Last week as Cliff and I neared the end of our loooong journey to my parents' home in Illinois, I was scribbling like mad in my little journal.  Here are a few stanzas from that final hour of travel. I wish I had snapped a few photos too. My apologies to the English majors out there; I've not followed any poetic guidelines.... 

Clouds low, dark and ominous

Rolling, billowing

Farmland black and stretching, row upon row

Flat and rich

Blackbirds skydancing, kaleidoscope flowers

Swooping, synchronizing

Grain elevators reaching up like stalagmites

Unnaturally natural

   

Farm houses, deceptively lonely and disconnected

Veritably welcoming and neighborly

 Barns with window eyes and wide door mouths

Some containing more memories than hay and tractors

Broken down plows, manure spreaders, and wagons

Purposes fulfilled now serving as sculptures commemorating hard work and days past

I’m close now, so close

 Backroads, straight and empty; the memory drawer is opened, Laughing children, crying, teasing, singing, arguing on bus #4

Invisible children becoming visible only through my adult eyes—poor, so poor, dirty, troubled, smelly, abused.  Understanding awakened.

The beauty and familiarity of the prairie overwhelm me. The nostalgia of my homeland fills me with feelings of sadness, joy, pain, laughter, tears all jumbled into this body now over half a century old. For that which I see; for that which I experienced; I am so grateful. Illinois!

I wonder what it will be like for the refugee family who will soon be joining our church family. This move to the East was my choice, and I am able to travel home again. My Illinois family is able to come visit us. Even if our refugee family comes from horrible life circumstances, I've no doubt their hearts will be heavy with the sights, sounds, and tastes of their homeland they will miss; loved ones left behind. 

This Sunday Brother Nelson will be sharing the message "Are we there yet?" A sentiment that crossed my mind more than once as we traversed I 70 on Tuesday! His text is from 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 where the early church wonders if they missed the return of Jesus. "In the message, I hope to explore what the hope of the resurrection and the return of Jesus means to us." The worship service begins at 10:15 AM.

Please join us for singing in the Rec room at 9 AM

The wolf will be howling in the church tonight, all night. Some of you know exactly what that means! 

The young adult class will meet with the senior high youth for two more Sundays as we finish the "Jesus Is___" series.

My prayer for today:  I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because God is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:7-8
Creator God, thank you. You demonstrate your incredible love and grace and mercy through Jesus, yet we still struggle to understand and accept. We still tend to prefer walls, rules, and judgment to freedom, grace, and mercy. Thank you that you don't give up on us!  Thank you that you never leave us! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  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

I have this vague memory of Mrs. Miller's kindergarten classroom where we were all sitting near the windows on the tiled floor having show and tell. My friend Esther's dad was there, a big German farmer, and he put on a leather glove and reached into a box. What is it? What is it? What is Esther's show and tell?

All of us 5 and 6 year olds leaned in trying to be the first to see. With a big, broad grin, the man pulled out an ugly grey creature gripping her by the scruff of the neck. It had a pink nose and a long hairless tail . OOOOOH! It was an opossum!  This gruff man gently flipped the live creature over so we could see her belly. He told us to look closely. Nestled safely in a little pouch of her belly were babies!  Baby 'possums!
I probably don't want to know what Mr. Endress did with the opossums after show and tell, but I remember being amazed as we talked about how the mama kept her babies safely in her pocket.  On most of my of my encounters with these unattractive marsupials, my brain pulls open the file where that kindergartner saw her first mama opossum. Thank you, Mr. Endress!

The Bible has numerous places where images of creation are used to aid our understanding or provide poetic beauty. In the Luke 13:31-35 passage that Brother Mick will be sharing, Jesus draws on the idea of a mother hen. Once again God's mercy and compassion for people is expressed through Jesus as he desires to gather a murderous Jerusalem under his protective wings. Mick's message is called, "Driving My Dad."  (10:15am) Will I see you there?

There has been some work done in the Upper Room (9am) this week,

so I'm not sure if it will be ready for us or not. I'll be there with you to determine if we can meet in this place or need to find a different spot for this week. 

Some of you are entering that time of midterm exams with spring break close enough to smell. I will be praying you think clearly, remember what you've studied, and face exams, projects, and presentation with calm and confidence. 

This Sunday is the second Sunday of Lent.... We will take courage and wait on the Lord. 

