Called by Name--a balm of healing from my home church

I don't know what Rev. Rick Tiff would have entitled his sermon yesterday, but I am entitling my post "Called by Name" from the Isaiah passage he shared. It wasn't even one of the three lectionary readings of the day, but rather an additional connector passage.

Though I am in my hometown usually three days a week, I am rarely there on Sunday mornings. But because of our 40th reunion weekend, I was there and I decided it would be a good opportunity to visit St. Mark's Church where I grew up. I'm glad I did.

Background: I grew up at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Dalton. I was christened/baptized by Rev. Frank Allen who later became a Bishop. George Sparks is the one I remember the most. Ed Bacon presided over my first wedding (1986), and I knew Dean Taylor briefly, but connected with him again in a CEU we both attended at Sewanee. I was confirmed there. I was active in the youth group (we've talked about attempting a reunion for us, but that hasn't happened yet). After I went off to college (Statesboro) in 1982, I would attend some when I came home. When I moved to Long Island (1986-1989), I would sometimes attend Christmas Eve services. But I haven't been able to attend lots.

Now that I am on family leave of absence and working in Dalton, when I am actually in town, I have attended local United Methodist and Episcopal churches, plus Bamboo Encounter (meets once a month). Though the family leave of absence isn't a sabbatical, it is offering me the opportunity to be fed spiritually in ways that I am finding are needed after having served 7 years, 2 appointments, and 4 churches.

It felt like being home yesterday, though not fully. The surroundings were familiar to me-- the high arches, the stained glass windows, the pews, the kneeling benches, the liturgy.

There were several times throughout the service in which I could sense tears of something, I don't know what, nearing the surface, yet they never fully came. It would have been okay if they did.

What I did experience through the sermon, some of the songs, and Holy Communion was deep peace and connection.

I took notes, albeit scribbled notes on my church bulletin. I will attempt to make sense of them for you, the reader, as I share them here. I make no promises that they will be in order. In fact, I can almost guarantee you that they will be out of order. :)

Here we go.

These are the things that stood out to me/caught my attention:

• Open our heart to the generosity of others.
• By doing so, it causes/helps our relationships to grow deeper.
• Jesus challenges us to think "backward" / reversal.
• "divine pixie dust"
• sozo = well, saved, salvation
• the leper got spiritual transformation (not just physical) through the relationship/connection
• Note: the leper was also a Samaritan (double whammy in society [my words])-- two things cause him to have stigma in the eyes of others. [This could be a long 'cause for a pause' here. What in our own lives cause us to be outcast in the eyes of others or even ourselves? What causes us to look at others and see them with eyes of stigma? If we take some time to reflect on these things, maybe we can eventually reflect with the compassionate eyes of Jesus for ourselves and for others. DD]
• God wants us to change, to transform, to do a new thing.
• Do not dwell on the past.
• Open our hearts to God
• Isaiah 43-- do not fear... I have called you by name. You are mine.
• verse 18-- I am about to do a new thing
• "God calls us each by name to be transformed." Rev. Rick Tiff
• God's grace, God's mercy is abundant; God calls us into relationship
• Live a life of thanksgiving; receive
• God calls us each by name
• Friendship with God

So, those are my notes.

I'll try to fill you in on what made this sermon so meaningful to me and how it was a balm of healing to my soul.

First of all, I used to say that I never remembered hearing about grace or relationship growing up in the Episcopal Church. Now, to my former Reverends, I am NOT saying that you or my teachers didn't preach or teach it. What I am saying is that I don't remember it. It wasn't until later in life that the concept of a relationship with Jesus/God/Holy Spirit became a reality to me. And then, it was even later that I realized that all my time in the woods as a kid WAS time with God, in creation with the Creator. 

As I have grown and changed (transformed) over the years, grace has been foundational. God calling me by name has also come around to become foundational. So, in many ways, yesterday's sermon touched on many of the things that make me me, as God created me to be, in relationship with God. I think maybe that could explain the being close to tears throughout. Though I cannot fully explain it, my soul has taken a beating. Yes, even with all the spiritual practices I live into daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. It can happen. It is called life and humanity. It comes from living a life poured out for the sake of others. Truthfully, I wouldn't have it any other way. Now, I realize and recognize that there is more to learn along the way. I am learning and growing. I am continuing the spiritual practices that give me life and living into new ones. (You can read more about my spiritual practices in other posts.)

What I am attempting to express here is that yesterday there was unexpected healing in my soul that I didn't know was still needed. It went deep. It felt good. It was holy. It went full circle into my childhood. I am grateful.

