Saturday, April 17, 2010
Then Sings My Soul Saturday
The wind is moving
But I am standing still
A life of pages
Waiting to be filled
A heart that's hopeful
A head that's full of dreams
But this becoming
Is harder than it seems
Feels like I'm
Looking for a reason
Roamin' through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world
If there are millions
Down on their knees
Among the many
Can you still hear me
Hear me asking
Where do I belong?
Is there a vision
That I can call my own?
Show me, I'm
Looking for a reason
Roamin' through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Lookin' for a reason
Roamin' through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Lookin' for a reason
Roamin' through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Simple Woman's Daybook
I am thinking... about who I'm becoming... A few people have told me lately that they've seen a lot of growth and "blossoming" in me.... I keep wondering who they're talking about... it certainly can't be me! I know God has a plan for my life, and referring to the title of my blog, He is calling me to some sort of ministry. That much is very clear to me. But, I'm listening- at least I think I am... why is it that I'm not hearing!? If He wants to use me, He needs to show me... where to go, who to talk with. Am I missing something?? Is my heart not open to His voice? I suppose that could be... I know my relationship with God has been a bit (more than a bit) on the rocky side lately-- it all goes into the trust thing- (see below)...!!! So, who am I becoming?? As I write this, I'm reminded of Michael W Smith's song, "Place in this World". If I have time, perhaps I'll post the words to this tomorrow- the words sooooooooo fit how I'm feeling right now! Ok, so hey God... a word? ...a hint?...a direction?? Please??
I am wearing... jeans, yellow sweater, barefoot
I am currently reading... Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear- by Max Lucado... Pat gave me this book yesterday, and being me, I opened it to the center to start reading-- right to the chapter on grief... hmmm... coincidence??
On my mind... lots!! (WARNING: random babble ahead...)... Ok, so on my mind lately beyond all the other stuff, is my ass (pardon my bluntness) ex... yes, DD, David... the VET! I don't know why I should let him still bother me... he's out of my life (well, at least as far as I'm concerned), but after 14 loooooooooonnnnngggg years unfortunately he still claims a spot in my head... I said HEAD... not heart!! Even playing Farmville on Facebook, I hear him in my head telling me what a waste of time it is, but, that I'm doing it all wrong anyway...! I want to say that I'm confident I'll never see him again, (nothing would make me happier!!)- but with him attempting to contact me lately, I just can't be sure of that. Truthfully he scares me- a lot...! Now that I know who he really is, I very much fear running into him again, but especially at CTK. He knows where I can be found each and every Sunday and Tuesday... I don't want another confrontation like we had a few weeks ago. But, to stay away because of him would be wrong too... and would probably make him very happy. (Can't have that!) I remember, when I first started going to CTK, he told me that if anyone there, especially Fr Nigel, found out about us, that he would destroy me. (Oh, if he only knew the people, including Fr Nigel, who know about "us"...!!!) I'm angry at myself for letting this man into my life to begin with- but even angrier for letting him stay in my life. When I think about the last 14 years, I just want to take a shower in bleach!!! Lord, what was I thinking?? Lord, forgive me for being SO stupid!!! I want to move on in my life without him in it- without the fear of seeing, talking to or even thinking of him EVER again! But... how?? How to get past this anger?
Noticing that... I'm SO over-the-top fearing rejection, loss and pain lately- that I'm finding myself, at even the slightest hint of any of it, rejecting before I've been rejected and building walls before I might be hurt. I know this isn't healthy, and yes, I know the real or perceived thing (I hate that phrase-- perceived can hurt just as much as real)- but I've been hurt SO much, dealt with SO many losses in my life (you wouldn't believe me if I told you!)... do you blame me for being a bit cautious... defensive... un-trusting...??? Someone recently offered to pray for me to learn to trust again-- but I told them not to. Truthfully, I just don't want to trust again... trust leads to hurt!!! No more hurt, please!!!?? So, the question is now... how to get past all of this. I SO hate hurting people I really care about, by building walls or rejecting them time and time again-- but... but.... but...?!!
