Red Sea Rule #2--Be more concerned for God's glory than for your relief.

Last night's Bible Study for the Red Sea Rules focused on Red Sea Rule #2: Be more concerned for God's glory than for your relief.

Before we got to the discussion of the material however, there was the time of praise and worship and prayer.  Last night's singing was a hymn, led by Tim Lemacks.  He also sang a Casting Crowns song: "Praise You in This  Storm". 

There are quite a few versions of this song on YouTube... some with lyrics, some without.  Some with physical storms and others with images of the storms of life.  There were even several dedicated to the military, thanking them for serving through the storm and giving them encouragement.  One was even produced and posted by a military person serving in Iraq.  It was hard to choose which of these versions was the one to represent the blog post.  I watched at least 8 versions and gave up for the time being.  But what had happened was that the words had sunken in much deeper into me, especially the reminder that God is with me in the storm.  I decided on a version that is an animation version of death and loss and letting go through this process.  This is one of the places I've been recently.  Though the others were powerful, this is the one that resonates with me today as I write.  Animation version of Praise You in This Storm.  The Animation Version on YouTube.

Lyrics:

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

[Chorus x2]

Rev. Amy Nutt asked this question after Tim Lemacks sang the song: "Can we praise God in the midst of a storm?"  Something to stop and think about for a moment.

Then she went on to talk about that we were in the midst of a storm going on around us.  We live in Tennessee, so it's not literally around us.  However, folks from TN and surrounding areas had been called to go there as first responders.  Rev. Amy Nutt shared an email from a family whose son was one such first responder.  We were going to have prayer time for the family as Amy called the family up front.  Then, out of the blue, she looked at me and asked (or told me... I don't quite remember) if she could put me on the spot and ask me to come up and pray for the family member who was a first responder as the family stood in for him.  I said "yes, Ma'am" and hopped up there.  After asking the family to kneel at the altar rail, I prayed.  I honestly couldn't tell you exactly the words I prayed because I don't remember.  But I prayed.  It has been a couple of years since I've prayed in front of the congregation.  Several years ago I was able to pray the pastoral prayer on a regular rotating basis.  It was during a time that I had taken a leading worship Lay Speaking course by Dan Benedict online through BeADisciple.com and was able to get some practical hands-on experience.

Anyway, that was an unexpected way to serve--but it was a blessing.  I had one person ask me afterwards if that had been planned... if Amy had asked me prior, if I knew and was prepared.  I said no... it wasn't.  He was surprised.  Not as much as I had been.  But, when we are available to the flowing of the Holy Spirit, things like that can happen.

After praying for this first responder and others, we prayed for the families in the path of the storm.... by a volunteer prayer.  Then, there was a time for prayer for healing for those that wanted it.

Then we had corporate prayer time and started the study.

We also took time to recognize the physical storm that is near by watching a news clip from WNN, World News Now.  It was appropriate to recognize the storm that many are going through.  Thinking about how it is seven years to the week that Katrina came through and how our area was used by many as shelter and relocation was sobering.  Storms of life are life-changing.... whether they are physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, weather...

What storm (or storms) are you going through right now?  Are you able to praise God in the storm?  Are you able to hang on?  Are you able to keep on keeping to make it to the other side? 

What is your bridge to help you make it to the other side?  When you feel the panic and the fear, what helps you move to praise and faith?  Pastor Amy posed the question last night, "what is your bridge?"  As I thought about it, my bridge consists of prayer, peace, worship (praise), and community.  There may be other things... but this is what came to mind last night as I reflected. 

Last night's study was timely. I had spoken earlier in the afternoon with someone going through their own storm, and I can think of at least another handful (if not two) of others and their storms.  As I think of each of these and pray for them, I envision them finding peace in their storm... being able to move from fear to faith and from panic to praise... growing through the difficult time of testing and trial.

Pastor Amy brought up an interesting thought during the study... what if we had radars like the weather radars that could track the storms of our life?  Storms are going to take place in our lives.  Can you imagine knowing that they are coming and what they are?  Honestly, I'd rather not know.  I can accept that they will come.  But, if I knew in advance a certain storm was coming, I might go hunker down somewhere and not come out.  My faith and trust might actually be lessened because I might think there would be no way I could survive that particular storm.  Having lived through some storms, I would rather simply attempt to walk by faith, in trust and obedience, relying on God and community to get me through it.

And, as for rule #2.... when I fully surrendered a certain situation to God, and said that the situation was to be for God's glory and that I would trust myself into God's hands, then my "relief" was no longer an issue.  And, lo and behold... God took care of my job situation, housing, and even walked with me as a single parent.  I learned more about grace and forgiveness through that storm than any other. 

I hope to continue to remember to live more for God's glory as other storms approach.

A question to ask ourselves as we face difficult situations: "How can God be glorified in the situation I'm facing?" (p. 27, The Red Sea Rules)

May you find strength for the journey,

~Debra

On two wheels again tonight!

Taken tonight, 8/28/2012 after my ride. dd

Taken in 2007. dd.

Oh the joy, the freedom, the exhilaration!  Along with the nervousness and anxiety and anticipation!

After two years of not riding my bike due to my frozen shoulders (adhesive capsulitis), I was able to take my bike for a spin this evening. 

For Christmas (2011), I got a new battery from my husband so I could get the old girl running again.  She had been sitting idle too long and the battery was dead.  If I had thought about it, I would have kept her on a trickle battery or at least started her up every now and then.  But, my frozen shoulders (and then an ankle injury in the midst of it, along with anemia) took my thoughts.

I have felt ready for a while now (thus the battery at Christmas after having begged for it!).  But, it has taken a while to get it in.  My dear husband was kind enough to put it in for me today after I had attempted.  I think it's time for me to take a mechanic class so I can learn more about my bike! 

It took a while to get her into neutral, much less started.  But, she cranked and roared, after sputtering some.  There was black smoke spewing. 

I found my helmet... at least I think it's mine.. it could have been Charlotte's.  They are very similar.  I found the 2013 sticker for the bike.  I put on jeans and my riding boots. 