I am called by name. Want to know a secret? We have ALL been called by name. We are all loved, accepted, beloved, 

One of the reasons this Isaiah passage touches me so is a Christmas gift from my Aunt Carol who was also a Godmother to me. She gave me a necklace one year-- a stained glass cross with the letter "D" on the front. I used it as a Christmas ornament for YEARS. Now I use it a cross and sometimes still put it on our tree. On the back of the cross is the Isaiah verse: 'I have called you by name'.  Though I don't remember when I got it-- probably the 70s, it has become more meaningful to me as I have lived into my calling.

Now, please remember-- we are all called by name.... and we ALL have callings! My first calling was that of professor-- I taught for 24 years. And, truthfully, I'm still a teacher at heart. I was a pastor to pastors LONG before I become one officially. I am in the process of becoming a spiritual director, but have been an unofficial one for a while. 

God created me to walk along life's journey with people; to share the good, the  bad, the ugly; to be present; to listen; to walk the aging, death, and dying journey.... these things I know. What I learn, I share. I was also created to connect with my Creator in creation, in nature. 

There are things in life at times that cause doubt, etc., but I am reminded to not be afraid.

I will continue the inward and outward journey of growth and transformation as the grace and healing work in and through me.

Oh, the songs...... Hymn 633 "Word of God, come down on earth" by James Quinn was one that I didn't remember, but found the lyrics to be engaging. I looked it up on hymnary.org and found that it is also in the United Methodist Hymnal (and others} #182. 

Lyrics:

1 Word of God, come down on earth,
living rain from heaven descending;
touch our hearts and bring to birth
faith and hope and love unending.
Word almighty, we revere you;
Word made flesh, we long to hear you.

2 Word eternal, throned on high,
Word that brought to life creation,
Word that came from heaven to die,
crucified for our salvation,
saving Word, the world restoring,
speak to us, your love outpouring.

3 Word that speaks God's tender love,
one with God beyond all telling,
Word that sends us from above
God the Spirit, with us dwelling,
Word of truth, to all truth lead us;
Word of life, with one bread feed us.

There was a John Bell song that we sang a portion of during communion time: "Take, O take me as I am"

Lyrics:

Take, O take me as I am, summon out what I shall be.

Set your seal upon my heart and live in me.

I am familiar with John Bell's music and have used his songs, but this one was new to me or I had forgotten about it). It was fitting!

You can listen to it here:

I am grateful for my home church-- for all it gave me over the years and for yesterday's service.

Peace, 

Rev. Deb

If you'd like to watch yesterday's service, you can find it here on their FaceBook page: October 9 worship service.

An older video of the church (it has beautiful photos):

Made Holy By Love-- Advent 4 sermon

This past Sunday's sermon was "Made Holy By Love" from Hebrews 10:5-10.

Bulletin Cover

Below you will find the transcript of the sermon.  I am also posting the two recorded sermons from the churches, Fort Oglethorpe UMC and Simpson UMC, because the recorded sermons contain different things from the transcript and each recorded sermon is a little different from the other.

We started recording our sermons and putting them on our Facebook pages for our shut-ins, for folks who missed church, and/or for anyone who might want to listen.

Peace on your journey,

Debra
-----------------------------

“Made Holy By Love”

Hebrews 10: 5-10 (CEB)

December 23, 2018 (4th Sunday of Advent)

Fort Oglethorpe UMC, Simpson UMC

Hebrews 10:5-10 (CEB)

⁵ Therefore, when he comes into the world he says,

You didn’t want a sacrifice or an offering,
    but you prepared a body for me;
⁶ you weren’t pleased with entirely burned offerings or a sin offering.
⁷     So then I said,
    “Look, I’ve come to do your will, God.
    This has been written about me in the scroll.”

⁸ He says above, You didn’t want and you weren’t pleased with a sacrifice or an offering or with entirely burned offerings or a purification offering, which are offered because the Law requires them. ⁹ Then he said, Look, I’ve come to do your will. He puts an end to the first to establish the second. ¹⁰ We have been made holy by God’s will through the offering of Jesus Christ’s body once for all.

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THIS IS THE WORD OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

THANKS BE TO GOD.                      

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Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent, and we are focusing on the word “love”. Notice how the light continues to grow on the Advent Wreath.  The outside has become fully encircled in light.

A meme I have been sharing the last two weeks at Flintstone about the Advent journey is this: “The Advent journey: Hope becomes peace.  Peace becomes joy.  Joy becomes Love. Love becomes Christ.” (Ask the congregation to read it with me.—At FOUMC, on the screen; at SUMC, in the bulletins.)

