The accordion Merry Christmas from Noel

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Thanksgiving: A Reminder to Rejoice in the Lord Always

Reading the news headlines each day can easily raise a person’s blood pressure.  We live in a society of high anxiety, worry and unknowns.  We ultimately do not know what tomorrow brings and can easily focus on the worries and unknowns in our lives.  November is a time when the Liturgical year, also known as church year, is coming to an end and across the country people celebrate “Thanksgiving.”  Think of all the ends you encounter—ends of sports seasons, ends of visits with friends, ends of life; people are often full of gratitude and thankfulness for the people who have impacted their lives.  Usually when something is nearing the end we find our hearts pouring out in gratitude, so the fact that the church year ends at the time of Thanksgiving is quite natural.  Ultimately, the church year is ending and we take time to remember all that we are thankful for.  What if humanity embodied a life of “Giving Thanks” all year long instead of at the end of something?  God calls us to rejoice and give thanks all year long. 

In the book of Philippians, Paul reminds us to rejoice in the Lord and give thanks, no matter what.  We must remember that Paul wrote this from prison—which I am sure was not a pleasant place.  Growing up as a child in the church, we would sing a little song in Sunday school, “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice! (repeat).”  As a child this song became a familiar tune to sing over and over and if we were lucky, we would sing special music in church.  As an adult, this song is something to be modeled to all those around us, if children and youth are to learn what “rejoicing in the Lord always” means, adults must live this, not some days, but each and every day.  This catchy children’s song is not just something to sing but a life to live.

“⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

May you find the strength to reflect the light of Christ into all parts of this world—may you rejoice in the Lord, not just sometimes, but all the time.  We are not called to only be thankful and offer gratitude when something is nearing the end, but we are called to rejoice and be thankful always.  May this Scripture be true to your life and part of who you are—as you are a child of God.  For God calls you to rejoice in both the joys and challenges of life.

PONDER THIS
How does your family celebrate Thanksgiving?  What are you thankful for? 

Do you find yourself thankful for joys and challenges?  Why or why not?

What does it mean to “rejoice in the Lord always”? 

Re-read Philippians 4:4-7 (and highlight in your Bible)—how does this call us to live in this world? 

PRAYER-Based on Psalm 100 by Noel Kahl

God of Life,
We come before you to shout for joy in this place you have called us to be.  We come to worship you with cheerful hearts—singing songs of praise throughout the joys and challenges we face.  We know that you are God—you created us and we are your people.  We come in your presence with thankfulness and praise.  You are the Lord and your love and faithfulness endure forever.  Give us the strength to reflect your light in this world.  We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

Reformation Day--By the Grace of God it is more than a Quirky Holiday

There are many quirky holidays celebrated in the United States and I just dream that more Christian communities would consider celebrating the Reformation—or at least recognizing it and acknowledge the historic change that occurred for the Church in general.  After the reformation movement God’s grace was prominent more than ever—indulgences went by the wayside and grace was emphasized.  There is a lot more history and details about the reformation, I recommend reading more about this to further understand the Reformation of the Church almost 500 years ago.

Reformation Day—The Lutheran Church celebrates ‘Reformation Sunday’ every year at the end of October.  The Reformation is not just about being Lutheran, the reformation is about the Church being REFORMED—and transformed.  What if the reformation never happened—I wonder where the church would be today.  Today the church continues to be reformed—this is commonly talked about, how is the church being reformed?  How is Christ transforming the world through people? 

As disciple of Christ we are called to go therefore and make disciples of all nations—how is the church living out this call that comes from God alone?  We—have an opportunity to be part of the Church (whatever denomination) to reform the Church, Christian community and be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  May we all take time to remember the reformation and acknowledge the grace that was recognized and by that grace alone we are saved.

A READING FROM ROMANS 3:22-28

²²….the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, ²³since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; ²⁴they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed;²⁶it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. ²⁷Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. ²⁸For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.

PONDER THIS

What does this text from Romans 3:22-28 remind Christians?  What does it mean to be ‘justified by faith apart from works?’

Do you think the Church is being reformed today?  Why or why not?

What is your understanding of God’s grace? 

How have you shared God’s grace or how has someone shared God’s grace with you?

How have you experienced God’s grace in your life?

 PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Thank you for this day, we rejoice and are glad in it.  We celebrate the reformation and transformation of the Church that happened 500 years ago—we celebrate the continued transformation of the Church today.  Open our hearts, minds and souls to be transformed by you---may you give us the strength and desire to share your grace with our neighbors in this world.  Amen.

