasant effluvium.

You guessed it. You know it.  You're laughing about it.  Not funny.

Mr. Crank was at the window spilling copiously into my seat like bread that's been rising too long, and on the other side of me was Mr. Gun Magazine. Perfect for this peace-loving woman. I scooted as far to the right (not my norm!) ;)  next to Mr. Magazine as I could, keeping my arms across my chest to protect from the "wax on/wax off" elbow movements of Mr. Crank as he attempted unsuccessfully to buckle-up. As he twisted and lurched, small sounds with nasty emanations resulted. He growled at the flight attendant who asked him to gather his reading materials from the floor as we were seated in the escape exit aisle. sigh.

How did I do with my beauty and spark discipline? Failure. I did not look very hard at all for beauty or God-spark. I did not attempt to offer any assistance. I did not attempt conversation. At the very least I was barely tolerant as I kept my eyes and nose in my book and hoped there would be no delays on the flight.

Jesus calls us to so much more than tolerance. It is true! In reflection of  this event, I realize I was counting on the inadequate, defective, deficient "love of Carol," rather than tapping into the abundant, perfect, complete, love of God that is available to transform. Now, the question for me is, "Do I really want to pray for a second chance?"

Compassion: our daily bread and wine. "Do this in remembrance of me." Take time to eat and drink of it today.

Our scripture for Sunday: Romans 12: 1-2, 9-21
 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good;  love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

"Called to God's Reign" is Brother Nelson's message title for this designated "Peace Sunday" by Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite World Conference. In his pre-sermon notes Nelson says, "I hope we can begin to see that peace is not an 'add-on' but is the essence of God's work of restoration of the world and its inhabitants, to God, and each other. God reigns and invites all to join the God movement of restoration." The worship service begins at 10:15 a.m.  The Christian formation hour begins at 9 a.m., and the young adults and senior high youth will join together for the "Jesus is____" study. 

  

There are many events and opportunities to consider. Check out the bulletin for details. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf  I hope you'll join us!

Prayer for today:  From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! Compassionate God, let us be transformed by your love and grace into the people you designed us to be.  For we are your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which you prepared for us.  Open our eyes to see each other as you see us. Take us beyond tolerance to genuine compassion that comes from You and is your very essence.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. AMEN. 

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

Love and Light,
Carol

(PS For a closer look at the photos, click on them!) 

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"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

Last week as I visited my sister in Tucson, I walked around in a beautiful postcard experiencing textures, colors, scents, and sounds that are unfamiliar to me.  Ahhhh.... such wonder and beauty!  As the monsoon season is upon the Southwest, I was treated to firebolts in the sky as lightning flashed, refreshing drops of moisture, cacti blooms, and downpours. I smelled the  rain as it embraced the dry earth. 

"Jesus" Cholla

I was treated to the sight of bats dipping into the hummingbird feeders for sweet liquid indulgences, and I was chased inside the casita by the sounds of javelinas as I played (attempted)  my sister's Native American flute. Harmonies at dusk flowed as my sister and I sang songs from our youth serenading the coyotes before they awakened us at 4 a.m. partying right outside our little house, yipping, yapping, and yowling their melodies.  I squished a tiny but mighty scorpion that scuttled from under the couch. 

I drove on a hilly, curvy desert road reaching into my grey matter to recall how to shift gears in my sister's mostly dependable red jeep. I felt the old, dry wood of "mother tree" as she stretched her last hurrah to the Creator. I saw the "Jesus" cholla with outstretched arms and dreadlocks. 

The juxtaposition of incredible beauty and extreme harshness of the desert is not unlike life. Today I am choosing to dwell in the beauty. Thank you, God! 

Even the wilderness and the 

desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers, and singing, and joy! The deserts will become green as the mountains of Lebanon as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord's glory will be displayed, the splendour of our God. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those with fearful hearts, "The Lord is coming to destroy your enemies. God is coming to save you." And when God comes, God will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf.  Isaiah 35:1-5

Brother Mick's message this week is based on Luke 15:1-10, and he is calling his sermon "Hide and Seek."  In his presermon notes Mick writes, "Many of the passages today remind us that God's search for the lost and fallen never ends. God, portrayed as shepherd and even an old woman, will go to enormous effort to retrieve even one lost soul. It is message of love and hope for all of us."  The worship service begins at 10:15 a.m. with the Christian formation hour at 9 a.m. 

