Shehechiyanu Blessing

The Shehechiyanu is a Jewish blessing that thanks God for sustaining our lives so that we can experience a moment of joy.  This is a blessing for the second night of Rosh Hashanah and it seemed very fitting in praying today on my birthday.  (And I am not THAT good at Hebrew to actually know what all the words are, but I can stumble along and pronounce them!  Small victories!)

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, 

Who has granted us life, Who has sustained us,and Who has enabled us to reach this festive occasion.

Shana tova (a good year!) to you all and I pray you remember the abundant blessings God has given us in each day!  

I woke up to balloons outside my door and have already received many "happy birthdays" from friends and family members alike.  I think the best compliment was when asked my age (27), I was greeted with surprise!  Yay for looking (or acting?) young.  I have already celebrated by eating some blueberry pancakes (Ginny & Dad's are better!) and going to Hebrew and Chapel.  

 I will continue celebrating my birthday by working in the cafeteria, watching some cute kids, and studying Hebrew like whoa this evening for a big quiz tomorrow.  I also plan on eating cake or ice cream at least twice today. Yee haw. 

Blessings to you all!

All Occasions

My mailbox at CTS.

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Ephesians 6:18-20

You might be wondering what in the world a blurry picture of a mailbox has to do with this verse from Ephesians on prayer.

Hang with me.  I'll explain.

I promise.

I am not taking any New Testament "courses" at this time seeing as I am on the Hebrew tract, but here is what I do know at this time. 

First of all, the book of Ephesians was a letter written by Paul to the Christians in Ephesus.

Letters -> Mailbox. 

This letter was written to lift up and encourage those who were being persecuted for living out their Christian beliefs.  There was no "special occasion" to remember or celebrate.  It was just Paul's prayerful words written to people afraid.  This letter also included some basic instructions (in my mind the Ephesians were "newbies" to the Christian faith).  

He (Paul) was giving them in a letter what he could not do personally; Paul happened to be imprisoned at this time in Rome awaiting his trial.  He was writing to strengthen and give courage to the people.  I don't know about you, but to have someone who was in prison write to encourage me would MEAN something.  Paul also asks the people to pray for him.  I am going to be honest: I am very stubborn and sometimes it is VERY hard for me to ask for prayers.  And let's face it; some days my "chains" are more burdensome than I would like them to be.  (I've now written out "Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" in the hopes that I also prayerfully consider the words that do come out of my mouth...)

I am a HUGE supporter of correspondence, regardless of any occasion.  People might think it silly the cards and letters I mail out, but it is a vital part of my Christian practice.  My letters and cards, as ridiculous as they can be (some are very ridiculous), are an act of prayer on my part.  I don't have this expectation that the person receiving it is so overwhelmed by my generosity in sending the card, but I do pray that they know they are loved and in my heart.  The act of taking time to sit and write is a practice; I am "alert...and praying for God's people".  

In this world we live in today, we don't always have to use a stamp or lick the envelope in our communication efforts.  This is awesome.  Can you imagine how Paul's message might have been if he was posting on everyone's wall?  (assuming he could...maybe he could tweet or blog...)  There are some people that argue facebook is impersonal.  I don't know about you, but even a simple hello on my wall means someone took the time to do that action, and there does not have to be some special occasion that has to happen.  As a former youth director, facebook enhanced my connection with youth and now while I'm away, it keeps me in touch with them all.  I consider that a blessing.  

I've been very blessed to have people who care enough about me and my journey here at school to strengthen and give courage through their letters, for no special occasion.  There have been days when I am terribly homesick and I will wake up to a text, email or a facebook message from someone wishing me well, or letting me know I am on their mind.  This is God at work; these are prayers being answered.

Wherever you are on your journey, whether it be at the beginning or closer to the end, you are being prayer for, on all occasions.  I pray your heart would be open to doing the same.

Gracious God,

You are good and merciful to your people. 

You are at work in so many ways we don't always see.

You provide us with friends and family to help us with our "chains".

You sustain and nourish us in bountiful and unexpected ways.

You are loved and honored.

In Your Son's name, 

Amen.

Work to Do

Today I had stepped out of my "Presbyterian Comfort" Zone and worshiped at Ebenezer Baptist Church.  If this church name rings a bell, that's good!  This church has played an important role in American history - it was the home church to the The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.  His grandfather started the family's long tenure as pastors at the church serving from 1914 to 1931.  MLK Jr.'s father picked up in 1931 and continued to serve, and MLK Jr. joined his father as co-pastor from 1960 until his death.

