Friday, May 30, 2014

Friday’s Musings: Blessed are the Trash Picker Uppers


1 Peter 3:18 (NLT)  Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.

Maybe “picker uppers” isn’t a proper English term, but you know what I mean.  It just gets all over me that people will throw cans, bottles and food wrappers on the ground within sight of a park trash receptacle. I see this over and over at Master Park. What’s up with these folk?  The other day I thanked two city workers who were walking through the park with their pickers and trash bags cleaning up after these ill-mannered people. As I continue my mental rant I was reminded that Jesus cleaned up my trash and yours, too. Blessed be the One who saved me from my sins.

Loving God, thank you for all who work to make this city clean and safe.  We ask your presence with them and with us that we might have a good week-end.

Happy Friday!
Paige

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Thursday’s Musings: In Step with Jesus USED


Modified and used 7/25/19 and again 3-16-21
1 John 2:5-6 (NRSV) … whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says, “I abide in him,” ought to walk just as he walked.

I was turning the corner onto King Arnold Street during a walk when I saw two women get off the Marta bus.  They were dressed alike in the hotel housekeeper uniform of gray tops and black slacks.  As they walked away I noticed that they were walking in perfect step with one another.  I was going in the same direction and watched them continue to walk in step for quite a ways. It reminded me of scriptures that tell us to walk in step with Jesus – meaning to live as he lived seeking God’s will, showing kindness to others and sharing with them about God’s love.

Holy God, today help us please to walk as Jesus walked.  We ask in His name. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Wednesday’s Musings: Silently Soaring

Updated and used 8-8-19
Philippians 3:14  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

On my morning walk today I saw a red-tailed hawk.  It was silently circling near the end of our street. The hawk was very focused on finding its next meal.  It reminded me of our need to have goals and to press onward toward them.  We don’t always have to do a full on charge toward them.  Goals are most often reached through silent persistence. 

Holy God, help us in setting beneficial goals for our lives and the Kingdom. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Happy Wednesday!
Paige

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Tuesday’s Musings: Equal Billing


Isaiah 2:4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Yesterday we had an excellent Memorial Day service in Hapeville. It is a great thing to come together and remember those who lost their life while in our armed forces. As I sat with friends, experiencing national pride with the rest I was also quietly sad. It is right and good to honor or war heroes but maybe we should also take a moment to remember the pain and finality of death.  Maybe we should weep with those who lost spouses, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers to the terror of war. 

On November 11th we will celebrate another important national holiday – Veterans Day.  On it we celebrate and honor the service of those who served and returned home alive.  I’m so proud of my father who served in Europe and North Africa during WWII.  Did you know that November 11th was first called Armistice Day?  Established in 1938 it was created to commemorate the signing of the peace treaty that ended the “war of all wars.”  It was a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans” so on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

I think this was a grave error.  We should have and observe Veterans Day. Yet we should also continue to celebrate world peace.  I would like a national holiday celebrating all peace treaties and the efforts of leaders and diplomats that either ended or prevented warfare.  I pray for the day when there will be peace on earth. Let’s give peacemaking equal billing.

God of love, we ask your comfort upon all surviving victims of war and their family members along with those who lost loved ones in war.  God we pray for the day when all nations will seek peace before making war.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Paige

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Thursday’s Musings: Authentic or Artificial? USED

Modified 9-12-19 for Musings
2 Timothy 3:5 (CEB) They will look like they are religious but deny God’s power. Avoid people like this.

When I served as assistant pastor at Winder First UMC the lady who served as chairperson of worship would absolutely not allow artificial flowers on the altar table. I guess she had her reasons.  Maybe her decorating theology was based on this scripture. She was very creative in her altar designs, especially for the contemporary service but what she created was also always genuine and thoughtful.  Are we always genuine and thoughtful?  In my life as a Christian I have too often encountered people who look like a Christian on the outside but their behavior betrays their authenticity.  We all sin; we all have failings and that’s one reason to be in a committed relationship with a Christian community like our wonderful church.  The person who is inauthentic is the person who comes to church but refuses to let the Holy Spirit change them. 

Open the eyes of our heart, Lord.  Help us see ourselves as you see us.  Help us to be authentic Christians with both the form of religion and Your power. Amen.

Have a great day,
Paige

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Wednesday’s Musings: Having a Lot of Try

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

What’s not to like about Dancing with the Stars? It has enjoyable music, fantastic costumes and beautiful dancing.  Best of all is the inspiring stories of the amateurs.
Even the least capable of those contestants are braver and better than most of the rest of us.  In a way I can relate to these dancers -  many of whom had never danced seriously before this show.  I took up horseback riding as an empty-nester wanting to fulfill a childhood dream.  Soon we had numerous professional trainers and were showing at breed shows across the country.  One of my trainers gave me one of the best compliments I’ve received when he said, “You have a lot of try in you.”  These dancers have a lot of “try” in them.  They try new things and keep going even in the face of discouragement.

Competitive dancing or horseback riding might not be for everyone.  Yet each person can do something new and exciting especially for the Kingdom of God if they are but willing to try and to look to Christ for strength.

Holy God, help us to be willing to step out of our comfort zones and try new things in all ages and stages of life. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
God Bless,
Paige

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Tuesday’s Musings: Dino Needs Some Lovin’


Romans 12:10 (CEB)  Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other.

We are so very fortunate to have “Aunt” Noreen Conort who enjoys house and dog sitting for us when we travel out of town.  She loves Daisy, Dandy and Dino and they love her.  We know they are in the best of care and can be in their own home and not a boarding facility. Daisy cries if we take her to one of those.  When we returned from Columbus on Sunday afternoon the three dogs jumped and barked and wagged their tails to welcome us home.  I’ve noticed that since then Dino has been needier of companionship than usual.  He has followed me downstairs to the computer and has wanted to sit right beside me in the chair in the mornings while I drink my coffee.  There are times in our lives when we are needier of someone’s affection or friendship.  There is nothing wrong with that.  Scripture supports friendships.  Have a friend; be a friend.

Thank you, Lord for our friends and our animal friends, too. Amen.

God Bless,
Paige

Monday, May 19, 2014

Monday’s Musings: Not Forsaken or Abandoned


Deuteronomy 31:8  “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Joe and I had a really good time at my high school reunion this past weekend.  It was the first time Joe had been inside my high school although I had seen his many times. Students gave us a guided tour Saturday morning. They had maps of the school in “our days” and related that to the current room arrangements.  The choral music room was still in the same place and I reminisced at all the hours I had spent in that room rehearsing with my fellow singers.

We had about 400 in our Columbus High School graduating class.  It was great to see so many come back for this reunion.  There were 67 women at the ladies’ luncheon and about 200 people at the Friday and Saturday evening events.  Yet I was very disappointed that my best friend from kindergarten through high school did not come after all.  I had been told she and her husband were for the first time coming to a reunion.  When she didn’t show I felt a little betrayed; like she had abandoned her classmates who like me wanted to reunite with her.  Still, I enjoyed the laughter and memories with those who did come and in the end thanked God for the good time.  I do believe some friends are for a reason and some for only a season.  They change as we mature, change interests and geographic locations. In our increasingly mobile society we have fewer and fewer life-long friends.  I thank God that in Him we do have a life-long friend.  He will never forsake or abandon us. 

We thank you Lord for your faithfulness to us.  Help us to remember and reflect your faithfulness as we make friends with others.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a great week!
Paige

Friday, May 16, 2014

Friday’s Musings: Living in the Sonlight USED

Used 5/16/14 and 5/28/19
1 John 4:16  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
John 14:23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

Several years ago I planted lavender in a window box that sits on my deck railing. I love the fragrance of the leaves and the flowers. Some had died so I planted some portulaca in with it. I love its colorful little flowers. To help them get a good start I placed the box by the front flowerbed for a few weeks where it would get full sun since the deck gets only partial sun. Amazingly the lavender grew tremendously when it got that additional daily sunlight.  I mused that when we receive the full Sonlight of Jesus Christ, we also grow and flourish.  May the Son rise in your hearts today.

Loving God, thank you for your love for us.  Help us to find the Sonlight and stay in it.
We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I am going to add some prayer requests from time to time.  Today please keep Alice Buchanan and her family in your prayers as she transitions; Terry Holsomback’s sister Jane is also under hospice care.  Pray for traveling mercies as Joe and I travel to Columbus GA and back for my high school reunion and for Randy Hudson as he returns from his daughter’s graduation in Arizona.

Blessings,
Paige

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Thursday’s Musings: Good Enemies? USED

Modified and used 2-25-21
Luke 6:27-28  “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,  bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

The early Christians experienced much persecution. St. Paul before his conversion felt it was his mission to track them down and have them arrested and killed.  He was their enemy and they were also his enemy.  He challenged their lives; they challenged his belief system.  In the end he realized they were not the enemy but were actually in very right standing with God.

Yesterday I previewed a movie for the next film festival series.  It was a documentary on a charitable organization that brings free medical care internationally to poverty stricken areas.  The location featured was in East Tennessee. The movie put faces and feelings on the current debate over legislation for affordable health care although it did not take any political stance.  Yet it made me step back and realize that while we debate the merits of the current legislation on a cerebral level it affects real people in very real ways be it positive or negative.  You and I may not have any personal enemies – someone out to deliberate harm us, but what if we count as enemies anything that challenges our comfort zone, our current belief system.  Jesus says love your enemies. We should love things that challenge us in this way.  We are not the end all, be all and know all.  Like Paul, we may have something wonderful to learn from our “enemies.”  Hopefully it won’t take God striking us blind on the roadway to bring us to our senses.

Loving God, scripture says that you are kind to all, even the wicked. Help us to love you, to love our neighbors even our enemies and to be open to different ideas than our own. Give us the power of discernment and wisdom that we may sense what is true and right according to your will.  In Jesus’ name we ask all things. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Wednesday’s Musings: A God of Comfort


Psalm 73:26  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

We never know when tragedy will strike.  People get up, get dressed prepared to go about their normal boring day and never make it home.  Another senseless shooting or careless driver or tree crashing down across the road takes a life that was viable only a few moments before.  We rejoice when people get to live long and full lives before crossing over but even then those left behind grieve.  When our gut hurts so badly from grief we don’t think we’ll ever recover we yell at God, “Where were you? Why did you let this happen?  The answer doesn’t always come immediately or easily. We need to place blame; we need to think there is a cause and that something bigger than us is in control.  When bad things happen to good people we question the goodness of the One who is in control. Yet there is randomness to life.  God isn’t a puppeteer manipulating every action.  And we must remember that God suffered immensely on the cross at our hands and for our souls.  When we are in pain, God who understands suffering, cries with us.  Our anger at God blocks us from being receptive from the comfort God so wants to offer in those difficult times.

Thank you God for the love and care you seek to offer us especially when we are grieving.  Help us to understand that you are always present and on our side. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

 

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Tuesday’s Musings: Who Am I Anyway?

Modified and used 8-24-20 
Philippians 3:17  Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

This week I have read two different authors who muse about the inner struggle between our actual self and the self we project to others.  One described the conflict as shadowboxing and discussed facing up to the not so perfect self we try to suppress.  The other said that eventually she did not know which of the two “selfs” she really was. Sunday I shared that I was very happy that my best childhood friend would be at our high school reunion this coming weekend.  I credit at least some of who I am to the example she set.  Scripture tells us that we are born with a “bent to sinning” as Charles Wesley described it.  And it suggests that we can overcome that by imitating those who have learned to live a godly life.  John Wesley, even after much success as a preacher confessed that he wondered if he really had faith.  Someone told him to preach faith until he had faith and then to preach it some more.  Do you feel that you are a “bad” person even though your behavior is fine?  Keep imitating your ideal person and look to the example of Christ. And then claim who you are as a GOOD person; letting go of the poor self image of your old self.    

Lord, you know that  you have called us to be a holy people who live after the example of Christ, the cornerstone of our faith and to be living stones sharing the Good News with others.  We pray that you will be with us each step of the way as we become who we are called to be.  In Christ’s holy name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

 

Monday, May 12, 2014

Monday’s Musings: Roads and Recipes

Modified and used Wed. 5-20-20
Psalm 111:10  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Colossians 2:8  See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

My musings this morning led me to think about all the conflicting advice out there on a myriad of subjects.  This morning’s news featured a book that said eating butter and bacon is not bad for you.  We are in the throes of political ads that both tout and put down each candidate.  Christians are often challenged with very different perspectives on interpretation of scriptures.   For this reason it is important for each of us to cultivate wisdom, knowledge and understanding.  There are many great scriptures on this subject.  In a conversation this morning I used the images of roads and recipes.  There are often many roads to success (ways to do things) and sometimes to accomplish a goal one will use a number of different elements.  Often we must develop the right recipe by trial and error. I pray to God to help me continue to develop the gift of perception and discernment as those lead to wisdom.

Gracious creator, we pray for the spiritual gift of discernment; for wisdom, knowledge and understanding.  Thank you for all your gifts and blessings.  Amen.
Have a great week!
Paige

Friday, May 9, 2014

Friday’s Musings: Remembering Mother USED

Ephesians 6:2 “Honor your father and mother”   used 5-9-21

Sunday is Mother’s Day.  While I love the fact that my son will spend some time with me, I’m also sad because my mother and grandmothers are no longer here.  I grew up in Columbus, GA but moved to Americus to attend Georgia Southwestern after I finished my first two years at Columbus College.  I never moved back to my home town.  Instead work took me and my family to Atlanta.  Because of that I never had that close adult to adult bond with my mom that many of my friends have.  And yet I carry her in my memories.

Someone posted this great quote on remembering others by Frederick Buechner.
“When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart.  For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost. When I'm feeling most ghostlike, it's your remembering me that helps remind me that I actually exist. When I'm feeling sad, it's my consolation. When I'm feeling happy, it's part of why I feel that way.  If you forget me, one of the ways I remember who I am will be gone. If you forget me, part of who I am will be gone.”

This Mothers’ Day let’s remember our mothers perfect or imperfect, still with us or in heaven.

Jesus, you promised the thief on the cross that you would remember him in heaven.  We know that you now sit at God’s right hand and intercede for us.  Please tell our moms who are with you that we love them.  We ask in your name, amen.

Have a blessed weekend,
Paige


 

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Thursday’s Musings: The True Source of Power


1 Corinthians 4:20-21 (NLT) For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. 21 Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?

Acts 1:8  (NIV)  ….you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.

"Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves"
Now there was a time when they used to say
That behind every - "great man."
There had to be a - "great woman."
But in these times of change you know
That it's no longer true.
So we're comin' out of the kitchen
'Cause there's somethin' we forgot to say to you (we say)

Sisters are doin' it for themselves.
Standin' on their own two feet.
And ringin' on their own bells.
Sisters are doin' it for themselves.


The "inferior sex" got a new exterior
We got doctors, lawyers, politicians too.

 

On this morning’s walk/run this song on my playlist prompted me to think about power.  I had been thinking about my concern for a young man of Hispanic origin who has had a slight set-back in his quest for a successful life here.  I know that as I woman, I have had to work harder and smarter to compete with men in the workplace.  He also will have to do the same to succeed in this country where those born here are favored. 

That led me to think about power in general.  I am so very sad to see news stories almost on a daily basis of shootings.  Statistics show that in these cases the majority of the people know one another.  Maybe behind every gun is a person who feels powerless on their own.  How I wish we could teach everyone beginning with young children that guns don’t solve problems; they only create much greater ones not only for themselves, but for their loved ones and the loved ones of the person whom they have shot.

Power does not come from the rod as Paul mentions but through God.  It comes from a spirit of love and an attitude of responsibility.  Those who are willing to accept the responsibility for all they do whether it be win, loss, or error are powerful people because they can work in a godly way within the consequences of their actions. Let’s help get this message out there as we encourage others to live kingdom lives with the proper power for a successful life.

God you are all-powerful and you have promised your power through the Holy Spirit.  Help us to encourage to see your strength and to live lives pleasing to you. Amen.
Blessings,
Paige
 

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Wednesday’s Musings: Caring for God’s House


1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

We often refer to Church as the house of God but scripture also says our own individual bodies are temples in which the Holy Spirit dwells.  To really think about that can really freak me out.   I want my home to be clean and neat and especially if company is coming.  But the thought of the Holy Spirit being a permanent resident within me makes me ask – how am I doing housekeeping with my body?  The answer is much better than before.  I love all kinds of food and struggle with the clutter of fat in my body.  This week I’m eating only raw fruits and vegetables in salads, smoothies and snacks adding some nuts and seeds for variety.  I feel better and also know that maybe it will result in a little bodily housekeeping.  Although modern medical advancements has been able to give us replacement parts, as a whole our body is the only one we have.  The way we care for it is not only a personal decision, it is a faith decision, too.

Father in heaven, you have given us a wonderfully created body.  Forgive us for abusing it in any and all ways.  Show us the path to strong and sound dwelling for your Spirit.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Tuesday’s Musings: Keep on Doing Good

Modified and used 6-2-20
Galatians 6:9  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

On my walks I frequently pass a slight young man who walks his shih tzu in the neighborhood.  I try to great everyone whom I pass if not spoken to first and almost always receive a greeting of some sort in return. Sometimes those turn into conversation and even prayers.  It eats into my walking time but I consider those divine appointments.  But this young man has never, never acknowledged my greetings or even my presence.  He walks with downcast eyes but even if he sees me, there is no sense that he wants to interact.  I respect his privacy and in fact wonder if he might have some form of autism.  Still, I will not let that keep me from offering him a warm greeting.  It doesn’t matter if he or anyone else acknowledges me or not.  I will not become weary of doing good.

Holy God, we pray today for this young man and his difficulties in greeting strangers.  Help him and other gain the ability to enter into relationships at all levels with others.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a great day!
Paige

Monday, May 5, 2014

Monday’s Musings: Finding Love USED

Revised and used 9-15-20 
1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love.

As a pastor it is my responsibility to watch the news. How can I work to bring the Gospel and the love of God into the world and add my prayers to those who need them if I don’t know what is going on?  And yet, sometimes the meanness depicted day after day gets to me.  Why do people think that shooting someone is the solution to disagreements? Where did the love and value of all life go?  Thankfully it is still there and we can find it in the simple and profound. Love is the neonatal nurse who cares for each child as if it where her own.  Love is the dog who leads the blind horse to pasture. Love is the person who stops to move a turtle out of the road. Love is the child picking dandelions to make a bouquet for his mother. Love is the driving force behind Hapeville Paint the Town.  In fact many of the wonderful things happening in Hapeville are growing out of folks’ love of their community.  Love is meals delivered, the good morning kiss, hymns of praise and the comforting embrace.  Let’s all be an instrument of love today!

Loving God, we who are created in your image have the power to love other as you love us.  Help us in that effort as we pray for your continued guidance and grace.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Happy Monday!
Paige

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Thursday’s Musings: Guard Doves

Modified and used for Wed. newspaper and Musings 7-15-20

Matthew 13:44  “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

I never tire of watching the birds on our two bird feeders.  With the exception of the wide tray at the bottom of one they are identical.  That one is filled with safflower seed which the dove and cardinals love but the squirrels won’t eat.  The other is filled with finch food.  The two together attract a nice variety of birds. This morning two doves were nesting on the feeder tray.  They weren’t eating, simply hunkered down, each facing a different direction.  I took it to be that they were guarding their treasure.  We each are blessed with treasures in life.  In addition to spiritual treasures we have other things that are important to us; family, friendships, pets, our health, our wealth, our freedoms. Sometimes due to our inattentiveness they may become lost to us.  Like those guard doves we must be alert and attentive, guarding our treasures and as always offering them into God’s care also.

Each day, Lord I wake thankful for the treasures that you have entrusted to me.  Help me to treasure them and to guard them.  Help me that I may be someone’s treasure.  In your Son’s name we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Paige