Unlovable

Kennedy Center Ceiling

As  21 year old nursing students at Goshen College (http://www.goshen.edu/), my friend Beth and I were accepted at a summer program in Washington DC to work at Children's Hospital National Medical Center as child care technicians (CCT). (The movie version would probably have been called "Country Girls' Adventure in the Big City")
Learning to use public transportation was crucial since we didn't have a car, and learn it, we did. People were mostly friendly and helpful, and being a racial minority was an important growth experience.  Only once did I get on an express bus by mistake which took me way past my designated stop. Oh well, I needed a long walk....

CCT's worked all three shifts, so public transportation during the hours of darkness added stress and challenge especially as we had to change buses in an unsavory neighborhood. One night as Beth and I waited for the second bus to pick us up on a lonely corner across from a bar, a man sauntered into view, shadow boxing, talking to unseen entities, dancing, and moving closer and closer.  Chalk it up to my country girl ignorance, I  was stupidly holding my bus transfer slip in my hand and had my stethoscope draped around my neck. This guy came up and plucked the transfer right out of my hand and reached for my 'scope which I grasped tightly. We made zero attempts to engage him in conversation but passively tried to ignore him while silently praying for the bus to come quickly. (Probably something like, "BUS GET HERE! BUS GET HERE! BUS GET HERE! PLEASE, GOD!)
The bus arrived, but of course, the guy had MY bus pass and got on with us.  The seat immediately behind the driver was open, and we scooted into it like lambs to their mama.  The harassment escalated with verbal remarks and leering. A grimy hand reached out toward Beth's leg, and she hollered "Don't touch me!"
Now the driver got involved, and two men began yelling at each other. Thankfully the hospital came into view, and Beth and I quickly exited the bus with the driver continuing to engage the obnoxious, horrible man.

I called him worse things in my journal of which the last line in my writing reads, "God is certainly marvelous if he can love such scum." 

Recently I was grumbling to Brother Nelson about someone I know who is difficult, controlling, and unpleasant to be around.  His gentle response was something like, "As hard as it is, aren't those the people who usually need the most love?"

God is, indeed, marvelous. When people say, "But for the grace of God, there go I." I now think, "There is the grace of God. For God's love is marvelous and encompassing. Lord, as I accept that love for myself, let me love others as you love." 

In his presermon notes, Brother Mick says,

"The concept of love seems to be a very natural and appropriate one for Mother’s Day. Yet again, I am reminded that the sentimental, familial kind of love that we refer to when thinking of our mothers can be very different from the difficult kind of “loving someone unlovable” love we are called to as God’s people. The writer of I John would suggest that we start the process of really loving as God has called us to by first and foremost loving God. When we love God and obey God’s commandments, the writer says, then we will know that we are God’s children."  The sermon text is I John 5:1-6 with adjunct texts being Psalm 98 and Acts 10: 44-48, and the message is titled, "When We Love God."

I look forward to seeing you in the Upper Room this week at 9am. The worship service begins at 10:15am. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/ 

My prayer for today:

Lord God, today we rest in your peace and love even when we are exhausted from finals, nighttime feedings, difficult coworkers, illness, and tough job stuff.  Today, Lord, we cling to you for comfort and safety for though the mountains tremble and the oceans roar, your love for us in unending even as we are deemed unlovable by people. Remind us that we are a family, united as your children, and that your neighborhood knows no borders. Instill in us a desire to offer hospitality and kindness to strangers and share extravagantly with those in need. I pray that each of us reading this, Jesus, will experience you in new, refreshing ways today. 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! You can always contact me if you need to talk.

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

     A year and a half ago I collided with grace and kindness on the road-- I mean, literally collided. Taylor's college debut was soon upon us, and the extra-long sheets at Target along with the shower caddy were calling .  I was driving west on 772 with my daughter riding shotgun, trying to avoid the tourist traffic on 340 through Intercourse. We were having one of our wonderful conversations of spirituality and philosophy, and at a turn that was a "stop unless turning right sign," though loathe to admit it, yes, I ran the stop sign, and BAM-- an old maroon 4 door Buick sedan struck us at the passenger side front tire. That tire blew out, our airbags deployed, and we rocketed up onto the bank.  Thankfully, thankfully, thankfully, Taylor, the other driver, and I were not injured other than a few scrapes and bruises.  I was certainly shook up recognizing my inattentive driving could have cost my daughter's life, but we were ok.  As we got out of the mangled car, I braced myself for the angry (and rightfully so) driver of the Buick; I would have been hoppin' mad in her shoes.
     "Are you hurt, are you ok?" I asked her. 
      She smiled at me. Smiled!  "I'm fine. Are you both ok?"
      I met a kind and gentle woman named Anna that day.  Once we established that none of us were hurt and the 911 call was made, we sat down to wait for the police. 