God is the Potter, We are the Clay

“The treasure in our hearts will not be found without each person, place, and experience a long life’s path.  The journey is lengthy.  There is much to learn.  Each step on the way offers meaning and direction, bringing us into our deep self where the finest treasure awaits discovery.”  (Book: Open the Door by Rupp, page 44)

As I reflect on my life, I have many memories of people, places and different experiences that have helped me see and understand God in my life and in this world.  I have been transformed by God through people, places and experiences in my life.   Some parts of my journey have been incredibly amazing while other parts of my journey have been incredible challenging.  Nonetheless, my journey has truly been a blessing and a gift from God and I learn each day how God has called me to share my faith and the love of Christ with all people.  I know my call and my ultimate purpose and yet there are still unknowns in this world and because I have faith in God, I live in peace.  I live in a peace that God offers, a peace that passes all understanding. 

Looking at different stories in the Bible, we are reminded that Jesus lived his life on a journey and was shaped and molded by many people, places, and experiences.  My prayer is that we can all live life as a journey just as Jesus did and be open to God’s transformation in our lives.  We are called to live life as a journey, to walk in faith, trusting God and learning from the lived experience.  We must remember to slow down in this busy world and recognize the presence of God in our lives and to be open to the transformation that God brings to our lives.  For we are ordinary people made extraodinary by God.  As Christians we are called to be open to the transformation of Christ in our lives and we are called to have faith in God and may this bring a peace to our lives, a peace that is beyond all understanding.

 “O LORD, you are our Father. 
       We are the clay, you are the potter; 
       we are all the work of your hand.” ~Isaiah 64:8

QUESTIONS TO PONDER
What are experiences, places or people who have influenced your faith journey in this world?

How has God transformed you?  How has God impacted your life?

How is God being revealed to you today?  What is God calling you to do?  Where is God calling you?

As Christians, how can we truly live our lives on a journey just as Jesus did?  When do you take time to reflect upon this journey?  How can you challenge yourself to reflect upon your journey?

PRAYER
God of life,
We seek you and worship you every day.  We thank you for the life you give us.  Lead us, guide us and help us to live out our journey and follow you.  Give us the strength and desire to discover your presence in our lives and in this world each day. Amen.

Honor Flight South Dakota: A Journey with 110 WWII Veterans

Noel and Grandpa Vernie shortly after meeting at Dulles Airport

August 20-21, 2010—Washington D.C.—From the moment I received the news that Grandpa Vernie would be traveling on the 7^th South Dakota Honor Flight, there was no doubt in my mind; I was going to share this experience with him.  Originally he was schedule to go to Washington D.C. on April 2011 and my dad would go with him on the trip; however there was an open seat at the last minute and room for my Grandpa and not my Dad.  I was saddened that my father would not be able to share this experience with him.  With great joy and support from Rob, I would drive to Washington in two days to meet up with Grandpa Vernie and the SD Honor Flight so someone from the family could be with Grandpa Vernie and share this experience with him.

Background information about Honor Flight from http://www.honorflightsd.org/: The National WWII Memorial was completed and dedicated in 2004, at a time when most surviving veterans from the era were over 80 years old and were not likely to have the means or support to travel to see the memorial on their own. Shortly after the dedication, the concept of Honor Flight was established by an individual in Columbus Ohio. The idea transformed into the Honor Flight Network (HFN), a group of volunteers dedicated to giving a free trip to every WWII veterans who wants to see the National WWII Memorial. Now, HFN advises and supports this mission through the work of local community groups know as Honor Flight “Hubs”. Honor Flight South Dakota is the official “Hub” for South Dakota.

I departed Chattanooga on Thursday August 19 around 8:30am, along the way I had to take the scenic route through Bristol, TN to see the ginormous race track and race hoopla going on because it was race weekend.  I continued the drive through Virginia and I was amazed by the beauty, Virginia is gorgeous!  I arrived Washington D.C. shortly after rush hour and spent the evening with cousin Alec and his wife Michelle, in their neighborhood of Mt. Pleasant.