Prayer for today: Bless the Lord, O my soul! You cover yourself with light as a garment and ride the wings of the wind. I will sing to the Lord! 
Merciful God, you desire for us to snuggle safely under your wings.  We are caught up in our busyness and lifestuff; who has time to do that?  Yet you tell us to come, and you will give us rest. Yes, we need that; we do! Let us heed your gentle voice and be comforted and filled. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name. AMEN.  

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/
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

I grew up in a small Midwest village http://www.tremontil.com/index.html where the majority of kids with whom I marched to "Pomp and Circumstance" were also present when we gawked at the second grade teacher crying on the playground asphalt after she broke her ankle playing the dangerous sport of tetherball, giggled when 'you know who' kissed a girl at the Lakeview planetarium, and visited the sewage treatment plant on a thrilling fifth grade fieldtrip. While walking uptown over school lunch to Duke's for the world's best hot fudge sundae, we watched in horror when one of our classmates was hit by a vehicle, and some of us got in trouble for shooting water with the air pistons in eighth grade science class. We knew one another forever; our parents knew each other for an eternity.
Imagine our guffaws when one of our high school classmates got a speeding ticket en route to pick up his girlfriend only to be welcomed to her house with a call from one of his parents saying, "Do you have something to tell me?" Keep in mind that our communication device(singular), aka the telephone, was attached to our kitchen walls. OH, wait, some of us did have the CB radio. Anyway, I don't know exactly what his mom/dad said, but I imagine it was something like that.  (Feel free to remind me of the details if you read this. You know who you are.)  :)  Word got around, not always accurately, but it spread like wildfire without tweets and texts.

This week Brother Mick's message is called, "Speaking the Party Line" with scripture text from Luke 4:14-22. Jesus read and spoke in his neighborhood church. There is a bit of excitement, and I imagine some hometown pride. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" There is good news!  Good news for all! The worship service begins at 10:15am, and I'll join you in the Upper Room at 9am. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Sunday, Feb. 3 the senior high youth will host the annual Amish Wedding Feast fundraising event in the 1990 hall following the service. Yum YUM! Please come to eat plenty and give generously.  The funds are needed to take us to the Mennonite Convention in Phoenix.

If you are considering baptism, let me know. A "discovery class" is being offered for late winter and early spring.

A prayer for today: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God's handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. Ps 19:1-2 
Creator God, thank you for your presence with us. You never leave us nor forsake us. Let our lives declare Your glory by the way we treat each other. Let your Spirit fruit be sweet and ripe within us, and let us share that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control with all of creation.  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

One Small Act

What was I thinking? (Here I go again!)  In January of 1989 I decided to fly from our Lancaster, PA home to Illinois with my less than 2 year old little girl.  Cliff wasn't able to take off work, but I wanted to see my family. Alana and I kissed Cliff good-bye and boarded a plane.  Central Illinois  in January. Yeah.
BRRRR SHIVER SHIVER BRRRR! 

Anyway, I tend to be confident, sometimes overly so, and positive, so I was ready for the challenges of traveling 790 miles with my little daughter. I love adventures, right?  The first leg of the journey went smoothly; Alana cooperated beautifully on the 9am flight which was smooth and without incident.  I visualized the hand of God holding the plane while lovely little butterflies flew alongside. I was smiling and serene, enjoying the chitchat with my fellow journeymen about my beautiful, big-eyed, well-behaved daughter. We landed in St. Louis, disembarked, and quickly found our connector to Peoria.  So far, so good.  Settling into our seat, I smiled while visions of Mom's BBQ danced in my wee little brain.The timing of this trip was working out perfectly! We should arrive at Grandpa and Grandma's in time for a late lunch and naps.
But we sat. We waited.  Alana squirmed. We sat some more. She squirmed even more.  (It is a known fact that Moser-Wenger children do not sleep anywhere but beds. Even a teeny provocation keeps them awake regardless of how exhausted they might be.) Sigh or rather, S I G H!

Then came "the voice."  No, not that of musical entertainers, but rather the calm, bass tones of the pilot.
"This is your captain speaking. There will be what we hope is a short delay. There seems to be an electrical issue with the plane."

OK, then. Part of my prayer had been for safety, so the fact that this problem was discovered before we were at a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet was a good thing, right?  I attempted to keep the positive speech circulating through my neurons as the challenge to cajole and distract an active toddler became more difficult. After an hour of 1000 years, the voice returned, "I'm sorry to tell you, folks, that we have to cancel this flight. See our friendly customer representatives at the desk to help you make a different connection. Have a nice day."

