An Invitation

Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult.

The constant refrain on the radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation - all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know that we are not alone.

Our spirits sink, as the days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing deeper around us. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us.

For these reasons, St Timothy’s for the first time will offer a special “Blue Christmas” service on December 16, 2008 at 7:30 PM.

Come out, and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle - and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background (or lack of it) is welcome.

The short service will be followed by a brief time for light refreshments and fellowship.

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is a national day to pause and give thanks for the numerous blessings which surround us. As I write this, my dog and cat are curled up nearby reminding me to say: Thank you God for the domestic animals who are wonderful companions.

My husband is working, thank you God that Sean has a job.

The electricity is on, the water is running, and the heat is working: Thank you God, that I live in a house with comfort controls.

I called my nephews, and heard a chipper 3 yr old screech in delight "Happy Thanksgiving, Aunt Kim" Thank you God for the gift of children and for keeping my nephews healthy and safe.

There is much to be thankful for in the midst of this economic down turn. We might not be able to do everything we desire, but for most we have what we need. May God give everyone their daily bread today.

My New Tag Line

My favorite series of books are Douglas Adams' Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. At one point it explains the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy has on the cover in big friendly letters,
Don't Panic.

Over the years I've realized that this is what scripture tells us.
Don't Panic, God is in control.
Don't Panic, God is with you.
Don't Panic, Christ has risen from the dead.

As the news media paints a more dire picture of the economic situation,
Don't Panic. Be smart and relearn the age old custom of separating wants from needs. Using your local public library rather than buying books is another great way to save.

Don't Panic. Others have traveled this path with God. God has seen them through to the promised land, and will see us safely to the other side as well.

Last night, I put a sticker on the front of my bible:
"Don't Panic"

A prayer for the nation

Holy God, on this eve before the election: grant all who vote the wisdom to elect leaders who are filled with integrity, who will serve to represent the best interests of the public, and will strive to ensure that every person through out the world has daily bread. Amen

Saved by...

Right now, Toyota is running an ad campaign which has the refrain from a 1980's song "Saved by Zero" by the Fixx. If you'd like to refresh your memory, you can check out Video "Saved by Zero"

The song portrays a young artist being pulled by two worlds. With a hope of being "Saved by Zero"

Our faith gives a much different and deeper hope. When you feel yourself getting tugged in all sorts of directions, be still and know God. It's an important skill to learn in our 24/7 fast paced do more with less society. Sometimes, you need to find a place of solitude, even if it is only for a few minutes. There are countless studies out there on how we are suffering from sleep deprivation. One study says it is more important to get to bed before midnight, so you sleep in natural darkness. (ask our parish nurse for the full details)

Make an appointment with God daily; write it on your calendar and honor it like any other appointment. During that time, pray simple prayers...Help Me! and Thank you! are perfect prayers. Try to be surrounded by silence, or natural sounds. While listening to the silence, the small voice of the Almighty Creator becomes more clear. Hear it remind you that we are not saved by zero. We are saved by Jesus, who died on the cross and rose from the dead on the third day. We are saved by someone, very real, very human and very Divine.

Tuesday's Word: Honorable

"think about what is honorable"

Once again, we find a word with a plethora of meanings.  For a complete run down, I invite you to click on this link:  www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honor

What people or things in your life are worthy of you honoring?  A person?  A special event?

When we honor someone, we take time out to acknowledge all of the good things the individual has done.  There are days when I see nothing but bad stuff and it is easy to fall into a rut and assume that people are bad.  When I notice this mind set, I force myself to see the good things first.  I find that when I start by honoring someone, seeing them as a gift from God, my relationship improves.  Whether a little thing, or a big thing, to start with honoring values who they are as God's children.

In Philippians 4:8 Paul takes the pagan values, and tells Christians there is nothing wrong with these things.  In fact, he goes on to say Christ embodied these traits.  He thought about and did whatever was true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent, things worthy of praise.  This is why Paul implores us to think about and do the same.

Word of the Day--True

There is an old computer saying:  garbage in, garbage out.  Meaning whatever we put in, is what we get in return.  This applies to our lives.

When we are filled with garbage, i.e. surrounded by fear filled pronouncements, smothered by pictures and words that debase and demean our fellow children of God or God's creation,  we become polluted and less able to function.

Paul in his letter to the Philippians, invites us to ponder things that clear out the mind of the pollution and remind us of God's rich mercy, love, and leadership.  You'll find this in chapter 4.  In verse 8, he hits upon a series of words and concepts to keep in the forefront of our minds.  Today, we'll think about "True"

In our post-modern world, we question everything and live as if there is nothing true.  We have become cynical; and so it is time to recapture the meaning of "Truth".  While the online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as:  the quality or state of being accurate, we need to recall the older definitions:  steadfast, loyal, just.  These are words that accurately capture the majesty of God:  God is loyal, just, and steadfast.  Throughout scripture there are stories of God's involvement in situations to get things back on track.

Jesus promised, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."  We do not live in a vacuum; our relationship with God touches every area of our lives.  So, when the world seems spinning out of control, think about what is true:  God is true.    When the nightly news announces doom and destruction, think instead about how God is true; and pray for God's continued involvement in worldly affairs.  

This week, may God's true, faithful, peace be upon you.