As we near the end of our Advent journey, let’s look closer at today’s passage.  Verses 5-7 refer to and almost directly quote Psalm 40:6-8—

⁶ You don’t relish sacrifices or offerings;
    you don’t require entirely burned offerings or compensation offerings—
    but you have given me ears!
⁷ So I said, “Here I come!
    I’m inscribed in the written scroll.
⁸     I want to do your will, my God.
    Your Instruction is deep within me.”

The title comes from verse 10, which reminds us that “we have been made holy by God’s will through the offering of Jesus Christ’s body once for all.”  We know that this offering was because of God’s love for us, as stated in John 3:16-17—“ God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life. ¹⁷ God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

This offering is a relationship with Jesus, with God, with Emmanuel, God with us.  As we focus today on love on this 4^th Sunday of Advent, we recognize that love came down to be with us, love was made Incarnate in Jesus so that we could be in relationship with the Creator.

Christina Rossetti’s hymn, “Love Came Down at Christmas”, written in 1885, found in the UMH #242, verse 1:

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Today’s passage reminds us that this love came down in human form to live among us and to teach us how to love one another.

We sing of this love in the hymn, “O Holy Night” by Placide Cappeau in 1847, translated by John Dwight, verse 3:

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is Love and His gospel is Peace;
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,
And in his name all oppression shall cease,
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his Holy name!

As we reflect on the Incarnate Christ, on Emmanuel with us, on love, where in our lives do chains need broken for us to truly love one another and to live the law of love and the gospel of peace?  What oppression is holding us down?

As you search your heart, what is keeping you from fully receiving the love and freedom that Christ offers you?  (Pause)

As we listen, hear these words from Henri Nouwen’s Here and Now:

“God is love, only love, and God’s spirit is the spirit of love longing to guide us to the place where the deepest desires of our heart can be fulfilled.  Often we ourselves do not even know what our deepest desire is.  We so easily get entangled in our own lust and anger mistakenly assuming that they tell us what we really want.  The spirit of love says: “Don’t be afraid to let go of your need to control your own life.  Let me fulfill the desire of your heart.” (in A Guide to Prayer For All Who Seek God, 44)

It isn’t easy for us to understand this Incarnate love, the love that came down to be a part of humanity, then suffered and died out of love for us.  Nor is it easy to accept this love and appropriate it for ourselves.  Once we do that, we can more easily live into the commandment of loving others.

James Finley reminds us that “Christ has identified himself with the human family, especially the poor and the forgotten.  In loving them we love him in them.  And they, in turn, encounter him in us in the love we give them.” (From Merton’s Palace of Nowhere, in A Guide to Prayer For All God’s People, 44)

Where, to whom, do you need to share the love of Christ?  (Pause) Who comes to mind when you consider loving others as Christ loved? (Pause)

Jesus came to be in relationship. 

Jesus showed us great love when he died upon the cross, was resurrected, and continued to teach until he left earth.

“He came to deal with separation issues.  He came to mend what was broken, to rebuild what had been destroyed, to bury the hatchet, and to make peace between God and us.  Jesus was very clear about his mission.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 1, Steven Eason, 88)

Can we take up the mantle of love from Jesus and live into our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?

May it be so.

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

Fort Oglethorpe UMC Recorded Sermon

Simpson UMC Recorded Sermon

Love Came Down at Christmas

O Holy Night

Embracing Soul Care--Grow Your Soul

Embracing Soul Care: Making Space for What Matters Most by Stephen W. Smith is a book that I just picked back up this week and started where I left off.  It is all about deepening the inner walk with God.

The next chapter in the book, 27, is "Grow Your Soul".  Each chapter is short, but full of edification and encouragement as you seek to make space for your soul. 

The quote for this chapter is by Martin Luther King, Jr.-- "Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." (93)

That is a 'cause for a pause'. 

The Scripture is Proverbs 11:28 (MSG)-- "A God-shaped life is a flourishing tree."

Some of the quotes that stood out to me in the chapter:

"Soul care resembles a tree.  It takes years for a tender tree to mature.  Time, attention, nourishment, protection, and pruning contribute to its growth.  The same is true for spiritual growth." (Smith, 93)

This is an important reminder.  Growth takes time.  Not only time, but attention, nourishment, protection, and pruning.  If any of these aspects is lacking, growth isn't stopped, but it might be slowed down or hindered.  Pruning is a very important key to growth.  Of all the things listed, it is probably the least favorite and the most counter-intuitive.  Yet, cutting things away in order to have a healthier being is part of growth.

