Paul says, "It is the parts of the body which we consider the least dignified, that we surround with the greatest dignity" (1 Corinthians 12:23). In the body of the church, these are not the parts that generally lead or control. The most important parts are those that are least presentable to the world.
As a people called out of oppression, we must recognize that it's the weakest among us who form the core. The elderly, the small children, the handicapped, the sick, the hungry, the mentally ill.
We can be called the people of God only when these, the least among us, are the most treasured. When the world looks at us, is this what they see?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Praise!
We all need to learn to make our praise spontaneous, like children. Praise God for the sunrise, the new day, those who prepare your food, those who teach and those who serve. Make your praise simple. Sing, shout for joy, jump up and down, clap! Show God your happiness at being called His child.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Survival Test
I found this recently...read and think about how you'd rate each item. Then check out the answers at: http://jeremyzach.wordpress.com/2008/10/11/communal-building-activity-survival-simulation/
Don't freak at some of the items listed...be sure and read the answer before you jump to conclusions. Oh, and don't be surprised if you see this during a meeting sometime in the future!
Don't freak at some of the items listed...be sure and read the answer before you jump to conclusions. Oh, and don't be surprised if you see this during a meeting sometime in the future!
This activity encourages group decision making. On a side note, this simulation is actually used in the military to train soldiers how to think when trying to survive.
SURVIVAL SIMULATION:
You and your team have just survived the crash of a small plane. Both the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash. It is mid-January, and you are in Northern Canada. The daily temperature is 25 below zero, and the night time temperature is 40 below zero. There is snow on the ground, and the countryside is wooded with several creeks crisis-crossing the area. The nearest town is 20 miles away. You are all dressed in city clothes appropriate for a business meeting. Your group of survivors managed to salvage the following items:
A ball of steel wool
A small ax
A loaded .45-caliber pistol
Can of Crisco shortening
Newspapers (one per person)
Cigarette lighter (without fluid)
Extra shirt and pants for each survivor
20 x 20 ft. piece of heavy-duty canvas
A sectional air map made of plastic
One quart of 100-proof whiskey
A compass
Family-size chocolate bars (one per person)
Your task as a group is to list the above 12 items in order of importance for your survival. List the uses for each. You MUST come to agreement as a group.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Vision, etc.
Many tell me that unless I have a "vision" for the Youth group, we're dead in the water. I'm asked "How will you know when you reach your goal if there is no goal?" I have to ask in turn, "Why would I limit these young people by forcing them to follow "my" vision?" Sorry, I just can't function that way. Other than our weekly Bible Study (started with Genesis last year and will end in Revelation sometime in the future) filling a calendar with lesson plans doesn't seem to work. How do I know this 5 minutes what my group will need 6 months from now?
While I do plan big events in advance (trips, mission projects, etc.) that's the extent of it. If you were to ask what I plan to teach for Advent, I'd have to tell you I'm looking at 2 or 3 different programs but haven't felt led to pick one yet. Who knows, Advent may end up being a combination of them. I DO know what I plan to use in Sunday School this week and since we're hosting a Halloween Party for the children on Sunday night, that program is ready too! As far as concrete plans, that's as far as it goes.
I do read and keep up to date on the latest offerings from many youth oriented publications and will make notes and file for future reference (sticky notes are my best friend!) but I cannot bring myself to "set in stone" when (or if) we will study a particular program.
Youth are a work in progress and so am I. After several years I must tell you God has always pointed us in the right direction. I've been amazed at the number of times He has spoken to us...just the right words at just the right time. And then there are the times that the sermon during morning Worship lines right up with or fleshes out what we discussed just a few minutes earlier.
I'm oh so happy to know that God is more than willing to let me fly by the seat of my pants...and serve as the parachute when we need it.