I took her for one spin around the cul-de-sac.  She felt good.  Then, I headed out of the neighborhood.  I took a right at the end of our road because I'm not ready for the wobbly pavement that is permanently on a nearby road now.  The front tire felt a tad shaky here and there.  But, I know from the last time I had it looked at that a front tire was a needed item in the near future.  She has a brand new back tire. 

She could probably use a tune-up and a cleaning.  It's an older bike.  An '81.  It's rusty.  It has scratches from myself and previous owners.  It's a Yamaha 750. 

I used to ride it back and forth to UTC when I taught Spanish there.  I have ridden it quite a bit, but not recently.  I have missed the freedom of riding on two wheels and the cheaper gas.

Riding my motorcycle is another one of those spiritual adventures for me.  It's a time for me to be out in God's creation and to enjoy some silence and solitude.  I feel, see, and hear the wind and the road. 

I'm looking forward to spending some more time on my bike!   I'm just happy to have it running again and to have accomplished my first ride again.

Blessings on your journey!  May there be wind in your wings!

~Debra

Thirst, living water, and the journey of the spiritual life

Magia Blanca Waterfall at La Paz Waterfall Garden, dd 2012

In reading the 'Green Book', A Guide to Prayer For All Who Seek God, published by the Upper Room Books this week, I've read some good quotes by Howard L. Rice on the journey of the spiritual life.

This week's theme (if I'm on the right week), is "living water".  That in itself causes me to relax.  When I think of living water, I'm transported to several different pocket wildernesses.  I'm besides streams of flowing water or waterfalls.  I am also transported to waterfalls in Costa Rica that I've seen and rivers and creeks that I've been to here, there, and yonder.  I am also transported to the ocean's edge, watching and feeling the the water flow to the edge of the shore and then out again.  Additionally, "living water" brings me to Christ as Jesus Christ referred to himself as living water and that one would not be thirsty if they drank from the water of life.

Water plays a big part for me in my spiritual life, as does fire and much of creation.  Last week I put together a powerpoint slide primarily of water pictures and some of my other nature pictures to Keith Green's "Create in Me A Clean Heart".  For me, the pictures of the streams, creeks, waterfalls, and oceans fit creating a clean heart.

Rueben Job wrote a three paragraph entry on "living water" for this week's theme.  Here is the middle paragraph:

"The thirst for God is universal because we have been created with a longing for the Creator.  This desire to know and be known by the One who made us and loves us is often ignored, denied, and finally buried under a multitude of pursuits and interests.  But then some event in life invites or forces us to pause, and the desire for God comes rushing back to our awarenss.  And once again we know that real life is impossible without the companionship of the One who first gave us the gift of life and who sustains us even now.  We know for certain that we need living water; we need what only God can give if we are to really live." (325-326)

There are three quotes by Howard L. Rice in this week's section.  All are from his book Reformed Spirituality (1991).  This is not a book I have read yet, but it is now on my wish list. ☺

Though the quotes don't include page numbers in the green book, I was able to find the references from amazon.com by looking through the book online.

Here are some of the thoughts/quotes of Howard Rice that caught my attention in the green book:

"We can be energized and motivated by our personal experiene of God, so that we have both the vision and the strength to go out and engage in acts of risk-taking on behalf of others." (p. 327 green book; p. 168 Reformed Spirituality)

"The biblical promise that if we truly seek, we shall find God is the basis for the journey of the spiritual life.  In spite of the difficulties along the way, the times of dryness when nothing seems to be happening, the discouragement and distraction that comes to all of us, and the times of falling back and wondering if we have made any progress at all, the journey is one from which we cannot turn back.  The testimony of the saints of all the ages is that the journey is worth it; that God really is love; and that the love God offers is the most important reality that can be known by any of us.  Such knowledge enables a person to have tremendous power to take what happens, to surmount great difficulties, and to grow in the face of tragedy and deep disappointment." (p. 329 green book; p. 198 Reformed Spirituality)

In talking about the journey, the pilgrimage: "We are given new opportunities for relationship with others along the way.  We find new possibilities within us that we had not thought possible. The adventure of the Christian life is one that demands all we can give it.  But the testimony of the ages is that the goal of the adventure is well worth the struggle.  The hungry heart of the pilgrim is fed along the way."  (p. 330 green book; p. 199 Reformed Spirituality)


Wherever you may be on your journey, whatever you may be going through or dealing with, it is my hope that you find some living water to sustain you in the quotes above.

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra

"Can You Drink the Cup" Week 2-- Lifting the Cup

Today's sermon at Burks UMC, Lifting the Cup, was the second in the three week series entitled "Can You Drink the Cup?"  Last week Rev. Amy Nutt started the series with Holding the Cup.  She shared her calling to ministry and testimony and used a very special visual: a chalice given to her when she became a licensed local pastor at her previous church.

Last week's Scripture focus was Matthew 20:20-23.  Amy mentioned a book by Henri Nouwen that someone gave her recently, Can You Drink the Cup? The image on the screen was one of a wine glass with red wine in it.  I found the book in its entirety online as a PDF.  However, even though I downloaded it, I cannot find the original source to grab the url.  Oh, well.  The book itself can be found at a variety of sellers and with a couple of different covers.  Personally, the wine glass with red wine in it is the one I was hoping to find, but haven't found that as a copy to buy as of yet. 

Some of last week's highlights were:

• Wil Martin singing "Fill My Cup"
• a table set with Amy's cup and some candles

• three points from the sermon:
• the question: Can I drink the cup of Jesus? (Matthew 20:22)
• the challenge: To stay alert and drink from the cup. (Matthew 26:43)
• the strength: We will be provided strength to hold the cup. (Luke 22:43)
• a point made during the sermon about the "gentle force of grace".  Great statement.

This week's Scripture was Mark 10:35-45.  Amy reviewed last week, setting the scene for today.  Wil sang "Fill My Cup" once again, a wonderful way to bring us into a focused and centered presence.  The table was set with the cup and candles once again.  There was also a bowl on the table that held water in it.  In the second service, there was a super cool backdrop set in addition.  For me, it added to the worship experience.  I learned that Wil is responsible for that.  Kudos!

