Inspiration Plus

This weekend is Washington State Special Olympic Winter Games. Yesterday I took Alex, Eric, and Nora to their cross-country skiing time trials. Last night, I attended the opening ceremony. Due to work, I can not make any of the events this weekend. However, I got some of the flavor yesterday. Winning is important to the athlete's but more important is doing their personal best. What a difference in our world if we all just strove to do our personal best instead of having to be #1. The smiles of triumph in simply finishing the race and crossing the finish line is inspiration plus. The cheering on of each other, the encouragement of the coachs and families, and the sheer joy of accomplishment is inspiration plus. One skier took baby steps, stopped half-way along, and with much encouragement from the crowd finally made it to the end - inspiration plus. When I told people that I was moving out here and working with my special friends many said that I would be such a help to them. But, they have and continue to teach me daily, affirm me daily, and are inspiration plus.

Murderer!!!

Most people when asked what commandment they are least likely to break would say, "I'm not a murderer!" And yet that is one that we all break. What you say? Mostly, this occurs because we have a limited understanding of what murder is. It is not just taking the life of someone. It is literally killing any part of a person. We kill/murder mostly with words. We murder a person's spirit, their self-worth, their reputation, and so on. Anger kills. Jealousy kills. Name calling is just plain murder. Thank goodness God loves us and forgives are sins. But remember we are then called to go and sin no more. Be aware! Think before you speak. Affirm and build up each other instead of tearing down and killing the spirit.

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan

I have always been alittle uneasy upon hearing the words-Satan, and the Devil. I believe it is because what appears in my mind is the image of the pitchforked, red suited man and that is such a limited view of evil. I also feel the same about seeing God the Father as this white haired, bearded, and white robed man. But, I must say that there is a good point to this image of evil if used as a means of halting evil behavior. That is to be able to say, "Get thee behind me, Satan!" It is a visual and auditory reminder. For just a Jesus was tested by Satan, we are daily tested by evil. That is we are tested to go against God's will. We are tested to turn away from God. Maybe those old cartoons that had the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other were a good image for us even today. So, when you are tempted and tested why not join me in boldly saying, " Get thee behine me, Satan!"

Salt and Light

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (The Message - Matthew 5)
Once again Eugene Peterson shows his wordsmith abilities. I suddenly hear "This Little Light of Mine" in my head, don't you? Unfortunately, my favorite Bible verse is lost somewhat in this translation. May your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) In my daily prayers I say, "May my light so shine before others that they may see good works and glorify you".
Shall we ponder today, how are we bringing out the God-colors and the God-flavors? How are we doing as salt and light? And don't forget to sing, "This Little Light of Mine"

A Healer? Who Me?

We read about Jesus and the disciples healing people and we question why we can't heal others or why is that not happening today. Doesn't anyone have that special gift? The truth is that we all do indeed have that special gift. We may not be able to cast out demons as we read in the Bible, at least not as specifically described. But we do have a great capacity to heal others. How you say? Well, how about with a smile, a touch, a listening ear, and/or a helping hand. These are just a few ways in which we can heal. Think about it. As a massage therapist and a RN, I know that a touch can be healing -physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Rubbing someone's shoulders and neck can relieve stress, physical problems such as headaches, and emotional blocks as well. A smile can change a person's attitude and stop negative thinking. Do you get the picture? So, knowing that you have this wonderful gift, explore the possibilities and use it more and more each day. A healer? Who me? You bet ya!

The Kingdom of God is at Hand

The Kingdom of God is at hand! When I hear that statement I think that it is about to begin, close by, or just starting. Maybe it is better stated - the Kingdom of God is here and now - the Kingdom of God was, is , and will forever be! We know that we live in the kingdom of this earth but do we really acknowledge and "live" in the Kingdom of God also?
I used to think about the two kingdoms in this way: each of my legs were planted in a kingdom and each kingdom was pulling me and my duty was to not split in two. I have come to see the error in this theory. It is my duty to bring my "legs" together and to stand straight and tall. That is to bring the two kingdoms together not to keep them separated. I believe that in baptism we become a child in God's kingdom. Obviously we become a child of this earthly kingdom at our birth. Living in the two kingdom is not easy. But it is made easier when we take charge of our lives and bring them closer together rather than let their pull split our lives. Thank be to God that we are given the strength, guidance, and love to make this possible. God is with us and so are others who also are journeying with us. God is calling, Christ is supporting, the Holy Spirit is empowering. Thanks be to the Triune God.

My Child, Delight of My Life

The moment Jesus came up put of the baptismal water, the skies opened up and he saw God's Spirit --it looked like a dove --descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life." (The Message)

Did this happen in my baptism? There is no report of a bird landing on my head, nor a voice from heaven. Did this happen in your baptism? And yet we were chosen, became a child of God, and were marked with the sign of the cross of Christ forever. Indeed we became "My Child, delight of My life". Do you feel the Holy Spirit moving within, around, and through you? Do you know and sense Christ walking beside you? Do you believe that "Abba" loves you?

Martin Luther is reported to have stated upon waking "I am baptized." I think that maybe we should have a sign made, that we could see upon waking, that states " This is my child, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life."