There have been two times in my life where I've literally run in small, meaningless circles; both events involved dogs.  The first was when I was a teen and our dog got kicked by a horse. In my state of helplessness, I ran a lovely concentric pattern in the yard.  The second tale is the one on which I will be expounding today. Stop reading NOW if you have a weak stomach. (Note: No dog or person is physically injured in this event but periodically the horror...Oh, the horror... overwhelms me.)

Brave Bo, our yellow lab, fit the description of a classic, muscular 85lb. Labrador retriever. He buried his bones as well as his food dish; he was adventurous; he was loyal; he could catch tennis balls and Frisbees; he howled; he had a special rug, and he was protective.

On this particular 100+ degree July 4th, the husband was golfing with the neighbor while our friend Carl worked on the wiring in the basement. I was doing those few things moms do; laundry, cleaning toilets, playing barbies, vacuuming, mediating squabbles, washing dishes, preparing food for the masses, kissing booboos--you know the drill. When I stepped outside into the steamy rain forest for something, I realized Bo wasn't around.  I called him a few times to no avail.  For the next 45 minutes I periodically went outside and called for the dog.

"BO!"  I called again from our front porch. This time he came slinking out of the open garage. Those of you who are dog owners know the look. "Bo, where were y..." My sentence remained unfinished as my senses were suddenly, shall we say, buzzing?

Flies, thousands of flies, were teeming around the garage door and into the garage. What on earth? A gaggifying odor filled my olfactory passages, and with dread I stepped into the garage.

"Oh, Bo! What have you done?"  My heart rate began to climb, and I pinched my nostrils. On the garage floor leading to the interior door was a stream of bloody maggots, yes, you read that right. Maggots! 

If there are maggots, there must be something on which they are feeding... (Insert screeching violins from "Psycho here.") There, at the very foot of the door to enter the house was a (wait for it!)... dead fawn, one that had been obviously dead for a few days and was engulfed with horrible little, white larva! AHHHHHHGGGGGG!

This is the point where I turned and bolted for the grass creating a vortex of horror energy as I ran in mindless circles. 

Cliff, did we give Carl a bonus for his assistance as he and I gagged and exclaimed as we committed the carcass to a garbage bag? 

Hmmmmm.... The husband is golfing at this very moment. Excuse me while I go put our dog in his crate!

This story has no relevance at all to the service on Sunday.  I just couldn't decide what to write about, and periodically this story niggles my grey matter so I thought it might be therapeutic for me to share it! :)

Enjoy your pets today!

The 50th celebration at Ridgeview on Sunday was truly memorable and wonderful. Thanks to all those who worked so hard to make it a special day!

This Sunday we will be joining our community with a 10am service at Intercourse Community Park.  Several area churches including Ridgeview will be participating in the service.  Here is the link for Sunday's bulletin.  http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf

Vacation Bible School in the park begins Monday night through Thursday.  If you are interested in helping or attending, contact the church office. :)

Please be in prayer for Rose Reiff and her family as Rose remains in critical condition in a Pittsburgh hospital.

Craig, we are praying for you too!

It seems there are many from our church family who are facing serious life stuff.  Life is hard, but God is good.  Keep praying, Brothers and Sisters!

My prayer for today: God of all creatures, great and small, we give you our thanks and praise today!  You never leave us nor forsake us though sometimes we don't acknowledge your presence--gentle, mysterious, faithful, and loving. Open our hearts, minds, and souls today, Lord, to your breath upon us--guiding, healing, nourishing. Remove hatred from our spirits that we might treat each other with kindness and mercy.  Touch Rose, Craig, and the others who we know to be hurting today, with your light and warmth, providing for their needs.  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

  http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Celebrating God's Faithfulness

Andy welcomed me at the door of their modest home in Intercourse, PA while Leah began bringing cookies and weak coffee to the table.  The three of us sat together while the jackalope stared down upon us, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jackalope_101.jpg and this long-married, elderly couple shared the latest of their activities.

-Andy shot a groundhog in their backyard. (Did I mention they live IN the village?) 

-Some of the younger relatives stopped in on Sunday night. 

-Andy had fallen in the yard, and diminutive Leah wasn't strong enough to lift him up so she got a five-gallon bucket which he leaned on, and with Leah's help he was able to get back on his feet.

-Leah's back pain has been getting worse so Andy has to assist her in and out of bed.

-I heard wonderful tales of times past and present including their many trips to FL. 

I've no doubt this couple struggled during their years of marriage and probably still did even after 50 plus years. But what I witnessed during the latter days of their earthtime, was a promise to keep trying and to support and help one another.