Ok, historical facts behind, it was an awesome worship experience this morning.  There were multiple reasons for my attendance: 1) a worship paper where we need to compare worship experiences and 2) I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to historical things, and 3) I wanted to see if African American Baptist choirs really were that good.

So my responses:

1) As far as theological differences, I couldn't see any major ones.  I went to church this morning to worship God and his son Jesus and see the Holy Spirit at work.  Check.    The biggest differences I found were more in the actions and reactions of the leadership and the worshipers.  The Prayer of the People included people going down front for a "laying on of hands" of sorts.  While that isn't always my cup of tea, I could see if you are hurting how the hand of a brother or sister in Christ holding onto you could be very comforting.  The service was also very informal in the sense of coming and going; people coming in late or leaving during the sermon.  (No lie, I did picture that happening with a certain pastor at a certain time and wondered what the response might have been...or what my response would be...)     

The children's choir led in worship and it was just about the cutest thing ever (isn't it always?).  The congregation was very friendly and it seemed numerous times during the service we were encouraged to greet/meet/reach out to our neighbor.  At one point, during what they called "Operation Andrew", we were to ask our neighbor if they believed in Jesus and if they had a church home.  (It's called Operation Andrew because when Andrew met Jesus, the first thing he did was tell his brother...get it?)  The sermon was based off of Micah 6: 6-8, 

⁶ With what shall I come before the LORD
   and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
   with calves a year old?
⁷ Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
   with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
   the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
⁸ He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
   And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
   and to walk humbly with your God.

The Eternal Flame at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Tomb

I took copious notes during the sermon (as I always do) and now am having a hard time figuring out in what order they all go in.  Here are some tidbits I am most fond of:

• Good faith asks questions (Micah asking what to bring to a God who already has everything?
• If you come to church for a soothing experience, that sounds more like a Jacuzzi - not an hour with Jesus.
• If God is on the inside, we should see it on the outside (speaking of living out justice and loving kindness)
• "I wish America would read the Bible for a change." - Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock
• Mercy - I didn't get what I deserved - Shields us
• Kindness -  I got what I didn't deserve - Lifts us

The Rev. Dr .Warnock also talked about what happened with Troy Davis this week here in Atlanta.  Whether you believe in the death penalty or not, Troy Davis' death did happen.  Dr. Warnock made some comments that really spoke to me regarding it all, coming back to what it means to do justice as a follower of Christ.  It was very humbling to see this pastor in a more than just a preacher role - he speaks for those who don't have a voice; he speaks to those who can't bother to listen.  Dr. Warnock also lifted up in prayer the families of James Byrd (victim in Jasper, TX) and Lawrence Brewer (executed this week in Texas for the murder of James Byrd).

I think what sticks with me most is that there is "work to do" as a follower of Christ.  The work goes beyond comfortable and easy.  It involves defining terms such as a "justice" and standing up when no one else will.  

 Sanctuary of Ebenezer Baptist

2) Historically speaking, Ebenezer uses a new sanctuary than the one MLK Jr. preached in.  I did step in the historic part (now a part of National Parks) and sat on a pew in silence for a spell.  Upon feeling the silence, I  got chills - sure it could be because it was 32 degrees in there, but I think of all that happened in the sanctuary.  The prayers and words spoken, the encouragement heard, the gospel lived out.  Mama King was also murdered here.  It was actually mentioned in the service today: Christine King Farris was in worship and reminded Rev. Dr. Warnock that in response to her mother's murderer, when she faced him, she said, "Do not kill him."  Still mulling over it all; most likely will have another entry on how politics and the church go hand in hand...or do they?

3) The Music.  Oh my goodness, if I am to join any choir - it will be like the one I heard and witnessed today.  Music is a vital part of the service - it almost weaves in and out of the prayers, the sermon, and all aspects of the almost two hour service.  To be perfectly honest, I only knew about this kind of praise from watching "The Blues Brothers" and when they go see James Brown.  There where no cartwheels down the aisle, but I guarantee every hand was clapping and dancing was encouraged at one point.  The call and response types of songs made it easier to join in and not have the hymnal dragging us down - I enjoyed it.  It was refreshing, inspiring, and I truly left feeling like I was ready for the "work to do".

Tomb of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his wife.

"That old law about 'an eye for an eye' leaves everybody blind.  The time is always right to do the right thing." 

- Martin Luther King, JR.

Gracious God, we thank you for all you give to us.  Remind us that there is work to do in your world and as followers of Jesus we care called to do it.  Help us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you.  

