Monday, April 21

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

John 20: l-18

 

A child asked her father, "Daddy, what does Easter mean? Is it kind of like Christmas?"

"In a way. Christmas is when we celebrate Jesus' birth Easter is when we celebrate his resurrection."

"Resur-what, Daddy?"

"Resurrection. That means when he was raised from the dead after being crucified and buried."

"You mean they killed him and put him in a grave and then took him out again?"

"Not exactly. It was the evil of people that killed Jesus. But it was the goodness of God that raised him from the grave ... that gave him new 1ife.”

"Daddy, you mean that Jesus was really dead and buried and then God made him alive again?" A note of wondering in her small voice.

"That's right, and on Easter we celebrate this. Because the Church is alive, and we are alive, only because Jesus lives -- in the world and in our hearts.”

A long pause. And now a note of puzzlement in her voice.

"Gee Daddy, why don't we have Easter every day?"

Well, why don't we?

 

Louise Westfall (1991)

Easter Sunday, April 20

So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Mark 16:8

New dresses. Pretty bows. Eggs hidden and hunted. Marvelous music. Wonderful worship. A Great family dinner.

These are the images of Easter that many of us associate with the church’s most significant holy day. It is a wonderful uplifting day that reminds us that there are new beginnings and that the winter is almost over. What we forget though is that this was not the response of those who first encountered the message of the resurrection.

In Mark’s telling of the tale three women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome all went to the tomb in order to anoint Jesus’ body with oil. Jesus had died and been entombed so quickly that the normal and customary burial rituals had not been undertaken. As they approached, things seemed wrong…out of place. The stone had been rolled away. There was a young man sitting where Jesus ought to have been. His message was disturbing. He told them that Jesus was resurrected and that he would be waiting for the women and the disciples in Galilee.

Their response is not what we might expect. Instead of jumping for joy and shouting, “Praise the Lord”, they fled in terror and told no one. How could that be, we ask. How in the face of this raising of Jesus could anyone be afraid? The answers are numerous.

They were terrified because this event caught them by surprise. They were terrified because Jesus’ rising from the dead meant that the fundamental principles of life and death had been changed. It meant that God’s Kingdom was breaking in around them. It meant that life as they had known it would never be the same. It might in fact mean a religious and political upheaval that would imperil them and their families.

This Easter, I hope we will try and see the day through the eyes of these women; not meaning that we should be terrified but that we would allow ourselves to stand in awe of this event that changed not only the course of humanity but of creation itself. So this Easter amid the dresses, flowers, songs and meals, let’s stand in awe of God’s amazing, world-changing, life-affirming act of raising Jesus from the dead.

 

Prayer: Dear God, we are grateful on this Easter day that your love for the world could not be defeated by death. Help us to stand in awe of your amazing grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

John Judson (2014)

Saturday, April 19

Emptiness comes between Good Friday and the Resurrection. Total emptiness . . . darkness . . . nothingness. A full day and night of it.

Life changes and we experience transitions. The pattern of those transitions is the same: endings, emptiness and new beginnings. Death, dormancy and new life are parts of all creation's cycle -- given by the Creator.

What happens in the emptiness? Relief from pain of endings . . . waiting feeling the depth of nothing . . . fear of the unknown.

God is there in the emptiness and God is constant. The Creator has always brought new Life out of death. We can embrace the emptiness, letting go of fear and patiently waiting through the inner preparation for what is to come.

Faith takes us through the emptiness to promised new beginnings and to the Resurrection.

Peg Rosenkrands (1990)

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For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth. The time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.

Dear God, in the certainties of nature, help us to see Thee. Plant beauty in our hearts and put a song on our lips that we may impart faith and joy to those who can no longer sing. Help us to put our trust in Thee, even when skies are darkest, knowing that nothing can harm our souls. Amen

From my mother's book of devotions and dated April 23, 1965.