While I do plan big events in advance (trips, mission projects, etc.) that's the extent of it. If you were to ask what I plan to teach for Advent, I'd have to tell you I'm looking at 2 or 3 different programs but haven't felt led to pick one yet. Who knows, Advent may end up being a combination of them. I DO know what I plan to use in Sunday School this week and since we're hosting a Halloween Party for the children on Sunday night, that program is ready too! As far as concrete plans, that's as far as it goes.
I do read and keep up to date on the latest offerings from many youth oriented publications and will make notes and file for future reference (sticky notes are my best friend!) but I cannot bring myself to "set in stone" when (or if) we will study a particular program.
Youth are a work in progress and so am I. After several years I must tell you God has always pointed us in the right direction. I've been amazed at the number of times He has spoken to us...just the right words at just the right time. And then there are the times that the sermon during morning Worship lines right up with or fleshes out what we discussed just a few minutes earlier.
I'm oh so happy to know that God is more than willing to let me fly by the seat of my pants...and serve as the parachute when we need it.
Prayer for the day...
Shepherd of our souls, who calls His own by name, help us this hour to hear and heed your voice. We know no other voice and no other voice will we follow...
Amen
Amen
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Us vs. Them
Jesus calls us to look out for one another...teaching and sharing our loads.
Imagine how we look to the outside world when we fight amongst ourselves about doctrine, baptism and even our interpretation of the Bible. It's easy to understand why those who do not know Christ see no reason to follow in our footsteps given our selfishness. What have we done for our brothers to show Christs' love?
Do we show the joy that is ours as sons and daughters of God? Do we freely share our inheritance with those who don't know or understand? There's an old saying that YOU may be the only Christ some people ever see...be His representative...we're not perfect, we're forgiven.
Imagine how we look to the outside world when we fight amongst ourselves about doctrine, baptism and even our interpretation of the Bible. It's easy to understand why those who do not know Christ see no reason to follow in our footsteps given our selfishness. What have we done for our brothers to show Christs' love?
Do we show the joy that is ours as sons and daughters of God? Do we freely share our inheritance with those who don't know or understand? There's an old saying that YOU may be the only Christ some people ever see...be His representative...we're not perfect, we're forgiven.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Human Voice
Whether listening to the low muted murmur of a confidential whisper or the proud boom coming from a mic on the podium, there are few sounds more expressive than the human voice. Each persons voice has a unique tone that is all its own, carrying their own signature traits and characteristics. No two voices are alike.
The tenderness of a lover's voice can feel like a warm caress; words spoken in anger can seem like physical blows; and a voice tinged with laughter can't help but fill us with good feelings. And then there are the voices of other people we encounter...the radio announcer's soothing baritone on a long car ride or the cheerful chatter of children playing on the street are just a few of the voices we may be blessed to hear on any given day.
Every time we use our voices, we make an impression on the people around us. Like the words we use when we speak, our voices can communicate what we are feeling, what we desire and what we really mean. Timidity, desire, pain and love can all be expressed and felt through the human voice. Our voices also have the power to heal, to hurt, to love and to transform others. When we are aware of the impact our voices can have, we can choose what we are expressing. Remember that what you communicate when you speak goes beyond words. Take responsibility for the power your voice has to impact the people around you and let your voice be a sound that creates harmony and compassion in your world.
The tenderness of a lover's voice can feel like a warm caress; words spoken in anger can seem like physical blows; and a voice tinged with laughter can't help but fill us with good feelings. And then there are the voices of other people we encounter...the radio announcer's soothing baritone on a long car ride or the cheerful chatter of children playing on the street are just a few of the voices we may be blessed to hear on any given day.
Every time we use our voices, we make an impression on the people around us. Like the words we use when we speak, our voices can communicate what we are feeling, what we desire and what we really mean. Timidity, desire, pain and love can all be expressed and felt through the human voice. Our voices also have the power to heal, to hurt, to love and to transform others. When we are aware of the impact our voices can have, we can choose what we are expressing. Remember that what you communicate when you speak goes beyond words. Take responsibility for the power your voice has to impact the people around you and let your voice be a sound that creates harmony and compassion in your world.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Hugs and such...
Mark 10:13 deals with noisy children. In this scene, a crowd interrupts Jesus' preaching. I'm sure the children were boisterous, energetic and loud! They instinctively ran towards someone who enjoyed them. The apostles were stern in trying to turn them as well as their parents away...Imagine them saying "These kids are not serious! We are here trying to listen and all we can hear is noise and commotion!" But then the One the children loved and the One that loved them intervened and instead of sending them away He asked them to come closer. He held them in His arms and laid His hands upon them in blessing. He gave them two gifts that cost nothing; His time and His affection.
These days, parents are often so busy that the children suffer from too little attention. There are concerns about their safety which means that they receive no physical contact from others...society tells us that we must be careful. These apprehensions are understandable and shouldn't be down-played but it's truly a shame when a child runs to you with arms wide open, only to be turned away. Their needs remain the same and the monetary cost is still nothing. They need our attention and a place to be children loved by the Father and loved by us. In as much as you can open your arms but more importantly, open your hearts.
These days, parents are often so busy that the children suffer from too little attention. There are concerns about their safety which means that they receive no physical contact from others...society tells us that we must be careful. These apprehensions are understandable and shouldn't be down-played but it's truly a shame when a child runs to you with arms wide open, only to be turned away. Their needs remain the same and the monetary cost is still nothing. They need our attention and a place to be children loved by the Father and loved by us. In as much as you can open your arms but more importantly, open your hearts.
Friday, October 17, 2008
A view...
In today's world where each side thinks they're right and the other is wrong...a video by Jay Voorhees (Pastor Antioch United Methodist Church)...check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH8GnXdZKg8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH8GnXdZKg8
Your Place in God's Band
By Max Lucado
Two of my teenage years were spent carrying a tuba in my high school marching band. My mother wanted me to learn to read music, and the choir was full while the band was a tuba-tooter short, so I signed up. Not necessarily what you would describe as a call from God, but it wasn't a wasted experience either.
I had a date with a twirler.
I learned to paint white shoe polish on school buses.
And I learned some facts about harmony that I'll pass on to you.
I marched next to the bass-drum player. What a great sound. Boom. Boom. Boom. Deep, cavernous, thundering. And at the end of my flank marched the flute section. Oh, how their music soared. Whispering, lifting, rising into the clouds. Ahead of me, at the front of my line, was our first-chair trumpet. He could raise the spirit. He could raise the flag. He could have raised the roof on the stadium if we'd had one.
The soft flute
needs
the brash trumpet
needs
the steady drum
needs
the soft flute
needs the brash trumpet.
Get the idea? The operative word is need. They need each other. By themselves they make music. Together they make magic.
Now what I saw two decades ago in the band, I see today in the church. We need each other. Not all of us play the same instrument. Some believers are lofty, and others are solid. Some keep the pace while others lead the band. Not all of us make the same sound. Some are soft, and others are loud. And not all of us have the same ability. Buts each of us has a place.
Some play the drums (like Martha).
Some play the flute (like Mary).
And others sound the trumpet (like Lazarus).
Mary, Martha and Lazarus were like family to Jesus. After the Lord raised Lazarus from the dead, the decided to give a dinner for Jesus. They decided to honor Him by having a party on His behalf (John 12:2). They didn't argue over the best seat. They didn't try to outdo each other. All three worked together with one purpose. But each one fulfilled that purpose in his or her own unique manner. Martha served, Mary worshiped, and Lazarus had a story to tell and he was ready to tell it. Three people, each with a different skill, a different ability. But each of equal value.
Two of my teenage years were spent carrying a tuba in my high school marching band. My mother wanted me to learn to read music, and the choir was full while the band was a tuba-tooter short, so I signed up. Not necessarily what you would describe as a call from God, but it wasn't a wasted experience either.
I had a date with a twirler.