The young adult and senior high classes will be combined for a devotional time with Mick in the Upper Room.  I'll be with the rest of the senior high youth at the ACC Retreat.  

A women's Bible study, Beth Moore's "Breaking Free," begins this week on Tuesday at 7 p.m. This is a 10 week study and women of all ages are welcome. You do not need to be an attender of Ridgeview to join the group! 

The ingathering has begun as we prepare to welcome a refugee family.  Check out the notice in the bulletin. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf

Mennonite Central Committee is in need of winter clothing and shoes to send to Lebanon for the Syrian refugees. Warm, clean, like new, no logos/messages, long skirts, sweaters, boots, shoes, backpacks etc. are all needed soon as they hope to ship items the end of this month or early October. If you have questions contact the Ephrata Material Resource Center 717.733.2847.  I plan to go through some of my items today, so if you have things to contribute, I'd be glad to deliver them next week if you can get them to me. 
http://www.mcc.org/

Prayer for today: For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the desert.  Isaiah 43:19. We lift our twilight songs to You, Mighty God, while the coyotes sing in the deep dark of the night.  We share shoes and warm coats with each other while You cloak the world in color and beauty. Though our lives at times seem like the painful barbs of a cactus; though our lives at times seem parched and hungry; though our lives at times seem lost and forgotten; Your love, Your presence, Your hope, Your beauty, Your healing is constantly seeking and inviting.  As You provide for us, so let us reach out to each other offering hope and shoes to one another in Your name, Jesus. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. AMEN. 

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

Love and Light,
Carol
(PS For a closer look at the photos, click on them!) 

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"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

Modern Parable

Susan Boyle is a name with whom many of us are now familiar. (OK-- if you're under the age of 30, don't stop reading!) A few short years ago she was relatively unknown other than in her own Scottish village. She was bullied as a child and called, "Susie Simple." At 47 years old  she tried out for "Britain's Got Talent in front of Simon Cowell and his crew and stood on the stage looking dowdy, appearing unrefined, and as a "joke." Her interview and performance brings tears to my eyes every time I watch. Ok, sometimes I watch it and cry like a baby. Is it the song choice? Partially. I also think some part of me relates to her. We are, after all, the same age. What really strikes me as I watch this clip, are the faces and sneers, the titters and whispers, the seeming doubt and disdain for a woman based entirely on her appearance. Her place in the pecking order was obvious. She was not one of the beautiful ones. She was not one of the eloquent ones. She was not one of the well dressed ones. Then she opened her mouth to sing. If you've never watched this, do so. If you've watched it before, do so again.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk  I have no idea if this was all staged or not. (The cynical side of me suggests so.) But, you know? I don't really care.

This story is a beautiful parable of value and worth. When Susan sang the first phrase, a recognition of the beauty within her spilled out to the audience, and the sneers turned to wonder. Fashioned by our Creator, there is beauty and value in each of us. Let's open our eyes!  Let us see what God sees. Let us love as God loves for God does

not look on the outward appearance.

"Picked or Pecked" is the title of Brother Mick's message this week.  The sermon text is Luke 14:1, 7-14 and Hebrews 13:1-8,15-16.  "In this scene from the gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks to his listeners about both the reality of life's pecking order and the hope of being picked to move to a better place at the table....The Hebrews passage calls us to view our interactions with others from a different perspective and reminds us that we have been given the ultimate elevation in being "picked" (forever loved) by Jesus the Christ."   Please join us for fellowship from 9-9:25 with worship beginning at 9:30 AM.  

I am heading out of town to visit my wonderful sister in AZ next week, so you'll just have to read one of my old posts next week if you miss my blog! :) 

A prayer for today: So God created humankind in God's image, in the image of God, they were created. Male and female, God created them. Gentle Creator, open our eyes and hearts to see one another as you intend. Loving Creator, Open our hands and our possessions to serve each other as you intend. Grant us courage to walk together hand and hand offering help, hope, and hospitality in your name.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. AMEN. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!
Love and Light,
Carol

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"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

Last weekend Cliff and I went to the city of Boston and had a delightful time with our daughter Alana and her hubby, Michael. Cliff and I are both country folk with only a little urban experience, so there was much learning to be done as well as exploring and visiting.