Have a nice day? Really? I gathered up my daughter and the kitchen sink. Following the advice of the voice, we waited in line for the next available customer representative who said, "Oh, you're in luck! There is a small plane leaving in 20 minutes for Peoria."   YES! We zipped across the airport (Ok, it was more like tripped, struggled, and slogged) to where the puddle jumpers were lodged and plopped ourselves in the ugly over sized seats to wait. Within a short time, boarding began. As Alana and I approached the impassive attendant she said, "It looks like this flight is overbooked. You'll have to catch a different flight. Sorry."

Do you know how in the second paragraph I said I tend to be overly confident and positive; that I was ready to handle the challenges of travel? Well, with Ms.Indifferent's utterance, any confidence and positivity I had remaining vanished into the stark reality of being a young mom who was feeling vulnerable, a little scared, and was travelling alone with a tired and hungry toddler. Bravado lasts only so long.  (Oh, in case you've forgotten, there is no such thing as a cell phone yet.) 

Alana with 2 of her Illinois Cousins

With a trembling voice and eyes welling with tears, I said, "But, I HAVE to go on this plane."
And that's when it happened. 
A business man in front of me turned around and said, "She can have my seat." He and his briefcase quickly scooted out of line, and I barely got out the magic words before he disappeared.

Wow.There was so much power and grace in those words and sacrifice, and yet that stranger had no idea of the beautiful gift he had just presented to us. Our life journeys have many challenges and difficulties, and I recognize this experience was very minor in the big scheme of life. For me, though, it serves as a reminder of the difference one small act, one caring sentence, one merciful moment, one kind word, one bowl of rice, one cup of clean water, one shared blanket, one open door, one umbrella, one sweet smile, one, yes, One! can do to bring healing to the world. 

As we enter this time of Advent, I challenge you to be alert, expectant, and active as God provides opportunities for us to share light and salt with those around us. Perhaps someday a woman or man will be writing about the action YOU took in offering one small act.

This week Mick will be sharing a message he is calling, "Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign" with his exegesis from Luke 21:25-36. "Jesus is the seed of hope in a bright future, a future in which God is made manifest...."  Our formal time of worship starts at 10:15am, and I'll be joining you in the Upper Room after singing in the Rec Room from 9-9:15am.

Here is the link for the bulletin index. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/index.php There are so many goings on!  Check them out!



Photo Decoupage Art donated by the Senior High Youth

There is a fellowship meal following the service on Sunday which will give you opportunity to peruse the items for Monday night's church auction.  :) 

 

 

Prayer for today:  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." Ps 91   

Loving God, you are ever present, ever open, ever inviting, ever caring.  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.  As we journey on this earth, Lord, show us your presence through one another that your Kingdom will be made known. 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."



"OH, this looks so soft," I said to my younger sister.

"And it's such a pretty pink too, "she replied. 

As children of 5 and 6 years old we were with my parents and sisters at the old Central Illinois farmhouse that they were restoring. Almost everyday when my mom and dad finished work, we would head to the country for my skilled father and my energetic mother to build, repair, paint, and install.  As young children we had a wonderful time exploring the creaky attic, big old barn, and "helping," but we would grow weary as the evenings would stretch into the night. Now we found the perfect place for a nap on long rolls of salmon-colored cushions in the area that would soon be our living room.



My 3 sisters and I playing Twister



At this moment some of you are saying, probably with a chuckle, "They did not!"  and I'll respond, "Yes, we did!"  Mary Jo and I lay down on the fiberglass insulation which, of course, resulted in itchy irritations and rashes! I vaguely recall my dad's head shaking and alarm when my parents discovered our napping place. 

Before the restoration began on that old house, I'm sure there were many who would have simply advised my folks to demolish it and start over.  However, my dad was skilled in such matters and my mom was a visionary, and both saw the potential of what turned out to be a wonderful home for my family.

Brother Mick's message title this week is "Restoration," and he'll be sharing from the text in Mark 10:46-52 in which Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, is healed. http://bible.oremus.org/  Unlike Baritmaeus whose healing and restoration is complete and immediate, the restoration in our own lives is often a difficult process and perhaps even painful. In his presermon notes Brother Mick says, " The restorations of our own lives, like old furniture or fine paintings, may take loads of time, elbow grease, and patience, but I believe God is at work on us if we will respond to the call."  I hope you will join us at 10:15am. If you can't, you can listen on-line at: http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/sermons/index.php

Etta will be joining you in the Upper Room this Sunday at 9am.

