Psalm 100

I admit that I have been sidetracked in my blogging by Wordle. I have found it to be an interesting and insightful way to look at familiar passages of scripture. I invite you to reflect on this version of Psalm 100. It is also interesting to scrutinize politican's speeches in this way.

Why I Blog

I have discovered that blogging can be a true spiritual discipline. It can help me to concentrate and to get in touch with my heart. This focusing on experiences and processing on the accompanying emotions leads to important reflection on significant events in my life. Often writing about it can redeem a difficult and frustrating day. I claim what I have lived and make it part of my journey. It becomes lifesaving and sometimes good for others who might read what I write.

Thank you to those who keep encouraging me to find the inner places that I hardly know that are there and to discover spiritual answers to the questions that keep being asked. There are hidden treasures to be found when I allow new thoughts to emerge when writing or blogging. The realization that Jesus walks with me and speaks to me on the journey becomes even more real. What a blessing!

Wordle

Through Internet reading, I discover all sorts of interesting trivia and ways to think about life in new ways. Larry Hollen introduced me to Wordle, an online program that creates a word cloud from text provided. I ran Wordle on my blog site and got this word cloud. (Click on this image for an enlargement.) I think this was created from recent blogs only. However, it is interesting to see what subjects and phrases that I use frequently. This kind of overview of our use of words could give us useful insight into the word pictures we create for others to see.

School Days

These are exciting days for children as they begin a new school year and an important transition time for their families. For the first time in many years, we personally sense the significance of what these days mean as our two oldest grandchildren are beginning kindergarten. Although we rejoice in this occasion, we know some of the challenges they will face and instinctively want to keep them under our watchful eye a little longer. Prayers for protection take on a new urgency and parenting/grandparenting issues change. May we all know God’s love and grace as we move through this time.

Metaphors

As I write a sermon for our Monday evening worship the rich imagery presented in Scripture once again ignites the power of the Word for me and puts it in the present. It is the images, the stories and the poetry of Scripture that reveal God’s holiness again and again. Jesus is the greatest master of metaphor. In his metaphors lies metamorphosis. In other words, through the language of metaphors we find truth and meaning in our faith. It is said that the metaphors we live in become the reality we live out. Images and imagination are imperative to revealing that which is sacred. So be it as I struggle with this sermon.

A New Sunday School Year

I can’t believe that it is time for a new Sunday school year to begin. The tasks are many to make this a good experience for all. Tara and Melanie have been working for weeks calling forth teachers for our children and making sure that we have volunteers in place so that these teachers can meet this week during the Sunday school hour to prepare for the weeks ahead. Our new graded curriculum has arrived. Rock Solid is the official resource for The United Methodist Church and published by Cokesbury. In addition, we need to make sure that our Safe Sanctuary Policy is being followed and that our classes are neat, clean, well-supplied and attractive. Finally, we have to extend a special invitation to all. Similar efforts are being made for youth and adult classes. We are blessed to have many folks willing to support our educational ministry. The challenge is to help others understand the importance of it not only for them, but also for the church. Research indicates Sunday schools continue to be an important cornerstone for healthy churches and I want to make sure that we remember this.

In addition, it is time for other Bible study and spiritual formation groups to form. We have some very good teachers who are willing to lead these groups so all we need are some persons willing to make a commitment to what can be a life changing experience. I continue to ponder how I can best help adults to know that this is a faithful use of time.

All of this is to say, I am feeling renewed and re-energized about the role of Christian education in the life of our church. I just need to follow the scope and sequence of what God needs be to be doing.

Upside Down is Better

Recently, I have noticed that a lot of products are being packaged in upside down containers. Catsup, shampoo, hand lotion and various other items can now be stored on their tops so that the contents are easily dispensed. Instead of the frustration of squeezing and tapping these containers, we are readily rewarded with a splash, dash or glob. After years of battling jars, bottles and tubes, one has to wonder why someone hadn’t thought of this sooner. Such are many things in our lives. We have always done it this or that way and never consider making a change in how we do things. Then a sudden realization that upside down can be much more productive and we create a new normal in our lives. Such is Christianity for many of us. This kind of upside down living is what Christ models for us and only when we embrace it do we know the fullness of life.

8-8-08

To the Chinese today's date is one of luck, but to many of us we hear the Beatles singing “Eight Days a Week” in our mind. Numerological significance is important in many realms of understanding. However, for me today means:

• I no longer will be able to watch WIS-TV and know what is happening in the Midlands.
  
• It is my catch-up day and will finish some of the tasks that have been on my “to-do” list all week.
  
• I plan to have a date with my husband this afternoon and see “Mama Mia”.
  
• Tonight, I will join millions of others in watching the extravaganza from Beijing and try not to be too cynical about it all.
  
• And, I will , just in case there is something to this “lucky eight” thing, I think I will start a challenging knitting project that I have been hesitant to begin.
  

A Busy Week

My week has been so rich and full with family, church activities, etc. Therefore, one would assume that I would have much to inspire me for a blog post. But, sometimes in the moment is not the best time to reflect and understand the value of such busy times. With intentional consideration, I am sure I will be able to gain a fuller meaning of these days as I walk into the future.

Obviously, the joy of grandchildren was a highlight of my week. Annaka, William, Jack and Ethan-each with their own unique personality – love the beach and when the invitation to join my sister’s and brother’s families at Sunset Beach was extended, they were there. How great it was to connect with everyone!

This family time paired with lots of time with church family allows me to know that I stand in a circle of love. Whether holding hands with grandchildren as we jump into the waves or worshiping and working with church family, I know that God is ever present and for that I give thanks.