Eleanor Osborn (1990)

Good Friday, April 18

Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

Psalm 80:3

Psalm 80 is a hymn calling for Israel’s restoration. The refrain, in verse 3, is repeated in vss. 7 and 19. The message is clear. A desperate people, presumably in exile, want God to remember his covenant with the people of Israel. God is held responsible for the bad times the people are now experiencing. God is felt to be inattentive, absent. We, too, have times when we feel abandoned by God--times when we feel vulnerable, exploited, weak, with death and/or destruction on our heels. We wonder if God is still with us. But like the Psalmist, even though we may wrongly hold God responsible for our troubles, we recognize that God is the only reliable solution for our problems.

Jesus on the cross understood what it feels like to be abandoned. He cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me from the words of my groaning?” (Psalm 22) But Jesus knows that on the other side of his misery and destruction lies liberty and eternal life. Jesus also knew (and taught) that true freedom exists only in and through our relationship with God. When I feel God is absent, I have to listen carefully for God’s voice and ask myself, “How does God want me to serve others in these present circumstances.” As Jesus spoke to the thief suffering next to him on a cross, I believe Jesus wants us, out of our weakness, to reach out to fellow sufferers and be a caring presence.

Prayer: Dear Lord, our God, even when we feel forsaken we are not. Grant us discernment to see your activity among us and give us courage to be part of it, even and especially in our weakest moments. Amen

Ernest Krug (2014)

Maundy Thursday, April 17

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, ‘You are not also one of his disciples, are you?’ He denied it and said, ‘I am not.’ One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with him?’ Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.

Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover.

John 18:25-28

DENIAL OF JESUS

Simon Peter had not the courage to admit he was one of Jesus' disciples and denied him when questioned by the servant of the high priest.

Are there times in our lives when we too deny Jesus? Perhaps not by word of mouth but rather by lack of action, in going about doing good, as we have been commanded.

Are we lacking in faith to follow these commands? Recall the words of the well-known hymns, "Faith of our Fathers and "My faith looks up to thee, thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine."

Prayer: O Lord, help me to be strong in my faith and live it daily, by word and deed. Amen.

Verna Smith (1991)

Wednesday, April 16

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often have I longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and you refused!

Luke 13:33-35

 

Who were these murderous children who

stoned the prophets? why didn't

they recognize the divine

longing to gather,

embrace and

LOVE?

Not you! Not me!

But ... Would I throw

a stone? Have I recognized

the longing He has for me to

set self aside and snuggle under His wing?
 

~ Anonymous (1990)

 

---

 

I WONDER

You know, Lord, how I serve You

With great emotional fervor

In the limelight.

You know how eagerly I speak for You

At a women's club.

You know how I effervesce when I promote

A fellowship group.

You know my genuine enthusiasm

At a Bible Study.
 

But how much would I react, I wonder

If you pointed to a basin of water

And asked me to wash the calloused feet

Of a bent and wrinkled old woman

Day after day

Month after month

In a room where nobody saw

And nobody knew.
 

This “earthy" poem is from a book entitled TeII Me Again Lord, I Forget by Ruth Calkin. It has meant a great deal to me!

Delpha Brown (1991)

---

 

My favorite prayers:

O God, when we weep your hands wipe the tears from our eyes. When we hunger and thirst, you invite us to your table until we are errant no more. When we are frightened, you enter into our darkness and hold us against all harm. When we are faithless, you forgive and welcome us back and kill for us a fatted calf.

O God, on whom we count when we are in need, remind us of our side of the Covenant that of being your People, of feeding your sheep.

O God, forgive our pious platitudes, our unending excuses for not giving. Reach into our hearts and wipe away the dust until once more we can clearly see your love written there. Amen.

 

Evelyn Gehres (1991)

Tuesday, April 15

Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 45:10

 

When a large family with thirteen children gathers around the dinner table, you can imagine the clamor! A guest who had joined such a family for a meal turned to the mother and asked in a loud voice, “How in the world do you get their attention?"

"I whisper," the mother answered.

Today's loud, brash, warring world is not much different than the one in which Jesus walked. There was strife in the Middle East. people were treated without dignity and harshly. There was hunger, poverty, illness, confusion then as there is now. But through Jesus, God whispered a message of Good News---"You are loved with a love that will not let me go!"

We can wonder if such a whisper is enough in a world of greed, stress, dishonesty, war, and loss. Yet it is there. The power of God's whisper is evident---in the stillness of creation, in the stillness of a human gesture of love, in the stillness of prayer, and in the stillness of a favorite scripture passage.

The amazing shout of God that says, "I so love this world that I give my beloved Son" still whispers through the ages.

Prayer: God of Grace, help me quiet myself and find times this day to stop and be still and know that you are God. Amen.
 

Katie Thoresen (1991)

Monday, April 14

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.  In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,    and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations,    and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,    and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.  O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

Isaiah 2:1-5

 

If you were in church on a particular Sunday last summer, you'11 remember watching a single red balloon as it floated lazily across the sanctuary ceiling, high above the choir. An escapee from a wedding the previous day, it simply followed the path of air conditioning currents -- until it fell into the grip of a recessed lighting fixture. Not even Louise's fine sermon could compete with the magnificent, inevitable POP! that resounded throughout the whole building.

I often return to this balloon image in my private meditations. The desultory bobbing reminds me all too often of myself as I float from one activity to another -- all very worthy and meaningful, of course! Sometimes I feel helpless in the face of schedules, concerns, desires, and hopes. I need a much greater power to hold me and center me, just as the balloon was finally captured by the heat of the light.

But what is the result of being exposed to the centering energy of God? After all, the balloon exploded. And an explosion is jarring and disturbing, isn't it? Well, it can be, unless it's fun and delightful, which in the case of the balloon, it was. Laughter rippled throughout the sanctuary that day, shaking us out of our usual Sunday morning expectations. Everyone enjoyed the unexpected change. I've concluded that it's up to me to expose myself to the heat & light of God. That energy is warming, enveloping, and important to my health in every way. And the explosion? It's not for me to worry about. I'll just let it be the surprise that is meant to be.

Prayer: As Jesus absorbed your light, O God, He exploded into unsettling words and deeds, disturbing death, and finally, delightful everlasting life. Give me the courage and patience today to sit for a time in your light. Center me in your love so that all I do will flow freely from You. Amen.

Kathryn Treece (1991)

Palm Sunday, April 13

I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.

Luke 19:40

In this temporary sanctuary

Granted permanence in the sacred imagination

We arrive as ruins yet unearthed

Hollowed and broken scraps

Cherished monuments to our Creator and Culmination

To worship One as foreign as our self-knowledge

And as familiar as our foundered dreams

Who will assemble our fragments

Into a cracked and fragile whole

Dig us up, O God,

And sort us out

Interpret our meaning and usefulness

To those who will come after

But stymie the worship of silent stones

Monuments to men's mercurality.

Rather, out of the cracked lips of these placid rocks

Narrate our entwined history

And suffer us our partiality.

Prayer

May we not be silent:

In our praise,

in our cry for justice,

in our pleas for peace.

May we not be silent:

In our words of love,

in our questions and doubts,

in our sorrow and anger.

May we not be silent until your Kingdom comes

in final victory over all creation. Amen.

Amy Morgan (2014)

Saturday, April 12

GIVE

Give your love

Pass it around

Don't be shy to give

For once you're done

You'll have more love

Than in this life

You ever did.

HUG

Give a hug to cheer a friend

But please don't give a sneer.

Give praise to God and ask for his grace

When Satan's evil nears.

Hug your neighbor,

Hug some more

But never shut that loving door

For now

Just now

The huggers rule the world.

   

Amanda Schneider 7th grade (1990)

---

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.

Isaiah 11:6

Kari Schneider 7th grade (1990)

Friday, April 11

If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.

Matthew 10:38

Glory Only In The Cross

In 2013, more than 350 people from all over the United States celebrated Easter Sunday in the annual Easter Sunrise Service. Many plan annual vacations to celebrate here on the Coronado beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. For 16 years I had enjoyed the ending of this service while taking my daily 5 am walk to the Dog Beach at the end of Coronado Boulevard, as worshipers were returning to their homes all greeting with "Christ has risen" and joyfully responded "Christ has risen indeed."

Now it was our last of 17 years of residency at the Shores and I decided to attend all Easter events possible. And my Good Friday WALK WITH THE CROSS was the highlight! Not knowing the distance involved, Bruce decided he hadn't better. But ask him sometime about the Sunrise Service we did finally go to! A spiritual highlight also. So I left at 4:30 pm with good spiritual friend Judy P. for this unique event. I still tingle and tear when I think of it. The cross, looking like pictured, is carried from church to church. The programs are tailored to the number of churches, based on the 14 stations of the cross. This year there were eight stations.

We start at the first church with welcoming, devotions, past history, explanation of our route and instructions how to follow, closely together, in silence. We walk through all traffic lights, stopping all traffic as we cross the streets. I'm thinking not many places you could do this. The group has the right-of-way as we proceed from church to church. Some churches had standing room only. I like to be at the front, and it was heartwarming to see three young boys struggling with the weight. Our close church friend Tom M. estimated 40 to 50 lbs, said it would be very difficult for one person to carry all the way and usually there would be a volunteer at each participating church. He said it then remains at the last church until the next year.

Each church station followed the same poignant program. Each had a First Reader, Second Reader, and Third Reader, and all involved us. Before we ended, we all knew our responses by heart. At each station they began: "We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”

First Reader describes the situation which is very graphic, grim, heartbreaking.

Second Reader responds to the first and makes us think, get involved, numbed, exhausted!

Third Reader leads in prayers. All had such beautiful, thoughtful, inspirational prayers. After their "Amen" we respond:

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have Mercy upon us.

How special this walk was. Ever since, I've realized why I really love the crosses at F.P.C. and St. Paul's Methodist, reminding me how much we must be thankful for the human pain Jesus suffered for our sins.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I pray wherever We may live, wherever we may be, your Holy Spirit will guide, comfort, and enable us to be the best you you would have us.

Sheryl McCristal (2014)

Thursday, April 10

PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light, and

Where there is sadness, joy.

Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal life.

May this also be our prayer as we seek to serve our Lord right where we are. I like the specific suggestions for action which are as important today as when this prayer was written in the 13th century.

Doris Bergan (1991)

Prayer: Lord, help me to enrich the lives of those with whom I come in contact. Strengthen me so that others will not have been diminished by having known me.

Prayer by Kay LaForest (1991)

---

This is the day the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

We cannot forecast the future but we can help shape it. Each day God gives us new possibilities to deepen our faith, to be a good neighbor, to promote justice, to create a future that holds promise and hope for all peoples of the world.

Prayer: O God, help us follow your leading, one day at a time. Amen.

Lois Poston (1990)

Wednesday, April 9

No longer will the sun be your light by day or the moon be your light by night. I, the Lord, will be your eternal light. The light of my glory will shine on you.

Isaiah 50:19

 

I've pondered how it might have been to have been born in the world before Christ, before the eternal light was given to us. What would it have been like to be living out my days thinking they would end with my death? Or to be thinking I would never again see loved ones gone before me, or ones I was leaving behind?

If I had been living during Christ's time on earth, would I have had the courage to seek the light of Christ knowing the controversy and conflict often surrounding hin? Would I have listened and been moved to be a follower?

We have been so blessed to have His words and promises available for the taking. How easy He has made it for us. How little we are tested.

Prayer: Thank your Father God, for the gift of your son who is the light of my life.
 

Pauline Davidson (1991)

---

 

It is so comforting to remember that God is always with us, watching over us as a parent watches over a child. And just like a parent, God will often stay in the background, allowing us to make our mistakes because it is through our mistakes that we learn and grow. But when we're alone and troubled, God is there to comfort us and help us through to better times.

Prayer: Thank you, dear God, for always being there, even when we aren't aware of your presence. Thank you for being with us not only to comfort us but also to help us continue to become better persons. Amen.

 

Anne Ihnen (1991)

Tuesday, April 8

[Paul is in Corinth on his third missionary journey.] I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as I have among the rest of the Gentiles. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish – hence my eagerness to proclaim the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

 For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, ‘The one who is righteous will live by faith.’

 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.

Romans 1 :13-19

 

Our coins say, “In God we Trust.” Do you “Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” These words come back to me, a song we used to sing in Sunday School when I was a little girl.