In the first service, Amy talked about the baptismal vows and mentioned the baptism in the 2nd service.  In the 2nd service, because of having the baptism during the service, talking about remembering our baptism as strength for the journey was more concrete.  At the end of the service, Amy went to the bowl on the table and touched it and mentioned if anyone wanted to remember their baptism, they could do so.  That came and went for me.  But, I saw Pastor Rowland heading up, and another person.  The next thing I knew was that my feet were propelling me down the balcony steps toward the water bowl to dip by fingers and make the cross on my forehead, remembering my baptism.  As Amy mentioned, the watermark of baptism is a mark that doesn't go away.  Once baptized, it is done.  Remembering can be done again and again... as a way of praising God and as a way of being open to God.  I knelt at the altar as the song continued and praised God for a few minutes.  I steadied myself as I got up, and headed back up the balcony to my seat.  I hadn't planned to do that, it just happened.  Things tend to "just happen" in that second service.  There is a flowing of worship and spirit that is incredible.  Not just now, but even before. 

From today's notes: Lifting the Cup is offering a blessing and giving witness to:

• a new covenant
• a new communion
• a new community

Next week the focus will be on Drinking the Cup.  The community will be sharing in communion together.  After you've held the cup, and lifted the cup, what better way to end than to drink from the cup together!! 

Unfortunately, I won't be there next week to see and hear the sermon in person.  However, I will be enjoying some much needed recreation and relaxation with my best friend/spouse.  In the spirit of community, we too will drink from the cup in celebration and offer a blessing for our community of faith.

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra

Protestant Spiritual Exercises: Theology, History, and Practice

Yeah, I know.  The title of this post may not have grabbed you.  It's not one that would have been first on my list except that it is one of my required readings for the upcoming Academy session in October.  I'm attempting to read all my Academy books (four of them) prior to my semester start (September 4th). 

Protestant Spiritual Exercises: Theology, History, and Practice by Joseph D. Driskill (1999) isn't a long book (131 pages), but the print is small and I judged the book by its cover, so to speak, and thought this would be a "forever" book.

Pleasantly surprised, I found this book to be informative and even helpful.  Though it was written in 1999, I would say that the information pertaining to Protestants and spirituality is still about the same, though it has made some progress.  Driskill writes: "The failure of mainline Protestant churches to nurture the spiritual lives of their members reflects a religious ethos that is out of touch with the spiritual needs of many human beings." (xiii)  He mentions that "Today, in a significant number of mainline churches a sense of God's presence in worship has been rediscovered." (xvi-xvii)  This reminded me of Diana Butler Bass' Christianity For the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church is Transforming the Faith.  Her book tells story after story about the renewal of mainline congregations as they have begun to be open to God's working in and through them.

Driskill addresses the fact that most Protestant churches have not helped to adequately nurture and foster spiritual growth, individually or in community.  He believes that mainline Protestant churches are well positioned historically and otherwise to step in and offer this and thus the purpose of this book is to open up dialogue and offer up resources.  Driskill notes: "Insofar as an explicit focus on spirituality is a relatively new development in the life of mainline Protestants, it is hoped that this book will provide both congregations and individuals with resources for the journey." (xviii)

The book is divided into four chapters.  Each chapter has an introduction and specific sections.  There is an Appendix with contact information for 21 training centers for spiritual formation.  This is also an annotated Bibliography with 24 books listed for further reading.

In Chapter 3 there are Guidelines for spiritual practices.  There are detailed explanations of spiritual practices in Chapter 4.  In both chapters, Driskill provides ideas on using with a group, what to watch for, etc.  This is very helpful for teachers and leaders within classes or retreat settings as they use spiritual practices to foster spiritual growth.  There were good reminders for me in there on allowing people to move and grow at their own pace and to "opt out" at any time of an activity and to also modify activities to fit the time, space, and the people.  

Breakdown of the book by chapter:

Chapter 1: Theological Affirmations

• Introduction
• The Gifts of the Spirit
• The Lived Experience of Faith
• Conclusion

Chapter 2: The Development of the Spiritual Life

• Introduction
• The Spiritual Journey: Faithfulness to the Will of God
• Beginning the Spiritual Journey
• A Model for Spiritual Development
• Usuing Spiritual Practices
• Spiritual Discipline
• Spiritual Direction
• Spiritual Discernment
• Spiritual Development

Chapter 3: Guidelines for Using Spiritual Practices

• Introduction
• Skills of the Leader
• Context
• The Use of Technological Resources
• Personal Characteristics of the Participants
• The Spiritual Practices
• The Teaching Process
• Resources for Referral
• Group Process
• Spiritual Growth for the Congregation

Chapter 4: Spiritual Practices

• Introduction
• Relaxation Exercises
• Rule of Life
• Four-Stranded Garland
• Prayer of Examen
• Prayer for a New Earth
• Morning and Evening Prayer
• Keeping a Journal
• Covenant Group

On a personal note, the timing of reading this book has been providential.  I'm preparing to start leading a Bible Study in September with women that have been already meeting and sharing for a few months from Mustard Tree Ministries.  I'm excited to join with them for Bible Study.  During the last two chapters in particular, I had some ideas that I'll be putting into action in this Bible Study.  Reading this book at this time has helped me to have a deeper focus for our time together by stirring up ideas and bringing some things out that I might have forgotten if I hadn't read this book now.   How I'll be presenting the Scripture, some additional things we'll be talking about and learning, etc. will be part of our time together now.   I put together a powerpoint presentation of pictures of God's creation that I've taken to go along with one of my favorite Keith Green songs as part of the first class.  This is just one of the ideas that came to mind while reading the book.

I recommend the book.  It is helpful.  I also recommend Diana Butler Bass' book that I mention here (and that I've written about previously).  It's inspiring. 

I recommend spiritual practices and spiritual growth.  ☺

I will end with the last two paragraphs of Driskill's book:

 

"As we begin to awaken to God's loving call in our lives, many of us start using spiritual disciplines as ways to guide and deepen our relationship with the holy.  Conversely, when we are faithful to our spiritual disciplines we increase the possibility of deepening our awareness of God's movement and call on our lives. 
     That awareness helps us to pray and act as if the quality of our lives depends on our relationship with God.  And, of course, it does." (118)

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra

Red Sea Rule #1--Realize that God means for you to be where you are.

