Uphill idealist

"Sometimes the despair of waiting can bring us low. One of the hidden gifts of this position is a change in perspective." (Page 77 The Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting) Have you ever heard the children's song, "Do you're ears hang low to they waggle to and fro. Can you tie them in a knot? Can you tie them in a bow?..." Humility is a word that isn't something that most people seek after. First of all, some may mistake humility for allowing yourself to be treated as a doormat. Humility actually is defined as: "the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc. " From a Biblical perspective humility is characterized in the following verses as: " a prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquility (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job ...

One of the most challenging and intimidating words most people in and outside of the church would agree upon would be: EVANGELISM. There are visions of angry people shouting Bible verses, picketing the streets and knocking on doors. These are the pictures that often keep people from getting involved with the mission and ministry of evangelism. What if, instead of these intimidating examples, evangelism looked something like this: A friend taking a friend out for coffee and talk about how God has provided for their needs. One neighbor helps another neighbor with repairs to their home. A co-worker can invite an office mate to worship. A group of friends read a book about faith together. A person visits someone who can't make it out to worship due to illness or other difficulty. A student invites someone who is excluded at school to walk to class or sit with them at lunch. A small group gathers to pray together for a period of time in order to ask God's leading on just how to reac...

Image from the blog Woman of Worth . In the last few weeks of working though the devotions in the back of the "Unbinding your heart", I've begun to be more freed up to pray for people throughout the day, make a phone call when that person keeps coming to mind, or drop off a surprise to someone because I feel I have something in particular that will bless them in some way. I've had these kinds of 'holy promptings' in the past; but it's wonderful to have them be a current and present gift in my spiritual life. For a person like me, it's often so difficult to stop, sit still and pray. It's interesting that when I do stop, pray and listen to God; that he leads me to activity and action. I'm thankful to God that my mode of operation is understood, and I hope as I grow in the ability to pause and pray; more of God's activity will be done in my own actions. Maybe it's like being a stone that is tossed into a pond. The stone simply goes where ...

This last week my Holy Conversations group wrestled with the questions, "What difference does Christianity make in your life?" and " Why does it matter that others consider becoming Christians?" What I share below is meant to be the start of a conversation. I do not desire that this be the end of the conversation, just a beginning prompt. Please feel free to post your responses in the comments or at the Holy Conversations Facebook Group. Please read, reflect and comment as you feel comfortable. . Living a Christian life is not something that I claim to have mastered. It is a daily challenge to balance in that place of "love the Lord your God with all your heart, strength, mind and soul and love your neighbor as yourself." While Jesus says there is no law greater than this commandment - it's at first apparent simplicity makes it easy to read. But when this all encompassing commandment sinks in some more; the hearer begins just how dependent upon God...

The book "Unbinding your heart" (that we are starting this week in our face to face and online FACEBOOK discussion group ), posed some great questions on the topic and practice of evangelism. Here are the two questions that Chapter 1 focused upon: " What difference does it make in your life that you are a Christian?" and "What difference does it make in others lives that you are a Christian?" Here's and excerpt from the book if you need more to get your juices flowing... "Say it in words. Here's the big next step. If your faith is already vibrant and alive, can you talk about it? That's the challenge. I was at a friend's house when her toddler threatened to hurl himself out of his high chair. Stretching out a yard-long arm, he shrieked "uhh...Uhhh, UHHHUHHHHUHHHUHHH," as he grabbed for the Cheerios in her hand. Sue murmured sweetly, "Say it in words, Mac." Well if we want evangelistic Cheerios, if we want to help pe...

Here is part of an ongoing conversation that is a part of the small group ministry of First Lutheran Church of Jamestown NY. If you would like to join in on the online discussion follow the link to the Holy Conversations Group on Facebook . When I think of Jesus, my earliest association with him came from my childhood growing up in Sunday school and church. There was a Christmas pageant that baby Jesus was the literal star of and I was one of the myriad of angels singing "Oh come let us adore him", there was communion in worship where his crucifixion story was told - the emphasis of the entire sacrament was to REMEMBER Jesus. My childhood was filled to the brim with Jesus and my early religious education made Jesus the face of God for me. In Mrs. Cartwright's classroom there was a picture of Jesus on the wall where he was surrounded by children from all around the world. I once had a dream where I was seated with Jesus and his full attention was on me. It was a dream that...

