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

Out of Compassion

Is there any weariness greater than that of a mother after giving birth?  Her body is physically worn out from 40ish weeks of cradling and nurturing a life inside, perhaps while caring for other children.  Labor and delivery has taken her body to extremes that would bring humbleness to Shaun White (some of us even pulling muscles in our eyelids, of all places.)  HORMONES-- 'nuff said. Then she nurses that hungry little life who pulls calories and moisture from her being while latching  onto her breast so tightly she feels the chomp-down all the way  to her toes. Oh, the nighttime feedings, not just once, but sometimes 2-3X/night.. sigh... she hears the cry, takes a deep breath, throws back the covers, and stumbles out of bed to care for this needy, helpless little person.    (Let's hear it for husbands and grandmoms!) The morning arrives, and the first thought in her brain is, "I need a nap!"

Why do we do it? The love, of course! These little bundles of demand, I mean joy, are our responsibility, our DNA, our family. This is what we do, and hopefully, there are husbands and others around to offer assistance! The next thing you know, these little ones are grown up and getting married! :)

Although Mark 6:30-44 is familiar to me,  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%206:30-44&version=NLT this is the first time I related my experiences as a birth mom to this passage.  Perhaps the comparison is lost on you; perhaps you even find the comparison offensive for which I apologize. But it works for me.  Why did Jesus care for the throngs of people though he was desiring rest? Because he had compassion on the people; he loved the people; he felt responsibility. The disciple were not unlike husbands and grandmothers--the ultimate feeding of the people depended on Jesus, but they were much needed for this event.

Brother Nelson will expound further on this passage during the 10:15am worship service this Sunday in a sermon he is calling, "Discovering Jesus." Some of the children will be sharing the Beatitudes from Matthew 5 which dovetails nicely into the message.   http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205&version=NIV

Please keep praying for the many who are hurting in our congregation and in your own situations.  On the last page of each week's bulletin is a "prayer corner" which lists concerns and praises. 

Congratulations to Korinne and Ian on their engagement!  Whoohoohoo!  :)

I'm enjoying a lovely visit with my parents from Illinois this week. 

My prayer for today: Creator God, in your arms and care we are nourished and loved.  Thank you.  We need not call on you to be with us, for you never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you.  Grant us greater awareness of presence beside us.  Grant us greater understanding of your peace. Grant us greater understanding of your unending love and mercy.  For those who are suffering today, we ask that your presence will shine like comforting light and enveloping warmth. For those who are uncertain and struggling with decisions, grant wisdom.  Let us be bearers of your peace and love in a world that cries out in vengeance and hatred. 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

 

 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