Thursday’s Musings: Do it Well!

Romans 12:6-8 (NLT) 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

My elementary school class reunion last month brought back many memories. I remember that my parents were strict about studying and grades.  They didn’t expect me to make straight A’s as a matter of course but did expect me to do my best. That attitude has carried me well through life. I enjoy things that I do much more if I can do them well whether it’s bowling, cooking or preaching. Yet doing things well takes a willingness to make the effort.  Jamie Foxx recently shared his experience of making the movie in which he portrayed Ray Charles.  He was excited when during that time he got to play the piano with Ray.  When Jamie hit a wrong note Ray Charles stopped and said, “why did you do that?”  Can you imagine how intimating that would be?  Ray Charles said to Jamie, “You have to take time now to hit the right notes.”  He said that was a good metaphor for life.  We need to take time to do things well and that includes growing in our faith and understanding of the Divine.  Take the time.

Dear God, life can be so hurried. We want to do so many things.  Help us to slow down so that we may do things to the best of our abilities.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a great day!
Paige

Monday’s Musings: Reflections on the Holy Ghost Wiener Roast

1 John 4:15-16   If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

Last night at Hapeville FUMC we celebrated our third annual Holy Ghost Wiener roast. About 40 adults from the church and community gathered together to enjoy hot dogs and the costume contest.  We had at least twice as many in costume this year than we had last year.  I love that our over 70 gals really get into dressing up.  We had witches and cats, guys dressed in ladies’ evening wear, clowns, and all sorts of other inventive costumes.  Joe was Father Time and I dressed as Mother Nature.  We of course had the hotdog costume --this year worn by Russ Lennox.  It was really fun dressing up and getting a little crazy.  I think some of our Baptist friends who came needed some time to digest everything.  But as I said, we believe in the Holy Spirit and we believe that God wants us to have joyous times along with the serious times.  Those in costumes last night know that no matter who or what they might look like on the outside, Christ dwells on the inside and that our true identity is in him. It is easy to see from the love in our congregation that Jesus truly is the way and the truth and the life. 

Thank you Lord for the joy that we can have in our lives even when we are facing concerns about ourselves, or our friends or loved ones.  We ask that you continue to bless us with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  It’s in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Have a great week!
Paige

 

Friday’s Musings: The Joy of the Lord is My Strength USED TFP

Modified and used 3-3-21

Proverbs 17:22 (CEB) A joyful heart helps healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

I’ve learned to pay careful attention when the same phrase or conversation comes up numerous times in a short period of time.  Yesterday it was all about keeping a good humor in the face of challenges.  It surfaced in five different conversations.  It was with people who had dealt with serious health issues and/or who had experienced personal loss or difficult situations but instead of retreating into their beds of self-pity they decided to find places in life that would offer laughter.  I related that I used to be easily irritated. If I would drop something on the bathroom floor in my sleepy trying to get dressed state I would react with an expletive. My body would respond accordingly.  Over the years as I became closer to God and became open to the peace of the Holy Spirit, my attitude changed completely.  Now if I face the same circumstance I just laugh and say, “you clumsy thing” pick up the item and move on.  My super assistant and friend Randy also has learned to laugh when there seems to be so much to do in so little time.  He reminded me of the health benefits of smiling.  It relieves stress, it boosts our immune system and it also releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin. Together these make us feel good.  The Psalmist knew this, too. Without belittling life’s tragedies for which tears and grief are certainly in order, I can say that for the most part many find it easier to be irritated and irritable and self-pitying than is necessary.  Their attitude is self-fulfilling. Think unhappy, be unhappy.  We can pay a lot of attention to exercise and diet and our faith, and yet fail to work on the mental health aspects of fighting the temptation to be down and irritated when we could be claiming the peace and joy of the Lord. 

God of all creation, we come to you with many concerns and you in return help us to move through life with unexplained peace and an inner joy that isn’t suppressed by life’s challenges and irritations.  Thanks for all your care and support in our daily lives.  Please help us feel your presence today. Amen.

Happy Friday!!

Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: Thankfulness Across the Years II

1 Peter 4:10 “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”

Yesterday I wrote about how happy I was to see my 4^th grade teacher at a gathering last Thursday of classmates from Gentian Elementary School in Columbus, GA.  I was able to thank her for her influence on me.  Another classmate then shared a marvelous “thank-you” story.  Here’s how I remember it.  He was serving as a young naval doctor in Okinawa when he treated an even younger sailor for a broken toe. They connected because the sailor was from Minnesota and so was my friend’s father.  After some time, he saw this same young guy for more serious problems.  He had undergone a Navy physical and nothing was detected but my classmate was able to discover that the young man was suffering from advanced prostate cancer.  Over the years he occasionally wondered what happened to that young sailor – if he made it or not.  Several weeks ago-- 42 years later my classmate received a phone call.  It was the sailor calling from Minnesota! The man said, “I need to thank you for saving my life.” My classmate said it wasn’t really necessary but the man insisted.  He said it had to be done in person. “But I live in Georgia,” my friend said. “It doesn’t matter” was the reply. The man and his wife came to Georgia and spent a week here.  As a matter of fact they left for home last Wednesday.  The man has some heart problems now but he has already lived 42 years longer than he might have. He is blessed to live with an attitude of gratitude and that he, too was able to say thanks across the miles.