Friday was the day—with much excitement I was on my way to Dulles International Airport where I parked my car in long-term parking and made my way to the terminal and arrived a perfect 20 minutes early!  Before I knew it, I started seeing guys decked out in the Honor Flight Blue shirt and good looking hats—the excitement is building as I wait for my favorite Veteran on the flight.  In the distance, I see a guy wearing an American Flag shirt, with a grin from ear to ear; Grandpa Vernie had arrived.  He politely asked the gentleman pushing his wheelchair to “please stop right here” and Grandpa gave me a huge hug and said “I am so glad you are here, this is really special” and we began the adventure together.

Air Force Memorial

There were three buses for our group of about 160 people total and we were assigned to the blue bus.  Arby’s provided all our lunch meals throughout the trip and Burger King provided our breakfast meal; so when you think about it, stop by and support their business.  Our conversation was filed with joy and excitement as we were on the way to our first Destination, the Air Force Memorial.  On the way we drove past the Pentagon and were in awe of the size of that place.  Right across the street from the Pentagon was the Air Force Memorial.  As we stood overlooking the whole Washington D.C. area, I felt so honored and blessed to be having this once in a life time experience with such a special person—never in my life did I think I would be standing in Washington D.C. with Grandpa Vernie and eventually heading to a monument that honors him and all the Veterans from WWII.

Grandpa Vernie and neighbor Earl

From the Air Force Memorial we visited the Iwo Jima Memorial which honors the Marines and the next stop was the Arlington National Cemetery.  I have always thought of this as a sacred place; and my thought was affirmed during this visit.  I was overwhelmed by the vast size of this place and watching the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a very unique experience.  For burial in the Arlington National Cemetery, in summary a person must have been in the Armed Forces with an honorable discharge (see: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/funeral_information/guide.interment.html)

Friday evening was spent Honoring the Veterans at the ‘Hero’s Banquet,’ which honored and extended appreciation to the Veterans and all that they have given so that we can live this freedom each day—the veterans present and those who have gone before us were honored.  Beyond the delicious food, the Color Guard presented the colors, we joined together in the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and heard many stories from the Veterans themselves. 

Saturday we were up bright and early, Burger King provided our breakfast, which we once again ate on the bus, which is the best way to go for meals on the trip.  We then proceeded onward to the memorial that honored all the Veterans on this trip; the World War II Memorial.  This memorial is located on the Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.  As the bus arrived, we saw a little building with the words “World War II Memorial” inscribed on it and Grandpa Vernie joked, “this is not quite what I expected” though he know it really wasn’t the memorial.  There is no experience like arriving the WWII memorial with 110 Veterans who endured more than I can imagine; being at this memorial that honored this group of Veterans was humbling.  I was rather speechless and just blessed to be sharing this experience with my favorite Grandpa Vernie.  Many strangers we encountered were so appreciative and offered a word of ‘Thanks’ to the WWII Veterans—young people, old people, all people offered handshakes, thank-you’s and small conversations.  We spend two hours at this memorial and it felt like 10 minutes—we took a group picture and then many other pictures as we explored the memorial, shared stories and remembered the Veterans who were unable to see this special memorial.   This experience was definitely the highlight of the trip for Grandpa Vernie, for me and for all the people on the trip.  If you ever get a chance, go to this memorial, not just to take photos and enjoy the sites but to think about the reason for this gorgeous memorial; why it’s there and about the people who it remembers and honors.

We spent the remainder of Saturday around the same area; we drove by the Capitol, the White House, Washington Monument, and the general areas of the city.  We spent time at the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial.  We also went to visit Mr. Abraham Lincoln and Grandpa Vernie remembered visiting the Lincoln Memorial a REALLY long time ago and said, “It’s good to see Abe again!”  The jokes and humor carried throughout the trip as we had a lot of time to laugh and share stories.  Another person on the trip commented that they enjoyed watching the two of us; I guess we must have looked like we were enjoying time together!  Our trip was set back when one of the trip organizers was hit by a cab; we ended up waiting in our bus for almost 2 hours.  The good news is that the guy who was hit is going to be fine; praise the Lord for that!  Eventually we visited the Navy Memorial, which is near the National Archives and I highly recommend a visit to this Memorial, very unique and there is also a neat museum that gave you more information about the Navy; both past and present.  From the Navy Memorial we went to the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum, the Dulles Annex.    This museum is a must visit—there was a lot to see and we only had 45 minutes there due to the set-back of the accident.  Basically the museum is an airport hanger with many planes from when they first were build, to WWII, Space shuttles and more.  Looking at one of the Japanese planes Grandpa Vernie mentioned, “We didn’t even have to look up to see who it was, we could tell by the sound of the motor.”  I can’t even begin to imagine having to live that and experience that for as much time as the WWII Veterans endured.

Grandpa Vernie sold 10+ books on the flight home

Grandpa Vernie also shared about the challenges of being in charge of his group of soldiers, he talked about how hard it was to be making the decisions and “sometimes you really didn’t know what was best, but you had to decide something.”  He also mentioned really thinking about the soldiers who gave their lives and how they never had the chance to see the places we did on this trip.  Specifically Grandpa recalled the soldier who was killed the morning the war ended.  Our family is so blessed to have his stories written in a published book; if you would like to read stories from this special WWII Veteran, please e-mail me at noelchristine@gmail.com and I can send you details on how you can get your copy of  Becoming Sgt. Kahl: Lingering Memories of a WWII Infantryman  by Vernon M. Kahl
BOOK DETAILS:   Written as a therapeutic expulsion of lingering memories, “Sgt. Kahl’s” stories are anecdotes of the good, gritty, or grim sides of life in the 40’s Army. The reader is educated in Army life for a young volunteer from Iowa and his transformation from an Army grunt --as he endures training and eventual transfer to the front lines in the Pacific arena. The follow-up stories of people and events that came into his life years later because of his Army connections bring the stories to the present. “

From the Udvar-Hazy Museum the group went to Dulles Airport and this part of the journey was over—me back to Tennessee and Grandpa back to Iowa.  The good-bye was not easy; but it was definitely an “I’ll see ya later” as I plan to visit the Midwest in early October.  Grandpa shared many stories throughout the trip and after enduring the challenges of being in WWII and the hardships during his experience as a solider, I am amazed at the joy he has in life; truly a blessing that he has pressed onward and running this race with such perseverance and letting the light of Christ shine through him.  This trip was a dream, but truly reality.  I never imagined that I would be standing on the sacred ground of the WWII memorial with one of the most special Veterans in my life; Grandpa Vernie.  Spending these two days with Grandpa Vernie and the whole South Dakota Honor Flight was a true honor and a blessing to me and memories that I’ll always remember; I wish y’all were there.  

Insight from Maya Angelou & Talking about Sabbath

I am firm believer that all people can learn from those who have gone before us and we can learn from the journey of people around us…for better or for worse.  I recently read “Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now” By Maya Angelou.  This book is just that; thoughts and insight from Maya’s journey in life.  This blog entry is going to contain a few thoughts from her book and my hope and prayer is that you are able to take these thoughts and reflect on your journey and God’s presence in your life this day.

“Each of us has the right and the responsibility to assess the roads which lie ahead, and those over which we have traveled, and if the future road looms ominous or unpromising, and the roads back uninviting, then we need to gather our resolve and, carrying only the necessary baggage, step off that road into another direction.” (page 24)

“Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art: to bring all our energies to each encounter, to remain flexible enough to notice and admit when what we expected to happen did not happen.” (page 66)

“We must re-create an attractive and caring attitude in our homes and in our worlds.  If our children are to approve of themselves, they must see that we approve of ourselves.  If we persist in self-disrespect and then ask our children to respect themselves, it is as if we break all their bones and then insist that they win Olympic gold medals for the hundred-yard dash.  Outrageous.”  (page 103)

“If we step away for a time, we are not, as many may think and some will accuse, being irresponsible, but rather we are preparing ourselves to more ably perform our duties and discharge our obligations.”  (page 139)

PONDER THIS: Read the last quote again.  How do you take time away from what is normal?  How do you take time away from your routine to just be, to relax, and to recharge?  Have you done this before?  If so, how did you feel when you returned to your regular routine?  If you have not had a true Sabbath time, why not? 

This is Sabbath, when God created the world, he also took a day of rest; something that is long lost in our society today.  Use a sharpie marker to put Sabbath time in your planner and on your calendar each week.   

God's Transformation is Beautiful: Time to Embrace Change

(Note: After writing this blog entry, I realized how scattered my thoughts are, but regardless of the chaotic writing, do read it and ponder where you are on your faith journey in this world)

“Growth will not happen without moving on from who we are now.  We ought not to fear change, but rather, welcome and embrace.” (page 35, Joyce Rupp)

We are often quick to accept things that change but slow to accept changes to our own being.  The above quote was from Joyce Rupp’s Book Open the Door and was a huge reminder to me about experiencing life in this world.  All the experiences and open/closed doors we face in life impact who we are, but does not change the fact that we are children of God.  Reflecting on the story of Mary, Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38) and how she seemed slightly hesitant with the situation before her, but she was then soon to embrace the change and the call before her.  Mary went through the door, answered God’s call, and embraced the change even though she was being challenged. 

