Transition time.... waiting, listening, and prayer time.

You may or may not be going through a transition time right now in your personal life.  What about those around you?  Church?  Other family members?  Friends? 

My daughter recently "graduated" or was promoted from 5th grade to 6th grade.  So, after 6 years at our beloved Ganns Middle Valley Elementary, we'll be moving onward to Hixson Middle School in the Fall.  GULP!  Even though this transition is difficult for her, I can tell that she is embracing it because she decorated her manila folder with expressions of saying goodbye to Ganns and greeting Hixson Middle.  She used the colors and wildcat paw print primarily on her artwork.

Our church is facing transition as our senior pastor moves on to the role of D.S. (District Superintendent) and our other pastor retires up north.   We also have folks taking on full time roles from part-time ones and others getting into their roles now that the school year is over.  We also have one staff member stepping out of their role, me. 

I am in transition.  Lots of it.  As a Mom, as Director of Missions (which ends tomorrow), as a Candidate for Ordination (which is simply in transitional process as the journey continues), as a student (the semester is over!), etc. 

I would like to say that I am embracing this transition time in my life, like my daughter.  And, some days I do.  The choices I've made that have led to some of my personal transitions are choices based on my listening to God and discerning what to do.  It still doesn't make it easy. 

Some days I feel like I'm in that cocoon again, struggling to make the wings strong enough to break out of the darkness into the light so that I might be able to fly.  Yet, once this butterfly get out of the cocoon, the wings still need to dry to strengthen before I can fly.  So, whether in the cocoon or outside of it, there is always waiting time. 

Maybe that's what I struggle with most during transition time, the waiting time.  However, from all that I've read about waiting (Sue Monk Kidd, etc.), I know that the waiting time is not lost.  It is not wasted.  It is active time.

Recently, I read a post by Jerry Webber about waiting.  You can read it here: "Waiting Is A Moment Too".  Jerry was one of the faculty members at session #2 of my Academy #32.  Great blog.  Check it out!

Yesterday, at my last staff meeting, the lead pastor read from the introduction to Habakkuk from The Message.

Here is some of that introduction:

"Living by faith is a bewildering venture.  We rarely know what's coming next, and not many things turn out the way we anticipate.  It is natural to assume that since I am God's chosen and beloved, I will get favorable treatment from the God who favors me so extravagantly.  It is not unreasonable to expect that from the time I become his follower, I will be exempt from dead ends, muddy detours, and cruel treatment from the travelers I meet daily who are walking the other direction.  That God-followers don't get preferential treatment in life always comes as a surprise.  But it's also a surprise to find that there are a few men and women within the Bible who show up alongside us at such moments.

     The prophet Habakkuk is one of them, and a most welcom companion he is.  Most prophets, most of the time, speak God's Word to us.  [...] But Habakkuk speaks our word to God.  He gives voice to our bewilderment, articulates our puzzled attempts to make sense of things, faces God with our disappointment with God.  [...]

     [...]

     But this prophet companion who stands at our side does something even more important: He waits and he listens.  It is in his waiting and listening--which then turn into his praying--that he found himself inhabiting the large world of God's sovereignty. [...]" (1692)

Though not explicitly said, this speaks to me about transition and the times in our lives when we don't know what's coming next.  Living by faith is at times a "bewildering venture", yet it's definitely an awesome ADventure too!! ☺  It is comforting to realize that there are folks along the journey that will come alongside us, just as we will come alongside them.  They will pray to God for us; we will pray to God for them.  It strikes me that Habakkuk is a spiritual companion after whom we can model.  He waited and listened.... "It is in his waiting and listening--which then turn into his praying...." (1692)  When we come alongside someone, we can wait and listen, allowing our waiting and listening to become prayer.

Who have been the Habakkuks in your life?

For whom have you been Habakkuk?

Blessing on your journey!  May you be able to embrace the transitions!

~Debra

Wearing Christ...being clothed in the power from on high

To wear Christ, to put on Christ, to be clothed with Christ.... what does this mean metaphorically? 

