Joy at 106!

Facebook posts some of the most inspiring videos. Today I saw one of a 106 year-old woman who met President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama at the White House. She danced with joy as she fluttered over to embrace POTUS and Michelle--part of her and, I assume, the White House's celebration of Black History month. Imagine what she has seen over the years. She was 8 years old when the U.S. entered World War I. She lived before radio and television and even sound movies. She was born before the Titanic set sail or Fenway Park opened its gates.

And she is filled with joy and she exudes it today. What a gift!

See the ABC News video at http://abcn.ws/1mRTx9u

Roaring Floods and Robed Majesty

Psalm 93 speaks to the current climate. It speaks of roaring floods lifting up their voice. The heavy rainfall that has visited the midwest in recent weeks has caused flooding in St. Louis and now those waters are cresting on the Mississippi. Memphis is bracing for the worst. Psalm 93 also speaks of God robed in majesty and as the one who rules the world.

Sometimes at this time of year, as Christmas fades and a new year dawns and as winter settles in, our spirits can wane. When news of the world brings ominous news as with the increasing hostility in the Middle East. When climate change brings rising floods. When Christmas cheer disappears into cold and dark nights, we may be tempted to forget who rules all of this. It is the God of creation--the absolute absolute who, as the psalmist affirms, rules the world and will continue to rule forever. The invitation is to fix our eyes on God and deposit our hope and expectations on God alone for our future. Easier said that done or felt.

Here is what I am trying to do to turn my gaze towards God: I am trying to go deeper in prayer and meditation at the beginning of the day. I have followed a daily devotion for some time and it has helped me get centered for the day. I find I need more of this good thing. I find I need to go deeper into the reading of the scriptures and reflection on how God's word impacts my world.

In the midst of winter, of world conflict, of darkness and despair, I resonate with Francis Fénelon's words: "Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of thee; thou only knowest what I need . . . I simply present myself before thee, I open my heart to thee."

Roaring Floods and Robed Majesty

Psalm 93 speaks to the current climate. It speaks of roaring floods lifting up their voice. The heavy rainfall that has visited the midwest in recent weeks has caused flooding in St. Louis and now those waters are cresting on the Mississippi. Memphis is bracing for the worst. Psalm 93 also speaks of God robed in majesty and as the one who rules the world.

Sometimes at this time of year, as Christmas fades and a new year dawns and as winter settles in, our spirits can wane. When news of the world brings ominous news as with the increasing hostility in the Middle East. When climate change brings rising floods. When Christmas cheer disappears into cold and dark nights, we may be tempted to forget who rules all of this. It is the God of creation--the absolute absolute who, as the psalmist affirms, rules the world and will continue to rule forever. The invitation is to fix our eyes on God and deposit our hope and expectations on God alone for our future. Easier said that done or felt.

Here is what I am trying to do to turn my gaze towards God: I am trying to go deeper in prayer and meditation at the beginning of the day. I have followed a daily devotion for some time and it has helped me get centered for the day. I find I need more of this good thing. I find I need to go deeper into the reading of the scriptures and reflection on how God's word impacts my world.

In the midst of winter, of world conflict, of darkness and despair, I resonate with Francis Fénelon's words: "Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of thee; thou only knowest what I need . . . I simply present myself before thee, I open my heart to thee."

A New Year A New Day A New Hope

So many changes have been occuring in our world of late: climate change, political change, economic change and the list goes on. A new year brings with it the possibility of a new day and new hope. The challenge is to put ourselves out there as instruments for the change we want to see happen. I have decided to make a change by reverting back to this blog space as a channel to share views, ideas and to link tweets, facebook postings and other short pieces from my world to yours. My world includes ventures in new church development, writing of resources and thoughts on what is happening in our world. I look forward to the new opportunities afforded by a new year.