Anna said things like, "If we're going to sit and wait we could have a little snack, almost like a party.  I have some fresh grapes in my car," and "Well, God must have a reason for us meeting," and "My children have been telling me for quite some time that I should get a new car."
     It seemed that every  person who passed in his vehicle, buggy, or scooter knew Anna who greeted each with friendliness and ease.  I did not detect one single strand of animosity, frustration, or anger in this woman that just had her car demolished, her afternoon plans revoked, and her life inconvenienced, not one bit!  
     As we departed, she gave me a big hug and said, "I guess Jesus wanted me to have a new friend."  Anna has called me several times to make sure we were ok, and we even met for breakfast.  She brought me some of her homemade cup cheese (a new treat for me), canned beets, and canned soup! I've been blessed by the fruit of the Spirit that flows like a clear stream through this dear woman.  I experienced grace and mercy given unconditionally by a stranger that day. As Anna walks closely in the footsteps of the Teacher, I pray that I will be in step with her.  Truly, a bit of the Kingdom, yes, even a touch of heaven, was experienced by the side of two demolished cars that day.  (Oh, and I think Anna's countenance influenced the police officer who gave me a ticket for a minor violation for which he apologized profusely!)
     Yesterday as someone pulled out recklessly in front of me and the word "jerk" formed on my tongue, it struck me that Anna probably would have said something like, "Be careful, young man. Life is precious, and God has a plan for you."  sigh-I still have some growing to do.
     Grace undeserved.  Clearly I was guilty yet the one who had the justification to be angry and expect restitution wrapped arms around me and whispered, "It's okay. I have you covered." Grace and mercy undeserved, an Easter story.
     Today is Holy Friday, Good Friday. Without question or doubt, God loves you more than you can imagine. Brother Mick will lead a Good Friday service at 7pm at Ridgeview tonight. You are welcome to attend.
Sunday services:
There is an unofficial gathering at 6:15am of the senior high youth and any others who care to be present for the actual sunrise. :) 
Early Service:  Outside at 8am led by the senior high youth.  (Thanks, Nathan, for writing such a compelling script!) :)
Breakfast:  9am  Breakfast in the 1990 Fellowship Hall
Worship: 10:15am in the sanctuary
Please join us for any and all of these services! For additional information about Ridgeview and a peak at the bulletin, check out our website. (Great work, Morgan!)  http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

My prayer for today is adapted from "Sing the Story" #184
The world is alive with your goodness, O God, it grows green from the ground and ripens into the roundness of fruit. Its taste and its touch enliven our bodies and stirs our souls. Generously given, profusely displayed, your graces of goodness pour forth from the earth. As we have received so free us to give. As we have been granted so may we give. 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.  May you be filled with peace and joy as you are welcomed into the loving arms of God revealed in Jesus.

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
    

Many of you from the Lancaster county area no doubt remember the notorious and vicious murder of a young woman by Lisa M. Lambert.  During one of the many debacles of her post trial and incarceration when she was in the news, my then 8 year old daughter was reading an article about her in the newspaper.  She looked up at me and said, "Mommy, doesn't everyone deserve a second chance?" http://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/25/us/national-news-briefs-conviction-is-upheld-for-killer-of-love-rival.html?ref=lisamichellelambert





Whoa-- how do you explain this to an 8 year old? This was a vicious and violent crime! We talked about justice and consequences being an important part of life. Even so, she was adamant that Jesus said to forgive and give more chances. As I think about our Creator's love and open-armed chances for us, I am  relieved, (and sometimes irritated!) that we are loved and forgiven so undeservedly and completely. If God stopped in his love at justice, we would all be condemned!  Forgiveness and Grace.  Grace and Forgiveness-- not because of who we are or what we do but because of who God is and what God is about.  Thank you, Jesus.  Now the hard part.  Becoming more like Jesus.  What would that mean for me if I would come face to face with this vicious murderer?  I wonder how Jesus approaches her.

This week Brother Mick will be challenging us to think about Jesus' words in Matthew 18 about forgiveness, even more that that I suspect we'll be challenged to live forgiveness and grace.  Ours is a world that embraces the myth of redemptive violence but is longing for, yes, yearning for healing and hope. We can say, "That's too hard; Jesus didn't really mean for us to live that way."   Ahhh... the foolishness of God!  All over the world innocent lives are lost by the violence of human kind.  This weekend we are especially remembering the attacks on that day in September 10 years ago when so many innocent people died.  Yet, I am not convinced that retaliation is the answer.  In fact, I would say violence begets violence begets violence begets violence....  I know we don't all agree on this, and I'd be glad to listen to your perspective if you want to talk about it.