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Simple Woman's Daybook
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Does it ever get easier?
In the midst of the wonderful celebration of Fr Nigel's first healing service since his H1N1 nightmare began (235 people- such love!)- I had a painful, glaring reminder of all my loss over the last months.
Ben, my babies, my home... life as I knew it.
Does the pain EVER get easier?
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Simple Woman's Daybook
Outside my window... slightly overcast, but getting warmer- spring may actually be on the way!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday Thirteen
For my "thirteen things"- I thought I'd list...
1- Eucharist!! It's absolutely my favorite part of the service. For those who haven't been reading this since 2007, you can go here to read my post about the significance of the Eucharist in my life.
2- The Gospel readings!! They never fail to inspire me. Often I will go home and look them up in BibleGateway to read the different Bible versions of them.
3- The great homilies! My priests are truly gifted at taking the appointed readings from the day, and opening them up into wonderful life lessons!!
4- My wonderful priests! I'm blessed with the two most wonderful priests on the face of the Earth! I consider them both wonderful friends and mentors, and thank God each and every day for their presence in my life!
5- My wonderful church family! We're a small group- but we're a faith-filled and very close group! Love these people a lot!!
6- The location of the church! We're part of a larger Christian retreat center, set on nearly 700 acres of absolute beauty... included in that, is a 36 acre lake, overnight lodging for 75, a "summer" camp- used year-round, a huge dining room- with GREAT meals, two beautiful chapels, a HUGE theological library, an incredible healing ministry, and a convent with 6 Anglican nuns! The presence of God is SO evident in this place!!!
7- The close proximity to my home! Yah, I'm all of a mile away from this great place-- yah, I'm blessed!!
8- Coffee hour! Yes, I know that seems shallow and lame- but isn't Christian fellowship as important as worshiping God? We take turns providing the snacks, and usually I leave not having to have lunch! :-) We have some really good cooks in our midst!
9- The music ministry! We are blessed with a fantastic music ministry at CTK! Somewhere I heard the quote, "When you sing, you pray twice"... (or something like that)!!
10- The strong emphasis on HEALING MINISTRY! CTK is truly blessed with a very active healing ministry... from weekly healing services, to retreats on healing, to the opportunity to learn more about the healing ministry through Christian Healing Ministries, "School of Healing Prayer" classes. At any given moment you're likely to see folks laying hands on, and praying for someone in need.
11- A wonderful, strong, moral, and faith-filled Bishop!! Everyone loves Bishop Bill!!!
12- The peaceful feeling that fills the grounds of CTK- but most specifically in the Oratory of Christ the Healer (the chapel where our services are held)!! This is hard one to explain- but you walk into this building, and just are surrounded by the "peace that passes understanding".
13- The sounds of people praying and worshiping God!! There can't be anything more wonderful than this sound in the whole world!!
To read other "Thursday Thirteen" blogs, and to join in the fun, you can go here!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Random Thoughts... Comments Appreciated!
Just random thoughts that are going through my head today... comments here would be VERY appreciated!!!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Let it Snow!!!
As I write, the beginning of what is forcasted to be multiple days of snow, is just beginning. The National Weather Service is telling us that for this storm alone, we should expect anywhere between 11 to 19 inches of the beautiful :::::ducking again:::: white stuff. The only thing that worries me is that it's expected to be of the heavy variety, which could mean power outages-- not so much fun...!!!! But, barring that- and that wont happen... I don't have to go out, we have a ton of food in the apartment- (thanks to my wonderful church family), the cute guy next door will shovel the steps for us (Thanks Brian!!!), and as long as the people I care about (you know who you are!) are in, and safe, and warm- then LET IT SNOW!!
