What really matters...

I mentioned in a previous post that I was trying to run 80 miles this advent.  As of this morning, I was at 75 miles, and I had great intentions of finishing today.  But it seemed like everything was stacked against us (Dora was also at 75 and we were planning to run the last 5 together).  Everything started off well - we got up and ready and headed over to the fitness room at our apartment complex.  Which is where things started to go wrong: the doors were locked.  It did seem somehow appropriate as we had this problem frequently toward the beginning of our journey, but we thought we had it all figured out as the card had been working fine the last few days.  At that point, though, we figured the office was open and we could just go through the other way.  However, the office was closed for the holiday.  Which meant we could run outside or lots of loops at the school.  So we decided to wait until the afternoon and attempt the run outside.  So around 3:30 we headed out.  It starte

At first glance this picture might seem self-explanatory as to why this is patience.  But actually, all those gifts are from me.  I find one of the hardest things to be patient about is when I have a gift that I have spent time thinking about, and I feel I have come up with something great, but I have to wait to find out someone's reaction.  But there is beauty in that anticipation.  So often we want to just get to the next thing that we forget to appreciate that time of anticipation.  And that is what Advent is meant to be - a season of anticipation for what God is about to do.  It's hard in our time because we know the next part of the story.  We know what happens on Christmas day, and we want to jump right there.  But today, and through advent, I try to also appreciate the anticipation.  Because Christmas isn't over.  Christ is working in the world all the time, and part of following him is not knowing what will come next.  So we must be patient and wait in anticipat

As you look at this picture, our society says that the strong are those who are doing the lifting. And there is truth in that.  Strong people do lift others up - sometimes literally, but more often in figurative ways.  But what I am learning is that there is another kind of strength in allowing others to lift you.  I am capable of helping others.  And I am extremely capable of helping myself - I am a very independent person.  But the kind of strength I am still working on is the kind of strength that allows me to be vulnerable, to let others in, and to allow myself to be helped.   The thing is there is no one more vulnerable, no one who has less control, than a baby.  And that is how God chose to come to the earth.  God made himself vulnerable to humanity and asks that in return we make ourselves vulnerable to him. Letting go of control is not something that I am good at, but the truth is control is an illusion anyway, and accepting the fact that I am not in control is a kind

I spent a good portion of today being a part of the audience.  This morning was the children's Christmas program: Which was wonderful as usual.  These kids are incredibly gifted.  Then this afternoon we had the annual church Christmas recital and all sorts of talented people showcased their gifts.  There were Irish dancers, vocalists, and instrumentalists.  There were groups and duos and soloists.   And as I thought about rejoicing, and what to do with my picture today, I thought about how one of the best ways to rejoice in the Lord is praise him with the gifts he has given us.  Now the people I witnessed today had a gift that I definitely don't have - rhythm (I'm alright on the music side of things, but the rhythm makes that fairly useless), but we all have gifts that we need to let shine as we rejoice in the Lord. (I apologize for the poor picture quality - these were taken from a bit of a distance, in not great lighting, on my phone)

When beginning a long journey, steady is more important than speed. Last Christmas one of my Facebook friends issued a challenge to run or walk 80 miles during Advent, as it was approximately 80 miles that Mary and Joseph had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  I didn't quite make it last year because I got sick about 3 days before Christmas and couldn't finish the journey.  So this year, Dora and I decided to try again.  The advantage we have this year is that we started on time. Last year I didn't know about the challenge until about 4 days into December, but this year we were able to start December 1.  I bring this up in the conversation of steady because I have a tendency during my runs to want to push myself to see what I can do - particularly when I run on the treadmill as I have been doing all week due to the cold and snow, but I need to remind myself that I have a long way to go and I need a steady pace that I can maintain.  During today's run, I found I

There are places in our lives that become holy spaces.  For me, the place I always think of immediately is (of course) Camp Wanake, most especially the outpost area.  I can't even tell you how many nights I laid out in those fields and looked at the stars. Or how much time I have spent sitting in this window listening to frogs or watching thunderstorms.  Years after my last summer at Wanake, I still wish I could magically be transported here during storms. This place made me who I am and I love to go back, visit, and reflect on where I am and where I am going. God has never failed to meet me in this place in whatever way I need. This beautiful, spiritual place among the hills is most definitely holy in my life.

When I read the word delight, this picture from my trip to Montaña de Luz in 2011 is what came to mind. We were playing the running and screaming game where you get one breath to run as far as you can. I just love the huge smiles on their faces and especially the open arms that look like he is running towards someone he just can't wait to hug. As an added delight, this picture never fails to make me smile and hope that one day I will get back to that mountain of light with these precious kids.