I don't have a study to back this up but one of my own observations of young couples today is that they often enter marriage as better friends than previous generations, discussing topics and feelings much more openly than those twosomes before them.  What I see as much more lacking today is the commitment of a life of positive growth together. (Ok, I'm using my old lady voice now!) :) My challenge for those of you currently in relationships is to take seriously your vows of commitment-- not just for the sake of staying together but rather because it can be a wonderful journey of growth and joy even though sometimes it feels like a sea of pain and challenge.

Before I left that morning, Leah and Andy insisted on giving me beautiful sea shells and a sea star for each of my daughters.

As I thought about what to write this morning, the many dear ones from Ridgeview who've passed on but so influenced my life filled my thoughts.  -Mattie, who my girls called the candy lady,  Ike- with his twinkling eyes and big grin, Elma- with her wise words,  Iva- with her gentle faith, Chester and Catherine- with their healing ways, Katie- with her spunkiness, Minnie- with her passion for the church and God's many people... I could go on and on and on.  I have been blessed by those who've gone before me!

Happy 50th  Anniversary Ridgeview Mennonite Church! 

Like marriage, we've had our ups and downs, hurts and sorrows, but we celebrate God's faithfulness and presence through it all. 

Amish turkey, classic cars, stories of God's work and faithfulness, music, displays-- Sunday is a day full of wonderful activities and sharing.  Rather than list everything, check out Sunday's bulletin for the details. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf

I am personally eager to hear from our sister Lorie Hershey, pastor at West Philadelphia Mennonite Church http://wpmf.org/index.htm along with others during the 9am hour, and the blending of words from Brothers Bob, John, and Mick during the 10:30am hour. God is good, all the time!

You are invited! Be sure to look for me. :)

My prayer for today: Creator God, we celebrate your faithfulness to all generations.  Thank you.  Today as we go about our tasks, let us be open to recognizing your presence, to hearing your call, to following your way.  Breath of God, intervene in our lives and weave us together as one people. For those hurting and broken, breathe light and love, and let us be good neighbors to one another sharing healing and hope. You ride on the wings of the wind and are covered in light as a garment; we praise you, Lord God! Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too.
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 stepped out into the bright, warm sunlight after a few a few hours of listening and challenge in the San Jose convention center. Could I really do this?  Live the call? Vive el llamado?

This was the third day of the  2007 Mennonite Convention, and the youth (and I) were being challenged to daily tune-in to God and follow God's leading and call even if (fill in the blank).  We were apprised that as we open ourselves to God, opportunities for caring, sharing, and loving in the name of Christ would be presented. "Lord," I prayed. "Help me to follow, even if..."

The short path back to my hotel took me through a small park where people from many walks of life, both affluent and homeless, congregated. I nodded and smiled as I strode past people, making eye contact and offering a greeting.

"Miss, Miss, can I talk to you?" a young man on a bench stood up and approached me. 

I breathed a silent prayer. "OK, Lord.  Here we go!"

I sat down on a bench with Azmi, a young man from Turkey who had been in the U.S for about 7 years, and he began by asking me questions. Who were these friendly, smiling people who were walking through the park this week? They seemed kind. They were friendly. They seemed different. He said  he was a fighter and a "tough guy" although you wouldn't know that from his quiet speech and sincerity, but his physique and tattoos, one of which was the American flag, corroborated his story. Becoming an American citizen was his dream, but being from Turkey he was greeted with suspicion and rudeness. We talked for 30 or 40 minutes, and we concluded by praying together. I'm not sure if this conversation was helpful to Azmi, but this experience taught me several things: truth was being spoken at the convention; God's "call" is a daily occurrence; I have to choose if I'm going to trust, be open, and be obedient to our Creator. In a sermon I preached some time ago, I encouraged the congregation (and myself) to begin each day with a prayer something like this:

"Lord, today is a new day. Help me to pay attention to your plan. Help me to let go of my distractions to truly see people with your heart. In fact, I will be looking for your plan today. Expectant. Waiting. I will expect interruptions. Grant me courage to act. Grant me patience to step into your plan even if it messes up the timing of my plans. Let me do the small things with great love that you have planned for me today with an an attitude in which others will see YOU in me."

 I fail to follow the call more than I succeed, but the journey goes ever on and on. Today I will breathe the prayer again, and who knows what adventures God has in store! Vive el llamado! 

Brother Mick will be drawing his sermon from Isaiah 6:1-8 http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=131969934 with a message he has entitled, "Isaiah Hears A Whom" bringing some understanding to the text with help from Theodore Geisel whose great wisdom is shared through many books geared for children.  (I've sometimes wondered if Dr. Seuss wrote his parables knowing that many parents would be reading these stories aloud to their children.) :)

We will be celebrating the official membership of two of our wonderful Sarahs. :)

Blessing and Joy to Allison and Spencer as they get married on Sunday!  YAY!

