How to Find God in a Horror Movie

This may seem counterintuitive but bear with me as I explain.

Horror movies may seem like the bane of good Christian values, but like an onion it has layers. Peel back the surface, you will find that there are inherent values and a lesson to be learned by those who seek it. When you see a horror movie you come face to face with the worst mankind can come up with. In the movies, the devil is on earth, the dead come back to life, and society as we know it crumbles. Cynical viewing aside, a horror movie can be a morale about the injustice in this world. A simple truth that bad things happen to good people. Horror movies bring that to the forefront of our minds. Like Job, we are forced to reconcile that our power is limited when compared to the all-mighty. We don’t know everything. In the story of Job, we are shown that bad things happen to good people. We are humbled because our power doesn’t match God’s power. No one is perfect like God. We can struggle to comprehend the concept that bad things happen to good people. A good horror movie brings that struggle to the forefront. He knows all and we know little compared to him. We find God in horror movies by accepting our limited understanding when compared to the Almighty.

 Then Job replied to the Lord:

 “I know that you can do all things;
    no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
    Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
    things too wonderful for me to know.

 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;
    I will question you,
    and you shall answer me.’
 My ears had heard of you
    but now my eyes have seen you.
 Therefore I despise myself
    and repent in dust and ashes.”

Prayer: Dear God, please bless us with your wisdom. Help guide us as we confront injustice in this world. Help us to put our faith in you lord. Help us to understand our shortcomings. Help us to grow. Help us to love. Guide us when life is cruel when we stumble and fall. Lift us up with your loving hands. In your name we pray, Amen.

Charles Kendeigh (reprinted from 2021)

Joy

“Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord Your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locust and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed. An afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” Joel 2:23-29

This passage shares a reminder that sons and daughters, children and grandchildren will see life in a new way. After judgment and repentance, restoration and blessing will follow. When disturbing world events threaten to overwhelm, we take comfort in the promise of deliverance for those who are faithful to God. We find joy in the promise of restoration.

As our grandchildren bubble over with joy and excitement brought by new experiences, their delight makes us aware of the many blessings that come from seeing life in a new way. A baby crowing with delight when hearing stirring music played by a bell choir, a preschooler excitedly urging a reluctant mom to embrace a first roller coaster ride or savoring orange slices dunked in chicken soup (hmmm…)—simple daily experiences remind us of the joy God intends for those who love him. 

Prayer: Creator God, thank you for your promises of blessing and restoration. As we seek to be faithful to you, give us an appreciation for seeing life in new ways and the courage to be agents of your hope, joy and laughter. Amen. 

Barry and Alinda Stelk (reprinted from 2018)

Stressful Days

                                                 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—

he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. Ephesians 3:20

It is my busy season at work. “Busy” doesn’t seem to capture it very well. Stressful describes it better. Add in personal obligations and it is overwhelming at times. Can you relate?
 
In a previous devotion I shared where I have learned to ask Jesus “What is the next thing I need to do?” in the midst of being pulled in so many directions.  And He faithfully answers. And then I ask again and He answers. Like a child, I trust my Father to tell me what is best.
 
At particularly stressful times, I calm myself by taking a breath in while thinking “breathing in peace” and exhaling while thinking “breathing out grace”. Peace to calm me and grace to give others. Jesus brings me back to thinking clearly and stops (sometimes) my tongue. I keep doing this until my breathing becomes slow and calm.

When roadblocks hit (computer doesn’t cooperate, a project stalls without other information, a headache comes on), I now look at those moments as God saying “That’s enough for now; let’s deal with that later”. Be thankful for little things (a hot shower, ice cream, or my husband making dinner).

At night when you can’t shut off your brain of things to do or worry, I do two things: 1) I get up and write down the list of “to do” things in my head; and 2) I say the Lord’s Prayer in my head very, very slowly concentrating on each word. Say it again until you fall asleep.

Remember to show extra love to those closest to you as they often, unintentionally, receive less time and attention from you. Love brings you back to center.
 
Peace and grace to you.

Prayer: Dear Father, In the midst of trial and stress, thank you for your peaceful presence guiding us if only we would look to you to show us the way. We will keep trying to let you lead instead of trying to do it all on our own. Amen.

Cathy Schapmann (reprinted from 2018)

Claiming the Tree of Life

Blessed is the one

    who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

    or sit in the company of mockers,

 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,

    and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

    which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

    whatever they do prospers.  Psalm 1:1-3

Many of us have been in grief and horrified by the shooting at the Tree of Life Synogogue in Pittsburgh on October 27th (editor's note: this shooting happened in 2018). A friend and I attended a memorial service at Tifereth Israel Synogogue in Lincoln. It was reassuring in the midst of this tragedy that so many from many faith traditions were in attendance at this memorial service. It was a united voice – a concert of voices that would agree that hate has no home in this community or elsewhere in the United States. 

One point made a profound impression on me: the Tree of Life as portrayed in Psalm 1. It is descriptive of those who walk in the way of the Lord – who meditate on the Law of God - God’s Word every day and night. They are like a tree planted by streams of water. That tree is a tree of life that bears fruit and will prosper. My encouragement is that we find the solace of this fruit bearing tree – of God’s Word – God’s Spirit Who ministers not only to this community, but more so, to the Pittsburgh community and to those directly impacted by this tragedy. Yes, God cries with us and we with each other. God is with us in this - as Emmanuel – God with us in Jesus Christ. May we find comfort, strength, and a voice that has the courage to say, “No more!”

Prayer: Most gracious God, keep us nurtured and strengthened through Him Who is our Vine and we are His branches. Fortify us with Your Spirit. May we bring words and deeds of life to a world that is so encumbered by death. Let this day be a day for living in the name of Him Who is the Resurrection and the Life, Jesus Christ. Amen

Rev. Dr. John Duling (reprinted from 2018)

Seek the Lord

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11 

Family Trees and Olive Branches

Do not be like children in your thinking, my brothers; be children so far as evil is concerned, but be grown up in your thinking. 1 Corinthians 14:20 

Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful men, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head. Ephesians 4:14 and 15.

Christina Hergenreder used these verses to speak to over one hundred women at the Shiloh campground in Nebraska this year. My sister and I were able to attend and grew in our understanding of family dynamics. 

First, we were told to tell what it was like to enter our family living room at the home we grew up in. We both said it was usually a great feeling in our home in the country in Nebraska. It was a safe home, the neighborhood was so safe, we never locked our doors. We kids never had a key to the house. 

We were lucky that our parents believed the Bible. We did not have alcohol, parents missing, or a lot of brokenness. We had pet dogs and cats and even a pet skunk. The skunk was de-scented and had been brought to us after the neighbor ran over the mother in his field. He brought it to us knowing we cared for animals. The veterinarian removed the sac of foul-smelling fluid, and he became a household pet.

However, we learned from the campground conference from Genesis 50:20, Luke 23:24 and Ephesians 4:14 and 15 that these actions would help us when tragedy or disagreement appears in our family: 

• We do not control others’ emotions or actions
• To glorify the Lord in our actions
• Our identity can be made with using the riches of our Lord’s glory
• We need to forgive even when we don’t want to 
• Love surpasses all
• Bring your hurt to our Lord
• Teach your kids from words of Jesus in the Bible
• Love of Christ and family passes all else

We also learned to build family with

• Devotions 
• Weddings
• Big birthday gatherings
• Touching and holding each other
• Eating together
• Touching each other with love 
• Building a family mission statement

To top off a beautiful day of learning I got a Facetime call from a granddaughter while at the event, that she had become engaged. Thankfully, we get to invite a fine young gentleman into our family. He used a lot of what we learned to build family when he invited friends from far-away places to view his giving of a diamond.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Words from Ecclesiastes

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11 

All I Need

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:25-26

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11

On a Connection Card (available in our church pews), there is a question: “How can we pray for you?” A child turned in her card recently, answering, “nothing, I got everything I need.”

I thought of a child’s view and how we can appreciate this, how we can use her example to be content with what we have. Now, that doesn’t mean we don’t need others’ prayers or that we should always be content with the status quo. However, I think gratitude and appreciation and just paying attention are what this is about.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be thankful for all that you’ve given me. Help me to find joy and contentment in my circumstances, because you are there with me. Amen.

Donna Gustafson

Words from Psalm 65

You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths drip with abundance. Psalm 65:11 

Clear Thinking & Common Sense

Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don't for a minute lose sight of them. They'll keep your soul alive and well, they'll keep you fit and attractive. You'll travel safely, you'll neither tire nor trip. You'll take afternoon naps without a worry, you'll enjoy a good night's sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner, because God will be right there with you; he'll keep you safe and sound. Proverbs 3:21-26 (The Message)  

This has been a difficult period in our country as we have become more divided than ever over political issues. The media sometimes adds to the concerns we have when they discuss the issues. I’ve heard commentators use the words “fear” and “panic” when they discuss the public’s reactions to the news of the day.

This passage from Proverbs advises us to keep our sound judgment and use common sense, for they will help us on our travels. Especially appropriate is the section suggesting that we don’t need to panic over predictions about doomsday—because God is with us and will keep us safe and sound.

How appropriate it is to reconsider these words from thousands of years ago. It’s easy to be overwhelmed when it seems all the news is bad and there doesn’t seem to be any hope. We worry about the political scene, climate change, the economy, health care, and education, to name a few. But worry doesn’t really get us anywhere. It merely diverts our attention from honoring God for our blessings.

            

Eastridge will soon be conducting its stewardship campaign, and it might be tempting to fall prey to all the negative news around us and think our church pledge is an item that can be moved to a lower priority. However, the next verses of the Proverbs chapter advise us not to take such action:

         Never walk away from someone who deserves help;

               your hand is God's hand for that person.

            Don't tell your neighbor "Maybe some other time"

               or "Try me tomorrow" when the money's right there in your pocket.

The church budget includes money to operate the church building and programs, but it also includes funding for local, national, and international mission projects. Prayerfully consider your situation when completing your pledge form. Remember that God is always there and will provide and try not to succumb to the fear and panic that seems all around us. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for giving us common sense and good judgment. We need your assistance to remember our blessings amidst the “fear” and “panic” that seems to be everywhere today. We know you are always there and will keep us safe. Help us to always understand that we can reach out to others, for our hands can be your hands.

Robin Hadfield (reprinted from 2018)

Children with Special Needs

Congenial conversation - what a pleasure! The right word at the right time - beautiful! Proverbs 15:23 The Message

I have been a cashier at a grocery store for 12 years. In that time I have been unsure how to handle interactions with certain members of our community - children with special needs. Some of these individuals can't speak, some are crying, some are yelling and I just didn't know what to do. I felt convicted that I should say hi to the child as well as the parent. So recently I had a child with special needs come through my line with her mother. I said hi to the mother then said hi to the approximately 8-year-old child. She didn't say hi back but the mother immediately engaged me in conversation. She said her daughter got so excited about going to school. 

"Does she like school?" I asked. 

"She loves school!" Her mother seemed quite appreciative to talk to me. I finished scanning her groceries and told her to have a good day, and she left.

Later I told a teacher friend of mine about the experience because I was unsure if it had gone well. My friend said, "You did great. You acknowledged the existence of her daughter when a lot of people look away, and you gave her a chance to talk about her daughter."

I felt good that for once I had handled the situation well. "The right word at the right time - beautiful!"

Prayer: Dear Lord, it is so easy to look away when we come across children with special needs. Help us to treat them as members of our community, greet them and make their families feel welcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Nancy Brumbaugh

Care a Lot and Pray a Lot

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:22–25

A friend of mine told me, “My worst sin is that I’m a procrastinator. It gets in my way and it keeps me from doing all that God created me to do.” I would have to say that I’m the opposite. My worst sin may be that I’m an “urgent-inator. I want everything to happen right away, as in “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today” – even if it means losing sleep and missing other good things in order to get it done. I like to write things on my to-do list and check them off at the same time. If an email is in my in-box, I feel I need to respond to it. 

In my advancing age, though, I have learned that some things are better off if they’re left to sit for a while – chili soup, angry words, home decorating, and God’s work. Scripture tells us that it is through challenges that we grow in our faith and our dependence on God. Paul writes this in nearly every letter – Hebrews, Corinthians, Philippians, 1 Timothy. It was true for them then and it’s true for us now. 

Right now, there are a lot of things that make us afraid. And fixers, like me, would like to fix things up right away. A nice easy solution would be very nice! But God sees things with eternal eyes. The Apostle Paul talks to all the early churches about the need for struggles and perseverance in order to grow faith. As the writer Anne Lamont says, “It’s good to be afraid, when it mobilizes us to fight tooth and nail for what is right, when it pricks the balloon of our complacency, when it gets us back on our feet. A lot of us are both afraid and devoutly faithful at the same time…courage is fear that has said its prayers.” 

We can respond to the things that make us afraid with fear. Or we can care a lot and pray a lot. We can stick together and share and listen and draw nearer to God knowing that we are loved and chosen and safe. We know the ending of the story, and it is this. In the end, God wins. Jesus came to tell us that.

Today I will pray to the God that loves us and be at peace.

Prayer: Dear Lord, it seems like there are so many things to be afraid of, but I know that you tell us over and over again in Scripture to, “Be not afraid”, and to trust You. Protect me from my urgent-inator ways. I pray for peace in my soul as You slow me down and help me to remember to pray and to trust You while You work out Your way in the world. Amen

Lori Snyder-Sloan (reprinted from 2016)

Glimpses of the Kingdom

Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Mark 10:14 KJV

What do an English-speaking grandma and a little girl who only speaks Spanish have in common? Not long ago, I would have answered, "Not very much." This summer, however, I found the courage to step outside my comfort zone — and to serve as a craftsperson for a Bible school program presented to Spanish-speaking students by the youth group of my local church.

When the week was over, "Do you speak Spanish?" was a question I was often asked. After responding multiple times, my standard reply became, "No, but I speak crafting." Actually, I didn't need to speak at all.

Each day during Bible school, a beautiful little girl with huge dark eyes and a very complicated hairstyle came running through the door straight toward me. As I held her in my arms, she laid her head on my shoulder. We walked around the room like this for several minutes, after which she was ready to begin her craft project.

During Bible school, today's Scripture came to mind often. I was thinking that this little girl needed to feel secure in my arms. However, after reading Mark 10:14 many times since then, I've concluded that it was I who felt inadequate and uncomfortable. I was the one in need.

Silently each day, this little girl came to me offering her love. Holding her and walking with her made me feel needed. "For of such is the kingdom of heaven" took on a whole new meaning. Without speaking one word, a little child had shown me glimpses of the kingdom — a place where Christian love is freely offered and readily accepted, and a place where no one feels inadequate or outside their comfort zone.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for bringing little children into our lives to teach us how to be Christ-like. Thank You for showing us that the kingdom of heaven is a place where the love of Your Son, Jesus Christ, breaks down all barriers. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Judy Welch (reprinted from PresbyCan devotional page, 2005)

A God of Miracles

May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in Him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 

Some of you know that my oldest son struggled with alcoholism. Today he has been sober for 6-1/2 years. He is a single dad of his 13-year-old son. If you had told me that years ago, I would not have believed that he’d be sober. 

I remember my Al-Anon sponsor calling me after we met at length. I was very down because he was continuing to drink. She called me and asked “have you considered that God will provide a miracle?” No, I hadn’t. He had sunk lower than I ever thought possible. He hadn’t hit bottom yet. But it was when he found himself out on the streets of Omaha in the winter, that he finally hit bottom that he decided it was time to get sober.   

Miracle of miracles! Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  

Prayer: God of miracles, remind me when I’m down and hopeless that you fill me with hope and strength because you care about each of your children. Amen

Barb Anderson

Words from Deuteronomy

When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Deuteronomy 8:10 KJV 

Let the Coastlands be Glad

The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad. Psalm 97:1 

Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands afar off: say, 'He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.' Jeremiah 31:10

He will not fail or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. Isaiah 42:4                     

My deliverance draws near speedily, my salvation has gone forth, and my arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands wait for me, and for my arm they hope. Isaiah 51:5

I recently read several devotions that referred to the coastlands. I thought these were not words that I readily remembered from scripture, so of course I had to do some research. I found 10 scriptures that referred to the coastlands, most of which occurred in the books of the prophets. The word coastlands referred to distant regions along the sea and symbolized the farthest reaches of the earth and God's sovereignty over all nations. It represents diverse peoples and cultures that acknowledge God's authority beyond Israel. It represents hope for those who are marginalized or in despair and those waiting for redemption and renewal. It showed anticipation of a new age where all nations are called to glorify God, where boundaries are expanded and barriers are broken down. The coastlands are a symbol of a hope divine for inclusion in the Kingdom of God and God's relentless pursuit of humanity across time and space. The coastlands are a call for evangelism. Matthew 28:19-20 states "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the hope you bring to the coastlands. Thank you for the acceptance of all of us to be part of the Kingdom of God. Thank you for your promises of justice to the world. And finally, thank you for your love of us like a shepherd to his sheep. Amen

Nancy Hall

Falling Leaves and Trusting in God

Falling leaves remind us that there is beauty in letting go and trusting God with what comes next. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:4-6

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7

Christianity and Pumpkins

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Fall is here and Thanksgiving is not far away. With it comes a time to remember all the blessings we have received through the last year, and a chance to join with friends and family for eating, watching football, and shopping.

At this time of year, this story pops up in social media. A coworker asked another, "What is it like to be a Christian?" The coworker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

I like this analogy between Christians and pumpkins. God has chosen us, forgiven us, and taken away our sins. If we believe in him, we can be filled with his love, which puts a smile on our face and a light inside us.      

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you God for everything you have blessed us with, and especially for sending your son to be the light of our world. We are grateful that by knowing you, our insides can be scooped out and filled with your love. Amen.

Robin Hadfield (reprinted from 2019)

Candy Corn and the Trinity

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

Did you know that the word “trinity” is not in the Bible? However, there are many verses in both the OT and the NT confirming the trinity.  The verse above from the book of Matthew is only one example that makes it clear that there are 3 persons that make up one godhead. This concept of the Holy Trinity is a difficult one not only for children to understand but for some of us adults as well. 

As a former Sunday school teacher, I learned that teaching difficult concepts was much more fun if candy was involved. Some very creative person who remains anonymous wrote a wonderful children’s sermon using a kernel of candy corn to explain how 3 things can be one. Here is my edited version:

When you look at the candy corn, it is shaped like a triangle. The symbol of the trinity is 3 arcs intertwined forming a triangle. The tip on the kernel points upward reminding us to pray. The candy is made up of 3 colors and 3 different flavors. The white tip is a symbol of purity and stands for God the Father who is perfect, holy and righteous. The color orange reminds us of the flames of the Holy Spirit who appeared on Pentecost and enabled the disciples to speak God’s word in many languages. The yellow represents the light of Jesus Christ, the Word in flesh.  He calls us to be witnesses and when we spread His word, we spread His light and the message of salvation to the world.

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest (Luke 10:2).

When we see candy corn in the fall, it reminds us that it is harvest time. Three colors, 3 flavors, ONE piece of delicious candy. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 3 persons, ONE perfect and holy God. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise you and we love you but we confess we often struggle to understand you. In this harvest season, help us to be laborers in your fields.  In Your Son, Jesus’ name, we ask it.  Amen.

Judy Welch (reprinted from 2023)

Autumn

 

Henry David Thoreau wrote “Summer passes into Autumn in some unimaginable point of time like the turning of a leaf.” 

A sugar maple tree wearing shades of red and yellow caught my eye on a hot day. I looked again – it can’t be fall. Fall follows summer and I have been cooped up in the house with temperatures over 90. It is supposed to cool, it can’t be fall. 

But fall is upon us. As a child, I hated to see the end of summer. School (which I liked by the way) would begin. But it was not school I hated to see coming, it was the end of freedom that I hated to see end. Summer meant barefoot running, frequent visitors to the farm where I lived. Some chores, but lots of time for talking to sisters, mom and dad and also time for exploring the woods and the fields surrounding our home. Just wandering in the countryside looking at God’s world. 

This year, it feels different. I am ready to put the flowers to bed. To add bulbs in new places. As the hymn says, “In every bulb, there is a flower!” I am ready to let this year slide from fall into winter. For, I know, there will be a birth in a manger to celebrate and then the promise of spring. Spring will come and when it does, those same bulbs will bring cheer and hope for more tomorrows. 

So I am tucking my bulbs into the dirt, getting rid of junk, preparing for this season and whatever will follow. After winter, spring will come and renewed life in our world. Jesus gave us that hope with his death on the cross. I watch the last of the butterflies drink again and again at the butterfly bush. They have traveled many miles and need this drink and I am happy to provide it.  

I am not returning to school but I will be wearing shoes and watching the world put on its beautiful autumn show. The season will cool and winter will come, but I know in my heart that life in the bulbs and belief in our savior will bring us back to spring. God is putting his world to bed and there is promise for a new tomorrow. 

This time, when I saw another beautiful tree I just gloried in its beauty instead of moaning the loss of summer. Instead of being the end, I will take it as a beginning looking forward. 

Carolyn Olsen (reprinted from 2023)

Good Listeners

When I visited my dad recently, he had a couple of church member friends and a former neighbor visit him while I was there. These folks were talkers! What became clear to me was: my dad is a great listener, and others enjoy spending time with him as a result. What I’ve also realized is: when talking with him on the phone, it’s harder to appreciate his good listening skills! Sometimes his lack of what I expect as a response is frustrating.

I was thinking how this is for us, when we turn to God in prayer. We may know in our hearts that God is a “good listener” but don’t always get the response we’d like. 

Scripture tells us:

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. John 5:14-15 ESV

Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 ESV

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 ESV

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 ESV

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to turn to you in prayer, knowing that your “answer” may not be exactly what we’d like, but allow us to focus on the connection and our relationship with you.

Donna Gustafson

October: Clergy Appreciation Month

  

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

This scripture is the verse of the day on BibleGateway.com, which I often use to look up Bible verses. The first part is familiar to us as it's similar to the words spoken by our pastors in the prayer before the sermon in worship services.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month and we're asked to take action to let our pastors know how important they are to us. It doesn't have to be much-just telling them we appreciate them can be enough. Any of us who are employed probably wish we were thanked more often for our work. We have the chance to let our pastors know we're grateful for them.

I found a poem by Judy Crowe for pastor appreciation month, and the first and last verses state (with a little editing):

Have you ever walked in our pastors' shoes,

And gone where their feet have trod?

Have you ever thought of what they mean to us,

And on your knees, given thanks to God?

Eastridge is blessed with two pastors who have different gifts to share with us. Let us remember throughout the year to give thanks to God for their service with us.  

(And even though there is no staff appreciation month, let us remember and give thanks for the staff members who support the pastors.)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for sending Melodie and Thomas to serve our church at this place and time. Help us to remember each day that they are here to guide us on our journey. And help us to let them know we are thankful for them. Amen.

Robin Hadfield (reprinted from 2018)