I had a hard time thinking of what would work for wisdom.  Though honestly I had very little time to think about it.  Today was a crazy day - church, followed by babysitting 21 church kids to give their parents some time out during the crazy holiday season, followed by SUM TEENS leadership meeting and small groups.  Honestly if I didn't have amazing people working alongside of me in each of these areas, I don't know how I would have made it through.  But the truth is, when I got home, I had nothing much left.  And those are the times we need to take care of ourselves.  Wisdom is knowing when to let someone else take control.  Wisdom is taking time to take care of yourself in the midst of the busyness.  So after my crazy long day I am taking time to pamper myself by hanging out in my sweats watching TV and soaking my feet.  There is a reason one of the commandments is to keep the Sabbath holy. God knows that we need rest, and it is a truly wise person who takes the rest they

Ok so at first glance, this one may not make sense to you.  In actuality, this is the preparation for the flood. When you know a flood is coming, you need to be prepared - in this case, for a flood of people.  Saturday morning this space will be filled with hundreds of people for Sunbury UMC's Breakfast with Santa.  Preparations have been going on since last year's event.  Many volunteers have worked over the last few days to prepare the space, and that will continue tomorrow.  Then Saturday morning, volunteers will show up to lead games, prepare food, and so many other things for the morning.  Then, after a 2 hour event (9-11am), the cleanup begins, followed by the preparations for next year's event. The point - reaching our community with the message, hope, and love of a God who would send his son to live here on earth.   The importance of that message makes it all worth it.  So I pray for those who will be part of this flood of people - and that the nasty weather does

Time.  It's one of those things that there never seems to be enough of.  Sometimes with my team challenge students we talk about those things we have in limited supply - primarily time and money, and we talk about how when there are limited amounts of something, we need to make a plan on how we want to use what we have. Let me confess - I am terrible at this.  I am procrastinator and I am better at acting on a whim then sticking to a plan.  I like to have a plan.  I just don't generally follow it.  Which is probably why I often feel rushed - like I am running out of time.  There is never enough of it.  I feel like I live my life with a timer like this running down on each task, and I end up waiting until the last moment when I can't wait any longer.  And then I get it done just before the deadline. That is my relationship with time.  And honestly, most of the time it works for me.  But sometimes that results in me being overextended and overwhelmed.  And in those mom

This is my roommate's dog Tinkerbell.  As I thought about peace, I thought about her sleeping because she just seems so at peace with herself.  She is able to snuggle up wherever and just be.  I find that I envy her that.   As a human, sometimes just being is so challenging.  There is always something else to focus on, something else that needs done.  There's a to-do list that never ends. There are problems we can't solve.  And the holiday season busy-ness just adds to the lists. But part of Jesus coming was to bring us peace - peace that passes understanding.  In the midst of the chaos and the craziness, we can find peace when we give the crazy to God and take time to just be.  So snuggle with a pet, spend time with a friend, play with a kid - let go of the crazy and enjoy the moment.  Whatever it looks like for you - I hope you can find some peace in the midst of the busy holiday season.

Yesterday I began the Advent photo-a-day challenge. This is the list: I am posting the pictures to facebook, but wanted to take some time as well to think more deeply about each word, and explain why I did the pictures I did.  So here is day 1 and 2... Day 1: Go It all sounds so cliche.  Church is not a building, it's a people.  The real work of church takes place outside of the building.  Yet there is usually some truth to cliches, and these are no exceptions.  This time of year particularly it seems easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of church, and our own lives.  But we need to take the time to shift our focus outside of ourselves and see the needs of others around us.  And we need to GO outside the church to meet people where they are.  At a youth conference a few weeks ago the theme was John 13:35, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."   Day 2: Bound This one was harder for me.  I thought abo

I want to preface this post by saying I know very little about the nuances of the issues in Washington, and honestly I am grateful that I don't have to understand those nuances.  But as I read and listened to various things regarding the government shut down, I found myself thinking about the time I spent with 6th graders on the challenge course at Heartland today, and thought that maybe our lawmakers, and society as a whole, need a refresher course... 1.  There are many ways to accomplish something.  It doesn't have to be your way.  And if everyone decides it has to be their way, nothing gets done.  Sometimes being part of a team means letting go of what you want for what serves the greater good of the team.  And let's be clear - when I say team, I really mean anything that involves more than one person - a family, a workplace, and yes, a government and country. 2. Communication requires 3 parts - 1. Sending a message (i.e. talking) 2. Receiving the message (i.e. liste

Today at church the scripture was the story of Mary and Martha, found in Luke 10:38-42 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha   opened her home to him.   She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.     But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,”  the Lord answered,  “you are worried and upset about many things,   but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” As this scripture was read in church this morning, I found myself thinking of it in relation to work mission.  See, in years past, I tended to be the person who kept working when the homeowner came by, but this year, I stopped and took time to talk.  One of the jobs that I was on was a house t