Last night was the church Bible Study on the Red Sea Rules.  Last week we started this study with the introduction.  Last night we got into rule #1-- "Realize that God means for you to be where you are."

Before I get into the material, I found it interesting that over one hundred books have been ordered and distributed.  And the pile of books at the entry last night were gone by the end and there are still folks without books.  This is great!

Rev. Amy Nutt gave a brief overview from last week, only touching on some highlights here and there as needed to introduce the teaching for the evening. 

The focus came back to two things:  turning our panic into praise and our fear into faith.

PANIC to PRAISE

FEAR to FAITH

 

How do you do this?  Robert J. Morgan writes: "So, take a deep breath and recall this deeper secret of the Christian life: when you are in a difficult place, realize the Lord either placed you there or allowd you to be there, for reasons perhaps known for now only to Himself.  The same God who led you in will lead you out." (6)

 

 

Keeping this perspective while engaging in prayer with God and in community will strengthen us and allow us to make the transitions from panic to praise and from fear to faith.

 

 

Rev. Amy Nutt introduced us last night to Ron (Ronald) Wyatt who had studied the Red Sea and traveled to Egypt.  She showed a clip of an interview with him and his sons from the 1980s.  There were pictures of chariot wheels at the bottom of the sea in the sand as well as some that encrusted in coral.  Pretty amazing.

 

The Wyatt Museum website has lots of information on the Wyatt's findings as well as pictures.  Here you can find some pictures of the chariot wheels underneath the water.

 

Ron Wyatt and his findings aren't without controversy, but what archaelogical evidence is?  The dig I participated on in 2000 is said to be the site of Ai by some, yet not those who dispute it. 

 

One of the passages in the book that Rev. Amy Nutt pointed out is one that caught my attention when I had read it.  It was written by Andrew Murray who was a South African pastor facing a crisis.  This is what he wrote in his journal:

 

"First, He brought me here, it is by His will that I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest. 

Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.

Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.

Last, in His good time He can bring me out again-- how and when He knows.

 

Let me say I am here,

(1) By God's appointment,

(2) In His keeping,

(3) Under His training,

(4) For His time."  (pages 12-13)

 

The last part of the lesson focused on self-forgiveness.  Sometimes we find ourselves in a difficult place of our own making and choosing.  When we do, the good news is that God is still with us.  I've got my own stories to support this.  I imagine you do too.  Though Amy didn't mention this verse, 1 John 1:9 comes to mind as one of my favorites in situations like these.  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  From there, it is forgiving ourselves that can be the more difficult step.  Yet, if God will forgive us, why would we continue to punish ourselves?  Robert J. Morgan says this about self-forgiveness: "Self-forgiveness comes when we realize that if God has forgiven us, we needn't remain angry with ourselves, needn't hate ourselves any longer." (15)  Amen!  And, that is where freedom begins!  By accepting God's forgiveness and allowing self to be forgiven, we become free.  We can begin to move onward.  The situation then can become useful for the good of the Kingdom and God's glory because it no longer has a hold on us.

 

Amy closed the class with a Casting Crowns song and video: "East to West".

 

"East to West" (youtube link)

 

Lyrics:

 

Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me

Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other

 

 

As you journey, remember, there is always a way out.  Don't give up or give out.  Hold on and trust through the difficult times.

 

~Debra

 

Wait with me for a while... what a great invitation!

As I opened Jesus Calling yesterday morning to read for the day's reading [August 21], these words were my invitation: "Wait with Me for a while."  I continued to read: "I have much to tell you.  You are walking along the path I have chosen for you."  I stopped there.  That last sentence was affirmation and encouragement to me.  Not that I clearly see the path nor that I know where the path is leading me... BUT, to know that I am on the path... well, that is a good thing. 

Why do I take these words as affirmation and encouragement?  In part due to Monday's adventure (interview) and outcome and all that has led up to this time.  Being on the journey of ordination is something that has been long in the making and something that I have wrestled with for many years.  At my 5 day Academy in October 2010, I was given a word that I was supposed to stop messing around and do what God has called me to do.  With much reflection and praying, I re-enrolled into seminary for the M.Div. at that point, but I didn't start the ordination process until August 2011. 

There are other reasons I find these words encouraging and affirming.  One being that after discerning recently I stepped out in faith, trust, and obedience and went way out of my comfort zone and wrote someone a letter about a house that keeps calling out to me as I drive by it on a major local road.  I see meetings and bible studies in this house, with hispanics and others.  I see women coming in to prepare their chocolate candies to sell for their small business and others making casseroles or other foods.  I see music groups gathered, and knitters and beaders, and I see worship happening in this place.  I don't know what will come of my letter or this house.  I feel like I did what I was called to do however, that I walked the path that was mine.

Probably the biggest reason that I find these words encouraging and affirming is that they remind me that I'm in relationship, getting to know my Creator. 

The devotional ends with these words: "Stay on the path of Life with Me.  Trust me wholeheartedly, letting my Spirit fill you with Joy and Peace."  The path is one of adventure.  And even though I don't see where it is leading, I am enjoying the relationship on the journey.  Make that relationships.... loving God and loving others.  That's what it boils down to for me.  Loving God and loving others.  This is the path I'm on.

May there be adventure as well as joy and peace along your journey!

~Debra

Certified Candidate! The adventure continues!

Today I had my interview for Certified Candidacy in the United Methodist Church with my District Board on Ordained Ministry (dCOM).  The meeting went very well.  It sure didn't hurt that I was so pumped up with the Holy Spirit from last night's Crossfire Worship Band concert at church!  I also spent time this morning attempting to center myself and attempting to remember that since I have asked God to be in charge of my journey, then all I really needed to do was to walk in faith, trust, and obedience.  Yeah, well, knowing that and doing that are slightly different.  But I did it.  I went.  I met with the group.  I shared.  I answered questions.  I left the room with my mentor so they could discuss things and we stood out in the hallway for a few minutes before being beckoned back into the room.  We sat down and the results were given:  they voted to certify me as a candidate.  Whew! ☺  Relief and excitement. ☺ 

This isn't the end of the journey, by any means.  This is simply another passage-way along it.  The next big step will be "provisional membership".  Meanwhile, I will keep on keeping on..... taking my seminary courses, learning and growing from my Academy sessions, attempting to listen and discern daily what God might have me do, and then the "be" part.  Taking time to "be still", to be still and know.... Working on my relationships with God and others....