On Sunday, the expression "clothed in power" came up in the sermon and in the Scripture for the sermon.  Luke 24:49: "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”  This past Sunday was Pentecost Sunday, so this power from on high is referring to Holy Spirit power.

Here is another Scriptural reference to being clothed in the metaphorical sense, this time with Christ:

Galatians 3:27-- "for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."

The clothing with the power on high might have slipped by me after Sunday's sermon if it weren't for the devotional for the same day, May 27, in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

Here is that devotional:

"SEEK MY FACE at the beginning of your day.  This practice enables you to "put Me on" and "wear Me" throughout the day.  Most people put on clothes soon after arising from bed.  Similarly, the sooner you "put Me on" by communicating with Me, the better prepared you are for whatever comes your way.
     To "wear Me" is essentially to have My mind: to think my thoughts.  Ask the Holy Spirit to control your thinking; be transformed by this renewal within you.  Thus you are well equipped to face whatever people and situations I bring your way.  Clothing your mind in Me is your best preparation for each day.  This discipline brings Joy and Peace to you and those around you."  (page 154)

The Scripture references for this particular devotion are: Psalm 27:8; Romans 13:14; and Colossians 3:12.

I figured if I heard and read about "being clothed" twice in one day, then I might should stop, look, and listen. ☺ 

However, my brain doesn't always flow normally and as I was reflecting, the only thing that would come to mind at first was the line from a song from the 1980s that says: "take on me, take me on".  I can hear the line in my head.... I can even hear the music in my head, but I couldn't tell you the artist.  I remember it from working out in the gym during my college years.

Hurray for the computer.... and an A-HA moment, literally.  ☺  The group's name is "A-ha", a Norwegian pop band.  It was recorded in 1984 and released in 1985.

The lyrics:

We're talking away
I don't know what
I'm to say I'll say it anyway
Today's another day to find you
Shying away
I'll be coming for your love, OK?

[Chorus]
Take on me, take me on
I'll be gone
In a day or two

So needless to say
I'm odds and ends
I'll be stumbling away
Slowly learning that life is OK
Say after me
It's no better to be safe than sorry

[Chorus]

Oh the things that you say
Is it live or
Just to play my worries away
You're all the things I've got to remember
You're shying away
I'll be coming for you anyway

Click here to listen and watch a video.  It's mostly a black and white cartoon video.

So, random brain waves from the 1980s cause me to travel back in time.  I don't know if I want to "take on Christ", I think I'll work on the "putting on" right now.... though I will admit to being stubborn and arguing and wrestling from time to time.... but that's another blog.  Maybe.

Back to the devotional.... after the random thoughts from the 1980s, the statement about putting on clothes and comparing that with putting on Christ by communicating with Christ was good.  That reminded me of Ephesians and the armor of God.   I wear clothes daily.  I don't always take the time to daily put on my armor or even start my day with conversation in Christ.  Some days my conversation with God, Christ, and Holy Spirit happens at a later point in the day.  To attempt to do that earlier in the day could feasibly save me some trials and tribulations, or at least some headaches. ☺  Some days are better than others.  And, thankfully, there is always grace.

Another line that caught my attention was this one: "Clothing your mind in Me is your best preparation for each day."  Simple, but true.  Good stuff.

As I consider what it means to clothe myself with "power from on high" and/or "with Christ", I realize that what I am clothing myself with are the characteristics of Christ.  That's not a bad way to be dressed daily.

Are you clothed in the power from on high?

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra

Clergy registration in the mail for annual conference... what's up with that?

On May 11th I went before the SPRC (Staff Parish) as one of the final steps toward continuing on the ordination journey (if there is ever such a thing as "final steps").  Then, on May 17th, I received a packet in the mail from the Holston Conference for the upcoming Annual Conference in June.  I'm not a delegate this year, so I'm wondering what this is about as it clearly says on the envelope, "IMPORTANT!  Annual Conference Materials Enclosed".