Our "country mouse" looks must have been rather obvious as the attendant at the T station where we would catch the subway into the heart of Boston each day came over within a few moments to assist us in our "Charlie Ticket" purchase. Persons of all shapes, sizes, colors, and economic levels crowded into the cars. Those that had seats sometimes closed their eyes as we swayed, jerked, and jolted. The screeching of the brakes was like fingernails on a chalkboard to my unaccustomed delicate auditory canals.  The majority of folks under the age of 30 were connected to one device or another. Those standing had to be careful they didn't pitch into someone's lap. You can be proud; I had to stay alert at all times, but I kept my feet!

What a great place to "people watch." (Sorry if this creeps you out!) You know, at first it seems people are traveling alone in crowded boxes, but watching faces as they are connected to friends, family, and coworkers on their phones, ipads, and whatnots tells another story. One buff, tough-looking character sitting next to Cliff was texting love notes to someone. (Cliff couldn't help but read it!)  A rather sullen-looking teen scrunched in the corner suddenly smiled, even showing teeth changing his whole countenance as he connected to someone somewhere. As we waited for the T at the Forest Hills station, we listened as an urbanite male made calls to coworkers explaining he'd be late for a meeting and then talking about the baby shower he'd be attending later that afternoon.

Watching eyes light up and smiles crinkle faces as people connected with others on their devices, reminded me to look beyond outward appearances. Spending these few days in Boston was a lesson in that what seemed foreign and strange to me was for many comfortable and home.

Brother Mick's message this week is "Missing the God Moments" with his sermon text being Luke 13:10-17. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+13%3A10-17&version=NRSV  In Mick's presermon notes he states, "How often do our own biases, expectations, and assumptions cause us to miss the "God Moments" which are taking place right around us?"  Open our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds, Lord!

College students, know that I will be holding you in prayer as you begin classes!  If you have specific prayer concerns, don't hesitate to contact me. :)

The world continues to be wrapped in violence.  Let us pray and act for peace that the light of the Divine will shine in the dark abyss of war and hatred.

Prayer for today:  Merciful and gracious God, your steadfast love is from everlasting to everlasting. As the heavens are high about the earth, so great is your love for us. If only we could truly believe that, gentle God! If only we could act accordingly, patient Creator! Illumine our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds to your Divine Presence in all our activities today.  Lord, please grant courage, focus, and clarity to our students returning to school. Lord, please grant understanding, peace, and wisdom to all of us who are students under your tutelage. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In JESUS name. AMEN. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!
Love and Light,
Carol

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"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

Milk, Please!

While I was in Belize as an "other" (you know, the one with the different color skin and other culture) way back in 1981, I was stretching, growing, learning, and living sans milk. Mmmmmmm... I love a glass of cold milk with my chocolate cake, apple pie, chocolate chip cookies, yep, even bowls of popcorn. (plurals are intentional) I was on village study in a tiny little town called Calcutta in the northern part of the country near Corozal where I slept in a windowless, closet-type room with cement walls and floor, bathed from a bucket, and used another bucket to... well, anyway.... 

"Would you like water with lime or a glass of milk?" the kind and generous mama asked me.   

"MILK! I would love a glass of milk!I haven't had any milk for 6 weeks!"  I blurted out without considering things like "there are no cows," and "there is no refrigeration."

My host family beamed at my excitement and brought me a giant Bloomberg-bannable size of something whitish, something liquidy, something that tasted absolutely nothing like milk.  They watched with smeyes (I confess: I learned that term from America's Next Top Model although I'm not sure I'm using it quite right--smiling eyes, for those of you in the dark.) as I sipped from the plastic tumbler. With each gulp, I outwardly smiled and nodded, while inwardly I gagged and cringed, definitely not smeyesing. Goat's milk? Powdered milk? Something else entirely? To this day, I do not know, and perhaps that is as it should be. 