Another thought on confession that I picked up on on page 80 of the text of Holy Conversations: "We also need to confess that we have come to Jesus. Confessing sin is the negative side of confession ( saying no). Confessing Christ is the positive side (saying yes). Both confessing sin and confessing Jesus are necessary for new life in Christ." When I think of the word confession, I tend to frame it in a primarily negative context. I think what is freeing about the above explanation is that it give a person a place to let go of what inhibits and then take up the thing that uplifts. Jeff (from our facebook group) commented above on how "Confession is good for the soul" - I'd like to suggest that this entails both sides of confession, the - and the +. If the christian community were more likely to live out this way of confessional living, I believe it would breathe life into our communities.

Image from the blog "A view from the balcony." Confession is a key step in conversion. Confession is repentance actualized. How do you talk about confession? Clearly it isn't your place to say to a friend,"Here are the issues I see in your life. You need to name these issues, offer then to God in repentance and ask for forgiveness." Your friend would say rightly, "Who are you to tell me what is wrong in my life?" In fact, you probably don't want to talk about confession directly at all. What is helpful is simply to talk about the issues in your own life and the power of confession for you. In other words you model confession instead of talking about it. The response of your friend is up to him or her, but by your openness you have given your friend the option and the right to be open with you. What role, if any, did confession (of sin, need or longing) play a part in your own coming to be a follower of Christ? -------------------------------------...

A few years ago, my son and I were home watching a movie. It was a science fiction thriller called, "Signs". It starred Mel Gibson and revolved around the idea of Alien invasion. Every time I watch this film it is profoundly moving for me, but this time in particular I was moved to tears. In a particular scene, two brothers are talking about the two different kinds of people there are in the world. Are they the kind of people that feel life is a random collection of of happenings or does life really have meaning and purpose. Does synchronicity exist? Does the higher power really care what is going on on this planet and the lives of those who inhabit it? Do you believe in miracles? As I sat watching this scene, I dabbed my eyes with a tissue and my son looked compassionately over at me. Usually when I cry at movies, my family will tease me over it, but not this time. Earlier that week, I'd been laid off from my lay-ministry position due to a budget deficit. I was feeling a...

To have opportunities for repentance, it is necessary to have insight or new perspective on things. Sometimes, it's a sudden moment of "Wow, things could be different." or it can be a gradual coming to awareness as well. How can you be the kind of person that brings insight to others, the kind of insight that opens the way to change? What parables, illustrations, songs, films or pieces of art illustrate what repentance is all about? Who or what has been a person or catalyst of repentance in your own life? This weekly question is part of an online and face-to-face discussion group called "Holy Conversations" . It is based on a small-group study book by Richard Peace. Feel free to comment here or to visit our group at the Holy Conversations Group on Facebook.

The word repentance was once explained to me as " stopping where you are, turning around and going the other direction with purpose and passion." This weeks question has to do with the topic of repentance. Give an example in your life of repentance: how have you faced a hard truth about yourself and made a decision to go a better way. What happened? Tell us your story... For the last several weeks, a small group of friends have been meeting over lunch on a weekly basis to discuss and share their answers, questions and conversation in response to the questions found in the book, Holy conversations by Richard Peace. Feel free to comment here or on the discussion page found on Facebook .

When I first think of the word "sin" I think of some fire and brimstone sermons I've listened to over the years, I think of a list of offenses: murder, theft, anger, lust, pride, and more, but more and more when I think of sin - I think of it being the thing or things that can be a barrier to all the things that are listed as the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, humbleness, and self-control. In the last year it seems I'm in the process of being realigned by the compass of Jesus words here in John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." When it comes to the matter of sin, I think much of it would be resolved if we, as in I, lived in the way of love like Jesus speaks of more and more on a daily basis. Sometimes I think it is easier to define what something, like sin, is with what it i...

The following segment is taken from Chapter 6: Talking about sin in the book Holy Conversations. For the last six weeks, myself and a group of folks have been meeting and sharing our thoughts and the process of telling our faith stories both online at Facebook and in person with a small group that meets at First Lutheran Church on a weekly basis. Would you like to become a part of this conversation? Our question this week has to do with the topic of sin. Take a minute and read the following section and feel free to post your responses below or at our Holy Conversations group online here . Thank you for your honesty and mutual respect as you take part in the ongoing conversation of faith, life and the challenge to understand and talk about it. Peace, Tara "You are dirty rotten sinners, the whole lot of you!" We can picture the scene in our minds. A tall gaunt, dark-clad minister is pointing his bony finger at a group of people who are cringing at this words. They aren'...

