3D WITH REV. DEB

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 Friday, April 6  Good Friday

Today we take the final steps to the foot of the cross after a season of meditating on Jesus own journey. We must ask ourselves if can take our stand?

The wonderful words of hymnody say so well what we imagine and what we experience-more than words alone.

From the cross we face death and the frailty of life. We make our way through "Black Saturday" to God's strength and joyful promise which we celebrate on Easter morn.

May our Risen Lord uphold you and encourage you today and always! Alleluia!

Beneath the Cross of Jesus

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of the mighty rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noon-tide heat, and the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One who suffered there for me:
And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess;
The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

Jesus Christ Is Risen Today

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as God’s love; Alleluia!
Praise our God ye heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
 

March 26-31 Rev. Deb went to Joplin, MO during spring break.  Read her blog here. 

March 23

Lent With the Family

Lent for me is a time of reflection, a time of waiting and in wonder of all the gifts God has given me. The biggest being the gift of Jesus dying for my sins. Now that I am in seminary I often think I should be doing more with this time of waiting especially when it comes to raising my kids in the faith. We do talk about it as a family and take part in the special worship services surrounding the season, but I feel that I fall short in teaching them the true meaning of the season. This has always been the challenge for me as a mother on the go, running at a pace that I can’t always keep up with. Home, work, school… Home, work, school… Home, work, school… I find that the biggest challenge for me is to stay in the moment. To be at school when at school, not thinking of what I am going to cook for dinner or what email I should have gotten out for work or truly being 100% percent engaged with my children. Most moms can relate to what I like to call Mom guilt and when it starts I can fall into the downward spiral of falling short and feeling that I am not doing anything right. It can become my own wilderness. But… something always happens to bring me back.

I was reminded of the coming of Easter while leaving my class the other day in a rush to get home, trying to beat traffic. In my hurry I stopped short to see a snowdrop flower peeking up at me as a reminder that spring was on the way. I almost missed it!! It was new life, new beginning a time to stop and wait and take a much needed moment to enjoy this beautiful flower. When I got to the car I quickly called my 9 year old daughter to tell her the news of this flower, check in and say that I was on my way home. She responded with her own story of school, friends, how her brother was getting on her nerves, and her desire to open a headband store when she was older. We had a beautiful conversation and as I was about to hang up I heard, “I love you momma.” There you have it, the meaning of Lent for me and my family; love, forgiveness, and starting anew. Some times we need to be reminded that although we strive to be good, it is impossible. This is something my family discusses a lot and when I disagree with my children and we walk away from each other in an argument we always come back with an apology and the knowledge that tomorrow is a new day and for that I am grateful. Jesus has taught us to love one another and he loved us so much that He died for us. Each day is a new day and a gift to start over and try again. That is what I want to make sure my family knows this Lenten Season. So as we all approach Easter may you stop and smell the flowers, hug your loved ones and give thanks for the gifts that God gives us in all of our days, even the busy ones.

; ) – Jenny Hubbard

March 22

The Screwtape Letters and Lent

I had the privilege of seeing the theater production of CS Lewis’ book “The Screwtape Letters” this past weekend. The book is about the letters written between a senior demon, Screwtape, and his nephew who is a junior “tempter,” Wormwood, as they try to corrupt a man. The book is meant to be a broad overview of the temptations and trials that take place in our everyday lives.

During this Lenten Season when we are called to self-examination as Christians, I found Lewis’ insights especially poignant. By taking on the role of the devil’s advocate (literally here), Lewis is able to talk about real distractions and temptations from our walk with Christ: lust, love, pride, gluttony, and war. When Lewis was asked if he had to study philosophy and ethics to find all of the ways Screwtape would try to corrupt the man, he responded that he had to go no further than his own experiences and brain. I find this a powerful acknowledgment from a prolific writer that evil is able to seep into our lives and will continue to do so, but we are called by God to recognize this evil, turn away, and follow Christ instead.

One of my favorite lines from Screwtape is, "(God) wants (people) to be concerned with what they do; our business is to keep them thinking about what will happen to them." So friends, let us be concerned with what we do… this Lenten Season and beyond. God bless.

Pastor Robert

 March 21

Between a Rock...

It is a curious thing to me how scripture often compares 'dead things' to living things. For example:

from 1st Peter 2...Come to him, a living 'stone', though rejected by mortals
yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and like living 'stones', let yourselves
be built into a spiritual house...

Not unlike the desert coming alive against all expectation, stones come alive as well! In fact we are being asked to consider Jesus himself as a living stone.   This gives us some insight into the Easter traditions of eggs which look like stones and can come to life as chicks, along with bulbs which surprise us with beautiful, colorful growth.

God has always been bringing life from nothing; from what appears to have no life at all. In the beginning God brought forth life and included Adam and Eve in the mix! It seems like only a few weeks ago we were at the beginning of Lent, reflecting on being just so much glorified dust and ash.