As a reader of fiction, I am often touched by the truth found on the pages. For those of us who are JRR Tolkien geeks, you may remember the conversation between Gandalf and Frodo with regards to Gollum and Bilbo, "He deserves death." (Frodo about Gollum)   "Deserves it!  I daresay he does.  Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life.  Can you give it to them?  Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement.  For even the very wise cannot see all ends."  (Gandalf) p. 60  Fellowship of the Ring   And yes, these books contain many elements of the myth of redemptive violence, yet there is an underlying message of  self-sacrifice and servant hood. OK.... I could go on and on.  Perhaps some of us should get together for a book discussion of these classics! The movie quotes it almost exactly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTlwkg25rsE

I hope you've not had too much damage from flooding.  Be safe!

Ice cream and games at Rick and Gwen's tonight around 6:30! :)

We will be back in Sunday school this week starting at 9am.  Etta will be joining the young adults in the Upper Room which the last I checked is almost enclosed; it may even be finished by now!  I plan to be at the daughters' soccer tournament at Mary Washington this weekend, so I won't be there to see you.

The church picnic is at 5pm at the Intercourse park on Sunday.  "Minute to Win It"  games will be the fun of the night, and of course delicious food.  BBQ chicken will be provided, and you should bring a covered dish to share:  A-L  dessert; M-Z  side dish or salad.  Yummy!

My prayer for you today:

Creator God, you are our lifegiver, our hope, our peace, our light-- As you are to us, let us be to others. Mercy, grace, and peace rest upon the readers today, Lord.  Come Kingdom of God, be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven.  In the name of Jesus. AMEN

Without doubt or question, you are loved by God, and I love you too.  Coffee anyone? :)

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

"Shaped By New Birth"

‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above. John 3:3


Good Morning, Friends!

     "Mack, if you touch her one more time I'm gonna smack you."
     I was in a super store when I heard this voice screaming, yes, screaming at her child.  I was curious, ok, nosy, so I moved my cart close enough to see this yeller. There was a haggard, young woman pushing a cart with an infant girl in the seat and a young 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.  By now the whole store knew this little guy's name.
     What was wrong with that woman?  Why did she keep yelling? I tried taking my shopping to the other end of the store, but I could still hear her, "You little brat!  Knock it off!" 
     I felt like I was trapped in a smelly elevator.  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 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.  No.  I don't know what to do. This isn't my problem. The manager of the store should be doing something.
     "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. But "self" still debated.  "I don't know what to do.  Why me?" 
     "Think, Carol. You know." 
     Meanwhile, back in aisle 7, the little boy continued to be harangued by his young mother.
     OK... death to "SELF!"      "Lord, show me a way."
I thought of the Christian Peacemakers Team Motto: "Get in the Way."  Could merely being a gentle presence with this conflicted young mom and her children make a difference?
     "Yes, Daughter, you can do that."
     I moved into the aisle alongside the cart with 2 very young children.  I pretended to be interested in the baby items 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 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 seemed to defuse, to relax. She spoke in gentler tones to her babies. 
After about 5 minutes, 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?  Probably.  But at least I entered the pain.  When I claim God as my parent, it means being "reborn" to step onto the path of the Kingdom Way.    I took a baby step that day, but at least I was on the right road. 

     This week Brother Mick will be sharing the message for the second Sunday of Lent as we contemplate being "Shaped by New Birth."  The interplay between Jesus and Nicodemus about new birth, and their different perspectives will be explored as we look at John 3:1-17.  Other scriptures for the morning are: Psalm 121 and Romans 4:1-5, 13-17.   What does it mean to be born again?
     Let's keep Japan and the Smoker family in the forefront of our prayers.
Next Wednesday is the last official week of family night activities.  Gene Wenger hamloaves will be available that evening and henceforth until they are gone!
    There will be discussion in the upper room on Sunday morning at 9am.

     My prayer for you today:  "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Is 54:10 
God of compassion, reveal yourself to each of us today.  Grant us an awareness of your presence.   Help us to listen to your whispers of encouragement and direction.  Thank you for the life of each reader and give each one courage to step onto the Kingdom Way; to be transformed into the beings we were created to be.   Lord, we bring before you the people of Japan and their land.  Reveal yourself in mighty and comforting ways.  Supply wisdom and courage, insight and protection, healing and hope. In your name, Jesus, we lay our thoughts, desires, thanks, and requests.   Come Kingdom of God.  Be done will of God, here, on earth as it is in heaven.  AMEN

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