Now, back to some quotes by the author:

"Our inner growth can be long and arduous.  At other times, it's joyful and spontaneous." (93)

"The feeding of our spiritual roots provides the nourishment for a vibrant and resilient soul." (94)

This last line brings to mind my current journal which is "Advice from a Tree".  It's from the perspective of trees.  We can learn much from nature and I picture the roots drinking deeply from the water, the nutrients and giving strength to the tree/soul, making it vibrant and resilient, able to withstand the storms of life.

The author reminds us that "there are no shortcuts to cultivating our souls.  It is a day-by-day, year-to-year process that does not respond to a set formula for success.  But the long process enables the development of an intimate relationship with God." (94)

For many years I thought there was a set formula (or several of them) that I could use to grow and that would lead to success.  I have learned that it isn't so.  There are tools and resources I can use, but tools and resources that once worked don't always work at a different time and stage along the journey.  I must be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide my nourishment, showing me what will best feed my soul.

Here are the questions at the end of the chapter.  You may find them helpful:
1. What do you need to grow spiritually?
2. What could nourish your spiritual life?  Why?
3. Using the metaphor of a tree, at what stage of growth are you?

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Finding Forrester

Last night Riley and I watched "Finding Forrester" on TV.  I had never seen it before, but Riley said it was familiar to him.

''Finding Forrester" is PG-13 and lasts 2 hours and 16 minutes.  There is some language in the movie, but it is normal for street scenes.

There were many life lesson nuggets in the movie and I enjoyed it.  The film came out in 2000, stars Sean Connery and Rob Brown, is filmed in NYC, the Bronx, and is about a high school student and a recluse one-book author.

Here are some of the things that struck me in the movie:

The theme of fear and how it controls people by keeping them from moving forward in life, whether that it a fear of failure or a fear of success, or a combination of both.  Fear of getting out into the unknown is paralyzing to many.  Fear of facing oneself causes some to treat others disrespectfully and with disdain (teacher at prep school).

The theme of friendship and how that overcome fear in the long run was a good reminder that relationships are what break down stereotypes, barriers, fears, and ignorance. When we get to know others and enter into relationships, we learn about their lives and they learn about us.  When that happens, change happens.

The theme of writing was threaded throughout the movie, but it wasn't a movie about writing.  There were some good nuggets about writing, however.  There was the admonition to sit at the typewriter and write the first draft.  To just write it.  Not to think about it, but to write what flowed.  The first draft came from the heart and then the second draft was to be from the mind.  Good words.

It was refreshing to see and hear a typewriter-- to see the paper go in and be pulled out, with the zipping noise. To hear the deep clicking of the keys, and the whirring sound of the return chamber after the "ding".

The basketball scenes were pretty fun, the street game and the high school team ones.  Watching the interaction between the personalities made you feel that you were in that world, observing it first hand.

There were painful moments of society not treating the student with respect or dignity.  There were scenes that reminded you that we still have racial inequality and that saddens me.

But there were scenes that encouraged me and gave me hope too. When classmates took up for each other, regardless of background and when the friendship between author and student showed fruit in several ways.  I was reminded that it is worth investing in relationships when we are led to do so.

As a retired teacher, I was reminded on how not to teach or lead.  It is easy for us in our pain and brokenness to take things out on others, in order to have a sense of control.  Yet by letting go, by not holding on to bitterness or pain, by showing respect, etc, we can make much more of a difference in someone's life.  The teacher had a reputation, but it wasn't for being a teacher that students admired or sought to learn from.  They knew if he was challenged, he would find a way to destroy them.  Because of his own fears and insecurities, he couldn't see to bring out the best in his students.  We all have to work through bitterness, pain, hurt, and difficult things.  As we do, we can find healing and wholeness.  When we live out of the place of healing rather than hurt, we are all better for it.

Even though this movie came out 18 years ago, I'm glad I finally got to see it.

There are probably more themes that spoke to me last night (about life and relationship), but as I reflect on the movie today, these are the things that stand out.

The acting was good and the scenery of NY was like being there again.

If you'd like to check out some reviews on the movie, here are a few links and clips below!

IMDB
Rotten Tomatoes
Movie Review by Roger Ebert

Movie Trailer and a few clips from the movie:

                                      

                                      

There are other clips on YouTube if you'd like to search for them. Better yet, just look up the movie and check it out.  It might speak differently to you-- or not at all, but maybe, just maybe, you'll find something worth while in it too.

Blessings on your journey, 

Debra

Do We Truly Welcome All to the Table?

A few weeks ago (8/8/17) I wrote a post about the Sidewalk Prophets song, "Come to the Table" because I had first heard it and it struck me as a powerful and inviting song. It also strikes me as a challenging one as I continue to hear it on the radio.

The song invites people to come to the table, all are welcome.  Who they are, how they are.  Welcome.  That's how God accepts them.  What if someone happens to hear that song, believes it, and goes to a church?  Will they find that same grace and acceptance?

