Thursday, March 28, 2013

Thursday’s Musings: Meditation for Holy Thursday


Luke 22:14-16 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table.  And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.  For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

Tonight we will celebrate Holy Thursday by recreating the Upper Room. We’ll share a symbolic Passover meal, hear the scripture story of the Last Supper and celebrate Holy Communion.  The disciples could not know this would be the last Passover meal they would share with Jesus. If they had, perhaps they would have listened even more closely to what he was trying to teach them. Perhaps they would have wanted to linger at the table a while longer.  We never can totally know what each day will bring.  Maybe we should linger at the table a while longer with our loved ones.  Maybe we should appreciate more fully the relationships with which God has blessed us.

Loving Father, thank you for those in our lives.  Help us to strengthen our relationships with friends, family and acquaintances.  Teach us to love each other the way Jesus wanted us to love. We ask in His name. Amen.
In Christ,
Paige

Wednesday, March 27, 2013


Wednesday’s Musings:  Seeing God’s Goodness  reused 4-9-19

Psalm 27:13-14 (NRSV)  I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Experiments have proven that we see what we look for. For example once you notice a red truck in the highway, suddenly you start seeing more and more of them as you drive along. This works in the way we look at life, too.  I sometimes get so discouraged when I watch the newscasts. It seems like we don’t go a day without hearing of a senseless murder, or stories of arguing and graft from the school systems to our national leaders.  There are so many personal tragedies; serious illnesses; unemployment; homelessness.  It’s enough to make anyone depressed and wonder if things will ever get better.  Yet we hope in the Lord.  We recite the Psalms that praise God for God’s goodness and faithfulness.  I know that to counter the bad needs that I need to be intentional about looking for the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (CEB)  If my people who belong to me will humbly pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

Pray with me today.
Love in Christ,
Paige

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Tuesday’s Musings: The Homeless Dress as Superheroes



Hebrews 13:2  Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

My friend Alan was telling me Sunday about his recent family trip to Las Vegas. He told me how expensive everything was and that everything out there was just “over the top.” Then he said that even the homeless people were over the top.  They dressed in superhero outfits.  Some were superheroes and some were other movie characters.  Apparently they make money by letting people pose with them.  How enterprising.  I wish I had the answer to the problem of homelessness in America.  It’s overwhelming, especially to those who try to minister to them.  I do believe this: you never know when the homeless person you meet might be a true superhero. 

Hello God.  Thank you that tonight I will have a place to sleep and as much food as I want to eat and any kind of medical care I need.  Help me and all who worship you to see the best in others, especially the strangers.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In Christ,
Paige

Monday, March 25, 2013

Monday’s Musings: One Parade, Two Viewpoints


Luke 19:37-38  As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!”

Our Palm Sunday services were really good yesterday. We started with a joyous Jeans and Jazz service. Then at the traditional service, the Chancel Choir’s rendition of their cantata “Canticle of the Cross” was beautiful. The children processed with palms adding to the meaning of the service. I was struck as I prepared my sermon by the difference in the mindset between Jesus and the crowd.  The crowd was joyous, hailing Jesus as the king and liberator.  Jesus knew he was not coming out of Jerusalem until many terrible things happened.  As we move through this Holy Week, let us never lose sight of the sacrifice Jesus made freely on our behalf.

Thank you God, for your unconditional, sacrificial love.  Help us this Holy Week to get a grasp on the extent of that love.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a blessed week!
Paige

Friday, March 22, 2013

Friday’s Musings: He Calls Us Friend



John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

William Shakespeare wrote, “A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”  I think that could describe Jesus.  Nothing about us is hidden from him.  He’s walked the wilderness road, endured temptations and frustrations like we have.  He doesn’t dwell on our past but encourages us to set aside our sinful ways and follow him. He values love and compassion, grace and gentleness.  He is the type of friend that we want to emulate, who makes us a better person by being around him.  He’s not the party animal, fishing buddy kind of friend.  Those have their place, but Jesus demands and deserves first place among friends.  Will you give him that?

Lord Jesus, we need your friendship and we need your guidance.  Friends help others out and warn them when they make poor choices.  Please be that friend to us. We ask in your name. Amen.

