h2odevos encores 022712 Heaven Help Us

"Day come white, Night come black 

You could wait forever to get this loneliness off your back
Even the moon waits for another sun
To shine a light shine a light on everyone

Heaven help us all

If we should fall from Love

Heaven help us all

If we should fall from Love

That's us beneath your umbrella

We both walk in my shoes

Oh some impossible storyteller

Wrote me in right next to you

You say this could be forever

I say maybe so

But God only knows

where would I be without you?"

Heaven Help Us by Peter Mayer/Roger Guth/ Jim Mayer 

It's a prayer you know. The words "heaven help us" are a request that God in heaven do something about some situation with some one. It's about as basic and simple as one can get. But, as you know very well, by the time those words are uttered, the situation is no longer basic or simple. Most likely it has increased in perceived difficulty and corresponding frustration.

Peter is singing about a relationship. From all appearances it sounds like a typical relationship with the usual ups and downs associated with it. The couple has progressed to some point or plateau of love. Maybe things haven't moved beyond where one party of the couple wished they had gone. Or perhaps, both parties realize that things aren't what they once were, nor will they be where they thought it was going to go.

"Heaven help us all

If we should fall from Love"

Peter's request/prayer is also appropriate to consider in regards to how one lives one's life in relationship with others. I believe that if one falls from love, then it would seem that hate is at the other end of the spectrum. My sense is that an appropriate prayer for our time and age would be, "Heaven help us all if we could fall from Hate." For it is in the absence of love where we act out certain things that aren't lovely, heavenly or even helpful.

The "impossible storyteller" is the One in whom all stories have their endings and beginnings. It is the One who makes our story complete.

Heaven help us as we attempt to love, to walk together, to realize where we are right now.

Still in one peace,

rtg

h2odevos encores 022612 I Brake for Rainbows

"There is a river of life all around us

It's our common ground, the gift we are given

Ocean and sky, the wild of the forest,

Were here long before us and meant for all children

We bring our differences, our hopes, our faith our fears

We'll build a home for love in this family

For the light that brought us here

In this blueprint for living

From the word that touched the earth

Round this house we plant a Garden

God's grace is our rebirth

Lend your voice in celebration

Lend your hand in lifting up

This is the day of creation

Built on the cornerstone of Love"

Blueprints by Peter and Jim Mayer

Rainbows are great. They often happen to appear when one least expects them. I've never seen a rainbow that was simply average or just okay. Have you?  Each one is a masterpiece of colors, radiance and engineering style and grace. When children see them, they know God is sending a colorful text message to them.  

Information gleaned from the website of the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Office states, "the traditional rainbow is sunlight spread out into its spectrum of colors and diverted to the eye of the observer by water droplets. The 'bow' part of the word describes the fact that the rainbow is a group of nearly circular arcs of color all having a common center." http://eo.ucar.edu/rainbows/

In the first lesson for today, we are told how this bow of color in the sky serves as a reminder to God to keep his promise to never, ever flood the entire earth again. And this promise is made not just with humans but  "the birds, the domestic animals and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark" (Genesis 9:9). So it includes, the "itsy bitsy spiders" the dolphins of the sea, the eagles of the sky, porcupines, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks, pigeons and everything else from aardvarks to zebras.

The rainbow is like a Technicolor "post-it note" that God sticks up in the sky every once in a while. It is a reminder for God and for everyone else, each and every animal, for all living beings who see it, that God has made a promise and intends to keep it. The rainbow is the "sign of the promise."

Promises in the Bible are called covenants.

Now what is very remarkable is that in the covenant which God proclaimed to Noah there are no strings attached, there are no terms, no "ifs,"  "ands" or "buts." There is no conditional language like if the party of the first person hereafter to be referred to as God Almighty does promise to treat the parties of the second person, hereafter to be referred to as "you and every living creature of all flesh" then this is what you have to do and the rainbow will be a sign that everything is okay. God simply says,

"I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.' 12God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth."  (Genesis 9:11-13)

"God's grace is our rebirth"

The gospel lesson for today (Mark 1:9-15) is like a poetic or theological rainbow. Baptism, temptation and announcement of the kingdom are all hung together, connected to a common center, namely Jesus Christ. The water droplets from the baptism flow right into the temptation which lasts for 40 days, just like the rain back in Noah's day and then, there is the promise of a new day, a new time a brand new world. Jesus proclaimed the good news by saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." (Mark 1:15)

Jesus announces the kingdom of God is near and it seems to me that sandwiched between this announcement and his baptism is a very short report on temptation. As you and I know quite well, temptation or testing comes almost like rainbows, when we least expect them. Sometimes, it would be helpful if we knew how long the test would be or that it is actually a test. Oscar Wilde, who knew a thing or two about temptation, once said, "I can resist everything, except temptation."