What if they aren't dressed the same as those in the church?

What if they have a disability?

What if they are of a different income or perceived standard?

What if they are of a different race, color, or culture?

What if they struggle to speak "our" language?

What if they are different in any way to what we perceive is "the way"?

According to God, all are welcome.  God's grace extends to all people.  If God is willing to be open and loving, then why are we cutting people off from the table?  Why are we putting up walls, rules, boundaries where God did not and does not put them up?

My heart breaks when I am in a room full of Jesus-loving folks who have left the church because the church has betrayed them, hurt them, and/or is no longer a place where God came first and all were welcome at the table.  This gathered body of Jesus followers was and is church, yet with no community because community wasn't living as Jesus instructed.

I understand.

I have seen it recently.  And my heart breaks.

It doesn't matter what you wear.  Come to the table.

It doesn't matter who you are or what you've been through or what you're going through now.  Come to the table.

You are welcome to the table.  God's table.  You are loved.

I hope to live into loving God and loving others (as I love myself) as Jesus taught.

Jesus invited the disciples to breakfast on the beach, he fed folks on the hillside, and in the upper room.  Jesus was about relationship with others around the table.  These were teaching moments for the disciples and others.

As we look around our tables, who is missing? Why are they missing?  Have we forgotten to invite someone to the table?  Have we excluded someone who was previously at the table?  Have we not made room at the table?

May we open ourselves up truly to God as we make our way to the table, seeking forgiveness and grace for those we've ignored, excluded, and turned away.

Then, let's make sure our tables, our churches, our lives are open to God to work in us and through us for the glory of God and the good of the kingdom.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra


Lyrics to "Come to the Table" by Sidewalk Prophets:

We all start on the outside
The outside looking in
This is where grace begins
We were hungry, we were thirsty
With nothing left to give
Oh the shape that we were in
Just when all hope seemed lost
Love opened the door for us

He said come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table

Come meet this motley crew of misfits
These liars and these thiefs
There's no one unwelcome here
So that sin and shame that you brought with you
You can leave it at the door
Let mercy draw you near

Come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Come to the table

To the thief and to the doubter
To the hero and the coward
To the prisoner and the soldier
To the young and to the older
All who hunger, all who thirst
All the last and all the first
All the paupers and the princes
All who fail you've been forgiven
All who dream and all who suffer
All who loved and lost another
All the chained and all the free
All who follow, all who lead
Anyone who's been let down
All the lost you have been found
All who have been labeled right or wrong
To everyone who hears this song

Ooh
Come to the table
Come join the sinners you have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Oooh
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Come to the table
Just sit down and rest a while
Just sit down and rest a while
Come to the table

Reflections provoked by a church sign...

"Can you figure God out?  Um no.  But keep trying."

That's what the church sign stated.  I passed it the first time heading to TaeKwonDo (TKD) class today and it started me thinking the rest of the way to my workout.

Then I passed it again later while running errands and it continued to speak to me.  On the way back from my errands, I stopped to take a picture because I was still "chewing" (thinking) on what it said.

The first part of that message grabbed my attention.  Obviously.

"Can you figure God out?"

My response and thought as I saw that?  "No."  In fact, the sign told me, "Um no."  But I already knew that.  God is mystery.  God is bigger than I can fathom, imagine, try to think.

It was the next part of the message that sent me on a "roll" (so to speak).  The sign states: "But keep trying."

I got confused here.  What did they mean by that?  Why would I keep trying to understand an entity that is mystery?  God, Creator, cannot be fully understood.  Why would I spend time and energy trying to understand something that I will never be able to understand?  This part of the quote/message did not make sense to me.

I don't see how it is necessary for me to "understand" God better and even how me trying to do so is profitable.

Now, before you think I'm more alien than the blog title states ("The Journey is an Adventure; I am an Alien) or than you already knew, let me continue.

Let me begin by repeating one thing I already stated-- God is mystery.

It's not that I don't want to know God or be in relationship with God, but I think that is different than trying to understand God.  I am more than willing to keep spending time in relationship with God in silence, in solitude, in prayer, in Scripture, in community, in worship, in Holy Communion, in creation, etc. in order to know God better in that relationship.

I do believe that we can grow into some understanding of God through our relationship, but to think that I/we will ever figure God out?!?!  No, I don't believe that.  Honestly, I don't want to figure God out.   I want to be in relationship with God, but I don't want to figure God out.  There is something there that doesn't sit right theologically with me.  Maybe because I like God being mystery and God knowing more than me.  God being Creator God is the One in charge, not me.  ☺  That doesn't take away my responsibility to take care of myself, those in my life, or creation.  But it does free me up from having to take on things that aren't mine to take on.