Would you like a sneak peak at this week's bulletin? :)http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf

Our dear Brother John has resigned his postion from Laurelville Mennonite Church Center. Peace and blessing, Brother. http://www.laurelville.org/lets-connect/news-and-stories/bid/137256/Executive-Director-Tenders-Resignation

It was great to hear from some of you this week! :)

A prayer for today:  O sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done marvelous things! Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! 

Lord God, we bring our fractured lives to you and seek healing and hope. Some of us are experiencing unspeakable pain, and we lay this at your feet.  Some of us are experiencing incredible doubt right now, and we lay this at your feet. Some of us are experiencing outrage right now, and we lay this at your feet.  Some of us are experiencing fear and uncertainty, and we lay this at your feet.  Restore us, O Lord, that your joy, love, and peace will fill us and overflow to all your creation.  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! Don't hesitate to 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

Going Home



My Cousin Sharon's Garden


Going home.  For me that means the verdant prairie lands of Illinois where the big country houses with the corn and bean fields between them seem to be lonely. But appearances are deceiving as neighborliness creates feelings of "family." Lanes are plowed by those with tractors and blades during snowy months; chili is shared when a big pot is made, and forget the eggs, sometimes a whole chicken is borrowed. :)

Growing up with my three sisters (I was #3 of 4 girls), I'm afraid I was the bossy one.  I was the possessive one--"you may not use my blue comb without asking," one. (Served me right when I lost it!)   I was the impatient one. I was the grumpy one. My younger sister had a pet name for me. Crabpot. Yep, that was me.

Although I still get occasional correspondence with the salutation, "Dear Crabpot," I think I've transformed into a person who isn't quite so grumpy, possessive, impatient, and bossy. (OK, OK-- The husband would say that sometimes the bossy boots come out of the closet.)  I remember quite a few years ago being home with my wonderful sisters and making a joke about something, and Whoa! I was momentarily flustered by their reaction to me until I realized they were hearing the voice of Crabpot not the person I had become.  I love returning to my childhood home, but I hope the voice of "Crabpot" is only a memory at which we can all chuckle.

Going home.   By thy rivers gently flowing.....

Brother Mick's message this Sunday is called, "It's Tough to Go Home Again," and he'll be expounding on Mark 6:1-13, the passage where Jesus returns to his hometown and is met with the "It's only Mary's son" attitude. http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=207724108  Having pastored in his home congregation, Brother Mick has an understanding of what "going home" means in the context of ministry. I hope you can join us at 10:15 for the worship service!

Etta will join you in the Upper Room this week at 9am.   :) Perhaps some of you young adults who joined the SWAP team will find your way up those stairs.... :) Thanks for your leadership and hard work in KY!

If you are looking for ways to continue to serve others (truly meaningful worship and kingdom building!), be in touch with me.

Remembering the Martin family with love as Ray's mom passed on earlier this week.  (Laura, I'm looking forward to continuing our conversation soon!)

My prayer for today: The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and all those who live in it; for God has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.  How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.  We Give thanks to you. We Call on your name;  let us make known among the nations your glorious kingdom.

Despite our brokenness; despite our forgetfulness; despite our unloving ways and impure motives you continue to  grant us grace and mercy—a love that endures forever! You are our hope and our salvation. Grant the readers of these words a renewed sense of your presence; a greater understanding of your love; healing and hope in their relationships and lives. 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

I don't remember the time of year, but I recall being in the kitchen with my dad and my younger sister in our Illinois country home when the first small bang occurred.  What was going on?  We ran to the window and heard another bottle rocket pop in the night sky near our house.  Now, you must understand, we lived on a gravel road with only 3 other houses.  This was an intentional "call out."  My dad began to grin. "You know, I have a whole drawer full of that stuff. Should we answer that?" 

Dad went to his stash and pulled out bottle rockets and other things that go boom, and the three of us headed outside.  For the next fifteen minutes we exchanged sky sprinkles and pops with some of our fun-loving neighbors thus a page in the infamous feud between the "Getzlemans and the Yahyeemans" was created.
Memories awakened of my Illinois neighbors today as I learned that Mom Phyllis is in the hospital. These now rarely seen friends are a meaningful part of my life story and are tucked in a special pocket of my heart.  Love and prayers for you, dear friends!

