I have been having a rough week. There have been two verses that keep coming to mind:
Matthew 2:18 "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
The tragedy in Newtown, CT hit me pretty hard. First, I have a child and younger nieces/nephews and couldn't imagine them in that circumstance. Second, I work with youth at our church that I care about. Third, I thought of all the campers I spent time with this past summer. I even started thinking about how I would react if something like this happened at a school, church or even at camp while I was there. What would I do? Would I be able to do anything?
I have no answers.
What I know and what I believe is that last Friday more angels were added to the ranks. There have been so many posts on FaceBook about the children, the teachers, the school and the community and the ones that hit me are the ones dealing with those young angels and the guardian angels in the school.
As we prepare for Christmas and the silence of Christmas Eve and the promise that brings please pray for those angels and the safety of all children no matter where they are - school, playground or even their home. Make sure to hold your loved ones (and maybe not so loved ones) tight as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. There is good in this world - even in the midst of tragedy and I will be looking for that as the New Year begins.
Merry Christmas, Peace and Blessings to you all!
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Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Community (Subtitle - the manager or the cross?)
I have had a few things happening in my life as we prepare for Advent.
A very significant one is that my Grandpa - the Rev. C. Keith Epps passed on to his heavenly home on Saturday November 24th. He was 94 and I think ready to go as he knew where he was headed. I have been thinking a lot about him and camp the past two weeks since he was a part of the group that helped to purchase the land and get camp going. It really makes me think about connections and community.
I have also been leading a small group for my church via FaceBook set up to look at the book "Silence and other surprising Invitations of Advent" by Enuma Okoro. Usually when we prepare for Christmas we think about Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Prior to them was Elizabeth and Zechariah. When Zechariah was in performing his priestly duties in the holy of holies at the temple many people were praying for him in community. It was at this holy time that he learned he would have a son - even in his old age and Elizabeth was no spring chicken either.
It was in this community they were supported.
My community over the year has been changing and growing in many different ways and I am glad to have the support as I learn what God has planned for me. Know that I also pray for you and what God has planned for you as I know it is great things!
With Advent comes Christmas music and I wanted to share one of my FAVORITE songs by the Go Fish Guys..
Video: http://www.gofishguys.com/track/its-about-cross
It's About the Cross
Verse 1:
It's not just about the manger
Where the baby lay
It's not all about the angels
Who sang for him that day
It's not just about the shepherds
Or the bright and shining star
It's not all about the wisemen
Who travelled from afar
Chorus:
It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross
It's about the cross
Verse 2:
It's not just about the presents
Underneath the tree
It's not all about the feeling
That the season brings to me
[m/lyrics/g/go_fish/about_the_cross.html ]
It's not just about coming home
To be with those you love
It's not all about the beauty
In the snow I'm dreaming of
Repeat Chorus
Bridge:
The beginning of the story is wonderful and great
But it's the ending that can save you and that's why we celebrate
It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about God's love
Nailed to a tree
It's about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross
It's about the cross
A very significant one is that my Grandpa - the Rev. C. Keith Epps passed on to his heavenly home on Saturday November 24th. He was 94 and I think ready to go as he knew where he was headed. I have been thinking a lot about him and camp the past two weeks since he was a part of the group that helped to purchase the land and get camp going. It really makes me think about connections and community.
I have also been leading a small group for my church via FaceBook set up to look at the book "Silence and other surprising Invitations of Advent" by Enuma Okoro. Usually when we prepare for Christmas we think about Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Prior to them was Elizabeth and Zechariah. When Zechariah was in performing his priestly duties in the holy of holies at the temple many people were praying for him in community. It was at this holy time that he learned he would have a son - even in his old age and Elizabeth was no spring chicken either.
It was in this community they were supported.
My community over the year has been changing and growing in many different ways and I am glad to have the support as I learn what God has planned for me. Know that I also pray for you and what God has planned for you as I know it is great things!
With Advent comes Christmas music and I wanted to share one of my FAVORITE songs by the Go Fish Guys..
Video: http://www.gofishguys.com/track/its-about-cross
It's About the Cross
Verse 1:
It's not just about the manger
Where the baby lay
It's not all about the angels
Who sang for him that day
It's not just about the shepherds
Or the bright and shining star
It's not all about the wisemen
Who travelled from afar
Chorus:
It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross
It's about the cross
Verse 2:
It's not just about the presents
Underneath the tree
It's not all about the feeling
That the season brings to me
[m/lyrics/g/go_fish/about_the_cross.html ]
It's not just about coming home
To be with those you love
It's not all about the beauty
In the snow I'm dreaming of
Repeat Chorus
Bridge:
The beginning of the story is wonderful and great
But it's the ending that can save you and that's why we celebrate
It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about God's love
Nailed to a tree
It's about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross
It's about the cross
Monday, November 19, 2012
It's what is on the inside that counts!
Mark 13:2“Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
I asked to give the sermon at my church this past weekend and it was a great experience. I want to share my take away message with those of you that read this blog :-)
The lectionary passage was Mark 13:1-8 and it just so happens I am in New Testament I class right now so I was able to use some of my learnings in the sermon. The author of Mark was a very blunt writer and didn't sugar coat Jesus' messages. That is evident in verse two above. There is no sentimental value to the building or the fact that it will be destroyed. I saw the temple when I was fortunate to visit Israel and it is a huge structure that is very impressive even now!
As Jesus talks to the disciples according to the commentary by Matthew Henry he is more worried about their conscience vs. the date events are going to occur.
That is my take away as we start the Advent season and look to go shopping on black Friday. It isn't about the presents, the decorations, the "temple". It is about how you behave and prepare yourself for the New Kingdom. Whenever it comes!
P.S. Registration is open on-line for the Winter Youth Retreat January 25-27th!
I asked to give the sermon at my church this past weekend and it was a great experience. I want to share my take away message with those of you that read this blog :-)
The lectionary passage was Mark 13:1-8 and it just so happens I am in New Testament I class right now so I was able to use some of my learnings in the sermon. The author of Mark was a very blunt writer and didn't sugar coat Jesus' messages. That is evident in verse two above. There is no sentimental value to the building or the fact that it will be destroyed. I saw the temple when I was fortunate to visit Israel and it is a huge structure that is very impressive even now!
As Jesus talks to the disciples according to the commentary by Matthew Henry he is more worried about their conscience vs. the date events are going to occur.
That is my take away as we start the Advent season and look to go shopping on black Friday. It isn't about the presents, the decorations, the "temple". It is about how you behave and prepare yourself for the New Kingdom. Whenever it comes!
P.S. Registration is open on-line for the Winter Youth Retreat January 25-27th!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Thanks - I think!
Psalm 100:4 (RSV) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name!
My brain again is scattered in many different directions. I seem to thrive on that though and like having many things going on. I do seem to have a hard time quieting my mind. Right now I am feeling guilty because I see all these posts on FaceBook and Pinterest dealing with what people are thankful for as we get closer and closer to Thanksgiving and my list seems to be pretty standard and boring. Sorry to my family and friends - I am thankful for you, but the idea of being thankful for you is boring to me. Those are two different things! Anyway, I did some research on the internet I want to share what I found some other people are thankful for and I realized I am too!
http://meanttobehappy.com/49-unconventional-things-i%E2%80%99m-grateful-for-that-i-bet-are-not-on-your-list/
http://christianteens.about.com/od/christianliving/tp/ThankfulList.htm
http://www.thefreedomexperiment.com/2012/01/09/48-things-to-be-grateful-for-when-you-need-to-shift-your-focus/
There are a lot of pages on the internet and these are just a few and just these three helped me to realize how much is not boring about my life and what I am thankful and grateful for :-)
I would be interested to know what you are thankful for!
My brain again is scattered in many different directions. I seem to thrive on that though and like having many things going on. I do seem to have a hard time quieting my mind. Right now I am feeling guilty because I see all these posts on FaceBook and Pinterest dealing with what people are thankful for as we get closer and closer to Thanksgiving and my list seems to be pretty standard and boring. Sorry to my family and friends - I am thankful for you, but the idea of being thankful for you is boring to me. Those are two different things! Anyway, I did some research on the internet I want to share what I found some other people are thankful for and I realized I am too!
http://meanttobehappy.com/49-unconventional-things-i%E2%80%99m-grateful-for-that-i-bet-are-not-on-your-list/
http://christianteens.about.com/od/christianliving/tp/ThankfulList.htm
http://www.thefreedomexperiment.com/2012/01/09/48-things-to-be-grateful-for-when-you-need-to-shift-your-focus/
There are a lot of pages on the internet and these are just a few and just these three helped me to realize how much is not boring about my life and what I am thankful and grateful for :-)
I would be interested to know what you are thankful for!
Monday, October 29, 2012
There is unrest in the forest, there is trouble with the trees....
Psalm 1:3
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
There is a project with the state of Wisconsin to help clean up the trees on our property. This happens every 10-12 years or so and is a necessary action to maintain a healthy forest for the trees and the animals.
First an assessment is done to see if there are any dead or dying trees that need to be removed because they are a danger due to falling over and causing injury or damage. Then the trees are assessed for disease and if diseased trees are found sometimes trees 10-30 feet around that one tree will need to be removed as well because the damage could be spreading underground.
Once all the assessment is complete, the work can begin, but the company can't go in with the biggest trucks and equipment available. They need to find the right tools for the job to minimize any damage to healthy trees and have an organized clean up.
I am thinking tree harvesting is lot like camp...
Campers come each week to hear and participate in the programs we spend many hours preparing. As we work with them and spend time together we see where they may need to be lifted up or pruned. We have to be careful on both accounts though to do what is right for the camp as a whole or the individual camper as false praise and over-pruning can cause damage as well. Sometimes the campers come to realize what may need to be removed from their lives to help them live in a healthier relationship with God.
As leaders, we don't always know what lies underneath the need and how the camper got there so we need to keep in mind those aspects of their life. The maintenance of a forest takes years. Same thing sometimes with people and their spiritual life.
The right tools need to then be put in place. Brimstone and fire may have its place, but most often it is the small prayer, word of encouragement and written note that have the most meaning.
This may seem like a stretched analogy, but I think this can also apply to our own spiritual lives. Do you ever stop to take an assessment of the people or attitudes around you that are creating your own root system to deteriorate? Do you find ways to manage your spiritual life in healthy ways like setting boundaries or really celebrating a Sabbath? Sometimes trees that have lived their life cycle are left in the forest to help house other animals - do you share what you have learned with others or build relationships that are mutually beneficial?
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
There is a project with the state of Wisconsin to help clean up the trees on our property. This happens every 10-12 years or so and is a necessary action to maintain a healthy forest for the trees and the animals.
First an assessment is done to see if there are any dead or dying trees that need to be removed because they are a danger due to falling over and causing injury or damage. Then the trees are assessed for disease and if diseased trees are found sometimes trees 10-30 feet around that one tree will need to be removed as well because the damage could be spreading underground.
Once all the assessment is complete, the work can begin, but the company can't go in with the biggest trucks and equipment available. They need to find the right tools for the job to minimize any damage to healthy trees and have an organized clean up.
I am thinking tree harvesting is lot like camp...
Campers come each week to hear and participate in the programs we spend many hours preparing. As we work with them and spend time together we see where they may need to be lifted up or pruned. We have to be careful on both accounts though to do what is right for the camp as a whole or the individual camper as false praise and over-pruning can cause damage as well. Sometimes the campers come to realize what may need to be removed from their lives to help them live in a healthier relationship with God.
As leaders, we don't always know what lies underneath the need and how the camper got there so we need to keep in mind those aspects of their life. The maintenance of a forest takes years. Same thing sometimes with people and their spiritual life.
The right tools need to then be put in place. Brimstone and fire may have its place, but most often it is the small prayer, word of encouragement and written note that have the most meaning.
This may seem like a stretched analogy, but I think this can also apply to our own spiritual lives. Do you ever stop to take an assessment of the people or attitudes around you that are creating your own root system to deteriorate? Do you find ways to manage your spiritual life in healthy ways like setting boundaries or really celebrating a Sabbath? Sometimes trees that have lived their life cycle are left in the forest to help house other animals - do you share what you have learned with others or build relationships that are mutually beneficial?
Friday, October 5, 2012
Ch Ch Ch Changes
Genesis 8:22 (ESV)
While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”
Hopefully everyone has noticed the weather changing, the leaves turning color and falling to the ground, the frost advisories that are coming out and the shorter days. I know I have. I admit that I am a summer girl. I tell people that I would make a good lizard sitting out on a rock soaking up the sun! I am not looking forward to days getting shorter, having to lug water to the animals and freezing my fingers while I do chores.
What is interesting with the verse I picked for this blog is that in the NIV the word "remains" is replaced by the word "endures". Endure is a verb that means to suffer or tolerate. Even though I grew up in Wisconsin it still feels that I endure winter every year.
I think these are interesting word choices as we look at our walk with God as well since we are of this earth. There are things we need to endure. I think each thing or situation is different for each person, but I know the path of faith is not always easy. What is also interesting is if you look at synonyms for endure: bear (well, bears can hibernate :-)), stand, suffer, tolerate, sustain and undergo. The word sustain and undergo stick out to me. In Wisconsin we can't have the beautiful springs unless the earth can undergo a transformation and flowers can regenerate, trees can grow deeper in the ground and have a seeming time of rest. The way the seasons work also helps the earth to sustain resources. We noticed that especially this past summer when things get out of whack and there isn't a sustaining rain to help all the growth.
As you endure on this earth, what helps to sustain you through the difficult or changing times?
I am looking forward to the Winter Youth Retreat the end of January - that can be a time of enduing through the long months until we can spend time at Tamarack again.
If you aren't someone that can make it to the retreat...what helps you?
What is interesting with the verse I picked for this blog is that in the NIV the word "remains" is replaced by the word "endures". Endure is a verb that means to suffer or tolerate. Even though I grew up in Wisconsin it still feels that I endure winter every year.
I think these are interesting word choices as we look at our walk with God as well since we are of this earth. There are things we need to endure. I think each thing or situation is different for each person, but I know the path of faith is not always easy. What is also interesting is if you look at synonyms for endure: bear (well, bears can hibernate :-)), stand, suffer, tolerate, sustain and undergo. The word sustain and undergo stick out to me. In Wisconsin we can't have the beautiful springs unless the earth can undergo a transformation and flowers can regenerate, trees can grow deeper in the ground and have a seeming time of rest. The way the seasons work also helps the earth to sustain resources. We noticed that especially this past summer when things get out of whack and there isn't a sustaining rain to help all the growth.
As you endure on this earth, what helps to sustain you through the difficult or changing times?
I am looking forward to the Winter Youth Retreat the end of January - that can be a time of enduing through the long months until we can spend time at Tamarack again.
If you aren't someone that can make it to the retreat...what helps you?
Monday, September 24, 2012
What do you see?
Lord, You are more precious than silver;
Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds;
And nothing I desire compares with You.
I know I don't have a Bible verse listed up there. I have a verse from a song we sing at camp and I have been humming it all day. Yesterday I was sitting on the dock (for those of you that go to camp it was the dock on the right that ONLY the lifeguards are supposed to be on, but I am the Director so there) and working on my being still and knowing. It was cloudy, but when the sun did make an appearance it was warm. I closed my eyes and was listening to nature and praying. When I opened my eyes, the sun was just coming out from behind a cloud and it appeared on top of the lake that a path of sparkly diamonds was headed toward me. Now, I can explain all this scientifically with how the sun was refracting on the waves as the wind pushed the water, but I don't want to go there right now. I want to go to a place where things are transformed and where I felt like the richest person in the world with God showing me all the diamonds in my life. I am not a writer and am probably not describing this very well, but I know what I saw on the water and how it felt and I am rich in God and His blessings. Sometimes I just have to look at things in a different way.
Anything you need to look at differently?
Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds;
And nothing I desire compares with You.
I know I don't have a Bible verse listed up there. I have a verse from a song we sing at camp and I have been humming it all day. Yesterday I was sitting on the dock (for those of you that go to camp it was the dock on the right that ONLY the lifeguards are supposed to be on, but I am the Director so there) and working on my being still and knowing. It was cloudy, but when the sun did make an appearance it was warm. I closed my eyes and was listening to nature and praying. When I opened my eyes, the sun was just coming out from behind a cloud and it appeared on top of the lake that a path of sparkly diamonds was headed toward me. Now, I can explain all this scientifically with how the sun was refracting on the waves as the wind pushed the water, but I don't want to go there right now. I want to go to a place where things are transformed and where I felt like the richest person in the world with God showing me all the diamonds in my life. I am not a writer and am probably not describing this very well, but I know what I saw on the water and how it felt and I am rich in God and His blessings. Sometimes I just have to look at things in a different way.
Anything you need to look at differently?
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