I learned to paint white shoe polish on school buses.
And I learned some facts about harmony that I'll pass on to you.
I marched next to the bass-drum player. What a great sound. Boom. Boom. Boom. Deep, cavernous, thundering. And at the end of my flank marched the flute section. Oh, how their music soared. Whispering, lifting, rising into the clouds. Ahead of me, at the front of my line, was our first-chair trumpet. He could raise the spirit. He could raise the flag. He could have raised the roof on the stadium if we'd had one.
The soft flute
needs
the brash trumpet
needs
the steady drum
needs
the soft flute
needs the brash trumpet.
Get the idea? The operative word is need. They need each other. By themselves they make music. Together they make magic.
Now what I saw two decades ago in the band, I see today in the church. We need each other. Not all of us play the same instrument. Some believers are lofty, and others are solid. Some keep the pace while others lead the band. Not all of us make the same sound. Some are soft, and others are loud. And not all of us have the same ability. Buts each of us has a place.
Some play the drums (like Martha).
Some play the flute (like Mary).
And others sound the trumpet (like Lazarus).
Mary, Martha and Lazarus were like family to Jesus. After the Lord raised Lazarus from the dead, the decided to give a dinner for Jesus. They decided to honor Him by having a party on His behalf (John 12:2). They didn't argue over the best seat. They didn't try to outdo each other. All three worked together with one purpose. But each one fulfilled that purpose in his or her own unique manner. Martha served, Mary worshiped, and Lazarus had a story to tell and he was ready to tell it. Three people, each with a different skill, a different ability. But each of equal value.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Poverty
In the Bible Jesus says "The poor are with you always..." Could He have eradicated poverty? Absolutely! So why didn't He?
Choices...God is all about allowing us to make decisions on our own. By doing so, when we turn to Him it is because we want to be with Him...not because He forces us. What does this have to do with poverty? Wouldn't the millions who suffer live a different lifestyle if they could? Again, absolutely! But our lives are impacted not just by our own choices but by those who surround us, govern us, have come before us.
The problem can seem overwhelming, do we then just throw up our hands? Absolutely not! Impacting the life of others (even if it's just one) is our calling on earth. We are charged with being our brother's keeper. We must make a conscious decision to reach out and share our time, our talents and our money. Touching just one life, one day at a time.
Choices...God is all about allowing us to make decisions on our own. By doing so, when we turn to Him it is because we want to be with Him...not because He forces us. What does this have to do with poverty? Wouldn't the millions who suffer live a different lifestyle if they could? Again, absolutely! But our lives are impacted not just by our own choices but by those who surround us, govern us, have come before us.
The problem can seem overwhelming, do we then just throw up our hands? Absolutely not! Impacting the life of others (even if it's just one) is our calling on earth. We are charged with being our brother's keeper. We must make a conscious decision to reach out and share our time, our talents and our money. Touching just one life, one day at a time.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A beautiful day...
Does the color of the sky affect your mood? When the day is sunny and clear with a bright, blue sky behind it...do you have an extra bounce in your step? When you wake to rain or fog, do you feel more sombre?
Life itself can be compared to the sky. Although I would wish you a lifetime of beautiful skies, we need the rainy and foggy ones too. Although I would wish you a lifetime of carefree happiness, we learn the most when we pause to reflect. We need balance to live a life of fulfillment...gray skies and blue, sunshine and rain.
The weather can and does affect our mood...studies show several days (or weeks) of gloomy weather tend to make us more depressed. The key is to remember that the gray days will pass and the beautiful blue sky is always just behind the clouds.
Life itself can be compared to the sky. Although I would wish you a lifetime of beautiful skies, we need the rainy and foggy ones too. Although I would wish you a lifetime of carefree happiness, we learn the most when we pause to reflect. We need balance to live a life of fulfillment...gray skies and blue, sunshine and rain.
