But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.
Psalm 59: 16-17
There are many things that try to hold us down. Fear. Doubt. Shame. Toxic relationships. Regret. Exhaustion. COVID19. And there are probably just as many false remedies that beg for our attention; quick fixes that “promise” instant relief. They most often come with compromises that only add to the burdens from which we so desperately want to be freed.
We celebrate Easter as the moment in history that God made it as clear as possible: nothing will stop the power of God’s love for us. Easter is a season that extends into every day of our lives. So, when we are in need of strength today – from the smallest to greatest task in front of us: there is a steadfast source that will never let us down. The God of heaven is our fortress and our strength. Tap into that power…make it your morning song.
“Lord come quickly to help us; you are our strength and shield.”
All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
(Jesus in the Gospel of John 14:26-27)
Sometimes knowing and understanding is overwhelming. The last few weeks were the hardest. They knew something was coming; but they didn’t understand it. Jesus knew what was coming and he did understand it. The feeling comes in lots of different situations.
Graduation from high school or college is a time to celebrate. Students know it’s coming but they don’t really understand it. Parents know and understand; it can be overwhelming. There is both joy and heartache; grief and gratitude. The same is true in the struggles of addiction and illness; the blessing and challenges of weddings; the grief and honoring of life at funerals; the joy and apprehension of retirement; babies being born; job changes…life. We humans are quite a mix of God’s creation! We find ourselves navigating emotions and circumstances that, at any given moment, can quickly feel like life is spinning out of control.
When Jesus spoke these words to his disciples he was at the last of his ministry on earth. Things were changing and they were changing fast. He knew what was coming. The disciples – the small group of guys – could feel the tension and they knew something was happening and they heard him saying the words about what was going to happen. But they could not grasp it. How could they? It was beyond what they ever could have imagined would happen. In this moment, Jesus is giving them words of hope and assurance because they are going to need them.
You will not be alone! The Spirit will be with you and help you. Do not be afraid; I am leaving my Peace with you. Do not be troubled…do not be burdened…what I give you is of God and nothing will take it away.
Right now it may feel like COVID19 has control. Households are being rearranged. Businesses are transitioning from office to home. Jobs are furloughed. Social distancing is wreaking havoc with our need to be near one another. Weddings are being hastened. Plans are …. well, all of our “plans” are on hold or simply let go. And still, life is happening – births, deaths, graduations, retirements, transitions, marriages, divorces, work, etc. Each of these coming with its own joy and sorrow.
The resurrected Christ speaks right through this moment with these words: Peace! “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” How do you grab hold of something greater than fear or grief or sorrow or joy or confusion or any other overwhelming?
A breath prayer is a way to begin. Just pick one that works for you today and carry it in your heart, on your lips, in your mind. Say it with your breath. Breath in; breath out and let these words come into your body and spirit. The Lord is faithful. God hears our hearts. Do not hesitate – simply begin.
Breath Prayers Lord Christ, bring peace; we need you. Lord Christ, have mercy on us; we trust you completely. God of heaven, come quickly to help us.
I missed the coming of spring. Still reaching into my closet for boots, sweatshirts and a scarf to wrap around my neck; the warm air surprises me. Did spring come? I remember seeing buttercups and then tulips, but I haven’t stopped to listen to the birds that herald season’s arrival. It’s not too late.
The rush of action to navigate a pandemic is massive. People who plan and prepare for years are suddenly called into full engagement with what is no longer a “table-top exercise” or “drill”. Medical professionals who are standing at bedsides and on full alert in ER’s across the world every day are suddenly in “disaster” mode that doesn’t end in 48 hours but stretches out with uncertainty. Faith communities and social services are on a “mission” that doesn’t end with a flight home telling stories 7 days later; it just continues with each day offering its own agenda. Many are at home wondering what to do with the time. Pandemic.
When these moments in history come, what we have is what we’ve been gathering for a long time. If stress and busyness and frenzy have been packed into our storehouse, it will be fed by the circumstances swirling all around us. If denial and reptile brain have been our way of moving through the days, this moment will likely leave us more disengaged and dazed, unaware of the gift of life passing through our living rooms, offices and neighborhoods. If you have found a rhythm for life that is grounded in practices that help you keep perspective, that rhythm will help you in disruption, offering a steadiness in chaos. You get the picture – we are showing up in COVID19 with whatever we’ve been storing in our minds and spirits; that is our reality. It’s not too late to notice, and it’s not too late to adjust.
Psalm 130 is a prayer of someone who is suffering, and yet fully knows that God is still present, and God will redeem the situation. There is a rhythm; a grounding faith. The one who cries out to God understands the time of waiting and watching as a particular space where hope will come.
1-2 Help, God—the bottom has fallen out of my life!
Master, hear my cry for help!
Listen hard! Open your ears!
Listen to my cries for mercy.
3-4 If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings,
who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
and that’s why you’re worshiped.
Waiting and watching as an act of trust in God’s steadfast presence and mercy, has its own way of shaping our lives. The one who is watching and waiting is present. They see things others don’t see. They are attentive in stretches of boredom and listening when insights come. The one who is watching and waiting stays on duty. His eyes are always open. The more she waits and watches – the more she sees. Clarity will come like the clearing of a thick morning fog. Look; there it is.
5-6 I pray to God—my life a prayer—
and wait for what he’ll say and do.
My life’s on the line before God, my Lord,
waiting and watching till morning,
waiting and watching till morning.
Let’s not miss the moment. While many are busy serving and working as hard as they can to help us navigate these days, let everyone who has been given the gift of time, to use it wisely. Are you one who is asked to watch and wait? Are you the “on duty” eyes paying attention to the empty space God is offering; letting it sit open and ready until the time is fulfilled? Don’t miss the moment.
Showing up with hope and trust enough to simply “be” in this time is a gift to the people around you and to the world. We do not have to cover anything up or distract ourselves from the reality. It is OK to see both suffering and hope. It is HUMAN and beautiful to be embrace the wholeness of how God created us. We don’t have to pretend, and we don’t have to disguise. We can also look for the gifts of God being given in the midst of even this.
Be present. Be watchful. Be patient. Our hope comes from the one who has already set the kingdom of God in place, and no matter the situation at any given time in history – our God is faithful; the redemption of the world is always being fulfilled.
Don’t miss the moments; each one is a gift. And when the moments come where the love you have received from God is overflowing, there is a person within your reach by phone, message, through the window, in your home and neighborhood, or maybe right next to you. Perhaps that is a place to begin sharing.
7-8O Israel, wait and watch for God— with God’s arrival comes love, with God’s arrival comes generous redemption.
No doubt about it—he’ll redeem Israel,
buy back Israel from captivity to sin.
– Psalm 130
Prayer
Lord, help us not to be afraid to be like watchmen – waiting and watching. Help us to be present in the now and to embrace what you give us in this time that will not return. For today – let us not regret what has been, nor project what tomorrow will be. Ground us in the “now” we are given and help us to wait, watch and stand in the hope that is YOU. Your kingdom is being fulfilled. There is not a time when you are not bringing the fullness of your Love on earth as it is in heaven. That is our steadfast hope and truth. Help us to embrace your Love today. As we receive, we are able share with others. We love you, Lord, and we trust you completely. Thank you for guiding us through these days.
Buttercups bloom in the front yard of my Great Grandmother’s home in Golden Pond, Kentucky. A sign of spring. A sign of hope. A sight that brings JOY! As a child it was my delight as we turned into the gravel drive: Granny Wilson’s buttercups are in bloom; all is well.
When her home and land were redirected to the development of what people now know as “Land Between the Lakes”, it was the buttercups that helped me find the way to what was her driveway, and the road that led up to our family cemetery on top of the hill. A sacred and special place.
The road and entire landscape of the earth in that spot has completely changed over the years. I have actually had to stop at the Golden Pond Visitor’s Center to ask exactly where to turn and get on the gravel drive to reach the hill. And…the buttercups still bloom there. Years ago, it was her front yard; now it is simply beautiful land that people come to enjoy. Perhaps no one imagines that an actual family and community once lived here. Memories were created. People here fell in love. Babies were born here. There were weddings and funerals and a soda shop and post office. A bit of moonshine making too. And there were buttercups signaling all the other flowers of the forest to wake up and bloom. A sign of hope.
Something in me still fills with joy at the sight of buttercups. It is a joy I need. It reminds me that what appears to be gone completely in the winter season is actually just waiting for the right time to resurface. Life is very much like this. In seasons of dormancy or preparation or suffering or waiting…. there is always something happening underneath that will emerge anew at just the right time. God leaves us signs of this in nature everywhere.
What we are experiencing in our world right now will change the landscape of our lives. It is changing our priorities and schedules and plans. The whole world is making an effort; something we are doing together. In the spot of the world where I live and work, the buttercups and daffodils are in full bloom. The land is sending forth the message and the forests are coming alive with buds and blooms that will bring joy at their very presence.
Know that this season of difficulty will pass, though it lingers now. As we experience changes that require our letting go of plans and the way we thought this year would be, look for the flowers and trees reminding us that God is always making all things new. Grieve what we have to let go. Make space for what will come. Hope is right with us; God is with us.
Love and friendship and care are never at risk unless we choose to stop offering it. Give someone “buttercups” today. Share a smile. God has filled you with a spirit of love and grace. Offer it. Give it. Don’t delay. Everyone needs to be reminded of the Hope we hold together in Christ.
Prayer
Lord Christ, have mercy on us. Open our eyes to your signs of hope everywhere. Stir us by the presence of your Spirit with us right now. Wake us up from our winter slumber. Replace our fear with trust in you; we know that you are faithful. You are the God that makes all things possible and we love you. Thank you for the gift of Christ who reminds us, “I am with you always…” (Matthew 28). Amen and Amen.
I didn’t grow up with Ash Wednesday services where someone touched my forehead with grace and traced the form of a cross out of ashes from Palm Sunday. I knew nothing of the ritual or the meaning or why I would come to a place of wanting for it. But here I am.
We feasted on pancakes (or spinach), syrup and blueberries and jazz and Holy Communion on Tuesday. In some conversations it was called “Fat Tuesday”. In our context at church, it was called “Shrove Tuesday”. And in many contexts all we can hear is people shouting: “Mardi Gras!” Of course there was king cake in the bakeries…
We returned on Wednesday to remember how deeply we need the love and grace of Jesus in our lives. We remembered….”we are dust and to dust we will return”. We proclaimed: “Repent! And remember the Gospel!”
Photo by Melinda Britt. @The Abbey of Gethsemani. The Walk to the Statues.
We were, for that one hour of worship on Wednesday, not pretending to be perfect or all together or anything other than our own messy selves in need of a God that can take us as we are, and keep breathing into us new life that helps us become all we are created to be. We gathered with our imperfect hearts and asked the God of heaven to meet us there.
So what is that? Why do we do it and why are we doing it in 2020? We are more than a broken people. Yes, we are broken. And yes, we are a called people. We are not content with the way things are in our own lives or in the world. Our relationships are superficial. Our souls are crying out for connection. Our loneliness and isolation are destroying the most beautiful part of our humanity: to be in relationship with each other and with our Creator.
God is beckoning us to draw near. We need each other on this journey. Don’t go the way alone…let’s go together. We don’t have to know all the details of what this looks like. But how about we do it? How about we go “all in” for this season and just decide – every day – from wherever we are – to seek God with everything we can? We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Jesus encouraged us to just let go and follow where God is leading. What if we just do it? Will you do it?
Lent begins a season of preparation and discernment for 40 days leading up to Easter. It is more than a goal or giving up sugar. It is about taking time to ask yourself and God: “where am I in this vision of God?” “Am I content or is there something stirring in me that says, ‘there is so much more’? How do I follow that voice of the resurrected Christ?
We were pondering, on Ash Wednesday….
We are thinking, on the day after ashes…
We are taking…the deeper step.
We want others to come with us.
If you are willing…
To just go “all in” for 40 days.
Seek God.
Believe that Jesus Christ accomplished all in the resurrection.
Repent fully.
Forgive graciously.
Trust completely.
Let’s go “all in” and see what God will do. Seek. Ask. Get humble. Get ready.
Let’s go together.
Prayer
God, we don’t need another ritual or program; we have many of those. We need YOU. We see your Spirit moving in new ways – in places we didn’t expect – in moments that cause our hearts to skip a beat. What are you doing? How do we join you? How do we do something we have never done before? We don’t know; but you do know. We are going to trust you. Now. Completely. We are yours. “Let our kingdoms fall.” Let’s go together…
Is there a way for Monday to be something more than the onslaught of email, social media messaging and weekly expectations that no human can possible do? Good news: the answer is “YES!”
Photo by Melinda Britt @ Abbey of Gethsemani: The Walk to the Statues.
I recently had an experience in silence at the Abbey of Gethsemani in KY. A time of retreat, praying the psalms with the monks who live there and getting back in touch with what some people call “God’s first language”: silence. Somehow in silence our inner voice becomes clearer. Moving through the noise in my mind, passing through those moments of “what now?” and persisting in the journey, actually leads me into the gift. Eventually the mind begins to settle: we are here. stop the striving. just be here. let it be.
From that place of “let it be”, I hear the psalms differently. I hear the chants of the monks crying out my human heart – our human hearts – with all of the joy, fear, doubt, confidence, questions, strength…and eventually: trust. My voice joins the song.
The “songs of ascent” is what it’s called – these psalms (Psalms 120-134) that voice our deepest thoughts and brings them raw and real, to the Creator of the universe. These ancient prayers are powerful in every generation; we need only to pray them. When the weight of the world or the constants in our minds becomes overwhelming, this is a place to turn. A way to voice all that is in us and ultimately help us fall into the arms of grace, trusting the hands of our Creator to catch us as we fall.
Photo by Melinda Britt @ Abbey of Gethsemani: The Walk to the Statues
So this Monday begins differently. With a song and prayer of trust, my voice gives rise with all the other voices who need to be reminded: God’s plans will prevail. Nothing will remove the foundation of God’s love for you, and for the world. Let’s trust this.
Psalm 125
Those who trust in GOD
are like Zion Mountain:
Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain
you can always depend on.
Mountains encircle Jerusalem,
and GOD encircles his people –
always has and always will.
The fist of the wicked
will never violate
What is due the righteous,
Provoking wrongful violence.
Be good to your good people, GOD,
to those whose hearts are right!
GOD will round up the backsliders,
corral them with the incorrigibles.
Peace over Israel!
– Psalm 125 THE MESSAGE
Whatever our weeks hold – we can trust that no evil, no disappointment or chaos or tragedy will STOP the amazing love and grace of God. Period. Just keep going. Here’s to another Monday…another choice to trust…another week of wonderful, full and amazing LIFE! Live the days well in whatever way your path asks of you. Trust the rest to God.
The morning quiet time. Breathe. Think. Pray. Time with God in nature and listening to the breeze in the trees; whispers of the Spirit. Being close with the deeper things of life.
I’ve been in this spot many times. It is part of the transition. A few moments of saying “thank you” and taking time to remember the gifts. There are always more than I can count; now is no exception.
And here my spirit opens to what is ahead. The transition and the days coming. God keeps shaping my heart. Its landing place is wherever I sense the hand of Christ in mine, reminding me in each moment that there is no other place to be. I’ve known for many years that my “call” is about obedience: wherever, however, whenever. Hoping Jesus never lets me go.
Prayer
God help us to hold on to you and trust you. We are all in different places and situations but you hold us right where we are and I don’t believe you ever let us go. Please let that truth be present for everyone who needs it today. We are crazy for you and we trust you completely! Amen and Amen.
Norris Allen met Juan Pablo 20 years ago at a United Methodist meeting of some type. Their conversation resulted in Norris bringing a team of volunteers from Tennessee to Guatemala. That one conversation initiated more relationships than we can count. I am a late “add on” from 2011. For Norris and many of us to be here at the same time is an historical moment. I would name it a bridge from one generation to another…and an equipping by the grace of God.
When you meet a friend from another country, things can happen. Amazing, unbelievable things. God’s Grace is always going before us and just waiting for us to arrive. Here too.
Invite someone into whatever God is doing. You don’t have to know all the details or what it will mean in any one persons life. Just invite. Again and again. Invite!
Me, Norris and his children, Sherry & Wesley
Norris reminds me that he and Fran were married 58 years. They met in youth group at church “but she had a boyfriend”. (How many times have I heard this scenario?) But they both ended up at Austin Peay later and the match was made in heaven. “We didn’t have any bad words in our vocabularies. Bad words where never said.” They had 58 years of what marriage was intended to be: a graceful and loving partnership for life.
When I came to Guatemala in 2011, it captured my heart and everyone said: “you need to meet Norris”. So we arranged a meeting right away. He and Fran came to meet me at church. It was only a short time after that meeting that Fran suffered a stroke and Norris’ plans for returning to Guatemala changed. Until now.
So all of us being in Guatemala right now, for this time, is very special. I’m a late comer – these men are the brain trust and vision that started something that must be God’s doing because it never seems to stop! I am grateful just to be at the table. With 20 years of relationships,Pastor Jasón on the ground, and the churches assembled- we see God making all things possible again.
Howard, Pastor Ed, De. Robin, Pastor John Hembree, Norris, Pastor Jasón and Woody.
We are dreaming. We are planning. We are praying. Maybe the future includes YOU too! Whether it is you alone or your church family or whatever tribe you come with. The kingdom of heaven is bending near the earth and this is the time to fully engage. We welcome you.
What conversations are you having? It doesn’t have to be more than across the room. Across the state or across the world are always on the horizon but across the room is right under your nose. Miracles happen in all of these places every day. Not by our power but by the Spirit of the resurrected Christ. Jump in and join this journey; it is an adventure ever day! Walk across the room, or whatever distance you need to experience the risen Christ.
Dr. Robin, Adolfo. and Woody. So many years of friendship!Summer, Woody, Adolfo, Joe & Marilyn, Robin, JasónJohn Hembree is a retired UM Pastor. He has 20 years of mission here with the original crew.Summer returned this time after 8 years. Her mom, Connie, was part of the original crew. Connie stirred our church into mission in Central America. We still miss her!
The trucks are blaring through the trees at Bambu; there is no sound barrier. The birds are singing and flying all around. I search out coffee and explain why I need it “to go” so I can be outside.
Snow at home; heat and sun here. A bit of travel later today and the heat will be gone. I love the way God created nature.
I’ve had three dog encounters this time that have been unusual. The K9 officer, an angel of mercy; Lucia’s two companions who didn’t want me to leave yesterday morning; and Manuel’s dog, whose name is Michael, who lay down at my feet and wanted to play. Perhaps they all know I come as a friend.
We visit with scholarship students this morning. And Norris, Dr. Robin, John Hembree, Woody…the crew. We are talking plans, again. It is a day of grace unfolding. I miss my church family in this moment and am grateful for the body of Christ that is connected across the world. All is very well.
Prayer: God, thank you for the way you work all things out for good..and for your glory. We trust you with all that has ever been, and with all that will ever be. You are faithful and we are yours. However and wherever we worship you today – thank you for hearing our hearts and praise. Amen and amen!
Leaving the Western Highlands of Xela and traveling to the coast is a total change of environment. Mazatenango was a hot 90+ at noon. Our pace slowed way down and my hair went up. The mountain pines are replaced with tropical coconut and banana trees. This is where it all began for me in February 2011. I found a hammock under the full moon tonight and rocked out a few prayers of thanksgiving for all that has transpired over the past 9 years. I remember like it was yesterday the early morning prayers from this same spot. I had no idea what was ahead.
As we arrive at Mazate we are reunited with friends from Tennessee who have been coming to Guatemala for 20 years. Norris Allen started the whole adventure in 2000 and began inviting others. It was a conversation between two new friends: one from Guatemala and one from the USA. The rest is history.
We did community visits today. It was great to visit with Pastor Felix and his family; Pastor Manuel and Pastor Moises. The school at La Toma looks great. The water project has come to a halt because of payment issues and Pastor Manuel’s iglesia is getting a renovation that will be complete next week. It was great to catch up with these friends!
Pastor Moeises, Pastor Manuel, Pastor Jasón, Pastor Felix, MeFeliz and his wife, Aurora and their family have been friends of our church for many years. It is joy to visit in their home.Walking out from Felix’s home
La Toma school looks great. Fresh paint. Lots of love and care here.Classroom at La Toma school. This is one we built in 2011-12Looking back up towards the main roadBeautiful trees in the coastal region
Pastor Manuel’s church is getting a renovation. It looks awesome! They will be bak in here worshipping next week. Meanwhile they worship in homes.
Mural focal point in Manuel’s church.
Eveytime I arrive at Bambu in Mazatenango I need this Scripture. Today is no exception. Grateful.
Trusting the moments to God’s timing and grace allows us to take a deep breath and let go of the “what if’s” or the “why’s” and the “when’s” in every corner of our lives. The past 9 years of relationships here in Guatemala have been incredible. God has blessed us with friendships and experiences that continue to shape our lives and faith. For Norris, that is a 20 year reflection! Here’s to the next 11 years. Merciful God, in your faithfulness let it be whatever you desire it to be. Amen!
So, when we are in need of strength today – from the smallest to greatest task in front of us: there is a steadfast source that will never let us down. The God of heaven is our fortress and our strength. Tap into that power…make it your morning song.
We feasted on pancakes (or spinach), syrup and blueberries and jazz and Holy Communion on Tuesday. In some conversations it was called “Fat Tuesday”. In our context at church, it was called “Shrove Tuesday”. And in many contexts all we can hear is people shouting: “Mardi Gras!” Of course there was king cake in the bakeries…
God is beckoning us to draw near. We need each other on this journey. Don’t go the way alone…let’s go together. We don’t have to know all the details of what this looks like. But how about we do it? How about we go “all in” for this season and just decide – every day – from wherever we are – to seek God with everything we can? We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Jesus encouraged us to just let go and follow where God is leading. What if we just do it? Will you do it?
The morning quiet time. Breathe. Think. Pray. Time with God in nature and listening to the breeze in the trees; whispers of the Spirit. Being close with the deeper things of life.
Life in the Deep End 