And one of those things that isn't mine to take on (in my humble opinion) is trying to figure God out.  I'm not going to try.  Sorry, message sign.

What I will do is continue to invest my time and energy into growing into a deeper relationship with God through the practices and disciplines I mentioned already.  I will also seek to love God in that relationship and love others as I love myself.  I will also try to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God.  These are the things that I believe are more worthy of my time and energy.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Contemplating spiritual growth...Are you ready to grow?

Spiritual growth.

It's a process.  You can look at it a number of ways.  Really.  But it's not the process that has had me befuddled this week.

What has been swirling around in my heart, mind, and spirit this week is a word that I couldn't put my finger on at first.  But I will come back to this word later.

First, I want to share this.  When I mention spiritual growth, I'm talking about the natural result/consequence/product of an intentional relationship with God.  That spiritual growth might happen under the surface, in the darkness, in the hidden places as well as in the light and open places, but it will happen because of the intentional relationship.  Because of grace (especially prevenient grace), there is much going on in the growth spectrum unbeknownst to any of us prior to our acknowledgement of such relationship.  But that isn't my focus here today.

Words that came to mind as I was thinking about spiritual growth earlier this morning: grace, cultivate, intentional, process, grow, community, worship, next step...  I was searching through a bunch of pictures from a Google search on "spiritual growth" and those words (as well as many images) resonated with my thoughts on spiritual growth.

Here are the images that captured my thoughts on spiritual growth:

First.... Are you ready to grow?

If you aren't ready...
If I'm not ready...
If we're not ready...
it's not going to happen.

By grace (again), it could happen. God works in us even when we're not paying attention, but God doesn't force.

 

 Growth from reading/studying the Word/Scriptures.

Stages of growth.

 

What are my next steps on the journey?  Spiritual growth is an ongoing journey.  There will always be a next step.  Listening, seeking, being open to next steps of growth is part of the growth journey.

 

 



I found this quote today.  It's great!  We do stand, fall, stand back up, take steps, fall again, walk, wobble, fall, run, fall.... but, eventually we fly!  Awesome!  The journey of spiritual growth (of any growth) is not easy or painless, but it is worth it.  To grow emotionally, physically, spiritually, and even financially (though I'm not sure I will experience financial growth in my life), there is growth pain involved because of falling down, failures, mistakes, etc.  But we learn in and through all of those experiences too... or can.   I want to fly!  Before I fly in my spiritual growth, I will continue to wobble like the "weebles" and I will even fall down.  One day, I will fly!

In my search for images and in thinking about spiritual growth, there was one image and one word that struck me as the counterproductive one on the journey.  For me, it has no place on the journey.  It only delays and destroys the journey.  What is that one word that struck me today?  complacency.

This quote by A.W. Tozer says: "Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth." 

I would agree.  Complacency doesn't allow growth; it kills it.

In order to assess where you and I are on the growth process, to make sure that we aren't in a complacent place, I found a resource from LifeWay that will be helpful.  It's a 12 page discipleship resource with charts to prayerfully reflect upon where you are and where you're going. Check it out.  Spiritual Growth Assessment Process.  I guarantee you that if you (and I) are willing to spend some intentional time on the assessment process and make plans for our next steps, there will be no complacency taking over our growth.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

A beer with Jesus...

When I first heard this song on the radio as I was flipping through the channels last year, it caught me by surprise.

"If I could have a beer with Jesus" or also known as "Beer with Jesus"

I've heard snippets of it on the radio, but I've not listened to it in full.  So, I decided to listen to the entire song and check out the lyrics.  Thomas Rhett sings it.  He wrote it, along with Rick Huckaby and Lance Miller.  It was released in 2012.

I realize that there are some people that might not appreciate the song and beyond non-appreciation, the song will likely go against their beliefs.  That's okay.

I'm not attempting to get into a discussion of anyone's beliefs to change them, but rather I am personally reflecting on the idea of joining Jesus (or rather Jesus joining us) in the everyday, ordinary life of many people. 

As I listen to the song and watch the video of Thomas Rhett singing, what I hear is the longing for someone to spend time in conversation with Jesus.  Quality time.  Unrushed.  To listen.  To ask questions.  To share.  It's about fellowship and relationship.

If the beer is a stumbling block for you, replace "beer" with "coffee" or "soda" (soft drink, pop, Coca-Cola, etc.).  Even if beer is a stumbling block, try to watch the video and listen to the song with an open mind and heart, at least once.  Click here to watch a version of the song and video.

