Joy and Family

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3

For my mom’s birthday this year I bought her tickets to see The Beach Boys. I bought them in February, with delight that the show was a week before her birthday. I could never have guessed that it would be the first show at the Pinewood Bowl with COVID Directed Health Measures. Our seats were great, we had a good view of the stage, we were semi close to the restrooms and we had an aisle in front of our seats.  We were well socially distanced and we saw some fun masks and interestingly dressed concertgoers. 

When I was 9 or 10, The Beach Boys played the football stadium down the street from our house in Sioux City. We didn’t have tickets but after dinner we went outside and could hear the opening band.  We walked closer to the stadium and watched the show through the fence with many others from our neighborhood.  We sang along and danced and it is one of my favorite childhood memories. My mom was in the midst of her graduate school project and needed a break (now that I have survived grad school I have a whole new understanding of that kind of fatigue). 

At the show last night there was a father and daughter seated behind us (with appropriate social distancing). She was likely close to 9 or 10. He got her a soda and a popcorn, helped her with her mask, played games with her on his phone while waiting for the show and got up several times to dance with her. She had a BLAST and it was so great to see the two of them enjoying their time together. There is a magic in seeing joy in your children and for children seeing their parents let their hair down. Certainly the gift of a relationship with your parents can be so magical.  The love and bond and heritage between parents and children are truly a reward, especially since not all the times are so easy. 

Prayer: Creator God, help us to always remember the miracle of our heritage and the rewards of our families. Help us to share love with each other, even during this time when many of us are apart.  Help us to take time for joy.      

Christi Moock    

God Circles Around Me

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23

Yesterday I woke up to what sounded like a huge airplane landing in the house.  It was about 7:30 am. I have now lived in the house getting close to two years; and have never heard this sound before. My dog didn’t bark; but she did go to the window. I stepped out onto the deck and saw a crop duster flying over the field south of my house. Of course I with my phone in hand had to take pictures. (What pictures I could have gotten had I stepped back in the house and got my camera, oh well) It isn’t the first crop duster I have ever seen, but somehow it was different being in my home and watching it.  It circled around the back by the deck and then around the back side of the barn for each sprayed section.  It was a bright yellow and it was as if he might have even tipped his wings to me; standing on the deck with phone in air to get pictures.  It felt magnificent as if I was in the plane myself. 

I have found a place of peace and comfort in my home now; the openness, the wildlife, the crops, and yes even the weeds I find fascination. But here was something new again. 

I don’t know why but it felt as if in this troubled time we are all learning to live in, this seemed as if it was a message from God for me. It sent a message of God circling my life, surrounding me with his love.  It was a message of bright color (yellow) saying everything will be okay, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but in God’s time.  Through it all He would be circling me, protecting me, guiding me and most importantly loving me in only the way The Father can.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven; Thank you for loving and protecting me.  Thank you for finding a way to let me know you are there even when I can’t see your footsteps on the ground.  In Jesus name, I pray…Amen

Lori Hood (photos courtesy of Lori)

In Memory of Sharon

Sharon Johnson was tragically shot on a city bus and died Thursday, July 23.  I am blessed to have called Sharon a friend, fellow church member, organ student.  

You might know Sharon different ways....she rode the bus almost every day, she was in the organist community...she volunteered at multiple nursing home and assisted living facilities. Always advertising and supporting local library fundraisers, playing piano various places, providing music for chapel services for various chaplains around town, playing flute, handbells, singing in choirs, active in multiple Bible studies, the Corinthians Sunday School class and her Covenant Discipleship group, and more at First United Methodist in Lincoln. Sharon had been a faithful volunteer at many places at various times, including Southlake Village and Lancaster Manor Rehabilitation....I would attend events at various churches when possible, and often there she would be - supporting and worshiping with others. 

Baptist...UCC...Methodist...Sharon was a faithful Christian just glad to be with others. The early service at First church won't forget all the wonderful music she shared...playing piano, flute, faithfully singing in the early service choir with Rosemary Thornton. She faithfully helped served communion at that service for many, many years.

I will never forget the first Sunday that Tom and I visited the Methodist church.  Sharon came over and was one of the first people to welcome us and with a huge smile on her face say "Welcome, I am SO glad you are here!" 

Though she struggled with some disabilities and financial difficulties, she was a selfless person, demonstrating the love of her Savior in ways that put others first.

One night in one of the musical groups Sharon was a part of, a young person shared a prayer request and how they were struggling. Sharon, who barely had enough $ for her own expenses, handed me a donation/gift to anonymously give to that young student. I was so moved by her selflessness, taking the parable in the Bible, where the widow who has almost nothing, gives what little she has. I am reminded of Jesus' words that the woman had given more than others with all their riches.  

After she and I had only done organ lessons for a few weeks, she took part in an OLLI organ class where she played for other retired individuals. I'll never forget the huge smile and joy on her face when she share her music with others. It inspired a few others to take an interest in taking some organ lessons. Sharon loved music and loved sharing it with others.