I know I'm in the minority here, but I absolutely love big snow storms! There is something so comforting about sitting by the window (as I'm doing now) and watching this blanket of soft fluff fall to the ground. It's almost like God is telling us that He wants us to slooooooowwwww down for a bit, and reflect on the simple things in life- like family... the beauty around us... making snow angels or building big snowmen... fixing a big meal because the roads are too messy to go get take-out... quiet conversations with people we care about... sitting quietly and reading a good book... yah, I could go on...!!!!...but you get it!!! Our world these days is so busy- so fast-paced... we need a reminder now and then to take a breath :::::breathe in.... breathe out::::: and JUST BE!!!!
The local weather guys are telling us that the storm today/tonight will be the SMALL storm of the week... LOL... and that Thursday to expect something BIG-- and this ISN'T big? So... my plans for the next several days will include a lot of reading (just borrowed a great book from my roommate-"When Angry Hearts Forgive: Opening the Floodgates of Glory with the Power of Forgiveness" by Robert Warren), making a big batch of brownies- the REAL kind- you know the kind with flour, sugar, chocolate..., some serious time praying and LISTENING to my wonderful God and lots and lots of time just looking out the window at the beauty of the world around me- and thanking God for his majesty and LOVE!!
Thank you God, for the BEAUTY of this storm, for keeping everyone safe and warm during it's duration, and for the important reminder to all of us to SLOOOOOOOWWWWW down and breathe!!!!
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Simple Woman's Daybook
Outside my window... another beautiful February day. We've been so blessed with such great weather this winter. Supposedly we have some sort of snow/rain type event coming tomorrow, but I'll believe it when I see it! :-)
I am thinking... that I really need to spend more time reading my Bible. I've gotten away from that over the last few weeks, and can feel it in my heart.
I am thankful for... my wonderful church family!! Yesterday, after church, as a complete surprise, they presented my roommate and I with a "congrats on your new home" card- along with baskets-boxes-bags of groceries (and a wonderful gift card)- everything from pasta/sauce to juices. One friend, even thought of the most important food group- CHOCOLATE, and remembered my sweet little Liebe, with food for her!!! We were absolutely overwhelmed- and are SO appreciative of not only their thoughtfulness, but their LOVE!! Thank you God for my church family!!!
I am wearing... jeans, white sweater, barefoot
I am remembering... my fur babies that I lost because of the foreclosure... I cant even begin to put into words how much this still hurts. No idea how to begin to heal from this!!! Suggestions?
I am going... no where this week-- I love weeks like that!!
I am currently reading... blogs... I love blog-surfing- especially Christian blogs!!! I love reading others thoughts and ideas-- and really love collecting great tried and true recipes too!!
I am hoping... for a big snow storm this week!!
On my mind... a lot... about a lot of STUFF... words for this stuff??-- nah!!! Just more of stuffing the stuff back in and further down!! I'm thinking it's not going to be pretty when it comes back to the surface some day!
Noticing that... God has been speaking to me a lot about forgiveness and letting go lately. From a random "message from God" (it's an application) on Facebook reminding me that I need to begin letting go and start trying to forgive myself for a bunch of stuff, to suddenly finding the blog of a friend and coming face to face with his post about forgiveness- reminding me to lay my hurt and unforgiveness at the foot of the cross and to turn away from it... yah, so I guess I'm starting to get the message!! But-- (didn't you know there was a BUT coming??!...)- while forgiveness is the law for Christians, and something that we're clearly required to do, it's also REALLY hard!! In the issues with my father, I'm realizing that I need to keep forgiving him- day after day after day. Yah, he's been gone for over 25 years now- but as memories of the various forms of abuse creep back in- and the way they effect my life, I churn with anger inside!!! I know I need to give this stuff to God each and every day- some days that's easier said than done. The issues of the last few months have created a lot of anger at myself-- I kick myself constantly for not being more intelligent, for the poor choices I'd made... etc. I think forgiving myself is harder than anything- not really even sure how to do it. I keep hearing people say to "let it go"... truthfully, I'm not really even sure HOW to do that! Comments here would be VERY appreciated!!