What do you hear in the song?  Is there a connection in your spirit?  If so, what is that connection?

I think of Jesus and the table fellowship he had with his friends and family.  He went to tax collector Matthew's party.  He went into many homes and ate and drank with others.   Jesus had picnics with folks on the hillsides and seashores.    There was an early morning campfire involving fish. 

Jesus met people where they were.  He shared life with them.  He journeyed along life's path with them.  He taught, he prayed, he laughed, he cried, he loved.

As you listen to the song, check out the lyrics below.  Again, if you need to replace the word "beer" with something else, do so.  Don't let a word cause you to miss the message.

Lyrics:

If I could have a beer with Jesus
Heaven knows I'd sip it nice and slow
I'd try to pick a place that ain't too crowded
Or gladly go wherever he wants to go

You can bet I'd order up a couple tall ones
Tell the waitress put 'em on my tab
I'd be sure to let him do the talkin'
Careful when I got the chance to ask

How'd you turn the other cheek
To save a sorry soul like me
Do you hear the prayers I send
What happens when life ends
And when you think you're comin' back again
I'd tell everyone, but no one would believe it
If I could have a beer with Jesus

If I could have a beer with Jesus
I'd put my whole paycheck in that jukebox
Fill it up with nothing but the good stuff
Sit somewhere we couldn't see a clock
Ask him how'd you turn the other cheek
To save a sorry soul like me
Have you been there from the start
How'd you change a sinner's heart
And is heaven really just beyond the stars
I'd tell everyone, but no one would believe it
If I could have a beer with Jesus
He can probably only stay, for just a couple rounds
But I hope and pray he's stayin' till we shut the whole place down
Ask him how'd you turn the other cheek
To save a sorry soul like me
What's on the other side?
Is mom and daddy alright?
And if it ain't no trouble tell them I said hi
I'd tell everyone but no one would believe it
If I could have a beer with Jesus
I'd tell everyone but no one would believe it
If I could have a beer with Jesus

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Has there been controversy over this song?  Of course.  There will always be controversy when you mention the name Jesus, especially in the context in which it was mentioned in the song.  In this article by Gayle Thompson in "The Boot", Rhett reports that he has heard stories where his song has inspired, encouraged, and ministered to people.  It was even used at a funeral. 

The song has opened up an opportunity for dialogue.  That is probably the most powerful thing about it.  By setting aside opinions and disagreements over the title and the word "beer", hopefully we can get to a place of fellowship and relationship with Jesus and others in the ordinary life.

At least, that is the deeper message that resonates within me. 

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Journey Inward, Journey Outward by Elizabeth O'Connor

Journey Inward, Journey Outward by Elizabeth O'Connor is one of my required readings for the Academy for Spiritual Formation.  My journey on Academy #32 is coming to a close as far as the readings and the travels and the sessions go.  Session #8 is in April.  I have a couple of more books to read, but I may not get to them.  This book puts me at my 26 minimum and with my seminary class starting next week, this may be all I can do.  We'll see.

But I don't want to share about reading in general, I want to share about this book and from this book.  I also want to share other resources I've found.

First, this book. 

Let's say you weren't holding the copy I have, with its slightly fraying binding and yellowed pages.  Let's say you ignored the references to the Vietnam War and Martin Luther King, Jr. and Selma, Alabama.  I wonder, if like me, you would then think that this book could be talking about the church today, society today, Kingdom today?!?!  Church of the Savior was likely a fore-runner for other churches back in the late 60s as it stepped into Kingdom life, basing the journey outward on the strong foundation of the inward journey.  Yet, I still see this church as a fore-runner, because all too often we focus primarily on the outward mission without strengthening the inward journey.  It isn't an either/or.  It is a both/and.

The example set forth in the book by this particular church is not new to Christ followers.  Christ set the example.  Christ took time for the inward journey in order to have strength for the outward journey.  But that could be a whole other post.  Read the gospel of Mark for the rhythm and pattern of Christ ministering and getting away.  There are times when Christ is trying to get away and attend to the inward journey, but the crowds keep following him to the other side.  I wonder if there is anyone (lay or clergy) in ministry that ever feels like he/she cannot get away from the crowd?!!? 

But, that could be a whole other post too.

The book.  Journey Inward, Journey Outward.  The copy I have was published in 1975 by Harper & Row.  The original publishing date was 1968. 

What feels so odd about this book seeming like it could be talking about the here and now may have something to with the fact that I was four years old when it was published the first time and it resonates deeply within my soul.

