"But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law for they are unprofitable and worthless."(Titus 3:9)
I rarely engage in arguments with people. I'm not a great debater. Most of the time I find these things to be a colossal waste of time and energy. Rarely have I found my mind changed or me changing any one's mind. Rarely have I seen these things end well.
Part of the problem is that they usually devolve quickly into personal attacks and defensive counters. I'd rather spend my time listening to how life is going for folks.
The problem of course may be defining what makes something a stupid controversy? Like I said most controversies for me are stupid. Yet for someone else they can be incredibly important on a very personal level and to dismiss them out of hand does not help.
I suppose the best thing to do is try to find out why something is so important to the person making the claim. What's in it for them? Why is there so much personal investment? Without that information it isn't worth my time to engage.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, April 25, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Reflection for April 24, 2014
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God,: for I shall praise him, my help and my God."(Psalm 42:11)
This coming Sunday is sometimes referred to as Low Sunday. Low because attendance at church feels really low compared to the previous week. While the Easter season continues for 50 days, the wow moment has passed.
Honestly it has been a low week for me. Not because of the energy being gone from Sunday, but for a variety of reasons, I've felt cast down all week. It has been hard to return to a normal rhythm. I've kept up with my Daily Office, gotten back to blogging, but have yet to make to the gym.
Truthfully there is just a feeling of cast down and disquiet. I understand the psalmist mood. I did get back to "work" today and I may still hit the gym at some point today, but definitely tomorrow.
There are just periods in our life, sometimes justified, where we feel cast down and disquieted inside of ourselves. Hard to share with others or even be around them. Sometimes we just need space. I also find that when I've had enough of this that it is better to turn all of it over to God and return to a place of hope which can get me going again.
So we'll see what tomorrow brings. But I'll keep hoping, keep praising and keep turning to the one I claim as my God.
Blessings,
Ed
This coming Sunday is sometimes referred to as Low Sunday. Low because attendance at church feels really low compared to the previous week. While the Easter season continues for 50 days, the wow moment has passed.
Honestly it has been a low week for me. Not because of the energy being gone from Sunday, but for a variety of reasons, I've felt cast down all week. It has been hard to return to a normal rhythm. I've kept up with my Daily Office, gotten back to blogging, but have yet to make to the gym.
Truthfully there is just a feeling of cast down and disquiet. I understand the psalmist mood. I did get back to "work" today and I may still hit the gym at some point today, but definitely tomorrow.
There are just periods in our life, sometimes justified, where we feel cast down and disquieted inside of ourselves. Hard to share with others or even be around them. Sometimes we just need space. I also find that when I've had enough of this that it is better to turn all of it over to God and return to a place of hope which can get me going again.
So we'll see what tomorrow brings. But I'll keep hoping, keep praising and keep turning to the one I claim as my God.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Reflections for April 23, 2014
"It is too light a thing that you should be my servant...."(Isaiah 49:6) "That I may sustain the weary with a word."(Isaiah 50:4)
Most clergy that I know talk about the pure exhaustion they feel at the end of Holy Week and the Easter Day celebrations. I sort of get it, but as an extrovert I'm never truly drained by this, at least not before this year.
As some may have heard, my wife was rushed to the hospital on Saturday, with what looked at first like it may have been a stroke or perhaps a TIA. It turned out to be neither. All of this was happening 45 minutes before I was supposed to lead the Easter Vigil at my church, timing couldn't have been worse, though that's hardly relevant.
I felt a sense of "it is too light a thing that you should be my servant..." or to put it another way, you don't seem to have enough on your plate right now let me add one more doozy. Yes we got through it, and thankfully she is all right.
Throughout this ordeal which really spread over a 50 hour period, I also felt sustained in my weariness. That sustainment came from not only my faith in God's presence through this but also by the visible signs of that presence in the guise of Facebook prayers, well wishes, and likes. I was sustained by those words knowing that people were with Gail and I.
It is remarkable sometimes how just knowing that people care about you and what is going on, can help us get through crisis such as this.
You never know how energizing a word can be until you've received one yourself.
Blessings,
Ed
Most clergy that I know talk about the pure exhaustion they feel at the end of Holy Week and the Easter Day celebrations. I sort of get it, but as an extrovert I'm never truly drained by this, at least not before this year.
As some may have heard, my wife was rushed to the hospital on Saturday, with what looked at first like it may have been a stroke or perhaps a TIA. It turned out to be neither. All of this was happening 45 minutes before I was supposed to lead the Easter Vigil at my church, timing couldn't have been worse, though that's hardly relevant.
I felt a sense of "it is too light a thing that you should be my servant..." or to put it another way, you don't seem to have enough on your plate right now let me add one more doozy. Yes we got through it, and thankfully she is all right.
Throughout this ordeal which really spread over a 50 hour period, I also felt sustained in my weariness. That sustainment came from not only my faith in God's presence through this but also by the visible signs of that presence in the guise of Facebook prayers, well wishes, and likes. I was sustained by those words knowing that people were with Gail and I.
It is remarkable sometimes how just knowing that people care about you and what is going on, can help us get through crisis such as this.
You never know how energizing a word can be until you've received one yourself.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, April 18, 2014
Reflections for April 18, 2014
"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure lives in you."(2 Timothy 1:5)
I am a life long Christian. I don't have a "born again" experience, but I know that I am in fact born again. My faith has always been deep, sincere, but also quiet. I like to show my faith in actions towards others not in words at others.
I feel blessed to have been brought up in a household where faith was important. And also where I was allowed to ask questions and to work out for myself how I would live it out. Many of you know that I am "the son of a preacher man," well a priest actually, and I won't deny that his faith and his priesthood influenced me greatly. But you may not know that I have an incredibly devout mother and it is actually her faith and the way she lived it that has had an even more significant effect on me. She like me is a life long Christian and Episcopalian. If she were writing this blog she would probably tell you that it was her mother that instilled that faith. Both of my grandmothers were devout Christians, and my mother's mother lived her faith in the Episcopal Church as well.
I did not know my grandmother, though I did meet her she died when I was very young. As a matter of fact she actually died on Good Friday in 1968. The date is not the same, but the liturgical day is.
So tonight as I led Good Friday services and preached about God's presence in good times and bad, I give thanks for the example of faith that was evident in my grandmother Lou and Ruth, and in my mom. A faith I hope that I have modeled well for my children.
Who are your faith role models? Can you give thanks for them as we head towards Easter.
Blessings,
Ed
I am a life long Christian. I don't have a "born again" experience, but I know that I am in fact born again. My faith has always been deep, sincere, but also quiet. I like to show my faith in actions towards others not in words at others.
I feel blessed to have been brought up in a household where faith was important. And also where I was allowed to ask questions and to work out for myself how I would live it out. Many of you know that I am "the son of a preacher man," well a priest actually, and I won't deny that his faith and his priesthood influenced me greatly. But you may not know that I have an incredibly devout mother and it is actually her faith and the way she lived it that has had an even more significant effect on me. She like me is a life long Christian and Episcopalian. If she were writing this blog she would probably tell you that it was her mother that instilled that faith. Both of my grandmothers were devout Christians, and my mother's mother lived her faith in the Episcopal Church as well.
I did not know my grandmother, though I did meet her she died when I was very young. As a matter of fact she actually died on Good Friday in 1968. The date is not the same, but the liturgical day is.
So tonight as I led Good Friday services and preached about God's presence in good times and bad, I give thanks for the example of faith that was evident in my grandmother Lou and Ruth, and in my mom. A faith I hope that I have modeled well for my children.
Who are your faith role models? Can you give thanks for them as we head towards Easter.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Reflections for April 17, 2014
"A highway shall be there and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people, no traveler, not even fools shall go astray."(Isaiah 35:9)
One of the stereotypes of men is that we refuse to ask for directions when we are lost. Actually I think it is true of most people. To ask for directions is essentially to ask for help, to admit you have no idea where you are or how to reach your destination, and it is a rarity to own up to that.
While now having a GPS it is hard to get lost, I have seen occasions when the directions it gives make no sense at all. I find it most helpful when I'm going someplace I've never been, but even then I can miss something by turning to soon, or not paying attention.
Faith journeys are like that also. We have a notion of where we are supposed to go, but because of distractions, pride or lack of planning, we can get off track and lost just as easily.
The beauty of God's way is that even if that should happen, the path is often not that far away and directions do come telling us to turn around, make the next possible U-turn. When we choose to follow the call and direction of God, we are assured that even at our most foolish we can't go astray so far that we can never get back on track.