So I began to ponder, What is it now in my life that I need to embrace?  What in your life do you need to embrace?  How is God transforming who I am in this world?  How do I understand and embrace God's transformation in my life?

Living in the past and living in the future can stress you out, even unknowingly.  We are called to live in the now, to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.  Live in the now and seize the opportunity to impact the world and the lives of other people by how you live your life.  You cannot choose to have God in your life because he is your creator and in your life no matter what, but you can answer the call before you to share God’s love with all people.  Don’t get me wrong, being who you are now is wonderful but we must not be stuck with the idea that this is who we will always be.

As Children of God, we must be open to change in order to grow as God’s people and as a leader and person who can make a difference in the world by how you live life and by seizing the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with all people.

PONDER THIS
Do you accept and embrace change?  Why our why not?

How do you seize the opportunity to share the love of Christ with all people?  What are the challenges?

How do you live your life in order to impact the lives of others?  Do you find this to be challenging?  Why or why not?

What does it mean to you to share the Gospel?

How do you share the gospel beyond the words you speak?

PRAYER
Dear God,
Today is the day, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Give us the eyes to see your presence and the change in our lives,
Give us the heart to embrace the change and transformation in our lives,
Give us the hands and feet to live in the change and transformation in our lives.
May your love shine through us as we strive to live our
 lives in a way that honors God and all people that we meet.  Amen.

The Mystery of Questions: God's Love Endures

Do you let yourself ask questions? Do you allow space for other people to ask questions? Do you let the questions open your soul to the transformation of God in your life or do you let other people answer those questions with their opinions? What guides you through your questions? “True guides…are filled with wisdom but are not answer people. Instead, they call us to live with the questions in a different way…” (from Robert Wicks, psychologist professor at Loyola University, noted in book: Open the Door by Joyce Rupp, page 26). Who are those people who don't give you answers, but guide you through your questions?

Quick answers suffocate people from a life with roots and depth. Do you let the gospel of Christ speak or do you let a person tell you the 6 ways to a happy life or how you should do this or that? How do you let your questions open your heart, eyes, and mind to a deeper life with God?

Dawn Markova is a thinker who has a PH.D in psychology and education and In her writing “I will not Die an Unlived Life” she offers three questions for inner reflection:
1. What is it too soon for, too late for, or just the right time for?
2. When you are very still in a place without words, steeped in silence, when the world
is elsewhere with its noise and motion, what are the sacred hungers that echo inside
of you?
3. Who am I when I stop doing?

Life with God is a mystery. You are called to live life to the fullest in that mystery. You are called to ask questions and live in the questions. What are the questions you have right now? Aare you settling with the answers or are you open to the Word and Work of God who is present and transformational in your life and in this world and in your questions. Having faith is believing in God no matter what; regardless of what questions you hold.

“Life brings forth questions.
God is transformational.
We, the people, are a mystery.
As the people of God, we are called
to be open to the transformation of God and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
We are called to seek God with our heart, soul, and mind,
to love our neighbors as ourselves.
We are called to live in the mystery of the questions that emerge,
and seek God, rather than to seek answers to the questions that will remain a mystery.
This is living a life of faith.”
~Noel Christine Kahl

A Prayer
Creator God,
You are our God, we live in the joy, knowing that by your grace we are saved, not by what we do. You are our creator of life and guide in this world. Give us the strength to live in the mystery, in the mystery of questions. Open our hearts and minds to the transformation you bring to our lives and to who you have created us to be in this world. Lead us and guide us to walk in you will and your ways and to live in the mystery that will always be in the questions that we may have as we live life in this world. Through your mercy and love our faith in you is forever. Amen.

Doors

Doors; I am not talking about a band, but I am talking about a door that all people walk through each day. Doors are often either open or closed. "A door is truly an amazing thing. Closed, it is an agent of separation...but swing it open and it becomes an invitation, uniting what before was separated," (Drew Leder).

The metaphor of a door offers a way to name how we are in relationship with God and how we see and experience the world. Doors are a natural encounter in life. Sometimes people call doors, doorways. Doors are integral in the physical world, they often let a person in or out of a location. Doors are also an integral part of our spiritual lives. You can't just look at doors and expect something to happen, you will go no where. A person must open or close a door for any change to happen.