Have a Blessed Weekend,
Paige

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Thursday’s Musings: A Lesson from American Idol


Jeremiah 1:7-8  But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.  Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Last night was Beetles night on American Idol.  I love the Beetles for the outstanding body of work they produced over the years. As each singer was performing the Beetles song of his or her choice I was also hearing the original version in my head.  Of course other than playing recordings, we can no longer hear the Beetles together.  I thought about our Christian witness.  We can’t hear Jesus’ voice. He has been gone for many generations.  It’s up to each of us to interpret his work to the world now just as these contestants were for the Beetles. We will each put our own small spin on the Gospel while also staying true to the message of the original. The judges often tell the contestants to have confidence in themselves and to sing out; to listen to their heart and connect to the message.  I guess that’s good advice to us too, as we share the song of the Gospel.
Holy God, help us to spread your message – the one that Jesus came to teach all those many years ago.  Help us to hear His voice as we read and study scripture so that we may remain true to the message as we repeat it in our own voices to others.  In His wonderful name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Wednesday’s Musings: Hoping for a Kinder Nation


Mark 3:24-25 (NIV) If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Pardon my soapbox but I am sick to death of receiving smut e-mails denigrating our political leaders.  Today there was one about Nancy Pelosi and another about President Obama.  Before the last election I received them about Bush and Biden. These e-mails often contain half-truths born out of ignorance or sometimes pure malice. Perhaps they are initiated by poor losers who don’t trust our political system. It may not be the greatest or work perfectly but it is a democratic system in which we are actually allowed to vote. I don’t particularly like the Electoral College system but realize why it was established in lieu of simply using a popular vote.  I am a true patriot. It doesn’t matter whether I voted for a current president or not, or if I respect them as a person, I will support the one elected by at least not disrespecting the office. We have lost our dignity these days.  There are certainly appropriate ways to express our political opinions and we should exercise that freedom of speech, yet here’s the deal: if you want a better country start by working for a better church, a better school, a better neighborhood, a better community or city or state. Write our representatives. Individuals making critical, non-constructive remarks don’t help our country.  Instead they hurt our country.  Heed the wisdom of the Gospels.  And please refrain from sending these e-mails.

Holy God, I pray for our country that seems so politically divided.  Help us to find common ground in Jesus Christ.  In His name we pray. Amen.

God Bless You and God Bless America,
Paige

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Tuesday’s Musings: Prayers for My Neighbors USED

Modified and used 10-1-21

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (CEB)  I’m passing on the Lord’s command to those who are married: A wife shouldn’t leave her husband,  but if she does leave him, then she should stay single or be reconciled to her husband. And a man shouldn’t divorce his wife.

When our neighbors moved to Decatur last year they rented their home to a couple who moved from just around the corner.  They were friendly, with a toddler and an energetic dog that our dogs seem to get along with across the fence.  We’ve seen a rental truck and a trailer there for a few days and wondered if they were moving. Last night right before the hailstorm hit, we noticed them trying to load one of their cars on the trailer.  Joe went out to help while I finished cooking dinner.  It turns out that the wife was moving to Florida.  Joe didn’t see the little boy.  I worry about this family and about all families that split up.  We all want to be in loving, intimate relationships – that is human nature.  Yet we should choose carefully and then treat one another tenderly and with respect.  Too often in relationships individuals become too self-centered and not relationship centered.  Friendships fail, marriages dissolve and no one ends up happy.  Christ said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34.

Loving God, please be with my neighbors and all couples and friends who are having relationship difficulties.  Help us to be better at loving each other.  We pray in the name of the One who loved us unconditionally. Amen.
Have a blessed day,
Paige

Monday, March 18, 2013

Monday’s Musings: See, I am Doing a New Thing!



Isaiah 43:18-19  Don’t remember the prior things; don’t ponder ancient history.  Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it?