Loving God, we give you thanks for the many blessings in our lives, yet help us to remember to thanks others, too.  We ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank someone today!
Paige

Monday’s Musings: Thankfulness Across the Years

1 Peter 4:10 “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”
Romans 12:7 “If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.”
2 Corinthians 9:13-14 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

I had the most wonderful reunion with grammar school classmates last week. One of the best parts was the fact that my 4^th grade teacher, Mrs. Mobley was there.  Not two weeks before I had given her credit for my writing skills.  She taught us to outline which is a great system of organizing thoughts in an orderly fashion.  We would outline sections from our geography book for homework.  Good writing takes both inspiration and organization.  I told her I credit God for the inspiration and her for the organization. As we shared together as a group Mrs. Mobley told us how much it meant to her to know that she had made a difference through her teaching.  She said she often wondered if she had.  I was so happy to have the opportunity to reconnect with and to thank her.  Tomorrow I’ll tell you another amazing story coming out of that reunion about reconnecting and thanking.  Stay tuned.

Loving God, we give you thanks for the many blessings in our lives, yet help us to remember to thanks others, too.  We ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

 

Friday’s Musings: Setting Our Speed Limits

Modified and used 9-19-19

3 John 1:11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

Yesterday I drove to Columbus to have a lunch reunion with friends from grammar school.  I’ll share more about the reunion at a later date. According to my GPS it was 99 miles to my classmate’s home.  It was an easy drive with light traffic.  The speed limit was 70 most of the way and I felt comfortable driving at or a few miles above that. Once and a while a car would come over into my lane and after a bit when I’d check my speedometer I’d discover that I was driving 80 or 85 MPH. How quickly and without even noticing it I had adjusted my speed to theirs.  It made me consider that it’s also easy for people to do that off the road.  We tend to imitate those with whom we associate.  If I was behind a speeder I had to work harder to stay at what I felt was an acceptable speed, especially because my Volvo will go very fast with little sign of effort.  Sometimes we must be around folk who don’t share our values.  We may work with them or they may be friends of friends who appear on the social scene.  We must make conscious decisions to stay true to our values and not to go speeding down the wrong path, one that could lead to destruction.   

Open our eyes, Lord that we may see when we are going at a pace that is dangerous for us.  We ask your blessing upon us this day.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I hope to see everyone at Homecoming Sunday!

Paige

Thursday’s Musings: A Funny Story about Peter

Acts 12:10-16  They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself. After leaving the prison, they proceeded the length of one street, when abruptly the angel was gone. ….. he made his way to Mary’s house.  Many believers had gathered there and were praying.  When Peter knocked at the outer gate, a female servant named Rhoda went to answer.  She was so overcome with joy when she recognized Peter’s voice that she didn’t open the gate. Instead, she ran back in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate.  “You’ve lost your mind!” they responded. She stuck by her story with such determination that they began to say, “It must be his guardian angel.”  Meanwhile, Peter remained outside, knocking at the gate. They finally opened the gate and saw him there, and they were astounded.

We studied this scripture last night during our WWNS program.  I used it to illustrate the fact that we can pray and have our prayer answered but may not actually believe God did answer the prayer. This story is really very humorous when you imagine Peter standing there knocking at the gate while his friends don’t believe it could really be him even though they had been praying for his release from prison.  When you pray for something do you expect an answer?  Sometimes God’s response might be slightly different than what you have prayed for.  God can do much more than we are able to imagine and God sees what’s best for us when we cannot.  Out task is to pray, listen, pray some more and then watch for the answer. 

We thank you Lord for answered prayer.  Many of us are seeking direction in connection with important and serious things going on in our lives.  We ask that you reveal your answers to us and give us assurance that we are responding according to your will.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a great day,
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: Distracted by Livin’ and Missing Out on Life

Luke 10:38-42  Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.  She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.  But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.”  But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things;  there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Monday we took a day of vacation and drove up along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We made our way on the curvy mountain roads enjoying music on the bluegrass station.
I especially liked the song titled, “I Must Get Back to the Mountains.”  A line in a recording by the Osborne Brothers’ “Up This Hill and Down” caught my ear.  They sang, “I work so hard at livin’ that I ain’t got no life.”  I think there’s truth in that for many people.  It’s easy to be caught up in work and play and all kinds of activities, even those that help others, and lose sight of the more important things; health, relationships, a greater purpose, one’s higher power. We make small and large decisions on the fly without giving proper contemplation to them because we’re so busy. Jesus recognized that in Martha and gently reminded her that there was something more important than her busyness.

Lord, thank you for each day of life that you give us. Help us to slow down, take some deep breaths and be wiser about setting priorities and making decisions.  In all things may our lives be pleasing to you. Amen.

Have a great day,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings – A Spiritual Diet

2 Timothy 3:16 Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character,

Sunday I preached on the faith legacy as transmitted through sermons. These sermons can be delivered through preaching, through writing and through living the example.  Christ preached the Sermon on the Mount yet his whole life was a sermon from which we can learn. I’ve also been using the letters that are from Paul to Timothy giving his young protégé advice. We can learn from these wise letters call the Epistles too as they are instructing the earliest Christians and Church on how to live as Christians.  I’ve also preached from the Old Testament so there’s much to be learned from those writings.  What I’m getting out is that each and every one of us should be reading from the entire Bible. It’s funny how people can spend hours and hours watching TV or reading fiction but think they don’t have time to read the Bible.  Their priorities are off.  After all which is more useful for life?   I’ve been using my wonderful new Vitamix blender to make green smoothies for breakfast.  I couldn’t imagine sitting down and eating a whole tomato with cucumber, avocado, kale, celery, lime and other fruit for breakfast.  But blended and broken down into liquid form they make a very easy to consume breakfast. Likewise we can take scripture in bits – choosing from different sections and reading small sections each day.  Let’s keep reading the Bible as part of our daily spiritual diet.

Holy God, we thank you for your Word.  Help us to learn from its wisdom and instruction.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In Christ,

Paige

Monday's Musings: What the Postman Knew

Modified and used 5/22/20

Romans 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Last Friday evening while I was at the film showing at the park a member introduced me to my mail carrier.  Before she could give my name he recited my name and address.  I quipped that I was glad I didn't order any “bad” magazines.  He replied, “Yes you do, the orange one.”  That's Joe's Clemson magazine. He said that I like horses. Guess the Appaloosa Journal gave that away.  I never considered what an attentive mail carrier could learn about the people on their route.  It reminded me that even though we might not always be conscious of it people are watching. Yesterday I said we preach sermons with our lives. What might your sermon be saying?  Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Please help us Lord to live each day knowing that others are learning by our example, good or bad.  Teach us your ways so that we may live blessed and happy lives and show Christ to others through our words and deeds.  It’s in His name we pray, Amen.

Have a great week!
Paige

Thursday’s Musings: Thankful for Dual Citizenship!

Revised and used 3/3/20
Philippians 3:18-20 (CEB)  As I have told you many times and now say with deep sadness, many people live as enemies of the cross. Their lives end with destruction. Their god is their stomach, and they take pride in their disgrace because their thoughts focus on earthly things.  Our citizenship is in heaven. We look forward to a savior that comes from there—the Lord Jesus Christ.

Who is not frustrated with the current political situation in our country? A relative posted his desire to see fewer political posts on Facebook.  In a recent sermon I shared that I dislike getting politically themed e-mails – especially those that degrade specific leaders.  I feel even if we don’t respect the office-holder we should respect the office. Still in studying for that sermon I read that people need to be able to vent their frustrations, especially when they feel powerless to change a situation. How do I deal with my frustrations about political power plays?  I pray that God will intervene and provide wisdom to our leaders.  I hold onto the hope that those prayers lifted by me and many others will be answered and I keep in mind that ultimately my citizenship is in a much larger and greater kingdom – the Kingdom of God which dissolves all political and geographic boundaries.  Best of all the leaders of this kingdom of ours are all powerful, all knowing, incorrupt, and totally devoted to the good of its subjects.  

Holy God, through Jesus we were told to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness and trust you to provide for our needs according to your greater wisdom.  We ask now that you bless us and our leaders with wisdom and a desire to work for the good and not for personal gain.  We ask this in the name of your Son who reigns as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Amen.

Have a blessed day!
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: Squirrels and the Easy Way

Matthew 7:13-14  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

The annual bombardment has begun.  The large oak tree at the top of our driveway will drop thousands of acorns on the driveway and deck.  I’ve yet to dig out all the acorns from between the deck planks that fell last year. They crunch under our feet when we walk outside. You’d think the squirrels would be busy gathering them for the winter.  Instead I watch them bypass this bounty and head straight for the bird feeder to gouge on the easy to eat food.  In life it’s so tempting to choose the easy way, trying to get by without putting forth much effort.  People want to lose weight but don’t want to diet or exercise.  They want a better relationship but continue to criticize and pick at their spouse. They want to be healthy but continue to smoke, drink too much and eat unhealthy foods.  They want a promotion or raise at work but do only what is required of them in their job.  Most sadly, they want all the benefits of God’s Kingdom but don’t want to change their sinful ways, read their Bible or pray and worship regularly.  Our scripture comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  We like to worship a Jesus who is all light and love, yet Jesus is more than that, calling us to a holy life.

Help us, Lord to reject the easy way and to walk the narrow path you chose for us.  Help us to develop healthy habits in all areas of our life.  We praise your holy name. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: Spell Check and Sharp Tongues

Also used 5/7/19
Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Many years ago people would call people on the phone to exchange information.  Now we text, post, or e-mail others.  It is quicker and more convenient.  However it opens the door for all kinds of misunderstanding.  For one thing just one incorrect letter can change the whole meaning of the message.  People often send me church bulletin bloopers.  Here are a couple of them: "The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir."  Another: “Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary.”   Sometimes the spell-check feature will make helpful corrections or sometimes they make things worse. The moral – proofread before hitting “send” or “print”!  We need to do that when we speak, too.  How often a careless word causes hurt feelings.  As a relative used to say, “It’s best to put our mind into gear before we put our tongue into motion.”

Holy God, help us to communicate with others in ways that are helpful, not hurtful.  In all our communications may kindness and clarity prevail.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a good day,
Paige

Monday’s Musings: Strength from God

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of need.

I’ve been challenged with pain near my right knee off and on for a month or so.  The orthopedist said it was bursitis.  He told me I could continue my running and workouts without causing damage but it would take longer to heal.  I had discovered that it improved with rest and had stopped running.  But our vacation was already planned and our favorite activity is hiking the mountain trails.  Not wanting to deny Joe or myself of that pleasure I pressed on.  After one challenging hike with lots of high steps both up and down over rocks the pain returned worse than ever.  We went to a pharmacy where I acquired a knee brace.  The brace has helped although I know that I can’t wear it all the time because I need also to use those muscles.  There are times in our lives when we call fervently upon God.  We feel we can’t get through our situation without God’s help and support.  Other times we face problems and work to solve them using our strengths.  Yet like with that brace We know it is always available should we need God’s help.

We thank you God for being always available when we need your help.  Thanks for the strength and wisdom you give us to help us face the challenges of life. We ask for your presence with us this week. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Thursday’s Musings: God and Gravity

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)  So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,  rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

One of my favorite actresses Sandra Bullock is starring in a new movie titled Gravity.  It is a space movie and from looking at the trailers, it seems that she becomes untethered from the space vehicle and is floating loose in space.  I can only imagine what a terrifying experience that would be.  Space is huge and without life sustaining oxygen and is very cold. While people may not live in mortal danger, those without Christ are without a spiritual tether.  Those of us who are rooted in Christ know that we have the strengthening and sustaining power of God through the Holy Spirit.  God’s prevenient grace, draws us towards him is like gravity.  Maybe we can use this movie to open the door to witnessing to someone about attaching themselves to Christ.

Holy God, we are overflowing with thankfulness that we are rooted in your Son. Help us to stay firm in our faith and to share it with others.  We ask in His holy name. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: Love and Imperfection

Modified and used June 3, 2020 The Franklin Press

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (CEB)  Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant,  it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints,  it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth.  Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.

Joe and I have been happily married for almost 38 years.  Seems impossible since I only admit to being 42!  Early on in our marriage we were fortunate enough to attend some marriage retreats with our Sunday school class and through the Marriage Encounter program. We learned a lot about communication, contracting, compromise and creative fighting. The skills we learned helped us have the solid marriage we have enjoyed.  1 Corinthians 13 gives us some really good advice on how to interact with our loved one.  Another piece of advice is to not expect perfection.  A member of the singing group Emblem 3 also said this during an interview: “to seek true love one should not look for the perfect person.  Instead one should seek to see the imperfect person perfectly.”  I think that means we understand that we’re all flawed in some way and therefore we need to look upon the other with love and understanding.  Isn’t that what Jesus did for us?

We thank you Lord, for loving us perfectly even with our imperfections. Help us in our relationships to be more patient with and kind to one another.  We ask as we seek to love as Jesus loved. Amen.

Love in Christ,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: Let Us Hear.

Modified and used 1-15-20 Franklin Press & Regular Musings
Mark 4:9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Joe and I had a very good week in the mountains last week. Hiking mountain trails is one of our favorite pastimes.  We especially like to hike where we can see waterfalls.  It’s not uncommon to hear a waterfall long before it becomes visible. We encountered three different falls along the gentle Deep Creek trails.  There are two falls at the Graveyard Fields area off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The lower falls were fairly close to the trailhead.  As we went on to the upper falls the trail became more and more difficult.  We encountered people coming from the other direction and asked if the falls were worth the hike.  A number of them said they never made it to the falls.  They had given up before reaching the trail’s end.  Joe and I persevered crossing streams on rocks and stepping up over roots and boulders.  The trail is rated “moderate” in difficulty. I told Joe that one person’s “moderate” is another’s “what was I thinking?” But then we heard the falls.  We knew we were nearing our goal and it gave us encouragement.  I started thinking about the fact that we can hear Jesus through scripture and the revelations of the Holy Spirit even though we can’t see him.  Yet if we persevere and follow his voice, one day we will see him face to face.  There are things in life that can discourage us; big steps to take, unexpected obstacles, yet if we keep our faith in the One who saves, the One who conquered even death, we can overcome and succeed in our journey.

Holy God, help us to continue to hear the voice of your one true Son through whom we find our purpose and strength. We ask in his name. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Monday’s Musings: Coming out of the Corner

 Matthew 5:14-16  You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.

Yesterday as Joe and I drove home from NC, the song “(I’ve had) The Time of My Life” came on The Blend on Sirius. I immediately experienced vivid images from the movie Dirty Dancing.  I saw Patrick Swayze enter the big room at Kellerman’s Resort, walk over to the table where Jennifer Gray (Baby) sat with her parents and take her hand saying, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”  He then leads her to the stage where she shines as they both dazzle the audience with their dance routine. 

We may not be able to dance like this couple did, however in each of us is the ability to shine in some special way.  God gives us many gifts to use as we go through life for our own benefit and for the benefit of others.  I like to think of Jesus coming to take our hands, leading us out of the corner to a place where we, too can shine.  Will you take His hand?

Holy God, help us to have the wisdom to see you and your gifts to us and the courage to come out of the corner and use them. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Bless,
Paige

Friday’s Musings: I Will Give You Rest

Modified and used 9-24-20

 Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

I’m not great at memorizing scripture but I have this one down.  We live in a fast paced world with more things than ever to demand our attention. All of the bells and whistles of modern life can be helpful and entertaining, but also tiring.  Jesus recognized the need for rest.  He described himself in a quiet way. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

There are times when we each need to withdraw from the busyness of life and be quiet. Not only will it give us rest, it will also create space for us to hear our Lord speaking. Sunday afternoon Joe and I are heading to North Carolina for a week of quiet and rest. We always find refreshment in the mountains.  We’ll take books, food, our favorite weekend clothes and our hiking boots.  Look for Musings to return when we do on September 30^th.   I’m thankful once again to “Aunt Noreen” for house-sitting and spoiling the dogs and to Alan Hallman who will be preaching for me next Sunday.  Have a blessed weekend and week!

Loving God, thank you for the times when we are able to rest awhile from our labors. Help us each to make time each day to become quiet and listen for your voice.  We praise you and pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In Christ,
Paige

Thursday’s Musings – Heart in Hand

Updated and used 3-10-20
Thursday’s Musings – Heart in Hand

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I’ve been studying 1 Timothy 2:1-7 for this Sunday’s sermon. The focus of the scripture is on praying for others especially the king and those in power.  As I expanded upon the message I thought about all the prayers I’ve lifted this week both publically as the pastor and in my private prayer life.  It came to me that to pray earnestly for one’s self or others can be described as putting one’s heart in God’s hands.  In my mind's eye I saw strong cupped hands gently holding a heart.  We can pray this way because we have trust that our God desires us to pray and hears our prayers.  1 John 5:14 says, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”

Lord, today we place our hearts in your hands. We pray that you hear our deepest concerns and strongest desires and answer our prayers and supplications according to your great love and wisdom.  We lift this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: Living on a Higher Plain

Modified and used 9-16-20

John 8:31-32 (CEB) Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teaching.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

In this context, Jesus is talking to the Jews about being slaves to sin.  It is through the teaching of Jesus that we realize that we are sinners and gain the inspiration and desire to overcome and break the bonds of sin. To a newcomer to the faith those words are simply some religious jargon that they probably don’t understand.  Let’s just say from personal experience that in my much younger days I had very different attitudes about what were the right and wrong ways to act.  It wasn’t that I was always doing the wrong things, but I didn’t see that what others were doing was wrong.  There were lots of ways to justify behaviors that were pleasing but perhaps not something God would approve of.  After I grew close to Jesus and began to understand his teachings, I saw things differently and I wanted others along with me to live on a higher moral plain.  I saw the value in it.  God’s commandments are for our own good and the good of the world. 

Holy God, thank you for lifting me to a higher plain of living.  May we all continue to learn and grow from learning the Truth in your holy Word.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

Tuesday’s Musings: Life in the HOV Lane

Philippians 2:4 (ESV) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Sunday was a very busy day. It started with two services. After lunch I returned for two meetings while Joe went grocery shopping. It was then off to the hospital to visit a member, making it home just in time to regroup for Sunday Connect.  That type of day is tiring but it is also rewarding because it involves being with others and either serving them or working together in the name of Christ. 

I did not have a Musings yesterday as I left the house early to drive to Emory Orthopedics at N. Druid Hills Rd. for an MRI on a hurting shoulder. Traffic was bumper to bumper as usual.  I noticed with a twinge of envy that cars in the HOV lane were speeding by.  How nice it is, I thought to have someone to share a ride and reap the benefits of that.  God’s desire is that we live in relationship with other, loving one another, helping one another and sharing what we have with those who have less. It’s important to remember that the arrow goes both ways.  We love and help and share but also are loved and are helped and are recipients of others’ sharing with us. 

Dear God, help us today to strengthen our relationship with others, to make new friends and expand our circle of acquaintances. Please help us to be patient with others and help others to be patient with us. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.

 Have a blessed day,
Paige

Friday’s Musings: Just Saying……

Matthew 11:15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!

While washing my hands at home I noticed that the wording on the Method bottle was in English and in French.  This lead to a chain of musings like the fact that when I see things printed in English, French and Spanish that it seems that those speaking English can say things using fewer words.  I like that.  I also wondered how English sounds to the ear of non-English speakers.  Even without speaking the languages we can often determine the language someone is speaking or at least the region they are from just from the sound of the words.  French sounds different from Spanish and German and Italian or one of the Scandinavian languages.  I can’t tell Korean or Japanese or Chinese or Vietnamese languages apart.  Who knows what they’re saying!  One day all our smart phones may be able to “hear” any foreign language and immediately speak the translation into our earpiece.  In the meantime, to communicate with others we need either to learn some of their language or have an interpreter aid us.  I’ve concluded that even speaking among ourselves, we often misinterpret what someone says.  It’s important to listen carefully and thoughtfully. If we all did that I think we would treat one another a little kinder.  Just saying….

Dear Lord, please help us to hear and understand what others are saying to us. Please break down barriers to open and honest conversations in our immediate circles, in our churches, in our governments and in the world.  Most of all Lord, help us to understand Your Holy Word.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Happy Friday!
Paige

Thursday’s Musings: Putting Color into Bible Study

I need color in my life.  Not just because it makes things more interesting to look at, though.  Color has always been a necessary work and study tool.  When I worked as an accountant or even work with the church financial reports now, I used different colored pencils to check things off.  When I read my Bible or nonfiction books I use colored highlighters to mark important passages.  I can’t remember being without a box of colored pencils and an array of colored pens and markers in my desks.  One might wonder if they saw my sermons.  I used both colored text and colored highlighting to help me with emphasis and to help me keep my place.  A certain color signifies a main point while another strong emphasis, while another biblical text.  Do you know that there is even a Rainbow Bible?  Each text is color coded.  Prophesy may be one color while history will be another color.  How do you read your Bible?  If it is all black and white to you or if you have a Red-Letter version black, red and white, you may not be getting all you can receive from God’s Word.  Go ahead buy some colored pencils and make your own rainbow bible.  (Pencils don’t bleed through the pages).  You will be surprised how much easier your bible study and devotion time will become.

 Father God, how often we skim through verses as we study your Word.  Help us to slow down and read carefully that we might discovered the treasurers of Biblical knowledge. Amen.

Have a lovely day,
Paige

 

Wednesday’s Musings: The Invisible Labels We Wear

Ephesians 4:2   Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

I watched a video yesterday produced by Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock.  It follows a man through part of his morning and all the frustrations he encounters.  As he backs out of his driveway a young boy on a skateboard goes behind his car.  The man complains that the boy is always doing that.  He gets stuck in traffic – grumble; a woman gets the parking place at Starbuck’s he was waiting for – grumble; after making his way through the long line inside until he’s next, the man in front wants to add a cookie to his order –really??  Suddenly another man appears and hands him a glasses case with “Get Service” on the outside.  A strange thing happens. Our grumbler, curious about the glasses inside puts them on.  Suddenly every person he sees has a label across them. They say things like “Just lost his job. Fighting with her husband. Avoids relationships for fear of pain. Discontent with life. Ran away from home three days ago.”  And for the boy on the skateboard, “Just needs someone to care.”  

How often do we get aggravated with others during the day?  What if we had glasses like that?  I stopped to eat lunch at Wendy’s on my way back to church after a meeting. I remembered the video as I observed people sitting alone all around me.  What are their labels, I wondered. It made me want to give two particularly lonely looking people a hug.  Instead I swallowed hard and vowed to try to be more patient with others.

Help us Lord, to be patient with others, to be slow to judge and quick to smile. Unite us all through your great and patient love. Amen.

Have a blessed day!
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: Why We Shouldn’t Rush Christmas

Ecclesiastes 3:1There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…

At least one of my friends is already posting cutesy Christmas pictures on Facebook.  It is way too early to be doing that!  First it makes me panic -- like maybe I’m behind in all my pastoral and private planning for the season.  Second it makes me feel like we’re not giving Jesus’ life its full due.  It’s so much fun to celebrate the birth of the baby.  We’ve commercialized it to death.  It’s also fun to celebrate the resurrection – after all we get to hide eggs for the children and get new clothes and people we’ve not seen in a year show up at church. 

But what about the in-between time?  Our church calendar calls it “ordinary time.”  Not because it is “plain and not outstanding” but because we mark it with numbers.  Here’s what the “daily-word-of-life.com site tells us: “Ordinary Time, meaning ordered or numbered time, is celebrated in two segments. 1) From the Monday following the Baptism of Our Lord to Ash Wednesday. 2) From Pentecost Monday to the First Sunday of Advent. This makes it the longest season of the Liturgical Year. The Church counts thirty-three or thirty-four Sundays of Ordinary Time (60% of the Church's calendar), inviting us to meditate upon the whole mystery of Christ – his life, miracles and teachings – in the light of his Resurrection. The vestments for Ordinary Time are usually green, the color of hope and growth. The season of Ordinary Time helps us to meditate on the mighty works of God through Jesus Christ. It is a time to grow in our faith in response to God's invitation to follow Jesus to the cross. We have a challenge to make our ordinary days extraordinary!”

Therefore dear friends, let us not rush Christmas but instead spend the appropriate time allotted to grow in Christ and in the knowledge of his teaching.

Holy God, let us read the stories of Jesus over and over as you give us new insight into them and how we should live in accordance with what we learn.  Thank you for giving us your Son, Jesus. Thank you for his birth and for his saving work on the cross, for his resurrection to show we will also conquer death and most of all thank you for his life and teachings.  It’s in his name we pray. Amen.

Happy Ordinary Time!
Paige

Monday’s Musings: A Good Laugh is Great Medicine

Modified and used 7-21-20

Proverbs 17:22  A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

We had a little adventure last night.  Our dogs like to look out the living room windows and bark at anything that goes by.  Right when the dialogue in the TV show I was watching became interesting they started barking at the top of their lungs. When calling for them to hush didn’t work I got up to see what the ruckus was about.  Our neighbor’s dog Cash was on the front porch looking in the window.  Cash is part pit bull and part something else and very playful and friendly.  She also chews through her collars and leads and escapes from time to time.  I went outside and she had a grand time running around our yard and then up to the fence where my dogs had gathered and then around Odare’s yard.  Odare’s son and a friend who’s been staying there came out and said something to me.  I thought they said, “Rap to her.”  “You want me to rap to Cash?” I replied.  “I don’t know how to rap.”  “No, wrap your hands around her neck and hold her.  She’ll stay still for you then” they replied.  Eventually her excitement wore off enough for her to come to me when I called her and I “wrapped” my hands around her while they brought her collar and leash.  All ended well; I was able to do a good deed and then got a laugh at the idea of rapping commands to a dog on the run. 

Thank you God that you bring laughter and joy into our lives.  Bless us this week with laughter and some fun to help us get through all the serious and challenging moments.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Have a joy-filled week.
Paige

Friday’s Musings: Just for Today

Romans 8:32 Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things?

Psalm 25:5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Every day I ask the Lord to help me in all I do. My specific requests may vary from day to day but I’m confident that God is listening.  Sometimes I think that God doesn’t need to intervene and do anything; that just my knowledge that I am loved by God gives me strength and confidence.  Sometimes at night I reach over in bed and pat Joe while he’s sleeping.  I just like to  have that assurance that he’s there and breathing and is near if I need him.  So it is with God.  Here’s a sweet poem I wanted to share for our prayer today.

 Just for Today, Lord

            By Kimberly Lyn

Just for today Lord, Just for today
I ask for your peace to flow through me,
Like cool water cleansing, renewing, refreshing my soul

Just for today Lord, Just for today
I ask for your love to fill me
To flow through me to those who need me this day

Just for today Lord, Just for today
Cleanse me, forgive me for going astray
Bring me back to the path of your will I pray

Just for today Lord, Just for today
Help me to release all my bonds, all that is tying me down
That I may soar like the eagle in the skies above

Just for today Lord, Just for today
Meet my every need
Just for today

Have a blessed day and weekend!
Paige

Thursday’s Musings: Living a Life of Thoughtful Care

Galatians 6:9 (CEB) Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up.

Some time ago I wrote this phrase in my notes: Live lives of thoughtful care.  I think this must be a part of our response as Christians to God’s love and care of us.  On a scale of caring there are two extremes – those who live only for their own pleasure and those who ignore their own true needs as they serve others.  While some like Mother Theresa might be called to a life totally devoted to service, most of us are healthiest when we are in the middle ground.  A pastor once told me and his other church leaders to take time for ourselves because one can’t minister from an empty cup.  Living a life of thoughtful care means to actively seek ways to help others using one’s God-given gifts and graces.  It also means balancing self-care and care of others.  Many are willing to help another if asked or if the opportunity presents itself, but don’t go out of their way to look for a place where there is need for help. Churches with this attitude eventually die.  The other Sunday one of our sermon scriptures told of Jesus instructing his dinner host to invite the poor, the maimed and the lame to his dinner parties instead of just friends and family who could repay him for his hospitality. That should also hold true for helping others.  Let’s move beyond just helping friends and family to helping those who cannot repay our kindness.  God remembers those acts and will take that into account at the resurrection of the righteous.

Loving God, thank you for your blessings.  You give us many abilities and then call us to use them to love others and to help them as we would want to be loved and helped. We ask you to open our hearts to ways in which we may help others.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Have a lovely day,
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: The Sidewalks of Life

Psalm 25:4-5  Show me the path where I should walk, O LORD; point out the right road for me to follow.  Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

Yesterday while on my morning outing I came to the thought that the sidewalks in Hapeville can be looked upon as a metaphor for our Christian life. The sidewalks keep me safe from traffic.  In most places they are smooth and provide a stable place upon which to walk or run.  But in other places they are rough, broken, and uneven.  Sometimes our lives can be that way even as Christians seeking God.  In a few places the sidewalks have been pushed up by underlying tree roots.  I see those as deep-rooted resentments, sins or destructive habits that interfere with our Godly walk. 

 I have always liked Psalm 25 and other scriptures that speak of God’s preferred life for us as a path which we follow. Deuteronomy 5:33 sums up the idea that if we live according to God’s will that life will go well for us: “You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.”  Psalm 119:105 says that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  Like the sidewalks, a Christ led life is a safer place to be, but it does not guarantee that life will always be smooth. Still we trust God not knowing what misfortune might have come upon us otherwise.  When I run and come to a rough spot, I know to slow down to a walk.  When we hit a rough place in life, we, too must slow down and look objectively and thoughtfully at what is causing problems and how with God’s help we might triumph over adversity.  Perhaps we must deal with outside adversity or perhaps we have strayed onto the wrong path. In all things we acknowledge the Holy Spirit as guide and helper. 

Lord, keep me on the right path; help my feet not to stray and hold my hand as I come to the rough places.  Help me know when to run and when to walk.  In Christ’s name,  amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: Try and Try Again!

1 Chronicles 16:11 Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.

Yesterday’s Musings about experience the challenges and successes in life with God at our side resonated in a number of people.  The news headlines this morning about Diana Nyad leads me to continue with that theme.  On her 5^th try and at the age of 64 she swam the 110 miles from Cuba to Florida.  She was the first person to ever do that without a shark tank.  Completing the difficult task she arrived with a swollen face and fatigue but she made it.  In an interview she said, “Never ever give up” and that this time she had a mantra, “Find a way.”  She discussed the fact that a lot of the ability to succeed is mental, not just physical. 

Diana’s story inspired me to push myself while running this morning. I had gone back to just walking after tripping on an uneven piece of sidewalk a couple of weeks ago. The bumps and bruises weren’t quite healed and I was a little fearful but I ran anyway and actually ran several times across the place where I tripped.  I loved that my music playlist included the song, “There’s Always One More Time,” sung by Harry Conic Jr.

If your whole life somehow
Wasn't much 'til now
 And you've almost lost
 Your will to live
 No matter what you've been through
 Long as there's breath in you
There is always one more time

If your dreams go bad
 Every one that you've had
 don't you think that your dreams
 Can't come true
 Because it's funny about dreams
 Just strange as it seems
 Because there is always one more time

Oh, turning corners is only a state of mind
Keepin' your eyes closed is worse than being blind…..

Holy Lord, please be with us and help us to not give up when we become discouraged.  We know that if we seek you that you will give us strength to keep trying and will guide us on the path to success.  Help us Lord to know when to give up and when to persevere.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Monday’s Musings: Is Life Really a Fight?

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NLT)  As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

I will admit this is a beautiful scripture and description of someone who worked to advance a new type of religion against much opposition and hardship.  I can understand where he’s coming from and we use this scripture often at funerals.  Yet personally I don’t know if at the end I want my life described as “fighting the good fight.”  I live with God by my side.  Life certainly has some struggles, some challenges, and some disappointments.  I haven’t gotten things that I wanted; I’ve attempted some things and not claimed the prize. There’s nothing like competitive horse showing to give one the experience of winning and losing. And yet right along and intertwined with the challenges and disappointments I’ve experienced joy and love and friendships and personal achievements.  In all these things I know God is with me.  So don’t say I have fought a fight.  Say I have met life’s sorrows and struggles with the joy of the Lord sustaining me and with many, many wonderful blessings.

Thank you God for this day on which I and others can rest from their labor.  Help us to view life not as a fight, but one with blessings and challenges. Help us to always feel your sustaining presence with us through the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Happy Labor Day,
Paige

Thursday's Musings: Running to the Very End

Modified and used 10-27-20 

1 Corinthians 9:24-27  Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!  All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.  So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.  I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

I saw a clip from a race in Brazil yesterday where the leader in the race slowed down to celebrate right before reaching the finish line. The person in second place saw an advantage and put on a burst of speed.  The leader suddenly saw what was happening, panicked and pushed the contender back and lunged for the ribbon.  He almost lost the race because he didn’t run to the very end.  We’ve been talking about our faith journey being like a long distance race.  Too often people quite before the finish line thinking they’ve arrived.  Accepting Christ as one’s Savior is just the beginning.  We never, ever stop running and growing in faith.  To stop and try to coast into heaven will diminish the prize we’ll win here and in our heavenly life.  In the words of Isaac Watts and John Wesley, “I’ll praise my Maker while I’ve breath;  and when my voice is lost in death,  praise shall possess my nobler powers;  my days of praise are never past  while life and thought and being last or immortality endures.”

Heavenly Father, please help us to continue with the race until we have crossed the finish line. Help us not to slack off before we have claimed the prize of our heavenly reward.

Blessings,
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: You are Cherished!

Romans 10:11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

Ephesians 1:7  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

I came across this quote recently, “Shame says that because I am flawed I’m unacceptable. Grace says that although I am flawed I’m cherished.”  In this Sunday’s Gospel lesson we read that Jesus was invited to dine with one of the leaders of the Pharisees.  Those meals were important social events.  Yet even in that place where he knew every move would be watched, he took time to heal a man suffering from edema. Then he tells the host that he should be inviting the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind to his dinners, not just friends and family and other influential people. Jesus spent his life ministering to those shunned by society.  Even though we might be hurt and rejected by others, if we are a follower of Jesus, we know that he cherishes us and counts us as brothers and sisters in the Kingdom. 

Holy God, while we feel undeserving of your love, we know that you do love us and that you will never turn away from us. Help us to share your love with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

In Christ,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: Finding Persimmons in Scripture

Psalm 52:8-9  But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.

My dad was out and about a lot with his job. Loving food like I do, he was always on the lookout for good inexpensive restaurants. The best thing he found though was a persimmon tree growing alongside a country road.  Each fall after the first frost we would pile in the car and hunt for that tree to pick those soft orange fruits. It had to be after the frost because if you eat a persimmon before the frost it will “turn your mouth inside out.”  I guess the frost puts the finishing touch on the ripening process. I saw a green persimmon in the road today and made a mental note of the location.  I’ll be back. I’d like to compare persimmons to scripture.  Sometimes a particular scripture may not seem to hold any particular significance for our life until a frost falls.  Then that scripture seems to be almost coming off the page to us.  The one I chose for today was a frost scripture for me as I served as a leader in a church where there was some strife. This scripture reassured me that I would flourish (do well) in the house of God (that church) and to trust God’s love.  It linked me with the other faithful people in the church. It let me know that I and the leaders I served with were on the right track with our leadership.  Where is the frost falling in your life?  If it is, there is a persimmon scripture in God’s word that will help you if you just hunt for it.

Loving God, while all of your Word is good and useful, we thank you for bringing us special words when we face trials.  We praise your Holy name today for all that you have done. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige