Finding Your Peace

So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place Mark 6:32

Several years ago, my husband bought a t-shirt that reads: Mark 6:32 – when Jesus said rest and relax, he probably meant you should paddle. So enjoy the sharp rocks, steep portages, mosquito bites, high winds, bears, rain, and rapids. 

Every year our family travels to Ely, Minnesota for a week on the lake with limited distractions. We pack up games, books and lake necessities and take time to enjoy one another and get back to nature. It has been a tradition in our extended family since the 1940s and the resort has become a family reunion destination of sorts. We sleep in the same cabin, often eat the same meals and relax in familiarity. 

When I tell people about the trip I immediately say the best part is no television, no phone, and no internet. Even though I work in technology and I appreciate all the things that our electronic tools can help us do (my dearest appliances are the microwave and the Roomba vacuum) I long for a break from these tools and conveniences. This week takes us to a place that is remote and, while not necessarily solitary it gives us time with nature, time with one another, time with family seen infrequently and time away from the “comforts of home”. When we go into town for groceries or meals we have all been guilty of using our phones for e-mail, news updates or texting with friends, but there is true relaxation in getting away from the rush of commitments and responsibilities that fill our time and all the devices that distract us from one another. 

Don’t get me wrong, we have been on more glamorous vacations, but we always end up back in the 100-year-old cabin, heating the water to do the dishes and walking up the hill for a shower. And we always take the boat, to our solitary place.

Prayer: Creator of all things, thank you for times of solitude and rejuvenation. Thank you for the gifts of technology and the opportunity to take a break. Thank you for helping us to find balance. Amen

Christi Moock

Decisions

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

I decided to make a change in my life and move closer to my family. The change began with looking for a home. I was in no hurry so I took the time to look into a couple different options as I had told myself when the right house became available that would be the exact time to move. The opportunity came for a home that was close to my family and was a nice setting outside in the country. This also meant giving up the conveniences of living in the city of immediate access to groceries, shopping and restaurants. This meant moving farther away from friends. It meant giving up activities and volunteer work that I have become accustomed to and enjoy. I had now lived in Lincoln for almost 30 some years.  I had already downsized a major portion but still plenty to move. I also knew that my grand-niece and nephews were growing up fast and to enjoy them more the closer I lived, the easier it would be.  

The labor-some task had begun. It is then I remembered I don’t like moving: the packing, cleaning, and asking friends and relatives for their help loading the moving truck, etc. I joked I should have moved when I was younger when my friends were younger and healthier. I have moved 9 times before but was younger and healthier. I pushed on and we had gotten everything in the truck to my new address, but my car and was full of fragile items I didn’t trust in the truck. On my last trek, we headed out; my sister was following me and we had three bridges to cross near Platte River. Only 5 more miles, when as they say out of nowhere a huge deer stepped in front of my vehicle. BANG! The van came to a stop, steam which I had at first thought was smoke came from the engine. Then darkness, the lights went out and the engine stopped. Thank goodness my sister was behind me as she had headlights to light the road. Then the most painful part was in front of me, the deer obviously crippled but not dead. It kept attempting to get up. I called 911 and she asked if everyone was okay, and yes both my dog and I were fine. My dog had been snuggled safely on the floor; I had my seatbelt on which did cut across my throat which felt like it had cut me, and was sore on right side of chest from the pressure of the seatbelt. But no major injuries. I had already slowed down knowing the bridges and being in the month of December that they might be slick; which they told me probably was good as the air bag didn’t explode. In talking to the dispatcher she asked several times if I was okay, I am sure the shocked sound of my voice made her question me and asked even if my dog was okay as I had told her who was in the vehicle. I told her my concern was the deer and was suffering.  She assured me an officer would be there shortly. She assured me the officer would take care of everything. And she was correct! He came and asked if I wanted to go sit in his cruiser so I wouldn’t have to watch him euthanize the deer. The dispatcher had called a tow truck. It wasn’t till later that facing the damage of my vehicle came to mind. 

As thoughts began reviewing in my mind, through all the stress I realized that God was with me through it all. He never left my side and he had others there to comfort me and guide me.  

Lori Hood

Earth Care

“You shall not defile the land in which you live, in which I also dwell; for I the Lord dwell among the Israelites.” Numbers 35:34
  

The New Year is traditionally known as a time to evaluate what God has led us to do and be. It can be a time to discern where God is leading us now and in the future. We can respond with fear or search for ways to move forward with purpose and hope following God’s direction. 

I read the headline, “Urgent: Escalating Climate Crisis Poses Rising Threats Across U.S.” I can spend my energy denying that it is true. I can ignore an alarming report that “the impacts of climate change are intensifying across the country.” I can close my eyes and ears to the National Climate Assessment, collaboration of 300 experts including 13 governmental agencies – whose report concludes, “the evidence of human-caused climate change is overwhelming.” The group states, “Without significant action, climate-related threats to our health, the environment, and the economy will only continue to mount.”*

The song reminds us, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me”. ** Similarly, World Wildlife Fund lists ten simple things we can do to protect the earth. For example, put on a sweater rather than turn up the heat in winter rather than burning more fossil fuels – conserve resources and reduce climate change. Drive less by planning our trips around town.  Take reusable bags to the grocery store rather than using paper or plastic bags. Of course, this is only taking the first steps to impact climate change.  If we are already doing these simple things, there are others such as picking up litter to clean up our earth. 

Start at home, and then consider how we as a church can take steps to conserve resources. Then voice your concerns to your government representatives. One person joining with others can make a difference. My “African Wisdom for Life” calendar on December 29, as I write this states “If you want a better tomorrow, be good today.” Zambian proverb. Does this apply to climate change?  

God created a world full of wonder. We are commanded to care for it. What is God calling you and me to do to protect God’s creation? Through praying and searching the Scriptures, God will reveal where we fit into God’s plan.

Prayer: God, remind us to do your work and do good in response to your love for us. Amen. 

* Quotes taken from Audubon.

**Song written by Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller in 1955.

Lois Poppe

The Ache of Grief

For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone. Lamentations 3:31-33

I called on your name Lord, from the depths of the pit. To hear my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” Lamentations 3:55-57

This winter has been incredibly difficult for our family. We have lost close friends, lifelong church leaders, and family. So many tears have been cried and it feels as though everything reminds us of those now missing from our life on earth. In times like these, it is easy to question God and also to look at our experiences with those who have been lost with regret. Why that person God, they had so much to offer, so much promise? Why didn’t I tell them how much they meant to me? Why didn’t I call or write more often? 

In addition to dealing with our own grief we have been trying to help and support other friends and family and have had to work on the essential tasks after loss. Sorting items for donations, planning the services, picking out music, finding a pianist, getting a location, trying to give others a chance to say goodbye. Finding the right balance between leaving someone to grieve and letting them know that they are loved and thought of is so complicated, and delicate.   

We recently attended the most lovely prayer service and I allowed all that grief to wash over me. After the last of the prayers and songs, we ushered out quietly and I felt a tremendous sense of relief. I had prayed fervently to help others deal with the loss, to bring peace for myself and to assure that those that we had lost were safe in God’s arms. After all the tears and sadness I finally felt like I could try to break free of the grief and celebrate Christmas with our loved ones. There were still a few tears on Christmas Day, but the grief seemed more manageable, and less pervasive. I know that so many losses will take time to get over, and that we will continue to recognize the absences in our lives in different moments. I know that grief will sneak up from time to time, and that I can cry and pray, and reach out to God but hopefully that all-encompassing ache of loss will be better.

Prayer: Creator God, we know that you are close to the brokenhearted and that you will support us in our suffering. Be with all of those who have experienced loss, help to comfort their hearts and bring peace to their lives. Amen

Christi Moock

Walk the Walk

Words from Isaiah

The Lord is the everlasting God,

    the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

    and his understanding no one can fathom.

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 40:28b-31

Happy New Year!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17