Pondering these words... "turn away from it"- yah, I know I have to (thanks Dcn Frank!! )
From the kitchen... not sure yet- any suggestions? BTW- the chicken pot pie that I made last week (recipe link in last weeks daybook) turned out really well- it was SO good! I will absolutely be making this again!!! Just made myself a big yummy tuna sandwich- made the way I make it with cream cheese and Italian salad dressing... don't say "ewww gross" until you try it!! :-)
Around the house... I think I might actually be able to see light at the end of the unpacking tunnel. We spent several hours working at it and, lo and behold we really do have a floor!!! Today the goal is to vacuum/mop said floor, and scrub down the kitchen and bathroom. It's amazing how a hit of a possible visit from an "important" friend can serve as such motivation!
One of my favorite things... hugs!!
**to join in the fun, and read other daybooks, check out this great blog...!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Then Sings My Soul Saturday
My little hero Ben has been on my heart a lot lately. I know I haven't written much about him since his death. I think I'm still in shock over it, quite honestly. It's been just over four months since he's been gone- but it still feels like it was yesterday that I got the call from my friend telling me of his passing. It's just that there is something VERY wrong with going to the funeral of a nine year old child.
Let me tell you a little bit about Ben... I knew Ben and his twin brother James from church. I was incredibly blessed to be their church school teacher for the fall sessions of their kindergarten and first grade years. I had so much fun with these kids- they were so smart and really kept me on my toes with their questions and desire to learn about God. Ben in particular was very "deep", if you know what I mean. He seemed much older than his years. On the first day of church school in their first grade year, I gave the kids the project of some "fill in the blank" type sentences... things like, "my name is...", "my favorite thing about church is..."-- you get the idea. One of the fill in the blanks was, "I am special because...". I will never forget Ben's answer to that question-- he wrote that he was special because he was STRONG. Truer words have never been spoken... a week later, Ben received the diagnosis of Stage 2 Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in the upper right arm. So began a VERY long three years. To read the details of Ben's journey, you can look at his website http://www.greendrakkoman.com/. Over those years, Ben became an inspiration and true hero to each and every person he met, whether in person or through his website. His motto was, "Remember- Focus on the Positive!". The way he chose to live his life dealing with that awful monster, or as he referred to it, the "evil alien"- was something that will be with me forever. He taught everyone around him lessons in positive thinking, in finding joy in every little thing, in loving with your whole heart, in making the most out of each and every day... the list goes on. Ben's wake and funeral drew over 1000-- yes, you read that correctly, ONE THOUSAND, people!!! At the funeral, Ben's uncle stood and mentioned the quote, "it takes a village to raise a child"... but then quickly corrected it by saying that in Ben's case, "it took a CHILD to raise a village". After that, one by one, people stood up sharing about how Ben had touched their lives. Rumor has it that there were even two Red Sox players at the funeral... Ben's touch was far-reaching. Ben's touch continues today. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my little hero... there are days that I shed some tears at the loss of this special little guy- but mostly I rejoice that he is up in Heaven, probably playing a great game of baseball with Jesus (wearing his Red Sox cap, of course!) and no longer in any pain!!! I also rejoice that I can say I knew Ben, and thank God for the things he taught me- lessons in life that I will hold on to forever! I miss you SO much Ben!!
The song I picked for today's "Then Sings My Soul Saturday", is a song that we sang at Ben's funeral (do you have any idea how hard it is to sing while watching a small casket being moved to the front of the church?)... Anyway- Ben knew that Jesus loved him... there was NO question about that... and Ben loved Jesus- what a wonderful reunion they must have had!!!
Just a brief request, as you're reading this and listening to this song... please say a prayer for Ben's parents, Stacy and Tim, and especially his twin brother James. I can't even begin to imagine their grief... but God promises us that He will "comfort those who mourn."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Yah, ok so it's been a down in the dumps kinda week... not sure why, maybe just my grief/loss catching up with me. But there is one really big thing I am thankful for-- well, have been thankful for... that is the wonderful, amazing, miraculous healing of my dear friend and priest, Fr Nigel from H1-N1. It is only by the grace of God and the prayers of the people, that he is still with us. I know I've told his story here before, but there is not a day that goes by that I don't praise God for the true MIRACLE of his healing!! Below is a letter to the editor that Fr Nigel has sent to area newspapers telling of his healing, and thanking those involved. It's a wonderful reminder of the good in our world, and more importantly a reminder that God is STILL in the business of healing!
Dear Editor,
I have just gone through a life threatening disease; H1N1, which hit me out of the blue. I was very fit until October of last year. I was in Saratoga Springs Hospital ICU and Sunnyview rehab in Schenectady, for a total of three months. For the first three weeks in a coma. I felt moved to write to thank the medical staff of Saratoga Hospital and the pulmonary doctors of Saratoga for saving my life. A huge thank you to Dr's. Ares, Ying, and Del Giacco. I would like to thank the Sunnyview rehab staff and especially thank the Greenwich Family Medical facility, Dr. Austin Tsai and Dr. Colleen Quinn for their devotion, kindness and compassion. The nurses in ICU and all nurses we have been in contact with in all of the medical facilities, and visiting nurses of Washington County have just been amazing. As horrible as the physical effects of being so ill is, the people that surrounded me have been totally fantastic. I have seen another side of human nature being very kind and considerate, it has refreshed my very soul. So often news is rather negative I just wanted to write something positive to thank all those who saved my life and to remind people that it is good to be alive! I really want to say publicly, thank you to all those who prayed for me and all those involved in my healing.
Yours sincerely, The Rev. Nigel Mumford
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
For all cat lovers...
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Simple Woman's Daybook
Outside my window... beautiful sunny day- a few flurries, but otherwise really nice
I am thinking... that I could really use a hug right now... uhhh, didn't I say that last week too?
I am thankful for... the great hugs I got from Deacon Frank and Fr Jim at the Prayer and Praise Revival service on Friday night-- somehow they both seem to know when I'm having a tough time- which lately seems to be all the time. They're both such wonderful brother type figures in my life- I'm blessed to know them!!!
I am going... to an Ash Wednesday service on, well, Wednesday and an Induction Service (the formal welcome of a priest by the bishop- in this case Fr Jim, to a new parish) at St Luke's in Cambridge on Sunday... other than that a pretty quiet week. (Still skipping the Tuesday healing service... and no, I still haven't figured out what's up with that!)
I am hoping... to talk with Fr Nigel about some "stuff" (see all of the above)- perhaps a "stump the priest" type session-- soon- really SOON!!!
Noticing that... I've gotten to the place in my grief that I am just unable to even talk about my pain- this scares me a lot. I just keep internalizing it, which I know isn't healthy. A friend from the Friday night revival has tried to get me to talk about my pain- or even to allow myself to cry, but I am just afraid to let it go- and as I said, there are just no words right now. I know I mentioned this last week, and really haven't gotten anywhere with it. Not sure where to begin, or even how to begin. Suggestions??
Pondering these words... "Sometimes in life... even God does a double-take!"
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Simple Woman's Daybook
Outside my window... slightly over-cast- forecast of some flurries today
I am thinking... that I could really use a hug right now.
I am thankful for... God's gift of healing.
I am wearing... my jammies, wrapped in a big flannel blanket
I am remembering... all that I've lost over the last few months.
I am going... not far this week. Skipping the healing service tomorrow (just needing a break from those right now- no idea what's up with that... I'll let you know when I do).
I am currently reading... the Bible- needing to hold on to the Promises of God lately.
I am hoping... for a BIG snowstorm at least once this winter. We've had a few mini storms so far, but nothing huge. I just like how the big storms make everyone and everything move at a slower pace.
On my mind... lots of stuff that I can't even begin to put words to. Not being able to talk with anyone about my loss has been hard, and is starting to eat away at me. Now I'm at the point where the pain has no words... just lots of tears, that I fight back because I think I should be strong. I know that's not true, but part of me is afraid that if I start to cry, I just wont stop. Used to be able to talk with Fr Nigel about all this kind of stuff, but he's been a little (a lot) out of commission lately, and even when he's back to work (hopefully March 1st) my guess is that his schedule will either be fully booked or very part-time... probably both. In the meantime, I just take things one moment at a time, and try realllllllllly hard to trust God in all of this.
