Advent Day #25, Living Advent Quote of the Day is:
"Christmas gift suggestions:
to your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect."
– Oren Arnold
And Michael's prompts were as follows:
Who is the enemy you can forgive?
I try my best not to have enemies. But there are a few people with whom I have sparred on the Internet. And, yes, there are some people I have even blocked or unfriended on FB. I could forgive these people, I guess, but they have not asked for forgiveness. I could seek them out, but I am not sure that would end well. So, they remain blocked and unfriended. Sad, yes, but reality.
Who is the opponent you can offer tolerance to… a truce?
Since the last response was a little heavy, I will be a bit whimsical in this reply. I am about to spend this coming weekend with my In-Laws and Sarah's Brother-In-Law is a Washington Redskins fan. So, for this family holiday, we need to have a truce and I will tolerate his fandom of the Eagles' opponents this week....well, until the game is in heat of the moment, then we will see. :-)
Who is the friend who needs your heart?
I have a lot of friends for whom the holidays have a darker side. For some, the holidays bring out thoughts of prior (or even current) losses and heartbreaks. For them, they are in my prayers and, if there is a way I can offer my heart, a hug, a kind word, or something else, I hope they let me know.
The neighbor you can serve?
One of our neighbor's son was seriously injured in a wrestling accident in this past week. We are all banding together, as a community, to help them. People are bringing food. People are doing errands. People are shuttling kids. I love my town.
The child you mean to be a good example for?
There is not one specific child I can identify for this answer. The basic answer are my two daughters. But I think, as a society, we should be good examples for all of the children in our lives. This is why I value so much my volunteering in OMAYSC, Little League, Colls Rec Basketball, and more.
How could you show yourself greater respect?
Sleep. I need more sleep.
And what could it look like to share “the love of God”
(which is technically what “charity” means) in some real way to all people?
For me, sharing the love of God is living my life in a way I hope God intended me to live. Being caring, being loving, helping others, being positive, trying to be an example for others. This is what I strive to do. I know I do not always reach the target. But, none of us is perfect, and we can just continue to strive to be better each day!
And I pray for all - prayer can be helpful to others, but can also be helpful to self. As Psalm 2 states"
"Happy are all who take refuge in him."
Happy Christmas Eve Eve and Goodnight!
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
There is a time for a child to be born
12/22/15, Advent Day #24 and Michael's quote for the day is an interesting one.
We do live in a world that is scary at times these days. War, Terror, Famine, Pollution, the current state of Politics in the US, Crime, Poverty, the News and the list goes on and on. Michael asks us, in light of all of this, what it would take for us to love.....
For me, that is easy. Does not take much. I know things may seem bleak, but I refuse to let it get me down! It's just so much better to live life filled with love and kindness. At least I hope I am doing this, I am certainly trying. I mean, maybe it is naive, but I will just quote the Beatles, "Love is All you Need!"
Psalm 103 (today's psalm from Michael) reminds us how much God loves us. And, as I previously stated, I have always felt loved: by my family, by my Church, by God. So, let's pass it forward everyone and live lives filled with Love and Kindness. Especially during this Season.
"There is a time for a child to be born,
With the earth betrayed by war and hate
And a comet slashing the sky to warn
That time runs out and the sun burns late.
With the earth betrayed by war and hate
And a comet slashing the sky to warn
That time runs out and the sun burns late.
–When is the time for love to be born?
The inn is full on the planet earth,
And by a comet the sky is torn–
Yet love still takes the risk of birth.”
–Madeleine L’Engle
The inn is full on the planet earth,
And by a comet the sky is torn–
Yet love still takes the risk of birth.”
–Madeleine L’Engle
We do live in a world that is scary at times these days. War, Terror, Famine, Pollution, the current state of Politics in the US, Crime, Poverty, the News and the list goes on and on. Michael asks us, in light of all of this, what it would take for us to love.....
For me, that is easy. Does not take much. I know things may seem bleak, but I refuse to let it get me down! It's just so much better to live life filled with love and kindness. At least I hope I am doing this, I am certainly trying. I mean, maybe it is naive, but I will just quote the Beatles, "Love is All you Need!"
Psalm 103 (today's psalm from Michael) reminds us how much God loves us. And, as I previously stated, I have always felt loved: by my family, by my Church, by God. So, let's pass it forward everyone and live lives filled with Love and Kindness. Especially during this Season.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Who made lame beggars walk and blind men see?
I skipped the Living Advent Day #22 Prompt. Partially because I was really tired after a long day yesterday. But also because Michael prompted us to consider someone we have given up on. And I am not sure I have given up on anyone. It may be a character flaw of mine that I keep giving people second, third, fourth chances....but I also think it's a good thing, usually.
So let's move to Living Advent Day #23, 12/21/15, where Michael's quote is as follows:
"Tiny Tim told me, coming home, that he hoped people saw him in church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see." — Charles Dickens
Today's assignment was to consider what would happen if we made our imperfections public. Well, I think I do this all the time. As I stated in previous posts here, I have a lot of self-doubts and, frankly, I do not have much of an inner monologue. So it means I often talk to others about my imperfections, and maybe I share too much sometimes. I do believe that God forgives my imperfections, and, honestly, many times others do as well, as long as you are honest. So, it may hold me back sometimes (like in my career), but I think I will keep doing what I am doing. And, yes, sometimes I take out the garbage and recycling in my underwear too, to my neighbors, I am sorry! :-)
Psalm 51 is a prayer for cleansing and pardon. Things I ask for a lot - from God as well as from my friends and family here on Earth. Life would be much better if we could all grant each other the same (cleansing and pardon).