By Katy Wright Open your time together in prayer. Read Matthew 25:31-46 Think about the things listed in this passage.  These are situations that people live with everyday – and opportunities that we have to live into our calling to live for Christ in the everyday.  Discussion questions: ·         How have you lived for Christ this week?  How can that transfer to your life at home? ·         What are the challenges to living for Christ at home?  What are some of the distractions we have to deal with?   ·         What have you learned this week that might help with living into our calling? ·         Jesus told lots of stories to teach his followers and to remind them to focus on what is important.  What stories can you take from your week that will remind you to focus on Christ?  (Feel free to add those to your 2x4) Close this part in prayer, and then spend some time finalizing your presentation for large group time. Planning for large group time: As

By Bob Rodgers Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 o        What do you think this passage is telling us? o        How does it relate to being called? o        Is there any part of the passage that confuses you that other members of your group might be able to clarify? These verses I just read say that God calls us to give to others not grudgingly, but joyfully, as we each deem appropriate. He has blessed us so that we may be a blessing to others. God gives us much, not so that we hold on to what we have, but so that we can share with those who are not as fortunate. We have been called to serve Christ and to be a blessing to others because of what He has done for us. While some of us may not think that we have abundance, we need to realize that we have all been greatly blessed. Take a minute to think of some of the ways you have been blessed, and discuss these with your group .  When we come to an area such as where we are now, we come with the intent of helping “the poor”.

By Mark Boyce and Elyse Schnabel ·         Read the Ephesians 4:1-16 aloud as a group. o        What do you think this passage is telling us? o        How does it relate to being called? o        Is there any part of the passage that confuses you that other members of your group might be able to clarify? ·         Each group leader was handed a baggie with different names of body parts on different pieces of paper. Pass out those papers now. The object of this game is to see how quickly the group can form a body. When the game starts, everyone walks around, telling people their name (optional) and body part. If their body parts go together (Arm to torso, nose to face, ect.), then they link arms. If they do not go together (nose to arm, leg to head, ect.) then they continue to look for other people. The game will be timed by the leader of the group. Then put the papers back in the bag and pick again so you have new body parts.  This will be done three times and used to sh

By Marisa Allen and Sarah Robinson Open in prayer Read Matthew 4:18-22 ·         What do you think we are supposed to learn from this scripture ·         How does it relate to being called? ·         Is there any part of the passage that confuses you that other members of your group might be able to clarify? Rhythm game – have one person stand away from the group where they cannot see or hear the group.  Then those who are left in the group choose a leader.  Whatever this person does, the other group members must do.  So for example this person might start by clapping their hands, and everyone else starts clapping their hands.  Once everyone is doing this, call back the person who went away from the group.  They stand in the middle of the circle, and watch the group.  The person who is the leader must occasionally change motions.  For example they might stop clapping their hands and start tapping their finger on their nose instead.  Everyone else must follow suit.  You

By Alfred Yates Opening Prayer Please ask someone to open the devotion with prayer.   Opening Discussion What are some things we value in our life? We are going to read a Psalm that illustrates the value of God’s Word and Law. Psalms 119:9-16 9  How can a young person stay on the path of purity?      By living according to your word. 10  I seek you with all my heart;      do not let me stray from your commands. 11  I have hidden your word in my heart      that I might not sin   against you. 12  Praise be   to you,   Lord ;      teach me   your decrees. 13  With my lips I recount      all the laws that come from your mouth. 14  I rejoice in following your statutes      as one rejoices in great riches. 15  I meditate on your precepts      and consider your ways. 16  I delight   in your decrees;      I will not neglect your word. Questions from the Passage 1)       From where does seeking God start? 2)       How does the Psalm say we can live acco

Tonight's devotions were written By Lora Fritsche Read Matthew 11:28-30 ·         What do you think this passage is telling us? ·         How does it relate to being called? ·         Is there any part of the passage that confuses you that other members of your group might be able to clarify? o        Yoke (according to dictionary.com): a device for joining together a pair of draft animals, especially oxen, usually consisting of a crosspiece with two bowshaped pieces, each enclosing the head of an animal . o        How does understanding what a yoke is help you understand the verses? No matter where you are in life, every person carries their own personal burdens.  There are some burdens we all face, such as  1. Sin 2. Demands of family, work, school 3. Oppression and persecution 4. Weariness in the search for God. How can you find rest and renewal with Jesus and allow Him to help you with your burdens ? Think about the best qualities of a relationsh

If you want to follow along on devotions with the work mission team, I will be posting the devotions here.   I may also post some reflections - we'll just see how it goes! ~ Katy Saturday Night: Called 2x4 Christ Katy: (Have someone open in prayer) (Place signs on wall – words CALLED ________________  CHRIST) How would you fill in the blank?  (take a few answers – then continue) There are three ways that we are each called that we are going to focus on this week.  Let’s hear a little more about these… Reader 1: Matthew 9:9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. Jesus met Matthew where he was.  He saw him sitting at the tax booth.   But Jesus didn’t want Matthew to stay there.  He said to Matthew, “Follow me.”  Following requires movement.  It also requires relationship.  This was the beginning of Matthew’s relationship with Jesus. Je