Noticing that... I think I'm in a "funk" lately... not sure what's up with that, but I don't like it in the least!
Pondering these words... mreoooowwww, meeeooooowwww, mrrrrreeeeooooowwwwww! ~~Don't you ever wonder what kitties are saying when they get in your face and start talking and talking and talking!???
From the kitchen... nothing special this week.
Around the house... would you believe that we're still climbing over boxes and still cant find anything. My goal today is to, at the very least, move the furniture to it's proper locations. The boxes are all my roomies stuff... not much I can do about that. My room, however is put away and uncluttered... yes, I've turned into a neat-nick! ACK!!!
One of my favorite things... sun tea-- in the middle of winter. I make this the way my aunt used to, with lemonade. Not only does it taste really great, but it has such wonderful childhood memories that go along with it.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Then Sings My Soul Saturday- The Warrior is a Child
I had decided this morning, to use this song for my post today.... thinking of the song kind of going along with the events of my life lately. But when I found the song with this video, it took on a whole new meaning. Soon I found myself wiping away tears... my guess is that you will too. God bless our troops... please keep them in your prayers!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Monday, February 1, 2010
Simple Woman's Daybook
Outside my window... a beautiful February day- bright and sunny, hardly a cloud in the sky
I am remembering... my furbabies that I had to give up due to the foreclosure. That hurt SO much... still does. Praying that this pain will heal soon!!
On my mind... the reality of the foreclosure taking place today. I know God has given me a wonderful blessed chance to start over, but it's hard knowing all that I left behind and cant get back. But, I also know that life isn't about "things"- God has made that VERY clear to me over the past few months and in a lot of ways it's very freeing to be free of "stuff"... guess it's just the memories that are hard to let go of... does that make sense? Yes, lots of healing to do in all of this, but God has gotten me this far and will provide the healing in His way and time.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday's Fave Five
Monday, January 4, 2010
Simple Woman's Daybook
Friday, January 1, 2010
Lesson from a Crocheted Scarf...
As I was working on the scarf, I realized pretty quickly that I was not likely going to have enough yarn to make anything close to functional ie- it would have been VERY short. I also realized that it seemed very wide- what was I thinking when I first started it.... hmmm!! I knew that if I started over, making it a bit less wide, I'd be able to make a scarf that was functional and beautiful. So, I began the "painful" process of unraveling what I'd begun... tearing it apart.
This is where God spoke to me. He showed me that my life was similar to that scarf. What I'd begun just wasn't working out so well and He needed to help me start over. So, similar to the tearing apart of the scarf, He needed to, in essence, tear apart my life to make it functional and beautiful. The last few months have been horribly painful, and I know that the pain is not likely over. I haven't even begun to deal with my grief/loss yet, and I know that will be a time filled with many tears. But I also know that God wants to re-make me. He will provide the healing, the right people to support me, and the direction that He wants me to head. God knows the "big picture" here. I am (most of the time) content with knowing that He can see what I am not able to. So, if He feels that perhaps some "tearing apart" is necessary to make something more beautiful and functional, then I'm ok with that.
I was able to complete the "tearing apart" and "re-making" of my scarf yesterday. It did turn our beautiful-- just like my life will. Every time I look at the scarf, I will be reminded of God's love for me- that He loves me SO much, that He knew I had to be "torn apart" to be made new. Thank you God!!
Happy New Year, everyone!! 2010 looks to be the BEST year ever!!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas message from CANA Bishop Martyn Minns
Jesus Is Closer Than Ever!
Another poor baby has arrived. He’s homeless. He’s clothed in rags. His mother is unmarried. His people are treated as refugees in their own land. That’s how the First Advent happened.
