3D WITH REV. DEB

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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.