The call came Sunday afternoon after I had taught a women's Sunday school class. Our topic was "walls" that divide. My primary point had been "walls" were within ourselves not "out there." 
Our responsibility as followers of Jesus was to bring down our own walls. Judgment, Preconceived ideas, self righteousness, suspicion, dislike... because of Religion, Race, Income, Employment, Gender...

"Carol, I really don't agree with your point.  If they wouldn't act in such ways... If they would be more responsible...They aren't following the truth... They.... If they.... They...." 

I was glad this sister had  taken the time and had the courage to call for further discussion. We agreed to disagree on many points, and now, many years later, I feel more strongly about this than ever. I am responsible for my own walls and actions which should be determined by Jesus with guidance from the Holy Spirit, not by someone else's issues, inactions, actions, or religion. I would have been deprived of some amazing friendships, blessings, and teachings if I had waited for the other person to change before building a relationship. I have a few more bricks within me that need to be removed. Lord, keep me open to your transformation. 

This week Brother Mick's sermon text is Acts 11:1-8 with additional passages from Psalm 148 and Revelation 21:1-16 with a title "Them and US."  Peter is speaking to the other believers who are critical of him for fraternizing, yes, even accepting the Gentiles as part of God's family.  Micks says, "But Peter relates to them the story of his vision and the reality that within God's kingdom any sense of us versus them is not to be found." 

Nelson begins a time of sabbatical, so this is his last Sunday at Ridgeview for a time. He and Pat will be journeying across the big water to explore, learn, and grow. We wish them God's peace and blessing! 

Congratulations to Korinne and Ian who both graduate from Eastern Mennonite University this Sunday!  That's where I will be! :) http://www.emu.edu/

A prayer for today:  See, the home of God is among mortals; he will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more; for the first things have passed away. Creator God, you continually create, transform, and renew.  Let us be malleable in your hands that we may become the persons you desire and designed us to be. Reveal yourself to us in new ways. Some of us are hurting, lonely, and struggling; life's uncertainties are overwhelming us. Have mercy, Gentle God.  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! 
Need to talk?  Contact me! 

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

In the cloud and swirl of chaos and darkness, the steadfast and unwavering glow of Light is present. 
Find hope. Find peace. Find love. 

We are tempted to hide, to fight, to hate. 

Live hope. Live peace. Live love.  

And the LIGHT will at last overcome all the shadows. Kingdom of God. On Earth. As it is in Heaven. COME! 






NPR http://www.npr.org/ is playing in the background providing updates on the violence and threat in the city of Boston, home to our daughter Alana and her husband, Michael, as I write these

words.
Violence feeds violence. Hate breeds hate.

Boston statue honoring firefighters

Earlier this week I listened as a reporter in Baghdad shared that bombings and violence have become a macabre norm. sigh.
In the same way we are all responsible for nailing the Christ to the cross, we are all accountable for perpetuating hate and violence in our world by our choices of hate, violence, and fecklessness. Brothers and Sisters, let us make choices for Light in the name of Jesus.   Now, I say this and acknowledge I've never been truly put to the test....

Psalm 23 is one of the ancillary texts this week. Perfect.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 
   He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters; 
   he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
   for his name’s sake. 

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
   I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
   your rod and your staff—
   they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows. 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
   my whole life long.

Brother Mick will be exploring the role of the shepherd caring for the sheep with his primary text from John 10:22-30. Seems apropos. 

"Who's Coming to Dinner?" presents an opportunity for you to join someone for lunch after church. This is always a great opportunity for fellowship and food.   

Prayer for today:  Do not worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Psalm 37

You, Lord, are our gentle parent. You, Lord, are our shelter. You are our hope and our guide. Have mercy on us, Lord. Reveal yourself to us, Lord. Open our eyes to see your steadfast Light and hope.  Great Comforter, grant peace, healing, and ease to the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Boston as well as other places in our world that are enveloped in violence, pain, and hate. Help us not to be afraid but to have a greater understanding of your love for each and every one of us. 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! Need to talk?  Contact me! 

Love and Light, 

Carol

"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

 CHAOS reigned. Hate. Judgment. Despair. Death. Famine. War. Fear.
 Souls were filled with darkness.
Light swirled in the darkness but few were able to grasp it.

GOD spoke. "My children. Follow me. My Kingdom is at hand. Love. Compassion. Hope. Life. Feasting. Peace. Courage.
I'm here. Follow me. I will show you the Way."

CHAOS continues to pull and shout, "Mistrust! Distrust! Hate! Be afraid! Enemies, all around!"