Trust and Obey

When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Listen

Verna Smith (1990)

Monday, April 7

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

I often think about those who have given up so much to be true to their faith. From the martyrs in the Bible to those still persecuted today, I am in awe of the courage people have displayed. Would I, as a Christian, have that courage?
What does courage look like? So often we think of courage in extreme measures- these “headline grabbing” circumstances that we gravitate toward. But courage is all around us in the most common of situations, and we often fail to recognize it.
A lovely girl I have the pleasure of knowing at FPC loves to sing and is a member of the children’s choir. But when she hears beautiful music she often starts to cry. She does not want to stand out in that way. She does not want to cry. She does not want people to see her like this. Each time the choir sings in worship she pushes through it, trying to mask her tears with a smile. She lifts up her voice and gives it her all, never missing a word, well aware that people see her crying. Her love of being part of this community of God is greater than her need of personal comfort. She is my hero. What courage it takes to honor God with her voice and share herself with the congregation, all the while being uncomfortable with her tears. This “simple act of courage” has had a huge impact on me, and once again a child is my teacher. Would I have this courage? Would you?

Prayer: Loving God, Help me to have the courage to be uncomfortable and trust in your presence. May I honor you as much as my young friend. Amen. 

Joanne Blair (2014)

Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 6

Whoever tries to save his/her life will lose it, and whoever gives his/ her life for others will find it.

Luke 9.24

 

This paraphrase is probably the most relevant and close to the center of the gospel than any other. In recent months, given what I have been through, it keeps floating to the top.  It definitely means more to me now than it would have a year ago. Our daughter Alicia said to her mother, "Gee,Mom, the house is sold, you have the check, and this really great retirement home has room for you and Hank. What could be sweeter!"

How little did we know what would be involved after Judy's death began staring us in the face. Then our daughter Sue suggested to her dysfunctional father "Why don’t you interview various people around the residence and ask this question; ‘Tell me the story of your life.’ Don't take notes. Just listen.”

This process re-focused my life from ridiculous whining to conversations that energized the interviewee’s thoughts as well as my own discovery of useful things that are beginning to pull me out of the ooze.

                                                       

Prayer: Mighty God, help anyone who reads this to find new of life in those of others rather than moping around in the dregs of our own.  We pray this In Christ’s name. Amen

Hank Borchardt (2014)

Saturday, April 5

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

 Psalm 118:24

It was early Thanksgiving morning.  Everyone was still asleep, but it was time to go downstairs and get the dressing fixed, the turkey ready and start checking off the list of things to do before the eleven of us sat down to a Thanksgiving meal together.

Facing so much to do that morning, I think I was suffering from “agendacitis” – that overwhelming feeling of needing to get so much done in such a little amount of time.

In all the preparations I hurriedly opened up a new carton of eggs.  I was startled to see what was inside.  Someone had printed on the inside top of the carton those  timeless words of wisdom:  “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

What a gift to be reminded that our times are indeed in God’s hands. It was a blessing to become aware that this day of Thanksgiving is a day to pause and be attentive to all the gifts that God would provide in those  next 24 hours.  Time with cherished family and friends.   Time to enjoy a meal together and be mindful of others who are wondering where their next meal would come from.  Time to remember people who would give anything for that empty place at their table to be filled.  Time to consider all the behind the scenes people who make our meals possible: the grocers, the transporters of our foods, the growers and especially the egg producer who chose to share a strong faith by printing scripture inside an egg carton.

That gift from an unknown egg producer did cast a special glow to the day. Later at our Thanksgiving table we shared what we were grateful for.  And I shared that story. And you could sense a collective sigh of wonder and gladness.

Later I cut that verse out of that egg carton and placed them over the sink. Even on those days when the last thing I am prone to do is rejoice, those words are good reminders:  “This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Prayer: Loving God, Thank you for your gentle blessings in our lives each day. Help us to be attentive to your love in action where-ever we are. And by your Holy Spirit, empower us to be vehicles of your love as shown in Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Kate Thoresen (2014)

Friday, April 4

 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  And even the hairs of your head are all counted.  So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Matt. 10: 29-31

THE GARDEN

A kitchen window looks out on our bird and squirrel feeders.  We provide our yard creatures, our Wild Yard Babies as we call them, with corn cobs, peanuts, assorted seed, cranberries, and thistle.  We cannot tell you all the kinds of Yard Babies that dine at our backyard table.  There are pine and fox squirrels, cardinals, jays, two kinds of woodpeckers, and an assortment of small birds including the ever-present, ubiquitous sparrow.

