Can you allow Christ to stretch your spirit beyond you?
Yea I know it's a crazy question, but an important one to address. Our growth in faith and our movement toward Christ hinges on how we answer this question. Most times our struggles in faith are with ourselves. We have difficulty moving out of the way of the work Christ is seeking to do in and through us.
As I have attempted to write daily on this blog I have allowed myself to be deterred thinking that my musings were not worthy of reading. I have been so wrong. I'm not the only one with rumblings going through their head about the way God is moving in and through our situations.
Look for me more regularly and don't hesitate to comment.
09 February 2009
26 December 2008
Graduate School
I've just finished another semester of school. This journey towards a doctor of ministry is really working me. I had no idea that I would be so challenged. I haven't kept up with friends and family like I had hoped I would. I am so exhausted. Is there anything good happening on this journey? YES!! I'm moving forward. I'm clarifying my ministry with young adults, I'm better at defining my limits and I'm so much better at hearing God's voice. The challenges of graduate school have helped me center my life on Christ. I've been looking at my motivation for working in ministry and constantly come back to Christ's Peace. I believe that everyone can enjoy Christ's Peace when they rely on God. The hard part is to rely on God; to turn it over to God allowing God to lead the way. My struggle is following where God leads. I do know that God only leads me to good, I am just stubborn and hardheaded sometimes unwilling to let go of my plans. School reminds me that my plans are only good for me and others when they are in line with God.
30 November 2008
First Sunday in Advent
First Reading – Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Gospel – Mark 13: 33-37
“LORD, I am ready for You to do a great work in me.” Can we speak these words honestly? Have we really prepared ourselves for the great works God will do in and through us? To answer truthfully, we must say yes and no. Throughout the year, like the Israelites in the first reading, we have experienced the wonderful works of God. There are many things for which we can be grateful. Yet, through our own human error and wonderment, we have also strayed away from God’s desires for us; seeking our own path. But we serve a merciful God; the One God, who Paul reminds us will strengthen us for the tasks ahead, “…so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are however to be watchful and alert, keeping ourselves ready for the day of Christ’s return. The season of Advent gives us the opportunity to renew our commitment to Christ, the Church and one another. Awake! Take notice of what God is doing in, around and through you.
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Gospel – Mark 13: 33-37
“LORD, I am ready for You to do a great work in me.” Can we speak these words honestly? Have we really prepared ourselves for the great works God will do in and through us? To answer truthfully, we must say yes and no. Throughout the year, like the Israelites in the first reading, we have experienced the wonderful works of God. There are many things for which we can be grateful. Yet, through our own human error and wonderment, we have also strayed away from God’s desires for us; seeking our own path. But we serve a merciful God; the One God, who Paul reminds us will strengthen us for the tasks ahead, “…so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are however to be watchful and alert, keeping ourselves ready for the day of Christ’s return. The season of Advent gives us the opportunity to renew our commitment to Christ, the Church and one another. Awake! Take notice of what God is doing in, around and through you.
07 November 2008
In the Silence
In the silence my God comes to me. There He helps me face myself. He searches me, stretches me, comforts me and encourages me. In the silence there is God.
05 November 2008
My Meaning Your Meaning
What makes sense to me doesn't always make sense to others. Ever feel like no one understands you? Have people questioned why you do what you do? And when you tell them they are just as confused as before you explained? I'm struggling now with a person who doesn't find the same meaning is something that I do. I am locked in this battle that has great meaning for me, but represents form for the other.
How do we stand and press forward when my meaning conflicts with your meaning? Barack Obama showed us how. We stand tall in face of adversity knowing that truth and honesty will prevail. No matter the odds, when you know that you walk with God and the task ahead is just and righteous, you press forward. You acknowledge the struggle so that you can better equip yourself.
My meaning and your meaning may never merge, but what will happen is that we leave with a better understanding and respect for one another's point of view.
I cannot say enough about the importance of Christ's transformative love and its affect on me. I am better because Christ lives in me. I continue to move towards peace because life lived moving towards Christ is sooooo rewarding. As I am blessed, I pray that I bless you.
How do we stand and press forward when my meaning conflicts with your meaning? Barack Obama showed us how. We stand tall in face of adversity knowing that truth and honesty will prevail. No matter the odds, when you know that you walk with God and the task ahead is just and righteous, you press forward. You acknowledge the struggle so that you can better equip yourself.
My meaning and your meaning may never merge, but what will happen is that we leave with a better understanding and respect for one another's point of view.
I cannot say enough about the importance of Christ's transformative love and its affect on me. I am better because Christ lives in me. I continue to move towards peace because life lived moving towards Christ is sooooo rewarding. As I am blessed, I pray that I bless you.
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