The weather can and does affect our mood...studies show several days (or weeks) of gloomy weather tend to make us more depressed. The key is to remember that the gray days will pass and the beautiful blue sky is always just behind the clouds.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Old Habits
"Old habits are hard to break, and no one is easily weaned from his own opinions; but if you rely on your own reasoning and ability rather than on the virtue of submission to Jesus Christ, you will but seldom and slowly attain wisdom. For God wills that we become perfectly obedient to himself and that we transcend mere reason on the wings of burning love for Him."
Thomas a' Kempis
Thomas a' Kempis
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Anger
All of us have experienced situations where we've found ourselves lashing out at someone without meaning to...usually someone we care about. Later we will feel bad about what we've done and for treating them badly. While it is human nature that our feelings and emotions sometimes get the better of us, we don't have to give in.
Often, when we lash out, it's because we're having a difficult time. We may be feeling overwhelmed, afraid, frustrated, stressed out or just plain angry. Having these feelings boiling up inside can be very uncomfortable and our first reaction is do something to get rid them. When we direct this outburst toward someone else, we may feel better for the moment but in the end there will be feelings of guilt (on our part) and hurt (on their part).
Whenever you have these seemingly uncontrollable feelings, it's time to go to your knees, take a walk or do something else physical...in most cases, an activity will help you take control without hurting someone or something else. It's also time to talk with God...He know and understands and fortunately for us, He's big enough to take it and continue to love us.
It will pass, but we must learn to control our emotions before they get the better of us.
Often, when we lash out, it's because we're having a difficult time. We may be feeling overwhelmed, afraid, frustrated, stressed out or just plain angry. Having these feelings boiling up inside can be very uncomfortable and our first reaction is do something to get rid them. When we direct this outburst toward someone else, we may feel better for the moment but in the end there will be feelings of guilt (on our part) and hurt (on their part).
Whenever you have these seemingly uncontrollable feelings, it's time to go to your knees, take a walk or do something else physical...in most cases, an activity will help you take control without hurting someone or something else. It's also time to talk with God...He know and understands and fortunately for us, He's big enough to take it and continue to love us.
It will pass, but we must learn to control our emotions before they get the better of us.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Palm of Your hand...
I needed to see and hear this today...the pictures could have been made where we live...
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBX6Hxk1pl0
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBX6Hxk1pl0
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Silence
I read an article yesterday by John Harvey and realized I was a White Noise Junkie. White noise is not anything specific but it's the need to constantly "hear" something. Apparently I've become addicted without even realizing it. I do know I am rarely anywhere without some type of sound in the background. Yes, even when I sleep, I usually leave the TV on.
By spending my life surrounded by sound, what am I missing? Peace? Serenity? The voice of God? Even though scripture tells us of God's "still, small voice", I know that He has other ways of communicating and I am getting the messages! However, He shouldn't have to compete for my attention, especially when it's something I can control.
Although it will probably be harder than I realize, I plan to work on spending at least part of every day in silence and then I'll just listen.
By spending my life surrounded by sound, what am I missing? Peace? Serenity? The voice of God? Even though scripture tells us of God's "still, small voice", I know that He has other ways of communicating and I am getting the messages! However, He shouldn't have to compete for my attention, especially when it's something I can control.
Although it will probably be harder than I realize, I plan to work on spending at least part of every day in silence and then I'll just listen.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Prayer for the day...
A wonderful prayer to start the day from Father Mychal Judge:
Lord,
Take me where you want me to go. Let me meet whom you want me to meet. Tell me to say what you want me to say. And keep me out of Your way!
Amen
If only we could follow this every day, think of the impact we would make in our own little world and worlds of those around us.
Lord,
Take me where you want me to go. Let me meet whom you want me to meet. Tell me to say what you want me to say. And keep me out of Your way!
Amen
If only we could follow this every day, think of the impact we would make in our own little world and worlds of those around us.