This was part of yesterday morning’s scripture.  God through Isaiah is trying to give the people being held in captivity in Babylon some encouragement.  This section of the scripture tells us that God is doing something new.  I think, too often that we think of God as retiring after the last word of the Bible was written.  Yes, we believe God answers prayer but what about doing new things?  What about adapting to this world that has changed so drastically since ancient times?  Here God’s already saying don’t dwell on ancient history.  Maybe we should look harder at the new things God might be doing.

Holy God, help us to see the new things you are doing in this world.  Help us to keep our faith by remembering your past actions both in ancient times but also the prayers your have answered in our lives. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a Blessed Day!
Paige


Friday, March 15, 2013

Friday's Musings: The Nearness of You


Modified and used 4/14/20

Romans 8:38-39 (CEB)  I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.


I’m surprised sometimes when people share with me that even though they are facing challenges, they just don’t think to pray.  Then some days I get well into the day and realize my prayer life that day has been anemic, too.  Yet although I might not close my eyes and go to God in deliberate prayer I know that God is only a heartbeat away.  My life is enveloped by God’s love and my love for God.  I say mini-prayers all during the day.  I know that God listens to my self-chatter and knows my needs well before I express them to God.  However our Creator wants to be in fellowship with us; wants us to reach out; wants us to turn toward God in praise, thanksgiving and supplication.  Let’s remember to pray, to make prayer as natural as breathing. "God does nothing but by prayer, and everything with it." --John Wesley


Holy God, forgive us for becoming so busy, being so self-centered that we fail to turn to you. We know that you hear and answer prayer.  Forgive us in our ideas of self-sufficiency.  Help us to rely on you each day.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen


Have a blessed weekend!  See you Sunday.
Paige

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Thursday’s Musings: False Teachers and Modern Marketing



2 Peter 2:1-4a  But false prophets also arose among the people. In the same way, false teachers will come among you. They will introduce destructive opinions and deny the master who bought them, bringing quick destruction on themselves.  Many will follow them in their unrestrained immorality, and because of these false teachers the way of truth will be slandered.  In their greed they will take advantage of you with lies.

McDonald’s has now jumped on the “health” bandwagon by offering an egg white McMuffin.  As the sharp newscasters pointed out, the sandwich still contains Canadian bacon and cheese.  I imagine they also butter the English muffin.  They have taken away the most nutritious part of the sandwich and left us with less healthy fats. The egg yolk has been much maligned in the public eye.  While they have a high fat content, they also have many health promoting vitamins and nutrients. The white has hardly any nutritional value. Yolks certainly contain much less fat than a hamburger or an order of French fries!  How easily we are deceived in life.  This move is not to promote better health; it’s to take financial advantage of the current mentality in society to promote healthier eating. Everywhere, every day we are bombarded with information about people, products, events, institutions, politics and faith.  Scripture tells us to be wise, to be aware of false teachers and to see the Truth because it is the truth that will set us free.

Loving God, we humbly ask that you will give us discernment to recognize falsehood.  Help us to never spread false information out of ignorance especially when it comes to your Word.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
Paige

Wednesday, March 13, 2013


Wednesday’s Musings: Dead Faith Praying

James 2:14-17 (NLT)  What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?  Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?  So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

My Dad and his best friend Alan Enlow used to call each other “buzzard.”  I’m so glad my parents named my brother Alan instead of that pet nickname.  In my view though, the buzzard is an unfairly maligned bird. It has a job and does it.  One of my favorite cartoons was a drawing of two buzzards sitting on a telephone line.  One was saying to the other, “Wait, hell.  I’m going to kill something.”  Sometimes we need to wait and sometimes we need to be proactive and take action.  Too often we wait for someone else to help the needy.  As our scripture tells us, a faith without good works is a dead faith.  This picture speaks volumes about that kind of faith.
Holy God, help us not forget that having faith, and living out our faith through helping others must go hand in hand.  Show us the way to serve you through service to others. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Paige

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Tuesday’s Musings: Unseen Wonders are Waiting for Us


1 Corinthians 2:9  But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,  nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”

Facebook has become so much more than just people posting about their lives.  I love it when people post beautiful pictures from nature. One of my friends, an entomologist at UGA posts photos of weirdly beautiful bugs, someone else posts brilliantly colored exotic birds.  This morning someone posted a multicolored sea animal that I had never seen before.  There are too many wonders of this world for us to see them all with our own eyes. But we should try to see and experience as much as possible.  You see the more we encase ourselves in our small corner of the world, getting into an unchanging routine, the larger our problems seem.  On a pie chart they are a big slice of the pie.  But when we expand our knowledge of the world and our experiences in the world, the pie grows but our worries stay the same size.  They are no longer so big in the grand scheme of things.  We’re less likely to “sweat the small stuff.” God has so much more in store for us than we can imagine, but to receive it, we must be willing to open up our lives to new things, new ideas, new people and new places. If not, the same old, same old will remain just that.

Holy God, thank you for this beautiful, incredible world.  Help us to experience more of it and to receive the blessings you have prepared for us.  We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.

Have a Blessed Day!
Paige

Monday, March 11, 2013

Monday’s Musings: Finding the Deep Waters

 Jesus boarded one of the boats, the one that belonged to Simon, then asked him to row out a little distance from the shore. …. When he finished speaking to the crowds, he said to Simon, “Row out farther, into the deep water, and drop your nets for a catch.”  Simon replied, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.”  So they dropped the nets and their catch was so huge that their nets were splitting..…Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be fishing for people.”  From Luke 5

At our staff retreat Friday, we read and meditated on Luke 5. When we were asked what image or phrase stood out for us I wrote down “deep water.”  Jesus told Simon to put out into the deep water and to put down his nets. And although Simon and the others had fished the night before and had caught nothing, this time the catch was abundant.
For our church where is the deep water?  Where do we as members and friends of Hapeville First UMC need to cast our nets as fishers of people?  Where is the abundant catch?  They didn’t catch fish in the “shallow water” close to shore, for us within the walls of our church and our very familiar surroundings.  We’ve fished those waters.  Where must we cast our nets for a successful catch?  I ask that each of you be in deep prayer with holy listening to discover the answer to that question for yourself and the church. 

Holy God, please lead us to deep water.  Help us find the people who need the ministry of our church.  We ask that you guide us in all our endeavors to grow your church.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Have a Blessed Week,
Paige

Friday, March 8, 2013

Friday’s Musings: Don’t be Vindictive!


Colossians 3:13 Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Mary Jane and Trudy were good friends until Trudy made a decision that Mary Jane disagreed with.  Now Mary Jane has distanced herself and has no sympathy for any of Trudy’s difficulties.  The decision was actually a matter that was not any of Mary Jane’s business.  I really wasn’t sure how to advise my friend who brought this situation to me.  She is caught in the middle of her two friends.  She doesn’t feel comfortable telling Mary Jane that her attitude is not very Christ like but that’s how she feels.  I finally asked her to try to open up the conversation with Mary Jane and ask what she hoped to gain by giving Trudy the cold shoulder.  I have watched people with vindictive attitudes lose the respect of others whom they care about.  Jesus preached love and forgiveness. If you hold something against something, ask yourself, what is your attitude accomplishing for anyone and more importantly, what is it accomplishing for the kingdom of God.

Father God, help us to respect other’s rights to their opinions and the decisions they make.  Help us to understand that none of us makes perfect decisions every time. Sometimes there is no optimal choice available.  Help us also to realize that we may not have all of the information we would need to make a fair assessment of someone’s motivations and actions.  We asked in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Have a blessed weekend,
Paige

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Thursday’s Musing: Crayola and Creation USED

Modified and used 10-6-20 and used again 8-27-21

1 John 3:1  See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.
Romans 13:8  Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

My friend Becky Chapman posted this on Facebook: We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some are even broken. Some have weird names and all are different colors. But, they all have to live in the same box!!!  Good thoughts.  After observing numerous purple and orange sunsets,  I would add that some complement each other while others clash but all are created by God.

Loving God, help us today to love the unlovely, to seek others different from us and share your love with them. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God Bless,
Paige


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Wednesday’s Musings: What the?????


John 12:1-2  Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.

So Lazarus gets sick, dies, sees the great white light in the sky and settles in for the afterlife.  Suddenly he feels tingling, he’s cold and then a warmth courses through his body. He hears his friend Jesus calling him.  But he can’t see anything.  Something has been wrapped around his head and face. “What the???” he thinks.  Jesus is calling again.  He hears other voices and weeping.  Struggling, he slowly gets up, pulling at the wrapping cloths. Where am I?  He sees light in the distance and moves toward it.  As he steps outside, the truth of the situation begins to sink in.  Now a week later he reclines beside Jesus, eating and laughing. He knows people have come to see him, to see this walking, talking miracle. He catches Jesus’ eye and they each quietly take a deep breath.  How do I ever thank you?  Jesus smiles and seems to say, just love me and love others.  Jesus turns away as Mary approaches.  The air becomes heavy with sweet fragrance as she pours costly perfume on his feet.

We may not have a death to life experience in the same way Lazarus did. Speaking of getting a new lease on life, he really received one. Yet Christ offers us new life, too. He offers us forgiveness, strength to change and to put aside harmful things. What should we do in return?  Love him; love others.

Holy God, Lazarus, Mary and Martha experience great joy in this miraculous revival. Help us to capture some of that joy as we remember what Jesus has done for us. We ask in his name, Amen.
God Bless,
Paige

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Tuesday’s Musings: When It Is What It Is USED


Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart  and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Pat Summitt is the winningest basketball coach ever, taking her Lady Vols to eight national championships. Sadly she was diagnosed with early dementia of the Alzheimer’s type and chose to resign from her coaching position.  In a touching interview with Robin Roberts, Robin asked her if she ever asks, why.  Pat replied she didn’t think much about that.  She said it is what it is and you just accept that and live the best you can.  Sometimes it’s good to ask why something is happening.  It could be due to things we can change.  Other times, we are faced with just accepting the situation. In either case, we who have Jesus Christ as our savior also have Him from whom to draw strength and direction through the Holy Spirit.  
Holy Lord, help us to look at our life through your eyes.  Where we are challenged with difficult situations, help us to discover ways to make the best of things.  When one door closes, we ask that you guide us to a new door and give us strength to face each new day as one loved by you.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a Blessed Day!
Paige

Monday, March 4, 2013

Monday’s Musing: The Key to Life USED

Modified and Used 9-17-21
Revelation 1:18  I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

I had a great pastors’ sermon planning retreat last week at Camp Glisson. When we were packing to leave Thursday afternoon, my roommate and I both started digging for our car keys.  We hadn’t driven anywhere since we arrived there.  We said we couldn’t get home without them.  It reminded me that Jesus is key in my life.  I hope to go nowhere without him. My faith enriches the joyous moments in my life and gets me through the not so pleasant ones.  I thank God every day for my faith and my calling. Here’s hoping that we all have a blessed week.

Holy Lord, thank you for all the blessings you give to us.  Thank you for your Son and his sacrifice for us.  He holds the key to our lives are redeemed people.  Help us to live worthy of that redemption.  In his name we pray. Amen.
In Christ,
Paige

Friday, March 1, 2013

Friday’s Musings: Alone in a Crowd


Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Proverbs 18:24 There are persons for companionship, but then there are friends who are more loyal than family.

While standing in line in the Camp Glisson dining hall yesterday, a companion and I were speaking of a mutual friend whom we love and respect.  Our friend had lost a beloved family member a while back.  My companion said that she spotted her recently entering a store with her head bowed looking sad and deep in thought.  I know that even though that store would have been crowded with people seeking bargains, my friend would have been lonely.  It is possible to constantly be with people and to be lonely.  The writer of Proverbs understands that the soul needs both casual friends and deep friendships. Both should be treasured.  Jesus spoke of the highest calling when he commanded us to love God first and then to love our neighbor.  He knew that we need one another – that we were created by a God who is love so that we could live a life of love.  There are times when we may long for earthly companionship but one thing we may always be assured of, God is always with us and will never abandon or forsake us.

 

Holy Lord, thank you for your constant presence in our lives. We ask that you bless our friendships and that you bring true friends into our lives.  Help us to be that type of friend to others.  On this day we pray for the lonely and the lost in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 
Have a great day and weekend!
Paige