Marshmallows on a String

I was recently preparing  for a game which required securing marshmallows onto a long thread. The game players then place the string in the mouth, and when "go" is shouted, each tries to get the marshmallow into the mouth without the use of hands.  Needless to say, it's pretty funny to watch and absolutely amazing what people can do!  Anyway, as I was preparing the gamepieces, I was finding it really time consuming to get the strings with the marshmallows exactly the same length. (If  I had done a little thinking first or had asked Nathan to do it, it wouldn't have been that difficult.) HOWEVER, I didn't think first, so here I am with a time crunch when BAM! The thought hit me. (This happens quite a bit when you work with young people, but it isn't quite as painful as when you're clotheslined playing flying Dutchman.)

Here's the thought, "Life is like marshmallows on uneven strings." 
 

"HUH?" you say.

Allow me to explain. Life starts with our strings of different length making the acquisition of the "marshmallow" more attainable for some than others. Our strings have things like stable family life or lack thereof, health or lack thereof, education or lack thereof, wealth or lack thereof, access to clean water or lack thereof.... Are you getting the picture?  Thinking we all have the exact same potentiality to get the marshmallow to the mouth is just not reasonable. So should we simply work for our own marshmallow and not worry about those whose marshmallows are dragging on the floor? (or even those whose marshmallow falls off before we even start? Sorry, Adam!)

The scriptures say lots and lots about how we should relate to the poor, the sick, the hungry, the widow,  the thirsty, and the stranger; those whose strings are looooong.  This week our focus at Ridgeview will be on poverty as Saturday afternoon 1-5pm we work together to fill MCC kits,http://www.mcc.org/ and on Sunday morning beginning with a continental breakfast at 8:30am we will all engage in a poverty simulation in the 1990 hall. As far as I know there will not be any marshmallows on strings involved.

Mick's message during formal worship will be based on Jesus' parable about sheep and goats in Matthew 25:31-46.  http://bible.oremus.org/ In his presermon notes Mick says this, "Ultimately, it's not a matter of purity or theological correctness that Jesus points to when judgment happens. Rather it is our willingness or unwillingness to act when confronted with the needs around us...."

Squirming yet?  Lord, open our ears to hear, our hearts to receive, and ourselves to act!

Rather than meet in the Upper Room, we'll be in the 1990 hall at 8:30am for coffee and donuts so that we can then be given our roles for the simulation.  All are welcome! This should prove to be a fun way to learn important truths.

Today's prayer: Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and for evermore. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised.Ps 113 And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God. Micah 6:8

Creator God, you tell us to care for the stranger, feed the hungry, provide for the sick and needy. Boy, do we fail miserably much of the time!  Forgive us, Lord. Grant us courage and strength, and wisdom and mercy as we relate one to another and learn to truly see each other offering ourselves to you as living sacrifices. There are times we are the ones in need; help us to accept graciously. We criticize and judge rather than see each other as your creations. Let us live as transformed mortals created in Christ Jesus for the good works you intended to be our way of life, stepping into your Kingdom way.  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." 

c 1970's "Hey, batter, batter, batter, batter!"


PV Baseball: Dustin Yoder, 2010

With fingers already disgustingly orange from dipping into the colossal bag of corn curls and a can of Mountain Dew on the bench beside me, I was ready for the game.  My dad played fast pitch softball, and I loved going to his games. As the pitcher, he was the star or the fall guy depending on how the game developed. (Mostly the star! Just ask him how many times he was awarded the mvp on his teams.)  Sitting directly behind the catcher, I could see my dad's intense focus, leaning forward slightly, glove and ball huddled in prayerful conference in front of him as he would stare down the batter. Potential energy became kinetic as Dad whirlwinded his arm and released an amazingly accurate fast moving pitch into the glove of the catcher.
"STRIKE THREE! YOU'RE OUT!" barked the hefty, animated umpire.



My Dad

Focused. Disciplined. Practiced. Excellent. Yep, that was my dad, the pitcher.

I often get annoyed when preachers use sport stories to make points, because I am not particularly into athletics unless someone I know is playing.  (Do we really have to keep score?  Can't we just play for fun?) :) I guess the focus, discipline, and events of games do present many life lessons!

This week Brother Mick's sermon is "Staying On Message" reminding us to stay focused on the central message of Jesus; keeping Jesus the center of our lives.  The text is Mark 12:28-34 where Jesus says, "Love God. Love your neighbor." (and we remember who our neighbor is, right?)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012:28-34&version=NLT
A few years ago many of us sported the seemingly trite WWJD? (what would Jesus do?) bracelets and T-shirts. I wonder what the world would be like if those of us claiming Jesus as the center of our lives truly engaged that question in our decisions and relationships?

Please join us for worship at Ridgeview Mennonite Church at 10:15am.  Christian Formation classes are at 9:00am. I'll be joining you in the Upper Room at 9.  http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Most of us in the Lancaster area came through the superstorm relatively unscathed, but many brothers and sisters in other areas are hurting as a result of Hurricane Sandy.
Mennonite Disaster Service is monitoring the effects of the storm and will no doubt be putting together teams in the near future.  http://mds.mennonite.net/ 

December 3 is the church auction.  Be thinking about what you can donate or saving pennies to bid!

For the month of November we will be gathering paper items for The Factory: plates, napkins, bowls, cups, eating utensils, and paper towels.  http://thefactoryministries.com/wordpress/

Saturday Bridge of Hope will be holding their annual kaleidoscope at Ridgeview. http://www.bridgeofhopelcc.org/2012/09/nov-3-kaleidoscope-2012-a-luau-of-hope/

Prayer for today: I lift up my eyes to the hills, From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.Psalm 121:1-2  Creator God, as many in our country and world face devastation today from natural and manmade disasters, we know your light and hope is present.  As your people, let us pour forth from the hills to offer healing and hope, love and respect, peace and kindness to a discordant and hurting world. As votes are cast, regardless of who is elected to the top spot, remind us that You are God and King. Grant us courage to walk 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

"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

Petal Connections

As we sat on the T (subway) in Boston, Jan and I studied the metro map above the doors. "I think Bryan said we could either get off at Downtown Crossing and walk or take the green line one stop, or was it...."   The young man sitting next to me on the swaying metro looked up from his Ipad, smiled, and asked "Where are you going?" 
"Faneuil Hall." 

This kindly person shared the route with us, giving us tips and suggestions for our day.  Throughout our short excursion to Boston, petals of kindness were shared with us by strangers and loved ones as we explored the city and travelled by train, bus, subway, and auto. Oh, and our feet also logged many miles!

 The last two weeks as Jan and I have updated one another on our lives, I've had the opportunity to introduce her to some of my friends. I've thought about how connections are like flowers and trees, some fleeting yet fragrant like scattered petals preceding a bride, and some relationships thorny and even toxic at times, yet others with roots, deep, faithful, beautiful, and abiding. There is beauty in the single petal, yet for me, it is the eclectic bouquet of connections that has truly enriched my life.  Each time you relate to another person whether in conversation on the bus, as spouse, best friend, teacher, student, or coworker, your life bouquet is filled with more color and diversity.  That's such a good thing! (Don't forget to water!)

This week at Ridgeview we are honored to have guests from Argentina who will be sharing with us in the worship service. Won't you join us at 10:15 am at Ridgeview http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/and add to your bouquet of connections?  Merv Stoltzfus will be joining you in the Upper Room at 9am.  :)

In this contentious time of the election process, don't forget in whom our trust and hope really belongs!

A 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. Psalm 91:1-2   
Creator God, thank you for being our shelter, never leaving us nor forsaking us.  There are times we don't "feel" you, but you are the clean water and nourishing sunshine of our lives, always present to bring healing and hope even when we are in thorny relationships and painful situations. Grant us courage to trust and not be afraid for Love (and that is you!)is greater than fear.  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 if you need prayer or a chat! 

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 cold, crisp autumn day in 1992 brought my little girls down the stairs with excitement.  "OOOH!  It snowed! Let's go outside!" the eldest exclaimed.

"That is frost, not snow," I told her.
"Kori, let's go out and play in the frost!"

The exuberance of children is something from which we could learn.  As the days of autumn are filled with that ethereal glow that causes our hearts to sing, I think of the many facets of this season which delight the soul.  I'll begin the list, you finish it! 

