Do What Works!

     If what we're doing isn't getting the results we want, then what might we do differently?

• If we want more peace
• If we want a more relaxed pace to life...
• If we want a deeper faith..
• If we want more people in church ...
• If we want a more fulfilling job...
• If...

Add your own observations that help you answer the question:  "What might God be inviting me to do differently?"

     At my church home, Palmyra First UMC, We wanted to touch more families, so we help all ages spend time together and intentionally learn together with Intergenerational Education this year. We wanted to invite more people to depth of faith and friendship, so we're working to  expand the best biblical and practical tool  we know for doing that--Koinonia Groups (small groups).  We kept bumping into Christmas Eve schedule challenges, so our Worship planning team is planning new ways to help everyone.

      How about your life?  Where would you like to invite God to work in fresh ways?

Re- Flect, Joice, New

Events collide begging for more.  Ferguson, MO.,  Advent, Thanksgiving, life with family and life with church.  It all crosses paths.

Today the Advent meditation above and the Martin Luther King, Jr. quote, to the left, drew me to the hope of  Emmanuel, God-with-us.  I am thankful that there is more than my mind and strength to bring peace & sense in a world that is too often distressed & senseless.

May you find hope and reason for thanks in the days ahead.  I pray that in some way I may be a reminder that God loves you and that I might be a part of the work that strives toward shalom, peace.

Blessings & 10,000 Joys in the Prince of Peace.

#Hope  #UMC #United Methodist #LiveLove

Finding Peace

     A full three weeks of squeezing in required and important things between valuable and scheduled things has left me tired.  Peace sounds both good and near impossible on days like this.
     Snatching an email Upper Room I clicked on the bible link about Jesus' follower Thomas, who had his doubts. (John 20:24-29)  I saw myself.  Thomas was busy and "not with the others." He struggled to believe, wanting evidence, help, clarity.  I identified.
    A whole week, 8 days, a new creation, later Jesus provides for Thomas' need and says "Peace."  Jesus didn't say "do you understand", but "Peace."
    In that exchange I found peace too.  Grace to meet my need and a gift, a deep re-filling breath, an assurance... "peace."  That's a real gift in my morning. Thanks be to God.

Where do you find peace?

Finding Peace on 9/11

n this anniversary of 9/11 I read a thought provoking piece by Rabbi Laura Geller, Fighting the Internal Enemy.  Rabbi Geller reminds me of two important principles for peace.  One is relationship with myself, knowing and understanding what moves me, both good an bad.  Two is relationships with others and learning the "other's" stories and life.  Both of these are set clearly in a relationship with the Divine, something bigger than just my conclusions and inclinations.  Good stuff.
      So I wonder how it's so easy for me to forget what Jesus' taught, to love my God with all I have and my neighbor as myself?  It's not rocket science.  It's not military.  It's not budget dependent.  It is effective.  It is contagious.  It is faithful.  Yet I get wrapped up in anger, pain, ego.... easily, without awareness of both myself and the Holy.
      I've noticed many different responses to 9/11 over this decade plus one years.  Some intense.  Some reflective.  And digging deep into my spirit, and you into yours, is a simple, powerful beginning place to remember and build peace.
      How do you remember and build peace?

Make A Difference, Speak Up on Health Care

Health Care.  Why is it so hard to care for everyone?  I get the political tangle, but it does honestly seem like petulant pre-nap kids in a sandbox.  I get that it costs money, but healthy happy people are far better defense than more bombs and deployments.  I get that people with money and power have always felt threatened or felt entitled in relationship to the poor and the powerless, but that has seldom helped the world be a better place for all...just a better place for the wealthy and powerful.

I still think that "love your neighbor thing" is important. I still think that whatever you do to the poor, the other, the least of these determines your destiny and your character.  I still think justice is important, caring for those who are less able to care for themselves.  And I believe that God loves us all.

I'd  challenge you to get on board and make a difference in the world in a way that will help you, but indeed is far bigger than you.  Check out the John 10 10 Challenge, sign the letter, get involved.  Make a difference.