Wandering Heart: "Rescue me from danger"

Rescue Me

I’d rather not need rescue.

I’d prefer a five-step plan

and a quick-fix solution.

I’d prefer stubborn insistence

over honest vulnerability,

because rescue requires

asking for help.

Rescue names

the rising water.

Rescue sees

the tired, treading feet.

Rescue feels

the swell of the wind

and the rain at a slant.

But when the floor falls out

and the world is on fire

and my small hands

cannot fix the hurt welling in me,

the prayer that slips out

is rescue

rescue

rescue me.

Poem by Rev. Sarah Speed

reprinted with permission from A Sanctified Art

Wandering Heart: "Rescue me from danger": From the Artist

Read Matthew 14:22-33

From the Artist | Rev. Nicolette Peñaranda

There are no street lights in the ocean. I think about that often. Rarely do we think about how dark and mysterious the night is, even for a veteran fisherman. Nor do we take into consideration the movement of the wind and its roar rumbling off of the waves.

Throughout this painting, we see West African symbols: Adinkrahene, Mako, Asase Ye Duru, Nyame Dua, and Mmusuyidee.* Jesus, the divine, is greater than the limitations of the flesh, the fears we carry like the uncertainty of the water. The ever-present God protected Peter from drowning. We are invited to maintain a hopeful outlook and persevere.

I titled this piece Lift Off as a nod to the 2011 Jay Z and Kanye West (ft. Beyonce) song by the same title. There is something about the opening lines, “We gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars, how many people you know can take it this far?” that lingers in my head. I think it pertains to how Peter must have felt walking on water toward Jesus. Who else was flying this high right then? Who else had dropped everything to live vagrantly with Christ? Before stumbling in his ways, there was something otherworldly happening, which brings me back to the stars.

Living in a metropolitan area, I don’t get the luxury of stars but I like to imagine a world where the skies told their own stories. In Lift Off, the elements are like main characters, inspiring whimsical fantasy. Cut-out layered clouds build into the horizon of the sea. The forceful wind tunnel blows over the sinking foot of a probably panicking Peter. This is a moving piece that is meant to tell a story in any direction it is turned. Like the theme of this series, the viewer should feel like they are on a journey with Peter. Lift Off is intentionally dark with beautiful highlights of color and sparkle. It is because of the darkness that the colors shine bright. These two things are complimentary, not contrasting. The fear that entered Peter with the wind was most likely heightened because it was dark out. Without knowing exactly what was around him, Peter became vulnerable, thus causing him to reach out. The wonder of darkness exposes us and invites us to seek connection. We see that in the reaching hand gently entering the dark sky.

 *Adinkra symbols originated from the Gyaman people of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Learn more about their meanings and significance here: adinkrasymbols.org

Reprinted with permission from A Sanctified Art

Wandering Heart: "Rescue me from danger": Sing - Read - Write

 

Wandering Heart: "Rescue me from danger": Commentary

Read Matthew 14:22-33 | Psalm 22:23-31

Commentary | Dr. Terence Lester

In January 2017, a neighbor informed us that someone was digging through our dumpster at Love Beyond Walls. We came to know this person as Mark. I told the neighbor that we advocate for those experiencing homelessness, providing for people in need. She replied that she was contemplating calling the police. Our volunteers exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the stigma in the air.

Nevertheless, I ventured outside. I found Mark by the dumpster. I inquired if I could help. He replied, “I’m cold, and I haven’t eaten in days. I was hoping to find something to eat.” Mark held a business degree and had owned his own home. He was utterly hopeless, contemplating suicide. He added that he was crying out to God. We offered him shelter and support. God used Mark’s courage to lift him. Mark became one of our most dedicated volunteers at Love Beyond Walls, and over time, emerged from homelessness. We even facilitated a reconnection with his children.

Mark’s story reminds us that danger is not always physical. Sometimes, it manifests as despair. Just as Mark reached out to us in his darkest hour, we are called to reach out to Jesus in storms. The story of Peter walking on water and sinking isn’t just a tale of doubt; it’s a narrative of faith. When Peter steps out of the boat, he demonstrates remarkable courage and trust in Jesus. Only when he shifts his focus to the raging storm does he sink. Like Peter, we may sink amid life’s challenges. However, as we are sinking, Jesus rescues us.

Sometimes, the danger is of our own making. Sometimes we sink simply because we had the courage to show up. Other times, we sink because we lose sight of what’s crashing around us. Often we grapple with what has made us sink without realizing that Jesus focuses on how much he loves us. Jesus extends a rescuing hand—and his love is greater than whatever causes us to sink.