 The good news for us is that Jesus successfully resisted temptation. There are a couple of passages which I know are very helpful in dealing with temptation, in resisting it:

"No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it." (I Cor 10:13)

Now sometimes, I have said in response to that particular passage, "I wish God didn't have such a high opinion of me."

"Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested." (Hebrews 2:18)

Jesus knows us. Jesus knows what it is like to be human. Jesus knows our testings and our trials.

The Sign of the Promise comes to us as a rainbow. The Sign of the Promise comes to us in bread and wine. As we eat and drink in remembrance of Jesus may we see, feel and tell one another that the kingdom is coming near. God's blessings to you on your Lenten journey.  Perhaps we should have a bumper sticker that reads, "I brake for rainbows."

Peace,

rtg

h2odevos encores 022512 Accompany

"How can I come before you?

What worthy give would I bring?

What glorious feast would I offer?

What songs of majesty sing?

Lift this heart of sadness into gladness by your peace

Before I can come before You, You come to me

Ever walk with me Lord

Each night and day a rejoicing

With kindness the harmony, justice the beat

You've turned my footsteps to dancing

Oh Ever walk with me Lord"

Ever Walk With Me Lord by Peter Mayer

Good morning. Thanks for walking this Lenten journey together with cyber sisters and cyber brothers. It is good to do this with each other because there are times when it is quite difficult to attempt to do it all by oneself.

Yesterday, after I wrote the morning's devotion about walking, I was shuffling (a mix between walking and running through the light snow) on my way to the bus stop. On my right shoulder was the strap for my bag (which my colleagues suggest I could live out of for about a week). So, if you get the picture, I was running a little late, I'm off balance due to this heavy bag I carry, and all of a sudden I slip and fall.

Fortunately, I didn't injure anything except bruising my pride a little bit. But, I received a quick reminder of how easy it is to trip, slip and even fall when one is weighted down or off balance.

The words of St. Paul came to mind, "for we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor. 5:7).

I like the fact that he uses the plural pronoun "we." And so if I have just one word for you and me today, it is simply "accompany." As you and I go about our day today, my hope and prayer is that you will accompany someone on their journey. In turn, you will have someone accompany you on your journey.

Research reveals that anyone looking to increase their physical activity has a better success rate if they have a partner, friend, colleague, family member or neighbor to walk, run, skip, hop or dance with. Someone might be at a particular place or point in their life and be wondering if they could or should take another step. By walking with another, you will help them make progress toward their destination.

And of course, the blessing, the gift in all of this is the amazing grace that as we walk together, we are joined by Jesus who comes to us in the breaking of bread.

To accompany is to "share bread with."

So, I'd like to propose a "toast" of sorts, "may you accompany and be accompanied today!"

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

rtg

h2odevos encores 022412 The Priest of the Forest

“Rust or diamonds

You wonder who you are

Under who you are

Oh Lord, I'm tryin'

All the while I'm tumblin' barrel rollin'

In the arms that save me

Every plan that I made

Has been mystified by grace

Loving arms swept me away

And it's too late, it's too late

(We are) tumbled in the stream

(We go) crashing over and over

(We are) broken at the seams

(We are) Filled with Holy water”

Waterfall by Peter Mayer

Last fall I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Nashville with Peter and his family. One afternoon Peter and I went for a walk in a forest not far from their home.  As we hiked we were talking about family, friends, food, music and God of course.  All of a sudden, we saw a deer. I remarked to Peter, "We were so busy talking about God that we almost missed seeing God."

Here was a deer which stood majestically and regally in its place. It stared at us as it presided over the communion lovingly offered in the cathedral of the forest. The birds chanted their songs, the squirrels collected their offerings and butterflies danced a dance of joy and wonder. The deer pronounced the benediction and dismissed us before heading off for another service.

Every plan that I made

Has been mystified by grace

Loving arms swept me away

You might be taking Lent so seriously this year, or yourself so seriously, or maybe even God so seriously this year that in all the "talking about God, you might miss seeing God."

Here are some passages to keep on the hard drive of your heart, your soul, your mind:

Isaiah 35:6

"Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
      and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
      For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,
      and streams in the desert;" 

Psalm 18:33
He made my feet like the feet of a deer,
      and set me secure on the heights.

Psalm 42:1

As a deer longs for flowing streams,
      so my soul longs for you, O God.

Drink it up,

rtg

h2odevos encores 022312 My Friend, Lent

"I'm a lonesome chord looking for a song

Still not sure I know where I belong

You're a tired word looking for a rhyme

Feel as though you're running out of time

They say Joy will be

Just around the bend

'Til I'm there

It's good to have a friend"

You're a quiet whisper dancing in the breeze

I'm a hurricane tumbling toward the keys

You're a wild dream on a falling star

To me the destination seems too far

 It's Good to Have a Friend by David Bailey & Peter Mayer

I was on an elevator the other day when I heard someone say, "I hate Lent."  I didn't respond verbally, but my heart exclaimed, "I love Lent!  Lent is my Friend."  For folks who know me quite well, maybe you are now saying to yourself, "Well, okay, that explains it."  Or some of you may be thinking, "How can anyone like Lent, let alone love Lent?"

I have always lived in places where the four seasons each claim distinct parts of the year.  Around this time each year, Peter's words ring very true for me:

     "I'm a lonesome chord looking for a song

     Still not sure I know where I belong."

In these days I experience restlessness.  The magazine covers that I see in the checkout line at stores all diagnose SAD-Seasonal Affective Disorder.  However, Ash Wednesday suggests the same acronym, SAD, but let me say it's clearer, it demands different words and behavior, namely, "Some Alternate Direction."

"Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing.  Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing."  (Joel 2:12-13)

In other words, my friend, Lent invites me, and each one of us to change, to undergo a metamorphosis, an extreme makeover (if you will) and return to Sender, the creator of the world.

"You're a tired word looking for a rhyme

Feel as though you're running out of time"

As the sign of the cross is made in ashes on our forehead, the following words are said, "Remember, you're dust and to dust you shall return."  It's confirmed, we are running out of time.  Lent reminds us that "time flies" and "time waits for no one."  I wonder how many people would like to file for extensions, for an exception to the rules, to be exempt from the deadline.

My friend, Lent doesn't visit me for more than 40 days each year.  I know some people who seem to entertain Lent as a guest 365 days each year, but I've found that 1/9th of each year is good enough.  In fact, it's perfect because after Lent comes and goes 50 Days of Easter arrive.

"They say Joy will be

Just around the bend

"Til I'm there

It's good to have a friend"

Thanks for taking time for this journey.  As people who have a mutual friend, let's get to know each other and God better during these 40 days and nights.

Peace,

rtg

h2odevos encores 022212 On Your Mark

"How can I hear when You call? 

When at last grace has found me
Will I recognize it at all?
Lift this song of sadness into gladness at Your feast
To hear Your voice is calling, come walk with me

Ever walk with me Lord
Each night and day a rejoicing
With kindness the harmony, justice the beat
You've turned my footsteps to dancing
Oh Ever walk with me Lord"

Walk With Me Lord by Peter Mayer

The message on the sign changes to WALK. It is part command and even demand. It is part invitation and part vocation. WALK. I look out my window on this early February morning. It is dark and cold. The snow is falling and everything looks fresh, new, clean and pure. I've got snowshoes in a box that are calling me to WALK. Another message comes our way today as well on this first day of Lent. "You are dust and to dust you shall return."  Just in case we thought we were immortal these words are spoken as the sign of the cross in ashes is made on our forehead. In other words, we are terminal. Maybe those words stop us dead in our tracks. Perhaps they give us pause to reflect on our condition, our health status and also  to remind us that in baptism we have been marked with the cross of Christ. Consequently, we are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world. WALK. "They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden." Genesis 3:8 I am imagining what the sound is when the Lord God walks in the garden. Does it sound like a symphony orchestra or church organ music? Or do the footsteps sound heavy and judgmental? Are the footsteps brisk or was God just out for a stroll? Adam and Eve knew, they understood immediately what the situation was and began to make excuses. When I've been confronted with my brokenness or sinfulness, it has been natural for me to want to change my walk into running away in order to hide or distance myself. On this first day of  our Lenten journey, I invite you to hear the words proclaimed by the prophet Joel,  "Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 13rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing." Joel 2:12-13 In many Christian traditions it is customary to "give up" something for Lent. To do without something is a very helpful discipline. As a youngster, I used to give up lima beans and broccoli for Lent. As you might suspect, that wasn't too big of a sacrifice for me. I encourage you to "take on" something different this Lent. And if I may suggest something, that something would be to increase your physical activity by striving to walk 10,000 steps per day. 2,000 steps is approximately a mile. On average most Americans walk 4,000-6,000 steps per day. So, I encourage you to go the extra mile or two. You'll be glad you did. An excellent resource to count your steps is www.americaonthemove.org. "Lift this song of sadness into gladness at Your feast To hear Your voice is calling, come walk with me" WALK, rtg

h2odevos encores 022112 A Postcard from London

A Postcard from London, Lent 2012

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I hope and pray this note finds you well. 

This Lent, I'm in London on Sabbatical. It began on January 1 and it's been just grand.

Cynthia Tanner and Brenda Greenwald are "tag-teaming" to ensure that h2o devos happen this Lent by pulling out "encores." When we knew Peter's live cd "Under Your Spell" was being released at the end of 2011, we decided to work on a "best of" h2o Devos for Lent 2012 since I'm working on renewal and some other projects. 

I remember one time that John Mellencamp (no relation, but a cool name like Glusenkamp) came out with a cd of some of his biggest hits. He stated that he didn't call it the "greatest hits" but rather, "It was the best I could do."

I think that's all that Jesus really wants from us, is "the best we can do." 

So, blessings to you on your Lenten Journey, thank you for taking and making time for h2o devos. May they water your soul.

rtg