In your name, Amen.

Picture of Jesus

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to serve at The Lazarus Ministry's Health Day 2011.  The mission statement for this awesome day is says that the  "Health Day is a street fair for the homeless where meeting physical needs (medical, hygiene, food, clothing) are intertwined with social needs (laughter, fun, fellowship)", but as someone who witnessed this day, it is so much more.  As someone who has lived a very blessed life with 3 meals a day, clothes on my back, books on my shelf, and a loving family, working with the displaced people of Atlanta truly was humbling.  As much thanks they gave the volunteers for blessing them, I truly walked away feeling blessed by their testimonies and witnessing of Jesus Christ at work in their lives.  I would say one of my favorite parts of the days was listening to the karaoke participants; everything from Mo-Town goodies to free style rap - we heard it all.  I've included a video of one of the guests sharing his voice with the crowd.  I apologize for my not so professional recording.

   It was a long day, a smelly day (I stood by the port o' potties), but a day full of God at work in our world.  It reminded me of one of my all time favorite songs by Ben Harper, "Picture of Jesus".  I've included the lyrics in between the photos from Sunday.  My favorite version is on the album Diamonds on the Inside (listen at Amazon here), but Ben Harper also recorded a version with the Blind Boys of Alabama.  I would encourage you to listen to it if you get the chance.

  I hope you are able to get a glimpse of what I saw and experienced in serving.  (And no worries, I still had plenty of time to study and aced my Hebrew Vocabulary Quiz.)

It hangs above my altar, Like they hung him from a cross

I keep one in my wallet, For the times I feel lost

In a wooden frame with splinters, Where my family kneels to pray

And if you listen close, You'll hear the words he used to say 

I've got a picture of Jesus, In his arms so many prayers rest

We've got a picture of Jesus, And with him we shall be forever blessed

Now it has been spoken, He would come again

But would we recognize, This king among men

There was a man in our time, His words shine bright like the sun

He tried to lift the masses, And was crucified by gun

 He was a picture of Jesus, With him so many prayers rest

He is a picture of Jesus, In his arms so many prayers

So many prayers, So many prayers rest, With him we shall be forever blessed

Some days have no beginning, And some days have no end

Some roads are straight and narrow, And some roads only bend

So let us say a prayer, For every living thing

Walking towards a light, From the cross of a king 

We long to be a picture of Jesus, Of Jesus

In his arms so many prayers rest, I long to be a picture of Jesus

With him we shall be forever blessed  

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."  Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'   Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”  He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

John 21:15-16

Prayer: Gracious Lord, help us to live our lives as Christ lived and loved.  Help us to look beyond prejudices, beyond incomes, beyond lifestyles and see the face of Christ in all.  Keep our eyes open to the ugly in the world so we are not blind to the pain, hurt, and anger.  Use our hands, our hearts, our voices, and all we have to offer to continue making this world more like your Kingdom.  In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Pray(er)

Something my former youth can attest to is that I always say, "There is no right/wrong way to pray."  Yes, this might be said during that awkward silence when we're looking for a volunteer to pray and I am trying to make it a bit more comfortable, but I have said it quite often... 


Don't worry, I am not changing my mind, but I do feel a bit lacking in the pray(er) department.  I was talking to a peer the other day regarding our "assigned" prayer partner/groups.  For the both of us, prayer really has been a personal discipline we've practiced.  We shared we both keep prayer journals and have done so for quite some time.  It wasn't that we were turned off by having an assigned prayer partner or group, it was just different.  In my life I've been apart of bible studies, classes, and various other groups but never a "prayer" group.  While prayer was a part of these practices, it was never as intentional as this seems.  


  Something I've noticed here at seminary, is prayer intentionally happens A LOT.  We open class with it, over our meals someone will share a grace, and even when meeting we'll just say a prayer.  Once again - this is a GOOD thing and it is not to say I didn't do this back home.  In looking back to prayer at home, it was almost as if it was ingrained into my life style.  My family shared grace together before most meals, I prayed on Sundays during worship and Sunday School, and I personally always prayed before youth events.  I'm thinking that something that has kind of "awoken" me to prayer is maybe the prayers I have heard.  One peer prayed before class and my immediate thought after he closed was, "Oh my gosh, I wish I could pray that well."   I have another professor who always takes audible breaths before opening in prayer and upon hearing it the first time I thought, "What a great idea - it slows my mind down focusing on my breath!"  It is as if I've been so impressed with everyone's prayers I forget about mine.