GOD whispers, gently and constantly, "Trust! Hope! Love! Courage! Sisters and Brothers, all around!
This is my Kingdom way. Come, my children, come, and I will give you life, and joy, and rest."

Come Kingdom of God. Be done, will of God, here, on Earth as it is in Heaven. 


Brother Mick's message this week is with sermon text of John 21:1-19, and he has titled it, "Swatting Flies." Boy, living here in Lancaster county we understand that imagery! In his pre-sermon notes Mick says, "We are so used to adding or subtracting, embellishing or polishing our own life stories, that sometimes I think it distracts us from following Christ more fully."  I do not embellish the stories I write in this blog, honest! ;)
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

The senior high youth will present "International House of Coffee: Bean There, Done That" Sunday evening at 6:30.  Music, skits, desserts, jokes, guitar interludes, :)  and MORE!  This is, of course a fundraiser to defray our costs to the Mennonite convention in Phoenix, but we are hoping it is more of a FUNdraiser.

Prayer for today:  Praise God, sun and moon, praise God, all you shining stars! Praise God, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For God commanded, and they were created.  Let the people sing praises! Even the stones will cry out if all others are silent. Praise God!  Creator God, grant us courage to follow your Kingdom Way. Lord, we desire to truly listen to your gentle whisper and guiding light, but we aren't disciplined enough to really listen and see.  Help us, Lord! Give us understanding and clear vision to see You! Thank you!  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

"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

(If you've been reading my blog for a few years, you've heard this story before.)    

 "If you touch her one more time I'm gonna smack you!" 

    While in a super store, I heard this voice screaming, yes, screaming at her child. Not exaggerating here.The sound of this voice reached all corners of the giant box.  I was curious, ok, nosy, so I moved my cart close enough to see what was happening. There was a haggard, young woman pushing a cart with an infant girl in the seat and a toddler in the basket. 
      After a quick look, I moved on.  The yelling continued.  There was no whisper between clenched teeth, this was out and out shrieking. In the store. Yelling. Loudly.  By now every being in the store knew this little guy's name.
     What was wrong with that woman?  Why did she keep bellowing? I tried taking my shopping to the other end of the store, but I could still hear her, "You little brat!  Knock it off!"  
     Like watching a horror movie, I wanted to know what was going to happen but felt powerless to do anything but see how it all played out. 
     Why doesn't one of those workers with the smiley faces on their smocks do something?  Where is the manager?  Maybe someone should call Child Protection!     
      I tried to shop.  I tried to shut out the frenetic, screeching voice. This female beast didn't deserve to be a mother. This woman was horrible!  Someone should do something!!  If she's like this in public, what's she like in private? Shoppers were exchanging knowing glances and shaking their heads in disdain. 

     "Daughter, you are someone," said a tiny voice in my head.  "You are a mother. You love children. You love me. You even teach parenting classes." 

      Was the voice smiling?  I don't want to get involved. Nope. I don't know what to do. This isn't my problem. The manager of the store should be doing something. I was afraid. What if..? What if....?

     "'What if' what? You are mine, and I love her too.  There is another way." 

     The quiet voice in my head was reminding me of my parentage, of my new birth and transformation. The murmur inside my head was reminding me that "love" was now written on my heart and in my mind. Fear was supposed to be gone. But "self" still debated.  "I don't know what to do.  Why me? Shouldn't the store people be dealing with this?"

     "Think, Carol. You know." 

     Meanwhile, back in aisle 7, the little boy continued to be harangued obtrusively by his young mother.

     OK... death to "SELF!"  LOVE triumphs over fear.  "OK, Lord, show me a way."

"Get in the way. Just get in the way."

I understood "get in the way" to be the motto of the Christian Peacemakers Team. http://www.cpt.org/  
Could merely being a gentle presence with this conflicted young mom and her children really make a difference?
      "Yes, Daughter, you can do that." 

     With a sigh and trembling knees,I maneuvered my shopping buggy into the aisle alongside the the two very young children and the uber frazzled mom. There seemed to be an invisible barrier around them; there were no other shoppers in any direction within 1,000,000 feet. I pretended to be interested in the baby bottles and formula on the shelf.  The little children immediately took an interest in me which changed the behavior of the "naughty" boy. I smiled at them; they smiled at me. I started talking to the children in what I hoped was a nonthreatening way. I asked the mom their ages-- 10 months and 22 months. No wonder she looked bankrupt. I commented on how cute they were. I acknowledged to mom how frustrating it can be to shop with young children and how exhausting those early years are.  I continued to talk to the children, now smiling and pleasant, and for the first time in 15 minutes, the mom breathed. She defused. She relaxed. She spoke in gentler tones to her babies. She became aware of herself, her children, the others in the store.  She asked her son if he liked a toy she picked up. After about 5 minutes of chatting, I offered God's blessing to her, and I moved on finishing my shopping in peace and quiet.     

