End of the World?

     So the end of the world comes today?...or the beginning of it anyway?  Haven't heard of any mysterious disappearances so far.  That's okay.  I'm satisfied to leave all that in God's hands, far better ones than mine.  In the meantime, Lord, what do you want me to do?  How do you want me to share your love?  What service do you want me to perform?  How can I and my fellow church members be builders of the kingdom? 
    Whether it be for five minutes or many years, may we each be found faithful at our task. 

Peace

     The biblical understanding of PEACE is not just about the cessation of violence.  It is a vision of wholeness.  We need peace, not just in the world but in our souls as well.  Where are our areas of brokenness?  Have we given God all the pieces?  How can we be harbors of peace for others?  How can we be builders of peace in the world?  Let us begin with prayer that includes both words and commitment to action. 

Beautiful Flowers

     Our Choir Director posted some incredibly beautiful pictures of his garden on his Facebook account.  Some of the flowers (Foxglove, if I'm remembering the name properly), he had planted also in the church garden - seedlings last year and they are beginning to bloom again.  In seeing something beautiful, there is a wonderment in the complexity God has created.  Colors, shapes, textures, and times, not only in plants, but in people as well. 
     Pass the word - GOD IS WONDERFUL!

A Day After Mother's Day

     Someone on the radio apparently suggested yesterday that it should be called "Mother's Day," but "Significant Women's Day."  Someone else reported that they'd been told it wasn't "Mother's Day," but "Parents' Day."  Well, historically it has always been Mother's Day.  But we often and appropriately use it to celebrate significant women in our lives.  And please don't forget all parents.  In fact, now that the day is over, it may be all the more meaningful to reach out to parents and significant people in our lives to share how important they are to us. 
     Often overlooked is the fact that Mother's Day is also the Festival of the Christian Home.  For those raised with parents of faith, we know what a precious gift this is.  What can each of us do to make our own homes more Christian?  How can we reach out to others to witness to the liht that shines in the heart of a Christian home?  How can we share the light of truth, courage and faith?

Mother's Day

     Did you know that the woman who got Mother's Day started later regretted it?  As I recall, she felt it became too commercialized.  It's not surprising.  Businesses will find a way to make money.  It doesn't take away from the importance of thanking the good and loving mothers in our lives.  Some we can only remember, others we can contact in more concrete ways.  For some, a good mother was lacking in their lives and we can only hope that they met someone along the way who gave them the kind of love a mother would. 
     The bible occasionally uses images of mothering to describe God, such as a mother hen nestling her chicks and a mother eagle teaching her nestlings how to fly.  God is the loving reality that everyone can reach for and experience.  May you know and feel God's love this day and every day. 
     Blessings.