Bon Voyage to our newspaper-bedecked travelers:
Jodi, Emily, Caitlin, Ethan, Liz, Tiffany and Lisa.
You're always a part of us.
May God speed you as you follow your callings into other parts of the U.S. and the world.
I Timothy 4:12
- Janelle
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
I wonder how the psalmist would feel about cold showers...
I've been reading Psalm 77 this week. One verse in particular stands out to me.
Verse 13 reads, "Your way, Oh God, is holy."
Not my way, not your way, but God's way is indeed holy.
Somehow that comforts me among all the discomfort I seem to be experiencing. In times such as this I find reassurance in the knowledge that God's plan for each of our lives is purposeful and holy, even if we don't realize it at the time. This passage illustrates how psalmist is going through a difficult time, but he struggles to remember all the times God has heard his cry and responded. This gives him faith that God will again hear his cry and honor his plea.
Even when we are stuck and we can't see how God will pull us through, it is important to remember that God does not live in a box defined our human minds. We cannot limit God.
When the future is muddy and uncertain, it is comforting to know that God has incredible plans for us. God can use all of us despite ourselves.
My prayer over the next few days is that God would continue to be patient with me as I stumble through my time in Lumberton and use me, despite my own self-doubt and frustration.
God is good and I am so grateful.
Peace,
Jodi
Verse 13 reads, "Your way, Oh God, is holy."
Not my way, not your way, but God's way is indeed holy.
Somehow that comforts me among all the discomfort I seem to be experiencing. In times such as this I find reassurance in the knowledge that God's plan for each of our lives is purposeful and holy, even if we don't realize it at the time. This passage illustrates how psalmist is going through a difficult time, but he struggles to remember all the times God has heard his cry and responded. This gives him faith that God will again hear his cry and honor his plea.
Even when we are stuck and we can't see how God will pull us through, it is important to remember that God does not live in a box defined our human minds. We cannot limit God.
When the future is muddy and uncertain, it is comforting to know that God has incredible plans for us. God can use all of us despite ourselves.
My prayer over the next few days is that God would continue to be patient with me as I stumble through my time in Lumberton and use me, despite my own self-doubt and frustration.
God is good and I am so grateful.
Peace,
Jodi
A.R.K.
We went and saw Evan Almighty over the weekend - I know it's gotten bad reviews, but I liked it. Maybe I was just needing some serious escapism (or it could be that I'm just a huge Steve Carell fan), but I really enjoyed it. First, it's not often you get through a whole hollywood production withouth a bad word stronger than 'crap', and once you get past the cheese, there were some good messages in there.
The first was that to 'change the world' a good place to start is with Acts of Random Kindness (ARK- get it?!). That's a good reminder for me, that when I feel hopeless about the state of current affairs and what really can one person do! Well, what we CAN do is practice kindness, compassion, and generosity, and start by making a difference for ONE person - be it family member, friend, or complete stranger. What would happen if that was the norm in our culture?
The second message was more subtle. It was a reminder that God answers prayers, but maybe not in the way we expect. Evan's wife in the movie (Lauren Graham) had prayed for their family to become closer. Later in the movie as she is lamenting her husband's spiral into what seems to her to be insanity, Morgan Freeman (as God, although unbeknownst to her) suggests that maybe prayers aren't answered directly, but that instead, God provides opportunities for us to make those answers happen. In this case, it wasn't that *poof* the family was closer, but the opportunity to work on the ark together resulted in just that - a closer family!
This really struck me - for one, I am one of those people who likes to think they are in control and can make things turn out the way I want them to! This was a good reminder that God will answer my prayers, I just have to be open to the creative ways that that might happen! My need to control can (and does) get in the way. Let Go, Let God! The other message to me was the reminder that we are partners with God on this journey - answers to prayers aren't delivered wrapped up with a pretty bow. We are called to be active participants in God's plan - and doesn't that make things infinately more interesting?!
-- Lisa Goering
The first was that to 'change the world' a good place to start is with Acts of Random Kindness (ARK- get it?!). That's a good reminder for me, that when I feel hopeless about the state of current affairs and what really can one person do! Well, what we CAN do is practice kindness, compassion, and generosity, and start by making a difference for ONE person - be it family member, friend, or complete stranger. What would happen if that was the norm in our culture?
The second message was more subtle. It was a reminder that God answers prayers, but maybe not in the way we expect. Evan's wife in the movie (Lauren Graham) had prayed for their family to become closer. Later in the movie as she is lamenting her husband's spiral into what seems to her to be insanity, Morgan Freeman (as God, although unbeknownst to her) suggests that maybe prayers aren't answered directly, but that instead, God provides opportunities for us to make those answers happen. In this case, it wasn't that *poof* the family was closer, but the opportunity to work on the ark together resulted in just that - a closer family!
This really struck me - for one, I am one of those people who likes to think they are in control and can make things turn out the way I want them to! This was a good reminder that God will answer my prayers, I just have to be open to the creative ways that that might happen! My need to control can (and does) get in the way. Let Go, Let God! The other message to me was the reminder that we are partners with God on this journey - answers to prayers aren't delivered wrapped up with a pretty bow. We are called to be active participants in God's plan - and doesn't that make things infinately more interesting?!
-- Lisa Goering
Friday, June 22, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
fireflies
so the fireflies around here are amazing. i do not remember this many in wingate. maybe its a summer thing here in NC?
i keep seeing a little electric current of them going thru the woods.
i'm a big fan.
- KP
i keep seeing a little electric current of them going thru the woods.
i'm a big fan.
- KP
Friday, June 15, 2007
...so...this christian conferencing thing....
(this is an emotional and personal entry, but one I believe adequately speaks to the frustration of many individuals involved in "church politics")
One main part of the United Methodist faith is something called "christian conferencing." For the past 3 days I have been in Greenville, NC at the Convention Center with 1,800 of my closest methodist clergy and lay delegates. This experience has been frustrating, shocking, invigorating, life-giving, exhausting, etc. I feel torn about so many things that I've witnessed. I have heard some of the best sermons and participated in truly earnest worship. I have felt God in the burning in my gut and in the prickling of tears in my eyes.
Tonight I broke down for the first time.
The delegates vote on resolutions that are included in the United Methodist Church Book of Resolutions that is printed every 4 years. These resolutions explain the Church's official stance on a wide variety of topics ranging from alcohol to homosexuality to what version of the apostle's creed is preferred for use in the service. The resolutions that are discussed at each Annual Conference are rotated every year to provide ample attention to all. This year the resolutions included; The war in iraq, human impacted global climate change and gangs.
Over the past year and a half of attending RMC (Raleigh Mennonite Church) I have been sheltered from Methodist church politics. I have also developed my own beliefs regarding what Jesus practiced and preached in regards to war and other highly publicized issues.
I have become a pacifist.
Tonight I heard arguments for and against a resolution regarding the war in Iraq. I was moved to tears by a former lieutenant's plea. He described how his search for the direction of Christ had shown him that, "Peace will never be found with the tip of a rifle." and "the soldiers who deaths I have brought about have not made the world any safer, and have added a shadow of shame and pain within my heart." He urged the conference delegates to put aside their "American ideals" and prayerfully consider how Jesus truly calls us to behave.
I believe his courage to speak was a result of the Holy Spirit.
There were many other comments made which infuriated me. One of which quoted a famous text of which I cannot remember the name. A man remarked, "Men who question the action taken to protect their freedom are only entitled to it because of the valiant efforts enacted by better men on their behalf." The same individual also remarked that, "Jesus would want us to fight to save the oppressed." I could go on, but I feel the tears beginning to threaten.
It would not be ok to cry in a hotel lobby at a public computer.
My heart broke for God, for our world, and for what we are doing to it. I felt the heavy burden that sometimes accompanies hopelessness. I tried to pray, but found my throat and thoughts clouded by pain and frustration. I excused myself and escaped to an open field beside the building where I gulped the fresh air and held my chest in anticipation of the recession of emotion.
It did not come.
I questioned many times before tonight whether I truly believed in pacifism in an situations regarding violence, war, and genocide.
Tonight I felt God's heart revealed to me regarding the matter.
It hurts to have your heart broken by God.
I would appreciate your prayers. We have once day of conference left before I will be able to return to Raleigh Sunday afternoon. I am in a very sticky situation where I find myself in an completely foreign culture and they are much more conservative than I. I find difficulty in discussing a difference in beliefs while I am still trying to get the community to open up to me and trust my intentions. The Native American Community is very underrepresented here and fighting for voice. I have also openly witnessed discrimination while we are out dining or traveling. It is a very disturbing situation, but one I believe God has put me in for a reason.
Peace,
Jodi
One main part of the United Methodist faith is something called "christian conferencing." For the past 3 days I have been in Greenville, NC at the Convention Center with 1,800 of my closest methodist clergy and lay delegates. This experience has been frustrating, shocking, invigorating, life-giving, exhausting, etc. I feel torn about so many things that I've witnessed. I have heard some of the best sermons and participated in truly earnest worship. I have felt God in the burning in my gut and in the prickling of tears in my eyes.