A New Year A New Day A New Hope

So many changes have been occuring in our world of late: climate change, political change, economic change and the list goes on. A new year brings with it the possibility of a new day and new hope. The challenge is to put ourselves out there as instruments for the change we want to see happen. I have decided to make a change by reverting back to this blog space as a channel to share views, ideas and to link tweets, facebook postings and other short pieces from my world to yours. My world includes ventures in new church development, writing of resources and thoughts on what is happening in our world. I look forward to the new opportunities afforded by a new year.

Good Friday and Nina Simone

Last Night (Good Friday) we worshipped at the Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee.  We were blessed to experience the seven last words of Jesus with the music of Nina Simone.  "Young, Gifted and Black and that is a fact," as well as "Strange Fruit," a song first sung by Billy Holliday was included in the songlist played by the church's band.  A most worshipful and sublime way to commemorate Good Friday.  Many thanks to Gordon Memorial!

Good Friday and Nina Simone

Last Night (Good Friday) we worshipped at the Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee.  We were blessed to experience the seven last words of Jesus with the music of Nina Simone.  "Young, Gifted and Black and that is a fact," as well as "Strange Fruit," a song first sung by Billy Holliday was included in the songlist played by the church's band.  A most worshipful and sublime way to commemorate Good Friday.  Many thanks to Gordon Memorial!

Greater New Jersey Annual Conference mobilizes to help out in aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

Under the guidance of Bishop John Schol, the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference has begun mobilizing to help the people of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania in the wake of the worst storm in New Jersey's history.  There are constant updates via Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.  There is information about churches that have opened up to help people in the community and much more information.

Greater New Jersey Annual Conference mobilizes to help out in aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

Under the guidance of Bishop John Schol, the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference has begun mobilizing to help the people of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania in the wake of the worst storm in New Jersey's history.  There are constant updates via Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.  There is information about churches that have opened up to help people in the community and much more information.

Five Days Later . . . post Sandy . . . Thankful

I haven't had access to the internet through normal means since Monday, October 30th.  Our power went out on Monday evening and as of Saturday evening, November 3rd we are still out.  Through the kindness of a friend, we are re-charging our phones, doing some laundry and connecting to the internet.  We are also warm.  We have been living without heat or electricity since Monday.  We do have hot water and a stove top that works.  All things considered, we are fortunate and thankful.  So many people have been hard hit and just ten miles east of us, the barrier island where Seaside Heights is located, is devastated.

We have held several conference calls among Greater New Jersey Annual Conference leadership to begin responding to Hurricane Sandy.  On Monday, conference leaders will meet with UMCOR representatives to begin planning a long-range response.

We pray for those who have lost loved ones and those who have lost property.  Working together, we will rebuild our lives, our communities, and our churches.

Five Days Later . . . post Sandy . . . Thankful

I haven't had access to the internet through normal means since Monday, October 30th.  Our power went out on Monday evening and as of Saturday evening, November 3rd we are still out.  Through the kindness of a friend, we are re-charging our phones, doing some laundry and connecting to the internet.  We are also warm.  We have been living without heat or electricity since Monday.  We do have hot water and a stove top that works.  All things considered, we are fortunate and thankful.  So many people have been hard hit and just ten miles east of us, the barrier island where Seaside Heights is located, is devastated.

We have held several conference calls among Greater New Jersey Annual Conference leadership to begin responding to Hurricane Sandy.  On Monday, conference leaders will meet with UMCOR representatives to begin planning a long-range response.

We pray for those who have lost loved ones and those who have lost property.  Working together, we will rebuild our lives, our communities, and our churches.

Tree has fallen

Hurricane Sandy is picking up force.  A tree in our front yard fell down towards the street.  Fortunately, there were no cars parked along the side of the road and we have underground cables--so no electric wires were affected.  This continues to be an amazing storm. 

I noticed that the water in the toilet bowl was stirring, as if we were on a ship and the level of water was affected by the waves.

Tree has fallen

Hurricane Sandy is picking up force.  A tree in our front yard fell down towards the street.  Fortunately, there were no cars parked along the side of the road and we have underground cables--so no electric wires were affected.  This continues to be an amazing storm. 

I noticed that the water in the toilet bowl was stirring, as if we were on a ship and the level of water was affected by the waves.

Sandy picks up speed

It's 3:40 p.m.  We still have power though we have had several flick-outs.  The pictures of damages are frightening.  Right now, outside our house in Berkeley Township (postal address Toms River), the wind is fierce and the rain continues to pummel the windows on the north side of the house.  I suspect that we will lose electric power any minute now.  I've checked in with Becky and Mike and they are okay and still have power.  I texted Ben to see how he and Laura were doing.  No response.  However, I understand he needs to work at Rutgers today because he is 'essential personnel.'  Winds are sustained at 40 mph according to newscasts.  Keep safe.

Sandy picks up speed

It's 3:40 p.m.  We still have power though we have had several flick-outs.  The pictures of damages are frightening.  Right now, outside our house in Berkeley Township (postal address Toms River), the wind is fierce and the rain continues to pummel the windows on the north side of the house.  I suspect that we will lose electric power any minute now.  I've checked in with Becky and Mike and they are okay and still have power.  I texted Ben to see how he and Laura were doing.  No response.  However, I understand he needs to work at Rutgers today because he is 'essential personnel.'  Winds are sustained at 40 mph according to newscasts.  Keep safe.

More on Sandy

It is now nearly 2:30 p.m. on October 29th.  The wind has increased and so has the rain.  We just had the first "flicker" in our lights.  We anticipate that there will be a power outage.  Our phones are charged as is my IPAD, so we hope to be able to stay in communication even if power goes out--at least for a while.  We are most concerned about the branches of trees tumbling down.  We are still 3 and a half hours before Sandy makes a landing somewhere along the Jersey Shore.

More on Sandy

It is now nearly 2:30 p.m. on October 29th.  The wind has increased and so has the rain.  We just had the first "flicker" in our lights.  We anticipate that there will be a power outage.  Our phones are charged as is my IPAD, so we hope to be able to stay in communication even if power goes out--at least for a while.  We are most concerned about the branches of trees tumbling down.  We are still 3 and a half hours before Sandy makes a landing somewhere along the Jersey Shore.

Following Sandy

I've known and know women and men who bear the name of Sandy.  I have never met a hurricane by that name, however.  I write this on Monday, October 29th at 11:30 a.m.  The wind is fierce, the rain pelting.  So far we still have electricity here in Toms River.  However, we know that power could be cut at any time.  The media has been insistent on taking safe precautionary measures.  Tammie and I purchased filtered, bottled water and food supplies.  We arrived too late to the stores to get a flashlight, though we own two and they are in working order.  As long as we have electricity we will take advantage of the fact that we have to be home and inside to do some work (quilting, writing).

As long as I can, I will be making updates, dependent, of course, on power and connection.

Following Sandy

I've known and know women and men who bear the name of Sandy.  I have never met a hurricane by that name, however.  I write this on Monday, October 29th at 11:30 a.m.  The wind is fierce, the rain pelting.  So far we still have electricity here in Toms River.  However, we know that power could be cut at any time.  The media has been insistent on taking safe precautionary measures.  Tammie and I purchased filtered, bottled water and food supplies.  We arrived too late to the stores to get a flashlight, though we own two and they are in working order.  As long as we have electricity we will take advantage of the fact that we have to be home and inside to do some work (quilting, writing).

As long as I can, I will be making updates, dependent, of course, on power and connection.

Isn't there a better way to do this?

I'm weary of the negative political commercials and of words taken out of context.  I'm weary of never-ending campaigning.  I'm weary of receiving email after email soliciting funds and phone call after phone call.  Isn't there a better way of doing this?

Isn't there a better way to do this?

I'm weary of the negative political commercials and of words taken out of context.  I'm weary of never-ending campaigning.  I'm weary of receiving email after email soliciting funds and phone call after phone call.  Isn't there a better way of doing this?