So, I open the envelope and pull out this registration card.  Take a look at it for yourself:

GULP!  That was my initial reaction.  Other reactions?  Shock, surprise, thinking-- 'no way things can move THIS quickly'.  I knew I wasn't THIS far along in the process yet.  I haven't even gone before the church (which will be June 3) to allow them to say "yes" or "no" in supporting me in this ordination journey. 

Even though it did catch me off guard, and I was pretty sure that a mistake had been made, it did cause me to see myself as clergy in plain black and white.  And I didn't run.  I stood there (metaphorically and physically).  It felt right.  Okay, saying that is pretty darn scary.... just as admitting that being a teacher was right for me all those years ago when I first started teaching. 

But, back to Annual Conference.... I really couldn't go if I needed to.  I am filling in for another pastor-- pulpit supply-- on June 10th.  Then, we made some family commitments for the latter part of the week, and there are swim meets, etc.  So, I did what any good candidate would do.  First, I sent my mentor an email.  Then, yesterday, I called my D.S. (District Superintendent) and told him about this packet I received and that it was for clergy registration.  He echoed my own thoughts and words as he told me I'm not that far along in the process yet.  Whew!!  Relief, along with a tad bit of disappointment.  He said I could disregard the mail, that a mistake had been made.

So, I'll disregard the clergy registration for this summer...... but if it's any sort of sign, maybe I'll be getting another one next year and I'd better block off that time and plan to be at Lake Junaluska.  Who knows?!?!  The awesome thing is..... God knows!!!  And, God is the One is charge!!

Who knew a piece of mail could cause my heart, mind, and soul to go a little wild?  Who knew it would come out in a blog post? 

This time it was a "false alarm", something to be disregarded.  Yet, it is still a "cause for pause".... at least for me. 

What in your day has been a "cause for pause"?  Did it turn out to be a "false alarm"? 

Blessings on your journey!

~Debra

Breaking through the darkness...

Darkness happens.  It happens daily physically.  It can happen emotionally and spiritually.  It comes about for different reasons and sometimes stays longer than we would like it to.  Yet, the dawn does come again.  Last week I read a devotion in Abide: Keeping Vigil with the Word of God by Macrina Wiederkehr that talked about darkness and the light breaking through.  The Scripture reference was John 21:1-14.  The author had written an interpretation, allowing John's words to be more personal.  It's on page 27 if you're interested in checking it out.  John and the others were in deep darkness.  The day began to dawn and not only did they begin to see physical light, but there was a breakthrough spiritually and emotionally for them as they recognized the Lord.

One of the questions Macrina offers for reflection is this: "What present darkness in your life most needs to be blessed with the light of resurrection?  Envision the light of dawn breaking into that darkness." (29)

There is a poem at the end of the chapter (29-30).  Or a prayer.  Or both.  I believe it is written by Macrina Wiederkehr because no other credit is given.

O Risen Christ,
When I search for you in the darkness
    Show me the light of your face.
When my darkness is too heavy
    Send me the dawn.
When I am dejected because of your absence
    Remind me to share my presence with someone.
When I am hungry for nourishment
    Invite me to breakfast.
When I cast my nets on the wrong side of life
    Come to my assistance.
When I do not recognize you
    Call me by name.

Are you experiencing darkness on your journey?  If so, may the words from John and Macrina be used to bring some light into that darkness.  Don't fear the darkness because there is growth that takes place there.  Much like the growth that takes place in the dark cocoon or in the dark soil.  Growth that we don't even see.  Yet, be aware that the light will come again!

Blessings through the darkness!  May you sense that you are not alone.

~Debra

O Heart, like a closed flower bud... Hafez

"O heart, like a closed flower bud, don't complain; dawn wind brings the breeze to open your knot." Hafez

This was on the Shalem Institute Facebook page the other day.  This quote met me square in the face and gave me something to think about.  They had a pretty picture with it too.  Maybe I'll find one of my flower pictures in my files to go along with the quote.  We'll see.