There are 10 chapters in the book, plus a preface, an epilogue, an appendix from the Coffee House Church and some pictures.  The chapters are:

The Inward Journey
Three Engagements on the Journey Inward
Calling Forth of Gifts
The Restoration Corps
The Frontier Church and Psychiatry
The Potter's House
New and Old Forms of Worship
Preparation for Mission
The Covenant Community
For Love of Children

Here are some thoughts/quotes, etc. that stood out to me:

"We are going to know little about the task of reconciliation in the world unless we are in touch with what goes on in that world within ourselves and know how difficult reconciliation is there." (preface, ix-x)

"I am not practiced in placing my life beside quiet waters where the Spirit of God can brood upon it." (2)

"Is there within me a strength that lets me be unafraid? Can I allow myself to be present to another because I can trust my response and know that I am able for whatever comes?" (2-3)

"Whether a man arrives or does not arrive at his destiny--the place that is particularly his--depends on whether or not he finds the Kingdom within and hears the call to wholeness--or holiness, as another might say.  The man who hears that call is chosen. [...] Life becomes his vocation." (5)

"In whatever way it happens, the person who has lost his true self has a hunger in him." (7)

"The man who would step out of the crowd and follow his own destiny, must keep before him the knowledge that the way is hard." (8)

Talking about the book: "It is a book concerned with the renewal of the church, for it holds that renewal cannot come to the church unless its people are on an inward journey.  It holds with equal emphasis that renewal cannot come to the church unless its people are on an outward journey." (9)

"We have to be people engaged with ourselves, if we are going to find out where we are and where it is we want to go." (12)

"As people on an inward journey we are committed to growing in consciousness, to becoming people in touch with our real selves, so that we know not only what flows at the surface, but what goes on in the depths of us." (13)

"The content and quality of our lives is determined by how we respond to the ordinary, and this depends on whether or not we have taken the time to nourish an inner life." (18)

"To stand in the silence within oneself, while at the same time relating to external events, is not an easy concept to grasp.  It will also be understood differently at different stages of one's life." (29)

"Even in finding its outward shape, the Church must be concerned with its inward pilgrimage." (32)

"The outward journey is determined in part by the gifts discovered in the inward journey." (33)

"There comes to the "called" man an internal freedom that lets him take the risks involved in following a way.  Each day he moves closer to his "true self" and in this comes strength." (34)

"The adventure is not in the arriving, but in the journey--the "now" of life." (35)

"...we must be willing to give up structures not only when they fail to meet a need in the world, but when they no longer provide the framework that lets us be on the "immense journey" of becoming.  A call which is valid at one time in a person's life will not necessarily be valid at another time." (35)

"...the primary task and primary mission of the Christian is to call forth the gifts of others." (36)

"The discovery of the real self is the way to the treasure hidden in a field.  The gift a person brings to another is the gift of himself." (38)

"There is no Christian community not rooted in service, and no Christian service not rooted in relationship." (40)

I could go on and on and on!!

The ministries that spoke to me most were The Potter's House (a coffee shop) and the Dayspring Retreat Center, though there were aspects of the others that caught my attention and spoke to me in ways too.  Risk-taking and failure (but continuing to seek God's direction) are seen through the various ministries.  So is the foundation of the inward journey and the community committing together to live out their faith commitment individually and in community both inwardly and outwardly.  It isn't always pretty and it definitely isn't easy, but it is real. 

There is something about folks being serious about living into their growth on the inward journey and serving together on the outward journey that is refreshing and inspiring.

I was curious to see where Elizabeth O'Connor was now and what the Church of the Savior was up to.  The first thing I found was a blog link entitled "inward/outward".  From that site, I found information about the church and the ministries.  Links are below.  There may be more information, but I don't want to take away your fun, your research.

Church of the Savior has a blog in which Elizabeth O'Connor has posted.  Here is a link to one of her recent posts: inward/outward. 

You can learn more about Church of the Savior and their scattered churches as of 1994 from the homepage of the blog.

Though you can access this list of the ministries from the inward/outward blog as well, it is impressive enough for me to list separately.  What a wonderful example of organic ministry!  This is truly a mustard seed of faith becoming a full blown tree, living into its potential!  Ministries of the Church of the Savior.

I know there are churches and communities committed to this way that Christ has modeled for us, the way of the inward and outward journey being lived out in balance. 

Yet, it still seems like such a new and novel idea.  Maybe there is a need for more people to grow in the inner/inward journey, to learn about themselves, to learn their gifts, to put them into practice in community as they flow into the outward journey.

As I had hope for the institutional church when I read Diana Butler Bass' Christianity for the Rest of Us, I have hope from reading this book.  In both cases, I believe the hope stems from the fact that the focus is not on the institutional system but rather on living as an incarnational body, living as Christ lived.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra