Wednesday’s Musings – Blessing in the Darkness

Wednesday’s Musings – Blessing in the Darkness

John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Last Sunday our member Betty Morgan brought a bloom from her night-blooming cereus.  It is a type of tropical forest cactus that blooms only once or twice a year and only at night.  Hers was loaded with beautiful white blooms.  The plant is also called Queen of the Night and the stamens and pistil of the flower depict the Christmas story. The cluster of stamens in the center is the manger, the clumps of stamens on each side of this are Mary and Joseph, the two stamens at the top are the open arms of an angel, and the star shaped pistil represents the star of Bethlehem. 

In the bible there’s a lot of imagery of light and darkness.  It is metaphorical for good and evil or knowledge and ignorance.  This flower reminds us that there is still good in the darkness even in the darkness of our lives.  Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that when it’s dark enough you can see the stars. Christ, the light of the world is always with us.

Holy God, Keep us in all our days and all our nights.  We need you every hour. In this we give you all the glory. Amen.

Tuesday’s Musings: Vive la Difference

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Master Park in Hapeville is a good place to walk. The paths are paved and it’s nicely landscaped.  I like the fact that it’s shady and cool in the mornings.  Today I noticed a single white bloom on one of the small azalea bushes.  Upon closer inspection I saw that it was actually a morning glory bloom.  Although it was out of place, it made that otherwise bloom bare bush interesting.  In life being around people who are different also makes life interesting. Life can get pretty boring if we surround ourselves only with people like us. Churches often fail to greet people who visit if they look different from the main demographic.  In doing so they are failing to live out scripture and the intent of the early church.  We are all one in Christ Jesus.  Let’s be more accepting of those who are different.  Variety is the spice of life.

Holy God, help us to accept people who are different from us.  Help us to remember that you created us all and love us all. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Monday’s Musings: Angels Watching Over Me?

Psalm 34:7-9 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good;

We had a good time during our day trip to the mountains on Saturday. A nifty little guidebook we have directed us to the rather remote Laurel Falls near Franklin, NC.  It had all the elements of a good hike.  The trail was challenging. It was muddy and crisscrossed with roots and rocks and narrow in places.  I noticed that the obstacles in the path were both something to trip over or get one’s foot caught in but also provided footing above the mud.  My trekking pole was invaluable in helping me keep my balance as I maneuvered the trail as I’m not as sure-footed as Joe.  The falls at the end of the ½ mile trail were all that we expected from the guidebook and even more.  We were able to climb on a fallen tree and big rocks to the middle of the stream to get a good view.  We enjoyed being in nature away from any sounds of planes, trains or automobiles! 

Still Joe and I talked about the dangers of being in a remote area with no phone signal. It would take a while to get help if one should twist an ankle or break a bone. We encountered only one other couple on the trail.  We chatted a moment and they seemed very nice. Still, living in an urban area has made me think more about encountering people out there with crime on their agenda.  Neither Joe nor I would let these concerns keep us from the recreation we needed.  In the end we trusted God to care for us.  I did trip a couple of times but always caught my balance. Maybe I had help from an angel. 

Thanks you Lord once again for the beauty of creation. Thank you for the times that you protect us, even while we are unaware of your presence.  We ask your continued help and strength in time of need.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a great week!
Paige

Friday’s Musings: Making Do

Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

One of my neighbors who lives on Old Jonesboro Road “mows” his lawn with a weed eater.  I don’t know if he doesn’t own a lawnmower or if his isn’t working. Still, I appreciate the fact that he doesn’t deter him from keeping his yard looking nice.  Sometimes we can’t afford something we need or would really like to have.  Like Paul and my neighbor we can learn to make do and to be content in every situation.  This morning on “The Doctors” one of their guests gave suggestions from her book, “Bliss Happens.”  It’s filled with little, inexpensive suggestions to make life easier and more blissful.  She’s learned to be intentional in thinking about how to appreciate simple things that can bring contentment.  I think I’ll order the book!  In the meantime, I will try to be like Paul, trusting Jesus as the Ultimate in my life.

Holy God, help us to be content whether we have little or all that we need.  We acknowledge that you are the one who gives us the ability to provide for ourselves.  Help us to seek your ways so that we may walk in peace and contentment.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Happy Friday!
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: Going Uphill

James 1:12 Those who stand firm during testing are blessed. They are tried and true. They will receive the life God has promised to those who love him as their reward.

Romans 5:3-5  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Because I cut my walk short yesterday to watch the tree service cut my neighbor’s tree, I made sure to get in 4.5 miles this morning. I have different routes but usually like to end at the ball fields.  They are close to home and I have the option of continuing to circle or come on home if I am tired.  Still every street that runs between the ball fields and my street has a long steep hill to climb. I was reminded this morning of gym class in college when the coach would make us run around the parking lot at the end of our class then up a hill back to the gym.  How much nicer it would be to have easy going towards the end.  Sometimes in life things seem to get more difficult as we approach our goal.  Press on, and don’t quit whether you are looking for a job, trying to begin or end a relationship, kick a bad habit, or deepen your relationship with the Lord.  I made it up this hill this morning and so eventually will you!

Dear Lord, help us to persevere when we feel we are not making the progress we desire.  We need your strength and encouragement every day.  We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

                  DON’T QUIT

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won if he'd stuck it out.
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are -
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.

- by Author Unknown

Tuesday’s Musings: The Old Dead Tree Revisited

Matthew 18:9 “If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire.

Around the corner from our house a huge, mostly dead tree with truncated limbs stands sentinel over a small house.  I say “mostly dead” because there is still one living limb and a few green leaves at the cut off top of the tree.  I wrote about this tree in a Musings last year citing it as an example of resilience.  Yet the remaining tree limbs continue to rot and last week one fell. This morning a tree service pulled in as I began my walk and as I came back by I discovered my friends Jeff and Sheri Cuttino own the rental house.  I stayed there and chatted with Sheri as we watched the crew cut the dead branches off that were endangering the house.  It would be too expensive to take the entire tree down, although it will happen one day.  Sheri and I talked about how we don’t like to kill living plants but in some cases it must happen.  I thought about this scripture.  There are times in our lives when we must rid ourselves of either excess personal property or harmful habits. Where the latter may be a sin of commission, the former is sometimes a sin of excess – related to greed and gluttony.  To rid ourselves of either of these will be good for ourselves and others will benefit also.  Think today about what you might need to eliminate from your life.

Holy God, help us to know when to hold on and when to let go. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Monday’s Musings: Waking Up With God

Psalm 30:5b Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

I admit up front, I’ve never been a morning person. I get up usually at 6:45 to walk before my workday begins, but I don’t spring out of bed with tons of energy for the day ahead.  By the time I had finished my first cup of coffee this morning my friend Julie had posted, “Load one of laundry in dryer, load two in washer, dog and cat feed, kitty box clean, dishes done, one bed made, the other still has a sleeping kid in it, tea steeping, coffee brewing and muffins cooling on the stove. Not a bad start to the morning.” Early morning is a great time to be outside.  I love to sit on the front porch of a cabin in the mountains with a cup of coffee and watch the sunrise.  I have gotten better about one thing: When I wake up I turn my thoughts to the Lord and commit my day to Him.  Before I go to sleep at night I thank God for the blessings of that day.  Each day can bring new opportunities and challenges.  I know that with the strength God will provide I can seize those opportunities and meet those challenges –even if I do get a slow start!

Loving God, help us to commit each day into your care.  We don’t know what this day and week my bring, but we do know that if we invite you into it, you will be there.  We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a blessed week!
Paige

Friday’s Musings: Who’s Really at the Wheel?

Proverbs 16:9 (MSG) We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.

Like many I am sad to hear of the death of Glee star Cory Monteith from a drug overdose.  Yesterday his friend and acting coach gave an interview to GMA. I captured this quote for you: “The disease of addiction makes you think you are driving the car and then it slowly moves you to the passenger seat and it starts to drive.”  I know my thinking is sometimes out of the box but I immediately saw an association with life in general. Many people have no addiction to drugs, tobacco or alcohol but they are fooled to think they are in control of their lives. They live in the moment not realizing that all their decisions affect external forces that will come to bear upon their situation. They see themselves as self sufficient and don’t realize their need for God. God warned His people about this type of thinking in Deuteronomy 8:17-18. “Do not say to yourself, ‘My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today.”   The best and most joyful life is the one in which God is both acknowledged and implored to be the guide. Is there something beside God that is slowly taking control of your life and moving you to the passenger seat?

Loving God, we confess this morning that we often take credit for our success without giving you the praise for your provision.  Enable us to live in a way that is joyful to us and pleasing to you.  We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Happy Friday!
Paige

 

Thursday’s Musings: Bible-to-Life or Life-to Bible?

Mark 16:20 And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.

From biblical times, we’ve had people who were charged with sharing the news of current events and the Good News of the Gospel with others. Shane Raynor wrote a good article about the current Zimmerman / Martin issue for Ministry Matters. (link is below) Yet he goes on to say about pastors who intend to address the verdict from the pulpit, “…but I’ve never been one for preaching with a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in another. A Bible-to-life approach, to me, produces more spiritual dividends in the long run than a life-to-Bible one, although both have their place. Congregations that are grounded in Scripture are able to process these kinds of events for themselves as they happen. They don’t need the pastor telling them what to think. Addressing every current event from the pulpit turns a preacher into just another pundit.”

In a way I agree but with some reservations.  I have been taught and I truly believe this that the best way to share the Gospel is to show where it intersects the members of the congregation’s lives. When I craft my sermons, I most often try to show where the scripture applies to or is evidenced in a current event either in the news or in our congregation. That’s also the basis of these Musings as I look at life and see a relationship to scripture. What do you think?  Would you rather hear Bible-to-life, life-to-Bible or something else?  How do you perceive my sermons?  There is no wrong answer here!

God of life, I ask your help in preaching the gospel and relating it to our lives. May we all know your Word to such an extent that we can see how it applies to what’s going on in our personal life and in the lives of those around us. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Bless,
Paige

http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/blog/entry/4059/trayvon-zimmerman-and-pastor-pundits#axzz2ZMJMl4Qa

Wednesday’s Musings: Trashing the Dress. Really?

Luke 3:11 (NIRV) John answered, “If you have extra clothes, you should share with those who have none. And if you have extra food, you should do the same.”

The morning news showed us photos of a bride running into the ocean with her wedding dress on fire.  This was done on purpose for her wedding photo shoot.  Apparently there’s a new trend among brides to “trash the dress” after the wedding. Some have paint thrown on them; others walk through mud while others jump into water. Everyone agreed the fire stunt had gone way too far.  Last year a bride died when she jumped in water near a waterfall and her veil got caught and carried her downstream.  I agree with the commentators who said if the brides didn’t want to save the dresses for their daughters why not sell or donate them to charity.  Considering the prices of wedding dresses this act of deliberate destruction is in my opinion the height of self-indulgence.  I used a modern translation here because it most captures what John was getting out.  Older translations use the word “cloak” or “coat.” The point is that we should share of our excess with the needy.  What do you have in your home that you aren’t using?  How could you help someone else by donating it or selling it and giving the proceeds to charity? 

Holy God, please open our eyes to our selfishness. We confess that we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves nor have we helped the least, the last and the lost, by sharing some of the abundant blessings bestowed upon us. Amen.

Happy Wednesday,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: Rest and Rejoice

Psalm 118:24  This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be full of joy and be glad in it.

We used to have a saying, “The hurrieder I go, the behinder I get.”  I get up early and stay up late and still have a list of things I feel I should have done. Of course if I did all of those things, there would just be more to take their place.  My “In” basket is never empty. Maybe that’s not a bad thing.  If our “in” basket is empty perhaps it’s because no one needs us anymore.  There’s really not much on our “to do” list that can’t wait. Yet I’ve seen people who seemed to live their lives in emergency mode.  It’s good for us to have balance between work and rest.  God wants us to seek that balance because it’s difficult to fully experience the joy God offer us when we are going at full speed.  Instead of always focusing on our To Do list, let’s find some time to stop each day and enjoy the day that the Lord has made.

Creator God, thank you for this day which You have made.  Please help us to find joy in it.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In Christ,
Paige

Monday’s Musings: Eve and Me

Genesis 3:1-3  Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”  The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,  but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and ypou must not touch it, or you will die.’”

I’ve recently discovered that I most likely have an intolerance of gluten. It happened when I tried an elimination diet. When the wheat went, so did some muscle and joint tenderness that I’ve had for a long time. Now when I eat wheat the symptoms return.  Saturday as I walked down the grocery store aisle I began to notice all the foods I used to eat that contain gluten. I walked by the cookies, crackers, wonderful breads, pastas and frozen entrees saying to myself, “can’t eat that, can’t eat that, can’t eat that…” until I realized I was having a real Eve moment.  You see, with the serpent’s prompting she began focusing on the one tree in the garden she couldn’t eat from instead of all the other trees God had provided for Eve and Adam to eat.  I went down aisles and aisles of foods that are gluten free but I was pouting over the things I know I would be better off avoiding.  Eve would have been much happier if she’d appreciated what she had instead of spending time resenting what she didn’t have. That kind of resentment often causes people to do things they shouldn’t do. I’ll try to do better; in the meantime, Joe said he wouldn’t mind buying groceries by himself for awhile!

Holy Lord, forgive us for not appreciating fully all of the gifts of life with which you have blessed us. We ask that you help us overcome the temptations of things that would not be in our best interests. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a great week!
Paige

Friday's Musings: A Different Kind of Website

Job 8:13-15 Such are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of the godless shall perish. Their confidence is gossamer, a spider’s house their trust. If one leans against its house, it will not stand; if one lays hold of it, it will not endure.

A Loganville friend often posts photos from his garden or walks in nature.  Today a photo showed a group of spider webs that were like hammocks in the low grass. I have a fear of spiders but I do like looking at their webs. Some are very intricate and all show a lot of perseverance. Still they are fragile and easily destroyed.  What are the webs we weave in our lives?  Where do we spend time and energy on things not of the kingdom –-things that will perish? What can we embrace and enact in our lives that will endure not just in ourselves but will make a difference for others?  Just something to ponder.

Holy Lord, thank you for the beauty of nature.  Help us not just to observe but to learn from what we see. Amen.

Have a great weekend! I hope you will all be in worship on Sunday. That is where you might find the answers to these questions.
Paige

Thursday’s Musings: Drawn to the Light USED

Used Again with modification 6 -19-19 and 11-9-21

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

I did some laundry last night. Running out of underwear will usually force me to do that. The laundry room floor was populated with hard shelled beetles, mostly deceased.  They are drawn to the light in the room and come in through the doggy door. If I leave an outside light on it’s not unusual to look out and see it surrounded by moths and other flying insects.  Like the beetles, they often meet their demise when they fly into the light. I thought about the metaphor of light in the bible. Jesus is the light of the world. 1 Peter speaks of God’s wonderful light.  Here as elsewhere, light refers to true, Godly knowledge. Those who remain in darkness do not have true knowledge of God’s will for His people.  They often misinterpret God’s Word even if unintentional. You might wonder how my dead insects relate to what happens when we are drawn to the light mentioned here.  I think that when we come to the light we become new people. A lot of our old ways die. We put on the light of Christ and then become a light for others. (Matt. 5:16).

God of Light and Love, we pray that you will continue to draw us into your glorious light. Show us your will and teach us your ways. We ask in Jesus name, amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: Giving Secretly

 

Matthew 6:1-4 (CEB) “Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.  “Whenever you give to the poor, don’t blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may get praise from people. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get.  But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you may give to the poor in secret. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.

Our Methodist health insurance program encourages us to participate in Virgin Health Miles.  We wear a pedometer and upload our steps to our computer.  We can actually earn money for walking.  I walked a little over four miles yesterday morning only to discover I had left my pedometer at home.  Too bad I can’t just upload the stats from my iPhone Map My Walk app.  I was upset that I wasn’t going to get credit for all those steps.  We like to be recognized for our efforts, especially when we stand to gain financially.  But there are times when quiet acts of kindness are more appropriate.  Have you ever given an anonymous gift? It feels really good.

Loving God, We know that you see all our acts and will reward our kind deeds. This week please provide us with opportunities to help others without recognition for ourselves.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings,

Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: The Little Church that Can

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Last night Joe and I attended the annual clergy welcome dinner for the Atlanta-College Park District.  Clergy members and their families who are newly appointed to the district are introduced and officially welcomed. This time the meeting was hosted by Rico UMC.  We were all so very impressed with the level of hospitality we received. The members had prepared a large table of hors d’oeuvres before the meal. Each of the seven dinner tables had a different theme with different china, tablecloths and decorations.  The serving table was groaning with delicious home-cooked dishes. Dessert parfaits were served in especially engraved glasses that we were given to take home. If that wasn’t enough the Rico Pickers bluegrass group played before and during dinner. The pastor Richard Davies had copies for us of two excellent books he’s written and also cards depicting the beautiful stained glass windows created by Rico church members led by Judy Henderson.  Judy has been a Facebook friend who I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time. Who knew she was such an artisan?  Here’s one of the most surprising things of all – this small church averages about 25 in worship on Sunday. They describe themselves as the little church with the big heart.  They are an inspiration for churches of all sizes but especially smaller ones because they show what individuals working together while serving God can do.  If we are faithful to God, God will be faithful to us. To cap off the evening as we left the church Joe and I saw a complete rainbow – the sign of God’s covenant of faithfulness.  It was a very good evening.

Loving God, we offer praises for your faithful care and support of those who love and serve you.  We ask that you strengthen all churches that they may fulfill the Great Commission and grow Your Kingdom.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Monday’s Musings: Painkillers Don’t Heal

Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

I took some Aleve the other day for a backache. It did help a little and I was glad for the relief. Yet it got me thinking that painkillers only mask the symptoms, they don’t heal the body. We use a lot of things to try to stop the pains of life – shopping, alcohol, drugs, sex, dangerous risks, but the effects are temporary.  Unless we get at the root cause of our problems we cannot find true healing.   This scripture from Jeremiah is one that I discovered years ago and use as a breath prayer.  One of the best remedies for the discontents of life is a deeper relationship with God.  He is the source of peace and content.  Even when we face true medical illnesses, God can help us through it. Our state of mind does promote or inhibit healing. Our spiritual health has a bearing upon our physical health.

Heavenly Father, we ask today that you keep us healthy in mind, body and spirit. Give us strength for the week.  In the name of the Great Physician we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed week,
Paige

Friday’s Musings: Jesus and the Mama Dog USED

Used again 7/2/19

Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Last week I saw the cutest video about the difference between dogs and cats.  It began by showing a chunky puppy sitting at the top of some stairs.  The puppy is afraid to come down them.  The dog owners tell their other grown dog to show the puppy how. Over and over the dog goes up the stairs and encourages the puppy to come down. Finally the puppy makes it down.  I was amazed at the intelligence and patience of this older dog.  I think of how patient Jesus is with us.  We can see his example through his teaching but sometimes it takes a while for us to get it.  We shouldn’t feel too bad, because the disciples had the same struggle.  Thank goodness Jesus took time to bring people to the Way he wanted them to travel.  If you want to see what happens with the cats, follow the video link below!

Holy God thank you for the patience and grace you show us each day. Help us to understand what you would teach us about living the Christian life.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKNfnQneQVM

Have a great weekend!
Paige

Thursday’s Musings: The Race We Can’t Run

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

Our son, Robert has finished the Peachtree Road Race and is posting photos. I’m tracking Joe via iPhone. He’s moving along!  I watched the wheelchair racers and elite runners finishing at their top speeds and see many others jogging and walking.  All of them have the finish line and the coveted tee shirt on their mind.  I read an interesting article on Christian conversion this morning. In it the writer pointed out that people come to Christ at different and in a variety of ways. It isn’t a competition; Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit draws us toward the finish and encourages us along the way.
Paul wrote: “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith” using the metaphor of a race as a journey together – moving forward to claim the prize which is salvation and a relationship with our Savior.

Loving God, thank you for your encouragement in our life.  Help us to encourage each other in finding their own relationship with your Son, Jesus Christ.  We ask in his name, amen.

Happy 4^th!
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: It’s Going to Rain on our Parade

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

I bet a lot of people, like me are bummed about the forecasts of heavy rain for the 4^th. Joe and Robert are running in the Peachtree Road Race; we’ve been invited to a cookout and I know for many the evening 4^th of July fireworks are a family tradition.
I guess we can watch the NY or Boston fireworks on TV if they are broadcast. In the meantime maybe we could spend some time reflecting on why we celebrate the holiday and thanking God that we live in a country where things may not be perfect but where we enjoy a living standard and freedoms far superior to much of today’s world.

Thank you Lord for this day. Help us to know that even though we experience disappointments in life, that you always care for us and that your ultimate plan will bring many good things. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: Runaway Mouse

Modified and used 8-14-20

I’m not sure what causes this but on my home computer sometimes my mouse cursor gets out of control.  It seems to float across the screen instead of going directly where I’d like it to point.  This is exacerbated by the fact that I have dual monitors.  I have to look all over both monitors to try to find that little arrow and when I move it, the thing flies from one place to another.  The closest I can figure is that it has something to do with the fact that I have a cordless rechargeable mouse because when I place it in the little holder that charges the thing for a while things seem to improve. 

At times we have things in our lives that are like that runaway mouse.  We try to control events, to get things going in what we think is the right direction but instead we’re all over the place.  People don’t return our calls, traffic makes us late, the “check in the mail” doesn’t arrive and we seem to be taking one step forward and two steps back.  Maybe at times like those we need to stop and recharge ourselves by spending some time reading scripture or some devotional material and in prayer.  I love my cordless mouse and the fact I don’t have to replace batteries but I have to remember that it too, needs recharging. Maybe I’ll say a prayer for myself whenever I place it in the charger.

Loving God, it seems when I don’t spend time with you that things don’t seem to go as smoothly as when I’m seeking your power in my life.  Please help us all to remember to tap into this ultimate power source each day.  Help us to keep our life on the straight path.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Have a Good Day,
Paige

Monday’s Musings: The True Cost of Things

Psalm 82:3-5 (NLT) “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.  Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people. But these oppressors know nothing; they are so ignorant! They wander about in darkness, while the whole world is shaken to the core.

When I read this scripture I immediately think that we must absolutely help the poor and the orphan, the oppressed and the destitute.  I’m not just thinking about giving them money – like contributing to the UM Children’s Home.  Although it’s good to support, I’m thinking about speaking up for them where they have no voice or power; seeing that laws are passed that don’t make the justice they receive any less than I might receive.  To those who have much God has given the charge to help the poor and powerless to overcome both of those states.

Then I see the other verses about the oppressors.  “Oppressors” is a loaded word.  We think of the Romans oppressing the Jewish people.  The Psalmist says they are ignorant. That made me look a little closer to home. I immediately thought of the terrible building collapse of the garment factory in Bangladesh that killed over 1100 people, most of them women. Now building inspections have revealed that six out of every 10 factories there are unsafe and they are still full of workers. Most of the clothing produced in Bangladesh is sold in Europe and the US. At least 1,800 garment workers in Bangladesh have died in fires or other disasters in factories since 2005.

Since the April 24th factory collapse, more than 50 international retailers and brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, H&M, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein have signed the groundbreaking Accord for Fire and Building Safety addressing labor conditions in Bangladesh. Despite the public outcry since the collapse, two U.S. apparel giants, the Gap and Wal-Mart, are still refusing to do the right thing by signing the agreement.  Why? Because it would raise the cost of each garment by 10 to 30 cents.

Many people shop at Wal-Mart because they can get affordable clothing and other products there.  But are these shoppers like the oppressors living in darkness?  How aware are we of our participation in the existence of these unsafe working conditions? It’s certainly more complicated than what it might seem on the surface but as Christians I think it’s appropriate for us to make ourselves aware that sometimes our purchases come at a human cost that we would rather not know about. 

Father God, we ask your protection on all those working in terrible, oppressive situations whether they are agricultural workers, garment workers, miners or office workers. Help us to be aware of the true costs of things we buy and help us to do what we can to call for safe working conditions for those who provide the things that make our lives more comfortable.  I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a Blessed Week
Paige