Inside, outside, upside down

"Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing."

Matthew 23:28

Ouch!  This must be what people mean when they talk about having a "Come to Jesus" talk, right?  Jesus calls it like he sees it, and we may cheer from the sidelines as he gives it to the scribes and Pharisees, but should we be cheering?  These self-righteous tassel-lengtheners seem to be so obviously in the wrong as they are called out by Jesus.  But, rather than throwing stones at them we maybe want to look at our own lives and make sure our insides match our outsides.  Even as we profess to follow Jesus, white-washing our outsides, do we harbor prejudices and attitudes on the inside that don't match up? Let's put away the pom poms and spend some time sitting and talking with Jesus about this in our own lives.  And, as we may feel a bit chastened, we can be grateful that our merciful and marvelous God still loves the dickens out of us!  Thanks be God!  Love, heidi

Hold my tongue!

"Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know the whole of it."

Psalm 139:4

 

And, since this is true, O Lord, could you please keep me from saying it?  All too often, it seems, I say the wrong thing, think about it later, and cringe.  Just last week I had a very cringe-worthy experience with a health care worker and, in my head, was mired in the encounter for days afterward (who am kidding? I'm still upset about it!)  When we are "in the moment" of an issue we just talk, perhaps not giving as much thought as to what we should say or how we are being perceived while saying it. I guess it's reassuring to know that God knows what's about to come out of our mouths, but I sure wish God would control my tongue a bit more vigorously!  Lord, you know everything about me, including my tendency to speak before thinking.  Please help me slow down and really consider what I'm saying; help me to be kind and loving to others.  Wrestle with my tongue, if you have to, but please, help me to be a better witness of you when I speak!  Love, heidi

To whom shall we go?

"Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

John 6:67-68

 

I had a lovely Silent Sunday to devour this reading and it was rich and chewy!  Jesus' followers are finding his message in John 6 about eating his flesh and drinking his blood a little too hard to swallow (sorry), and they were leaving and returning to their old lives.  Jesus then asks Peter and a few others they plan to leave, too.  That's when Peter says, "Master, to whom shall we go?" Our homily Saturday night was about keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and, thus, finding our way through those times of doubt and difficulty.  I can totally relate to that, remembering my times of difficulty with the Church.  It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I have struggled with the institutional Church, but when confronted with going to another church, my answer has always been similar to Peter's, "where else could I go?" The answer for me is the same as the answer for Peter: keep your gaze fixed on Jesus.  Even as Peter attempted to walk on the sea, beckoned by Jesus, he stayed upright as long as his gaze was fixed on Jesus.  When he looked down, he faltered and realized his fear.  So, no matter what troubles us, beguiles us, causes us difficulty and doubt, let's keep our eyes focused on Jesus, who will help us weather any storm.  Love, heidi

Lessons from the River--Part Trois

 This is the final day of Lessons from the River.  If you've missed a day, you can catch up below...

 

 Lesson #5.  There may be times the river is just too swift, too scary and too everything and you need someone else to "fish" you out (sorry, couldn't resist). We are often so independent and sure-footed we think we can make it on our own, but we cannot.  Accept the help of others! Deeper lesson: People who need people are the luckiest people in the world. It's OK to admit you need help. In Jesus' story about the paralytic on the mat, his friends lower him to be near Jesus.  We all take turns being on the mat and taking a corner of the mat to help someone else.

 

Lesson #6. And, just as important--watch out for times we may be called to help others.  Our eyes and ears must be open to the needs of others...they may be calling for help quietly, or the wind may be carrying the sound of their voice downstream.  Be aware of others floating with you; watch and listen for how they are doing.  Deeper lesson:  Others may be quiet in asking for help, or they may not say anything at all but still need help.  Keep vigilant watch and always be willing and ready to help strangers and friends alike.

 

And, finally, the last lesson of the river:

 

Lesson #7.  Wear life jackets!  Have awe and respect for God's creation.  It is beautiful, but also powerful and unpredictable. Honor it with care!  Deeper lesson:  Be safe in other areas too...wear seat belts, look both ways when crossing the street, get a designated driver, don't send money to people who say you've won a cruise.  Life is a precious gift, treasure every minute and live it to the fullest! love, heidi

Lessons from the River--Part Deux

  These are the lessons I learned floating, in an inner tube, on the Stillwater River last weekend...if you missed the first two you can catch them below...

 

Lesson #3.  It's always easier, while tubing down a river, if you can see where you're going and anticipate what's coming up, but it isn't always possible. Sometimes, you'll be floating backwards and things will sneak up on you and hit you. When that happens, try to be light, breezy and buoyant and let the current carry you. The river knows where to go. Deeper lesson:  Despite your best efforts you can't prevent difficulties from hitting you from behind.  Best to try and relax and allow God to carry you through the rough patch. Go with the flow!

 

Lesson #4. If you get in a tight or difficult situation, like losing your inner tube in swift current, find something stable and hang on! You may need to let go of unnecessary stuff, like a shoe or hat (or God-forbid, your shorts!), but hang onto what is stable and secure, like a tree branch. Deeper lesson:  Lose the useless, like harsh judgments or bitter resentments and hang onto what is stable and secure, your faith, good friends, those you love.

One more day of lessons tomorrow! Love, heidi

Lessons from the River

Last weekend, I floated the Stillwater River (in an inner tube) with friends.  I learned many wonderful lessons which I promised God, if I survived the harrowing parts of the float, I would share with others.  I will share a couple per day the rest of this week. 

 

Lesson #1. Names aren't always accurate.  For example, the Stillwater River isn't "still." Deeper lesson:  Be aware of false labels.  People may be labeled unkindly, like lazy, bitter, loud, angry.  Get to know them anyway and don't accept others' labels.  Always give people the benefit of the doubt!

 

Lesson #2. Sometimes it's OK to act like you're 19 when you're 59.  Singing TV theme songs while riding in the back of a pickup truck on a country road to the river put-in is a blast! Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children..." (Matthew 18:3). Deeper lesson: Safety first!  Believe me, this was a lot safer than what came next!   Stay tuned tomorrow for more Lessons from the River. Love, heidi