Blessings,
Ed
One of the stereotypes of men is that we refuse to ask for directions when we are lost. Actually I think it is true of most people. To ask for directions is essentially to ask for help, to admit you have no idea where you are or how to reach your destination, and it is a rarity to own up to that.
While now having a GPS it is hard to get lost, I have seen occasions when the directions it gives make no sense at all. I find it most helpful when I'm going someplace I've never been, but even then I can miss something by turning to soon, or not paying attention.
Faith journeys are like that also. We have a notion of where we are supposed to go, but because of distractions, pride or lack of planning, we can get off track and lost just as easily.
The beauty of God's way is that even if that should happen, the path is often not that far away and directions do come telling us to turn around, make the next possible U-turn. When we choose to follow the call and direction of God, we are assured that even at our most foolish we can't go astray so far that we can never get back on track.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Reflections for April 16, 2014
"And whoever does not provide for relatives and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."(1 Timothy 5:8)
As a parent I always told my sons there were three things I felt responsible for providing, food, clothing and shelter. There may be other material things that I gave because I could, but not because I had to out of parental obligation.
One thing I did provide for them was an ethic of work to get what you want that goes beyond the basic necessities of life. I've also been blessed with parents who have been there to help me and provide for me, so I was taught well.
I hope that when the time comes and should they need me I can be there for my parents and even for my adult sons and their families.
I do know that I do this out of love for them, a love that is revealed in my faith. I also know that if I saw that my providing was in fact becoming enabling, out of the same love, I would have to stop. I would them hope to help them get the help they need.
To completely cut myself off from my immediate and extended family makes no sense to me. I will also so that if I believe that I am part of a greater family called the "whole human family," the challenge is still there.
Blessings,
Ed
As a parent I always told my sons there were three things I felt responsible for providing, food, clothing and shelter. There may be other material things that I gave because I could, but not because I had to out of parental obligation.
One thing I did provide for them was an ethic of work to get what you want that goes beyond the basic necessities of life. I've also been blessed with parents who have been there to help me and provide for me, so I was taught well.
I hope that when the time comes and should they need me I can be there for my parents and even for my adult sons and their families.
I do know that I do this out of love for them, a love that is revealed in my faith. I also know that if I saw that my providing was in fact becoming enabling, out of the same love, I would have to stop. I would them hope to help them get the help they need.
To completely cut myself off from my immediate and extended family makes no sense to me. I will also so that if I believe that I am part of a greater family called the "whole human family," the challenge is still there.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Reflection for April 15, 2014
"Those who trust will not panic."(Isaiah 28:16)
Today is tax so around this country lots of people were scrambling to get their taxes in the mail. Perhaps they were panicking that they couldn't find all the documentation they needed. Worried about owing money, or potentially being audited.
I had to do mine early due to having to apply for Financial Aid, so today wasn't a panic day for me.
Actually I don't often panic. I try very hard to keep an even keel. I'm sure I've had my moments. There was at least one involving a camper coming off it's hitch at 70 miles an hour, but I may have been justified in that panic.
The funny thing was that even in that momentary panic, something calmed me down enough so that the car didn't flip and minimal damage occurred. Perhaps it really is about trusting in God's presence with me.
When I've been in situations where people seem anxious or are panicking I try to be that calming presence, I try to put my trust in God's grace and love. I wonder what it says about folks who claim a belief in God and yet seem so anxious, so fearful, so panicky about everything.
If we truly did trust with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, panic would be the furthest thing from our heart, soul and mind.
Blessings,
Ed
Today is tax so around this country lots of people were scrambling to get their taxes in the mail. Perhaps they were panicking that they couldn't find all the documentation they needed. Worried about owing money, or potentially being audited.
I had to do mine early due to having to apply for Financial Aid, so today wasn't a panic day for me.
Actually I don't often panic. I try very hard to keep an even keel. I'm sure I've had my moments. There was at least one involving a camper coming off it's hitch at 70 miles an hour, but I may have been justified in that panic.
The funny thing was that even in that momentary panic, something calmed me down enough so that the car didn't flip and minimal damage occurred. Perhaps it really is about trusting in God's presence with me.
When I've been in situations where people seem anxious or are panicking I try to be that calming presence, I try to put my trust in God's grace and love. I wonder what it says about folks who claim a belief in God and yet seem so anxious, so fearful, so panicky about everything.
