Friends in Faith:
And they waited. And we waited. And we are rewarded. We are rewarded by a love that conquers our fears, a love that achieves our hopes, a love given to us by His grace because we believe.
And all because one man, Jesus, had a love for us greater than the fear of suffering; a love greater than the fear of torture and humiliation; a love greater than the fear of death.
Our patience was/is much less than the patience of Christ’s followers. We know what we are waiting for, Christ’s followers did not, and yet we struggle to wait thru the 40 days of Lent.
Christ’s followers had waited since the days of Adam, Abraham, Noah and Moses. We do not have to wait at all, since Christ’s redemption has already been given to us. Our only waiting actually comes in our searching, in our unbelief, or lack of belief, in what Christ’s death and resurrection means to us as Christians.
We have been given a love to conquer our fear the moment we were baptized. And if we accept and live in His grace we may share in His resurrection.
Just as fire and water our newly blessed thru scripture at the Easter vigil so we are renewed thru living and walking with Christ when we reflect His light in our lives and pour out our self in service to each other, just as He did in His own life for us.
“Brothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” Col 3:1-4
So what is a Love greater than fear?
It is a love that brings someone back to me when I need forgiveness for harsh words, judgmental actions, or unkind deeds.
It is a love that allows me to give my time to care for a sick friend, to stop to say an encouraging word to someone struggling with the loss of a loved one or to stay committed to a spouse who misunderstands or treats me without respect.
It is a love that replaces my fear of loneliness, my fear of suffering, my fear of sickness, my fear of loss, with hope, peace and comfort.
In each of these instances it is the images of the suffering Christ and the risen Christ which gives me the encouragement, the comfort, the hope, and the strength to keep moving forward.
It is the image of Jesus unselfishly hanging on the cross that is my reminder that I am supposed to sacrifice my own needs, my own time, my own wants to serve others. His walk to the cross is my reminder that “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”’ Mat 16:24
And it is the next image of Him, resurrected from the tomb, that turns my fears of not having enough time or money--of earthly things; or my impatient fears of being hurt and bearing more than my “fair” share—into the energy, peace and comfort to unselfishly accept my burdens and continue to move towards His glorious, resurrected, all encompassing, LOVE.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. He is Risen!
Blessings this Easter Season,
Charlotte
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
To Find Hope
Women of Faith:
In every “I wish” statement there is hope. And we hope for so much. We hope that we, our children and our family members will be healthy and happy. We hope to find true love. We hope for comfort and peace. We hope for everything that we believe and know in our hearts, in our purest inner being, to be good and right.
Think about the people you know who seem to be the most positive about their outlook on life, who’s cup is always ½ full, rather than ½ empty and ask them where they find their hope.
People who follow false hope always seem to be looking for more. They are searching for something to hold on to; they are searching for something to give them happiness; they never seem to be content with what they have, where they are, or how they look, etc.
Are we searching for the “right” hope?
People who have true hope are quiet, unassuming, and accepting; like Mother Theresa who I am reading about in a book entitled “To Find Hope.” A modern day saint who gave her life, everything she had, both in spirit and in material things, to be like Jesus by serving—serving Him, serving His poor, serving those who had nothing. Nothing, except hope.
Yesterday, Father Mike spoke of the characters who were part of the Passion of Jesus. He invited us to identify and to contemplate how their actions are reflected in our lives, through our choices.
Do we see ourselves as the “Peter” who denied Christ? Are we the “soldiers” who crucify and judge others? Are we the “Veronica” who wipes the face of others and shows compassion towards others? Are we the “Simon” who helps others carry their cross? Are we the “Joseph” that take others down from their cross? Are we the “Judas” who sells someone out for a few dollars? Are we the “Pilate” who washes our hands of the truth and allows someone to make the wrong choice?
He commented that Barabbas, who’s name means “son of the father,” was chosen to be released from prison by the people instead of the real, right and true Son of the Father, Jesus. How many times do we choose Barabbas the wrong “son of the father?”
How many times do we choose the wrong hope?
“Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my Spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations…...
Thus says God, the LORD…. who gives breath to its people and spirit …. I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you … to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.” Is 42:1-7 This is the Hope we are seeking.
