Wednesday’s Musings: By Our Fruits

Modified and used 9-29-20

Matthew 7:20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.

The deciduous trees around Hapeville are now leafed out.  Some of those in the mountains still have some bare branches.  A couple of trees in my yard have some dead branches too high for us to trim but in the winter we can’t tell the dead branches from the healthy ones.  It isn’t until they bear the fruits of spring that we know the dead from the living.  Scripture tells us that the type of fruit which we produce will reveal our character and that the Kingdom of God will go only to those who produce good fruits.  “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.” Matthew 21:43  Maybe it would be healthy for each of us to honestly access the amount of and kind of fruit we contribute to our relationships, our places of work, our extracurricular activities and our church.   

This day Lord, help us to live our life bearing fruits worthy of you.  We are your creation and pray daily for our faith to be strengthened.  Bless those whom we love today.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: My Meandering Mouse

Matthew 4:4  Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread, but by every word spoken by God.

I like having a cordless keyboard and cordless mouse for my computers but it seems that my keyboard chooses to fail at the most inopportune times causing me to pray I don’t lose my document in the process of replacing the batteries.  The mouse however has a charging station and needs no batteries.  When it starts running out of juice the cursor just seems to wander aimlessly across the dual computer screens.  I have a hard time getting it under control to point where I need it to be.  I must recharge it before proceeding.  I find in my life that I need recharging, also in order to help me stay focused.  A few days in the mountains has recharged me mentally and physically. Yet we are also spiritual people.  Prayer helps but it alone is not sufficient.  We must go to the Word of God.  The Bible tells us that “Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.”(2 Timothy 3:16-17)  Let us not neglect reading our Bibles on a regular basis so that we may stay spiritually recharged!

Holy God we know that Your word is a lamp before our feet and a light for our journeys. We pray that as we read and study scripture the Holy Spirit will enliven it for us and bring us understanding of its relevance to our lives.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Thursday’s Musings: Work and Rest

Modified and used 7-29-20 Franklin Press

Mark 6:31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

Many centuries have passed since Jesus taught his followers.  We have to admit that some was contextual, that we have to take that period’s culture in account. And yet on the whole Jesus’ teachings are timeless and relevant.  Jesus believed in work, certainly he and his disciples worked hard.  On the other hand, Jesus taught the value of rest. He knew that his ministry would suffer if he did not take time to refresh himself.  Many people tend to work hard and then to play hard.  We are constantly on the go and at home find chores to do.  It isn’t just physical labor that’s tiring, either.  We need to give our mind a rest from stimulation.  We need to get away from the television and computers.  In the evening it isn’t uncommon for me to be watching TV, checking Facebook and playing solitaire on my iPad all at the same time.  I can’t prove this medically but I think waking rest is an important addition to sleeping rest.   At any rate I’m going to give it a try at least for this weekend.  Joe and I are going to the mountains, returning on Monday.  So no Musings tomorrow or Monday.  Why don’t you all find a moment for complete rest and relaxation over the weekend, too.  We’ll all be refreshed to face next week.

Jesus, you told us to come to you and you would give us rest.  Help us to slow down, to quiet down to be still and to know that you are God.  Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: Living the Faith

James 2:14-18 (CEB)  My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it? Claiming to have faith can’t save anyone, can it? Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat.  What if one of you said, “Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!”? What good is it if you don’t actually give them what their body needs?  In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.  Someone might claim, “You have faith and I have action.” But how can I see your faith apart from your actions? Instead, I’ll show you my faith by putting it into practice in faithful action.

If someone asked what was my favorite part of this past Holy Week I would have an immediate answer although it might be surprising. We observed Palm Sunday with beautiful arrangements of palms on the altar tables and a choir cantata at 11:00. Thursday night we shared a delicious meal, scripture and Holy Communion in an amazing recreation of the Upper Room.  I received many remarks about the meaningfulness of the Good Friday service, even from the two pastors and the lay leader who joined me from other churches to lead the service.  How wonderful it was to be able to honor our senior adults who serve this church so faithfully in a fun way with their very own egg hunt and party.  Easter Sunday brought us worship spaces filled with flowers and special music in both services.  We had a beautiful bulletin board and “empty tomb” and in both services a way to display life coming from our prayers and confessions.   What was my favorite?  None of these!  My favorite part was actually all of the volunteers and my staff who came together to make all of this happen.  It excited me to see so many members willingly and enthusiastically giving their time and using their gifts in the service of the Lord through their work in the church.  God bless them.  And we all had fun together. 

Holy Lord, thank you for the church.  Help us to continue to live our faith and discipleship through service in the church and beyond the walls of the church.  In Christ’s name, Amen.

Have a beautiful day,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: Happy Earth Day

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." (Genesis 2:15)

"In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." (Job 12:10)

"You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing." (Psalm 65:9-13)

"He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate-bringing forth food from the earth." (Psalm 104:10-14)

I like the fact that we celebrate Earth Day each year.  I know that after God created the earth – all of nature and then humans he charged humankind with caring for his creation.  While it was designed to be self renewing and to provide food for all living things, over the years humans have ignored the needs of nature in their own self-interest.  We pollute the air creating acid rain that is killing trees on the mountainsides. I have seen it on Mt. Mitchell. We are destroying the rain forests while urban sprawl eliminates the natural habitat of animals driving bears and coyotes into neighborhoods.
We aren’t the first either.  I chose to share more scripture than usual today because the Bible says so many good things about God’s relationship to nature.  I found one in Ezekiel in which God scolds us for not respecting the earth.  "Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?" (Ezekiel 34:17-18)  I hope today we will each take a moment to consider how we might support care and nurture of the earth and all of God’s creation.

Heavenly God, we praise you for all you have created.  We are sorry for what we do that causes harm to the earth.  Help us to fulfill your charge to be good caretakers.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Monday’s Musings – Easter Aftermath

Also used 4-29-19
Matthew 11:28-30  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I know that this Easter Monday I am not the only pastor who is in need of some downtime.  Four services and an Egg Hunt in four days have been emotionally and physically exhausting.  The preparation for all these events began long before Thursday. The fatigue came on two fronts.  First my concern as the pastor that everything be very special for the parishioners whom I love so much.  But second was the fact that all this attention to the Easter story drove home once again the great suffering and sacrifice Jesus made for all of us.  Someone remarked that one of the talking points in “marketing” our faith is an invitation to suffer.  “Come be a Christian and suffer with us.”  Christ said that to be true disciples we must pick up our cross daily and follow him. While I would just like to bask in the joy of the Resurrection – the defeat of evil and death – I know that I am now called to live for Jesus.  The Good News beyond the resurrection is that Jesus will give us rest whether we are weary from our worldly concerns or from the task of bearing our cross in sacrificial service.  His great love is still at work in the world.  Alleluia!

Lord Jesus, we celebrate you as the risen Messiah but help us to never forget your sacrifice and suffering.  We pray for you to give us strength and rest from our burdens as we serve as true disciples.  Amen.

Have a blessed week!
Paige

04-18-14 Friday’s Musings: On Suffering

Modified and used 10-9-20

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

A reporter interviewing Jack Nicklaus said, “Jack, you are spectacular! You really know your way around the course.  What is your secret?”  Jack replied, “The holes are numbered.” If only the rest of life were this easy!  Life isn’t always easy.  We can get some comfort knowing that even our Lord and Savior suffered, too.   My comfort comes in knowing that because Jesus suffered more than I could ever imagine that he surely understands my suffering.  On this Good Friday let’s spend some time thanking Jesus for all he endured for our sakes.

We are sorry, Lord that your Son suffered on the cross.  While we did not order his crucifixion we know that his blood covers our sins as much as it did the ones who were responsible for his death.  When things get us down help us to remember his sacrifice and ask for his help.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

God Bless,

Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: Taxes and Tithes

Matthew 22:20-21 “Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked. “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

Yesterday was tax day.  I hope everyone got their returns or extensions filed. Jesus gives some good advice here that we can apply to our times.  We should pay the taxes that we owe to our country. Not only that, if we don’t we can be penalized. But what about giving unto God what is God’s?  Scripture directs everyone to tithe ten percent of our income. Just as our country maintains infrastructure, defenses and many other things with the taxes we pay, so the church needs our tithes to survive and carry out its ministry. You have rendered unto Caesar.  Have you rendered unto God? 

There are so many demands Lord on our finances.  They are often limited. Help us to be obedient to your will that we should assume our responsibility to support your church which is the body of Christ.  In His name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: A Thorn in our Flesh

2 Corinthians 12:7-8 I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Much has been speculated about Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.”  While he writes honestly about it no one knows for sure what it was.  Apparently he believes the thorn was given to him to keep him humble and not prideful because of the special revelations he had been given by God. 

Our poor little Dino once again has some kind of thorn in the flesh – some unspecified source of pain. He yelps occasionally from pain and is clingier.  Yesterday he stood under my desk as I wrote my sermon. I finally put a dog bed beside me and convinced him to get into it. I’ve loved on him and massaged him all over but find no tender places.  A trip to the vet last month when he had the same problem ended with no diagnosis – just muscle relaxants and pain pills and a $300 bill.  I’m confident this is something minor and temporary but don’t like him to hurt.

Haven’t we all at some time or another felt unwell without being able to identify the exact cause?  We don’t like that either.  Joe and I are giving Dino extra attention.  Scripture says that in our weakness, God’s power is made stronger. During those times, let’s look to our Lord for help and healing.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us in sickness and in health. Teach us to be more reliant upon your care.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

 

 

Monday’s Musings: Leaning into the Wind used

Modified and used 4/29/20

Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.

While like many people I fear tornados, I still love to stand out in a strong wind.  Recently while walking on a blustery morning I found myself leaning into the wind as I went around the exposed ball fields.  I thought about the word “nooma”  which is the  Anglicized version of the Greek word pneuma, which means spirit, breath, or wind.
We need to lean into the wind sometimes to keep our balance. Likewise leaning into or upon the Holy Spirit will help us keep balance in life.  Have a blessed and Spirit-filled week!  I hope to see you at all our Holy Week events!

Blessings,
Paige

Friday’s Musings: In the Shadow of Angels USED

Modified and used 12-10-20

Friday’s Musings: In the Shadow of Angels REUSED

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

While walking along King Arnold St. yesterday I looked down and saw what looked like the abstract shadow of an angel.  It was cast by a street sign capped by one of the curved Hapeville logo signs.  The top made the head and the street nameplate created the wings.  As I stood in the shadow of the angel it reminded me that God does send angels to protect us.  They are not usually recognizable or even visible. Scripture tells us to offer hospitality to strangers because in doing so we may be unknowingly entertaining angels.  ”All night, all day angels watching over me my Lord.”  Comforting, isn’t it?

Holy God thank you for sending angels to guard and protect us.  May we sometimes sense their shadow around us.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Happy Friday!
Paige

Thursday’s Musings: Kindness Wins USED

Modified and used 6/15/20

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
1 Peter 3:8  Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Sunday night we hosted Connect at the parsonage. After a china coaster clung to my glass of tea then clattered to the table I mentioned that three of my four heart shaped quilted coasters had disappeared.  Betty Barnett said that she had some fabric coasters and actually brought them to me last night. I will enjoy the coasters but her little act of kindness means more.  Our church is full of folk like Betty.  Let’s remember that small things are often just what someone needs.  Kindness will always win over bitterness or indifference.

Thank you Lord for teaching us about kindness.  Help us to find opportunities every day to reach out to someone who needs to be touched by our care. Amen!

Have a great day!
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: God and Caffeine

Modified and used 9-1-20

Psalm 30:5 (NLT) For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime!    Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

My schedule varies from day to day.  In a way I like that variety better than having a regular 8 to 5 desk job. There is one thing that hasn’t changed, though. My day starts with coffee—lots of coffee. Joe makes a pot of fresh ground coffee before I get up.  I rarely sleep well, and never all through then night.  I take the burdens of the day with me and wake up during the night thinking of all the things I need to do.  Somehow though when I wake up in the morning, those cares have diminished.  Instead I wake up thankful for a new day.  The routine of coffee drinking is soothing and the caffeine gives me a boost to get going.  In a way this is a metaphor for my relationship with God.  No matter what my cares and struggles are, I return to the Lord for comfort, sustenance and power to carry on.  As the praise song says, “You are the strength when I am weak, you are the treasure that I keep. You are my all in all.”

Gracious God, we praise you for your continuing and steadfast grace in our lives.  When we wake in the morning, you are there.  We pray for your strength for this day.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Grace and Peace,
Paige

 

Tuesday’s Musings: Rest and Rejuvenation

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  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.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The past two weeks have seemed unusually busy. I have spent extra time on preparing readings for the Part-Time Players, on Holy Week services and our Church Council meeting. So I have felt real tiredness yesterday and today.   Sometimes I’m challenged because the world has become a faster place in which to live.  Communication is instantaneous; there’s less down time waiting for things to happen – unless you’re in the check-out line at the local grocery store.  We can take care of work on our smart phones even while traveling or out to dinner.  Sometimes it feels like we are never “off.”  Jesus realized the need for rest and called others to rest with him.  Lent is a great time to increase the time we spend in prayer and meditation.  This can be a time of rest and rejuvenation as we release our burdens and revel in the love of our Savior.  I’m going to do that in a bit.  I might even relax so that I fall back asleep.

Gracious God, We are tired and stressed and anxious so much of the time.  Help us to slow down and rest and to find refreshment for mind, body and spirit.  We especially ask that you be with caretakers today.  Fill their cup so that it might overflow onto others.  In Christ’s name we pray.  Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Monday’s Musings: Trying to Be Still USED TFP

Modified and used 9-23-20 TFP

Psalm 46:10  He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Today is a really rainy day and a good day to stay home.  I’m glad I work from home on Mondays.  I think I’ll make another pot of coffee before starting my sermon study. Monday is my favorite workday because I spend that day studying scripture and opening myself up to the leading of the Spirit as I write. The rest of the week I get so busy with tasks and people that it’s difficult to stay in that close contact with God. As I was walking this past week the above scripture came to me.  Be still.  I thought how hard that is for many people. We may be still and read or be still and watch TV.  I’m still usually multitasking by checking e-mails or Facebook during commercials.  But just to be still and know – to recognize that our Creator is God and to exalt God.  Exalt means to praise or give tribute to.  I hope I can get still more often.

We exalt you, Lord.  You are the creator and sustainer of life. We are dependent on you every day.  Help us please to be still and just be in your presence.  Amen.

Have a Blessed Week!
Paige

Friday’s Musings: May the Force be with You

Friday’s Musings: May the Force be with You

John 11:39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.”

I’m preaching on this scripture Sunday and in my study and ponderings I wondered if Lazarus had any odor when he climbed out of that tomb.  What did he think when he came back to life?  Silly questions but it does lead to some observations.  I like TV shows like Bones that solve crimes through forensic science.  I am surprised how quickly our bodies start the decomposition process after our life force is gone. We obsess about our bodies but more important is that force within us that keeps us alive. There is another force you and I need, though for true life and that is God force.  I believe that Lazarus first received God force and then his life force was restored.  It is my dependence of the strength of God through the work of the Holy Spirit in my life that keeps me going.  May the God Force be with you this day and always.

Loving God, we know that we need you every hour in our life.  We ask that you give us the strength and power of the Holy Spirit today.  Draw us ever closer to you. Amen.

Happy Friday!

Paige

Thursday’s Musings: You say Tomato, I say Kumato

Modified and used 10-13-20

Samuel 16:6-7  When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.”  But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as a person sees: a person looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

There are many reasons I’m looking forward to warmer weather. Not the least of these would be better tasting tomatoes.  I love tomatoes but the ones we can find during winter lack flavor.  More stores are now carrying heirloom tomatoes.  They are misshapen and not the usual tomato orange color. Some are brown as are Kumato tomatoes. But they can be the most flavorful.  Don’t judge a book by its cover, a tomato by its shape or a person by outward appearance. It’s what’s inside that counts.

Lord, we know that we’re created in your image.  Help us not to form opinions only by our eyes which can deceive us. Give us your eyes instead.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings,

Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: We Know Not What We Do

Genesis 3:13 The Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?!”  And the woman said, “The snake tricked me, and I ate.”

Not too long ago Joe and I were travelling north through Atlanta on I-85. We were glad to be headed in that direction because a wreck on I-20 not only had traffic backed up on that interstate, it caused traffic to be backed up on I-85 south all the way past Peachtree Street.  I think for the most part traffic accidents are caused by careless driving – people not paying attention to what they are doing or taking risks by changing lanes and sideswiping someone or following too close.  No one sets out saying, “I’m going to have a wreck today and mess up the trip for hundreds of others.”  Eve didn’t know the havoc she would wreak by eating that fruit.  How often do we commit some act that has repercussions we had not anticipated?  A careless remark or action can hurt another or even cause a firestorm of backlash.  With God’s help we can live more thoughtfully and intentionally.  In the meantime we can be comforted when we do cause problems for others that Jesus, even on the cross asked that God forgive those who put him there. Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people! They don’t know what they’re doing.”Luke 23:34 (CEV).

Lord, we are grateful that when we make mistakes, when we cause pain for others that we may ask for and receive forgiveness.  Please help us to be careful and intentional in our decision making and our driving. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: On Being Branches USED

Adapted and used 3/27/20 AND 9-29-21
John 15:5-6 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

We’ve had a couple of windy days and as a result we had some small limbs down in the yard.  Yesterday morning I picked up the branches in the front yard to put by the road.  The majority of them were thin and brittle from the tips of the tree limbs.  On average they were about a foot long.  “I am the vine; you are the branches” came to mind.  I thought that the further these branches got from the tree trunk the less anchored and therefore more fragile they were. After I finished that chore I pulled a few weeds.  The tops of those weeds came off easily but when I pulled closer to the roots I met with more resistance. The weeds were stronger and the roots were holding firm. I thought that the closer we stay to the vine, the stronger we will be. 

Jesus we want to stay closer to you.  Help us to keep our focus on the true source of our strength and help us to bear fruit for you. Amen.

God Bless,
Paige