I found this picture that truly reminds me of what prayer means to me, at least right now.  Prayer is our conversation with God; it comes in words of supplication, adoration, confessions, and thanksgiving.  Prayer can be fancy and long or short and sweet.  Prayers are offered in life and death situations but it's ok to prayer for a parking spot, too.  Prayer is not discriminatory; all our God asks of us is a willing heart.  And the more I think about it, in my pray(er) life, it is an intentional act on my part to go to the Lord.  I need to remember that...and, that there is no right or wrong way to pray.


  "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

    ⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for listening to the prayers of all your people.  I ask for an open heart and mind in my journey and that I continue to come with you intentionally and honestly.  You freely give peace to all who ask; I pray we remember that.  You take care of your creation in all times; I pray we remember that.  In your awesome name we pray, amen.

Heavy Heart

I have a friend from college who is probably the strongest person I know, and not just physically.  His sense of self is strong, his compassion and care for others is strong, his passion for life is above and beyond strong.  This young man always gives THE BEST HUGS ever (and I've had lots of hugs).  Even if you were not a touchy-feely person, when he offered a hug, you embraced it.  When I say he is full of life, boy, do I mean it.  Everything he did in school was brimming with life whether it be studying for tests (which I saw him do!), working out in the gym, or enjoying a cold one on a Friday afternoon.  He always was willing to speak honestly, lend a hand, and love.  He was the one who showed me how to properly lift weights (Apparently how I was doing it was very, very bad.)  His smile could light up even the darkest of days and if that didn't work, he most often had a joke to share.  This guy was a friend to so many and did not discriminate.  White, black, Christian, Jew, gay, straight, drinker, not - he didn't care. 


This friend who lives his life so boldly is losing it to lymphoma.  The first words I think of are: it sucks.  Then lots of other thoughts follow: he's so young, he's so full of life, it's not fair - and on and on.  I have many friends who feel just about the same regarding the situation as well.  It's been an on-going topic in my prayer journal.  It weighs down on my heart.  


I keep thinking of 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, which I of course learned in a song, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed".  


This verse reminds me that even when we feel the sadness, the anger, the burdens closing in around us, there's a way out.  We aren't alone in this miserable feeling - our God does not abandon us.  I like the use of "perplexed" too - such a great word that doesn't get used as often as it should.  This life here on earth is "confusing" and "full of difficulty and complications".  It's easy to feel the despair with that.  


But we don't.  We say our prayers, we help each other, and we love and care for one another as Christ would.  It's hard work.  It sucks at times.  But in Him comes the new life, the rebirth, the peace and joy.   My prayer today is made up of a Mother Teresa quote that reminds me of how my friend lived, truly loving others.




Jesus, would you teach us to love our neighbors, especially those who don't seem so lovable, the way that you have chosen to love us? Teach us to see you in others, especially those who don't have the time, the means, or the interest, to make themselves out to be all that attractive. Teach us to recognize our brothers and sisters everywhere we go - in church, at school, when we are shopping at the grocery store, but especially in those places like the streets, where we are least likely to gain anything in the material from them. Teach us to do unto the least of our brothers and sisters as though we were doing it unto You!  ~Mother Teresa

I'm So Excited!

If you have never really met me, there are probably a few things you should know about me:


1) I get excited easily.

Me, excited about Chapel on the Hill at Mo-Ranch, Hunt, TX

2) I get excited a lot (My 7th grade English teacher told me to never us a lot, but tonight I am!)

Cousin so excited about chocolate cake!

3) I get excited over what some might see as mundane topics.

So excited to be "flying".

4) When I get excited, it most often involves a higher intonation of my voice and most likely hand gestures; rapid hand gestures.

I come by it honestly.  (Seriously, this dish was something to get excited about!)

5) I normally can't quiet my mouth when excited.
  
 Needless to say, surprise parties are not the best thing for me; I very nearly implode.  I share this with you because tonight's post involves some things I am very excited about.  I wasn't going to write it all down, but then thought that in seven or so weeks (when midterms roll around) I will need proof that  I actually thought/said these things.


I love learning.  I've shared this in an earlier post, but I TRULY LOVE LEARNING.  Right now my brain is a little bit full of new terms and sorts, but I still am so thrilled and feel privileged to be sitting in a classroom and learning.  More importantly, learning about things which I am passionate about: scripture, how God works in our lives through His Holy Words, the ancient texts, the acts of worship, what role young adults play in our church, and oh so much more.  I should not be amazed, but I am a bit at how passionate my professors are in teaching.  I've been SO blessed in my life to have benefited from such passionate pedagogues since Day 1!  And the shape these teachers take does go beyond the classroom as well...