The focus statement in this week's bulletin reads, "We give up everything to follow Jesus and in turn gain everything--as Abraham and Sarah did when they accepted God's generous covenant and committed themselves to a walk of faith. How can we, too, sign on to the journey, following the footsteps of our ancestors in faith and responding to God's initiating call to let go of our lives for the sake of the gospel?"  Following, walking, journeying, this week Sister Joanne Dietzel will share a message she is calling "Is Anything Too Difficult for God?"  Our sister will draw our attention to the story of Sarah and her journey in signing on with God. 
There are lots of events happening at Ridgeview, so here is a peek at this week's bulletin for all the news.  http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf

I certainly want to highlight the Amish Turkey Dinner. (Tynea, did you see this??) :) The senior high youth with the help of Theresa, chef extraordinaire, will be preparing the annual Amish Wedding Feast, which is our best fundraiser.  I hope you can join us immediately after the service.

Anthony is home recovering from his surgery.  Let's keep praying for him and his family in this challenging journey.

I hope that for those of you who have spring break this week, you find refreshment and renewal and experience God's presence in new ways.

Mim has surgery next week-- praying, praying!

As we prepare to celebrate Ridgeview's 50th anniversary, we are putting together a cookbook of  our favorite recipes.  Would you like to submit one?  The deadline is March 25.

My prayer today:  Compassionate God, you invite us to join you on life's journey so that we don't have to travel alone.  Never do you leave us nor forsake us.Heb. 13:5  Help us to understand how wide, how long, how high, and deep is your love for us.Eph 3:18   As your love grows in us, our fears diminish-- our fears of circumstances, strangers, death, failure... Grant us courage, Lord, to trust you today.  Wrap us in your light and love that we are filled with the healing and hope that comes from 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

Tromping through the timber was a favorite activity of my sisters and I. We especially loved it when Grandma Moser would don Grandpa's bib overalls and head out to the blackberry patch. (Oh, I wish I had a photo!) One hot summer Illinois day when Grandma was costumed and had her bucket in hand, a whole procession of us decided to join her. Diana, Karen, Mary Jo, myself, Lassie, and of course the felines, Rascal, Tiger Lily, Fluffy, Angel, and PJ led the parade on the cow path through the woods. Many days the creek was dry, but this time there was a nice gurgling stream of water. My sister Karen was concerned the kitties couldn't cross the stream, so she put one of them (I don't remember which one) on her shoulder and took a giant leap over the brook.  I'm sure someone understanding Newton's laws could offer a scientific explanation for what happened, but what I know is that Karen's body crossed the creek, but since the cat didn't leap with her, the claws came out and desperately tried to hold on to a moving girl and slid all the way down her back. OOOOUCH! (Happy Birthday, Karen! Thanks for the idea, Korinne!)

OK, how does this tie into the message.... ummmmmmm... doesn't really although Mick will be talking about idols, and the Egyptians had many graven images of cats. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastet

This week Brother Mick is back in the pulpit with a message he has titled, "Accustomed to Idols" with sermon text from I Corinthians 8:1-13. http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=194453063 In his preparatory notes our brother states, "We are surrounded by idols in our society, and we have, for the most part, become immune, habituated, uncaring, and just plain accustomed to it all."  You are invited to join us for what is sure to be an insightful look at ourselves and an opportunity to transform.

Stephen and his friend Lizzie will be leaving on a mission trip with Lizzie's church next week.  If you've ever been with Steve on a work project, you know that much will be accomplished! Blessings!

The Upper Room will be open as usual on Sunday morning.
It was great to see Eric Y. on Wednesday night!

My prayer for you today:  Creator God, whether our hearts are glad or sad today, you alone are our fortress and hope.  We lay our hopes and fears, our joys and sadnesses, our anger and resentments, our agonies and expectations at your feet. You don't stomp on them with disdain or annoyance. No. As a gentle parent you take what we give, and you offer forgiveness of our sinfulness, healing and wholeness in our brokeness, and laugh with us in our joy. By your Spirit and your ultimate love on the cross, we become your children, ambassadors of your kingdom way. 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

Repent! For the Kingdom of God is at hand!

I never talked about it, never.  Not when it happened. Not during the "D" years. Not even after reconciliation. But because it was like a cancer eating away at me, silence was no longer a viable option. My parents divorced when I was in 5th grade.  I was at school, and one of my classmates asked me, "I heard your parents are getting a divorce; is that true?" Well, I certainly knew my parents were having problems, but the "D" word had not been talked about with my sisters and I, so I flatly denied it. When my sisters and I got off of the school bus, my mom was waiting to talk to us... Now I was not only broken with sadness, I also felt like a liar. (I'm not sure if I ever told my family this....)