One of my favorite memories of my time of full-time church ministry was an "anybody, everybody" worship time that my friends Cindy Newsham and Ben Leypoldt helped me put together. We had a wide diversity of people involved.  Some who came included those who had disabilities in the church. Sharon faithfully came every week, played piano, helped set up chairs/other things as needed. If a new person came in to the room, Sharon would make sure to go over and greet them. She was a hugger...even if you had just met, she was going to give a hug, sharing that immense joy and love of people she had right away!

Sharon loved children, though she didn't have any of her own. She was a faithful volunteer every year I led, or was a part of, vacation Bible school. There she would be, doing the motions to the songs right along with the children, laughing and singing, reminding all the adults...these children were the reason we did what we did. I know the Lord brought Sharon into my life to prepare me for a new ministry with rearing children. She taught me patience, love, compassion, selflessness, friendship, and so much more.

"Whoever has done this for the least of these my brothers and sisters has done it for me." Few people exemplify this more than my friend Sharon.

Well done Thou good and faithful servant Sharon - enter into the joy of the Lord! You have "fought the fight" and "finished the race" well!

I look forward to the day we get to sing in that heavenly choir together (and if there's a hand bell part, I know you will be the first to volunteer!)


In Christ,

-Brent Shaw

"For God so loved the world..."

Content

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said “I will never leave you or forsake you” Hebrews 13:5

In many times in my life I have turned to this verse. I have used it when I didn’t have any money. Those times, in your 20s where you spend it all and wait to get paid again – those are exciting and terrifying times that help us to grow up to be mostly responsible adults, and hone our negotiation skills with the lovely ladies at the electric company. I have used it when having conversations with our son – don’t run out and buy a brand new car because you have your first “real job” give it a few months and see what your expenses are really like, write a budget, see what you can afford, walk into the car dealership knowing exactly what you are willing to spend, how much money you have to put down and buy something you like, not something to show off, because you are the one who has to drive it. I have used it in conversations with our Boy Scouts – when we were leaders - figure out what you like to do and then build a career around  that – don’t chase money, a career is about satisfaction and doing something you enjoy, if it pays a lot of money that is a bonus.

And being content, why is this so hard sometimes? I will admit that in weak moments, I have an unhealthy sense of competition. This week walking the dogs I was caught up in the competition of life. How does “she” afford a Lexus?  “He” didn’t even finish two years of college, what company has him in a position as a Vice President paying him more than $200,000 a year? “They” don’t make near as much as we do, how can they afford that kind of travel? When I catch myself in these comparative moments I have to refocus on my contentment. Do I even want a Lexus? Not really. Do I think that education is the only way to get a good job? Just because I needed a lot for my career doesn’t mean that all work is stacked that way. Have I been deprived of travel? No and I choose to travel to my favorite places more often than traveling to a new and exotic destination. 

So how do I get caught up in this loop of malcontent and greed? I could blame society, advertising, sibling rivalry (I’m an only child though), or maybe even human nature. Didn’t we learn in Exodus 20:17 that we shouldn’t covet anything of our neighbors? Not his wife or animals or anything that belongs to him.  Is it all about desiring the things that others have because we want them, or is it instead tied into placing value on our own worth by comparing what we have with others?  I have to stop in these moments and think about verses like this nugget of wisdom from Hebrews.  Am I content?  Do I believe that God is with me? Do I trust his plan for my life? Do I want to bend it to conform with my own goals and wishes? You bet! But I have to trust.  I have to remember that this life is a gift. That happiness cannot be bought and sold. That I am working my way down a path towards good life and contentment.  One of the synonyms for contentment is satisfaction. Do I find my life to be satisfying?  Absolutely.    

Prayer: God who knows all my goals and desires, help me to remember that I am on the path to the things that I want, and that I should not be distracted by the things that others have.  Be patient as I learn to be more content and satisfied with the wonderful gifts You have shared with me. 

Christi Moock

Psalm 30

How Can I Keep from Singing

My life flows on in endless song

Above earth’s lamentation

I catch the sweet though far off hymn

That hails a new creation

No storm can shake my inmost calm

While to that rock I’m clinging

Since Love is Lord of heaven and earth

How can I keep from singing

Through all the tumult and the strife

I hear that music ringing

It finds an echo in my soul

How can I keep from singing

What though the joys

And comforts die

The Lord my Savior liveth

What though the darkness

Round me close

Songs in the night He giveth

The peace of Christ

Makes fresh my heart

A fountain ever springing

All things are mine since I am His

How can I keep from singing

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. Oh Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever. Psalm 30: 11-12

On a recent 95-degree day, upon exiting my car, I noticed a man leaning against the wall by the store front I was entering. I imagine he had limited access to a shower or washing machine. As I approached, I sensed desperation, as our eyes met. I was afraid of what he was going to ask. To my surprise, his request was one dollar. That’s it. One dollar…to buy some water. Oh, the things we take for granted! I can go to the tap in my house and get a drink of cool, clean water any time I want and add ice cubes, if it’s not cold enough! Here’s a person who doesn’t have the luxury of clean clothes or body but even more tragically, living on the streets makes it difficult to find water at all or one must have means to buy it. I don’t know his circumstances but the most basic of needs were apparent and he was appreciative of the water I offered him. I pray it satisfied his body for another day.