For years these lovely creatures have lightened our dish washing load and made coffee drinking and conversation ever so much more enjoyable.  Without exception, guests marvel at the antics of woodpeckers plucking nuts out of feeder tubes; squirrels hanging upside down on corn cobs; blue jays fighting them for a place in line; and countless sparrows coming and going.

Matthew has something to say about the sparrow, as noted in the passage quoted above.

Years ago we realized that gardening was good for our physical health.  And not just working in the garden, but looking at it and thinking about it.

Another verse suggests that it is also good for our spiritual health:

         The kiss of the sun for pardon..

The song of the birds for mirth.

One is nearer God’s heart in a garden,

Than any where else on earth.
 

A garden is a place of beauty and contentment and relaxation. Because it is also a place of birth and growth and struggle and winning and losing, it is also a microcosm of life.   God never promised us a rose garden, as another lyric proclaims.  What is promised is that sparrows are part of God’s plan and by golly, so are all the rest of us.  Indeed, all creation is part of His plan and as we enter the Lenten Season of 2014 we can know that we are playing our part in that plan.

Prayer: O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; That, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve Thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Mary Kay and Paul Sparre (2014)

Thursday, April 3

Commit your way to YAHWEH; Trust on God who will act.

Psalm 37:5

Sometimes it's hard for us to jump in with both feet. We come wanting to serve you, our relationships, and jobs 100%. But in the back of our minds it is sometimes easy to say, "Well, if this doesn't work we can try something else." We can always get divorced, change churches, change jobs, send the kids off to a babysitter or even to boarding school. Prenuptial agreements are now a common occurrence, the divorce rate continues to rise and church memberships continue to decline. A commitment to anything that causes stress, emotional discomfort or pain can easily be left behind.

That was not so for a sixth century missionary named Columba. He was called to go to the Scottish isle of Iona to spread the Good News. This was of much danger to him and his colleagues.

When they arrived at the shore they buried their boat deep beneath the sand,  stone and rock. They knew that the boat on the shore would be extremely tempting when the going got tough. They were committed to what they were called to no matter what the consequences would be.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to trust in you, our relationship, our jobs, and churches without looking for loopholes and setting conditions. Help us to utter the words for better or for worse' even if things don't go our way. Let us be committed and know that you are with us and supporting us when the going gets tough. Amen.

Gretchen Lima (1991)

Wednesday, April 2

(Jesus answered) I am the vine, you are the branches. You - who abide in me, and I in you, it is you that bears much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (freely translated)

 

ABIDE WITH ME
HYMN No. 278, THE RED HYMNAL

Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;

The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
 

I need your presence every passing hour.

what but your grace can foil the tempter's power?

Who like yourself my guide and stay can be?

Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.
 

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;

Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.

Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;

Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.

Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;

In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

~ Henry Francis Lytle, 1847

Listen

 

Virginia Spurr (1990)

Tuesday, April 1

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge God, and God will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3: 5-6    

Gratefulness

During this past year my sister-in-law, was multitasking her way through her volunteer hospital, Emergency Room job and also being the primary care-giver to my brother who had been having some complications with his health.

As she found, there is no time like the present to give.  And that particular time was through last spring and summer.  As Gandhi said long ago, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”  She imagined some things she would never want to happen to her.  Then she quickly discovered those kinds of things were happening to patients she encountered at work.   So she gave as much help as she could to that cause.  Then following that time, in the fall my brother was hospitalized in the intensive care treatment center there in the same hospital.  The excellent coordinated care he received during his five day stay there brought him through his acute illness.  We were all so grateful for the specialized treatment that he received and the way he responded so quickly to their continued encouragement.  We felt that God was guiding the hands that provided the expert care.

This was truly thought to be a gift that gave back.  Thank God for that special blessing.

       

Prayer: Gracious God, you who created the breath of our bodies, and the Spirit, we glorify you.  We celebrate special women who have used these gifts you have given them to help transform the lives of others.  Amen.

Carol Morrill (2014)

Monday, March 31

Not a sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.