On June 10 we will be celebrating 50 Years of God's faithfulness to us in the Ridgeview congregation.  We have a special day of activities planned including sharing by former pastors, great music, an Amish turkey dinner (Don't forget to bring a salad to share!), and a Ridgeview Trivia Game show at 5:30pm. This week's bulletin outlines the timing of events. Oh, and if you have a classic and/or antique car or tractor, you are invited to bring it. :)  I just discovered that there is a couple at Ridgeview who own a Studebaker. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/ 

The new Ridgeview cookbook will be available for purchase too. Whether or not you attend Ridgeview, you are invited to join us!  

My prayer for today is the one I have printed above with a few variations:

Creator God, today is a new day. Help us to pay attention to your plan. Help us to let go of our distractions to truly see people with your heart. In fact, we will be looking for your plan today. Expectant. Waiting.We will expect interruptions. Grant us courage to act. Grant us patience to step into your plan even if it messes up the timing of our own plans. Let us do the small things with great love that you have planned for us today with an an attitude in which others will see YOU in each of us.  Come and fill us with your breath, 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

"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

Hummingbird at rest= 250

Horse= 8-16

Cat= 20-30

Hibernating animals= <6

Dog= 10-34

Adult Human= 8-20

Newborn Human= 30-40

I've cared for babies with rates  > 80 when they were seriously ill and using every muscle in their chests to pull in enough oxygen. By now, you've determined that I'm referencing the number of breaths per minute.

A few years ago I learned that "ruah" (Hebrew) and "pneuma" (Greek) were the words meaning breath or wind which in English we've usually translated from the Biblical texts to mean "Spirit." (Biblical scholars, please weigh in with clarification!)  As one who appreciates poetic and intimate images of God, I value the translation of "breath of God." The intimacy our Creator provides each of us through this "Holy Kiss" is yet another reminder of the life, hope, and treasure of each breathing human being.

Thus says the Lord to these bones: I will cause breath (spirit) to enter you, and you shall live. Ezekiel. 2:5 http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=50866360


This Sunday is Pentecost; the day in the church calendar whereby we remember and celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Jesus. Brother Nelson will be sharing a message he is calling, "Wishing to See." From dry bones in Ezekiel to the rushing wind and tongues of fire in Acts, the activity of the Breath of God is upon us!  We listen; we wait; we pray. We see; we experience; we're filled. We rejoice; we share; we act.  Come Kingdom of God!

I'll be in the Upper Room this week.  I hope you will join me!
Check out Ridgeview's award winning website. Congratulations again, Morgan!
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/index.php

We remember Catherine Esch's family with love and prayers today as she passed on last evening. A few years ago when Alana was in India, I received a phone call from Catherine at about 9:30pm  with questions about how to follow EMU's http://www.emu.edu/ blog for the India group-- not bad at all for a woman in her 80's! If you knew Catherine, you can imagine the phone call; no identification of caller and none needed; lightning fast speech; great questions; and a story of a relative who was a doctor in India. She will be missed.

You can follow Craig's cancer treatment and response on Caring Bridge. We're praying for you, Craig! http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/craigstoltzfus

Ridgeview's 50th anniversary celebration is June 10.  One of the things I've agreed to do is to pull questions together for a trivia game show.  We'll use the quizzing buzzers and have a good time. Fun!

Vacation Bible school in the park is June 18-21. We need you to help!  Please sign up in the church lobby. If you've not filled out the child protection paperwork, talk to me or Joyce at the church office.

My prayer for today: Breathe on us, breath of God. Come and fill us with your Holy Spirit, your Holy Breath that we may be renewed, transformed, healed, and  invigorated, filled with the flames of agape love to pour out healing and hope on a generation of broken, disgruntled, angry, hungry, and hurting people. May your peace which passes all understanding prevail. 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.  I'm here if you need 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

Pomp and Circumstance

Pomp and Circumstance, mortar boards and tassels, handshakes and diplomas--'tis that time of year again when boys and girls, men and women don shapeless gowns and funny hats to process side by side to Sir Edward Elgar's war march. (There are many "battles" in life, perhaps the music is metaphorical.)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEIPBfV5cFc&feature=related

I remember very little about my own graduations although I do recall that as the realization of change and emotion overwhelmed me with tears and hugs, a freshman boy technically a sophOmore (certain readers will understand the "O") with whom I had been in band, sidled over and asked me on a date. I don't think he had learned the importance of timing. :)

My group of Goshen College  http://www.goshen.edu/  mates and I laugh about  one of our good friends correcting the pronunciation of his name during practice altering the way we had always spoken it.  My pinning ceremony for the nursing program remains the most meaningful and memorable.