Well, you don’t need me to tell you that some things haven’t changed that much and the state of the global village is decidedly mixed. Perhaps you now find yourself unemployed or rocked by a foreclosure or facing some overwhelming challenge. In the midst of these problems we may feel that Jesus is so far away. But it’s precisely during these times of turmoil that Jesus is closer than ever.
Jesus’ teaching about the Final Judgment (Matthew 25:31–46) makes the point that the God who became flesh and dwelt among us has never really left us. Jesus foretold that at the Second Advent he will say to the faithful: “I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.”
For those of us in the depths of despair, Jesus’ words remind us that he so identifies with our problems that he says he is the one who is hungry; he is the one who is thirsty; he is the one who feels like a stranger. We don’t face our problems alone. Jesus suffers when we’re suffering. Jesus is closer than ever.
Jesus’ words also are a clarion call to the church during these days. With longer lines of people at food pantries, with homeless shelters accommodating more and more “middle-class” families, with more people knocking on our church doors for help, the opportunities to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless are not hard to find. Jesus is closer than ever.Your church may feel that the numbers of people needing help are overwhelming, and that your members have so few resources of their own. But we recall the time that Jesus took two fish and five loaves of bread, all that the disciples had to offer, and fed a crowd of more than 5,000 hungry people. They didn’t think they had enough but Jesus took what they offered and blessed a multitude. Jesus is still at work.
I heard about him showing up at a federal penitentiary in Kentucky where CANA Chaplain John Hallock has led many Muslim inmates to Christ this year. Jesus is also at work in Garland, Texas, where Christ the Redeemer Church has initiated a multi-faceted outreach in a public housing neighborhood and many lives have been transformed. Last November I saw Jesus at work in a congregation of 200-some homeless men and women who regularly worship at Truro Church in Fairfax, Virginia. Last week I heard about ways in which Jesus is changing lives at All Saints Church in San Antonio, Texas. Jesus is busy throughout CANA; he’s all over the country. Jesus is closer than ever . . . if we just have eyes that want to see him
.Let us go to the manger. Let us marvel in his presence. Let us bring him our gifts. Let us tell others about him.
Jesus is here!
Your Brother in Christ,
+Martyn
The Rt. Rev'd Martyn Minns
Missionary Bishop of CANA
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Update on life... and stuff...
Ok... so what is still the same.... Let's start by the fact that God's love is everlasting and will never, ever change. His love is the only constant in my life right now, and I thank Him every day for His presence in my life. When I'm at the end of my rope, He whispers peace in my ear... sometimes through the words of others or a gentle hug from a friend-- sometimes by a soft breeze-- sometimes through His Holy Word. Whatever it is, it always comes at just the right moment. Thank you God for loving me and healing my brokenness.
Also the same, for now, is that I'm still living at my friends apartment. Things have been up and down with that for the entire last month. I am SO craving stability and security right now. Her finances also hit bottom, so about a week ago, we decided to get a different and cheaper apartment together in Greenwich (about a mile from CTK). That was going really well... we're actually still scheduled to move in on 12/28.... it's a beautiful apartment in a nice area and very affordable.... but.... yesterday morning my friend's mom died. Yah, so that put a fly in the ointment. I'm praying that the move still happens. It's an ideal situation, and God is making it SO clear that that is the direction He wants me to move in. I think my friend needs to try and see past her grief and attempt to make some good choices... right now that's not happening. I trust God, and am praying that He will guide her heart to the right decisions.
Ok... so what has changed.... alot... alot. Let's begin with the fact that, praise God, the depression that I've been fighting for years, has seemingly lifted!!! That's a huge healing, in so many ways. God continues to speak peace into my heart, moment by moment. He has also taught me, not so gently, but necessary, that life isn't about "things". Life, is about our relationship with God... He wants our ALL. God's word tells is that Jesus told his disciples to leave everything behind and follow Him. I know that's what He wants of me, and I know that by ridding me of "things" He is beginning the process of making that a reality. My only "things" right now consist of some clothes (not many) and a few boxes of memories. I'm ok with that. God did bless me however, with being able to save one of my "babies" and keep her with me. You can't imagine the blessing she's been. Her name is Liebe, which is a German word... it means LOVE. She is a furry reminder of God's love for me.