Matthew 10:29 (New Living Translation)

Faith and Courage

Late this summer I learned something about tragedy.  This Christmas I learned about faith and courage.

A special young couple I know endured fertility treatments and weeks of bed rest before finally welcoming beautiful, healthy twin sons one year ago.  We celebrated with baby shower gifts and thanksgiving to God.

Eight months later they woke to find that one of their precious boys had died in his sleep.  SIDS.  An unthinkable loss.  Our hearts broke at the news.  I could not even tell my closest friends...why distress strangers? I thought of this dear little family every morning, every night.  I wrote them a letter, hoping my words could somehow express our shared grief and deep sympathy.

I chose my Christmas card to them carefully.  I knew their Christmas would be shadowed by their sorrow.  And then their own beautiful photo card arrived at my house.  Six panels of photos and text, sharing their deep love for their dear sons, acknowledging their grief and loss, remembering their little one but still celebrating life, cherishing the son who continues to brighten each day, closing with "Bring on the New Year!"

What a lesson in faith and courage!  We never know why such tragedies occur, but their faith in God and the loving support of their family and friends have enabled them to face each new day and embrace the future with amazing courage and strength.  

Prayer: Thank you, God, for the example of this brave young family. Please help me be an example of faith to those I meet.  And especially be with any who have suffered the loss of a child.  Amen.

Diane Falconer (2014)

Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 30

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.’ He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

Luke 2:41-52

I find it comforting that Luke should have chosen this one incident from Jesus' childhood to illustrate the special quality Jesus had, even as a boy (Biblical Authorities place his age at about 12). I suspect, however, that Luke has glossed over what REALLY happened. Mary and Joseph were probably furious as well as "astonished." In my house, he might have been grounded for his response alone: “Why did you have to look for me?” (translation "How could you have been so stupid?") Yes, Jesus was as human as a 12-year-old, a 12-year-old who was just beginning to define himself as an individual separate from his family. It's there in the Bible! Teenagers are teenagers across the ages!

This story helps me as I raise my children, to see in each of them a person IN THE PROCESS of becoming what God intends. It is my duty to nurture and guide them, but they belong to God and His will for them may not be mine. An itinerant rabbi is probably not what Jesus' parents would have chosen for him. God had other plans.

 

Charlotte Fischer (1990)

Saturday, March 29

I clipped the following from a “Concern” some years ago and think its message is timeless.

PRAYER OF A UPW MEMBER

God give me an understanding heart

that I may see in every being a part of thee.
So let me share another's woe
that we may help our faith to grow.

Give me a dedicated heart

that I may bring time, self and talents to thee, our King; serving and constantly striving to be
worthy of all thy gifts to me.

Give me a grateful, joy-filled heart

that I may cheer those in deep grief or filled with fear;
maintaining, whatever problems there be,
praise and unwavering trust in thee.

Author: Fay Robinson Los Osos, California

Submitted by: Vera Harkin (1990)

EDITOR'S NOTE: CONCERN was the name of the magazine published by the forerunner of our current national Presbyterian Women organization. Our PW magazine is now called Horizons.

Friday, March 28

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are.

1 John 3:1 (New International Version)

Many people spend a lifetime looking for an acceptance the Bible calls the Blessings. Whether the one(s) you look to give you acceptance has been a good or a poor model of the Heavenly Father, you can be certain of His love. When you pray "Our Father, who art in heaven” you are not trying to gain the attention of a cold, busy or harsh God. Rather, he is calling you. He delights to claim you as His own child.

Today you hear His claim on you quietly through His Word and the Sacraments. On the last day He will loudly announce your name for all the world to hear - This is my child!

Come to Him freely today. Trust Him completely. His creating you and His purchasing you with Christ's blood tells you exactly who you are. You are His child. Call upon your Father with joy today.

Karen Spann (1991)

---

Thou hast made us for thyself O God, and we are restless until we find our rest in thee.

Confessions, Saint Augustine

We are aware of a hunger within us that no man, no woman, no beauty in nature, no music, no game, no sport, no work can satisfy. We realize the happiest of human friendships are not enough. They cannot quiet all the desires of our hearts. For a little while it may seem they do, but sooner or later the answer comes to us that only friendship with You can make life complete.

