Everybody's thinking about the end of 2011. So am I. I know won't be staying up until midnight. I have a bad cold and plan to buy some good night-time cold medicine today!
I've learned many lessons this year. Most of them included painful situations, which is how I learn best, I guess. I don't particularly like that, but that's the way it is. I will continue to strive to get comfortable with awkwardness that leads to change. In 2012 there will be several challenges, and at this point some real uncertainty exists about jobs and finances.
I KNOW, however, that I can trust that God will continue to provide in unexpected ways - He always has, and He won't quit now.
May your 2012 be a blank sheet you may use to creatively reach the goals God has in mind for you. Share them with someone who will pray regularly for you, and watch for God-moments in the coming year! BLESSINGS and Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Different Kind of Christmas Joy
It's been a year since I retired from full-time pastoral ministry. I felt good about the timing of that decision, even though facing financial and career uncertainty is never comfortable. I knew that my creativity was waning and that we needed to reach people much younger than myself if we were to survive. The awkwardness of change has not been easy for everyone involved.
Last night we experienced a rather simple Christmas Eve service at Oasis Community Church...the Story and Christmas music. About 60 people gathered for the candlelight service. I wept with JOY to see the new people who are now faithful members of the Body of Christ in Sunnyside, who have met Jesus personally, the many children weaving in and out of the room, the buzz of conversation as people ENJOYED greeting each other before and after the service, the long-time members, and the acceptance of people who are still searching for God, and coming to understand the real significance of Christmas and Jesus.
I had to let go and get uncomfortable to experience this year's Christmas JOY!
May He give you grace for the changes along your path in the new year.
Last night we experienced a rather simple Christmas Eve service at Oasis Community Church...the Story and Christmas music. About 60 people gathered for the candlelight service. I wept with JOY to see the new people who are now faithful members of the Body of Christ in Sunnyside, who have met Jesus personally, the many children weaving in and out of the room, the buzz of conversation as people ENJOYED greeting each other before and after the service, the long-time members, and the acceptance of people who are still searching for God, and coming to understand the real significance of Christmas and Jesus.
I had to let go and get uncomfortable to experience this year's Christmas JOY!
May He give you grace for the changes along your path in the new year.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Uh-Oh---failed the Christmas Test
The tag line asked how much you really know about Christmas, but it included questions about traditions and trivia as well as the real story. I messed up on several...like who sent the very first Christmas card? Wow, did he know what he started? (BTW, I can't even remember his name!) I quit the test when it asked who invented the first artificial Christmas tree. Who cares?
This week in Bible study we talked about the major question running through the entire book of John (New Testament): WHO IS THIS JESUS? John does not tell the full Christmas story with shepherds or wise men or angels. He simply says, "The WORD became flesh and lived among us." The Message version says, "He moved into the neighborhood."
After He moved into the neighborhood and people started listening to Him, and watching what He did, they wondered if He could be the ONE Israel had been waiting for all these centuries. The question arose about His birthplace --- because the prophecy said the ONE would be born in Bethlehem. The neighbors all assumed Jesus was locally born --- but indeed He was not.
There are so many false assumptions about Jesus because we may know more about holiday traditions than we know about the real story. And the truth is that not all of us Christians are very good representatives. We are Jesus-followers, but not always very Jesus-like. If you're a Jesus-follower, here's some questions I keep asking myself as I prepare for Christmas:
---Are my Christmas celebrations like Jesus would want for His birthday?
---Am I frustrated and upset about the crowds at the stores and the packed parking lot? (YES!)
---Am I spending more than I can afford because I want to please everyone on my gift-giving list?
---Are my family traditions so important that I have no time for Jesus?
Tonight why not talk with your family about the meaning of Christmas for all of you, and make some refocus plans...it's not too late!
This week in Bible study we talked about the major question running through the entire book of John (New Testament): WHO IS THIS JESUS? John does not tell the full Christmas story with shepherds or wise men or angels. He simply says, "The WORD became flesh and lived among us." The Message version says, "He moved into the neighborhood."
After He moved into the neighborhood and people started listening to Him, and watching what He did, they wondered if He could be the ONE Israel had been waiting for all these centuries. The question arose about His birthplace --- because the prophecy said the ONE would be born in Bethlehem. The neighbors all assumed Jesus was locally born --- but indeed He was not.
There are so many false assumptions about Jesus because we may know more about holiday traditions than we know about the real story. And the truth is that not all of us Christians are very good representatives. We are Jesus-followers, but not always very Jesus-like. If you're a Jesus-follower, here's some questions I keep asking myself as I prepare for Christmas:
---Are my Christmas celebrations like Jesus would want for His birthday?
---Am I frustrated and upset about the crowds at the stores and the packed parking lot? (YES!)
---Am I spending more than I can afford because I want to please everyone on my gift-giving list?
---Are my family traditions so important that I have no time for Jesus?
Tonight why not talk with your family about the meaning of Christmas for all of you, and make some refocus plans...it's not too late!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
JOY EXPERIENCES NEEDED
This past week has been a stressful one in many ways, and the other day I told God I needed some JOY EXPERIENCES; my joy bank was a bit depleted.
Last night after helping Marvin eat dinner, I went to the Community Center --- volunteered to "help" with a movie night. Just hung with people, and played with my little friend, Isaac. JOY!
When I walk in his face lit up and he yelled, "KAREN!" I love it! He is typical for his age, trying to become an independent self, pushing the limits of what he is allowed to do and what he's not allowed to do. Sometimes he expresses his anger and rebellion about it. But he has this tender side...when I expressed some dismay or unhappiness about something, he gently patted my cheek and said, "Oh, Karen, it's okay." Then he kissed my forehead!
Cha-ching...joy in the bank!
Last night after helping Marvin eat dinner, I went to the Community Center --- volunteered to "help" with a movie night. Just hung with people, and played with my little friend, Isaac. JOY!
When I walk in his face lit up and he yelled, "KAREN!" I love it! He is typical for his age, trying to become an independent self, pushing the limits of what he is allowed to do and what he's not allowed to do. Sometimes he expresses his anger and rebellion about it. But he has this tender side...when I expressed some dismay or unhappiness about something, he gently patted my cheek and said, "Oh, Karen, it's okay." Then he kissed my forehead!
Cha-ching...joy in the bank!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
JOY and PEACE
Peace is listed right there with JOY in the list. Many Christmas songs are all about peace, quoting from the Christmas story. But peace is often illusive, especially during the holidays. It's a time of frustration for many people, trying to buy gifts, prepare for out-of-town company, go to office parties, and there's not enough money, time, patience, or energy. It can be distressing.
My stress this year isn't about money, time, or energy, although I could use more of each of those. It is about relationships. When any important relationships are strained, I don't have inner peace. I am uncomfortable with my emotional discomfort.
It is, as always, one of the lessons God has in mind for me: I need the Prince of Peace more than ever before --- to heal my heart, to put a guard over my mouth, to refocus my thoughts and desires.
Thank You, Jesus, for bringing peace on earth. May it be a reality in my heart today.
My stress this year isn't about money, time, or energy, although I could use more of each of those. It is about relationships. When any important relationships are strained, I don't have inner peace. I am uncomfortable with my emotional discomfort.
It is, as always, one of the lessons God has in mind for me: I need the Prince of Peace more than ever before --- to heal my heart, to put a guard over my mouth, to refocus my thoughts and desires.
Thank You, Jesus, for bringing peace on earth. May it be a reality in my heart today.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Preparation...Christmas and Beyond
Most of you have your Christmas trees up and decorated by now. Some have completed their shopping. Others have sent out cards, letters or e-greetings! Many are planning for company, cleaning house, purchasing food for Christmas dinner, practicing for church programs, and more.
It's another one of those years for me and Marvin. We will not be traveling, and our kids won't be here for Christmas. Phil and Carolyn, Caleb and Evelyn will come in January. I will miss not being with my kids on Christmas, but it's not really new. We've seldom spent Christmas together since everyone left home.
I plan to use this season to consider the upcoming year. There will be many changes in 2012. (I doubt if it's the end of the world, however!) I don't know exactly what will be happening---there will likely be some different kinds of work for me; I am struggling more with arthritis in my hands, which is limiting some things I can do for myself...I want to continue to play the piano, type, and crochet; taking care of my home is becoming more of a challenge and more expensive. I love living alone, but sometimes I wonder if it's really good for me. I get rather stuck in a rut, self-absorbed, and less pliable!
God seldom gives me details of my future ahead of time, but I feel a sense of unsettledness this year. I still have peace and contentment about God's leading, His presence, and His plans for me, but there's also an assurance that nothing stays the same. I don't know what that means. It's not foreboding I feel, but more like an excitement about what's going to change this year.
It reminds me of a very old song: "Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand, but I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand."
It's another one of those years for me and Marvin. We will not be traveling, and our kids won't be here for Christmas. Phil and Carolyn, Caleb and Evelyn will come in January. I will miss not being with my kids on Christmas, but it's not really new. We've seldom spent Christmas together since everyone left home.
I plan to use this season to consider the upcoming year. There will be many changes in 2012. (I doubt if it's the end of the world, however!) I don't know exactly what will be happening---there will likely be some different kinds of work for me; I am struggling more with arthritis in my hands, which is limiting some things I can do for myself...I want to continue to play the piano, type, and crochet; taking care of my home is becoming more of a challenge and more expensive. I love living alone, but sometimes I wonder if it's really good for me. I get rather stuck in a rut, self-absorbed, and less pliable!
God seldom gives me details of my future ahead of time, but I feel a sense of unsettledness this year. I still have peace and contentment about God's leading, His presence, and His plans for me, but there's also an assurance that nothing stays the same. I don't know what that means. It's not foreboding I feel, but more like an excitement about what's going to change this year.
It reminds me of a very old song: "Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand, but I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand."
Monday, December 5, 2011
JOY and Following Your Passion
I wasted my first year of college. Like many 18-year-olds, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life; I didn't know who I was. I was delighted to be out of my parents' home, and "free." I then enrolled in a business college, but didn't complete the executive secretary course. I did learn enough skills that I could get a job. I've worked at insurance companies, national church offices, law firms, non-profit agencies and more. Being a secretary was not my passion; it was what I did to earn money and get insurance.
I finished a B.A. in Psychology and Christian Ministries, served as an associate pastor and then as senior pastor. I enjoyed some things about church ministry; other things I did not love.
So this year I am doing more things that ARE my passion...and finding more JOY than ever before. In these days of economic uncertainty and frustration, it's good to have an employable skill. But as I get older, it's an amazing adventure to be able to follow my passion!
What are your skills? What skills are "employable" skills? (Brainstorm this, because people will pay money for the strangest things!) Are any of your skills also part of your passion? That means do you feel more energized when you've completed one of your "passion-tasks"? Or do you feel drained and depressed? If the latter, that might not be your passion. Sometimes our passions end up being the things we do when we have more free time; they may also intersect with our employment.
May you find your passion and JOY in the same breath!
I finished a B.A. in Psychology and Christian Ministries, served as an associate pastor and then as senior pastor. I enjoyed some things about church ministry; other things I did not love.
So this year I am doing more things that ARE my passion...and finding more JOY than ever before. In these days of economic uncertainty and frustration, it's good to have an employable skill. But as I get older, it's an amazing adventure to be able to follow my passion!
What are your skills? What skills are "employable" skills? (Brainstorm this, because people will pay money for the strangest things!) Are any of your skills also part of your passion? That means do you feel more energized when you've completed one of your "passion-tasks"? Or do you feel drained and depressed? If the latter, that might not be your passion. Sometimes our passions end up being the things we do when we have more free time; they may also intersect with our employment.
May you find your passion and JOY in the same breath!
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