Hmmmm, ok so what else has changed.... The night of my last post, God led me to a Revival Praise and Worship that takes place every Friday night in my area. It goes to different churches (usually Anglican/Episcopal), on a rotating/by invitation basis. My friend and I have started going on a regular basis, depending on location. The group that goes, is usually pretty regular and we're all becoming very close. They are an amazing group of people!! These are people who love God with all their hearts, souls, minds and bodies. We pray, and prepare ourselves for the return of our wonderful Lord, which we all believe will be soon. The service is a time to lay down our burdens, leaving them at the foot of the cross, and give our hearts totally over to praising God!! Our leaders are some of the most Godly people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing! From Deacon Frank (who is without question, the most "un-deacon-like" person I've ever met (I say that with love)... LOL... but who has an incredible gift of discernment and who gives the best hugs EVER!), Mother Susan and her husband Ralph (who hear words from the Lord on a moment to moment basis that often send us to our knees), Fr Steve (who has a gift for leading us to letting go and letting God just take over our lives- giving it all to Him) to Fr Jim- our worship leader (he has a beautiful voice and can play the piano like no one I've ever met), and his wife Ginny (who are truly two of the most compassionate and loving people I've EVER met) I'm in awe of the gifts of these people who have given their lives over totally to serving God. I want what they have- their gifts of leadership, discernment, gentleness and compassion, speaking words from our God... I believe that God is leading me in that direction. Mother Susan has already told us that just by being at the revival meetings every week, that she considers us part of the leadership team.... WOW!! Yah, that's what I want. Ok, so what has changed.... God has led me to this incredible group of people! Thank you God!!!
Yikes, so this is getting long... very long... sorry! Has it been even remotely interesting? I think I'll wrap up for now and try to maybe write more tomorrow. It feels good to write again, gosh-I've missed this!! So, maybe writing is one of my gifts too...???
Love to all!!!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
just a quick PS
Fly high little Ben. We miss you so much!!!
a new beginning... and saying goodbye
As I write this, I'm at a friends apartment. She's been kind enough to let me stay here for a while- how long, I don't know, but I'm grateful for each and every moment. This week, after a long struggle with finances- I lost my home. It's the only home I've ever known. Walking away from it has been heartbreaking. Even more heartbreaking though, was having to give up my pets. Just thinking about that moment this past Thursday makes me cry again... this is a different kind of grief. While I know that they're safe with my veterinarian, who is finding them new homes- I just miss them SO much!!! I know that this too will heal... right? Someone tell me that it will heal... right??
I struggle with God's hand in all of this. While I know that He did not cause it, I often wonder why He couldn't have stepped in and changed things around so the ending might have been different. Lord, help me understand Your ways!!
I had hoped this post might have been longer and more eloquent.... but as I write, I realize that I am at a loss for words. The fear, the grief, the confusion... I know there are other words-but just cant be put into words. I am trying with all my heart to believe that God has a plan for me and that He wont fail me- but honestly right now I'm not sure what to think. I think I need others to believe for me right now. My heart hurts- a lot!!
I have an incredible group of friends who are standing by me, as much as they can. At a revival service last night, a dear deacon from CTK hugged me and told me that I had an army of prayer warriors behind me. Yah, so maybe God is telling me He loves me through people like Deacon Lynn, and Sandra, and Lois, and Diane, and Pat, and Gail, and Susan, and Debbie, and Robin, and dear Fr Nigel, (who has spent the last 43 days in the hospital... nearly 40 of that on a ventilator in ICU... but praise God is doing much better.... I know though, that even though he's not aware of the situation that he knows I'm in need of prayer... he always teaches us that God knows the exact need and all we need to do is ask) and and and....
Ok, signing off for now. Don't know when I'll be back, but hope it's soon. I've missed writing and all my bloggy friends.
Love to all!!