Anyways, I digress.  I am excited to be learning.  I feel as though I am a sponge; I'm here to soak it all in.  I'm here so "God can use me".  Even after a long day of classes and reading and homework, I am still excited.  You might be reading this thinking, "how can you be excited with all the work in the world?"  Friends, that is the good news!  Jesus Christ is at work in the world right now!  Our God works in wondrous and mysterious ways; most often, our God works in each and every one of us, not just the "big wigs" of the church.  (In case you forgot, Jesus even reminds us of how God works...Matthew 11:25-26  Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work." (The Message))  


I am excited to be a part of Jesus Christ at work in this world along side with my peers, my church family, my friends and family, and more. To quote my professor, "Can I get an Amen?"


Gracious God, you give us so many emotions to feel on this earth in which we don't always say thank you for.  Thank you for the joy and excitement you provide in a dark and muted world.  I give you praise for the teachers in my life.  I give you thanks for all who preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the many ways the can.  I ask for courage to continue in exciting others in this world.  In your name, Amen.

My Favorite Things

Has it really been 5 days since I've posted?  Yikes!  This blog is a priority, but I ask for patience (and forgiveness) seeing as last week was orientation and beginning of classes.  

I have some postings regarding convocation, beginning of classes, and orientation, no worries; but tonight I wanted to share what really is on my mind.  This.   It is not a virus, just an entertaining version of the Alef Bet.  Alef Bet = Hebrew Alphabet.  This was me tonight finishing homework - apparently it is an entire bed type of work.  

And that lovely piece of tissue is my eraser (not a dirty nose tissue).  My mind is full of Hebrew letters and sounds and about ready to turn in for the night. 

I will say that I've had some time today to reflect on the 10 years that has passed since that act of terrorism that changed so many lives.  I think not only of that day, but the days that have since followed.  I think of the 2 million plus soldiers who have signed up to serve our nation in this war, some who were children when the towers fell.  I think of the 2 million families they belong to.  I think of the 4,000 plus soldiers who have fallen in this war.  I think of the 4,000 families who lost a son, daughter, mother, father, brother, sister, husband or wife.  I think of the 30,000 plus soldiers who have been wounded and how their lives have changed.  I think of our leaders, past and present, and how much of a toll this has taken on their lives, their families, and more.  I think of those who "lost" their faith that morning in addition to friends and family.  I  think about those unable to forgive and those who abundantly give forgiveness.  

All in all, I think.  

Prayer: Prayers of peace to all those who lost friends or family. Prayers of healing to all 

those who have lost a loved one in the war that continues today. Prayers of safety for all

those who serve our country in all ways. Prayers of guidance for our leaders for the future.

Twas The Night Before...

**I decided to post this today so everyone wouldn't see how late I stayed up in anticipation last night.**

Just so you know, I am not talking about Christmas.  It's the night before school starts - more specifically the beginning of a new school, with a new degree and more!


I am so excited - to meet new people as classmates, faculty, and staff - to see a FEW old faces (old meaning a week or month or two...).  I am excited about getting out of my room and doing something.  I am excited to eat "real" meals at the Refectory (no hate on my PB&J).  I am excited to learn!


You all probably know, but the Bible is all about learning.  In Deuteronomy 5:1, Moses shares with his fellow people the 10 commandments and says, "LEARN them and be sure to follow them".  Jesus' parables were teachings for the common man; lessons put in words we all can understand, even the children.


I've always had a passion for learning; my cop out New Year's Resolution is to learn something new everyday.  (I say cop out because I do that anyways.)  While there is some anxiety that comes with new faces, new places, and trying to cram it all in my brain, there is much reassurance in where I am going and in what I am doing, I am not alone.  Besides the obvious God is always with me answer, there will be new students along side of me.  There will be new faculty, new staff, and even the returning crowd with me ready to "learn and follow" just as all the people of Israel did.


Heavenly Father, I pray for rest and peace to all those beginning and returning to jobs, school, and life after a weekend of rest.  I ask that you be with those families hurting during the wild fires in Texas; we know you are the Lord of wind and flame and ask that you protect those involved.  I give you thanks for the rain and cooler weather as we prepare for the changing of seasons.  Help us to be ever present to your Word and your love in the world and to share it freely with others.  In your awesome name I pray, Amen.