For one of my daughter's graduations,  the speaker encouraged the students to focus not just on what jobs they want to do but rather on the kind of person they want to be. I like that.

This weekend Travis graduates from Carnegie Melon University, and our high school students are counting the days until their ceremonies. Others of you already received your certificates or will soon do so.  Peace and Joy on the journey, my friends!


Brother Mick will be sharing a message called, "That They May Be One" during the 10:15am worship service based on the text from John 17:6-19.  Jesus prays a powerful prayer for his disciples which calls for believers to be united in their witness and ministry.  Hmmm... How are we doing? I'm looking forward to Mick's exegesis. 

The Upper Room will be open at 9am. 

"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" lunch tickets will be available after the service. This is a great way to get to better know some of our church family!  The ticket will provide directions and anything else you may need to know.

For those of you joining our SWAP team http://swap.mcc.org/ this summer, there is a meeting on Wednesday, May 23 at 6pm. 

Mark your calendars for Ridgeview's 50th Anniversary celebration on June 10. You are ALL invited to attend.

Please continue to be in prayer for Craig.  He is in round 3 of chemotherapy treatments and is feeling "icky" today.

A prayer for today: Transforming God, create in us clean hearts and renew our spirits. We praise you, and we thank you for being our God.  Remind us of your constant, loving presence.  For those who are battling illness today, grant healing and hope. For those struggling with emotional and mental anguish, grant healing and hope. For those in places of conflict and war, grant healing and hope. Come and fill us with your Holy Spirit that we may be your vessels of healing and hope to an aching and discordant world.  We celebrate with those who are rejoicing in graduations, new births, and growing relationships, and we ask that you would bless them. 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

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

"Well, we walked right past the advisors' room so we thought they knew we were going back out on the boardwalk." 

That is one of the  excuses we heard 20+ years ago after having a group of students (13 of 20) break curfew on a weekend youth group beach trip. I remember sitting on the porch of the hotel with my co-advisor Janet and waiting while the guilty ones filed back into the hotel at midnight, 1am, 1:30am.... When daylight arrived, we sat in a circle with the guilty ones, and each was to share his/her rationale for breaking the rule. "Well, I just thought we had to be back by 11:30p and let you know we were here;  I didn't know we had to STAY in our rooms."  and of course, "Well, since JoeBob was going out, I thought it must be ok for me to go out too."



Dave, the Sandman

  The second to the last boy to share was the oldest student along.  He had graduated from high school and was now 18 years old.   "I'm used to coming here with just my friends and really didn't consider that when I'm here with you, you are responsible for me. I'm sorry. I was wrong. I shouldn't have gone out." 

Everyone, leaders and youth alike were stunned. This young man actually recognized and acknowledged the connection and his part as one of the branches!

After a long silent pause the final student, a freshman, said, "Yeah, I guess that goes for me too. I shouldn't have gone out.  I'm sorry." 

As the others had shared their feeble excuses it was like hot air blowing up a balloon, getting bigger and bigger and bigger... but when this youth apologized it was as if the air was released from the balloon.  I wonder what would have happened had he started the circle?  The power of positive leadership in community is tremendous; in much the same way, the power of negativity in community is influential. 
Responsibility.  Forgiveness.  Grace.  Our responses as we live in community with one another matter. As branches of the true vine, what should be the voice of influence and nourishment for us? We are called to live in relationship with Jesus and with the potpourri of branches in God's kingdom.

This week is designated "Many Peoples Sunday" by Mennonite Church USA.  The voices around us offer lame excuses of exclusion and privilege counter to the call of Jesus.
Brother Mick will pick up the vine metaphor as he shares his message during the 10:15am worship service, "Costly Connections" with the sermon text from John 15:1-17. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15&version=NIV

It seems appropriate that on "Many Peoples Sunday" we will share a Haitian meal together following the service. This is a fundraiser for the New World School in Haiti.

AnotherFUNdraiserwill happen later in the day on Sunday as the senior high youth share music, skits, and more at a Coffee House from 6-8pm.  Delicious desserts and coffee will be served.

Etta will be in the Upper Room this week.  We need to schedule a time to give that room a good cleaning.  Anyone willing?

Be sure to check the bulletin for the additional news and opportunities. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

For those of you still testing--I'm praying! 
For those of you facing challenges, physical, spiritual, emotional--I'm  praying!
For those of you looking for employment--I'm  praying!

My prayer for today:  Creator God, You are the true vine. Help us to love one another, for love is of You, and everyone that loves is born of You and knows You. You are our source of hope, love, life, peace, and joy.  Come and fill us with your Holy Spirit that your nourishing fruit will be made available to all. 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