Growing up, I was exposed to the Bible, especially those stories that we usually think of as "kid" stories; that is, Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, Daniel and the Lions Den, Jonah and the Big Fish, (or Whale, as has become popular). After that were the stories of Jesus, especially baby Jesus in a manger. As I got a little older, my elementary knowledge of things biblical expanded with other stories and characters such as the Apostle Paul. Of course, even as a child, we knew the "kid friendly" version of the crucifixion, but mostly through the post-view eyes of the resurrection. But, how did all of this fit in together? Why are the stories important? How did one story influence others? Did Adam and Eve journey to Bethlehem, where they were thrown in to the Lion's Den? And, weren't they rescued by the Apostle Paul, who wrote that famous bumper sticker "The Lord is my Shepherd"? And, who the heck are these people "the Jews?"
As I became a young adult, I became fascinated with the writings of the prophet Isaiah, and (what I perceived to be) the stories of Jesus. But wait!!! Isaiah was in the Old Testament, which was..... BEFORE Jesus..... wasn't it? And even though I would read the Bible, and try to understand what it was saying to me, I still did not have a clear "framework" of the stories and their chronology. To me, they were just that..... stories..... probably designed to get me to think about God. But, what am I supposed to think about God?
Then, years after Steve and I were married, God.... through the work of the Holy Spirit.... put within our hearts a hunger for the Bible. As we learned the chronology, the stories, and the characters, suddenly the scripture readings in church and the sermons became deeply meaningful, because they now made sense. But, how..... you might ask...... did you learn all of this. Seems daunting..... overwhelming! Well, in some ways it was, but in some ways it wasn't. When God sets God's "mind" to something, it happens.
To cut to the chase...... we entered a basic bible study which dealt with the chronology and the characters and places in the Bible. In addition to that, we decided to get a wonderful tool called "The Daily Chronological Bible" which synthesizes all of the bible stories into one cohesive whole, divided out into one year's worth of daily readings, along with commentaries. But, that takes discipline!! Yeah, it does. So, that reminds me..... Did I ever tell you about the time that Steve and I were reading that daily bible together? We spent time every day, usually during a mealtime, to read that day's reading. Well, luckily for me, my husband is very disciplined, for in those times when I would want to blow off the day's reading, he would read it to me. I remember one day that I told him, if we're gonna read that thing today, you're gonna have to follow me around while I vacuum and read it out loud to me." Well, that's exactly what he did. And, with his diligence and committment and willingness to hold me accountable, we finished that one year bible a couple of months early. And our lives were changed!
So, here's my challenge. If your basic knowledge of the "framework" of the Bible is..... well, less than accurate..... get yourself a "Daily Chronological Bible" and begin that journey! Maybe we'll start a class? But, just remember, if you need someone to hold you accountable, ask Steve to follow you around while you vacuum!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Looking for Your Lesson
There I was, once again, at the grocery store. I wasn't particularly in a hurry, yet I wanted to just go ahead and get what I needed and hit the road..... on to bigger and better things, such as a nap and some general "rot down" time. So, needless to say I was in my own world, in deep comtemplation of what I would find along the grocery aisle in which I found myself. And then, that's when I stumbled all over it.
You see, as I mindlessly made my way down the aisle, I heard a voice behind me calling "mam! mam!" There was a sense of urgency in the voice. I heard it again, and turned around to see a man pushing a shopping cart, at a rather quick pace, toward me. As I was trying to process what this might be all about, he whizzed right past me to the woman in front of me..... the woman whom I did not even notice. This woman was toting (or, trying to tote) a case of bottled water, and two or three other items of significant weight and bulk. The man, who had the cart and only a bag of chips, pushed the cart right up to the woman, and insisted that she take the cart, helping her to put the items in the cart. Instead of being off in his own world, as I was, he was aware of a need, and was quick to take action. She smiled and thanked his profusely. And I had found my lesson.
One year on the senior high CTCYM mission trip, at evening worship, I did a short meditation called "looking for your lesson." It was something that I myself had learned as I worked at the work site, "serving" others. It was the lesson that God had for me, and my task that evening was to share it with the group. Yet, during the week, I became very aware that God was placing "lessons" in my life all through the week, all during the day. I began to see it in the client. I began to see it in the youth work teams, and I began to see it in the community. It wasn't so much what we were there to "do," but also what we were there to learn. I'll leave the details out for now, because I have a great sermon on grace that I will share with you one day..... a lesson on grace that was my lesson for the day. And it was on that day that I realized that God's lessons for us are in the everyday, the ordinary, the common..... and sometimes (make that most times) we have to open our eyes and our hearts, and look for our lesson..... for that which God would have us learn. In other words, to ask ourselves, "What does God have for me today in this circumstance, in this person, or in this place? How is God speaking to me" And rest assurred, there is ALWAYS a lesson from God. That's what happens when we stay open to that which God is doing in our lives every day, and every minute. Sometimes it is blatant, like the 'ol 2x4 over the head. But, most of the time it is subtle..... more like the "sound" of the silence in which God came to the prophet Elijah. (1 Kings 19:11-16).
So, next time you're in the grocery store, or at work, or sitting in a drive through, come out of your own little world and ponder that which God has for you. You just might be surprised where and how you'll find your lesson when you look for your lesson...... by opening up your heart to God and God's work in your life and in the lives of those around us.
You see, as I mindlessly made my way down the aisle, I heard a voice behind me calling "mam! mam!" There was a sense of urgency in the voice. I heard it again, and turned around to see a man pushing a shopping cart, at a rather quick pace, toward me. As I was trying to process what this might be all about, he whizzed right past me to the woman in front of me..... the woman whom I did not even notice. This woman was toting (or, trying to tote) a case of bottled water, and two or three other items of significant weight and bulk. The man, who had the cart and only a bag of chips, pushed the cart right up to the woman, and insisted that she take the cart, helping her to put the items in the cart. Instead of being off in his own world, as I was, he was aware of a need, and was quick to take action. She smiled and thanked his profusely. And I had found my lesson.
One year on the senior high CTCYM mission trip, at evening worship, I did a short meditation called "looking for your lesson." It was something that I myself had learned as I worked at the work site, "serving" others. It was the lesson that God had for me, and my task that evening was to share it with the group. Yet, during the week, I became very aware that God was placing "lessons" in my life all through the week, all during the day. I began to see it in the client. I began to see it in the youth work teams, and I began to see it in the community. It wasn't so much what we were there to "do," but also what we were there to learn. I'll leave the details out for now, because I have a great sermon on grace that I will share with you one day..... a lesson on grace that was my lesson for the day. And it was on that day that I realized that God's lessons for us are in the everyday, the ordinary, the common..... and sometimes (make that most times) we have to open our eyes and our hearts, and look for our lesson..... for that which God would have us learn. In other words, to ask ourselves, "What does God have for me today in this circumstance, in this person, or in this place? How is God speaking to me" And rest assurred, there is ALWAYS a lesson from God. That's what happens when we stay open to that which God is doing in our lives every day, and every minute. Sometimes it is blatant, like the 'ol 2x4 over the head. But, most of the time it is subtle..... more like the "sound" of the silence in which God came to the prophet Elijah. (1 Kings 19:11-16).
So, next time you're in the grocery store, or at work, or sitting in a drive through, come out of your own little world and ponder that which God has for you. You just might be surprised where and how you'll find your lesson when you look for your lesson...... by opening up your heart to God and God's work in your life and in the lives of those around us.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Full Moons, Cardinals, and the Holy Spirit
Well it's my last night in Kentucky. It has been a wonderful, albeit intense, week. My days have been filled with learning, yet it never felt like "class." Our professor, Dr. Seamands, is truly a "pastor's pastor." He begins each class in the morning with a devotion and message, which smoothly segues into our time of learning. But not only do we learn together, but we pray together, and share together. We've had some wonderful theological discussions, but it doesn't seem at all like "class."
And so tonight, as I was reflecting back on this past week, I ventured outside to take in the beauty of the evening, and to spend some quiet time with God. It's 72 here, as in degrees! There was a slight breeze, and the air was wonderful. And as I walked out, my breath was snatched away by a beautiful, beacon-like, and oh-so-full moon. And, earlier this evening, my new friend Carolyn (who is a UM pastor in Weston, WV) and I were walking across the campus after having dinner together. As we rounded a corner, the most brilliant red Cardinal flew just in front of us. He landed in a tree, and as I watched him, Carolyn directed my attention to the green lawn just below, and there, sitting very still and being intensely cute, was a bunny!
Now, in and of itself, this makes for a wonderful ending to a wonderful week. But what really struck me, in this time and in this place, is the fact that there are 2 things that have always reminded me of God's presence, and whenever I see either of them, I stop to soak in, and ponder the presence of the Holy Spirit. And what are those two things? Well, cardinals and a full moon.... both of which I experienced this evening. Both of which I experienced after an intense day of learning, sharing, and prayer. Both of which I experienced at the end of a week of growing in God's grace..... fulfilling a dream to not only be a pastor, but to be the best pastor that I can be..... that God called me to be, and that God created me to be.
Tomorrow I fly home. It will be sooooo good to be back home with my family and my church. Thank you for the privilege of returning to school so that I may continue to grow. Thank you for walking with me for the next few years as a student here at Asbury as we, (that is, God, you, and me), partner together to become all that we can be for God's kingdom, for future disciples, and for our own spiritual growth. And I thank God for the privilege of serving as your pastor. It is an honor, and a joy.
I have missed you all, and I very much look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday! Grace and peace, Denise
And so tonight, as I was reflecting back on this past week, I ventured outside to take in the beauty of the evening, and to spend some quiet time with God. It's 72 here, as in degrees! There was a slight breeze, and the air was wonderful. And as I walked out, my breath was snatched away by a beautiful, beacon-like, and oh-so-full moon. And, earlier this evening, my new friend Carolyn (who is a UM pastor in Weston, WV) and I were walking across the campus after having dinner together. As we rounded a corner, the most brilliant red Cardinal flew just in front of us. He landed in a tree, and as I watched him, Carolyn directed my attention to the green lawn just below, and there, sitting very still and being intensely cute, was a bunny!
Now, in and of itself, this makes for a wonderful ending to a wonderful week. But what really struck me, in this time and in this place, is the fact that there are 2 things that have always reminded me of God's presence, and whenever I see either of them, I stop to soak in, and ponder the presence of the Holy Spirit. And what are those two things? Well, cardinals and a full moon.... both of which I experienced this evening. Both of which I experienced after an intense day of learning, sharing, and prayer. Both of which I experienced at the end of a week of growing in God's grace..... fulfilling a dream to not only be a pastor, but to be the best pastor that I can be..... that God called me to be, and that God created me to be.
Tomorrow I fly home. It will be sooooo good to be back home with my family and my church. Thank you for the privilege of returning to school so that I may continue to grow. Thank you for walking with me for the next few years as a student here at Asbury as we, (that is, God, you, and me), partner together to become all that we can be for God's kingdom, for future disciples, and for our own spiritual growth. And I thank God for the privilege of serving as your pastor. It is an honor, and a joy.
I have missed you all, and I very much look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday! Grace and peace, Denise
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Back to School
I arrived in Lexington Kentucky around 1:00pm on Friday, and I have not stopped since. After leaving the airport and arriving at the Asbury Inn, I stowed my gear and took a walk around the town (Wilmore KY, which is just a few miles outside of Lexington). It was amazingly green, as there had been rainshowers all week long. And, the temperature was nice too, somewhere in the 80's. By 5:00, I had returned to the Asbury Inn for a gathering of those of us who are beginning this new adventure called "going back to school." There were introductions, dinner together on the campus, and then a short program overview. Saturday was a day-long orientation, including lunch together, a tour of the campus and library, and dinner together off campus. Sunday was a welcome day off in which I spent the morning in worship at Wilmore UMC, and then lunch and a walk around town. It was a beautiful day, and a little warm for the folks in KY, but not for this Texas girl! The rest of the day and evening was spent in silence and solitude.
There are two different classes in session this week, and the class in which I am involved has only 5 people,.....we are a good mix. 4 ladies, and 1 guy. 3 clergy, and 2 laity. 2 United Methodists, 1 Wesleyan (slightly different from the UMC), and 2 others from other denominations. This has made for wonderful conversation and dialogue. We are becoming fast friends, and with only 5 of us there, it is easier to get to know each other more quickly.
In the whirlwind of travel, orientation, books and reading, and paper preparation, there is a lot I have already learned. So, what is the most valuable thing/lesson that I have learned so far? I have re-learned to spend time with God. Purely and simply. In addition to the theological discussions and lectures, we start our day with 1 beautiful and sacred hour devoted to opening ourselves up to, and centering on God..... and on the work of the Holy Spirit. We begin with devotion time, a kind of meditation from our professor, and prayer. And today we even celebrated Holy Communion. It made a difference in the day, and it was a holy difference.
I am grateful for this time to come and grow in God's grace. And, I am grateful for my Davis family. I will pray for you while I am gone. Will you pray for me as well? Grace and peace to you, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Denise
There are two different classes in session this week, and the class in which I am involved has only 5 people,.....we are a good mix. 4 ladies, and 1 guy. 3 clergy, and 2 laity. 2 United Methodists, 1 Wesleyan (slightly different from the UMC), and 2 others from other denominations. This has made for wonderful conversation and dialogue. We are becoming fast friends, and with only 5 of us there, it is easier to get to know each other more quickly.
In the whirlwind of travel, orientation, books and reading, and paper preparation, there is a lot I have already learned. So, what is the most valuable thing/lesson that I have learned so far? I have re-learned to spend time with God. Purely and simply. In addition to the theological discussions and lectures, we start our day with 1 beautiful and sacred hour devoted to opening ourselves up to, and centering on God..... and on the work of the Holy Spirit. We begin with devotion time, a kind of meditation from our professor, and prayer. And today we even celebrated Holy Communion. It made a difference in the day, and it was a holy difference.
I am grateful for this time to come and grow in God's grace. And, I am grateful for my Davis family. I will pray for you while I am gone. Will you pray for me as well? Grace and peace to you, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Denise
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
What's in your promise?
A funny thing happened on the way to the office today. A truck passed by me on the freeway, and the reason it caught my attention was because it was like a tanker truck, but it was small..... maybe about one half to one third the length of a regular tanker truck. Since it had already caught my eye, I noticed an odd thing printed on the back. It said "Carrying Political Promises." Just as I was trying to figure out what this could possibly mean, I noticed the smaller print just above that slogan, which read "Cornish-Burton Septic Service." Well, I thought that was the funniest thing I had ever seen.
But anytime I think of the word promise, I just can't help but think theologically. That is, about God's promises to us, and those promises we make to God as well. Let's just leave it at that. Nuff said.
So..... what's in your promise?
But anytime I think of the word promise, I just can't help but think theologically. That is, about God's promises to us, and those promises we make to God as well. Let's just leave it at that. Nuff said.
So..... what's in your promise?
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Pressing On
When my kids were little, we used to travel a lot. One of our favorite places to visit was the majestic redwood forest of Northern California. To me, the trees were mighty but gentle giants that welcomed us into their midst. Needless to say, I took so many pictures that I could wallpaper a room with them.
When our daughter was about 18 months old (she's now 23), we took one of these trips to California. In the redwood forest that day, I snapped a random picture of my husband and our daughter as they strolled, hand in hand, along the path among the giants...... almost as if my precious ones were being enfolded and protected by them. When we returned home, I put this picture in a picture frame, put it on a shelf, and it became a part of my life. Yet the danger in that is that when something becomes so much a part of our life....our daily routine, the specialness of it can become ordinary and commonplace. But then, sometimes God places a prompting in our heart that helps us to look at that which has become ordinary and routine with new eyes, and a new heart.
And so, that is precisely what happened to me one day as I was beginning the process of entering into ordained ministry. I had just been accepted into seminary, and did not really know what lay down the road.... obstacles, pathways, pain, joy, failure, success..... all of these entered into my mind, and I allowed self doubt and fear to creep into the joy of the call. Then, an odd thing happened..... a common thing suddenly became new. My eyes fell yet again upon the picture of my daughter and my husband, strolling hand-in-hand, along the redwood giants. All of the sudden, a verse from Philippians came into my mind: I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NIV). Suddenly, I viewed the picture through new eyes, and I received within my very being an assurance that it was all "gonna be ok." (notice here that the message was "gonna be OK", not "gonna be easy.") Peace flooded my soul as I once again looked at the picture, but this time saw something new and different. This time, I saw myself, hand-in-hand with God, walking among the giants.....guided, protected. What I also saw in the picture was the possibility (make that probability) of obstacles in my path..... like an ancient redwood falling across the forest path, sometimes obstacles fall across our clearly laid out pathway. Yet, deep down I knew, through this newly learned lesson of the picture from many years before, that with God guiding us and "holding our hand" as we answer God's call, the obstacles become wisdom as we, with perseverence and God's help, overcome them.
When our daughter was about 18 months old (she's now 23), we took one of these trips to California. In the redwood forest that day, I snapped a random picture of my husband and our daughter as they strolled, hand in hand, along the path among the giants...... almost as if my precious ones were being enfolded and protected by them. When we returned home, I put this picture in a picture frame, put it on a shelf, and it became a part of my life. Yet the danger in that is that when something becomes so much a part of our life....our daily routine, the specialness of it can become ordinary and commonplace. But then, sometimes God places a prompting in our heart that helps us to look at that which has become ordinary and routine with new eyes, and a new heart.
And so, that is precisely what happened to me one day as I was beginning the process of entering into ordained ministry. I had just been accepted into seminary, and did not really know what lay down the road.... obstacles, pathways, pain, joy, failure, success..... all of these entered into my mind, and I allowed self doubt and fear to creep into the joy of the call. Then, an odd thing happened..... a common thing suddenly became new. My eyes fell yet again upon the picture of my daughter and my husband, strolling hand-in-hand, along the redwood giants. All of the sudden, a verse from Philippians came into my mind: I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NIV). Suddenly, I viewed the picture through new eyes, and I received within my very being an assurance that it was all "gonna be ok." (notice here that the message was "gonna be OK", not "gonna be easy.") Peace flooded my soul as I once again looked at the picture, but this time saw something new and different. This time, I saw myself, hand-in-hand with God, walking among the giants.....guided, protected. What I also saw in the picture was the possibility (make that probability) of obstacles in my path..... like an ancient redwood falling across the forest path, sometimes obstacles fall across our clearly laid out pathway. Yet, deep down I knew, through this newly learned lesson of the picture from many years before, that with God guiding us and "holding our hand" as we answer God's call, the obstacles become wisdom as we, with perseverence and God's help, overcome them.
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