-jolly, orange pumpkins and goose-shaped, colorful gourds
-leaves, leaves, falling leaves, red, orange, brown, and yellow leaves
-campfires, s'mores, hotdogs, and cocoa
-flying V's above us calling encouragements and directions to one another whilst their wings ceaselessly toil

-the Great Horned Owl chorus                           

-skies of red, orange, purple, pink, and yellow with pillow-top clouds stretching and yawning

-broccoli cheese soup, potato soup, chili, lentil stew, tomato soup with grilled cheese

-mules and draft horses doing that difficult work for which they were created

-hard working farmers gathering and storing

-little tweeties gobbling seeds from the "finished" flowers

-that distinctive potpourri in the air like sweet apples, earth, and sky

-smiling scarecrows and scary black cats  

-visits from friends who live in a land far, far away

-apple crisp, apple cider, apple pie, apple dumplings; red apples, yellow apples, green apples, gold apples; bobbing for apples

-comfy sweatshirts, blue jeans, and boots

Ahhhh... I could go on all day. Take a few moments and consider what would be on your list.  I'd love to hear your responses!

Last night I attended a meaningful time of visitation and memorial for Craig Stoltzfus.  His life made a difference and impression on so many of us.  His life inspires me to live secure in knowing that without question or doubt, God loves me; therefore, I need not be afraid.

Mick's message this week has an interesting title "Hanging on to the Camel's Tail" with the challenging scripture from Mark 10:17-31 in which Jesus instructs the rich young man to give up his riches. http://bible.oremus.org/  I  hope you will join us as we grapple with this text. 

The Upper Room will be open, and I hope to join you for at least part of the morning. I  know some of you will be home from college (YAY!), and I look forward to seeing you!

Prayer for today:  Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:1-2 Help us to realize your incredible for love for us; that your human presence as Jesus seeks to heal and reconcile our relationship with you and with each other.  Help us not to be afraid, though the mountains tremble and the hills fall into the ocean, your compasioon never fails us. 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. Call/ text me!

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

Bright materials, gun wielding marionettes, sun-face pottery, and beautiful jewelry; everywhere one looked the eye saw colors, shapes, and enticing items. Scents were so overwhelming, I couldn't distinguish one from another.                                                               
"Pretty lady! Pretty lady! Look, Look!"  Calls in English and Spanish had my head spinning as the friendly Latin vendors tried to grab my attention with promises of the best wares.  I was overwhelmed as we navigated through Nogales, Mexico experiencing so much, but not really seeing anything as sensory overload created mumbojumbo in my brain.  My friend June and I were counting on my sister Jo to guide us and speak for us. 

"Look at this beautiful lapis bracelet to match your blue eyes," the determined flattermonger grabbed my attention. We turned and looked at the jewelry laid out before us.  To purchase or not to purchase?  I turned to my sister for help.

"Jo? Mary Jo?" 

Where was she?!  In a near panic June and I scanned the crowded area as we felt like foreigners in a busy, unknown marketplace-- wait, that's what we were.

Finally we spotted her. She was back in a shadowed corner beside a toothless, wrinkled, ancient woman, who was sitting pretzel style on the ground. How had Jo seen her? There were so many people present, pushing, calling, demanding attention, and this "grandmother" was sitting silently in the shadows.  We watched as Mary Jo squatted down beside her, touched her shoulder, and looked deeply into her eyes. These two women, one young and one old, smiled at one another as Jo purchased chicklets from the little box that was next to her.

When I look to your heavens, the work of your fingers, the sun and the moon that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.Psalm 8:3-5

Whenever I think about this experience, I'm touched and blessed by my sister's ability to truly see this poor, old woman. Old, young, rich, poor, fat, thin, smart, dumb, light, dark, strong, weak, hairy, bald, tall, short--all are precious in God's sight.  

Brother Mick's text for Sunday is Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 with a title called, "Like Gods and Angels?" In his presermon notes he states, "We are called to live lives that reflect such aspects of divinity that are to be found in angels and gods. It's a daunting challenge and one that we more often than not shy away from out of our sense of unworthiness or perhaps because we would rather not do the work of living such a way." 

We'll be sharing communion on Sunday along with people around the globe on this World Communion Sunday.  The sermon texts are appropriate for such a day! A communion of a different sort will follow the service as we share a community meal together--Bob's famous pig roast. :)
From 9-9:15am you are invited to join for a time of intergenerational singing in the Rec Room before Sunday school begins. I'm leading this, so I really hope you'll bring your vocal chords and join us. :)
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Thursday, Oct. 11 from 6-9pm in the 1990 Hall there will be a time of visitation and memorial for Craig Stoltzfus.

Family Night activities begin on Oct. 10 with supper at 6:15pm.  There are classes for all ages. On this first Wednesday, the moderator of MCUSA, our own Dick Thomas, will be sharing with the adults.

Oh, Jan arrived safely from England.  The fun begins! :)

Prayer for today:  O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!  Grant us an awareness of your Spirit in and around us. Grant us your peace, Jesus, in all circumstances. Let us live with eyes that see your creation, your humanity, as precious. Grant us strength for today and hope for tomorrow as we live in your grace and joy.  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

Mopan Clinic, Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize c1981 (Yes, I know, many of you weren't even born!)

The supper dishes clattered as I washed up cups and plates in the Belizean nurses' quarters after a relaxing Saturday of soaking up some Vitamin D in the bright Central American sunshine and washing clothes in the old agitator washer sans ringer. The local nurses had gone to Belize City for the weekend, and the English nurses were in the adjoining flat, so I was alone for the moment... or was I? 

"Thump! Thump thump!" 




Jan, Jo, and I in Illinois, 1982

Forget the dishes! I skedaddled next door hollering for Nurse Jan who came rapidly to my aid.  We listened carefully, and within moments heard the telltale heart, I mean the thump, thump thumping, thump, thump thumping. 

"It's coming from behind the box of grapefruit next to the frig, " I whispered. Jan began aggressively bashing the box with her foot.  Add kickboxing to the abilities of this woman!

BRRRING! Now I was sure I heard the uncommon ringing of the telephone at the clinic, so I abandoned the valiant Britisher to face the frightening unknown alone. Shrieks and squeaks filled my ears as I returned to find Jan in full battle mode. Armed with a bottle of dettol and a can of roach spray, a hideous dark brown winged creature like a miniature "fell beast" of Tolkien was flopping around on the floor, no doubt feeling as if it'd just met Cobra Woman. A force of energy must have filled the monster, because it suddenly started gaining height. RETREAT!

What to do? We reconnoitered and prepared to advance.  Creeping back into the kitchen armed with an empty box, we captured the vile (and injured) chiroptera and swept it outside. There I slew the beast with a mighty thwack of my trusty staff aka bristle broom. (I think it remains the only mammal I've ever killed, poor little bat!)

Ahhhh sweet memories!
Next week I'll have the opportunity to reminisce in person with my cohort, as Jan will be visiting from England. I would never have guessed that during my time of formal education at Goshen College http://www.goshen.edu/, one of the most enduring, endearing, and edifying gifts of my cross-cultural experience would be a lifelong friendship with this amazing woman. 

We are blessed and honored to have a guest pastor from Germany who will preach on Sunday.  Liesa Unger who is leading the planning for 2015 Mennonite World Conference will be using Acts 3:1-11 for her sermon text and will include some stories as she shares.  Please join us! 

Our friend Craig died on Sept. 25. Craig's mother has chronicled his journey on Caring Bridge http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/craigstoltzfus/journal . I was truly blessed by this wise young man, and I will miss him.  Please pray for his family and friends as we grieve.

This Sunday I hope to be in the Upper Room with you unless I can't find a teacher for junior high! 

You can now listen to sermons. :) http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

How is married life for all of you newlyweds? :)  Call me if you have any newlywed crises!

Prayer for today:  Great Divine, in your presence we find healing and hope, authenticity and purpose, compassion and grace. "Thank you" seems trite. Grant us courage to truly live our moments as a sacrifice to you, opening ourselves to the flowing breath of your Spirit that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control exude from our very pores. As you are comfort to Craig's family, let us be your vessels. Some of us are struggling with school and work issues, and we seek your wisdom.  Some of us are struggling in relationships or with loneliness, and we seek your healing and hope. Some of us have physical or mental ailments that need your touch.  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!  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