Prayer: Lead us to you we pray.

Sheryl McCristal (1990)

Thursday, March 27

Jesus said to the crowds, "Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened. For everyone who searches, finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or, if the child asks for fish, will you give a snake? If you then who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.

Matthew 7:7-12

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

I thank God for answered prayer:

for freedom from paralyzing fear
for strength in adversity
for comfort in sorrow
for a healthy family
for a marriage saved
for hope in the face of despair
for forgiveness
for safe travel
for resolution of personal problems
for grace to forget
for successful job searches
for healing of mind, body, spirit
for daily bread
for reconciliation among dear ones
for courage in crises
for the ability to serve you
for countless blessings received daily.

Count your blessings today.

Virginia Spurr (1991)

Wednesday, March 26

FAITH

Faith looks across the storm ... It does not doubt,

Or stop to look at clouds and things without.

Faith does not question why when all His ways

Are hard to understand, but trusts and prays.

It seeks the greatest gift and asks not sight:

It does not need to see ... He is its light.

Above the tempest's roar it hears its voice:

And with its hand in His, faith can rejoice.

It fears no cloud or wind that it can bring;

Faith looks across the storm and still can sing.

~ Author Unknown

Faith-work . . . . How often have we heard that term and wondered at its meaning? How do we work at faith? Either we have it or we don't? And when we have it, does it not often mean that we believe that God will do the work if we just pray and wait?

I think this poem gives us some direction if we look at the verbs. Faith uses its energy in positive directions ... it does not doubt, does not question why when events do not seem part of an understandable plan, asks not sight but looks, trusts, prays, seeks, hears, rejoices, and sings. These are positive steps, often taken deliberately, in the face of frustration, discouragement, despair, grief and fear. They take work and they take courage ... and they begin with a real partnership with God. Faith-work is what it takes to keep our focus on our traveling companion as we go firmly and bravely forward.

Prayer: Dear God, give me courage this day to act my faith in positive ways. Help me to look, listen, seek, trust, and pray. Help me to rejoice and sing as I push aside negative thoughts and deeds. Help me think of you as a constant companion, God, for with my hand in yours, I can do all this. Give me the courage to keep my faith strong. In Christ's name I pray. Amen

Libby Dickinson (1990)

Tuesday, March 25

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

1 Peter 4:10

A couple of years ago, my dear friend Joanne Blair said she “wanted to talk to me”. I immediately thought “oh no, what am I in for now?”, but I decided to go ahead and meet with her. Joanne told me that there was a new ministry taking shape here at FPC that would partner members with challenged children. This ministry has since evolved into what we know as AAIM (All Abilities Inclusion Ministry). Joanne told me I would be a “perfect” candidate; I was doubtful. As many of you know, Joanne is very persuasive and I decided to give it a try.

Fast forward to today, and I can tell you that there is something very special happening with this ministry. The opportunity to buddy up with these awesome kids has been so rewarding; I am learning a lot, mostly how to live in the moment and be flexible (very hard for a planner and structured personality!) As so often happens in life, I feel that I gain so much more than I give. There is nothing like a big bear hug from one of our kids, or finally receiving a big grin from a reluctant participant (after a year!) I invite you to explore this ministry, and see what love and caring can accomplish on a Sunday morning.

Prayer: Loving Father, help us to remember that is it better to serve than to be served, to love freely and often and to care for those who need it most. Amen

Cindy Lanzen (2014)

Monday, March 24

So often the words of a hymn can speak to us if we will take the time to really listen. This particular hymn was pointed out to my confirmation class as our young minister's favorite hymn. Now, as we begin Lent, let us resolve to listen carefully to the words of our Sunday hymns and therefore receive twice the enjoyment - once of the music and for the lyrics.

 

BE THOU MY VISION

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that thou art;

Thou my best thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
 

Be thou my Wisdom, and thou my true Word;

I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, and I thy true son,

Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
 

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise;

Thou mine inheritance, now and always;

Thou and thou only, first in my heart,

High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.
 

High King of heaven, my victory won,

May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Listen
 

Ancient Irish translated by Mary Byrne, 1905

Verified by Elizabeth Hull 1912, alt.

 

Louise Held (1990)