Tonight I broke down for the first time.
The delegates vote on resolutions that are included in the United Methodist Church Book of Resolutions that is printed every 4 years. These resolutions explain the Church's official stance on a wide variety of topics ranging from alcohol to homosexuality to what version of the apostle's creed is preferred for use in the service. The resolutions that are discussed at each Annual Conference are rotated every year to provide ample attention to all. This year the resolutions included; The war in iraq, human impacted global climate change and gangs.
Over the past year and a half of attending RMC (Raleigh Mennonite Church) I have been sheltered from Methodist church politics. I have also developed my own beliefs regarding what Jesus practiced and preached in regards to war and other highly publicized issues.
I have become a pacifist.
Tonight I heard arguments for and against a resolution regarding the war in Iraq. I was moved to tears by a former lieutenant's plea. He described how his search for the direction of Christ had shown him that, "Peace will never be found with the tip of a rifle." and "the soldiers who deaths I have brought about have not made the world any safer, and have added a shadow of shame and pain within my heart." He urged the conference delegates to put aside their "American ideals" and prayerfully consider how Jesus truly calls us to behave.
I believe his courage to speak was a result of the Holy Spirit.
There were many other comments made which infuriated me. One of which quoted a famous text of which I cannot remember the name. A man remarked, "Men who question the action taken to protect their freedom are only entitled to it because of the valiant efforts enacted by better men on their behalf." The same individual also remarked that, "Jesus would want us to fight to save the oppressed." I could go on, but I feel the tears beginning to threaten.
It would not be ok to cry in a hotel lobby at a public computer.
My heart broke for God, for our world, and for what we are doing to it. I felt the heavy burden that sometimes accompanies hopelessness. I tried to pray, but found my throat and thoughts clouded by pain and frustration. I excused myself and escaped to an open field beside the building where I gulped the fresh air and held my chest in anticipation of the recession of emotion.
It did not come.
I questioned many times before tonight whether I truly believed in pacifism in an situations regarding violence, war, and genocide.
Tonight I felt God's heart revealed to me regarding the matter.
It hurts to have your heart broken by God.
I would appreciate your prayers. We have once day of conference left before I will be able to return to Raleigh Sunday afternoon. I am in a very sticky situation where I find myself in an completely foreign culture and they are much more conservative than I. I find difficulty in discussing a difference in beliefs while I am still trying to get the community to open up to me and trust my intentions. The Native American Community is very underrepresented here and fighting for voice. I have also openly witnessed discrimination while we are out dining or traveling. It is a very disturbing situation, but one I believe God has put me in for a reason.
Peace,
Jodi
Monday, June 11, 2007
Experiencing other faiths
Greetings from Chaclacayo, Peru! I have settled quite nicely in Peru with a wonderful training group and a great host family. As most of you know, most Peruvians are Catholics.. and well, I´m officially Mennonite, so this is a bit different. But, to keep up with the culture of my family and to become more accustomed to Peru, I have decided to go to church with them every Sunday (well I guess it is called mass). It is really interesting.. I went last Sunday with my family (just my host dad, brother, and sister). No one really talked to each other.. no meet and greet or anything like that. And no food. DEFINITELY not Mennonite. And right away the assistant to the priest came up to me and wanted me to read the scripture in front of the church! I politely declined, although I looked bewildered. The service was nice.. the music was really lovely, we did a lot of kneeling and standing, and a random dog wandered in from off the streets and jumped up on the pews, haha. But no one seemed concerned that he was in there! Maybe he needed a little Jesus, too.
So, in this seemingly unimportant service, I found my own faith. No, I am not Catholic.. but I can take these opportunities when I go to mass to reaffirm my faith and spend time with God. I have no idea what we are praying or saying.. but it feels wonderful to be in this church, to be kneeling before God, and praying about my day - even if everyone else is doing something totally different. I feel part of a community.. not only of my small town of Chaclacayo, but a community of believers. It is nice. And God is there.
So, in this seemingly unimportant service, I found my own faith. No, I am not Catholic.. but I can take these opportunities when I go to mass to reaffirm my faith and spend time with God. I have no idea what we are praying or saying.. but it feels wonderful to be in this church, to be kneeling before God, and praying about my day - even if everyone else is doing something totally different. I feel part of a community.. not only of my small town of Chaclacayo, but a community of believers. It is nice. And God is there.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)