JUST wondering!

Hmmmm......... I find myself reflecting on some conversations and some experiences that occurred just yesterday and ask myself, "God, what are you up to?" As I have mentioned before, it is important to pay attention to what is happening around you, me, us, for as we are sensitive to those "happenins" we just might see God at work. We just might hear God speaking to us. We just might be the recipients of God's desire to do something in our midst. Let me share some things I observed yesterday (just one day, mind you).

• A young man has moved to town and attended worship yesterday. He has no vehicle. He walked more than a mile to get to church. He seems to have a desire to worship with us, to pursue this thing called "Christianity", to join the church, to join a Bible study. There are a few dynamics involved. My question. How will we respond? How welcoming will we be? Is anyone willing to provide him with a ride to and from church? Hmmm...

• A family showed up during the greeting time of one of our services. They mentioned to one of our greeters that they had no clue what to do, what was going on, where to go, etc. But yet, here they were, looking to worship with us. Yes, a few dynamics involved in this situation as well. (Where aren't there dynamics?) Again, for some reason God drew them to come and worship with us. And again, our response? What it going to be?

• A new family in church came to me and mentioned their desire for their children to be baptized and for them as parents to join the church. Asked about how we could go about that. I'm all over that. Exciting? I should say so! SO!!

• I received a FB message from a person who is hungry for more of God, for more of his word, for a deeper faith. Wanted to know if I could offer some assistance in some material, maybe a deeper Bible study. Some things had happened "coincidently" in the past couple of days and as a result, there is a deep desire to grow in the faith. Again, very exciting!!

• I received another FB message also requesting for their children to be baptized. AND they asked about sharing a testimony about God's work in the midst of their family's situation. How awesome is that? Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! SO!!

• And then (yes, all these examples are just from yesterday), a person pulled me aside who does not go to church but began to ask me the questions that most people want to ask but are afraid to do so. You know, the "God" questions. As a result, I will be meeting with this person later this week to continue that conversation. I may not have all the answers but I am willing to listen.

I say all of this because God is up to something, He is doing his thing and as Lorna said yesterday, "do you not perceive it?" Now I find myself "JUST wondering" what it is that He is inviting me, inviting you, to be a part of. I don't know about you, but I believe God is checking us out to see if we are really going to be the church, not just go to church. I've gone to church all my life. I'm more interested in being the church. Anybody with me???

REQUESTING GRACE

Hi all,


I planned to have a blog up and runnning today that highlighted my grandson's 3rd birthday as well as some of the Old Settler's Day events, including the worship servcie in the park. But alas, some conflicts today. So I hope to have something for you by Wednesday night. Out of town tomorrow for some meetings. Until then, check out amynelsonmom.blogspot.com. She'll bless you.

A PREACHER'S PRAYER

Lord, on this day I am reminded that it is so easy to lose focus of what you really desire for me and for the church. The busyness of each day, the expectations of others, my own expectations. I find myself often asking, is this what you really want - to push paper around, to research and implement new programs, to be the designated referee, to merely put out the latest fire, to be so consumed by what our culture calls "church" that at the end of the day I ask "what just happened?" I know the answer but Lord, I find myself asking, 'Who is going to visit so and so in the hospital, who is going to lead this meeting or that meeting, what about that marriage falling apart, what about these kids who know very little if anything about Jesus, what about a realistic understanding of the church? Lord, the church is your idea and is your way to reach a lost and dying world with good news, with hope, with purpose, with joy, with life, life to the fullest. I think I get it, but I often feel trapped because of what we've made church become - a building on the corner where we gather with our friends and family to "go to" church. But Lord, is it something we "go to?" Isn't it something we are supposed to be - a body made up of men and women, boys and girls who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior and then are commissioned to invite others into that same relationship? Are we just getting in the way of that with all the stuff? Am I getting in the way with all the stuff? Lord, there are some great things that are happening, I don't deny that. But, I so much desire to experience YOU more and for others to do the same - to truly experience how your love can transform lives. Isn't that what it's all about? Last night I was reminded of the statement that says"Lord, break my heart with the things that break your heart." I don't want my heart to break over the things that don't matter. Make my heart break over the things that do. That's my prayer. Thankfully you can make sense of it, even if I can't.

PR

ON A MISSION!

Just returned from our mission trip to McCurdy school in Espanola, New Mexico. McCurdy is a private school that is related to the United Methodist Church and provides education to children from pre-school through high school. It is located in northern New Mexico and is in a county that has over 18% unemployment and has a median income of roughly $29,000, far below the national average of 41,000. The community is affected by drugs, gangs, and violence yet McCurdy is a light on a hill that shines in the darkness. The public schools have a drop out rate of 53% while McCurdy proudly boasts of a 0% drop out rate. Very remarkable. The graduates go on to college and many become very successful in their careers and vocations.


God really blessed us while we were there. As I have mentioned lately, a change of pace and a change of place changes one's perspective. As a result of our trip, we once again were reminded of how blessed we really are. We have so much and take so much for granted. Sadly, it often takes a trip like this for us to keep things in perspective. 10 adults and 7 youth gave of their time and worked hard this past week - painting, mopping, waxing floors, pulling and digging weeds, fixing doors, fixing a roof, moving furniture, cleaning, cooking, etc, etc.. We worked hard but it was worth it. I was reminded of the verse in Luke where Jesus said he came not to be served, but to serve. And that was what we did. We served, knowing that we would probably never ever see the students that we were helping. But it was very satisfying, that in some small way we became the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to others in need. It was good, very good. Thanks to all for your prayers. God definitely honored them!

Sorry about the dark pic but I wanted you all to see the staff of McCurdy gathered in prayer in preparation for the new school year which was to begin today.

Each night we had a time of singing and devotions - a blessed time.

Is Carl really having that much fun??

Here we are, all 17 of us. Quite a group, huh?

Help!! I'm being attacked by the desk monster!