This adventurous journey is by no means over, nor is it only beginning.  But, it has ramped up a little bit.

It's like getting that call from SUNY Stony Brook and learning that I've been accepted into their Master's program and then hearing that I've also been accepted to be a T.A. (Teaching Assistant).  Who would have thought that would have worked out?!?!?!  Obviously some of my professors at Georgia Southern College who saw teaching potential in me.... and they were right.  I'm a teacher.  It fit me like a glove. 

Much like I really couldn't see for myself that I was a teacher until I looked back over the tapestry of my life to see the threads woven in place, I imagine that it won't be until down the road and I look back and see these threads woven together to really understand that I'm where I'm called to be, living into my uniqueness.  I look forward to looking back.... and I'm grateful for all of those in the present who see it more clearly than myself and for supporting me to this point.  I am surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, both living and deceased.  I have thought of many of those today.

Thank you to the many who pray for me and support me on my journey. I am blessed to journey with each of you, even those whom I haven't met but only share the journey through the pages of these posts.

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra

Waiting Here For You... lyrics and thoughts from Crossfire Worship Band concert (worship!)

The Crossfire Worship Band (CWB) had a concert tonight at Burks UMC.  It was a wonderful time of praise and worship, as always!  [To learn more about Crossfire Worship Band, visit their website by clicking on their name in this sentence.] 

Several weeks ago, they dedicated the focus of tonight's worship time (because it really so much more than a concert) to those preparing to go to Kenya, Africa with the International Leadership Institute.  Two Burks UMC representatives will be on this team: our Associate Pastor, Rev. Amy Nutt, and Sara Patton, one of the worship leaders of the Crossfire Worship Band.  There will be four others going with them.  Five of the six team members were present tonight (Bob and Becky Lockaby and Matt Lane were the others there tonight).  They represent three different churches.  They were originally planning to go in September, but some things going on in East Africa have postponed the timing of the trip until January for the conference.  This allows more time for planning and preparation for the conference. 

It is obvious that this team of people going is waiting on God as they prepare to go.  Even after first hearing the calling to go, they waited in expectant prayer.  There were affirmations that came along.  When they recently got the news of the change in timing, they were able to surrender the disappointment (maybe not right away), knowing that God is working out the details on this trip and has it under control.  They remain waiting. 

Waiting, as I've mentioned previously in other posts, is an active place.  While we wait, we prepare.  We do the things we know we are called to do.   The team going is praying, preparing worship and curriculum, getting things together for the conference where they will be leading and teaching.  They are also continuing to raise support. 

One of the team members, Bob Lockaby, shared some about ILI (International Leadership Institute) tonight.  I found it interesting that it is based in Carrollton, GA.  [I'm from Georgia originally and my mom and several friends and one of my professors in Spain went to West Georgia College in Carrollton.  So, I have a connection.]  Click on the name of the ILI at the end of this sentence to go to their website for more information about the International Leadership Institute.

I'm pretty pumped up after this awesome worship time.... and from learning more about ILI and the team that is going to serve.

And, I'm in my own waiting time.  We all go through waiting times.  Waiting times are very normal parts of the journey.  Sometimes they are short; sometimes they are long.  Sometimes they can be excruciating difficult times.  At other times they simply are just something to endure. 

My journey seems to have many waiting periods.  Almost like a board game where I go forward a few moves, but then get stuck in something or have to wait a turn (or two or three) before moving again.  Visions of Candy Land, Monopoly, and other games come to mind.  Even Chutes and Ladders.  I think I'm on the move again.... and whoosh.... I'm back somewhere waiting.

I am learning to live into the waiting, to learn from the waiting, and to serve while I'm waiting (as another contemporary song ["While I'm Waiting" by John Waller] talks about; I've shared that song in a previous post).

To listen to this Passion song, click on the title: "Waiting Here for You".
The lyrics from the Passion song "Waiting Here for You":

If faith can move the mountains
Let the mountains move
We come with expectation
Waiting here for you, I'm waiting here for you

You're the Lord of all creation
And still you know my heart
The Author of Salvation
You've loved us from the start

[Chorus:]
Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore
Singing Alleluia

You are everything You've promised
Your faithfulness is true
And we're desperate for Your presence
All we need is You

[Chorus]

Singing Alleluia
Alleluia, singing alleluia, alleluia

[Chorus]

Waiting here for you
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore
We're singing Alleluia

I'm singing Alleluia
Waiting here for you
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore
Singing Alleluia
Singing Alleluia

This waiting time involves worship-- praise and adoration-- for our Creator.  For me, this is a very filling, energizing, powerful, and life-giving way to spend my waiting time!

One of the things I'm waiting on in my journey is the outcome of a meeting tomorrow morning with the District Committee on Ordained Ministry (dCOM).  My time has come for the interview for Certified Candidacy.  I'm excited, looking forward to it.  I'm also a little bit nervous.  But, my resolve is to be me, the child of God that God has created me to be.  I hope to be a vessel that shines the light of my Creator.  I look forward to guidance and insight from the group of clergy and laity.  It's the next step on this leg of the journey for Ordination for me.

There are other things for which I'm waiting.  One is a response to a letter I wrote this past week and sent to someone, sharing a dream and a vision that involves ministry.  We'll see where that goes.  I'll write about that another time.  Meanwhile, it's in the cocoon of waiting.

What are the areas of your journey in which you are having (or needing) to wait these days?  How are you dealing with the waiting? 

May you wait with hope and expectation!  This is where I enjoy the Spanish language, for the word that means "to wait for" is also the same word that means "to hope for".  That word is esperar.  Waiting is hoping, among other things!

May there be much hope on your journey, whether you are waiting or moving along.

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra

The Red Sea Rules by Robert Morgan

Last night Rev. Amy Nutt kicked off a new Bible Study at Burks UMC based on the book The Red Sea Rules: The Same God Who Led You in Will Lead You Out by Robert J. Morgan. 

I am glad that she is leading this study because now I have a more valid excuse to buy and read the book!  Several weeks ago this book came up in conversation between us and I added it to my reading wish list, but didn't think I would be getting to it any time soon.  Not only will I be reading it, but I was able to get it at a discount AND I will be focusing on it for the next 11 weeks (with a week in there for time off due to local school fall break).

Last night was an introduction and overview.  In addition to some introductory comments, we got to watch some video clips.  One was a background teaching on the book of Exodus by a muppet known as "the Sunday School teacher" from jellytelly.com.   You can watch the video clip for yourself by clicking on this link: Exodus by jellytelly.  If you start at ll.14, that's where we started last night.

The other video clip was from Prince of Egypt when they get to the Red Sea.  Here is a link to a youtube video of this clip: Prince of Egypt, Red Sea.

I enjoy video clips in teaching and learning, so that was fun for me.  I also like the big class, entire church environment... community coming together to worship, study, learn, pray, and share... differently than on Sundays. 

Amy shared an acronym for the Wesleyan quadrilateral that I haven't heard yet: R.E.S.T.  I like that acronym.  It's easy to remember, for one.  And, for me, it describes what you can do as you live out your discipleship securely on the four areas of reason, experience, Scripture, and tradition. 

There are Ten Red Sea Rules.  They are:

#1-- Realize that God means for you to be where you are.
#2-- Be more concerned for God's glory than your relief.
#3-- Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord.
#4-- Pray!
#5-- Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work.
#6-- When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith.
#7-- Envision God's enveloping presence.
#8-- Trust God to deliver in His own unique way.
#9-- View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future.
#10- Don't forget to praise Him.

From the last two paragraphs of the preface, page x:

     "No sea is deeper than the ocean of His love.  There is no army stronger than His hosts, no force greater than His throne of grace, no enemy who can overcome His direct and indirect work in our lives.
     The reality of the Red Sea, in a word, is this: God will always make a way for His tired, yet trusting, children, even if He must split the sea to do it."

Though a tiny book of 117 pages and smaller than my outstretched hand, I know that this book is going to pack in some mighty powerful truths and insights. I can't wait!

May you glean something from the 10 rules shared above (or the posted videos) for your journey!

~Debra

Additional links for you:
Robert J. Morgan's Website
Red Sea Rules Website

Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision.... an inspiring read

Today I finished Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision: An Introduction to the Faith of John and Charles Wesley by Paul Wesley Chilcote.  This is one of the four required books for the next session in October of Academy #32. 

Truthfully, I wasn't sure how long this book would take me to read (though it only has 118 pages) or if it would be difficult reading.  Thankfully, I found this book to be refreshing, engaging, challenging, and inspiring.

At the end of each chapter there are questions for reflection (that could be used individually or in a group), Scripture references, a quote from John Wesley and a hymn from Charles Wesley.  By including these, the reader is able to balance learning with application.

The author discusses balance throughout the book in referring to the Wesleys and their views.  In the introduction, Chilcote uses the images of "salt and pepper", "balancing scale", "tightrope walker", and "oil and vinegar" to talk about the importance of holding two things together in balance. (18)  A statement I liked in particular by Chilcote referred to oil and vinegar earlier in the paragraph, but can be applied to many more situations: "And interestingly enough, sometimes we must shake things up in order to hold them together." (18)  [This past Sunday, in the contemporary worship service, Pastor Rowland said something very similar... he said we needed to "stir things up"... to which I replied "Amen!" from the upper balcony.  Though he wasn't expecting an "amen" to that, thankfully it didn't throw him off and he was able to keep going and even incorporate it into the sermon a few more times.  When he said the phrase again, I kept quiet.  However, there was a small chorus of "Amens" down below on the bottom level.  See?!  Shaking (or stirring) things up can be Holy!]

Back to the balance......When applying this to the discipleship and faith of the Wesleys, this balance is seen in discussions of "heart and mind", "hearts and hands", and "faith and works", among others. (19)

There are four main parts to the book with a short introduction to each part and two chapters for each part.  The parts are:

Part 1:  The Message (kerygma)
             The Height of Sovereign Grace
              1. Free Grace (Proclamation):  Faith and Works
              2. Inclusive Love (Preaching): Word and Spirit

Part 2:  The Community (koinonia)
             The Depth of Caring Relationship
              3. Shared Experience (Fellowship): Personal and Social
              4. Enthused Disciples (Partnership): Form and Power

Part 3: The Discipline (paideia)
            The Length of Christian Pilgrimage
            5. Holistic Formation (Instruction): Heart and Head
            6. Spiritual Nourishment (Guidance): Pulpit and Table

Part 4: The Servanthood (diakonia)
            The Breadkth of Compassionate Witness
            7. Transformational Vocation (Mission): Christ and Culture
            8. Incarnational Ministry (Service): Piety and Mercy

Also included in the book is an Introduction and Preface at the beginning, and and Epilogue, Selected Bibliography, and Scripture Index at the end.

I could post some, many, or all of the underlined nuggets from my reading of the book.  Yet, the things that grabbed me might not necessarily grab you. 

I am glad I had to read this book as it isn't one that has crossed my path up until this time.  It is one that has enlightened me as a disciple on the journey.

If you have the chance to read it, I recommend it.

Meanwhile, if you'd like to learn more about the author, here is one biography link you can check out.


Blessings on your journey!

~Debra




 

Thoughts from Macrina Wiederkehr's Abide: Keeping Vigil with the Word of God--Tree of Life

I am slowly, but surely making my way through Macrina Wiederkehr's Abide: Keeping Vigil with the Word of God.  Rightly so, for it is not something to be devoured; rather it is to be chewed slowly and savored.  I picked up the book this afternoon and went to my bookmark.  I had stopped at the prayer at the end of the chapter.  This is from Chapter 1: "Drawn Like a Magnet to the Divine"; section 7: "The Prayer of Creation".

The prayer:

O Tree of God--Tree of Life,
     In the gift of your shade, I stand, my heart raised to your Creator.  Your branches call me to reach out in all directions to many people.  Your branches remind me of the sheltering arms of God.  Your roots call me to be rooted in all that is good and nourishing.  Your roots ask me to spend time in the ground of my being.  Teach me, like you, to praise God in the silence of my being.  Help me to surrender unnecessary words.  Draw me, like a magnet, into the abiding love of God.  And when it is time for me to die, teach me to die gracefully and joyfully.  Teach me to let go as you let go of your leaves each autumn.  In living and in dying, teach me to praise God by living well and dying well.  May it come to pass!

~Macrina Wiederkehr (43)

As I read her words, several things come to mind.

 

The first is an image of a tree that I have seen in jewelry and in other places, a tree of life.  It has many variations.  Even Disney has its own tree of life in the Animal Kingdom.  I couldn't find the exact image for the jewelry I have seen, so I settled on this stained glass Tree of Life that I found on Drew University's religious studies department's page.  It is by Ardyn Halter.  You can learn more about this window by Ardyn Halter by going to this link and exploring the website.

The second thing that came to mind for me was a movie I recently saw on my flight to Costa Rica: "A Thousand Words" with Eddie Murphy.  That movie had some thought-provoking scenes in it, at least for me.  There were some life lessons taught in the movie that dealt with a tree and its leaves. 

Words are life-giving, when they are meaningful.  Yet they can over run our world.  It is important for us to learn to speak without words.  Like the prayer, I hope I can surrender unnecessary words.  Like Eddie Murphy's character learned, I hope that I am learning daily to speak into the lives around me by tangible actions.

The third thing that I take away from this prayer is an image of dying gracefully and joyfully, of letting go like the autumn leaves.  Not just a physical dying, though I hope to be prepared to die in that manner, but a spiritual dying as I surrender myself daily to the Creator and follow the path set before me.

This is a powerful prayer.  I am challenged by its words and the images that it brings to mind.

In this same section, Macrina writes: "There is a Word that differs from the spoken kind.  Sometimes it flows forth in the simple silence of being as shown in the mountains and hills.  There is a Word that leaps up in the crackling of the fire; it rides in on the moaning of the wind and in the roar of the wild beast." (40) 

As you reflect on the prayer above, what stands out to you? 

Blessings on your journey.  May you make time to speak without words.

~Debra





Come To Jesus...

Sunset, August 6, 2012.  dd

Today was the memorial service for a friend's father in Dalton, GA.  Burial will be in Mobile, AL on Monday.  This is a friend I have known since 6th grade.  My daughter starts 6th grade on Monday.  For me and my friend, it has been 36 years of a friendship. 

Her Mom and Dad became another set of parents for me..... did you have friends' parents like that?  I was blessed to have two sets like that.  The Mann family and the Phillips family.  Both these sets of parents, in addition to my own, took me in and allowed me to be part of the family.  I wasn't a guest when I was there; I was family. 

I have fond memories of both sets of these families.  Hanging out, playing games, even getting to go on family trips.  With the Phillips family, when the older brother couldn't go on trips, I got to go.  When he played in band at state football playoffs, I traveled with the family down to the game.  My friend Sylvia's parent's were "mom" and "dad".

There is an additional complication to the Mom and Dad role.... I married their son in 1986, but we divorced in 1998.  Yet, that didn't destroy the friendship with the friend or the family, thankfully.

They wished me well with the birth of my child and my second marriage.  I've kept in touch through the battle with cancer.  Our family has visited with them several times at Christmas and we have celebrated Christmas Eve service together in the past.

Things got rougher recently and Pop passed on August 9th.  I was blessed to have visited with him a couple of weeks prior and the Tuesday before he passed. 

"Come to Jesus" was one of the songs Sylvia's mom wanted sung at the service.  Sylvia's music minister sang it on Sylvia's behalf.  It is a powerful song by Chris Rice.  It is touching and uplifting, all in one. 

Sylvia's daughter sang the first verse of "Amazing Grace" and led those in attendance with the rest of it.... she did a wonderful job.

Sylvia's husband shared a letter he had written Pop back in March that was touching and inspiring and it caused you to choke back tears.

Sylvia's son shared words for the family he had gotten from Pop a week ago today when they last spoke. 

It was a very moving and powerful time to see all the family and friends come together to celebrate the life of this man. 

Thank you again, Pop, for who and what you mean to me.

I know you are whole again and blessed.  Praise to our Creator.

One of the several versions of Chris Rice's "Come to Jesus" on YouTube is found at this link.

Here are the lyrics for "Come to Jesus":

Chris Rice - (Come To Jesus) Lyrics Weak and wounded sinner Lost and left to die O, raise your head, for love is passing by Come to Jesus Come to Jesus Come to Jesus and live! Now your burden's lifted And carried far away And precious blood has washed away the stain, so Sing to Jesus Sing to Jesus Sing to Jesus and live! And like a newborn baby Don't be afraid to crawl And remember when you walk Sometimes we fall...so Fall on Jesus Fall on Jesus Fall on Jesus and live! Sometimes the way is lonely And steep and filled with pain So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then Cry to Jesus Cry to Jesus Cry to Jesus and live! O, and when the love spills over And music fills the night And when you can't contain your joy inside, then Dance for Jesus Dance for Jesus Dance for Jesus and live! And with your final heartbeat Kiss the world goodbye Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and Fly to Jesus Fly to Jesus Fly to Jesus and live!

~Debra

Create in me a clean heart.....

With the rains today and the many things going through my mind and life, this is the one thought that came to my mind when I took my shower this afternoon [my silence and solitude time]: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence O, Lord and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and renew a right spirit within me."  As it came to mind, I was able to belt the Keith Green song out loud, much to my daughter's chagrin. ☺

For many years, this verse from Psalm 51 has been powerful for me.  When I was introduced to Keith Green in the 1980s, his song "Create in Me a Clean Heart" based on the Psalm 51 scripture became one of my favorites.

Here is a link where you can listen to Keith Green sing this song: Create in Me A Clean Heart.

The lyrics to the song are:

Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me

Cast me not away from Thy presence, oh Lord
And take not Thy holy spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me

Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me

Cast me not away from Thy presence, oh Lord
Take not Thy holy spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me

Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me

Cast me not away from Thy presence, oh Lord
Take not Thy holy spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wherever you are on your journey, whatever is going on in and around you as you journey, these are words that are appropriate along the way. 

May you have renewed joy of salvation, a clean heart, and a right spirit within you.

