Without fear...

What would life be like if we lived without fear?
I'm not talking about running with scissors or walking on the balcony railing of a 10 story building. I'm talking about life interactions. Life experiences. Life relationships. Life choices.

     -Without fear of abandonment?
     -Without fear of failure?
     -Without fear of being alone?
     -Without fear of hunger?
     -Without fear of violence?
     -Without fear of pain?
     -Without fear of judgment?
     -Without fear of criticism?
     -Without fear of the powerful?
     -Without fear of weakness?
     -Without fear of our own uniqueness?
     -Without fear of derision?
     -Without fear of rejection?
     -Without fear...
     -Without fear...
Is fear keeping me from opening the door to my neighbor? Is fear preventing me from knowing myself? Is fear causing me to create "safe" little boxes like closed-door churches, rigid parochial schools, and "brickwall" families? Is fear foiling my service to the Kingdom? Is fear keeping me from being vulnerable and honest? 

Is fear holding me back from living in faith knowing and believing and acting that "God so LOVES...That God is LOVE...that perfect LOVE casts away fear...that LOVE is the fulfillment of the law?" Is fear impeding my openness to let the SPIRIT fruit LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL ripen within me that my interactions with others produce a cornucopia of sustenance and delight?  

Come Kingdom of God. Be done, will of God, here on earth, here in me, as it is in heaven!

Worship this Sunday: 9 AM
      Coffee time: 10:15 AM
Sunday School: 10:30 AM
Brother Mick's message is "Fear Factors" with his sermon text from Matthew 10:24-39. Mick says in his presermon notes, "I want us to explore our fears, real or imagined, and the ways they impact, deter or hamper our abilities to do the will of God."

Merv Stoltzfus (Jan) will be facilitating the class with no name that is meeting in the Discovery room in the 1960 hall. I'll be in the Upper Room. You choose!

Prayer for today: Creator God, when we look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have made; who are we, that you care about us. fragile humans? Yet You created us in Your image!  How majestic is Your name in all the earth!Psalm 8  As we are wrapped in your love, gentle God, take away our fears that prevent us from truly living, clearly seeing, and gently loving. 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

Ridgeview Mennonite Church

"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 was happily cleaning my windows on Monday whilst listening to Fresh Air when my doorbell rang. I had not heard a car arrive, and if you've ever been to our home, you know that we live a bit off of the beaten path so folks on our doorstep are unusual.

A middle-aged woman was standing there and handed me a document showing her identification as an agent of the National Circulating Co., Inc. Also included was a physical description; her height, weight, and hair-- 5'6," 180 pounds, brown hair cut in a modified mullet. Ok, the license didn't say it was cut in a mullet, but it was. She said she has two learning challenged brothers and is working to raise money by selling magazines to attend college so she can become a teacher of kids like her brothers. If she sells a certain number of magazines in a specific time frame, she will earn a bonus $1000.

I did the usual thing we do with strangers-- stood there in the doorway guarding the entrance to my inner sanctum while she stood on the porch giving her spiel. Suspicious thoughts raced through my brain; "Is she really who she says she is? What kind of person goes door to door selling
magazines? I wonder if she has some scheme to rob me? Is there someone hiding in the bushes?"
You know though, I've been trying to live my faith more intentionally; trying to see the beauty and God-spark in all people; trying to value "people connections" no matter how small and seemingly insignificant; trying to recognize opportunity when it knocks. For many of you, this was a no-brainer, and while I was thinking these cynical and skeptical thoughts you already had her sitting at your kitchen table. I eventually got there.
"I'm not really in the market for any magazines," I said, "but if you'd like to sit down for a few minutes for something to drink, you would be welcome."
She had walked up our long lane, and she had more walking to do, so yes, she would appreciate that.

For the next hour we sat at my kitchen table and discussed James Patterson books, apocalyptic literature, Amish, Mennonites, her home state of Indiana, and Goshen College. http://www.goshen.edu/ She carried extensive knowledge on many subjects. The time passed quickly and amicably, and the detour from routine was worth it on many levels even though I'll be working on cleaning windows today.

A committee I am on was recently discussing hospitality and what that means as a church. A few of us had read Michele Hershberger's book  Christian View of Hospitality; Expecting Surprises and had been challenged to think and act outside of our comfort zones as we opened ourselves to God's plan and purpose in relationship. (Here's a clip of Michele talking about hospitality.)
https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=432952019459

Oh, yeah, ummmmm.....  I will start receiving "Vegetarian Times" in the near future.

This Sunday is designated by MCUSA as Heritage Sunday, and I am grateful for the heritage of hospitality that flows through the Christ-centered tradition of our Anabaptist
church, welcoming the stranger and alien, feeding and clothing the hungry, and yet at times we've let power and fear corrupt our faith. Let not my desire for power nor my fear get in the way of your call to this everyday purposeful living, Lord!

http://www.mcc.org/ (Mennonite Central Committee)
http://www.mds.mennonite.net/home/ (Mennonite Disaster Service)

Brother Mick is preaching this Sunday from II Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14 in a message called, "This Is Us." Mick says, "I would like to spend some time thinking about both the positives and negatives of carrying a spiritual heritage such as Anabaptism. Clearly many would see a celebration of heritage as little more than a mirror image of the Pharisee from today's gospel; chest pounding and braggadocio about who he is as compared to others."
Our worship service begins at 10:15 AM with the Christian Formation hour at 9 AM. Young adults will again meet with the senior high youth as we continue the "Jesus Is___" study. I'll be your teacher this week. :)

Progresso soup is being collected for the food pac program which provides weekend food bags for children with limited resources. If you'd like to help pack the food bags, stop by the church on Wednesdays at noon.

On Wednesday, October 30 for our family night activites, persons from Habecker Mennonite Church http://habeckerchurch.com/ will join the adults to share their experiences in sponsoring refugees. Join us for the meal at 6:15 PM with the session beginning at 7 PM.

Ridgeview hopes to be welcoming a refugee family soon. Stay tuned for details!

Prayer for today: Then the King will say to those at his right hand, "Come, ...for I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; I was naked and you clothed me; I was in prison and you came to me."
       Hospitable God, grant us courage to be more like You. Open our eyes to see You in the stranger and to respond with loving kindness.  Today, Lord, some of us are physically hurting, some of us are facing loss, some of us are exhausted from parenting, working, and trials, some of us are cynical and hardened by the tough stuff in our lives. Would you reveal your love,healing,and grace to us in unexpected and gentle ways? Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus name. AMEN. 

There will be no communique next week as I will be visiting my wonderful family! By thy rivers gently flowing Illinois! Illinois! O'er thy prairies verdant growing.....  

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

Good morning!  Truly, most of my "hopes" from my last post were realized, although I should have added, "I hope my post-convention recovery time will be short and sweet." I'm still dragging, and sneezing too....

This week I've been cogitating on what holds me back from totally following the way of Christ. One of the seminars I attended shared about the life of Dan Terry as told in the book Making Friends Among the Taliban by Jonathan P. Larson as well as in the EMU documentary Weaving Life. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iXFUk68tBU . I'm inspired, and yes, Dan Terry eventually lost his life following this path. 

I've determined that the number one thing that holds me back from total immersion in the way of Jesus is FEAR.

-Fear of safety. (Do I dare engage the homeless man in conversation?) 

-Fear of change. (Do I dare alter the pattern? What if "things" go badly? This has worked for sooooo long. ) 

-Fear for my family. (Do I dare have dinner with those neighbors whose religion, sexuality, skin color, (fill in the blank), is different than mine? ?)

-Fear of insecurity. (Do I dare live with "less"? Will I have enough? What if it's uncomfortable?)

-Fear of not fitting in. (Do I dare sit with the "odd" person at lunch?)

-Fear of messing up my schedule. (Do I dare stop to help that woman change her tire, and risk being late for my appointment?) 

- and on and on.....

Jesus calls us to a way of life that is outside of our comfort zones; outside of our known boundaries; outside of our families, yet we continue to rationalize often using the Bible as a crutch to remain in unChrist-like behaviors and patterns. (Think on the parables Jesus told, the sermon on the mount, his meals with the outsiders, the death on the cross....)  I feel like instead of Jesus trying to herd us all into God's house, Jesus tore down the walls and said, God's house is everywhere!  

I've faced some of my fears and realized they are unfounded. Jesus called us to a new way of life, "You have heard it said, but I say..." But it truly does seem to be a constant struggle; I've miles to go before I sleep.

(Oh, one more fear: Fear that people will think I'm a heretic. Look where that got Jesus!) 

I also realize that Jesus said that in truly following him we may literally lose our lives. But, if I truly believe, of what am I afraid? Has not death lost its sting? Help me, Lord, to live life as you have called me to live! 

I'd love to discuss these things with you.... :) 

This week Brother Nelson will share a message he is calling, "Knowing God, a Joint Venture."  Scripture passages include Luke 10:25-37; Colossians 1:1-14; Psalm 25:1-10; and Deuteronomy 30:9-14. Nelson says, "We will be thinking about our efforts to know and experience God, some of the things we do that interfere with knowing God, and ways we can keep growing in 'the knowledge of God's will and all and all spiritual wisdom and understanding.'" 

 Our worship service begins at 10:15 am, and you are also welcome to joy in conversation in the Upper Room at 9 am. Perhaps our topic will be "fear." 

Tonight the VBS final hurrah is a carnival at the church from 6-8:30 pm.  Come out and join the fun! (If you'd like to help, we could use a few more people. Let me know!) 

Kiersie, we're waiting with you! Many blessings! 

Nate is somewhere near Okinawa. We're praying for you. 

Some of you are job hunting, house hunting, test taking, bill paying, marriage prepping, baby caring, vacation taking, relationship struggling, etc. modes-- If you specific prayer needs or need to talk, don't hesitate to contact me. 

Prayer for today: Creator God, you loved us first and best. You are Love, perfect and complete.  Help us,  Lord, to recognize Your Love in each other and in the world today. Help us, Lord, to live out that Love as we relate to each other knowing that in You there is no fear.  Challenges face us each day at work, school, and play; in our relationships, churches, and neighborhoods.  Open our eyes and hearts to see each other through Your eyes. Open our ears and our minds to listen to one another with 'Love God  and love neighbor; as the precept that guides our 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
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

.

 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