So let's move to Living Advent Day #23, 12/21/15, where Michael's quote is as follows:
"Tiny Tim told me, coming home, that he hoped people saw him in church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see." — Charles Dickens
Today's assignment was to consider what would happen if we made our imperfections public. Well, I think I do this all the time. As I stated in previous posts here, I have a lot of self-doubts and, frankly, I do not have much of an inner monologue. So it means I often talk to others about my imperfections, and maybe I share too much sometimes. I do believe that God forgives my imperfections, and, honestly, many times others do as well, as long as you are honest. So, it may hold me back sometimes (like in my career), but I think I will keep doing what I am doing. And, yes, sometimes I take out the garbage and recycling in my underwear too, to my neighbors, I am sorry! :-)
Psalm 51 is a prayer for cleansing and pardon. Things I ask for a lot - from God as well as from my friends and family here on Earth. Life would be much better if we could all grant each other the same (cleansing and pardon).
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Would You be Interested?
12/19/15 is Advent Day #21 and Michael's quote prompt is about unconditional love and acceptance:
The question then posed to us was to consider the connection between religion and love. And here is where I feel really lucky. Because, except for a few interpersonal situations (which happen everywhere), I have always felt that religion (at least at Old First, in the UCC, and in the Sherr household) is about love and forgiveness and acceptance. I LOVE the "No matter who you are or where you are in life's journey" slogan that we so often express at OFR and in the UCC. And, as I was saying to some people tonight, I believe that all religions are similar in that loving one and other (and oneself) is at the core of it all. I have a lot of self doubts, but I have been lucky in that I have always felt loved and, thus, have been able to love myself. This has more to do with my family of origin (from good ol' 911 S. 47th Street) and my current family (of Oaklyn, NJ). The foundation set by my parents and my sister that Sarah and I have been able to build upon with our kids has been constantly love-filled. I am blessed in that, for certain. I know many who have not had the benefits I have when it comes to this area. And for them, I pray they can feel as loved as I have and I do.
As Psalm 139 states
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts."
And let my heart and thoughts be filled with love for others, and also for myself.
“If Christianity were only about finding a group of people that shared openly their search for God and allowed anyone — regardless of behavior — to seek too… a group that collectively lived by faith to make the world a little more like Heaven, would you be interested? ”
“Hell yes,” was his reply. “Are there churches like that?”
– Hugh Halter & Matt Smay
– Hugh Halter & Matt Smay
The question then posed to us was to consider the connection between religion and love. And here is where I feel really lucky. Because, except for a few interpersonal situations (which happen everywhere), I have always felt that religion (at least at Old First, in the UCC, and in the Sherr household) is about love and forgiveness and acceptance. I LOVE the "No matter who you are or where you are in life's journey" slogan that we so often express at OFR and in the UCC. And, as I was saying to some people tonight, I believe that all religions are similar in that loving one and other (and oneself) is at the core of it all. I have a lot of self doubts, but I have been lucky in that I have always felt loved and, thus, have been able to love myself. This has more to do with my family of origin (from good ol' 911 S. 47th Street) and my current family (of Oaklyn, NJ). The foundation set by my parents and my sister that Sarah and I have been able to build upon with our kids has been constantly love-filled. I am blessed in that, for certain. I know many who have not had the benefits I have when it comes to this area. And for them, I pray they can feel as loved as I have and I do.
As Psalm 139 states
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts."
And let my heart and thoughts be filled with love for others, and also for myself.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Of course there is a Santa Claus!
OK, catching up late on 12/18/15 for Advent Day #20!!! Today's quote spoke to me similarly to the one for Day #14. It, again, talks about secular and sacred aspects. This time, it is specific to Santa and God.....
"Of course there is a Santa Claus. It’s just that no single somebody could do all he has to do. So the Lord has spread the task among us all. That’s why everybody is Santa Claus. I am. You are." — Truman Capote
Michael (and many other OFR pastors) have often reminded us that when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, help the needy (etc.), then we are extensions of God and Jesus and we are ministering to those in need as well. Therefore, if we are all Santa, when infused with the spirit of giving during the Christmas Season, then it is similarly so. But Michael asked us what Christmas would mean to us if we did not believe in God. I am not sure my thoughts would change. I think there are many people who do not think of Santa as a religious figure, or the capitalized version of Christmas as a secular holiday. Of course it is, but I think that, even if I did not believe in God, my need to give would overwhelm my doubt and I would still believe in Santa.....as I do today.
As for Psalm 77, I am actually really too tired to try to interpret it tonight. So I am going to cheat and connect this post to Psalm 77 by just using a word that appears twice in this psalm and many times in many other psalms.
Selah!
"Of course there is a Santa Claus. It’s just that no single somebody could do all he has to do. So the Lord has spread the task among us all. That’s why everybody is Santa Claus. I am. You are." — Truman Capote
Michael (and many other OFR pastors) have often reminded us that when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, help the needy (etc.), then we are extensions of God and Jesus and we are ministering to those in need as well. Therefore, if we are all Santa, when infused with the spirit of giving during the Christmas Season, then it is similarly so. But Michael asked us what Christmas would mean to us if we did not believe in God. I am not sure my thoughts would change. I think there are many people who do not think of Santa as a religious figure, or the capitalized version of Christmas as a secular holiday. Of course it is, but I think that, even if I did not believe in God, my need to give would overwhelm my doubt and I would still believe in Santa.....as I do today.
As for Psalm 77, I am actually really too tired to try to interpret it tonight. So I am going to cheat and connect this post to Psalm 77 by just using a word that appears twice in this psalm and many times in many other psalms.