Jesus is the Rescuer. Ultimately, Mark’s story demonstrates that God is near, not simply because we have doubted, but because we have had the faith to get out of the boat and start walking at the command of Jesus. I believe that God honors us and meets us in our lowest places.

We can find hope and salvation, cry out to the Lord, as Peter did, and discover that Jesus has more faith in us than we have in ourselves. Peter’s cry, “Lord, save me!” is an acknowledgment of need. What happens next is a beautiful revelation of our Savior’s heart—rescue, not shame and guilt.

As we reflect on Psalm 22:23-31, which Jesus quoted from the cross and which speaks of all the earth praising God, let’s remember that distress can lead to praise. When we are rescued, we can praise and give thanks to the Lord! The Lord reaches out when we cry out, guiding us safely through storms and tangibly being with us. May we have the courage to step out in faith, trusting in God's power and ability to rescue—not focusing on our doubts and fears, but on our courage to walk toward God. And sometimes God's power meets us—as it met Mark—when we take steps toward Jesus' command to "Come."

Reflect: When have you stepped out in faith? When have you had the courage to walk toward God in the midst of a storm?

reprinted with permission from A Sanctified Art

The Celtic Triple Knot

 

Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate. Mark 10:9 New Oxford Bible.

In the bible study that I attend on Tuesday mornings, we are learning about the formats used to tell the stories found in the Bible. Our second week of study found us learning about the format called “Doublets”. A Doublet is a story told twice whose facts change somewhat depending on who tells the story. An example of that can be found in Mark 6 where the story of the “feeding of the 5,000” is told by two different people with the facts varying a bit.

Each class member was asked to tell a story that they knew that changed depending on who told it. Many classmates thought of family stories that changed depending on who told it and when it was told. As for me, I love the stories that are not in the bible, but are related to our faith, and are handed down orally from generation to generation. One of my favorite stories is the symbolism of the Celtic Triple Knot.

I knew the story of the triple knot as having two different names each with its own symbolism. The stories have been told by both the people of Ireland and the people of Scotland. Currently, we think of the symbolism of the “knot “as being the Holy Trinity, but its earlier meaning was to honor the Triple Goddess (the 3 cycles of a woman’s life), i.e., maiden, mother and crone.

In hindsight, perhaps I should have chosen a different story because as I did some research to make sure I had my facts straight, I learned that there were at least 2 more names and 2 additional symbolisms. One was “The Family Knot” the 3 loops representing father, mother, child/children. And finally, a 4th name is “The Infinity Knot” symbolizing eternal love.

Have you ever heard the slang expression for getting married as “Tying the Knot?” This expression comes from using the “infinity knot, as a part of the Irish wedding ceremony. It turns out, the infinity knot is the triple loop knot in one country while it is an entirely different knot in another country.

So now my story turned into a quadruplet or two “Doublets.”

There is a retired Lutheran minister in our class and he said that he used the stole around his neck to bind the hands of the bride and groom together in the name of the trinity. This is done to indicate that they have pledged their commitment to one another in a holy act and that they are “forever tied to one another, until death parts them.”

Hearing that, I wondered how the knot was used in the Irish Catholic wedding ceremony. In this ceremony, they use either a braided rope or ribbons using a different knot to tie the bride and groom’s hands together. This is done while they are saying their vows. 

Both ceremonies seem beautiful to me and both represent the “no beginning and no end kind of love. Whether the Celtic Triple Knot or the Celtic Love Knot is used, both symbolize eternal love.

I think that’s a pretty good message no matter which knot is used, who tells the story, or when it is told. 

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we praise You for showing Your love for us in so many ways. We are so grateful that Your love for us, like that symbolized in the Celtic “trinity knot,” and the Celtic “Infinity knot” is eternal. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

Judy Welch

Asking for Help

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2

Have you tried assembling a piece of furniture that arrives on your porch in a box? It seems the instructions were designed for a non-reader who has extensive technical knowledge and the ability to recognize the difference between a screw and a nail drawn in 7-point font. The only tool provided is an angular piece of metal with eight ridges on one end.  

After carefully unpacking the numerous pieces and staring at a drawing with no written directions, you take a break and try to think of a friend whose arm can be twisted to come over and help you. Finally your text messages elicit a response from one candidate; you negotiate the “barter,” i.e. pizza, beverages, babysitting, and your helper is on the way. They arrive with a very large tool bag, looks over the arrangement of pieces and hardware you created on the floor, and says, “No problem!” 

Within minutes, your handy friend has rearranged the pieces, and you begin to feel hopeful that the random shapes really will create your new furniture. Under your friend’s direction, you hold pieces together while the electric screwdriver buzzes for only a few seconds to create tight connections. You picture yourself spending 10 minutes inserting the same screws using the provided metal tool and congratulate yourself for calling your friend. Before long, the handyman steps back from the project, holds out their arms, and says, “Pretty good-looking, if I do say so myself.”  

Everyone is happy! The friend lugs their tool bag home knowing they helped you and have pizza or free babysitting to look forward to. You and your family are pleased to have your décor improved with the addition of the new piece of furniture. And the project has been completed—the cardboard box can be taken to the recycle bin. 

The Scripture encourages us to ask for help; without asking God for help, we won’t succeed in the world. When God puts you in difficult situation, He wants you to ask for help. We must depend on God’s guidance to accomplish the plan God has for us; we’re not intended to do it by ourselves. We all want to feel useful and helping others is a way to do that. When we accept help from others, we give them permission to ask for favors. It’s an amazing chain reaction: God has a plan for us; His plan is revealed to us; because we feel inadequate, we reach out for help from someone else. That person not only provides the support that we need to succeed, but it also furthers God’s purpose for them.

Prayer: Lord God, we know you have a plan and a purpose for each of us. It’s more complex than assembling a piece of furniture, and we can’t accomplish your plan without your aid and direction. Help us to realize when we need to ask for assistance; to not be too proud or stubborn to recognize who can help us. Your instructions have been handed down through the generations, but we still struggle to decipher their meaning for our own lives. We ask that you guide and support us in this endeavor. Amen  

Carol McClain

Wandering Heart: "Jesus sought me": From the Artist

 

Read Luke 5:1-11

From the Artist | Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity

“Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8)

As we begin Lent, this desperate confession introduces us to Peter, the disciple whose story—and wandering heart—we will follow for the next 7 weeks. Peter was a commercial fisherman based in Galilee. He was most likely bilingual, speaking Aramaic and Greek, culturally influenced by both Judaism and Hellenism. His business would have been under oppressive control of the Roman government, which arbitrarily imposed harsh rental and harbor fees, fishing licenses, and taxes on domestic fishermen. He was likely a blue-collar worker daily constrained by tides and taxes.

With this backstory in mind, we may hear Peter’s response to the abundant catch of fish with fresh ears. There are so many messages within his protest: “I’m not prepared. I’m not capable. I’m not deserving. I’m not faithful enough. I’m not smart enough. I’m not the type you’re looking for.” Have you ever found yourself saying these things in response to a new calling, or to an abundant gift of grace?

In this image, the bursting nets transform into a river of grace meandering through the composition of Peter’s life. The river pours into Peter’s hands, but he can’t quite grasp the fullness of this gift and calling quite yet, and so most of it rushes right by. As you will see in my other pieces for this series, this river of grace will wander alongside Peter throughout his life. The river represents how his journey with Christ begins and ends: with an abundant catch of fish. It’s a visible reminder of the ways God’s grace bends and turns and rushes to find each of our wandering hearts.

Despite Peter’s resistance, grace seeks him out. His right thumb gets caught in the net. He can’t escape the fact that God’s goodness and mercy will pursue him all the days of his life (Psalm 23:6). The river rushes in. The question for Peter—and for each of us—is will he follow where it leads?

© 2024 | A Sanctified Art LLC | All Rights Reserved

Wandering Heart: "Jesus sought me": Sing - Read - Write

 

Promises

When God made a promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself saying, "I will surely bless you and multiply you."  And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Hebrews 6:13-15

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.  And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 23-25

His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises. 2 Peter 1: 3-4

One of my favorite old time hymns is Standing On The Promises of God. The tune of that hymn causes me to repeat the words to myself. The words of "eternal praise," "overcoming doubt and fear," "listening to the call," "bound by love" keep repeating in my mind as I think of that song. It reminds me that our Christian faith is based on promises from God that we have learned about from studying the message that Jesus brings to us in the Bible. The promises become our expectations that we have because we believe in God. I suppose we become disappointed and somewhat doubters if certain promises don't seem to come our way in a timely manner. However, as written in Hebrews, as our faith grows, we overcome our doubts and concerns and rely on the "promises from God."

While we live to claim the promises from God, our church has promises from us. We made promises of support and involvement when we joined Eastridge Church. We continue to make verbal promises during worship activities and responses. Our church lives because of our promises. Today, our church has several service and financial needs. Are we living up to our promises? Can we expect to claim promises from God if we haven't fulfilled our promises to our church? Let us meet the needs of Eastridge Church.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for the messages of promise that You have presented to us through Your son, Jesus. Help us to grow in faith in order to fulfill our promise to follow Your word and to search for the direction You would have us live so that it would be pleasing in Your sight. Amen

Lauren Holcombe (reprinted from 2017, shared today in memory of Lauren)

Wandering Heart: “Jesus Sought Me”: Commentary

Read Luke 5:1-11 | Psalm 25:1-10

Commentary | Dr. Terence Lester

Amid the global pandemic, we faced uncertainties and fear. The world was gripped by a new, invisible foe. I lead a nonprofit named Love Beyond Walls that advocates for the unhoused. During COVID-19, Demetri—whose name is forever etched in my memory—walked into our center. He was a community member and friend, but he seemed different. We asked what was on his mind, and he replied, “I believe I’m going to die because I have nowhere to wash my hands. How am I supposed to wash my hands when I don’t have anywhere to go?”

His words showed the harsh reality for those experiencing homelessness: over half a million people held the same fear. COVID-19 was an awakening to the longstanding disparities within society. The term "social distancing" was jarring for people who had long known social distancing.

Demetri’s story fueled a national campaign we called “Love Sinks In” to provide handwashing access for those without it, enabling us to connect more deeply and stand with our community. As others focused on hand hygiene and quarantine, we provided basic sanitation for those experiencing homelessness. Many debated toilet paper and confinement; we stood with individuals without soap, water, or shelter.

Just as Jesus sought out the Galilean fishermen, we sought out people suffering on the streets. Galilee, now modern-day northern Israel, hosted a diverse community and some struggled with poverty. Fishing was commonplace, and for many, a means of subsistence. Those whose fishing did not succeed often became destitute. Just as Jesus called the fishermen, he calls us to seek the marginalized, to become “fishers of men.” Demetri’s plea echoed Peter’s response to Jesus’ call: “I’m afraid.” But it was also a call to action.

Peter had a wandering heart. Jesus was always there to catch Peter, to walk beside him, to wash his feet, and to offer love. In Peter’s story, we find Jesus. Peter’s wandering faith ebbed and flowed, pushed away and pulled close. But he was always tethered to the love of God. This Lent, we’re joining Peter in figuring out faith. We will wander alongside him, glimpsing Jesus through his eyes.

When we allow ourselves to be afraid and vulnerable, God’s love washes our wandering hearts. We washed hands during COVID-19, but God’s love showers us with calm, connection, and belonging amid upheaval. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, Jesus brought calm. He reminded us that God is with us. Jesus formed a community willing to follow. “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:1-10). In despair, we found hope; in fear, we found peace.

As we contemplate Luke 5:1-11, let us hold Demetri and others like him in our hearts. In crisis, Love Beyond Walls responded with compassion and love, and so, we too were found by the Divine, and the narrative of our lives became a testament to God’s grace.

Reflect: Dr. Lester writes, “Just as Jesus sought out the Galilean fishermen, we sought out people suffering on the streets.” In your own community, who is God seeking out? Who might God be calling you to seek out?

© 2024 | A Sanctified Art LLC | All Rights Reserved

Tune my heart

 

Tune my heart.

Like an old violin, 

Like a worn down piano, 

I have been left out in all manners of weather,

I have been left alone for far too long. 

So like a concert master 

with a steady hand, 

tune me up. 

Listen and learn 

the cracked keys, 

the broken strings. 

Memorize the forgotten intervals 

That even I did not know.

And then, when we’re ready,

When this creaky heart is tuned,

teach me a new song. 

Poem by Rev. Sarah Speed

© 2024 | A Sanctified Art LLC | All Rights Reserved

Ash Wednesday

 All this time

I put my headphones in.

I walk quickly.

I look toward the ground.

I create one million barriers

of independence,

but still God seeks after me.

God leans a rainbow over the sky.

God sends sun after the rain.

God blankets the earth with wildflowers.

God allows music to carry,

and laughter to rise,

all so that I might notice.

And when I do notice,

the unfurling that begins in my soul

is slow and holy and burning.

I am not alone.

God has been chasing after me

all this time.

Poem by Rev. Sarah Speed 

(reprinted with permission from A Sanctified Art)

Grey Days

When the righteous call for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.  The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. Psalms 34:17-20

The winter sky at dawn and dusk is often the most colorful part of the landscape all day.  When my daily drives take me past miles of tawny taupes and charcoals in the palette for the views, I crave a burst of color and a vivid plump flower or two. 

These hues saturate parts of my life, and I see them reflected in other people's moods as we struggle with the challenges of cold-weather months. Tasks can be wearying, and we are prone to experiencing drudgery.

The imagination is the precious gift that can keep us going when we feel oppressed by our surroundings or by the nature of the work ahead of us. It seems appropriate that Lent comes when we are struggling with external issues that seem to trigger internal issues.  There is often a feeling of loss at this time of year; an emptiness that indicates some kind of disconnect.

The challenges of Lent are many, but one I always try to focus on is what I can eliminate that is distancing me from God.  The flip side is exploring what I can add to encourage a closer relationship with God.  There is a switch in my brain that can take me from the process of letting go to the process of practicing discipline that will bring a fuller life. It becomes a cycle of cleansing and becoming involved. 

What I see very clearly is that time spent in front of a screen typing ideas from inspiring things I have read fills me up; and time spent in front of a screen scrolling down through selfies and memes and videos absolutely drains me. There is a great resource in technology, and a great danger as well.

I am trying to be diligent about items on my to-do lists, but I find I really need to intersperse some moments of reading or looking at something beautiful while enjoying a cup of tea, in between digging for tax records and washing dishes and doing a load of laundry. These tasks are wearying to me because I sometimes let myself see the punitive nature of work rather than rejoicing in the sacrament of daily tasks. I need to practice remembering joy.

While scrolling down my Facebook feed today, I was entranced by this poetic prayer posted by a young pastor friend, and I know she would be happy to have it shared. I suppose this, and the photos my old friend has been posting of his trip around World War II memorials in France and Belgium, are the reasons I still look for something on Facebook.  But I do think that there are more worthy distractions that actually engage the soul and mind and body, and I mean to find them.

Prayer on the road of life, attributed to Augustine of Hippo:

God of life, there are days

when the burdens we carry are heavy on our shoulders

and weigh us down,

when the road seems dreary and endless,

the skies grey and threatening,

when our lives have no music in them,

our hearts lonely,

our souls losing their courage.

Flood the path with light.

Turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise,

tune our hearts to brave music,

give us the sense of comeradeship

with heroes and saints of every age.

So quicken our spirits

that we may be able to encourage the souls of all

who journey with us on the road of life,

to your honor and glory.

Amen.

Mollie Manner (reprinted from 2018)

Making Excuses

"But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.” Luke 14:18

I have a friend who I’ve known for almost 50 years. When we run into each other, she’s friendly and talkative and invariably ends the conversation with, “We’ll have to get together sometime.” For the first ten years of our friendship, I’d reply, “That’s a good idea. When should we do it?” My friend would say that she’d give me a call. After ten years of the call never coming, I decided to change my response to, ‘Well, let me know when you want to do that,” but didn’t expect to hear from her.

Now, you may ask, “Why didn’t I just initiate the invitation?” I have no good answer to that! The friend is a pleasant person who, I’m sure, would accept my invitation if I contacted her, but wasn’t the ball in her court since she was the first to suggest getting together? Did I really want to spend time with her? Was I afraid she would turn me down? Had this proposal to “get together” been exchanged too long to have sincere meaning? So many possible excuses.

A story is told about a man who wanted to borrow his neighbor’s ladder. His neighbor says,” Sorry, I can’t let you borrow my ladder. It’s holding up my wall and the wall will fall down if you take the ladder.” “Why that’s ridiculous, your ladder doesn’t hold up the wall!”  “That’s right,” retorts the neighbor, “but when you don’t want to do something, one excuse is as good as another.”

Making excuses keeps us from experiencing many things, both positive and negative. The invitation to “hit a few balls” with your new supervisor at work might lead to a long friendship formed around your mutual love of golf. Pleading, “I’d love to, but I promised I’d take the kids to a movie,” could be interpreted as not wanting to socialize with your supervisor and forfeiting future invitations. Excuses sometimes protect us from anticipated rejection; if I say no, I avoid the possibility of getting hurt. Excuses cover up our poor judgement; I didn’t want to eat that apple, but the snake made me do it! 

What about when God asks us to do something to further His kingdom. Do we take a chance and say, “Here I am Lord,” or do we give an excuse? Are we too old, too young, too fearful, or do we accept God’s invitation? Do we take our salvation seriously and make it a priority or do we miss out on the joy and peace that come with receiving God’s love by making excuses?

Prayer: Help us hear God’s call to accept his salvation not with excuses, but with an enthusiastic, “Here I am Lord.” We know we need to make the things that are important priorities in our lives. Give us the courage and strength to reach out and accept God’s invitation to eternal life without denials, excuses, or justifications for our hesitation. Amen

Carol McClain

Love Your Neighbor (Part 2)

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.  (Galatians 5:14 NIV) 

In part one of my “Love Your Neighbor,” devotional, I wrote of how wonderful it had been that three of my new neighbors cleared my sidewalks and driveway during the recent subzero temperatures and multiple snowstorms.

I wanted to thank all 3 of these neighbors with a gift from my kitchen so I began baking cookies and making homemade bread to take to all three households.  As a Christian, sharing bread is a rather sacred thing to do in my mind, but I always wonder how it will be received.

I’ve shared bread with one of these new families before. So, when I went back this second time, I wondered if I was bringing something they liked. If not, I thought, it wouldn’t be a very good thank you gift. 

As I was leaving their home, I could hear the dad and his 3 children talking inside the snow fort they were building. The children were discussing how many of my cookies they could have and the dad was saying that he just wanted a thick slice of homemade bread. That was “music to my ears!”

I smiled all the way home thinking to myself that there are so many simple ways to “love your neighbor.”

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for the gifts You give to each of us that we might be able to help one another. Remind us to be kind and caring and to make our “neighborly love” a verb not just something we say but something we do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

Judy Welch

Love Your Neighbor (Part 1)

For the whole law can be summed up in this one command.”  Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14 NLT)

“Love is a verb.” “It’s not what you say, but what you do that matters.”  These two statements are a portion of dialog from a Christmas movie I watched last December. Apparently, I had hidden them away in my memory and I hadn’t thought of them until I was the recipient of some amazing “neighborly love.” 

For the past 40 years, I have had the same address and most of the neighbors in my cul de sac were long term residents as well. Then a few years ago, one by one, many of us became widows. Three of the widows have moved away. So, now we have three younger families living here. 

Though I don’t know my new neighbors as well as I did my former neighbors, I am pleased to tell you that they are very caring young people. It was during that awful January cold snap with accompanying multiple snowstorms when everyone was trying to simultaneously stay warm and keep their driveways and sidewalks clear, that I got to know three of the young men a bit better.   

I’m in my mid 80’s now, and while I was outside trying to clear my sidewalks with my snowblower, I was approached by one of these young men who told me to go back inside and stay warm. He said the three of them would take turns doing my snow removal as well as the snow removal for the other two widows in our cul de sac. Wow! That’s some very special neighborly love removing snow multiple times in subzero temperatures!

When I asked the young man named Joe why all 3 of them were out so early and working so hard at keeping our cul de sac clear, he said, “Well my wife is due to have our first baby any day now and we need to be able to get out of here safely.” His answer opened my eyes to the fact that the neighborly love of these 3 young men was not only for those of us in our 80’s but for each other as well.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise You for all the ways You remind us to care for one another, and we thank You for all of Your people who love You and actively show their “neighborly love.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

Judy Welch

Answered Prayers

You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:13-14 

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

Several years ago, we were hosting my son’s graduation party at our home. We were excited to have guests seated at tables outside on the new patio we had worked so hard to construct that spring. Everything was ready! The yard and flowers were glorious! To our dismay, it began raining the night before and was still pouring in the morning when we got up. Setting up in the garage was plan B but that really wasn’t the gloomy setting I wanted for our guests. So, as I longingly stared out the window, I started praying God would stop the rain…and soon. He must not have heard me the first time, so I asked again, but this time, I made my prayer more specific by requesting the rain to end by 9:30 AM, since the party was set to begin at 10:00. (9:30 would rush us a bit but still, I’d be grateful.) The rain just didn’t let up. As disappointed as I was, I prayed again that whatever God’s will would be, we would accept it, set up in the garage, celebrate our special graduate, and enjoy the party.

I went about frantically rushing about the house, preparing food, displays, and of course, setting up tables in the garage. I couldn’t believe my ears when my mom exclaimed, “Hey look! It’s getting lighter!” I ran to the window and sure enough, the rain had completely stopped! The waterworks shut off, just like that! The clouds dissipated and the sun came out! I checked my watch…it was 9:28! After giving thanks to the good Lord above, I chuckled to myself and thought, “dang, I should’ve requested 8:00!”  😊

Jesus does tell us to ask for what is on our hearts; what we want and what we need. Bob Goff says, “God knows what we need before we ask; He just likes to hear our voices.” I know He hears each request. I believe He answers every prayer. It may not always be the answer we’d hoped for or in the timing we would’ve liked but God delights in knowing our deepest pleas, desires, and concerns. We struggle to understand when, sometimes, His answer is “no or not now”. If we can learn to submit our sincere prayers, with trust, and surrender to His providence, we can be assured He hears and will answer with His perfect plan and perfect timing and will be with us each step of the way! We can be at peace, no matter what happens.

Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for listening as we bring our wants and needs to you in prayer. Help us to lay they them at your feet, trusting in your divine providence and perfect timing. Provide us an extra dose of patience, direction, and acceptance while we wait. We know we aren’t alone. You are always right there beside us. Amen

Diane Worrell Eaton

Your Shoulders

Pile your troubles on GOD’s shoulders—he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. Psalm 55:22  (MSG)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)

Last year I was having a hard time coping with too much on my plate. The saying, “God doesn't give us more than we can handle”, is simply NOT true! Whoever came up with that saying probably misinterpreted 1 Corinthians 10:13, which says, “And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” Temptation and suffering have very different meanings.

Unfortunately, there was no backing out of any of my difficult situations, they all needed to be faced. This is hard enough for the average person, but for someone who suffers from anxiety...overwhelming! When the last stressful situation dropped on my plate, it was already too full. I had so many doubts. “Really, God?! How can I do it all? I don't have anything left to give—I'm spent. It's all too much. I just can't!”

When I finished complaining and sulking, I fell to my knees and earnestly prayed. “Ok, God. I know you want me to walk through this. I admit, it's more than I can handle. But I do know what scripture says about your character, and I remember the amazing ways you've worked in my life. You've shown me you're faithful, you're strong, you're wise. YOU can handle this...so please walk with me every step of the way. Please give me the guidance, strength and peace I so need.”

I won't lie, the next several months were not sunshine and roses, but there were moments I strongly felt His presence, His peace. I prayed continually and leaned hard on Jesus. In fact, sometimes I think He probably carried me, because I'm not really sure how I made it through. I do know He gave me friends, family and Christian music as my support system. This part of the song, “Shoulders”, by For King & Country especially spoke to me: “My help comes from You / You’re right here, pulling me through /

You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders... / My help comes from You / You are my rest, my rescue / I don’t have to see to believe that You’re lifting me up on Your shoulders...”

The next time I have too much on my plate, I hope to “Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually.” (2 Chronicles 16:11)...and immediately! For if I do, I will not need to fear or be dismayed...for God will strengthen me and help me; He will uphold me with His righteous right hand. (from Isaiah 41:10).

Prayer: Strong and faithful Father, forgive us for doubting your ability to guide us through the difficult situations we face. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for the many times you've lovingly pulled us through, or even carried us on your shoulders. Amen.

Sharon Irvin

Gifts

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Girl Scout cookie time arrived in February, and a theatre student at Wesleyan showed up to our musical rehearsal with a box of Thin Mints for me. It was a very sweet gesture. I am delighted to acknowledge that he and many other students offer to help me with things like getting to and from my car on the ice, or moving the keyboard around so I can hear and see better while accompanying for musical theatre. But this was a surprise.

I had the pleasure of sampling the Thin Mints, and then offering them to students who came by my keyboard backstage before rehearsal started. The delight in their eyes was creating such joy in my corner. I thanked my benefactor again, and told him he had reminded me that the best gifts are the ones we can share. It was such a thrill to feel like a fairy godmother.

For my most recent birthday celebration, my daughter in Korea told me to pick out some flowers, and she would pay me back for them. We were nervous about any flower delivery during the below-freezing temperatures. I had fun choosing what I wanted and putting them in my favorite vase. Then I loved looking at and smelling those flowers, and being reminded of not just spring, but of her presence.

My other daughter and her husband spent an intensive baking session making a gourmet cake for me. It was splendid in every way, and rich enough to enjoy with very thin slices. My daughter and I shared some at lunch on my birthday, and later in the day with her in-laws. There was still half a cake for me to nibble from at home, and I managed to spare a couple of slivers for the generous bakers. It was a magical cake.

She came over a few days later and brought me a print she had made and framed. It was a print of nasturtiums she had carved and then printed in three different colors of inks. My mother's favorite flowers were nasturtiums, and I have many objects of nasturtium-themed art that she collected in her lifetime. The gift was incredibly special because of my daughter's artistic skills, and because it referenced my mother, who continues to inspire us even though she is no longer on earth. It was meaningful also because my daughter had art lessons with a wonderful artist who is also no longer with us, but whose influence is felt by all who studied with her.

My Korean son-in-law sent me a gift card. His mother died a couple of years ago, and she loved to go shopping, so he wanted to give me what he would have given to his mother. As I drove out to go shopping, I stopped to talk to a neighbor who was cleaning debris from the street in front of her house, after the blizzards and thawing that made a mess of our city, and paralyzed much of our state. We talked about how it had been too cold until that day to even consider putting out a pot of pansies, but that we needed some color in our lives.

Without thinking, I went directly to buy some pansies with my gift card. I bought more than I needed, and put a little 4-pack in the front yards of my 6 nearest neighbors - the ones I had seen only briefly over the frigid winter months, but always enjoyed connecting with. It was so exciting to leave a little springy surprise in people's yards. It was like Thin Mints all over again. I don't know their reactions to the pansies, but I know I had a real party being the pansy fairy.

A birthday is a wonderful time to reflect on the gifts that God showers on me, and to open my eyes to the many ways those gifts can be shared. The best gifts have the loaves-and-fishes power of multiplying their scope and power with the joy they create.

Prayer: God who is the light of our birthday candles, help us to share the joy of your gifts by experiencing them in some way with others, so we can enjoy them even more. Remind us of our birthday spirit that revels in the delights of this world afresh. Thank you for the gift of people, and the privilege of giving to others. Amen.

Mollie Manner (reprinted from 2019)

Connection

Some scripture on connection: 

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another. Hebrews 10:25a

That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20

Seasons

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 

For over thirty years, Eastridge Presbyterian Church has been my church home. As life goes, there are always ups and downs. The same goes for churches. They have seasons, too. There were big changes in our denomination and our congregation twelve years ago, and again seven or eight years ago. These were especially difficult seasons for EPC and they affected me deeply. Many of my closest church friends, who had once proclaimed I was part of their church family, left for another church family. I was devastated, shocked, confused, angry, and saddened. Honestly, it felt like a divorce. “Church” did not feel the same. I had a choice to make of whether I stayed or not. I took a long look at the reasons why I should stay. If it was for my church “family”, well, a good share of them left me, so I didn’t trust that anymore (now, their leaving probably had nothing to do with me but this was my thinking in my own grief.) I needed to search further.

So, on my way to church every Sunday, I decided to be open to whatever God wanted me to experience that day. No matter who was there or not there, whether the music suited me, if there were busy/noisy little ones near me, or the sermon was captivating or not, I listened and watched to see if I could sense the Holy Spirit moving in that place and what message I was to take home.

In the early part of the discerning season, God was especially felt in the scripture, the prayers and sermons, communion, and the music, oh, the music! Initially, I admit to retreating socially. I didn’t want to make new friends. I was slow to trust again. I wondered if anyone else was hurting like me. Then, I started to notice the people. I saw God working in and through them! God was there as the pastors and office staff loved and served us, shepherding their flock. God was there in the local and world mission; in the caring work of the deacons, trustees, and session; in the uplifting music leaders and choirs; in the welcoming greeters and ushers; in the compassionate Stephen ministers and pantry volunteers; in the connecting bible studies and children’s ministry. God was there in all of us, imperfect people and in our disagreements, conflict resolution, and uncertainty. God was there in the everyday interaction and genuine, steadfast love, and dedication to each other and our Savior.

I began to reflect on a time, in 2007, when God carried me through a dark season following my divorce. God was there in those same people who loved on our family with prayers, cards, food, rides, youth programs, and the divorce support group. When I was full of shame and doubt, questioning my worth, God was there in others to help me feel accepted, forgiven, and encouraged. There were still others who dug deep in their pockets to give more financially, when I wasn’t able to. I never knew who to thank. God was there in the pew with me, as tears flowed, surrendering my will. He was there in the kindness of several who mentored my son or invited him to sit with them on Sunday mornings, so he wasn’t alone, as I was seated with the choir. It was a place I was allowed to be “soft”; a place to heal.

With forgiveness, healing, and reflection, I’ve come to realize God was there in the early 90’s season when we joined the church, raising our family. He was there in the seasons of 2007 and in the last twelve years. He was always there, is here now, and will be in every season to come. My reason for staying is at EPC is because I truly “experience” God here! The Holy Spirit is moving among us, in, and through us! God is providing, protecting, directing, inspiring, and challenging us. As Bob Goff explains, Jesus doesn’t want us to just agree with Him, He wants us to DO as He teaches! Eastridge Presbyterian offers many ways to find connection, to serve others, to work together, to use our gifts for His glory, to learn, teach, and grow in our faith. I am so grateful to be part of a community where we seek to live out God’s mission of hope, love, equality, inclusion, kindness, and peace. We do so in response to His extravagant love and amazing grace. Honestly, it’s the greatest news ever and the joy can’t help but be shared!

Amen

Diane Worrell Eaton (reprinted from May 2023)