Mother Teresa said about learning from the poor: “The poor give us much more than we give them. They’re such strong people, living day to day with no food. And they never curse, never complain. We don’t have to give them pity or sympathy. We have so much to learn from them.”
So, are we learning from them? Where are they placing their hope? In whom do they place their trust?
And Mother Teresa also said about family: “The family that prays together stays together… Just getting together, loving one another, will bring that peace, that joy, that strength of presence of each other in the home. And we will be able to overcome all the evil that is in the world.”
Hope. Hope for our families. Hope for each other. Hope for our society.
Heavenly Father: Blessed be Your name. It is in Your Spirit that I seek hope. Let me not take societies offers of false hope. Help me to seek and to find You who are the one, the only and the true hope. Take me by the hand, open my eyes, and lead me out of the darkness during this Holy week. Amen.
Where or with whom is your “hope” placed? Is it with Barabbas, or with Jesus? Is it false or true?
May each of you be blessed with true hope this Holy Week,
Charlotte
In every “I wish” statement there is hope. And we hope for so much. We hope that we, our children and our family members will be healthy and happy. We hope to find true love. We hope for comfort and peace. We hope for everything that we believe and know in our hearts, in our purest inner being, to be good and right.
Think about the people you know who seem to be the most positive about their outlook on life, who’s cup is always ½ full, rather than ½ empty and ask them where they find their hope.
People who follow false hope always seem to be looking for more. They are searching for something to hold on to; they are searching for something to give them happiness; they never seem to be content with what they have, where they are, or how they look, etc.
Are we searching for the “right” hope?
People who have true hope are quiet, unassuming, and accepting; like Mother Theresa who I am reading about in a book entitled “To Find Hope.” A modern day saint who gave her life, everything she had, both in spirit and in material things, to be like Jesus by serving—serving Him, serving His poor, serving those who had nothing. Nothing, except hope.
Yesterday, Father Mike spoke of the characters who were part of the Passion of Jesus. He invited us to identify and to contemplate how their actions are reflected in our lives, through our choices.
Do we see ourselves as the “Peter” who denied Christ? Are we the “soldiers” who crucify and judge others? Are we the “Veronica” who wipes the face of others and shows compassion towards others? Are we the “Simon” who helps others carry their cross? Are we the “Joseph” that take others down from their cross? Are we the “Judas” who sells someone out for a few dollars? Are we the “Pilate” who washes our hands of the truth and allows someone to make the wrong choice?
He commented that Barabbas, who’s name means “son of the father,” was chosen to be released from prison by the people instead of the real, right and true Son of the Father, Jesus. How many times do we choose Barabbas the wrong “son of the father?”
How many times do we choose the wrong hope?
“Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my Spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations…...
Thus says God, the LORD…. who gives breath to its people and spirit …. I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you … to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.” Is 42:1-7 This is the Hope we are seeking.
Mother Teresa said about learning from the poor: “The poor give us much more than we give them. They’re such strong people, living day to day with no food. And they never curse, never complain. We don’t have to give them pity or sympathy. We have so much to learn from them.”
So, are we learning from them? Where are they placing their hope? In whom do they place their trust?
And Mother Teresa also said about family: “The family that prays together stays together… Just getting together, loving one another, will bring that peace, that joy, that strength of presence of each other in the home. And we will be able to overcome all the evil that is in the world.”
Hope. Hope for our families. Hope for each other. Hope for our society.
Heavenly Father: Blessed be Your name. It is in Your Spirit that I seek hope. Let me not take societies offers of false hope. Help me to seek and to find You who are the one, the only and the true hope. Take me by the hand, open my eyes, and lead me out of the darkness during this Holy week. Amen.
Where or with whom is your “hope” placed? Is it with Barabbas, or with Jesus? Is it false or true?
May each of you be blessed with true hope this Holy Week,
Charlotte
Monday, April 11, 2011
Why am I in this place?
Women of Faith:
“Grace” comes from where God places us.
We all ask “Why?”—Why me? Why now? Why here?
It seems to be the question to ask when we don’t like something that has happened to us, when we are in a place we are uncomfortable with or in a circumstance that isn’t “happy.”
But twice this weekend I have heard the “why” question answered, each time from the same contrary perspective. From the perspective that I am not supposed to figure out “why?” but rather I am to figure out “what?”
What am I supposed to learn, to change, or to take away from this experience? What gift has this person given me that I am supposed to use more thoughtfully? What character trait am I judging someone else on that I am just as guilty of?
We saw the movie “Grace Card” this weekend. (Recommended!) One of the main characters is a minister who is put into a position where he is “uncomfortable.” He keeps trying to figure out why he is in the other person’s life, why he has been placed in this situation, what he is supposed to be teaching the other character.
A wise man points out to him, that just possibly, he, the minister, is not where he is “at’ to help but rather to learn from that the other person—to make him “see better” his own ministry, his own purpose, even his own shortcomings.
Not “why” has this happened, but “what” grace is God granting me so that I may become more humble, so that I may have my eyes opened more fully to the grace He has given me.
“Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.” 2Cor 9:8
Who has God put in my life not so that I can help them, but rather so that they may be an example to me, so that I may be touched by the patience, courage, commitment, service or other graces they exhibit? Who is in my life to teach me how to handle suffering, or who is a role model for giving of their time, talent and treasure?
Lord: Humble me, so that I may see my life from a different perspective. Not from a why am I here, but from a what can I do better attitude? Let me not ask, why do I have this burden, but instead to reflect as to how can I use this circumstance to better serve you? Bless my eyes so they may see, bless my ears so they may hear. Thank You for the blessings and burdens which bring me Your grace. Help me to keep my heart open to Your abundant grace. Amen.
While we can all learn from someone who is recognized as a teacher, we can probably learn just as much from the student who grows because of circumstances beyond their control. If we are open to God’s grace than we will be blessed with hope, comfort, and joy.
May you be blessed with God’s grace,
Charlotte
“Grace” comes from where God places us.
We all ask “Why?”—Why me? Why now? Why here?
It seems to be the question to ask when we don’t like something that has happened to us, when we are in a place we are uncomfortable with or in a circumstance that isn’t “happy.”
But twice this weekend I have heard the “why” question answered, each time from the same contrary perspective. From the perspective that I am not supposed to figure out “why?” but rather I am to figure out “what?”
What am I supposed to learn, to change, or to take away from this experience? What gift has this person given me that I am supposed to use more thoughtfully? What character trait am I judging someone else on that I am just as guilty of?
We saw the movie “Grace Card” this weekend. (Recommended!) One of the main characters is a minister who is put into a position where he is “uncomfortable.” He keeps trying to figure out why he is in the other person’s life, why he has been placed in this situation, what he is supposed to be teaching the other character.
A wise man points out to him, that just possibly, he, the minister, is not where he is “at’ to help but rather to learn from that the other person—to make him “see better” his own ministry, his own purpose, even his own shortcomings.
Not “why” has this happened, but “what” grace is God granting me so that I may become more humble, so that I may have my eyes opened more fully to the grace He has given me.
“Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.” 2Cor 9:8
Who has God put in my life not so that I can help them, but rather so that they may be an example to me, so that I may be touched by the patience, courage, commitment, service or other graces they exhibit? Who is in my life to teach me how to handle suffering, or who is a role model for giving of their time, talent and treasure?
Lord: Humble me, so that I may see my life from a different perspective. Not from a why am I here, but from a what can I do better attitude? Let me not ask, why do I have this burden, but instead to reflect as to how can I use this circumstance to better serve you? Bless my eyes so they may see, bless my ears so they may hear. Thank You for the blessings and burdens which bring me Your grace. Help me to keep my heart open to Your abundant grace. Amen.
While we can all learn from someone who is recognized as a teacher, we can probably learn just as much from the student who grows because of circumstances beyond their control. If we are open to God’s grace than we will be blessed with hope, comfort, and joy.
May you be blessed with God’s grace,
Charlotte
Monday, April 4, 2011
Am I blind?
Friends in Faith:
I am always amazed when I realize that someone whom I know has no sight can tell exactly where I am or even who I am in a room where they are not familiar. They make me wonder what there is that I am missing, that I cannot see.
Two old sayings come into mind as I think of my blindness: “stepping over a dime to pick up a nickel” and “stop and smell the roses.”
Now, you may be thinking these two sayings have nothing to do with each other—but they really do—they can both refer to our “blindness” in the way we approach our daily lives and the people we meet.
In the one we are “seeing” the easy way to get something we want and yet we are missing God’s way which society makes seem too difficult—we are blind to God’s presence in our lives.
And in the second we are missing the sheer beauty, the profound truths, that God is putting in front of us each day. I am referring to the simplest, tiniest (or maybe most important) people or person in our lives that society instead wants us to “see” as too needy, too changeable, or too time consuming.
Things like caring for the unborn and orphans; stopping to give a hand to someone elderly, or offering them our seat in a crowded room; or lending a kind, caring, loving ear to our spouse, child or friend, when they seem to be angry, but are really just testing the unconditional love we have professed.
How often have I “been blind,” only to later “see” my error in judgment? How often have I not defended the “right to life,” spoken unkindly about my spouse or avoided someone who needed my help?
“One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.” ….“Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.” Jn 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
How often have I waited for someone else to do what my heart told me to do and then was a little envious because someone else received the smiling “thank you?”
“Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” Jn 4:43-54
How often have I judged by appearance, only to find out that someone who had immense knowledge and experience was within arms reach and yet I had avoided them because they “looked” a little different?
“Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.” 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
Heavenly Father: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me. Ps 30:2 Open my eyes, my ears and my heart so that I may not be blind to Your presence in my life. Help me to smell the roses. Help me to “see” those who need a caring hand, a loving look and a kind word. Thank you for the amazing gifts you put in my life each day, a husband who leads, children and parents to love, and friends who care. Help me to not take them for granted and to give them back to you in the same spirit that you have given them to me. Amen.
May you all be blessed with the gift of Christ’s light and an open “seeing” heart,
Charlotte
I am always amazed when I realize that someone whom I know has no sight can tell exactly where I am or even who I am in a room where they are not familiar. They make me wonder what there is that I am missing, that I cannot see.
Two old sayings come into mind as I think of my blindness: “stepping over a dime to pick up a nickel” and “stop and smell the roses.”
Now, you may be thinking these two sayings have nothing to do with each other—but they really do—they can both refer to our “blindness” in the way we approach our daily lives and the people we meet.
In the one we are “seeing” the easy way to get something we want and yet we are missing God’s way which society makes seem too difficult—we are blind to God’s presence in our lives.
And in the second we are missing the sheer beauty, the profound truths, that God is putting in front of us each day. I am referring to the simplest, tiniest (or maybe most important) people or person in our lives that society instead wants us to “see” as too needy, too changeable, or too time consuming.
Things like caring for the unborn and orphans; stopping to give a hand to someone elderly, or offering them our seat in a crowded room; or lending a kind, caring, loving ear to our spouse, child or friend, when they seem to be angry, but are really just testing the unconditional love we have professed.
How often have I “been blind,” only to later “see” my error in judgment? How often have I not defended the “right to life,” spoken unkindly about my spouse or avoided someone who needed my help?
“One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.” ….“Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.” Jn 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
How often have I waited for someone else to do what my heart told me to do and then was a little envious because someone else received the smiling “thank you?”
“Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” Jn 4:43-54
How often have I judged by appearance, only to find out that someone who had immense knowledge and experience was within arms reach and yet I had avoided them because they “looked” a little different?
“Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.” 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
Heavenly Father: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me. Ps 30:2 Open my eyes, my ears and my heart so that I may not be blind to Your presence in my life. Help me to smell the roses. Help me to “see” those who need a caring hand, a loving look and a kind word. Thank you for the amazing gifts you put in my life each day, a husband who leads, children and parents to love, and friends who care. Help me to not take them for granted and to give them back to you in the same spirit that you have given them to me. Amen.
May you all be blessed with the gift of Christ’s light and an open “seeing” heart,
Charlotte
Monday, March 28, 2011
Knock, Knock
Friends in Faith:
“Knock, Knock.
Who’s There?
Jesus.
No way.”
“Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Lk 4:24-30
I was always bad at “knock, knock” jokes, but that’s what this bible reading reminded me of—how many times has someone been at my door, but because I knew them I didn’t listen to their truth. They were not an expert.
How many times have I sought advice from an expert? Gone miles, waited for some “lightening strike,” some so called expert, to tell me what I was waiting and wanting to hear.
Yet, Jesus, had been telling me all along thru someone sent with His Spirit what is right, what is good, what is the truth—well you get the picture.
Deacon Joe may profess not to be holy—as he is human; but by his vocation, God has given Him the grace to be His messenger. The comment that he made yesterday about our culture struck me as very prophetic: “If we fill up on the culture, we will be poisoned. But if we fill up on the “living water, Christ Jesus” we will be made clean. And we will live as God intended.”
Heavenly Father, I believe You are in the least of us. I believe You send me Your message in those I know so that I won’t have to wait til I have time to seek an expert. Help me to trust. Help me to discern. Help me to seek Your Truth. Help me to open the door to You. Thank you for the wisdom You share thru Your simple yet brave messengers. Fill me with “living water.” Amen.
So, am I opening the door to the loudest experts in culture, saying “come in” to those who tell me it is right because “everyone is doing it,” are they the experts? Or is Jesus gently knocking, in the quiet, deepest recesses of my soul, telling me in whispers, sending me an expert each week by asking me to attend church, and to be filled with “living water.” He is here, everyday, at my door. He is asking me to let Him in, He is in someone I know.
Which “knock, knock” am I answering?
Blessings,
Charlotte
“Knock, Knock.
Who’s There?
Jesus.
No way.”
“Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Lk 4:24-30
I was always bad at “knock, knock” jokes, but that’s what this bible reading reminded me of—how many times has someone been at my door, but because I knew them I didn’t listen to their truth. They were not an expert.
How many times have I sought advice from an expert? Gone miles, waited for some “lightening strike,” some so called expert, to tell me what I was waiting and wanting to hear.
Yet, Jesus, had been telling me all along thru someone sent with His Spirit what is right, what is good, what is the truth—well you get the picture.
Deacon Joe may profess not to be holy—as he is human; but by his vocation, God has given Him the grace to be His messenger. The comment that he made yesterday about our culture struck me as very prophetic: “If we fill up on the culture, we will be poisoned. But if we fill up on the “living water, Christ Jesus” we will be made clean. And we will live as God intended.”
Heavenly Father, I believe You are in the least of us. I believe You send me Your message in those I know so that I won’t have to wait til I have time to seek an expert. Help me to trust. Help me to discern. Help me to seek Your Truth. Help me to open the door to You. Thank you for the wisdom You share thru Your simple yet brave messengers. Fill me with “living water.” Amen.
So, am I opening the door to the loudest experts in culture, saying “come in” to those who tell me it is right because “everyone is doing it,” are they the experts? Or is Jesus gently knocking, in the quiet, deepest recesses of my soul, telling me in whispers, sending me an expert each week by asking me to attend church, and to be filled with “living water.” He is here, everyday, at my door. He is asking me to let Him in, He is in someone I know.
Which “knock, knock” am I answering?
Blessings,
Charlotte
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Living Water: A Theology of the Body Lenten Reflection
L I V I N G W A T E R
"The water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life"
Life, good. Death, bad.
Talk about a bottom line....from Genesis to Revelation, its speaks to the core of every commandment, covenant, prophecy, poem, doctrine or story. God is Life and being made in His "image and likeness", we too have been given a choice to share in Life as our inheritance. But that's where it gets sticky...Life is a gift. We must ask for it and then receive it. It can't be grasped, re-engineered or "self-made".
Being human means being in constant need. While Lent is a time for us to return to a keener sense of our true needs (versus the many counterfeits) we also come to a keener sense that our needs - those things that truly give us Life - only come from God. Drink, food, even shelter have their earthly attractions, but in the end none truly satisfy our physical needs. Love, security, identity and peace each have their earthly attractions, but in the end none truly satisfy our spiritual needs. Every earthly attraction has its promise of satisfaction, but it always fades. Invariably, a need returns demanding our attention.
But what has God offered us from "the beginning"? Life. Superabundant Life. If only we would choose Him - as the one source for true satisfaction - He will provide us water from a rock or a well, but really for the greater purpose of drawing out our thirst for Him as the Living Water. He will give us our daily bread from the heavens like any good Father, but with the greater purpose of giving us a hunger for the Living Bread from Heaven. God grants us many kinds of love with each other, but only so we may hear His proposal for an eternal union with Him who is Love - the only Love that satisfies.
Pope Benedict XVI has said we have lost our taste for God. The woman at the well shows us how to restore it: listen for the voice of the Lord right at the place of our needs. Come to the truth of who we are - the good, the bad, and the ugly - and reveal the whole truth of ourselves to Him. Then, He will reveal Himself to us and fill us with "water" that will become in us "a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Only in this spiritual nakedness - without shame - before God, can we enter into this communion with Him.
Life, good. Eternal life, very good.
By Damon Owens, TOB Institute www.tobinstitute.org
"The water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life"
Life, good. Death, bad.
Talk about a bottom line....from Genesis to Revelation, its speaks to the core of every commandment, covenant, prophecy, poem, doctrine or story. God is Life and being made in His "image and likeness", we too have been given a choice to share in Life as our inheritance. But that's where it gets sticky...Life is a gift. We must ask for it and then receive it. It can't be grasped, re-engineered or "self-made".
Being human means being in constant need. While Lent is a time for us to return to a keener sense of our true needs (versus the many counterfeits) we also come to a keener sense that our needs - those things that truly give us Life - only come from God. Drink, food, even shelter have their earthly attractions, but in the end none truly satisfy our physical needs. Love, security, identity and peace each have their earthly attractions, but in the end none truly satisfy our spiritual needs. Every earthly attraction has its promise of satisfaction, but it always fades. Invariably, a need returns demanding our attention.
But what has God offered us from "the beginning"? Life. Superabundant Life. If only we would choose Him - as the one source for true satisfaction - He will provide us water from a rock or a well, but really for the greater purpose of drawing out our thirst for Him as the Living Water. He will give us our daily bread from the heavens like any good Father, but with the greater purpose of giving us a hunger for the Living Bread from Heaven. God grants us many kinds of love with each other, but only so we may hear His proposal for an eternal union with Him who is Love - the only Love that satisfies.
Pope Benedict XVI has said we have lost our taste for God. The woman at the well shows us how to restore it: listen for the voice of the Lord right at the place of our needs. Come to the truth of who we are - the good, the bad, and the ugly - and reveal the whole truth of ourselves to Him. Then, He will reveal Himself to us and fill us with "water" that will become in us "a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Only in this spiritual nakedness - without shame - before God, can we enter into this communion with Him.
Life, good. Eternal life, very good.
By Damon Owens, TOB Institute www.tobinstitute.org
Monday, March 21, 2011
Auto Pilot
Women of Faith:
I dream of the day when I can get in my car, hit auto pilot, and get where I want to go. I see technology, good and bad, in every area of my life. But just as much as I wish for some parts of technology to make my life easier, I also cringe when I see someone make a decision based totally on what the computer told them. And I pray that some technology would never have even been invented.
Technology brings me clients who have allowed a program to prepare their taxes. They have relied on “the program” to decide which questions need asked, and which answers are right; and then are surprised to receive a letter from another computer telling them that the questions they were asked or the answers they gave were incorrect.
I rely on a GPS unit, and then get upset when I get lost in a city I don’t know. I seldom carry a map these days, and I’m even too busy to plan an alternative route using “MapQuest” in case the GPS fails. And it’s too scary to ask an actual person in the neighborhood where some business or activity is located.
I get frustrated when a computer chip in my car shuts it down in the middle of nowhere and a gifted mechanic like Stan is forced to take it to a machine to be “reset.”
And I am brought to my knees in sorrow for the technical part of medicine which thru birth control and abortion, are allowed to “plan” when and which children will bring love into our world.
There is nothing beautiful about technology. There is no love in any of the decisions made by it. And yet our world relies on it more and more, content to be on “auto pilot.”
I don’t find joy, love, peace or comfort when I am on “auto pilot,” when I am bored from staring at a computer all day, or from merely putting numbers into the “right” places.
I find joy, peace, comfort and love when I see the first robin, or when a deer and its babies are standing in the middle of the road. I am energized and ready for change when the first green grass of spring appears. I am awed by the first glimpse of the mountains each time we travel to see the kids and approach Denver.
I get excited when I know which question to ask so that I can save a client a few dollars, or put their mind at ease when I answer a question they’re not even sure how to ask. I feel warmth and comfort in the giggles of a child who has found some treasure in the pile of rocks outside my door, or when Colby or Karolina reach out for a Grandma hug or to blow me a kiss. And I feel love in a friends’ handwritten thank you, or Stan’s eyes as we connect across a crowded room.
And yes I am reminded that it is God who created each of these awe inspiring, energizing, precious beings in my life and my mind to understand and care about them. Not technology, but nature.
‘Thus says the LORD: Stand beside the earliest roads, ask the pathways of old, which is the way to good, and walk it; thus you will find rest for your souls. But they said, "We will not walk it."’ Jeremiah 6:16
Dear God, I praise Your every creation, Your every awe inspiring mountain, Your genius in creating the seasons which force me out of “auto pilot.” Help to remind me to embrace the obstacles that force me to change course and draw nearer to You. Bless each of us with the wisdom to use technology for Your glory and not to walk our path, but to follow Your path. Thank you for allowing me to feel Your heavenly arms, to see Your creatures, and to share Your love. Help me to find rest. Amen.
In all things great and small, God created them all.
May you be blessed not with “auto steer” but with the grace to embrace and follow God’s path and to treasure the gifts He has given us,
Charlotte
I dream of the day when I can get in my car, hit auto pilot, and get where I want to go. I see technology, good and bad, in every area of my life. But just as much as I wish for some parts of technology to make my life easier, I also cringe when I see someone make a decision based totally on what the computer told them. And I pray that some technology would never have even been invented.
Technology brings me clients who have allowed a program to prepare their taxes. They have relied on “the program” to decide which questions need asked, and which answers are right; and then are surprised to receive a letter from another computer telling them that the questions they were asked or the answers they gave were incorrect.
I rely on a GPS unit, and then get upset when I get lost in a city I don’t know. I seldom carry a map these days, and I’m even too busy to plan an alternative route using “MapQuest” in case the GPS fails. And it’s too scary to ask an actual person in the neighborhood where some business or activity is located.
I get frustrated when a computer chip in my car shuts it down in the middle of nowhere and a gifted mechanic like Stan is forced to take it to a machine to be “reset.”
And I am brought to my knees in sorrow for the technical part of medicine which thru birth control and abortion, are allowed to “plan” when and which children will bring love into our world.
There is nothing beautiful about technology. There is no love in any of the decisions made by it. And yet our world relies on it more and more, content to be on “auto pilot.”
I don’t find joy, love, peace or comfort when I am on “auto pilot,” when I am bored from staring at a computer all day, or from merely putting numbers into the “right” places.
I find joy, peace, comfort and love when I see the first robin, or when a deer and its babies are standing in the middle of the road. I am energized and ready for change when the first green grass of spring appears. I am awed by the first glimpse of the mountains each time we travel to see the kids and approach Denver.
I get excited when I know which question to ask so that I can save a client a few dollars, or put their mind at ease when I answer a question they’re not even sure how to ask. I feel warmth and comfort in the giggles of a child who has found some treasure in the pile of rocks outside my door, or when Colby or Karolina reach out for a Grandma hug or to blow me a kiss. And I feel love in a friends’ handwritten thank you, or Stan’s eyes as we connect across a crowded room.
And yes I am reminded that it is God who created each of these awe inspiring, energizing, precious beings in my life and my mind to understand and care about them. Not technology, but nature.
‘Thus says the LORD: Stand beside the earliest roads, ask the pathways of old, which is the way to good, and walk it; thus you will find rest for your souls. But they said, "We will not walk it."’ Jeremiah 6:16
Dear God, I praise Your every creation, Your every awe inspiring mountain, Your genius in creating the seasons which force me out of “auto pilot.” Help to remind me to embrace the obstacles that force me to change course and draw nearer to You. Bless each of us with the wisdom to use technology for Your glory and not to walk our path, but to follow Your path. Thank you for allowing me to feel Your heavenly arms, to see Your creatures, and to share Your love. Help me to find rest. Amen.
In all things great and small, God created them all.
May you be blessed not with “auto steer” but with the grace to embrace and follow God’s path and to treasure the gifts He has given us,
Charlotte
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