I don't remember ever telling any of my childhood friends that my parents divorced.  (Friends who may be reading this, do you recall?) I was asked point blank by a neighbor on the bus, "Is it true about your parents?" and I looked straight ahead and pretended not to hear him.  I had a birthday party to which my dad came and then left for the night. One of the girls asked, "Where is your dad going?" I again had deaf ears while some of the other girls laughed that "awkward moment laugh."

 This was small town, USA, and in an era and area where divorce was still relatively rare, I was too embarassed to talk about my family situation. Sadly, the Christian community was not always "grace full" or at least that was my perception.

 My parents remarried one another a few years later, but I still didn't talk about the divorce or the other wounds of my heart.  My thoughts and emotions were my own, and I was too ashamed to share.  But because my silence was like a cancer eating away at me, I realized I had to learn to be more open. When I left for Goshen College http://www.goshen.edu/ , I made a deliberate decision to be more transparent; to share my hurts; admit my foibles; and be "real."  I changed directions and chose to walk in the light. Most wouldn't define this as "repentence" but I do. For me this was in many ways a life-saving turn around; consciously or perhaps even unconsciously I was trusting in my Creator's unconditional love for me in spite of myself or my circumstances.

 Brother Mick will be sharing a message he is calling, "Beetles, Baptism, and Change" from Mark 1:4-11. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1%3A4-11&version=NLT   As John the Baptist calls us to repentence and focusing on Jesus, so Mick will be challenging us to explore what repentence is all about. I hope you can join us!

We will meet in the Upper Room at 9am. Come one, come all! Church begins at 10:15am.  There will be a fellowship meal on Sunday, and you know it will be yummy!

Some of our college students return to school this weekend. Blessings to you in the new semester!

Please keep praying for Anthony, Mim, their families and others with health concerns.

Taylor leaves Thursday for a semester in Guatamala and Mexico with Eastern Mennonite University's cross-cultural program so let's pray for her too. http://www.emu.edu/crosscultural/  As her mom I am very excited that she has this opportunity. (Ok, I admit to a little trepidation...)

My prayer for you today:  Creator God, you love us so much you became one of us-- to teach us and demonstrate your unconditional love. As students return to classes, remind them of your presence.  As Anthony and Mim receive treatments, guide the healthcare workers and grant peace and healing.  As Taylor and her team travel to Guatamala and Mexico, open their eyes and hearts to experience you in deep and meaningful ways.
Help us to turn around, to repent, to see you, experience you, and be transformed into the persons you've designed us each to be that we can be salt and light--bearers of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control, to a world that is striving to taste the salt of Goodness and walk in the light and truly See . Come Kingdom of God. Be Done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven.  In the name of Jesus. AMEN.

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too! Call/Text me sometime. :)
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   

In the near future, expect to see some changes and improvements in our website.
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a day of gratitude and fellowship in some way or another yesterday, and I hope you continue to live life in thankfulness.  I'm revamping a post from July relating to Thanksgiving for this week.  I hope you don't mind!

The gravel road a few miles from my Illinois home led down to the Mackinaw River and the old bridge. It was one of those structures that we describe as rustic and rickety... could we really drive across it?  Would I fall through if I walked across it? The road and the bridge were scenic and beautiful in the way of postcards, but across the river spanned by the creaky bridge, the scalp prickled and tales of legend were told.  You see, on the other side of the river was a sad, rundown house which, although appeared uninhabited, was the home of a recluse.  A man who was notorious in our small community with stories of pulling out the shotgun to pepper folks who entered his property, drinking and bathing in the muddy river water, squirrelling away a fortune.... Of course, this made him the subject of pranks and dares by the area's fearless and foolish.

This changed for me one Thanksgiving; my mom began building a new bridge.  You see, she was driving to our rural home which wasn't far from the scary man's shack, and she saw him walking along the road.  Well, the next thing we knew, there was going to be an additional guest for our Thanksgiving feast!   I don't recall many of the details of that dinner other than he was very scruffy, ate lots of bread and drank tons of water which perhaps prepared him for his stint in prison for tax evasion a year or so later.  But he was also very polite, very grateful, and treated my mother like a queen. My mom bridged a gap between us and our neighbor as I realized that at our table was a broken, old man. and one of God's own.  Fear: it keeps us from stepping on that seemingly rickety bridge, doesn't it. 

In reflecting on my childhood Thanksgiving feasts, we often seemed to have a few extra guests, residents from the local nursing home, college friends, or the local recluse who may not have liked the traditional rutabagas cooked in bacon grease but was thankful none the less.  Hmmm... Have I forgotten my Midwest hospitality? 

Brother Mick's message this week is, "O God, Where Are You?"  I suspect we've all thought or uttered those words at various stages of our lives.  I know I have.  The scripture passage is Isaiah 64:1-9 with its powerful words and images of a people frustrated and impatient when their reality wasn't the lovely home picture they envisioned. As this is the first Sunday of Advent with its waiting, longing, and preparation for the Messiah, the message is appropriate.  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+64%3A1-9&version=NIV;NLT 

I hope to see some of you college students in the Upper Room on Sunday at 9a.  You'll be surprised at the changes in the room!  We'll soon be ready to decorate.  :)

Please continue to be in prayer for Anthony and his family as he begins chemo on Monday. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 7- 7pm there will be a service of Hope and Remembrance at Ridgeview to bring our hurts, losses, and loneliness to lay at the feet or our Lord.  For some of us these holiday times are painful and difficult, and it is important to acknowledge this and journey together.

My prayer for  today:  Creator God, we praise you!  Though at times our journeys are difficult and lonely, you never leave us nor forsake us.  Give us pause to recognize your presence.  Surround Anthony, his family, and others who are in pain or struggling with your light, hope, and healing. Restore us, Lord, make your face shine on us. Let your healing and hope flow through us to a despairing world.  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

Some of you have heard this story before, so I hope you don't mind that I'm sharing it again. 

"You're nuts!" is what I heard, and I got "the look" from others when friends and family discovered I  was going to drive to Illinois from my Lancaster County, PA home with our 3 little girls; Alana almost 6, Korinne almost 3, and Taylor, 14 months.  Cliff wasn't able to get away from work, but I had not been to visit my family since well before Taylor was born, and I was going to take the minivan and go, just me and 3 little girls. Yeah, I had the usual questions bouncing around my brain, afterall the journey was a minimum of 13 hours drive time not counting stopage.  What if we had car trouble or an accident?  What if I got sleepy? How am I going to entertain the girls?   How am I going to go to the bathroom?  What if one of the kids gets sick?  But I was determined.

As I finalized my plans, I began really praying about the trip.  A guest speaker had challenged us to not pray for travelling safety, but rather to pray for an interesting trip that allows us to see Jesus as we go-- or something like that.  I decided a solo trip with 3 little girls would be interesting enough, but I definitely wanted to see Jesus along the way!

Anyway-- it was Sunday morning, the day before my departure, and I brought my plans to my women's Sunday school class.  They prayed for me and committed to be in prayer  for the next 10 days.

A few hours later we were home eating lunch when the phone rang. 
"Carol, this is Joy.  I felt the Spirits's prompting, and I'd like to ride along with you to Illiniois.  I would come back to PA on the bus or train or something once we got there."

And people think I'm crazy? I told her I'd talk it over with Cliff and call her back.  I hung up the phone and started to cry. Now, you need to know I am  fiercely independent person with an  "I can do it myself" attitude. (I once attempted to change a flat tire by myself in the heart of an Indiana winter with 2 feet of snow on the ground; I failed.) I was deeply touched by Joy's offer but thought, I will do this myself-- afterall, won't Jesus be along too? 

Then the quiet voice in my head spoke. I've been praying about this trip, others are praying about this trip, and Joy Lapp, queenmother of small children, has offered to go with me.  God has provided Jesus to travel with me in the human form of Joy! "Why, Carol, are you refusing?"   So I called Joy back and said, "Yes, please!"

The trip took us 18 long hours; one of the girls threw up before we even got to Harrisburg, less than an hour down the road. But we made it. My pride (or was it feelings of unworthiness?) almost prevented me from receiving this amazing gift.  When I got home (which God provided help for too) I found a note in my church mailbox from one of the older saints who knew nothing about the trip dated the day we left for IL.  "Carol, our Sunday school class was encouraged to pray for a young mother this week, and I wanted you to know, I'm praying for you."   Joy and I have since had many amazing adventures together, and she continues to bless my life and the lives of others over and over again by her openess to hearing and obeying the voice of the Spirit.   Love ya, Joy!

This week Brother Mick will be sharing a message he has titled, "No Bootstraps Here" expounding on the unity of our fellowship together and the way we struggle with allowing others to share our burdens.  Philippians 3:4-14 is the sermon text and supporting passages are Isaiah 5:1-7 and Matthew 21:33-46.  We, together with Believers around the globe, will be sharing the bread and cup symbolizing Christ's presence among us and the "One Body" we are through Jesus. 

     In the Upper Room on Sunday, we will watch a video of Shane Hipps speaking at the Mennonite Convention in July.  If you've not heard him before, I think you will be challenged and inspired!
     Congratulations to Eric Yoder who passed all 4 parts of the CPA exam! :)
     Let's keep Craig Stoltzfus in our prayers as he begins a 2 week stint in Alabama with MDS working on repairs from tornado damage.

Brother Mick has knee replacement surgery on Monday. Think he will follow his own advice as he recovers and allow us to be a part of the healing? ;)

My prayer for you today:  Creator God, you are present in the stuff of our lives and invite us to be present with one another as a body, your body; laughing and crying together, helping one another with living and dying.  Open us, Lord, to your Spirit's guidance in our relationships.  Remove our fears, pride, and sense of unworthiness to receive the gifts you offer through your people.  Bless Craig as he serves you with MDS and builds new relationships in Birmingham. Thank you, Lord, for Eric's gift of a sharp mind.  Thank you, Lord, for Joy who embodies your love and service to so many and especially me.  Your word tells us that when we have love for one another, others will know whose we are.  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

 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:8-9

When I was a little girl, we lived in the green and yellow house right across from the Tremont Elementary School.   I had just learned to ride a two-wheeler starting on the diminutive red bike with training wheels, and then switching to the bigger blue and silver bicycle of my older sisters. I convinced my parents to let me ride alone around the block to the other side of the school; so off I went, a bit wobbly at first but was soon flying like the wind, loving the freedom, and feeling the whoosh of air. I’m sure I had a grin like a big slice of watermelon plastered on my freckled face. 

       When I got to the other side of the grade school, I decided to stop and swing at the empty playground for a few minutes; after all, I was now independent!  I knew where the bike rack was and headed straight for it, not altering my speed, just focusing on the narrow slot on the empty stand.  BAM! I got my parking space and promptly flipped off my bike. I was jarred pretty good, but not really hurt.  I quickly realized I had a problem that was worse, much worse than a few scrapes and bruises.  The bolts on the front tire were wedged between the rungs of the bikerack, and it was stuck.  I couldn’t go for help, my parents may never let me ride alone again! My parents’ permission for me to ride around the block had not included the swings and sliding board. 
     Maybe if I would push on the bike tire with my foot, I’d be able to get it free.  I sat on the ground and put my foot on the wheel and pushed and pulled.  You guessed it! My foot got wedged with the tire between the metal rungs.  Now I was in a pickle. 
Picture this: Kindergartner on the ground- next to the bike that is stuck in the bike rack- foot stuck between the bike tire and the metal bar. I was trapped, and had I been a coyote I would have begun to chew off my foot.

      I began to cry.  A teenage boy was riding past on the street. He could have laughed at my predicament.  He could have ignored me, not wanting to become involved; he could have waved his friends over to laugh at me. He could have scolded me for my stupidity.  But he came over to this silly little girl and got down on his knees beside me.  I don’t remember him saying anything at all to me, but he carefully and gently dislodged my foot and then removed the bike from the rack.  I don’t even know if I said, “Thank You" to my rescuer.

If anyone from Tremont reads this and knows who my savior was, I'd sure love to say thanks!  :) (I'm also not sure if I ever told my family this story!)

Our scripture passages this week are Psalm 145:1-9; Jonah 3:10-4:11; and Matthew 20:1-16.  I am preaching this week, (please pray for me!) and my focus will be on "God is Love" as the starting place for our faith, moving us beyond tolerance to true compassion for each other.  I've been thinking about this quote from Henri Nouwen, “The word “faith” is often understood as accepting something you can’t understand…However, when Jesus talks about faith, he means first of all to trust unreservedly that you are loved (by God) so that you can abandon every false way of obtaining love.”  Show Me the Way, p. 84.  I hope you can join us!

The Upper Room will be hosting Sarah and Jason Rohrer this week. It won't be long and it will be Sarah, Jason, and Baby Rohrer!   I hope to join the group as well.  Is there anyone who can bring a snack?

Brother Mick is heading to Michigan on Saturday for a week of golf and fun (hopefully!) before his upcoming knee replacement surgery. He will be back in PA preaching on World Communion Sunday, Oct. 2 before he goes under the knife on October 3.

My prayer for you this week:  Creator God, you are ever merciful, compassionate, and slow to anger.  We thank you, and we rest in that love today.  As you love us, give us the courage to love others.  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://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