Shalom!

~Debra

Hogar Metodista... Methodist Children's Home of Costa Rica

Entrance to the Hogar Metodista, 2012. dd

I've recently returned from another wonderful mission trip to my home away from home, Costa Rica.  I call it my "home away from home" because this was my 13th or 14th trip to the country.  I need to double check my passports for the exact number, instead of relying on my brain, memory, and counting on fingers.  I have been there on mission trips since 1998 (skipping a few years here and there), a business trip to check out LASP [Latin American Studies Program], a family vacation, and a honeymoon.

For the first time, I was able to work on-site at the Hogar Metodista, the Methodist Children's Home of Costa Rica.  [Check out their FaceBook page: Methodist Children's Home.] In years past, I had been able to visit the site and hear the dreams.  One year (2007) our team helped clean the building that was on site.  But this year,  I was able to be on the property and work to continue the vision.  Many on our team from First Centenary had been on the 2010 team that helped work on the first house for the kids.  It was special for them to see it completed and then be able to work on house #2, knowing it would be completed and filled with children as #1 has been.

There is a video on YOUTUBE that explains the vision of the Methodist Children's Home in the earlier days by missionary Ray Zirkel.  This video is from 2007.

Here is a video with some footage of children on the street and the first home not quite finished.  It shows the Methodist School (Colegio Metodista) where the children go for a bilingual education.  This video was posted in January 2011.

Another video posted in January 2011 with some history and information about the Children's home can been seen here. 

Presently, there are ten children in the 1st home and work is being done on the 2nd home.  The plans include 5 homes total and a multi-purpose building that will allow ministry to the community of Coronado. 

Check out some of the pictures, videos, and website links I've included.  The Hands of God Foundation in Alabama is instrumental in raising monies for this ministry.  You can sponsor the children through them and/or donate for other purposes.  Check them out at their website: Hands of God Foundation.

Ray and Lidia Zirkel first came to Costa Rica in 1995 by invitation of Bishop Luis Palomo.  They have been extremely active in the Methodist church in Costa Rica and have been a tremendous blessing!  Ray and Lidia have their own website too. You can learn more about them and their ministry here.

[I have known them since 1998 and have been blessed to see their ministry blossom and their lives help transform others' lives. Even through the very difficult time of Ray's health this past winter and spring, there have been blessings and praises. What a blessing and praise to have them back in Costa Rica, serving again so soon!]

Please consider praying for this ministry, the missionaries, the children, and all those involved that work hard to keep it going (staff, house tías (aunts), etc.).  There are needs for house parents and relief support staff, scholarships for the children for the school, teams to keep coming to help with the construction, ETC.

Contact Lidia Zirkel (ljzirkel@gmail.com) or the Hands of God Foundation (at their website above) for more information.

Inside the original building, 2007. Our team helped clean as part of our work. dd

A view of the mountains from the property, 2007. dd



The original building on the property, 2008. dd



First house completed, taken by Amanda Cambron, 2012.

My technology fast... a meaningful discipline on my journey

I just got back last night from a week long mission trip to Costa Rica.  My husband and I decided to leave our smart phones and computers at home.  Though we checked into the international plan for Costa Rica, we decided to forego that and do without for the week.  I haven't been on that extensive of a technology fast in a very long time, if ever.  I am happy to report that I survived.  Truthfully, I did more than "survive"; I "thrived". 

I could have broken my fast much sooner than I did (Friday, after all the hiking at the Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, I posted a brief update on FaceBook from the community computer at La Paz Waterfall Gardens) because there was a computer at the Centro Juan Wesley where we stayed in Tibás.  There were smart phones and ipads in abundance too. 

Truthfully, my main concern during the week was to know whether or not my best friend's (from 6th grade) father had made it through the week.  Other than that, I really didn't need to check e-mails or FaceBook updates or even play Word with Friends (I forewarned folks I was going to be technology free for the week). 

By not taking technology with me, I was able to be a little more free in my heart, mind, and soul.  I didn't worry about the things at home that I did find when I got back.  I spent time reading Invitation to a Journey:  A Road Map for Spiritual Formation by Robert Mulholland.  I spent time sleeping-- I was the "wimp" of the group, going to bed the earliest most nights.  I spent time in quiet and in conversation, getting to know folks. 

Now, this isn't to say that those with technology didn't get rest or conversation or reading... they did.  There isn't a right or wrong here.  I've taken technology in the past.... and turned on my cell phone as soon as I hit USA soil.  But this time, I was able to wait until I got home to deal with the things that awaited me.

So, for me, taking this technology fast was a wonderful blessing this week.  I wonder if I am able to implement that while I'm home.  The thing I most wanted to do while I was away was to blog.  I have at least 4 or 5 blog posts rumbling away in my heart, soul, and mind.  And that is just from last week's trip.  That doesn't catch me up on the several others I've wanted to write. 

A few more thoughts on my fast for the week.  It was a spiritual discipline.  In Mulholland's book that I mentioned, I read this about fasting: "The essence of fasting is the separation of ourselves from something in order to offer ourselves in greater measure to God." (118)  It was an intentional setting aside of something (that isn't necessarily a bad thing) to focus more intently on the goal at hand, which for me was listening to God in Costa Rica.   Technology can be good and normal, yet a separation from it at times can be very freeing.  The only television I saw was little snipets from the small television in the kitchen at the Centro Juan Wesley.  I saw where there had been flooding in Costa Rica and mudslides.

I texted my friend this morning to see about her dad.  He is still with us, but he is very weak.  He doesn't talk much any more and falls asleep easily.  My friend went with her mother this past week to make arrangements at the funeral home and they are picking out pictures.  I'm very blessed that I was able to visit with the family a couple of weeks ago before my trip to Costa Rica.  This is a family with whom I grew up and spent time; one of my "mom and dad" families.  I am glad that during my technology fast my friend's dad, my "dad" didn't pass.  There will probably be more to share about this later.

When you fast, what do you choose to fast from?

Or, if you haven't fasted in a while, think about it... try it.  Read more about it.  There are many who have written about the spiritual discipline of fasting.  Check out what folks have written and done.  Pray about what would be meaningful for you.

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra