Posts

US

 If there was ever a reason for community or “us” (a “u” and a “s”ombody) it is this: Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Fellowship is important. Having somebody that we can count on is important. Yet sometimes I think we forget that whenever there are two or more together so is Christ amongst us. When something unexpected happens and we gather, he is there waiting to join in. When we celebrate something, we gather, he is waiting to join in. The point is to acknowledge Christ being there, so the gathering becomes “in his name.”  I was always struck when on a fire or rescue call how Christ was present. Sometimes it was just giving me the right words to say, or sometimes someone else’s actions made the difference. Many brought Christ with, not just a chaplain. I can’t say I was a stellar chaplain. I learned many lessons that have shaped me, because Christ was present. Christ was present even in moments that t...

New Wine Skin

Today’s reading comes from the Gospel of Luke. “And he also told them a parable. “No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined.” Luke 5:36-37 Old wine skins are no longer pliable, that is, they have no give. They are not flexible. Fermentation of new wine cannot happen. If I am to allow for Christ to work in me, I need to possess a new wine skin. I need to be flexible. I need to be pliable. Being a Christian is not easy, and for someone who is ridged, having no room to rethink their paradigm or even room for change it is impossible. Your “skin” will tear and the new wine will spill out. I am reminded to discern where I may still be closed to hearing God’s words and implementing them in my life. Sometimes we follow others with confining inter...

Don’t Give up

  There are many things that are difficult in life. Sometimes I tell myself”and this too shall pass.” I’m not sure it gives me comfort but it is my go to mantra. I, personally am not facing any real difficulties at this moment but I know those who are. A scripture verse that brings me comfort is, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 I am committed to research and studying so I can write, sharing Gods presence. I will not give up. What is something you will not give up on today? Lord grant courage so that giving up is not the answer on the path…

Infants in Christ

 During a conversation this weekend there was discussion on people in churches. The conversation was held amongst different denominations yet the same observation: there are people who become very territorial about their roles or what they do at the church. Different denominations have the same problem. Today’s scripture reminded me of the conversation. “Brothers, I could not talk to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ . I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to take it. Indeed, you are still not able, even now, for you are still of the flesh. While there is jealousy and rivalry among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving in an ordinary human way?”  1 Corinthians 1:3 Today, I am thinking about ways I need to let people in, share in the work. A mark of a good leader, modeled by Christ was to train the next group of people. Jesus was able to see what strengths of a person and mentor them in that chosen direction. Are you a...

Two are Better

 The littles start school today. The house will seem empty without them. I hope they make friends for I have found that Ecclesiastes words are true: “ Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:   If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Today think about those who may need help, or a give a hand up. Two are better than one. Life can be messy so having those who can share burdens, sadness or even joys are important. Partners in life are those who will, without a blink of the eye, share our lives and even push us to do more, better ourselves and reach our potential. Learn lessons with others. Study hard but remember life is a playground. Like a playground, pick the equipment you want to play on, who you want to play with, but mostly enjoy recess in life on the path…

Mission

 Do you know your mission? The reason you are here? Jesus gave us his by quoting scripture: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19 Mission is our passion, our duties, our focus and our dreams. Jesus started by telling us his mission and then he proceeded to live it and eventually die for the mission. A mission can be simple. Make it through the day. Or it can be complex: create a podcast and write books. Mission becomes part of the roles we find ourselves in, and what life has handed us. Knowing your mission and being open to shifting missions when life is messy or neat. I am writing later than normal. Went to the gym and have a cousin in Kansas. I don’t believe we have all the answers, but we do need to weave our faith in our missions. Faith must be a ...

Sleep

 Sleeping for Autistic children and adults can be a complicated thing. Taking our littles camping always poses some interesting sleep patterns. Part is driven by anxiety, the other just the way littles are. I am reminded of Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Making memories may come with less than desired amounts of sleep, but when it does come knowing in any surrounding the Lord will make it safe is comforting. The importance of sleep is evident in all the studies, etc. However, I think making memories is also important. Today Lord, we ask that you keep us safe both in sleep and in our adventures. May God provide health, and safety to all who are in need on the path…