To Old and Young
I’m not Pastor Dan or Susan, Martin, Tom, or Mary, and this is not the future—or the church—I expected. But I am God’s Brenda, placed in this time and place with you. In Christ, this must be enough and more. For God is still and always working all things toward union in the kephale, the mind of Jesus, whose Spirit flows in worship and song and every good gift from mountain to valley, richer to poorer, better to worse—whenever two or more share gracious love and holy life. So thank you, friends, young and old, for sharing God’s love and life with me, with us. Here. Now. This is a taste of the Feast to come; it wouldn’t be the same without you. Amen.
Shepherd Me, O God
This week we’re thinking about the 23rd Psalm. Here are some resources that may help you bring the wisdom and presence of the Good Shepherd into your daily life. The first outlines some practices you can integrate into your day. The second invites you to read many translations of Psalm 23 and create and reflect upon your own translation of the beloved Psalm.
About Peace
Peace Practices
(FYI: These do not “earn” peace, but help us enter the peace Jesus already and always offers.)
Breathe Peace. When you notice something “disturbing your peace” (making you angry, anxious, afraid, ashamed), stop, get somewhere quiet (lock the door—bathrooms work), imagine Jesus or God’s Spirit somewhere in the room, and let him speak in your mind: “Peace be with you.” I like to breath in the words “peace be” and breathe out the words “with you.” Breathe with increasing depth and slowness. Add pauses between the phrases if you like.
Unlock Peace. When you notice a place of unfreedom—that you’re locked up around or out of a relationship, that you’re uncomfortable or not free to live as you desire, again, sit alone with God or find a friend you trust to sit with you. Write to God or speak of your situation, and invite Jesus/Spirit to come into your situation. “Peace be with you. [As he breathes over you, breathe in deeply and slowly.] Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive/release the sins/wrongs/dis-ease of any, they are released…” Let Jesus breathe some peace into you and your situation. Be aware that sometimes it takes a long, long time to release things. “Wait for the Lord” is a very common prayer in the Bible. And sometimes it takes a skilled listener to find release from things that are holding you—if you feel really stuck, please come talk to a pastor!
Pursue and Make Peace. Jesus said “whoever has my commandments and does them is the one who loves me…” Part of pursuing peace is to learn and practice peace as a lifestyle, the Way of Jesus. Is there a part of your life that feels uneasy or unfree? OR an uneasy or unfree situation in the world to which you might want to offer your skills or work? Seek or offer help! Marriage, parenting, financial management, effective conversation/conflict resolution are ALL learned and practiced. Our congregation and others are always teaching skills in these areas. The church office/pastors can help you access or offer what suits you.