My next stop was the grocery store. As I exited my car this time, I noticed beautiful music playing! Where was this coming from? Near the entrance, under a tree, was a young family of four. The music coming from the speaker at their feet was accompanying a teenage boy playing the violin. As my curiosity led me closer to them, I noticed one of the parents holding a sign, explaining they had lost their jobs and any donations would be appreciated. Again, I don’t know their circumstances, but I know my job, which I sometimes complain about, provides for me to walk in to buy the groceries needed for the week. They are looking at some dark days but here they were, joyfully sharing music, brightening my day!

I don’t know about you but I have moments of being overwhelmed with the growing list of concerns in our world today. The list spans big issues affecting the world, our country, our state and cities to how very personally these big issues affect each of us or our neighbors.

This song, How Can I Keep from Singing, has a history of resurfacing for me, especially during trying times. I won’t think of it for a few years, and then, there it is again, when I need it most. By the grace of God, I haven’t personally experienced desperation as in these two instances, but I have had days of overwhelming fear, pain, anxiety, and concern with uncertainty, loss, and dark lamentation.

I pray this text and hear the beautiful melody and harmonies and wish I could share them with these neighbors in need. As God speaks to me through the Psalm and this song, I am reminded that no storm can shake my inmost calm, while to that rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing. My wailing turns into dancing, my grief is removed and I’m filled with joy, that my heart would overflow with thankfulness and couldn’t possibly keep silent! When nothing else makes sense, when uncertainty overwhelms, the peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing; all things are mine since I am HIS, how can I keep from singing! We MUST keep singing!

Diane Worrell Eaton

Revolution or Restoration?

It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be  established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it, and many nations 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 the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. Micah 4:1-4 

A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Psalm 90:3 

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance 2 Peter 3:8-9 

I have been listening to a book about the making of the very popular hip-hop Broadway musical, “Hamilton: The Revolution”.  I was very surprised to hear that they included a phrase about, “the vine and the fig” from the prophet Micah, in the lyrics because it was in the favorite scripture of George Washington. I’ve never heard George Washington had a favorite scripture. I wondered what “sitting under the vine and fig tree” could mean. It turns out that during this period of war and strife, George Washington had a vision of providing a land where people could live out in the open in their own place of peace, as Micah prophesies in Micah 4:4. George Washington envisioned it occurring during his lifetime, and hoped to be able to help it to come true.  I don’t remember ever reading this passage from Micah, but found it to be a great promise.

When Micah made the prediction that President Washington loved, it was about times still to come, for them and for us. A time when the whole world will be at peace. It comes to pass in a world made by the Lord who established the highest of mountains.  It’s a time when all the people will flow to the house of the Lord. In the verses that follow this passage, Micah prophesies the Babylonian exile and the return, which have already happened.  I love the way the final phrase in this passage is translated in The Message, “The God-of-the-Angel-Armies says so, and he means what he says.” Our hope comes from knowing that the “God-of-the-Angel-Armies” has a plan for peace and in the end, all will worship Him together. God means what He says, and He keeps His word.

We feel so much division and divisiveness in our world. People are afraid and at war, physically and emotionally. We pray to God to do something. Now.  However, we are reminded many times in scripture, both in the Old and New Testament, that God’s time is not our time. As Peter explains, God isn’t slow. He’s patient. His patience is so that all can come to follow Him before the end. The time is coming, and we have work to do.  

Prayer: Dear Lord, You have always done what you’ve promised. And you will keep the promise made in Micah too.  Help me to do Your work in the world, so that when the time comes, there will be more people who enjoy your kingdom forever.  In this time of division and divisiveness, help me to remember that my hope is in You and that my true home is where You are.  Amen

Lori Snyder-Sloan, reprinted from 2017

Psalm 23

Even though most of us would probably prefer the poetic and comforting words of either the King James Version of the 23rd Psalm or another well-read version, reading through this version from The Message makes "old" words new.

God, my shepherd!

    I don’t need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

    you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word,

    you let me catch my breath

    and send me in the right direction.



Even when the way goes through

    Death Valley,

I’m not afraid

    when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd’s crook

    makes me feel secure.



You serve me a six-course dinner

    right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head;

    my cup brims with blessing.



Your beauty and love chase after me

    every day of my life.

I’m back home in the house of God

    for the rest of my life.   ~ Psalm 23, The Message

Donna Gustafson