Selah!
Our maker was made human
12/17/15 - Advent Day #19 - and today's quote is one with high aspirations:
"Our maker was made human that the Ruler of the stars might
nurse at His mother’s breast.
That the Bread might hunger.
The Fountain thirst.
The Light sleep.
The Way be tired on its journey.
The Truth accused of false witness.
The Master beaten with whips.
The Foundation be hung on wood.
The Strength might grow weak.
The Healer might be wounded.
That Life might die." — Augustine of Hippo
And Michael prompted us to think about a time when we did the impossible. And maybe it is because I am tired and trying to catch up as I have fallen behind, on emails, on Living Advent posts, on other work at home and office....but I am struggling to think of a time when I did actually complete the impossible. I will say, however, that I can think of a time when I worked on a team that achieved our goals, on time and under budget. In university-land, many people think that may actually be impossible. The work that we did in the NGSS Release 1 launch was amazing. I loved working on this team and I valued the collaborative approach and positive spirit of my co-workers on this project and I will remember the launch week as long as I continue to work at Penn. It was not impossible but, to some people, it was improbable. Frankly, I had little doubt, but I was glad to be right.
Psalm 94 is the Psalm for Day 19, and Michael asked us to think about what this Psalm is promising us. What we are promised is the steadfast love of God, and also God's gifts, should we follow God's way. Would that I could attain this as well:
"For the Lord will not forsake his people;
he will not abandon his heritage;
for justice will return to the righteous,
and all the upright in heart will follow it."
"Our maker was made human that the Ruler of the stars might
nurse at His mother’s breast.
That the Bread might hunger.
The Fountain thirst.
The Light sleep.
The Way be tired on its journey.
The Truth accused of false witness.
The Master beaten with whips.
The Foundation be hung on wood.
The Strength might grow weak.
The Healer might be wounded.
That Life might die." — Augustine of Hippo
And Michael prompted us to think about a time when we did the impossible. And maybe it is because I am tired and trying to catch up as I have fallen behind, on emails, on Living Advent posts, on other work at home and office....but I am struggling to think of a time when I did actually complete the impossible. I will say, however, that I can think of a time when I worked on a team that achieved our goals, on time and under budget. In university-land, many people think that may actually be impossible. The work that we did in the NGSS Release 1 launch was amazing. I loved working on this team and I valued the collaborative approach and positive spirit of my co-workers on this project and I will remember the launch week as long as I continue to work at Penn. It was not impossible but, to some people, it was improbable. Frankly, I had little doubt, but I was glad to be right.
Psalm 94 is the Psalm for Day 19, and Michael asked us to think about what this Psalm is promising us. What we are promised is the steadfast love of God, and also God's gifts, should we follow God's way. Would that I could attain this as well:
"For the Lord will not forsake his people;
he will not abandon his heritage;
for justice will return to the righteous,
and all the upright in heart will follow it."
One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.
Life has been crazy, so I have fallen behind. Here is the Living Advent for Day #18 (12/16/15). And today's quote has to do with life's messes:
"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas
Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly." ― Andy Rooney
And, with two kids, a crazy amount of extracurriculars, lots of community work, etc., we have piles. Oh, yes, much to all of our chagrins (some more than others), we have piles. And they can get overwhelming. But, last week (in anticipation of this prompt maybe, and, yes, during Advent), we hosted a party in our house last Friday and had to clean our piles. And, clean we did (well, mainly Sarah, but the house is cleaner, MUCH cleaner). And this past week it HAS felt different in our house, like we are waiting for something special to happen. SO, I think we are going to try to keep the piles lower, and the house more ready for the visitors, for something to happen....similar to Advent, I guess (yes, Michael??)
Psalm 130 is this day's reading, and it is subtitled (in the webpage version to which OFR links), Waiting for Devine Redemption. Aren't we all?? Maybe that is why we need to keep our house clean (but I thought it was lamps trimmed and burning....) :-)
"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas
Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly." ― Andy Rooney
And, with two kids, a crazy amount of extracurriculars, lots of community work, etc., we have piles. Oh, yes, much to all of our chagrins (some more than others), we have piles. And they can get overwhelming. But, last week (in anticipation of this prompt maybe, and, yes, during Advent), we hosted a party in our house last Friday and had to clean our piles. And, clean we did (well, mainly Sarah, but the house is cleaner, MUCH cleaner). And this past week it HAS felt different in our house, like we are waiting for something special to happen. SO, I think we are going to try to keep the piles lower, and the house more ready for the visitors, for something to happen....similar to Advent, I guess (yes, Michael??)
Psalm 130 is this day's reading, and it is subtitled (in the webpage version to which OFR links), Waiting for Devine Redemption. Aren't we all?? Maybe that is why we need to keep our house clean (but I thought it was lamps trimmed and burning....) :-)
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
A Donkey carried Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem
12/15/15, Advent Day #17, and today's prompt connects Christmas (Jesus' birth) with Palm Sunday, (before Jesus' death and resurrection). Michael asked us to consider the crosses we bear ourselves and how they may also be considered as blessings. For me, it is my propensity to love my job. I am definitely what you could consider a workaholic. However, I would like to think that, by working hard, I have done my best to make things good for the students at Penn. I love the connections I still have with many of the alumni with whom I worked when they were students. So, even though I am often working late and missing sleep, I feel blessed to have these student connections. I have often thought of my work more of as a calling, than as a job.
Though the world may be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God is tilted toward the underdog.