I feigned enjoyment of the drink, but my delight and gratitude at being in their humble home was genuine.  I was a stranger being welcomed with incredible kindness and hospitality. In community and communion, we shared together, limeades for them and something totally foreign for me; I drank every abominable drop. Oh, that I would behave so politely and be so appreciative no matter where I am or who I am with!  After all, aren't we merely strangers and guests on this earth until we return home? 

Brother Mick's message title this week is "On the Road Again" with the sermon text from Hebrews 11:1-3; 8-16. Additional texts are Psalm 33:12-22 and Genesis 15:1-6. In his presermon notes Mick says, "it is helpful at times to remind ourselves that we share this world with billions of others, and that we are all interconnected in ways we may never realize.  Holding such a broad view of my 'at home-ness' in the world also reminds me that ultimately this place is not the end of all that has been promised us by God through Christ."  Please join us for fellowship at 9 a m and worship at 9:30 a m. 

As we think about "at homeness," we lift the Paul and Reba Hershey family in prayer as last week Paul passed from this life to the next. May peace and comfort cover the family.

A prayer for today: With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Ps 36:9  
Lord, the cacophony of our lives often swirls and confuses. Let us stop and listen to your voice as you sing to us a song of joy, unity, and love; chords of beauty, goodness, and peace. Grant us courage to join your choir, to match our voices with yours. Let the healing and hope that comes from you flow through us to our neighbors and enemies today. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus Name. Amen. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!
Love and Light,
Carol

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"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

Sometimes/Always

Sometimes, life sucks. Always, there is hope. 
Sometimes, responsibilities engulf. Always, there is help. 
Sometimes, people act like jerks. Always, there are wonderful people. 
Sometimes, change overwhelms. Always, there is transformation. 
Sometimes, I don't like myself. Always, I am God's beloved. 
Sometimes, my mood is pissy.  Always, God is good. 
Sometimes, it hurts so bad it seems death is the answer. Always, there is healing. 
Sometimes, life is scary. Always, Love is greater. 
Sometimes, life is lonely. Always, God is present. 
Sometimes it feels "Always" is swallowed by "Sometimes."  Darkness. Hopeless. Helpless. Drowning.Darkness. Hopeless. Helpless. Drowning. Darkness. Hopeless. Helpless. Drowning. 
Always, God is breath. Breathing in; YaH.  Breathing out; WeH. YaH WeH. YaH WeH YaH WeH.  Al ways.  Al ways. Al ways. 

Yes, it has been one of those weeks. sigh.  God is my breath. Always. And no, I am not in need of intervention. (at least not today) :)
(Thanks to Rob Bell for the image of YaH WeH breath...) 

I also want to present a challenge regarding a familiar phrase many of us use,
"But for the grace of God, there go I."
Doesn't that statement imply the grace of God is not with she/he of whom we are speaking?  Perhaps it would be better for us to say something like,
 "Reveal your grace, Jesus, to me through this sister/brother." 
OK, OK-- I will get off of my soapbox now.

Wow, August has arrived and with it Sunday School Sabbatical for the month.  We'll have fellowship from 9-9:25 AM with the worship service beginning at 9:30.  This week Brother Nelson will be bringing a message, "Christ, Our Focus" with Colossians 3:1-11 and Luke 12:13-21 as primary sources.  There are so many distractions around us. Christ is all, and in all. Yes, Lord, yes!

Steffan and Kate get married this weekend! May joy and abundant blessing bubble over in your lives as you begin this journey together!

Wednesday, August 7 is Family Fun in the Grove at 6 PM.  Volleyball, Bocce Ball, Kubb, Laughter, Conversation..... Bring food to accompany hotdogs!  :) Everyone is welcome!

You will find baskets in the lobby to place quality bath towels, bar soap, and toothpaste for hygiene kits to be provided along with the food pacs when school resumes.

A prayer for today: The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. God Shines forth. Psalm 50:1   
Majestic God, though you are all powerful and mighty, gentleness and peace are your fruit. Great God, though you are omnipotent and omnificent, patience and kindness are in your hands. Almighty God, though you formed the mountains and filled the seas, your love and care for your children is constant and merciful. Help us to focus on Jesus, author and perfector of living. Come Kingdom of God. Be done, will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name. AMEN. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!
Love and Light,
Carol

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"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