Hafez was a Persian lyric poet.  I have seen the name before, but I haven't really known who he was.  So I took a few minutes to look him up.  He was a mystic-poet philosopher of the 14th century.  Sometimes his name is spelled Hafiz.  His lifespan was from 1319-1389.   A good biography can be found at the website Iranchamber.com.

You may know the Persian language.  If so, you may be interested to read and listen to the poems from this website: FaleHafez.com.

There are days when my heart is closed. There are days when I complain. There are days when I need desperately the dawn wind to bring the breeze to open my knot. What about you?

May the dawn wind bring the breeze when it is needed on your journey,

~Debra

the butterfly effect of Grace...

In researching for an upcoming sermon, I came across a book by rex g. russell, the butterfly effect of Grace (Xulon Press: 2011).  The short (133 pages) book contains 12 chapters of thought-provoking, heart touching, challenging stories.  Each themed chapter has a quote and a Scripture verse in the beginning.  The entire book is built around the main point Rex desires to get across to all of us: we matter to God.  Rex has a message for each of us that he has shared throughout his life as a teacher and throughout this book: "Nothing you will ever do or ever have done, good or bad, will ever cause the heart of God to love you any more or less than He does right now; you don't have to run to or from Him; just stand still." (32)

I agree with the foreword by Bubba Thurman when he states that "Rex Russell is a great story teller." (xiii)  These stories by Rex engaged me, encouraged me, challenged me.  There were moments of laughter, tears, words that resonated within.  

Chapter 10 spoke to me as a breath of fresh air because it shared a story that showed grace and freedom in a powerful, life-giving, yet simple way that not many dare risk these days.  The first two lines of the chapter caught my attention immediately: "I am adding this chapter because I am a bit of a rebel.  I really enjoy when someone colors outside the lines and gets results." (106)

"Connecting the dots to God"..... that is a phrase throughout the book... and is the title phrase, "the butterfly effect of grace". 

Rex informs us in the preface that "the seemingly insignificant encounters we have every day do matter." (xx)

I encourage and challenge you to check out this little book.  It may look small, but it is jam-packed.  As you read it, you will be be impacted by grace and your eyes will open to how you can be a connector for others on their journey.

Know that you are loved by God.

Know that you make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Blessings on your journey as you continue to learn and grow,

~Debra

P.S.  If interested, Click HERE for a website for the book and HERE for a facebook page.

Flourishing... at the SCWN luncheon with Jerilyn Sanders

Flourishing is the theme this year for Scenic City Women's Network.  Today's luncheon speaker was Jerilyn Sanders.  From the Scenic City Women's Network Website, here is some information on Jerilyn and today's topic:

"Jerilyn Upton Sanders is originally from Sweetwater, TN. Her childhood held all the exciting adventures of growing up in a pastor’s family. She felt a call early in life to “city kids.” Her calling and passion have centered on urban communities and she has worked in a variety of education and youth development programs. She has spent over a decade in Chattanooga working to increase educational access and opportunities for low-income families.

Currently, Jerilyn is the Director of FREE Chattanooga, a pilot project of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development. As part of their mission to “help the church help the poor to help themselves without creating dependency” Jerilyn trains and equips churches to bring Christ’s transforming power into the brokenness of their communities.
Jerilyn has a B.A. in Psychology from Biola University and an Ed.M. in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Jerilyn is married to Duane and they have two children, Bryce the bookworm athlete (6) and Dakota the tomboy princess (2). They are members of New City Fellowship.

Psalm 92 says ‘the righteous will flourish like a palm tree...planted in the house of the LORD.’ What does that mean for a woman in the 21st century? How can you tell if you are flourishing where you are? Does it sometimes feel more like you’re just trying to keep some semblance of order in a chaotic world? As God’s plantings, we don’t control our season or even our climate; so what is our proper response to where He puts us and the “weather” he sends? As we ask “WHY?” and seek His purposes for us, perhaps the answer will be different—and bigger—than we thought.”"