Two Living Advent posts today, because Day 16 (for 12/14/15) came out after I had gone to bed yesterday (it was a busy weekend). Michael posted this quote:
"Yet as I read the birth stories about Jesus, I cannot help but conclude that though the world may
be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God is tilted toward the underdog." ― Philip Yancey
Michael asked us to list how our own lives are tilted towards the rich and powerful as well as a list of how our lives lean towards the underdog. So here is my attempt:
Tilted Towards Rich Lean Towards Underdog
Our House - it is nicer than we ever expected Do my best to follow "the Golden Rule"
Two income family - we have a nice income Try to give to charities that help others in need
Two cars - sorry Michael Volunteer with agencies that work with kids
Able to attend cultural and sporting events Work to mentor those at work who need it
Eat out for meals, more than rarely Participate in food drives for local Food Banks
Have a cell phone, cable, Netflix, Internet Always give money at coin drops
Was able to attend College Try to assist friends, when in need
I am going to stop here because, frankly, I fear that the left side is going to be longer than the right side. And I think that was probably Michael's intent - not that we feel bad about our plenty, but that we recognize how much we do have, even when it's easy to want more. And we must always remember to keep those in need in our thoughts, prayers, and actions. I hope that I am able to remember this all the time, but will try even harder during Advent.
Because, as Psalm 146 says, "The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down"
"Yet as I read the birth stories about Jesus, I cannot help but conclude that though the world may
be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God is tilted toward the underdog." ― Philip Yancey
Michael asked us to list how our own lives are tilted towards the rich and powerful as well as a list of how our lives lean towards the underdog. So here is my attempt:
Tilted Towards Rich Lean Towards Underdog
Our House - it is nicer than we ever expected Do my best to follow "the Golden Rule"
Two income family - we have a nice income Try to give to charities that help others in need
Two cars - sorry Michael Volunteer with agencies that work with kids
Able to attend cultural and sporting events Work to mentor those at work who need it
Eat out for meals, more than rarely Participate in food drives for local Food Banks
Have a cell phone, cable, Netflix, Internet Always give money at coin drops
Was able to attend College Try to assist friends, when in need
I am going to stop here because, frankly, I fear that the left side is going to be longer than the right side. And I think that was probably Michael's intent - not that we feel bad about our plenty, but that we recognize how much we do have, even when it's easy to want more. And we must always remember to keep those in need in our thoughts, prayers, and actions. I hope that I am able to remember this all the time, but will try even harder during Advent.
Because, as Psalm 146 says, "The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down"
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Who’d have ever guessed that product consumption, popular entertainment, and spirituality would mix so harmoniously?
Advent Day #15...entering the third week and the quote today from Pastor Michael deals with the intersection of Christmas and Commercialism:
“Oh look, yet another Christmas TV special! How touching to have the meaning of Christmas brought to
us by cola, fast food, and beer… Who’d have ever guessed that product consumption, popular
entertainment, and spirituality would mix so harmoniously?” ― Bill Watterson
I spent the day looking online for a Hess Truck, 2015 version. Not to buy it for me, but because a wonderful man in my town wants to give them as gifts to his grandsons (a family tradition) and the only ones available are on Amazon for $132 (original sale price from Hess site, $30). Although I fully understand the laws of supply and demand and the tenets of Capitalism, it saddens me that, as with scalping tickets, people can find the hot toy, the hot event, the hot product and buy a bunch to reduce supply so that they can profit from the increased demand that ensues.... Christmas calls us all to help others, so I am going to try to help this man.
Michael asked us to make a list of how we might be called to live differently during the Christmas Season. Honestly, I think I try to live the Christmas season each and every day, but how about:
1) smiling more
2) sing loudly
3) help others (even more than usual)
4) self-reflection (this is why I like the Living Advent prompts so much)
5) partnership with animals (I love the living creche - we got our family shot this year!)
6) live a giving life
and the list goes on and on..... would that the happiness and love and joy of the season extend to the other 11 months of the year as well!
As Psalm 37 says:
"Depart from evil, and do good;
so you shall abide for ever."
“Oh look, yet another Christmas TV special! How touching to have the meaning of Christmas brought to
us by cola, fast food, and beer… Who’d have ever guessed that product consumption, popular
entertainment, and spirituality would mix so harmoniously?” ― Bill Watterson
I spent the day looking online for a Hess Truck, 2015 version. Not to buy it for me, but because a wonderful man in my town wants to give them as gifts to his grandsons (a family tradition) and the only ones available are on Amazon for $132 (original sale price from Hess site, $30). Although I fully understand the laws of supply and demand and the tenets of Capitalism, it saddens me that, as with scalping tickets, people can find the hot toy, the hot event, the hot product and buy a bunch to reduce supply so that they can profit from the increased demand that ensues.... Christmas calls us all to help others, so I am going to try to help this man.
Michael asked us to make a list of how we might be called to live differently during the Christmas Season. Honestly, I think I try to live the Christmas season each and every day, but how about:
1) smiling more
2) sing loudly
3) help others (even more than usual)
4) self-reflection (this is why I like the Living Advent prompts so much)
5) partnership with animals (I love the living creche - we got our family shot this year!)
6) live a giving life
and the list goes on and on..... would that the happiness and love and joy of the season extend to the other 11 months of the year as well!
As Psalm 37 says:
"Depart from evil, and do good;
so you shall abide for ever."
Amen!
There is nothing so secular that it can’t be sacred.
There will be two posts today for Living Advent. This first one, although posted on 12/13, is for Advent Day #14 (12/12/15). Today, I really liked Michael's quote prompt:
"There is nothing so secular that it can’t be sacred. That is one of the deepest messages of the Incarnation." — Madeleine L’Engel
This morning, in Church (I know I am cheating by using 12/13 events for a 12/12 prompt but....), I was describing the role I had to play in the Children's Pageant as a loud, large character. One of the kids asked me if I was playing Santa in the pageant. I smiled..... Because, although Santa Claus is Saint Nicholas, I do not consider him a religious figure. But, kids do not always differentiate. And, as my kids are reaching (and one has reached) the age where belief in Santa is questioned, I have to say _I_ believe in Santa. To me, belief in Santa Claus is to believe in something that you're not sure you have ever seen and to believe in a spirit that enters people and creates a desire to good for others. In this way, I think that belief in Santa is similar to believing in God. And I believe in both. So, even though Santa has become an over-commercialized entity, I believe that the basic essence of Santa is close to faith in God.
Psalm 23 is one of the most known of all of the psalms....But, today, the verses I would like to focus on are the last two:
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long."
This morning, Michael preached about the difficulties that exist locally and globally in our lives. And how this morning's lighting of the Advent Candle of Joy assures us that good things are coming (and are present as well!) I feel that these verses of Psalm 23 reinforce that feeling as well!
"There is nothing so secular that it can’t be sacred. That is one of the deepest messages of the Incarnation." — Madeleine L’Engel
This morning, in Church (I know I am cheating by using 12/13 events for a 12/12 prompt but....), I was describing the role I had to play in the Children's Pageant as a loud, large character. One of the kids asked me if I was playing Santa in the pageant. I smiled..... Because, although Santa Claus is Saint Nicholas, I do not consider him a religious figure. But, kids do not always differentiate. And, as my kids are reaching (and one has reached) the age where belief in Santa is questioned, I have to say _I_ believe in Santa. To me, belief in Santa Claus is to believe in something that you're not sure you have ever seen and to believe in a spirit that enters people and creates a desire to good for others. In this way, I think that belief in Santa is similar to believing in God. And I believe in both. So, even though Santa has become an over-commercialized entity, I believe that the basic essence of Santa is close to faith in God.
Psalm 23 is one of the most known of all of the psalms....But, today, the verses I would like to focus on are the last two:
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long."
This morning, Michael preached about the difficulties that exist locally and globally in our lives. And how this morning's lighting of the Advent Candle of Joy assures us that good things are coming (and are present as well!) I feel that these verses of Psalm 23 reinforce that feeling as well!
Saturday, December 12, 2015
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given
I stayed up too late last night and I am exhausted and have to go to bed. So, on this Advent Day #14, the end of the second week of advent. I am going to devise my own quote of the day. When Michael posts his, I may double post tomorrow, but for now, on 12/12/15, I need to get to Bed. I will reflect on Michael's e-Pistle today, which talks about Jesus as a Baby. And Isiah 9:6 is one of my favorite verses:
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
At Old First, it is never hard to think of Jesus as a baby, especially around Christmas time. I love how welcoming our church is to kids of ALL ages, and I REALLY LOVE the tradition of a live baby (usually a child of a congregant) being Baby Jesus in the Christmas Eve Service. I remember when Sarah and I were Mary and Joseph and how honored I was to have our child portray Jesus, even if just for one evening. Because (and here is one of my other favorite quotes, with thanks to Geneva Butz), Mark 10:14
"Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs."
Jesus remembered that he was once a child, and we should all do so as well. Never forget from whence we came. Goodnight all!
Friday, December 11, 2015
One can never have enough socks
“One can never have enough socks,” said Dumbledore. “Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.” ― J.K. Rowling
So, I ready this today, during work, and I was thinking all day what I like to get for Christmas. And, I DO like to get presents, but what I like to do more during Christmas is GIVE presents. So, I would say what I like to get the most for Christmas is time with my family and friends, smiles and good holiday wishes, cards from friends and family giving me updates and pictures, and opportunities to give to others and make them smile.... I know, I am strange, but that is what I like to "get."
The Psalm reading (Psalm 8) had this verse I focused in on:
"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established"
And this verse made me think about my dad's post that Christmas will have a Full Moon this year. When I look at the night sky and the moon and the stars, I truly see the wonder of God's creation....so this Christmas is shaping up to be a special one!
Thursday, December 10, 2015
It is only the poor and the hungry… Those who KNOW they NEED someone to come on their behalf who can celebrate Christmas.
Living Advent Day #12 - 12/10/15 - and today quote has to do with the discipline of asking for help.
"It is only the poor and the hungry… Those who KNOW they NEED someone to come on their behalf who can celebrate Christmas." — Archbishop Oscar Romero
This is not something I have a problem with. Although I LOVE being asked to help, and love it when I am able to help people, I also do not have a hard time asking for help for myself. And I love that I work in a team environment where we can all help each other!
But, Michael asked us to make lists of things we need help with so here it is:
1) I need help to raise my kids - we have a saying in Oaklyn that "It takes a Village" and I get help from family, friends, and neighbors. It is a blessing.
2) I need help to get my job done - as I stated, I love working on a team.
3) I need help to remind me to get enough sleep.
4) I need help to take better care of myself (i.e. less stress, more relaxing)
5) I need help in finishing my dissertation (awaiting for some data from a colleague and appreciate all of the encouragement from my wife and dissertation support group)
There are more, but I do not want to bore you with the mundane :-).
Today's Psalm (113) is entitled "God the Helper of the Needy"....God hears all of our needs and answers in God's own way (and, yes, sometimes we do not understand the answer, but it is an answer nonetheless). Hoping for all the help I can get in the coming year.
"It is only the poor and the hungry… Those who KNOW they NEED someone to come on their behalf who can celebrate Christmas." — Archbishop Oscar Romero
This is not something I have a problem with. Although I LOVE being asked to help, and love it when I am able to help people, I also do not have a hard time asking for help for myself. And I love that I work in a team environment where we can all help each other!
But, Michael asked us to make lists of things we need help with so here it is:
1) I need help to raise my kids - we have a saying in Oaklyn that "It takes a Village" and I get help from family, friends, and neighbors. It is a blessing.
2) I need help to get my job done - as I stated, I love working on a team.
3) I need help to remind me to get enough sleep.
4) I need help to take better care of myself (i.e. less stress, more relaxing)
5) I need help in finishing my dissertation (awaiting for some data from a colleague and appreciate all of the encouragement from my wife and dissertation support group)
There are more, but I do not want to bore you with the mundane :-).
Today's Psalm (113) is entitled "God the Helper of the Needy"....God hears all of our needs and answers in God's own way (and, yes, sometimes we do not understand the answer, but it is an answer nonetheless). Hoping for all the help I can get in the coming year.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.
Advent Day #11 and Pastor Michael is prompting us to think of childhood memories with this quote:
"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." –Laura Ingalls Wilder
I am not sure how far away I actually am from my childhood. Maybe that is why I love the Christmas season so much, because it gives me an excuse to be more like a kid. I mean one of the highlights of my week has been playing on stage with the Middle School and Junior High Bands at my kids' school. Someone's mom asked me when will I ever graduate off that stage....I kinda hope never. A prompt today was to try to remember something from my childhood that I have forgotten....and I remember a lot (maybe too much), but one thing I think I probably have forgotten is the anticipation of impending gifts. Probably because I really do not NEED anything these days other than the mundane items like clothes and such....but I am trying to remember wanting a toy and waiting, waiting, waiting, and the excitement of Christmas coming and the day of impending gift-opening....that has been lost for me. But, if you are going to lose something from Christmas, the materialistic parts are probably good to lose. I do love now GIVING a lot better than I used to, I love watching OTHER people open their presents and seeing the joy on their faces. I like creating childlike responses in others, I guess. The last part of the prompt today was to think of the discussion of childishness and childlike. To me, childishness focuses on immaturity, while childlike focuses on the joy and innocence of childhood. I try to connect more to the latter and work hard not to be the former.
The Psalm today was Psalm 139. I love this Psalm because it focuses on how God knows us and what we can do to become closer to knowing about God. To me, I experience being close to God whenever I see a kid smile or laugh. So Christmas is a good time for me to experience this many times a day!
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
The birth of a homeless child should be celebrated in every home (the REAL Advent Day #10)
Right as I thought there would be no quote for Advent Day #10, and after I posted my own thoughts, Michael posted and I feel that I need to (want to really) post on this as well. So 12/8/2015 will get two Advent posts.
Michael's quote today was related to homelessness:
"Christmas is built on a beautiful and intentional paradox: that the birth of a homeless child should be celebrated in every home. — G. K. Chesterton"
And, as a discipline, Michael suggests, "Today as you go through your day, see if you can be better than usual about noticing the homeless people you pass by, even almost step over." Now, I cannot say that today I did anything "better than usual," but I will say that I understand this sentiment completely, and I do my best to humanize all with whom I come in contact. At a holiday function last night, I went out of my way to say "Thank You" and "Happy Holidays" not just to my fellow guests, but also those who were working the event. When I do encounter someone on the street, or in front of a store, I do make eye contact and talk with them. I admit that, if they ask me for money, I often say no, and hope that they find their way to a resource that can provide what they need. But, I agree with Michael that humanizing others is a first step in understanding their situation and that, at any time, if you look someone in the face, "You might just see Jesus looking back at you." So, since I was not able to practice this discipline today, since I was in my own home by the time I saw the quote, I will try to practice it all during Advent, and beyond. Because, as Psalm 41 reminds us,
"Happy are those who consider the poor
the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble.
The Lord protects them and keeps them alive"
Michael's quote today was related to homelessness:
"Christmas is built on a beautiful and intentional paradox: that the birth of a homeless child should be celebrated in every home. — G. K. Chesterton"
And, as a discipline, Michael suggests, "Today as you go through your day, see if you can be better than usual about noticing the homeless people you pass by, even almost step over." Now, I cannot say that today I did anything "better than usual," but I will say that I understand this sentiment completely, and I do my best to humanize all with whom I come in contact. At a holiday function last night, I went out of my way to say "Thank You" and "Happy Holidays" not just to my fellow guests, but also those who were working the event. When I do encounter someone on the street, or in front of a store, I do make eye contact and talk with them. I admit that, if they ask me for money, I often say no, and hope that they find their way to a resource that can provide what they need. But, I agree with Michael that humanizing others is a first step in understanding their situation and that, at any time, if you look someone in the face, "You might just see Jesus looking back at you." So, since I was not able to practice this discipline today, since I was in my own home by the time I saw the quote, I will try to practice it all during Advent, and beyond. Because, as Psalm 41 reminds us,
"Happy are those who consider the poor
the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble.
The Lord protects them and keeps them alive"
As He Promised, He Will Do
Advent Day #10 - 12/8/2015 - and there was no quote from my Pastor today. He has flown home to be with his family as his mother is really sick. So, tonight, my Advent discipline is to hold him (and his family) in my prayers.
And the scripture I am considering is as follows:
John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
I hope he and his family are comforted tonight and into the future. And they are in my prayers.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Christmas and Hanukkah are completely different things, But different things can often blend together.
Advent Day #9, 12/7/15, and we celebrated Hanukkah in my house tonight as my Dad made his amazing latkes. Peeled all the potatoes and made them with lot's of LOVE (and Aunt Nettie's recipe I would guess!!!). And, thus, I found Michael's quote fitting:
“Santa Claus has nothing to do with it,” the Latke said, “Christmas and Hanukkah are completely different things.”
“But different things can often blend together,” said the pine tree, “Let me tell you a funny story about pagan rituals.”
– Lemony Snicket
And tonight was NOT a series of unfortunate events....indeed dinner (Mom cooked the chicken and beans to go with Dad's latkes) was delicious and a fitting end to a busy day. And I liked Michael's other note to us:
"when there’s an appreciation for other faiths, we can acknowledge our borrowing from and debts to the depths of other religions."
Amen, Michael, what the world needs now is MORE appreciation and understanding of our differences in the World. And connecting (crossing blogs again) together to make the World a better place. And that is what I tried to do today, and all days, for that matter!
Sunday, December 6, 2015
In the night, with loaves and wine, we become the little one
Advent Day #8 - 12/6/2015 - And today's Living Advent Theme, once again, crosses Blog Themes with my Yearly Connections Theme! The quote today was:
In the night, with loaves and wine, we become the little one;
blood brothers and water sisters,
bits and pieces of the kingdom
– Dennis Kennedy
And Pastor Michael, once again, made a nice connection for us. Asking us, "as you come forward for the Table, see if you can feel some sense of unity and connection with everyone else present." And I did. It is amazing to watch the circle of Friends that take Communion on a Sunday. Because I was the Liturgist today, I was in the front row, so, I got up and took Communion as one of the first two, and then I sat in the back, in one of the rockers, and watched the Procession and basked in the connectivity! Our Church Community is so very important to us, and the act of sharing the elements, all together in Church, is a profound one!
And it fit, of course, quite nicely with the Psalm provided for today's "extra credit" (Psalm 133)
"How very good and pleasant it is
when kindred live together in unity!"
AMEN!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Aliveness, Jesus will teach, is a gift available to all by God’s grace.
Day #7 of Living Advent 2015 - 12/5/2015. Today's focus is on what makes us come alive!
“Aliveness, Jesus will teach, is a gift available to all by God’s grace.
It flows not from taking, but giving,
not from fear but from faith,
not from conflict but from reconciliation,
not from domination but from service.
And Pastor Michael asked us to consider when we felt as if we were coming alive! This is an easy one for me (he did also note that this is an "easy weekend assignment." I most felt alive during the births of my two children. MAN, what amazing times for us and filled with excitement, terror (especially when becoming a parent for the first time!), joy, anticipation, love, and wonder. All of those emotions and more! The same things life itself are filled with. And, just as it was for Mary and Joseph, it was for us. What a blessing Alexa and Anna were (and are) to us and it was Christmas for us when they were born (and, frankly, they have been the gift that keeps on giving).
And, in respect to us experiencing Christmas every day, the joy that my kids bring me each day, watching them grow, mature, learn, fail and recover, succeed, etc.....it's like I am getting gifts and blessings constantly. Being a parent is what allows me to experience Christmas every day.
The extra Psalm reading tonight is Psalm 103, entitled (in the source linked to the Advent Message) is Thanksgiving for God's Goodness. And, yes, I thank God EVERY day (and night) for my kids and my family.
“Aliveness, Jesus will teach, is a gift available to all by God’s grace.
It flows not from taking, but giving,
not from fear but from faith,
not from conflict but from reconciliation,
not from domination but from service.
It isn’t found in the upper trappings of religion —
rules and rituals,
controversies and scruples,
temples and traditions.
rules and rituals,
controversies and scruples,
temples and traditions.
No, it springs up from our innermost being like a fountain of living water.
It intoxicates us like the best wine ever
and so turns life from disappointment into a banquet.”
― Brian D. McLaren
It intoxicates us like the best wine ever
and so turns life from disappointment into a banquet.”
― Brian D. McLaren
And Pastor Michael asked us to consider when we felt as if we were coming alive! This is an easy one for me (he did also note that this is an "easy weekend assignment." I most felt alive during the births of my two children. MAN, what amazing times for us and filled with excitement, terror (especially when becoming a parent for the first time!), joy, anticipation, love, and wonder. All of those emotions and more! The same things life itself are filled with. And, just as it was for Mary and Joseph, it was for us. What a blessing Alexa and Anna were (and are) to us and it was Christmas for us when they were born (and, frankly, they have been the gift that keeps on giving).
And, in respect to us experiencing Christmas every day, the joy that my kids bring me each day, watching them grow, mature, learn, fail and recover, succeed, etc.....it's like I am getting gifts and blessings constantly. Being a parent is what allows me to experience Christmas every day.
The extra Psalm reading tonight is Psalm 103, entitled (in the source linked to the Advent Message) is Thanksgiving for God's Goodness. And, yes, I thank God EVERY day (and night) for my kids and my family.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Openness to God demands our growing acceptance that we cannot create blueprints for our own lives.
Advent Day #6 - and the quote for today is from Enuma Okoro:
"Openness to God demands our growing acceptance that we cannot create blueprints for our own lives. Though God’s character is unchanging, the ways of God are unpredictable, and there is a difference between arbitrariness and unpredictability."
And then Pastor Michael asked us, additionally:
"When you think of your life, do you expect you know where it’s leading? Where are you now; did you expect to be here?"