Could I/Should I have done more?  Yes. Sometimes I wish I had a "do over" on this experience.  But at least I entered the pain. When I claim God as my parent, it means being "reborn" to step onto the Kingdom Way. Love becomes the motivator rather than fear.  I felt like I took a baby step that day on the Kingdom road. Or is it simply, "Getting in the WAY."

Brother Mick's message on Sunday is called, "Fear is Overcome" with the scripture text from John 20:19-31. The disciples were in hiding in fear but Jesus appeared and called them to a different way. Mick asks, "How do we incorporate that "fear not" into our own lives in the here and now?"  Please join us at 10:15 am on Sunday for the message and worship, and at 9 am for 15 minutes of singing in the rec room followed by Sunday school. 
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Do you remember those youth group dinner theaters of which some of you took part?  This year's senior high youth group will be hosting a coffee house reminiscent of those days. Sunday, April 14 at 6:30 pm is the start time for "International House of Coffee: Bean There, Done That!"  We'll have lots of fun!  Come out and join us! 

I had the sweet pleasure of holding Claire Lynn Siegrist this week. :) 

A prayer for today:  O, Lord, how abundant are your works!  How amazing is your love that conquers all fears!  Grant us enough faith in your ever-present love to step into your Kingdom WAY knowing that You will never leave us nor forsake us. Work, studies, relationships,and tasks can distract us from Your Way OR, we can pause and recognize You with us in all circumstances. Life is sometimes so hard. Help us, Lord. 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
Keep in touch! 



For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38-39


"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

Years ago, Cliff and I team taught a couples' Sunday school class.  Our method of team teaching generally meant we took turns planning and leading with the other providing support.  A lesson that Cliff taught has stayed with me not only for the truth presented but also for the shock value!
I don't recall which scripture passage we were discussing, but the concept was "Where do you put your hope and trust?"
He began by pulling items from a backpack.
     Is your hope in money? Credit cards? Lottery tickets?
     Do you put your trust in stocks or bonds?
     Pulling out a pay stub, he asked, "Is your hope and trust in your job?"
I don't really recall what all he had in that bag other than that he pulled out a gun. Not a toy, but a real pistol. (Why he even has a hand gun is another story.)  To say I flipped out might be putting it mildly! This was, after all, a Mennonite, peace loving church! Yet, I dare say, his point was made and understood.
     I wonder if the others in the class remember that lesson. I wonder how many of us put our hope and trust in the power of worldly might and strength.  I wonder how many of us have confused wealth, strength, and redemptive violence with the way of Christ.

 

After all, on this Friday, this Holy Friday, this Good Friday, this most painful of days, do we not remember that the Christ, our Jesus, allowed violence at our hands to nail him to a cross and then demonstrated that love defeats all.  Love has the final word. Do we believe it? Do we live it?

God shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 2: 4  

May it be so!

This evening at 7 pm there is a service at Ridgeview. You are welcome to attend. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/
The senior high youth  joined by some adults have worked hard to prepare for the 8:15 am Early Service on Sunday.  Breakfast follows at 9 am, and worship at 10:15 am.

Brother Mick's message is called "High Hopes," with the scripture text John's account of the resurrection. In his presermon notes Mick states, "The hope we feel and share with one another on this Easter morning is diminished if we do not put it into action in the way we care for the children of God in all walks of life and degrees of faithfulness."
I hope you are able to join us for the morning celebration!

A prayer for today: And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals one of the right and one of the left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:33-34  Thank you, Jesus.  Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Come Kingdom of God. Be done, will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

I can't wait for a snuggle with Claire Lynn who was born yesterday to Melissa and Jeff!

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

For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38-39

Love and Light,
Carol

"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

Time for a lighthearted and irrelevant tale. Pay attention, Grovies!  Last week I saw the parents of a student I had while serving as school librarian at Locust Grove http://lancastermennonite.org/campuses/locustgrove/index.php , and his mom reminded me of a story that had us both laughing.


A regional gathering of librarians from the area Christian schools was taking place in my little space (Ohhhhh, exciting!) and most had arrived. (Ummmm.... and yes, some of them fit the stereotype I was attempting to break!) I'm sure you'd be shocked to hear that there was quite a clamor in the room as my desk telephone rang. One of the local school districts was calling for a reference for "Marshall" who was one of my students. I explained that this was not a good time to chat, so she instructed me to call later and leave a message.

When the last bibliognost had cleared out at the end of the day, I called the number given me and left a glowing review for this fine student wondering why they needed it. "Marshall is very active, but he follows directions well and is very respectful. Marshall is well liked by others and doesn't fight."
As I was driving home that evening I began thinking about my day and started cogitating on this student reference. Such an odd thing, really.  Then it hit me like a ton of books; my friend Marsha had asked if I would be a reference for her, and she had the same last name as Marshall.  Oh brother! I did it again!

First thing in the morning I called the number at which I had left the erroneous message.  As soon as I said my name, the woman on the other end of the phone busted up laughing. Yep. Uh-huh. I'm really glad to report that Marsha got the job in spite of her reference.

Laughter. Have you had some today?

Our Neighbors :) 

Brother Mick's message this week is called "Discipleship is not a Spectator Sport" with the sermon text being Luke 19:28-40. http://bible.oremus.org/ This is the story of the "triumphal entry" where Jesus' disciples follow Jesus' directions to find a colt, place their cloaks over the beast, and then help Jesus mount. Brother Mick will challenge us to consider the active role of the disciples and how we, too, might be vessels of God's kingdom work if we live in active, humble service proclaiming the good news rather than joining in with the power brokers and violent ways of our world. Listen on-line or better yet, join us for the service to see if I'm on track with this estimation.  Henri J.M. Nouwen says in his book Show Me The Way, "The spiritual life does not remove us from the world but leads us deeper into it...Having become sons and daughters as Jesus was Son, our lives become a continuation of Jesus' mission."
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/
Holy Week Services: Maundy Thursday 6:15 pm, Good Friday 7 pm,  Early Easter Service 8:15 am, Easter Breakfast 9 am, Easter Worship Service 10:15 am.

This is the last week for our Sunday School electives. In what would you be interested for our next elective?

Brrrr... shiver, shiver, brrr! Come on Spring!

The quizzers are en route to Ohio. I can't think of this trip without thinking of Nancy, her family and the quiz team of that year. Remembering with love.

If you've not looked at Tynea's facebook page lately, now would be a great time to do so!! :)
Melissa, Jeff, and Brooke, I'm praying for you as you prepare to welcome Claire to your family next week!

Prayer for today: How precious is your steadfast love, O God! Under the shadow of your wings we take refuge. You are the fountain of life, and in your light do we see light. Psalm 36:7,9   Loving God, thank your for never leaving us nor forsaking us. Please grant an awareness of your Presence to the quizzers; please grant comfort and safety to Melissa and Jeff. We remember Nancy with love and ask for her family to have an extra measure of peace. Sometimes our lives sound like the cacophony of migrating blackbirds, and we don't listen for Your voice. We don't hear Your voice.  Let us be still and know You. For You are the hope, joy, and light of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. 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
"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

At some point in this busy week, I grabbed a few minutes of outside time enjoying the beauty of God's creation. I usually feel like a visitor to the peace and beauty of nature, but this week I was overcome with a sense of unity recognizing that we, too, are God's genesis called to be not only a part of  God's natural world but also caretakers of it.

Take less than 4 minutes and watch my little slideshow with the melodious notes of my friend Jeff Raught  (http://jeffraught.com/ ) slow dancing with the piano, then make sure you get outside and soak up some natural peace. :)

Wings Over Wengers :)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilRmLYqp_6s

This week Brother Nelson is sharing a message titled, " And the real value is...."  We are continuing with our Lenten material and overarching theme of "Ashamed No More: Christ Has Made Us His Own." Scriptures are Isaiah 43:16-21, John 12:1-8, Psalms 126 and 119:9-16, and Philippians 3:4b-14. In his presermon notes, Nelson states, "God looks through our shame and declares we have value and are divine possessions." AMEN! I hope you can join us.

(At this moment a sweet little Carolina wren is serenading me. :) THANK YOU!)

We continue with Sunday school electives. I appreciated the discussion in the "Naked Anabaptist" class last week. You'll find me teaching senior high on this Sunday.  Here is the bulletin for details of the morning. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf

A prayer for today: I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King. Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:15& 19.  Loving Creator, thank you for your transforming love and care of us.  Thank you for the beauty of your creation which includes us. Thank you for walking with us, teaching, healing, demonstrating love. Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Grant us courage to trust in your love today in spite of our difficulties or because of our difficulties.... Either way, Love Wins. 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
"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