God Whispers

"Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned and said to him in Aramaic, "Rabboni!' (which means Teacher.)"  John 20:16

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Gracious and Loving God, 

You are with us each and every day in every situation.  

Help me to hear when you whisper my name 

and to recognize you.

  

Help me to recognize you in my life 

every day and in every way. 

 

Help me to receive your comfort, 

your peace, your guidance and your love 

as you whisper my name and call me to you.

~~~Amen.

Easter Monday

I realize I'm a day late but Happy Easter!  I decided to not post anything yesterday and just spend the day in worship and with my family.

We had a wonderful day of worship, joy and rest.  Actually, yesterday evening I pulled out my crochet again!  It's been a month or two as my fingers have been giving me some trouble but I decided it was enough of a rest and I am ready to get back at it!  I'm looking for some new patterns for some prayer shawls.  I love working prayer shawls.  They are a blessing for me to make and I hope they are just as much a blessing to those who receive them.

I hope you all had a blessed Easter!

Reflections

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.  

For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." 

John:13:14-15

~~~~~

Last night I had the privilege to help in a Maundy Thursday service.  I was so excited when the pastor at the church said, "I'm sending you this in case you'd like to help."  

"OF COURSE I'D LOVE TO HELP!"  I am always wanting to help in worship services.  Last night was really amazing.  After my feet were washed, I watched the pastor wash another person's feet and I thought, wait, who will wash his feet?  Has he thought about that?  

So, when there was a lull, I quietly walked over and asked if I could wash his feet.  He seemed surprised at first but then got up and removed his shoes and I washed his feet.  What a humbling moment.  It's always awkward and yes, a bit humbling, to have our own feet washed but it was really a different feeling to wash the pastor's feet or really any one else's feet. (Who isn't your child.)

That's really what it is all about isn't it?  Humbling ourselves enough to have our own feet washed by someone else in a worship setting and then humbling ourselves enough to wash the feet of others, to be a true servant outside the worship setting, outside in the world around us, outside to those in need physically, financially, and spiritually.  

Being a servant, becoming a servant, it's not always easy.  Sometimes we don't feel like it, sometimes we don't like those who need us, sometimes we have to sacrifice for others. 

Sometimes we are just selfish and so being a servant is hard but that's when we need to be one the most!  

To remind us who we are or really whose we are, who it is we represent.  

To remember that we are to be imitators of Christ himself, who humbly washed the feet of those around him even those who would deny and betray him.

An imitator of Christ, that's who I want to be.  

Music and Worship

This morning I had the privilege to listen and offer my thoughts as my DD chose the hymns for Good Friday and then also for Easter Sunday.  

What a blessing to get to watch her work through the process.  She puts so much thought into it.  She reads the verses of each song to be certain they reflect the mood and setting of the day.

I'm very proud of her and her faith.  She is amazing every day with her deep thinking and her full heart.  She gets it!  and that means so very much to me.

So, if you are in church on Sunday, the church where she plays or any church, know how much thought and effort goes into each hymn choice and special music so that your worship can be a full experience.

Walks, Talks and Gratitude

I really wanted to post this gratitude post last night but I was enjoying spending time with my family too much.  

I got to go on two walks last night!  I had no problem getting all of my steps in at all.  YAY!  

I had a nice long walk with DD which meant we had a nice long chat.  I love chats with this girl.  She is so wise and her take on life is always so refreshing!

My second walk was with my DH and again, nice long chat about life and how we are doing.  It was nice and refreshing.

Before that DS came by for a nice visit!  Those are coming fewer and farther between as he starts his own life so I cherish every single second I get to spend with him.  He is so smart and funny.  He's just like dad and knows how to tell a story!

And I ended my evening with nice long chat with my mother.  I miss her terribly and wish I could live closer to her and my siblings and their families but my life is here and I know that I right where I'm supposed to be even it is hard sometimes.  Anyway, love my chats with my mom.  I call her several times a day and each call is so important to me.

OH!  And I got to talk to my DB (darling brother) today too!  I talk to him or my sister enough.  Shame on me but I think of them every day.

I love them all so much and they bring me such joy and yes, I am forever grateful for them.  I can't imagine life without them.  Family is the best.

Thank you, God, for every single second I get to spend with these amazing people you have surrounded me with in this life.  I can't express my gratitude enough.

Am I Awake? Are You Awake?

I'm sitting here listening to my favorite soundtrack of all time... "Jesus Christ Superstar" It seems weird to say it's a favorite but I do love it.  It makes me sad but it tells a great story and one that is so important in my life.  It always makes me think and think hard.

I often find myself trying to imagine living then.  Who would I be?  Would I be a disciple?  Would I get it?  Would I be like them and stay confused?  Would understand any better than they did?  

I like to think that I'm would but honestly, I have the benefit of hindsight, of knowing the whole story.  I have the benefit of years of commentary, explanations, explanations of the parables, the metaphors.  The disciples had Jesus right there with them but they also had their recent past, and the current situations that all influenced them and their understanding.



As I listen to Jesus ask "will no one stay awake with me", I'm brought to tears.  Would I have? Would I have stayed awake with him? Do I now? Am I awake?  Am I paying attention?  Do I hear what he is saying to me?  Do I hear what he is calling me to do?  Am I there for him?

That question.  Am I there for him?  Wow, I've never thought of it that way before just this very moment.  

Jesus was asking the disciples to be there for him, with him, and they fall asleep on him.  They missed this opportunity!  What an opportunity!

Am I missing it?  Am I sleeping through it, through opportunities that Jesus is calling me to, that God is calling me, is asking me to be there for and with him?

Oh goodness, I surely hope not but it is definitely something for me to ponder on, to consider during this Holy Week.

Am I awake?  Are you awake?

Let the Sunshine In!

Today I'm grateful for the beautiful sunshine!  We had snow falling on Saturday and it was beautiful too but I'm ready for the spring warmth from the sun.  

I'm thankful that spring is here.  I'm so enjoying looking for the new growth on each bush and tree.  I love seeing the green showing up.  I'm as happy for the pollen that goes with it that makes me feel miserable BUT I am thankful for the medicine I am able to take that helps me get through it.

What are you grateful for today?  
I'd love to see your gratitude posts below!  
Sharing our gratitude helps to spread it!