Jerliyn shared a very inspiring message with us.  I thought I'd share some of my notes and thoughts from the message from today.... you know, pass it on.  Who knows, maybe you'll get something from something in it too!

Jerilyn was introduced by Princess Anderson, who gave her a wonderful and warm introduction.  In that introduction, Princess made a statement that caught my attention about life in general.  She said, "courage is not an option."  I didn't have much time to chew on that, but it is true.  Courage is needed if we are going to step out in faith, step out in risk, step out in love, step out period, etc.  Courage is needed in so many ways.  This is something to reflect upon further..... food for thought!

Jerilyn shared from Pslam 92, verses 12-15. Here are the verses from the New International Version (NIV):

¹²The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
¹³ planted in the house of the Lord,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
¹⁴ They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,
¹⁵ proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him. ”

Jerilyn's question for us: "Are you flourishing?"  She went on to share what she had been learning (and laughing about with God) from God on the topic. 

These are my notes..... meaning I didn't get it all down.  I'm not doing Jerilyn or her talk justice.  But hopefully you'll get an idea of what was shared and something will spark something for you.  Also, these are my notes with my thoughts added in along the way.

Going back to Psalm 1, it talks about bearing fruit in season.  In season.  In its particular season.  The plant is there throughout.  It cannot or doesn't control when and how it bears the fruit; it simply (or not so simply) does not control when or how it bears fruit.  Hmmm... something else to think upon and chew on.....  How often do I think I'm actually controlling and/or attempting to control my circumstances?!?!  As I'm learning, it's about letting go and surrendering to God.  I'm going to bear fruit in season.  So, why do I try to rush the process and/or at times feel like giving up because I don't see what I think I should see?!?!  What if my season doesn't happen to be on the same timeline as God's season?  Hmm... I need to be in tune with the Gardener!! ☺

Planted in Him.  Jerilyn shared about palm trees and how their support system is wide; that there are more roots along the ground/under the ground than there is tree above.  We learned that because of this support system it is nearly impossible to knock a palm tree down.  That when the winds blow it, it will bend but go back upright.  It might end up growing at angles, etc. but it will nearly always end up staying upright, growing toward the light.  Growing toward the light.  Wow.  Another great thought.  Just as is the whole concept of a strong support system!  This makes me want to stop and reflect and ask: what and who is your support system?  When the winds blow and threaten to knock you over, how do you turn back toward the light in order to keep growing?  Jerilyn mentioned grabbing time in the shower or in the car.  I can relate to both of those as those are part of my root system too.  That also made me think of the "rolling sanctuary" again. ☺

Jerilyn asked: 'What is God teaching you wherever you are and what are you doing about it?'  Great questions!

Jerilyn reminded us that we all need community in which we can be transparent and authentic.  YES!!  Agreed!  Do you have that community?  If not, seek it out!  It is crucial to healthy growth!

If you find your time very constrained, Jerilyn suggested stealing moments for soul care if you have to, by seeking God in moments throughout the day.  Most of us can relate to this, I think.  There aren't always long time periods of getting to read, reflect, pray, etc.  Sometimes, those come in grabbed moments.  That's okay.  Grab and go.  You might be pleasantly surprised at how those moments carry your soul through difficult times.

Jerilyn challenged us with some thoughts on Carolyn Custis James and her writings.  Carolyn is the upcoming June 28 Praise Breakfast speaker for Scenic City Women's Network .  (Go to the website above for more information.)

Jerilyn challenged us also that as we live planted where we are that we are to first and foremost KNOW GOD'S LOVE.  And, then secondly, we are to EXTEND AND MIRROR THAT LOVE TO OTHERS/SPREAD THE LOVE.

How is God flowing through you?  How is God flowing through me?  Do I really know God's love and live like I do?  Am I spreading and extending that love to others? 

These are some things to think about today on the journey.....  what does it mean for you to flourish where you are?

Blessings,

~Debra