Today's post is part of an ongoing conversation that takes place online at Facebook's Holy Conversations Book Group and at First Lutheran Church in Jamestown NY. Please feel free to join us for group on Thursday at noon(Wednesday's after Easter),leave your comments below, or click on the hotlink provided to share your thoughts as well. As always, thank you for participating and reading. TLE Psalm 37" 1-4... Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for they are like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land of and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." When I used to read this Psalm, I used to read the theme as ..."live a good life, and God will give you what you want." But on further reflection, the message I think has more to do with surrendering our lives to God and he will pla...

The Holy Conversations question this week is: What are some of the longings, desires and needs that have shaped your life? How has God used these desires, fulfilled these longings or responded to this need? -------------------------------------------- There are many needs in life that I feel God has been a part of bringing to pass: finding a husband who loves God and me, becoming the Mom of two amazing and healthy children, and finding a vocation in ministry that is both challenging and fulfilling. I think for me, beyond these big three needs, God has had a way of working in and thought all aspects of my life and caring for my needs in very practical and loving ways. As a young woman of 18 years old trying to make her way in the world, God provided a safe place for me to live, work to pay my bills and a "family" when at that time I was not in communication with my own. I found a local church to be a part of, learn in and even became a member of the worship team where I was e...

Holy Converstations questions for this week... It's one thing to know a story, but quite another to tell one well. Have you ever heard a good storyteller? What are the qualities that make a good storyteller? Have you ever considered telling a Jesus story (in your own words and not quoting the Bible) to a friend? How do you think your friends would respond if you asked them - "Who is Jesus?" What story about Jesus is apt to catch their attention? Why? In what context would the telling of story be appropriate? Good storytellers have the ability to draw the listener into the tale - to help the listener become a part of what is happening and who is in it. Last week I shared my version of "The Woman at the Well" because it is a story that is particularly powerful to me. The story expresses the importance of reconciliation, restoration, and paints the application of grace in a great way. I think the stories if Jesus that we share with others first should be shown in ...

Image from Children's Chapel . The re-telling of this well know Bible story here is a part of a book/writing and discussion group that meets every Thursday and lunch at First Lutheran Church . There is also an online venue to join in the conversation if you like at Holy Conversations on Facebook .This week's question is: Tell your favorite Jesus story (and why it is your favorite)... The Samaritan woman at the well is one that shows what it is like to not belong to the larger social group. She went to the well in the hottest time of the day, while all the other town folk would come to get their water before it got too hot in their desert environment. Jesus was traveling with the disciples, and instead of walking the long way around Samaria like most Jewish people would, he went right into the land of what was perceived as the enemy. At that place and time in history, the Jewish community and the Samaritan communities did not interact due to long standing differences. Jesus was ...

Image from Natalie Dee . Here is my week three response to the following questions from the online and face-to-face group called Holy Conversations . This weeks questions can bring up some tender spots for many of us, so I have tried to be especially fair in what I share here. I too have been the offender and insensitive. I pray that is not the case in the present case for this discussion... Have you ever tried to share your faith story, conversion story or gospel message with anyone? If so, what did you say and how did the person respond. What was their reaction to your story and how did you feel when you shared it. One of the first times I remember intentionally sharing my testimony was a part of a 'street-witnessing' effort of a Christian music/arts and drama group I was a part of the summer I was seventeen. Prior to that summer, I'd attended a weekend retreat that fired up my faith and I spent that winter and spring devoting myself to setting my alarm early EVERY day t...

"The oxen wear a yoke, like the calf yoke, but much bigger and heavier. A chain goes from the yoke to the sled. When the oxen walk forward, the yoke goes with them, and whatever is chained to the yoke has to come along too! Jonas says, “get up!” to the oxen and starts for the woods." Text and image from hooftales.com We all are one a spiritual pilgrimage. Sometimes we can feel closer or farther away from God, but as I get a bit older and hopefully wiser, I've begun to grasp how important it is to be yoked side by side with God as I travel down the road of life. It's quite likely that you've heard this well-know scripture in Matthew - Matthew 11:28-30 (New International Version) 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Many times when I read this ver...

Spiritual journey: I can't do it myself. This essay is a response to an ongoing conversation and discussion of the book 'Holy Conversations' on Thursdays at First Lutheran Church in Jamestown NY and online at Facebook . I've carried out the prompts and my responses here as well if you'd like to join in on the conversation here as well. Thanks for listening and taking part in this holy conversation. From a young age, I've had a very independent streak. When my parents would ask if I needed help with something, my most common response was, "I'd like to do it by myself." I don't know if I was trying to prove to my two older siblings that I was not so much a baby as they thought, but I was determined to make it on my own if I had to. The funny thing about drawing close to God, is that it requires that all of us come to a point where we surrender. As I explained, I tend to not surrender very well. I like to be independent - but when I reach the en...