If we truly did trust with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, panic would be the furthest thing from our heart, soul and mind.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, April 14, 2014
Reflection for April 14, 2014
"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."(Psalm 34:14)
I sometimes feel like I'm a person constantly on the go. I wouldn't quite say I'm a "man of action," but I like to be doing things.
I noticed in this verse from Psalm 34, that there are four actions called for: depart, do, seek and pursue.
Depart, to leave get away from. Usually we depart from some place positive as we head out. But it is certainly possible that we may be in a bad place and need to get away quickly, whether the danger is physical or spiritual. If something is truly evil I'd want to get as far away from it as possible.
Do, involve oneself in activities that are beneficial to oneself, physically and spiritually. Activities that call forth the best in us and may even help someone else.
Seek, to keep my eyes open, to find a place of wholeness. Not necessarily where conflict doesn't exist but where the possibility of remaining centered does. And when we notice where that place is, or see it getting away to pursue it, to chase after it, until we've caught up to it.
Sounds tiring in some ways. Yet in many ways the effort will be worth it.
Blessings,
Ed
I sometimes feel like I'm a person constantly on the go. I wouldn't quite say I'm a "man of action," but I like to be doing things.
I noticed in this verse from Psalm 34, that there are four actions called for: depart, do, seek and pursue.
Depart, to leave get away from. Usually we depart from some place positive as we head out. But it is certainly possible that we may be in a bad place and need to get away quickly, whether the danger is physical or spiritual. If something is truly evil I'd want to get as far away from it as possible.
Do, involve oneself in activities that are beneficial to oneself, physically and spiritually. Activities that call forth the best in us and may even help someone else.
Seek, to keep my eyes open, to find a place of wholeness. Not necessarily where conflict doesn't exist but where the possibility of remaining centered does. And when we notice where that place is, or see it getting away to pursue it, to chase after it, until we've caught up to it.
Sounds tiring in some ways. Yet in many ways the effort will be worth it.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Reflection for April 12, 2014
"First of all, then, I urge that supplication, prayers, intercession, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life. In all godliness and dignity."(1 Timothy 2:1-2)
I'm a firm believer in the separation of church and state. I'm also a firm believer in prayer. I've been asked on more than one occasion to pray at the annual reorganization meeting here in my town. I'm careful about what I say. I usually ask that God would open the ears, minds and hearts of our elected officials. To hear each other and their constituents, and to make decisions that will benefit all the residents of the town.
I don't pray for specific election results, nor for specific policy decisions, but I will always pray for the President, the Governor and any elected official no matter what their party affiliation.
I don't believe it is the mission of the church to influence elections. I believe people of faith can see secular decisions through the lenses of their faith, and not always come to the same conclusion. Someone disagreeing with me on policy does not make them less of a Christian.
I've always liked the way the Prayer Book prays for elected officials. 'That they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world.". "That they may serve justice, and promote the dignity and freedom of every person."
And so let us pray:
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful
of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
Blessings,
Ed
I'm a firm believer in the separation of church and state. I'm also a firm believer in prayer. I've been asked on more than one occasion to pray at the annual reorganization meeting here in my town. I'm careful about what I say. I usually ask that God would open the ears, minds and hearts of our elected officials. To hear each other and their constituents, and to make decisions that will benefit all the residents of the town.
I don't pray for specific election results, nor for specific policy decisions, but I will always pray for the President, the Governor and any elected official no matter what their party affiliation.
I don't believe it is the mission of the church to influence elections. I believe people of faith can see secular decisions through the lenses of their faith, and not always come to the same conclusion. Someone disagreeing with me on policy does not make them less of a Christian.
I've always liked the way the Prayer Book prays for elected officials. 'That they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world.". "That they may serve justice, and promote the dignity and freedom of every person."
And so let us pray:
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful
of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, April 11, 2014
Reflection for April 11, 2014
"While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.."(Psalm 32:3)
We are often told we shouldn't keep things that are bothering us "bottle up.". Whether it be something we are aware of that others have done and are holding our tongues, or perhaps more often something we've done that we just can't admit to.
Silence is golden they say, but gold can be pretty weighty. Hard to move on when you are weighted down. Hard not to just waste away in guilt or grief, because we just can't or won't talk about it.
From a faith perspective of course we are encouraged to tell these things to God. To speak them allowed in prayer, some would say "give it up to God.". That can be a helpful start. When we find the words to speak to God and/or own up to our own mistakes, it is very freeing. The promise of forgiveness continues to urge us forward from that freedom.
Once the. forgiveness from God takes root, it may be easier to confront the wrongs done to us, or perhaps even better to own up to the wrongs we have done to others.
We are often told we shouldn't keep things that are bothering us "bottle up.". Whether it be something we are aware of that others have done and are holding our tongues, or perhaps more often something we've done that we just can't admit to.
Silence is golden they say, but gold can be pretty weighty. Hard to move on when you are weighted down. Hard not to just waste away in guilt or grief, because we just can't or won't talk about it.
From a faith perspective of course we are encouraged to tell these things to God. To speak them allowed in prayer, some would say "give it up to God.". That can be a helpful start. When we find the words to speak to God and/or own up to our own mistakes, it is very freeing. The promise of forgiveness continues to urge us forward from that freedom.
Once the. forgiveness from God takes root, it may be easier to confront the wrongs done to us, or perhaps even better to own up to the wrongs we have done to others.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Reflection for April 10, 2014
"Brothers and sisters do not be weary in doing what is right."(2 Thessalonians 3:13)
Have you ever said I'm tired of doing something? Probably. Usually it some task that has to be done, but really brings no joy. We might also speak of being tired of doing something that seems to be leading to no where.
The hardest place to keep on keeping on is when we are doing the right thing, when we may be on the side of the angels, and yet we find nothing but ridicule or roadblocks. That doing the right thing seems to have no obvious reward, and everyone else seems quite happy not doing it.
But there is a place of personal integrity that needs to be maintained. That doing the right thing, even if it isn't the popular thing or even the most enjoyable thing in the immediate, beckons us to keep going.
When I've done the right thing, when I've not allowed nay sayers to sway me in a different direction I will feel more satisfaction. Not always easy by any stretch of the imagination, but in the long run well worth it.
Blessings,
Ed
Have you ever said I'm tired of doing something? Probably. Usually it some task that has to be done, but really brings no joy. We might also speak of being tired of doing something that seems to be leading to no where.
The hardest place to keep on keeping on is when we are doing the right thing, when we may be on the side of the angels, and yet we find nothing but ridicule or roadblocks. That doing the right thing seems to have no obvious reward, and everyone else seems quite happy not doing it.
But there is a place of personal integrity that needs to be maintained. That doing the right thing, even if it isn't the popular thing or even the most enjoyable thing in the immediate, beckons us to keep going.
When I've done the right thing, when I've not allowed nay sayers to sway me in a different direction I will feel more satisfaction. Not always easy by any stretch of the imagination, but in the long run well worth it.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Reflection for April 9, 2014
"Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning."(Psalm 30: 5)
They say never go to bed angry, but I've never heard anyone say not to go to bed sad. When I've had a day that has brought some disappointment I find that even trying to go to sleep is not easy. I haven't cried myself to sleep in a very long time, but I have tossed and turned all night, replaying events in my head, trying to think what to do next, looking to change the outcome.
The reality is that all I've done is managed to get no sleep, and thus will be exhausted the next day and no better off for it.
When I have trouble shutting down for the night, I find a breathing exercise that I was taught by Richard Rohr to be helpful. While breathing in I say "Yah" and breathing out I say "weh." In doing so I place all of my thoughts and concerns with God, I push aside from my immediate thought those things that are making me want to weep all night.
I have found that joy comes in the morning, not so much because things were righted overnight, but because I've slept and am ready to see the day ahead as the gift that it is. That the disappointments of the immediate past do not have to rule today. But the joy of a new start and a fresh outlook might come with the sun, and that cup of coffee.
Blessings,
Ed
They say never go to bed angry, but I've never heard anyone say not to go to bed sad. When I've had a day that has brought some disappointment I find that even trying to go to sleep is not easy. I haven't cried myself to sleep in a very long time, but I have tossed and turned all night, replaying events in my head, trying to think what to do next, looking to change the outcome.
The reality is that all I've done is managed to get no sleep, and thus will be exhausted the next day and no better off for it.
When I have trouble shutting down for the night, I find a breathing exercise that I was taught by Richard Rohr to be helpful. While breathing in I say "Yah" and breathing out I say "weh." In doing so I place all of my thoughts and concerns with God, I push aside from my immediate thought those things that are making me want to weep all night.
I have found that joy comes in the morning, not so much because things were righted overnight, but because I've slept and am ready to see the day ahead as the gift that it is. That the disappointments of the immediate past do not have to rule today. But the joy of a new start and a fresh outlook might come with the sun, and that cup of coffee.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Reflection for April 8, 2014
"The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them."(Isaiah 11:6)
Have you ever seen something that just doesn't make sense? You look at a situation and say these things don't go together. The image of the peaceable kingdom from Isaiah is one such instance. The prophet saying that natural enemies will no longer be enemies, they'll be able to share the same space without attacking each other.
In a world where divisions are often clearly marked and fortified, where we claim that we can not associate with anyone who is different than us, we miss the opportunities to live into that kingdom.
The barriers that are slowly crumbling around us based on race, gender, sexual orientation, class, age, creed or anything else seem to come from each new generation of leadership. As I watch my own children, now young adults, moving in a world that is different than when I was their age, I am glad to see them not having the same biases that used to be prevalent.
Little children often do lead by example showing us a better way of functioning. And perhaps if we tried to see the world through their eyes we might be able to coexist without feeling threatened or a need to pretend to be menacing towards others.
Blessings,
Ed
Have you ever seen something that just doesn't make sense? You look at a situation and say these things don't go together. The image of the peaceable kingdom from Isaiah is one such instance. The prophet saying that natural enemies will no longer be enemies, they'll be able to share the same space without attacking each other.
In a world where divisions are often clearly marked and fortified, where we claim that we can not associate with anyone who is different than us, we miss the opportunities to live into that kingdom.
The barriers that are slowly crumbling around us based on race, gender, sexual orientation, class, age, creed or anything else seem to come from each new generation of leadership. As I watch my own children, now young adults, moving in a world that is different than when I was their age, I am glad to see them not having the same biases that used to be prevalent.
Little children often do lead by example showing us a better way of functioning. And perhaps if we tried to see the world through their eyes we might be able to coexist without feeling threatened or a need to pretend to be menacing towards others.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, April 7, 2014
Reflection for April 7, 2014
"Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what it fears, or be in dread."(Isaiah 8:12)
Thanks to the world of cable news and blogs I've noticed a lot of wild talk. People seemingly getting agitated because they've heard something, or read something. Conspiracies are certainly not new, but we seem to have more access to them, and seem more susceptible or gullible than ever.
We assume that when someone writes something or says something that they've checked the facts and that their motives are pure. Funny thing is that facts are rarely checked. To quote a recent sketch from the Daily Show, "these are facts based on opinions."
I guess for me the litmus test on something that is said or written is what is hoping to stir in me. If it is paranoia or fear or dread, then I don't have the time. If it is asking me to think, to love or to be brave then I might take it more seriously.
Most of what is "news" these days are nothing more than opinions looking for an audience. And when we choose to just uncritically accept everything, we may as well go hide.
Blessings,
Ed
Thanks to the world of cable news and blogs I've noticed a lot of wild talk. People seemingly getting agitated because they've heard something, or read something. Conspiracies are certainly not new, but we seem to have more access to them, and seem more susceptible or gullible than ever.
We assume that when someone writes something or says something that they've checked the facts and that their motives are pure. Funny thing is that facts are rarely checked. To quote a recent sketch from the Daily Show, "these are facts based on opinions."
I guess for me the litmus test on something that is said or written is what is hoping to stir in me. If it is paranoia or fear or dread, then I don't have the time. If it is asking me to think, to love or to be brave then I might take it more seriously.
Most of what is "news" these days are nothing more than opinions looking for an audience. And when we choose to just uncritically accept everything, we may as well go hide.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Reflection for 4/3/14
"Yes you are our glory and joy!"(1 Thessalonians 2:20)
What in your life our you most proud of? When I think of moments of glory and joy there are times when I've accomplished things, but in reality my greatest glory and joy has been in my family and my church.
When I look at my sons, I feel proud of how they turned out. Not perfect, because no one is, but decent human beings who care deeply for others, and who are respectful and hard working. True they have their moments as we all do, but I have had more joy filled times with them.
The same can be said for my wife. I feel great glory and joy in having someone in my life who cares about me, loves me for who I am.
And then there's my church. I've known and led these people for 18 years. More than half of their history as a church. Are they the biggest church, hardly. Yet I have had profound joy being their priest and glory in the way they reach out to others in the service of the Lord.
So I do get what Paul is talking about, glory and joy through the people we know and love.
Blessings,
Ed
What in your life our you most proud of? When I think of moments of glory and joy there are times when I've accomplished things, but in reality my greatest glory and joy has been in my family and my church.
When I look at my sons, I feel proud of how they turned out. Not perfect, because no one is, but decent human beings who care deeply for others, and who are respectful and hard working. True they have their moments as we all do, but I have had more joy filled times with them.
The same can be said for my wife. I feel great glory and joy in having someone in my life who cares about me, loves me for who I am.
And then there's my church. I've known and led these people for 18 years. More than half of their history as a church. Are they the biggest church, hardly. Yet I have had profound joy being their priest and glory in the way they reach out to others in the service of the Lord.
So I do get what Paul is talking about, glory and joy through the people we know and love.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Reflections for April 2, 2014
"Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully."(Psalm 24: 4)
As we journey through these last weeks of Lent, the season which for me has always been about a little self inspection and a some inner strengthening, I see this verse giving me a glimpse of perfection.
Clean hands, not thanks to soap and water, but because what I'm doing with my time, the actions I take the way I engage others needs to stem from positive motives. My hands may get literally dirty doing something positive, but the cleanness comes from the motivation.
My heart can be pure again by where my mind directs my emotions. Are those actions that I take stemming from love of God, love of neighbor and love of self. Or have I allowed bitterness, anger or jealousy to be my guiding principles?
What lifts my soul? Is it seeing the beauty of creation, and the image of God in others? Or do I look towards things which may give me momentary pleasure but leave me hollow in side or just hungering after more things?
While I'm not supposed to swear at all, if I do swear or make some kind of commitment to a person or a project that I will see it through. I don't just promise things to get people to stop nagging me.
What this verse really calls us to is a personal united front of heart, hands soul and mouth.
Blessings,
Ed
As we journey through these last weeks of Lent, the season which for me has always been about a little self inspection and a some inner strengthening, I see this verse giving me a glimpse of perfection.
Clean hands, not thanks to soap and water, but because what I'm doing with my time, the actions I take the way I engage others needs to stem from positive motives. My hands may get literally dirty doing something positive, but the cleanness comes from the motivation.
My heart can be pure again by where my mind directs my emotions. Are those actions that I take stemming from love of God, love of neighbor and love of self. Or have I allowed bitterness, anger or jealousy to be my guiding principles?
What lifts my soul? Is it seeing the beauty of creation, and the image of God in others? Or do I look towards things which may give me momentary pleasure but leave me hollow in side or just hungering after more things?
While I'm not supposed to swear at all, if I do swear or make some kind of commitment to a person or a project that I will see it through. I don't just promise things to get people to stop nagging me.
What this verse really calls us to is a personal united front of heart, hands soul and mouth.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Reflection for April 1, 2014
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me."(Psalm 23:4)
I always say the 23rd Psalm when I officiate at funerals. When I have one at funeral home where there is no printed material in front of folks I invite them to recite it with me if they know it or to just enjoy the beauty of the words if it isn't familiar to them.
I have never had to say it by myself, there's always at least one if not more who can say Psalm 23 by heart. You just start it and it kicks in. As our culture becomes more unchurched these words start to fade from memory, yet there still remains the reality of our walks in valleys that feel like death. And people be very afraid and unsure that they will ever get out.
I would guess that this is a very lonely feeling indeed. I have found that I am not immune to life's valley periods, but what I've always sensed was that I was not alone in those times. And that with God walking with me, I could continue to walk until I come out on the other side.
Blessings,
Ed
I always say the 23rd Psalm when I officiate at funerals. When I have one at funeral home where there is no printed material in front of folks I invite them to recite it with me if they know it or to just enjoy the beauty of the words if it isn't familiar to them.
I have never had to say it by myself, there's always at least one if not more who can say Psalm 23 by heart. You just start it and it kicks in. As our culture becomes more unchurched these words start to fade from memory, yet there still remains the reality of our walks in valleys that feel like death. And people be very afraid and unsure that they will ever get out.
I would guess that this is a very lonely feeling indeed. I have found that I am not immune to life's valley periods, but what I've always sensed was that I was not alone in those times. And that with God walking with me, I could continue to walk until I come out on the other side.
Blessings,
Ed
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