Monday, October 6, 2008
'Tis better to give
When we're young "Tis better to give than to receive" perhaps doesn't seem quite right. It is fun to give but really, what could be better than receiving a gift? God has a way of proving these things to us. There is really nothing better than to be able to give a gift that you know someone will love...it IS as exciting as getting it yourself. To anticipate their reaction when they see it or you tell them...even if it's long distance, the joy cannot be disguised.
Today I got to purchase tickets for my daughter (my eldest) for her dream concert! Because of the price of the tickets, they will be her birthday/Christmas present this year but she is thrilled. And the concert is actually ON her birthday...what fun! So, for all you Sarah Brightman fans, have hope, someday someone you love may find a way to send you too! Love you Baby Girl! For those who don't know Sarah Brightman, take a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp0ccQVy1og
Today I got to purchase tickets for my daughter (my eldest) for her dream concert! Because of the price of the tickets, they will be her birthday/Christmas present this year but she is thrilled. And the concert is actually ON her birthday...what fun! So, for all you Sarah Brightman fans, have hope, someday someone you love may find a way to send you too! Love you Baby Girl! For those who don't know Sarah Brightman, take a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp0ccQVy1og
Friday, October 3, 2008
Walks vs. Adventures
Grandson (4 year old) and I have begun taking walks every afternoon when I get home from work. I made the mistake of calling it a walk the first day and was told in no uncertain terms that it was an adventure! Yeah, sure, we're walking the neighborhood that I've lived in for 30+ years...sure there are a few more houses now than used to be here and a little less farm land but basically it's the same neighborhood.
Boy was I wrong! Is it any wonder that Jesus says "Unless you become like little children..." (Matt. 18:3)? We speak to all the dogs (and now know some of their names), pet any horses that will let us, count the birds and listen to their songs, see images in the clouds and the list goes on and on. I know the neighborhood, but he sees it and revels in any changes since the day before. Needless to say, by the time we get back to the house to start supper, I'm in a completely new frame of mind. The little nagging problems of the day are gone and replaced with joy...joy in living another day, being able to take a walk, spending time with my one and only grandchild, feeling the changes in the weather (I LOVE fall!) and gratitude...who but our Father God could have created such a place and given me such a "buddy" to share it with?
Boy was I wrong! Is it any wonder that Jesus says "Unless you become like little children..." (Matt. 18:3)? We speak to all the dogs (and now know some of their names), pet any horses that will let us, count the birds and listen to their songs, see images in the clouds and the list goes on and on. I know the neighborhood, but he sees it and revels in any changes since the day before. Needless to say, by the time we get back to the house to start supper, I'm in a completely new frame of mind. The little nagging problems of the day are gone and replaced with joy...joy in living another day, being able to take a walk, spending time with my one and only grandchild, feeling the changes in the weather (I LOVE fall!) and gratitude...who but our Father God could have created such a place and given me such a "buddy" to share it with?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Kings
In our Wednesday Bible Study we have been reading 1st and 2nd Kings...wow...Not an easy subject to teach much less wrap teenage brains around. So many kings, so many failures, so much death. And to try to help them continue to see God's hand in it all. Now I know there are some spectacular miracles in these books but in between it sounds like chaos! Inevitably the questions arise..."All they had to do was follow God's law and He would bless them, why do they keep turning away?" It's difficult to make them understand that it's for the same reason we do. Temptation...they don't realize that we behave the same way. In their minds it would be easy to set aside this "idol"...just throw it away! Once they come to see that there are idols in their lives, not the "stone carved" kind but each and every thing that comes between them and God you can see the light bulbs go on...and they begin to see what the Israelites were facing.
We are blessed to have this instruction especially when society seems so far out of balance. We can look back to the death, destruction and captivity, all of man's own making, and know that when we turn our hearts away from our idols,we will see God's deliverance once again.
We are blessed to have this instruction especially when society seems so far out of balance. We can look back to the death, destruction and captivity, all of man's own making, and know that when we turn our hearts away from our idols,we will see God's deliverance once again.
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