To which I replied to him, looking for the link today (yesterday's was The Wiz):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOH6SzDX3l4
And that was an interesting connection for me (to cross blogs) since that was our 9th grade graduation song from Masterman. But Michael also asked us to consider the twists and turns that our lives take, taking us on paths we would have never considered. And, to connect back to 9th grade, I thought I would always go to Central, as my grandfather did, but I stayed at JRMHS. I never thought I would attend Penn, but I did. And those two decisions greatly have affected the rest of my life. I often wonder if, in the after-life, we can sit and view decisions we have made and how our lives would be changed if we had done this instead of that......will always be a wonder for me. Not a regret, but a wonder. And wondering, now, what twists and turns are forthcoming.
The Psalm today (16) is the Song of Trust and Security in God. I like that thought since, when we do not know where our paths may lead, faith and trust is often what we need to lean on.
"Openness to God demands our growing acceptance that we cannot create blueprints for our own lives. Though God’s character is unchanging, the ways of God are unpredictable, and there is a difference between arbitrariness and unpredictability."
And then Pastor Michael asked us, additionally:
"When you think of your life, do you expect you know where it’s leading? Where are you now; did you expect to be here?"
To which I replied to him, looking for the link today (yesterday's was The Wiz):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOH6SzDX3l4
And that was an interesting connection for me (to cross blogs) since that was our 9th grade graduation song from Masterman. But Michael also asked us to consider the twists and turns that our lives take, taking us on paths we would have never considered. And, to connect back to 9th grade, I thought I would always go to Central, as my grandfather did, but I stayed at JRMHS. I never thought I would attend Penn, but I did. And those two decisions greatly have affected the rest of my life. I often wonder if, in the after-life, we can sit and view decisions we have made and how our lives would be changed if we had done this instead of that......will always be a wonder for me. Not a regret, but a wonder. And wondering, now, what twists and turns are forthcoming.
The Psalm today (16) is the Song of Trust and Security in God. I like that thought since, when we do not know where our paths may lead, faith and trust is often what we need to lean on.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
For outlandish creatures like us, on our way to a heart, a brain and courage, Bethlehem is not the end of our journey, but only the beginning....
12/3/15: Advent Day #5 and today's quote was about the journey to Bethlehem. But the quote went like so:
"For outlandish creatures like us, on our way to a heart, a brain and courage,
Bethlehem is not the end of our journey, but only the beginning —
not home but the place through which we must pass
if we are ever to reach home at last."
– Frederick Buechner
"For outlandish creatures like us, on our way to a heart, a brain and courage,
Bethlehem is not the end of our journey, but only the beginning —
not home but the place through which we must pass
if we are ever to reach home at last."
– Frederick Buechner
I like that this quote refers to the items requested by Dorothy's friends in the Wizard of Oz on the same night that the "Wiz Live" was broadcast on TV (Michael, was that on purpose??) And Dorothy did eventually get home, but she journeyed with the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion and assisted them along the way. I'd like to think that, in my journey, I am also helping people along the way. It is certainly what I strive to do, and even moreso during Advent.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Living without mystery means knowing nothing of the mystery of our own life
12/2/2015 - Living Advent Day #4 and the quote from Pastor Michael had to do with mystery.
"Living without mystery means knowing nothing of the mystery of our own life, nothing of the mystery of another person, nothing of the mystery of the world; it means passing over our own hidden qualities and those of others and the world. It means remaining on the surface, taking the world seriously only to the extent that it can be calculated and exploited, and not going beyond the world of calculation and exploitation. Living without mystery means not seeing the crucial processes of life at all and even denying them." — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Now, I have a LOT of questions and Michael implored us to make a list of questions we cannot answer. Sadly, although I have questions (like how Sarah can continue to put up with me :->), all I can think of tonight is the question: "Why can't we, as a country, deal with the issue of guns and violence in our society?" I am so sick and tired of seeing the news reports of the shootings and the paltry replies by our politicians so beholden to the gun lobby. I try not to be too political in my posts, but this one is unavoidable. Sadly (I keep saying that), I have no answer to this question but I hope, in this Advent Season, that, just as we await the Birth of Jesus, we also can await a day when the politicians decide to govern for the people instead of for the special interests. I hope and pray on this tonight and every night.
On a more positive note, I do enjoy the mystery of life (most of the time). "What will my kids do today that will make me smile?" "Why does the dog continue to chase the cat when she is also terrified of her when engaged?" "Where DID I put my keys? (OH, there they are!)" A little mystery makes life interesting. Oh to be able to focus on these minor mysteries and not the major ones as I wrote about above.
And, as for Psalm 50, which was the reading suggestion for tonight, I'd like to focus on this verse:
This is another Psalm that implores us, the readers, to do the right thing "go the right way" to be rewarded. So I implore those in government, to do the right thing and end the violence!
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
World AIDS Day
12/1/15: Advent Day #3 and Michael's Message reflected a lot on World AIDS Day. Honestly, I am sure I know people who are HIV positive, but I am not sure anyone has ever told me that they are. HIV and AIDS makes me think of all of the work that my wife and her colleagues do in Student Health Services on campuses all across the country. I know Sarah has told many a student, sadly, that they are now HIV positive. Often life-changing news, but, thankfully, not the life-ending news it once was. But education is SO SO important and that is also what I reflected on today as the second half of Michael's message. So many of the cases of HIV are in Africa. Education is needed, as well as culturally sensitive practices and health promotion to stem the tide of this disease. And drug companies need to keep working to create medicines that can heal, and heal in an affordable matter. That is the.same in the US as it is across the globe: Education, Cultural Sensitivity, and Affordable Care. Would that all people be able to access this, for HIV-AIDS as well as all of their needs.
Amen
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