Back to stones...which are important in scripture, perhaps in ways that are different than our contemporary thinking. Stones comprised the first altar built by Abram. David slung a small rock at Goliath the giant and slayed him in one fell swoop. Stones were foundational to buildings, walls, roads. Even Jesus says to the pharisees when asked to silence his disciples, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."

From stone to malleable clay, from rugged to rebirth, from death to life is what God does and promises to do.
Today we may say about stones in our lives, "I am stuck between a rock and a hard place".
To my way of thinking that's exactly when God begins the work of life-giving....let yourselves be built into a spiritual house.

March 19

From Rugged to Renewal...

Most places in the world have a time of rebirth when quenching waters come and new life appears.  Even the desert!  In fact it can be spectacular to see the desert in bloom.  One has to see it to believe it, for it is a miracle of Creation.  Out of all that is dead and dried up; colorless and lifeless, bloom the brightest colors imaginable.

 Isaiah describes just such a desert experience as a way of encouraging God's people in the worst of times:  (Chapter 35:1-2, 3, 6-7)

The desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wastelands.
The desert will sing and shout for joy;  it will be as beautiful as the Lebanon mountains and as fertile as the fields of Carmel and Sharon.
Everyone will see the Lord's splendor and God's greatness and power.

Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness.
Tell everyone who is discouraged, "Be strong and don't be afraid!"

Streams of water will flow through the desert;  the burning sand will become a lake,
And dry land will be filled with springs!

The lengthening days of light and temperate weather begin to soften the rough edges of one's wintry, Lenten spirit and one is filled with anticipation.  It is the anticipation of rebirth.  We dare to hope that God is able to bring to us new life that we are incapable of creating ourselves.  We dare to believe in brighter days.  We dare to trust that a dark and rugged journey may become, like the desert, something unimaginable, beautiful and useful.

March 16

Rugged...

The photograph today is a picture of a portion of the Anza Borego Desert, a state park which is 2 hours east of San Diego, California. The picture you see is especially desolate and rugged - an image that could keep one away from the desert for a lifetime.

Scripture tells us that Jesus went to a desert wilderness for a time of fasting and temptation after his baptism. For 40 days and forty nights! Having visited many deserts I often wonder just how rugged his desert experience was. Whatever the actual landscape, it must have been a spiritually rugged terrain. We can only imagine how this venture became a time of preparation for all that lay ahead.

It was this venture that started the early church observance of Lent; meant to be a time or season of sacrifice and devotion for every Christian. Lent is remembrance of Jesus as human, one who understands our temptations and sorrows and yet the one who is divine, God with us. As I ponder Jesus' desert experience and contemplate the rugged desert places of our lives, I am also called to remember how great and powerful is our God.

I believe one of our failures as humans is how we underestimate God's power to be at work to pull us through the desert to oasis, cool waters, where we find life saving refreshment for our souls. And, God seems able to take these times and bring us to a new day and a new time in our lives. Just look around -as the Lenten days “lengthen” God's creation is coming alive before our very eyes, winter's desert no longer!

God of all mysteries, who brings the day and guards the night,
you know our hearts and you hear our questioning.
Teach us to hold back nothing;
to come to you with every thought,
every doubt, every question, every hope, every prayer.
As we do this, Lord, still our racing minds.
Above all, we underestimate your transforming Spirit
and the power of your presence.
We stand in need of your reassurance. Hear our prayers…

 March 13

Today's Scriptural Stretch...

Philippians 4:4 - 9

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

March 12

Stretching...

Just like an animal not to stretch "on demand."

Whenever my cat or dog gets up from lying down, they immediately stretch. They stretch lengthwise first- a long head to toe pull and then a little this way and that. After these preliminary stretches they seem ready to go. I thought about this for myself in general, considering I sit far too much! We should probably all be doing this as we rise and move through the day. We would actually move a little more gracefully and hobble less. Well, speaking for me that is.

I thought about spiritual stretching watching my animals make transitions through out their day. It is so easy to hop from one thing to the next and from one person to the next while enduring umpteen interruptions, without much thought. "Whaaaaat?!", we may well be thinking. Those transitions can sometimes be as awkward and “hobbly” as pulling myself up out of my chair or off the couch! Whatever else, it may take my attention some moments to catch up with 'the next thing'.

I think my new Lenten discipline may be to try to stretch right alongside my animals. Yes, it may draw some strange stares from time to time. What I'd like to add to this is a moment of “spiritual stretching.” As I turn from one activity to the next or toward another person, I think a deep breath, a quick line of scripture or a phrase from a favorite hymn might just awaken my mind and spirit to what ever or whomever is before me. I can only imagine my focus will be improved and my reactions may be much more thoughtful and wiser. I'll let

you know how it goes....

Ephesians 5: 19 - 20

...be filled with the Spirit as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

March 9

The Blessings...

The early disciples must have spent a fair amount of time scratching their heads as they followed Jesus and learned to become fishers of people. It seemed that there were times when he answered a question with a question or what he said sounded opposite of what they had known. I was reflecting on Jesus teachings as his ministry grew and more and more people followed him. I was reading the Beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5 and tried to place myself in the crowd that had gathered to listen on the hillside, along with the disciples. These verses of Jesus sayings describe true happiness and blessing. They may confound listeners depending on where one is in the spectrum of comfort, wealth and religion. Jesus was describing a very different set of expectations.

The Beatitudes or blessings Jesus lists are still a topsy-turvy way of understanding how life works. It is worth reading these verses very slowly and reflecting upon each one, asking how it might apply to you or someone you know. Place your name in a verse or the names of persons you know or a situation in the world that you have been praying about. What comes to mind? What pops into your head and heart? How are you being challenged?

The disciples became blessings themselves and carried forth the early faith of following Jesus. They did become brave fishers of men and women, in spite of their stumbling and mishaps. I believe the longer they were with Jesus and the more they heard and observed the more courageous and committed they became. With the gift of the Holy Spirit it seems as if the disciples were released from their own mindset and fears. Off to teach and preach and heal they went, carrying the blessings of Jesus with them.

Matthew 5:3 -12 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

March 8

Instant...

It always amazes me when I think about someone waking up one morning with a creative idea that before you know it, becomes the next best thing or a way of life, such as Instant Oatmeal.

I am an oatmeal person and I never thought it took particularly long to make oatmeal edible...a few minutes perhaps? Now you can have it ready even more quickly by popping it into your microwave or simply pouring hot water on it. We've become quite accustomed to 'instant': instant communication, answers, food, journeys by car and plane, medical care and emergency personnel (Call 911!), pizza delivery, new clothes and so on.

There are quite a few things in life, however, which remind us that everything isn't nor can it be - instant! There is nothing instant about weight loss, an education, healing, growing up, seasons, finding a job, pregnancy and childbirth, one's faith journey, to name a few. Ironically we get frustrated or disillusioned when we can't have things instantly or solve things quickly; or when we feel for example, that God has not responded to our prayer or reassured our doubt.

The word lent comes from the Latin word meaning “to lengthen.” The season of Lent takes place as the days lengthen into Spring and daily there is longer light. Observing Lent teaches us about waiting; about patience, persistence and faithfulness in all seasons. God's people waited for God to show them a new life in the Promised Land. The prophets waited for God to send a Messiah. Jesus waited to the time of his ministry. The disciples waited for the gift of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. Jesus waited to be raised from the dead and ascend into heaven.

Most things of true value require time, gestation, development. We can call on God in an instant and trust God to hear. We can draw into God's presence in an instant and seek reassurance. However, life defining decisions and answers take time; persistence and patience are required.

As the days lengthen and we make our way toward Easter, may we be given gratitude for this time that is ours. As it stretches before us and delivers us to Easter's door, may the assurance of living in God's time be with us all the way.
Psalm 90: vs. 1-2, 4,13-14
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.

Turn, O LORD! How long? Have compassion on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

March 5

In God's Care...

My friend, Pastor Barbara, shares an image of God that is very intimate and reassuring.  She imagines that in prayer we draw near to God;  and sometimes it is like resting in God's lap, just as a mother comforts her child.   Psalm 131 gives us this image of tenderness.

O LORD, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.  But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.

O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time on and forevermore.

March 2

Water Wings, Glaciers and God

Tuesday during our staff meeting, Rev. Robert led the devotion to start off our meeting.  He talked about Jesus as the water wings that keep us afloat in the waters of life and that even though we wish we were floating along in a lazy river we are often tossed around in some rough seas.  It was a good visual and then he shared with us how he recently tried on some water wings and that they are not made for adults.  I began to picture Robert’s head above water and his 6 foot 5 inch body with his long legs and long arms underneath the water.  It made me think about glaciers and how 90% of a glacier’s mass is underwater never to be seen.  That’s amazing when you stop and think about the size because they already look so huge from the top and if what you do see is so massive what must the underneath that you do not see look like.  This visualization took me to God’s work in our lives and the question, “Where did you see God today?”  I can usually find something in the beauty of nature, a kind word from a friend, a smile from a child but what about all the things God is doing in my life that I can not see?  It reminds me of the church’s prayer card and the power of pray.  When my husband Brian lost his job many people came to us and said they were praying for us, they were the top of the glacier, the ones we could see.  But the truth of the matter was many, many people were praying for our family, people we didn’t know, didn’t see people that were the underneath of that glacier.  We don’t always see the work that God is doing in our life as we can’t see the 90% of the glacier underwater but we know it is there.                   -Jenny Hubbard

 Ephesians 4:5 “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.”

February 29 

A Long Drive...

Think of Lent as a long drive in which you have time to reflect and evaluate. Like a long drive, you may tire of the distraction of a radio and become absorbed by the hum of wheels on pavement, a horizon before you and the solace of silence. Such a time may just be when you consider where you are and where you are going.

The season of Lent is an invitation to take a 'long drive'; to intentionally and prayerfully examine our lives, our journey in the light of Jesus' life. Professor Brene Brown of the University of Houston, writes in her book, Gifts of Imperfection,.. "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do."

God employs our imperfections and they may become unexpected gifts which guide our journey. To acknowledge our disappointments, wrong turns, and imperfections may give us the sign posts along the road that we need. We may also find ourselves acknowledging the vistas of beauty we have enjoyed and the insights we have gained about our best selves. If we were to compare our story to Jesus' story, whose life and ministry we are invited to re-examine during Lent, it might be too much of a contrast! Whoa - where do I begin?

We bravely love ourselves through tough times and even a rocky road before us as far as the eye can see, because our story doesn't stand alone, apart from the grace and presence of Jesus Christ. Our story finds meaning and hope and love and bravery because he has shown us the way; a way which teaches about a source of power beyond ourselves, of devotion, gratitude, humility, regard for others and a love of self.

Ready for a long drive?

The Great Commandment - a map for every journey, in every season.
Matt. 22:37 - 39 

Jesus said: ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

February 24

Glorious Imperfection...

Having been created in God's image, there is a lot of goodness in us. Being human, there is a lot of imperfection.
Having eyes only for our short comings and imperfection leaves us depleted and perhaps even paralyzed. We may believe we cannot change. Having the perspective of Jesus grants us the vision of who we can become.

Have you ever considered how God may be at work through your weaknesses and challenges? We quickly come to understand our dependence on a perspective other than our own; a divine one in fact which offers care, presence and the power of a creative Spirit.
We can respond to God's care for us with trust that God can take even 'our worst' and turn it toward good. We can, with prayerful hearts and minds, become new creations in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation:  everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

February 23

Create in Me a Clean Heart...

Psalm 51 vs.1-12, 16-17

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment. Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.

You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

February 22

About the Ashes...

 I'm not sure I knew what Ash Wednesday was as a young person. I noticed that my Catholic friends might be seen once a year in late winter with a smudge of charcoal on their foreheads.

As a seminary student I began to learn the role of ashes in the Old Testament. From dust and ash we were made by God and to dust we shall return. As the people of God unfolded, it was also an acknowledgement of their imperfection and humanity; a reminder of utter dependence upon God. To wear ashes and sackcloth became a form of repentance and mourning. It was a process of cleansing and purification.

In the New Testament the ashes combine with the symbolism of the cross. Jesus became human like us but bore away our sin and fulfilled our repentance. Because of his death we have new life which will transcend the dust and ashes. As the Apostle Paul puts it in Romans 6:4-5...

Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

The ashes are a symbol of our baptism and our new life in Christ.

As a young pastor I learned about the observance of the seasons of the church year. They began to filter into protestant churches as a way of “living by another calendar” and as a way of following the breadth and depth of Christ life. Ash Wednesday became a way of accepting my own humanity as well as the hope that is ours in Christ and a means of offering this acceptance and assurance to others.

I remember the first funeral I ever did in which a small urn was placed in a small square hole in the ground at the cemetery. These were the ashes of a dear friend. It was a stark confirmation to be sure that no matter how significant our lives may be, in the end it is to dust we shall return. It is to the promise of God we must cling as we go forward.

So I have come to be one who now wears that charcoal smudge upon my head, certainly for many reasons. Especially for those whom I know by name who now have that new life in Christ; for those who have given their lives in service and whose names I shall never know; for the certain knowledge that I too shall one day return to dust. I shall return to dust and ash not with fear, but with the hope and confidence that comes in Christ.

February 21

Living By a Different Calendar...

It has come around again!  Lent. It begins this week with Ash Wednesday. To the protestant mind there is an immediate tension as to whether this season even belongs to our tradition. Many grew up hearing about it; hearing about giving up all kinds of favorite things and having to go to church more, and so on....but that may have been the extent of it.

When Protestants talked about the season of Lent, we were encouraged to 'take on' rather than 'give up'. Jesus already took on the supreme sacrifice and gave of his life for us, therefore, it was for us to take on ways to be more like him and discover the ways to draw closer to him.

I'm not sure if it can't be the same in the end - this giving up or taking on...I have always thought the distinction was to distinguish us from other traditions and to teach us to develop new and stronger spiritual habits. What do the experts say about new habits? It takes 6-8 weeks to have them instilled in our lifestyle? Ah, there you have the practical side of observing Lent.

For me, the observance of Lent gives us the extended opportunity to live by a very different calendar; to evaluate our busy lives through the eyes of Jesus. This can be pretty telling to be sure.

To make the Lenten journey is to say that we shall live by another calendar. Our own calendars are driven by external demands and a 24/7 world. To acknowledge Lent actually draws us back to Advent and Christmas and then through Jesus’ baptism and time of testing in the wilderness; and then forward to Calvary and the glory of Easter.

Who are we? How do we understand ourselves in the world? What are our priorities? Are we growing in faith and service? Do we make worship a priority? Is there time in our lives for prayerful devotion?

When we set our spiritual clocks and adjust our calendars by literally observing the life of Jesus Christ, it colors and guides the way we live in the world. The world's 24/7 doesn't have to be our way. We come alive in Christ and find our life, abundant life, in living with Jesus and for him. From the anticipation in Advent to the promise of Easter, and the joy of the church coming alive at Pentecost, we are invited each year to make this our way; the way for deepening relationship with God and the faithful “practices” of Christian living.

Mark 1:12 - 13

February 17

The rooster heralds the break of day. God's prophets of old heralded a new day.  Jesus embodied this promise and became the new way.  These words from the prophet Isaiah portray the hope then and our hope for today.

Lift up your voice like a trumpet!  Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.  Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.  Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.   The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.     Is. 58:1a, 8-9, 11

Did I Mention Roosters... 

Clinton and I were absolutely thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to travel to the island of Kauai as an early 30th anniversary celebration.  It was a time of relaxation and celebration to be sure. We hadn't fully imagined the added bonus of basking in not only sun but extraordinary beauty!  It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen:  towering green mountains, lush tropical flowers and trees,  turquoise waters, birds of every description and...whales!

Have I mentioned...the roosters!  The roosters and chickens and chicks!  The chickens and chicks are cute and sprite.  The roosters are another thing altogether.  And what is it that we associate with roosters but ...CROWING!   

In the best light, we think of these red cockle crowned, plumaged creatures awakening all to the dawn of a new day.  In reality, roosters never stop crowing.  They crow all day and much of the night, truth be told.  They are a protected species in Kauai with no apparent predator (such as coyotes we have who would have a hey day).

But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

February 10

The Serenity Prayer...

This prayer is associated with the theologian Reinhold Newbury (1892 - 1971).  In it's unabridged and original form, it is a prayer with great depth, wisdom and guidance. 

God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that you will make all things right,
If I surrender to your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with your forever in the next.

Amen.

February 9

Jesus Prayed...

The opportunity to "get away from it all" is really a great gift. It is not something to be taken for granted. Having just had the opportunity of stepping away, into a time of relaxation and re-creation, I see again the tremendous value of doing so. One is renewed and one becomes ready to face the challenges and demands of life.

It seems so hard for most of us to orchestrate these times. Yet, we can have mini "get aways" each week and/or month. I have a friend who makes sure to have a day long retreat once a month in a place of beauty and sanctuary. She steps away for a time for prayer and reflection; turns off the cell phone and computer and the many voices of people around her.

When I think of leaping back into the "fray," which includes my small corner of the world and the news of the many corners of the world in strife, it seems insurmountable to deal with, without the help of stepping away, especially in prayer.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus cleanses a leper and word begins to travel about his teaching and his healing. Pretty soon he is being followed by all kinds of people and crowds, with all kinds of needs and demands. Luke says Jesus retreated or withdrew to deserted places to pray. This was what it took for him to find renewal, compassion and strength.

The more I reflect on living life, with all the uncertainties and the threats of instability across the globe, the more I reflect on what Jesus must have experienced in withdrawing to deserted places to pray. Quiet and stillness. Communion with God. A time of sanctuary. A renewing of spirit? So it seems and so can it be for each of us. Whatever a 24/7 world can toss our way, we will be far more prepared to contend with it, for we do not go it alone.

Luke 5: 15-16

But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases.  But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.

February 7

Grieving...

In the last few weeks our church family has been touched by tragic loss. In one weekend alone, there was a set of stabbings at Frankie's Blue Room and the funeral of a beloved infant.

The one fatality in the stabbing was a well regarded and loved young teacher in a nearby elementary school. There are no words that really explain a senseless loss such as this to one of his students, let alone his fiancé, family and friends. Perhaps only his willingness to step into harm's way for a friend can be offered.

A funeral for the loss of a child is as difficult as it gets. One's child is a sign of promise and future. There are no human words that can adequately bring comfort to grieving parents in the face of such profound loss.

At one of our high schools there was the death of a senior, a young woman, due to a heroin overdose. What can be said of the theft of human life by drugs and a life cut short?

In days of deep tragedy, the family of faith, the very Body of Christ is called into action. Realizing there are no perfect and adequate words we offer the hands of care and support, the embrace of presence and the prayers of unceasing hope. We make ourselves available as is helpful and needed, in the name of the One who holds life in the palm of his hand. We petition the God of all comfort to send the right people who can be received to come along side with comfort and encouragement.

We pray for the light of Christ to crack the shell of darkness and with his loving presence give strength for the day, day by day, a day at a time, until the days grow together to bring the hope of a new day. Let us imagine and hope that our united prayer, through the power of the Spirit, will bring respite from grief, rest and comfort, and finally the hope that carries one forward into life.

 Romans 12:9-13, 15, 18

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

February 6

The God Who Knows Us

 Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24

The Inescapable God

O LORD, you have searched me and known me.  You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.  You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.  Even before a word is on  my tongue, O LORD you know it completely.  You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.  See if there is any wicket way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

February 3

Balance

Wednesday night ladies bible study is reading, "A Mary Heart in a Martha Kind of World.' It's a book based on the story from Luke 10:32- 48 of two very different sisters. Both are devoted followers of Jesus. One is a perfect example of an ancient Martha Stewart while the other is an example of a day dreamer.

Martha is busy, busy and one has the feeling she is organized and managerial. Mary seems like a younger sister, happy to let Martha handle the details. One gets the impression that the sisters have very different expectations about the use of time. Of course much of this description is extrapolation over years of people relating to this story from their experience of dealing with family members, busy schedules and expectations.

The world needs different personalities working together to make the world go round. And as we work with folks very different from ourselves, we discover time and again that most of us need more balanced and less judgmental lives. We learn about ourselves and others. We learn about balance and realize our own need to create it. A struggle to be sure.

Jesus tells the sister Martha that under the circumstances Mary has made a better choice with her time - the choice to stop everything she was doing and give her undivided attention to Jesus. So Mary does this- she sits at his feet and listens with all her being. You can imagine Martha's reaction let alone what the other disciples must have thought. It wasn't a tradition for the women who served Jesus and the disciples to insert themselves in this way.

Jesus makes a point to all gathered that Mary's utter devotion is a form of worship. We all need to create time in our busy lives for such devotion and sincere love of Jesus. When we do this we will discern "the better way" as Jesus says to Martha. When we do this we will discover the Jesus' way--a life of worshipful devotion.

Otherwise? We're all apt to run around endlessly harried, just like Martha. Ok-clearly a lot more of Mary-ness is needed in my life!

Luke 10:32-48

So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.  He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them.  Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, "Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend."  Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?  He said, "The one who showed him mercy."  Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.  She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying.  But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?  Tell her then to help me."  But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing.  Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

February 2

Praise the Lord  Psalm 148

Finding renewal in the creation seems to be as ancient as humans and the need for renewal. The psalmists of old declared the glory of God from mountain tops and desert floors. In great moments of beauty their words sought to give word to the feelings of wonder and spiritual communion that almost defied description.

Psalm 148 is one of those praise filled songs that makes ones heart and imagination soar. The words come to life when one is standing in nature's cathedral of the Hawaiian islands. Kauai is replete with green, craggy peaks, lava reefs and vermillion water. Outsized flora of every color brighten pathways and hillsides while unlikely fowl comb the roadways and beaches, scratching and picking for food.

The rhythmic sound of ocean waves draws tension from strained muscles and spirit. The horizon of endless sky and water keeps one's focus outward. And if one is especially blessed, the horizon is sliced by grand playful leaps of those great creature's of the deep, so immense yet so lithe. We small humans thrill to see them raise such heft, high into the air, seemingly defying gravity itself with their own affirmation of life and praise for the day.

With the psalmist, let us sing-
Praise God you highest heavens and you waters above the heavens!
Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling God's commands.
Mountains and hillsides, fruit trees and cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!

Kings of the earth and all people's, princes and rulers of the earth.
Young men and women alike, old and young together!
Let them praise the Lord, for God's name alone is exalted;
God's glory is above earth and heaven!

February 1

Tortured Times

We were catching up on our reading of the week's news. In doing so of course, there was no way to avoid the news; a desperate situation in Syria, caustic magazine covers of Political aspirants dressed as vicious gladiators, high unemployment an unchanging trend.

"These are terrible times," someone had just said to me. "Just terrible." Despair and worry were laced throughout those words and depicted free floating anxiety. Unrelenting uncertainty is tortuous for the soul.

Sometimes it feels as if there isn't anything that can be said which doesn't sound syrupy or Pollyanna-ish when times are truly tough. Is it really appropriate to say nothing? There is the danger of becoming numb or apathetic, questioning, "Has it ever really been different? It is the way of the world ..."  Living a lifestyle which says, "Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow ... well, who knows about tomorrow?" isn't an answer to these times either.

I can get pretty dismal myself. After all, reading the news gives one 'the news in all it's stark and glaring reality." Finding good news in dark times requires a pretty intentional effort . One must go looking for it. At least that is what I have come to believe. I now seek to learn of others who persevered and (re)discovered hope in the midst of turbulent times. We are cheered on by their faithful stories, by their looking beyond themselves in concern for others and by their unwillingness to let the "times" determine their quotient of hope. Persistence and care can never be underestimated in troubled times.

So, to good news let us turn. It has always been the only way to move through the times at hand with hope for a new day.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame and has taken his seat at the right hand of God.

January 27

Delays

Airports are notorious for delays. Hurry up and wait. Hurry up and wait. Slog through security. Extra security checks. Drink or toss the bottle of water. Check the flight status. How's the weather forecast? Stand in line for Starbucks. Wait until your boarding group is called. Possible mechanical concern with the plane?! Delays will get the best of the most patient and persevering person. And those aren't words usually attached to my person.

January draws to a close-month 1 of the year of our Lord 2012. Was it a "start up" month of fresh decisions and hopes for the new year? Has it been a stop-start month with unexpected delays or set backs? Best of intentions....?

There's only one way to endure delays in airports. A step at a time... Delays are instructive. We learn about ourselves and our willingness to adapt, to persevere, to be forward thinking. One must keep the end or the goal in mind.

It is said that the way we start a year and follow through on resolutions and commitments sets the tone for the year ahead . No pressure. It only takes 6 to 8 weeks to establish a new habit or routine (i.e. change ?!). How's it going in month one?

You've heard it a million times and airports have been our teachers. The key to success is the "simple" reality of plodding forward a step at a time, a day at a time, a resolution at a time. Yes, one thinks, no originality in hearing that truth again...one foot in front of the other. One day succeeding another. Yet our days become transitions from where we were to where we're headed. And the so called plodding produces new ways and life changes and not insignificantly-hope--and hope carries us forward.

Ps 121
I look to the hills from where my strength comes. My strength comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

May you feel the blessing of the journey with your eyes on the "prize," knowing the very God of heaven and earth is your strength every step of the way.

January 26

Freeways and Fast Lanes

California is my home state. Every time I return for a visit I am convinced that people drive faster here than anywhere! Did I really conquer these roadways with the same fierce competition and break neck speed and think nothing of it? Apparently so. I drove all over southern California, all the time, without giving it a second thought.

Update to the present: add in the commuter fast lane. If there are at least 2 persons in a car, one is eligible to drive in this fast lane to the far left of the freeway, along with a steady stream of "commuters," all traveling at the speed of light. In driving my folks around, their constant provocation was for me to speed up and get into the fast lane. "Shall we just take it mellow and enjoy our time together?" I would ask... thinking to myself, "There's no way I'm going to get in that fast lane with these two elderly souls in the car." 

My parents' complaint was that I drove like a little old lady. Until recently, my mother who is nearly 90, prided herself in her ability to navigate the southern California freeways with ease. If you were her passenger, she'd give you a scary little half smile and remind you that she was the "little old lady from Pasadena" which meant she was a lead foot, and she'd nonchalantly swerve toward the fast lane and gun it along with the rest.

So, once again I have hit the southern California freeways and fast lanes with tentative gusto and... mostly trepidation. Add to this scenario the infrequent rain storm. Imagine a good old fashioned downpour. Southern Californians are not used to this weather condition called rain. They do not slow down. There are more spin outs and hydro-planing than the Long Beach Formula 1 Race Way. Therefore, this thoughtful, conscientious mid-western driver takes on an even more cautionary, pull to the slow lane line of defense!

Sometimes experiences which stand in strong juxtaposition to one's norm become telling and teaching experiences; sudden moments of aha! "Get out of the fast lane. Slow down!" couldn't have been clearer to me. "Don't try to catch up and go faster" were the words ringing in my ears. "Slow down. Take more time. Don't swerve in and out of life's traffic."

The word fast is often used in scripture with a very different meaning than we tend to employ it today. There is encouragement to "hold fast."  If you look fast up in the dictionary, the first definition is not speed, but that which is firm, stable, immovable, secure, fastened.

Psalm 119:30 - 31 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart free.

January 25

What Can You Do With a 5 x 7 Piece of Glass?

I am always amazed at the creative talent of many street artists. They set up an easel and a chair and designate a spot where passersby can't help but catch a glimpse, or stop and wonder at what they can do. Sometimes on a busy street or in the middle of a busy day, it gives one pause to stop and observe creative flair in process.  If you want a fast caricature or your name in Chinese script, a painting of your favorite movie star or a windswept beach, you are likely to find such just such a creation produced before your very eyes.

Nowadays YouTube offers a different kind of street corner where we can tune in and observe all sorts of artists and creativity at work - for better and for worse.  It was on YouTube recently that someone showed me a Russian street artist captured on video, making truly unique pictures and with remarkable speed. He had a stack of 5 by 7 clear glass panes. With lightening quick but deft fingers he dabbed colors upon the glass and with a slide of a finger or a slash by a nail, creating stunning pieces of art.  I'm calling it art because of the creative process involved.  The man originated landscapes you couldn't imagine within minutes!

One morning, this particular street artist awoke and knew what he could do with a 5 by 7 piece of glass!  All of this set me to thinking about awaking to each day with a creative idea, perhaps a surprising and brand new idea.  Most of us will not turn to street artistry or even YouTube, but what a wondrous thing to consider a creative outlet of some sort on a daily basis. 

Music, dance, art, stitchery, day dreaming, a letter, a house plant terrarium, a jigsaw puzzle of your favorite vacation destination, a page of doodles, poetry, a crafty door wreath, decorating cookies, filling an empty frame with imaginary pictures, perusing an art book or a garden catalog...something different than our norm.  The options are as endless as human beings that live.

As we continue this new year, why not let our imaginations have time to come out and play?  Why not build in a moment each day for a creative outlet? (Well at least each week ?)  We may be absolutely surprised at what comes to us and gives us respite and joy.  In the beginning God created the world and saw that it was good. Our Creator endowed us with remarkable creative abilities; artistic even.   For each of us is a piece of God's artwork.  How awesome and wondrous might it be to make this year a year of creative expression.

I Timothy 4:4 For everything God created is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

January 24

All is Well.......

Really?
We've entered a new year with the prayer that many things would be different, resolved, more hopeful.  The news is our news. Unemployment is a brutal reality. State governments are broke and broken. Families struggle in their relationships. Children worry about their safety. People are homeless and hungry. Afghanistan looms. Another contentious election sits upon the horizon. To say all is well ...

Christmas seems far away now. Yet a song of the season has stayed with me, almost hauntingly so.  Our choirs at Knox joined together at Christmas to sing a song that has gained momentum in recent years and been sung by all kinds of choirs and individuals.

Here are some of the lyrics to "All is Well:"
All is well. All is well.
Angels and men rejoice.
For tonight darkness fell
Into the dawn of love's light.
Sing Alleluia

All is well. All is well.
Lift up your voice and sing.
Born is now Emmanuel
Born is our Lord and Savior.
Sing Alleluia.

Many others have preceded Michael W. Smith with this sentiment.  Julian of Norwich, an English mystic who lived in the 12th century, experienced a series of visions of Jesus Christ.  In her primary work, "Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love," these words were penned and have made their way down through the centuries:

All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

Jesus said to his followers and listeners, (Matt. 6:25 and following) "Do not worry...seek first God's kingdom and righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."

We wish it were that "easy."  Yet we are drawn around the corner of despair and doubt every time love is born anew and grace prevails. Whenever hands are held or voices raised in hope against darkness; when we step into Christ light and see others and ourselves with eyes more like His, we too are moved to trust and declare "all is well."

These moments stand as grace giving sign posts, keeping us on our way.  And angelic voices, ringing in our ears, may be just what is needed to carry us not only into--but all the way through the new year.

"Let not your hearts be troubled...believe in me." John 14:1

January 23

Something New!

Starting today we are adding a feature, 3D with Rev. Deb,  which is a short for "Digging Deeper, Daily."  I will be sharing daily devotionals and stories, many of which will be gathered from Staff and congregational members. If you have something to share, please send it to me at droberts@knoxpres.org. I look forward to hearing from you.

Digging deeper, daily? I am a gardener and this is what gardeners do - dig and turn - soil. One can't let this practice be overlooked for too long or the soil and plants will become unhealthy and under nourished.  I've come to see it is the same in our spiritual lives. When we dig and turn and nourish the spiritual soil of our lives, we are surprised. We are grateful and amazed at the ways in which our Master Gardener can bring bright blooms and cultivate fruitfulness.

This love of gardening started out with a few house plants (said to improve the air quality of my dorm room in college) and has grown over the years from indoors to outdoors.  As we grow in Christ I think the same thing happens!  3D with Rev. Deb is meant to be daily encouragement and challenge for life and spiritual growth, especially on those days of thorny relationships and weed-clogged plans.

Daily - let us endeavor to unearth God's Word for our lives and God's grace in every season.


The New Year

We are quickly into our New Year 2012 and perhaps rather than feeling we are turning the page on the New Year, it feels that pages are flipping far too quickly. How 'bout those New Year's resolutions? How 'bout them Bears?

God never gives up on "new," nor on our ability to be re-newed. Isn't that the saving grace of each day? God can marshal and mold our motivations toward a new day and a different way.  Left to us alone, we don't have the energy or the courage. Continue this new year on the foundation of good news, newness and re-newal.