John Tarrant once told me that I will encounter many open doors in life and that I must wait until one falls off the hinges and then I know that is where I am called to be.

THINKING ABOUT YOUR OWN LIFE...
What does the doors of your heart look like? How are those doors opened or closed? Why?
How are you discovering the mystery of who you are?
How do you acknowledge the presence of God in your life?

Seize the Day-- God Makes Your Life Extraordinary

There are many stories in the Bible about ordinary people. However, many of those ordinary people were extraordinary because they acknowledged the presence of God in their lives and listened to where he was calling them—even if they didn’t listen right away. God is persistent when we are resistant and he will continue to call you even if you don’t listen. Today is the day, seize the day. I read a movie line from the film Dead Poets Society (1989) "Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary." How are you living your life?

I am continue this ordinary life of mine in an extraordinary way as I seek to understand what God is calling me to do in this world. For the month of July I am going to work with a ministry at a Church on the Upper West Side in NYC. My first connection with this congregation was when I was in college on a service trip in March 2002, little did I know how my life would be transformed by the connection that was made on that trip—I made two more trips to NYC while in college; always visiting my friends at this church. I returned in 2006 to spend the summer helping with Vacation Bible Camp, brought a youth group there in 2007 and I am now returning for the summer 2010.

I have experienced many life changes in the last year of my life; joys, sadness and challenges galore. I am living in the continued mystery of life, on this earth is where I try to take this ordinary life and let God make it extraordinary. I am here to seize this moment and as part of that I seek to take time each week to reflect on the presence of God in my life and in this world. How can we know the presence of God if we don’t take time to reflect?

I am challenging myself to blog each week as a commitment to myself to truly listen and to reflect on who God is and where God is calling me in this world. I challenge you to find a way to do the same—find a way to take time each week and listen to God and reflect upon His presence in your life. May you seize the day and let God make your life extraordinary, not by what you do but by what God can do through you in this world.

Clinging to God

“Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” ~Psalm 28:6-7

I realized yesterday that I have not updated my blog in a long time, which often means I have not slowed down to reflect on the presence of God in my life. Today is the day, a reminder that slowing down and recognizing the beauty God brings to life. Time of reflection and pondering is essential to who I am and who you are as a child of God call to be in this world.

I have been struggling with a lot more stress in life over the past three months than ever before and I am in a place where the people I love most are all about one thousand miles away in different directions. Often in challenging, stressful and trying times we lean on people whom we love to surround us and support us—which is important. I do acknowledge that the people I love most (y’all know who you are J) have supported me and loved me more than I can ever imagine and I praise God for this. There are times though when you just need to be with them, but you can’t. In these moments of challenges I have learned to cry mercy, to cry out to God knowing that before any person can fill my life; God must be at the core of my being. Though I long to be with people near and dear to my heart I first need to seek and cling to God who has created me and called me to be where I am at this moment.

(Note about the word ‘Cling’: This word often has negative connotations, but when using the word cling when talking about having a relationship with God there are positive images that emerge. The top five dictionary definitions include: “to adhere closely; stick to. To hold tight, as by grasping or embracing. To be or remain close. To remain attached and to cohere, be united.” )

Your relationship and connection to God is the most important relationship you have; yes, I find that to sound so cliché. These past few months I have been reminded that having people in our lives to love us and surround us, is incredible, amazing and I wouldn’t change it for the world; I am truly blessed by these people. However, at the core of who we are as children of God, we are called to cling to God and hold him at the center of our lives. I have been reminded to center myself on God who is the rock in my life.

There are times when we say that God is the most important part of life, but yet don’t respond to God’s grace and love. Responding to God is not a onetime acknowledgment; there is no asking Jesus into your heart prayers necessary, for God is in the lives of all people no matter what. As people of God, we are called to respond to God’s grace each and every single day of our lives. Communication is foundational to any relationship; and prayer is communication with God. There is no right or wrong way to pray; look to the book of Psalms for guidance. The last few months when circumstances and situations have been out of my control, I have learned to cry mercy. In utter helplessness and being miles from my favorite people, I know that the strongest support in this place of challenge is clinging to God who is the hope in my life and the light in this world. God is at the core of who we are and that brings strength to all relationships we encounter throughout life.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER: How do you cling to God? How do you keep God at the core of who you are?