"Smiles of Grace" +A Tribute to Ben Larson +h2odevoscbl1 040310 by Peter Mayer

Today's devo is written and recorded by Peter Mayer. It is a devo in memory of Ben Larson.
We offer it to you today in this time in between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Both Peter and I know "being in between" is often the place or space we find ourselves. The good news and hope of Easter is that it is in this precise place that God finds us and claims us again and again.
From Peter Mayer:

When I talked to Ron just a few days ago about doing a devotion in celebration of Ben Larson's life and music, he replied; "Yeah man, let's do it." I called Renee, Ben's wife, to ask her permission to use Ben's song, "Grace," and she agreed, saying this: "Ben never kept a diary; music has always been the diary of his life. Ben has always been about Grace, not cheap Grace, but God's Grace that enables us to be transformed and to truly love."
I first met Ben Larson at the 2006 ELCA Youth Gathering in San Antonio. He was this guitar player/singer and a leader with the Luther College choir. The director, Tim Peters, introduced me; "Peter, this is a really talented kid, someone you really should get to know." Ben had a big smile on his face that said nothing like; "Hi I've got a lot of promise and I know what I'm doing", but more... "Wow, isn't this amazing?! It's good just to be here!"
　
The same smile greeted my wife Patricia and me as we boarded the Lady of the Lake water taxi on our way to Holden Village, Chelan, WA in 2008. He shook my hand and said; " I'm Ben Larson and I'm supposed to play some music with you up at Holden this week." Ben and his wife Renee were both attending Wartburg seminary and preparing for their year of internship in Lincoln, Nebraska. They were newlyweds and were enjoying a wonder-filled time of life together taking steps toward the what, where, when, and how their life in ministry was to bloom and grow in the coming years.
　
I led a writing session that week, and both Ben and Reneé took part. I still recall parts of Ben's journal entry. He talked about water, the water we need to sustain our bodies, and the dire need for it in many places in the world. And he talked of our need for the living waters mentioned in the 4th chapter of John when Jesus says; "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst." I was struck by the honesty with which he asked difficult questions about his walk of faith; his belief that we best followed Christ's call to serve when we were faced outward (out-Word) into the world in giving of ourselves to those in need.
　
We closed the week at Holden with a service in which all the participants' writings during the weeklong session were used as a liturgy. After the service, while we were packing up, Ben started to play one of his songs, "Grace." I was really taken by it, and found out only later that there were many, many more songs, liturgies and choir pieces that he had written.
　
A year and a half later, in January of this year, Ben, Renee, and Ben's cousin Jonathan went to Haiti as part of their seminary studies, to learn about and work with the Lutheran Church in Haiti and with the St. Joseph's Home for boys and Resurrection Dance troupe. The day after they arrived, the magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck. Although Renee and Jonathan escaped injury and were able to dig themselves out, Ben was killed.
　
The breath was knocked out of so many of us whose lives were touched by Ben. We knew that the haunting questions, our grief, our shock, our loss, were repeated over and over in the lives of all the many Haitians who lost loved ones in the quake. Renee, in telling the story, said that Ben had spent the last moments of his life singing, remarkably, out of the rubble of a building that had buried him.
　
I celebrate Ben's life today, and God's song that sang through it. I'd like to pass on to you what Ben passed on to me; his call to sing God's song through all the joys and all the trials we are given, and then share it, all the way, until our last breath. In the last e-mail I received from Ben, he talked about the power of music to transform lives, that the world, all of us are certainly "changed by Love" in word and song. He encouraged me on in that path. He signed off by saying;
"God has gifted you for this calling, and I pray that the Spirit will fill you up and give you strength."
　
May that strength of the Spirit sustain you all through the darkness of Good Friday and on to the resurrection joy of Easter.
　
Here are the lyrics to Ben's song Grace.
Click here to listen to "Grace"
　
Grace
Ben Larson
　
A Mighty Fortress is our God
A rock and shield victorious
He breaks the cruel oppressors rod
And brings salvation glorious
You ask who this may be
The God our Rock is he
Christ Jesus mighty Lord
God's only son adored
On earth he has no equal
　
Struggling to live my life simultaneously saint and sinner
Struggling to live my life understanding your nature
All the power streams down in your glory
Confusing cause there's nothing I can do to be with you
　
It's all it's all Grace
It's all it's all Grace
　
Beginning to understand all there is about you will never be learned
Beginning to see my eternity can never be earned
Beginning to see that all good things are just reflected
All good things are just reflected off of you
　
It's all it's all Grace
It's all it's all Grace
　
All the love you give the love you show it's all Grace
All the love you give the love you show it's all Grace
Help us see
　
　Instrumental
It's all it's all Grace
It's all it's all Grace
All the love you give the love you show it's all Grace
All the love you give the love you show it's all Grace
Help us see　 ........Your Grace
　

Heart to Heart h2odevoscbl022210

Changed By Love (by Peter Mayer)



Sent In Peace

To share the Gift we're given

Sent In Peace

To change our way of living

In our heart in every place

Lift our voice oh God of grace

We will never be the same

We are sent in Peace
St. Paul wrote, "12For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor. 13)

The picture in today's devo is from Sherrie and John's wedding. Originally, we were supposed to be outside for the ceremony, but the weather quickly changed as it often does in Denver. Weddings like marriages often experience dramatic changes in climate which call for quick, realistic and meaningful adjustments by all the participants. I have come to learn over the years that what matters most at weddings is not so much where people stand, or what they are wearing, or what kind of music is played or isn't played, but what constitutes the event is the condition of the hearts involved.

Peter sings,

In our heart in every place

Lift our voice oh God of grace

We will never be the same

We are sent in Peace

Even though I stand for the entire wedding service, I like to say that I have the "best seat" in the house. In other words, the vantage point that I have is so up, close and personal that it is really a blessing. And if "eyes" can talk, then you all should/could see the sermons that are being preached when two people who have been brought together by love, changed by love and now are sent in peace stand together in front of their family and friends to pledge love, fidelity and support for each other.

The miracle which unfolds at the wedding and subsequently in the marriage is that two people promise to love unconditionally. I always say "that is what makes this so holy and wonderful. That is what makes this so challenging and difficult at times." For we live in a world of "conditions." And yet, at this particular point in time and space, in front of all these wonderful people, a couple like Sherrie and John promise to love, PERIOD. No strings attached. And into those unconditional words and promises there begins the formation of a bond, a blessed bond that ties and connects one to another. It is in the spoken word that this bond is woven again and again.

13And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love."

Be "sent in peace" today to love unconditionally,

rtg

Sent in Peace h2odevoscbls 022110 First Sunday in Lent

First Sunday in Lent
February 21, 2010

Changed By Love (by Peter Mayer)

Sent In Peace

To share the Gift we're given
Sent In Peace
To change our way of living
In our heart in every place
Lift our voice oh God of grace
We will never be the same
We are sent in Peace

Oscar Wilde is reported to have said, "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it. I can resist everything but temptation." Today is the First Sunday of Lent. The Gospel lesson appointed for this day is from Luke 4:1:11.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%204:1-11&version=MSG;KJV;BDS;HOF;RVR1995

It is the account of Jesus being tempted and, most important of all, resisting temptation. The devil prefaces each temptation with the conditional word "if." I find it comforting to know that because of Jesus we don't need to fall for such "come-on" lines. Because of him we've moved from "if" to the unconditional "since." Since we are children of God, we have a place and space in God's love.

I just love the following passage, too: "15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)

Peter reminds us that we are "sent in peace." In other words, "peace" is how and why we are sent. The purpose of our being sent (the Bible would call us "apostles") is to share the gifts we've been given.

One of the gifts I've been given is my sense of humor. Now, in all seriousness, I also know that like most gifts, it needs to be utilized with wisdom and good stewardship. Early on in my school career, my sense of humor got me ousted to the hallway (which was also the site of my grade school's Gifted and Talented program. The boiler room was where the "advanced placement" sessions took place.) I also learned along the way that sometimes my humor was used by me to keep people at a distance from me. At other times it was more like a weapon than it was a tool to enlighten, entertain and evangelize.

Today, I feel pretty balanced around the use of humor. I am grateful that we have a God who enjoys having the "last laugh."


One "temptation" I believe that we often fall prey to is to take ourselves, our lives and our faith so seriously. And so, I hope you enjoy my picture of "Lutheran Oats."

If you want to check out today's sermon, you can listen to it or read it by going to:

http://www.bethany-denver2.org/church-life/sermons/

My prayer and hope for you today is -
"2May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance." (Jude 1:2)
peace,

rtg

"God of Grace" h2odevoscbl 022010

Changed By Love (by Peter Mayer)



Changed by Love

And sent to share it

When you're changed by Love

You shine the Light and wear it

In your heart in every place

Lift our hands oh God of grace

We will never be the same

We are changed by Love


A few weeks ago Sue Ann and I were in London. We were able to attend a new exhibit which was titled "The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters" at the Royal Academy of Arts. You can learn more about this amazing exhibit by checking out

http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibitions/vangogh/exhibition/



A day prior to viewing the exhibit our son Noah and I were able to hear the curator explain how the show was envisioned and ultimately assembled. Both events where profound, moving and wonderful experiences.



There is a painting of Van Gogh's by the title, "Open Bible." The following article provides an introduction to that particular painting. Subconsciously, I believe the painting was in my head/heart when I took the picture of the pretzel, the coffee and the Bible (you might not be able to see that it is open to the Book of Psalms.)

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/great-works/great-works-still-life-with-open-bible-1885-vincent-van-gogh-1854567.html



Van Gogh was able to see the holy in the ordinary. Consequently, we the viewers are drawn to what is extra-ordinary. An article from about 20 years ago

http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=752 summarizes Van Gogh's work and was the basis for a book by Kathleen Powers Erickson, At Eternity's Gate:

The Spiritual Vision of Vincent Van Gogh.



Peter's music, his lyrics and tunes help me see the holy in the ordinary as well. I suppose another way of saying it is that Peter's music, lyrics and tunes help me experience grace-filled moments in the awkward moments and events of life.



Right now the Winter Olympics are on television. Gracefulness is readily apparent on the slopes, the rinks and halfpipes. Just the other morning I was leaving a meeting at a community building when my phone rang. As I was walking down the steps and only had three more steps to go, I answered my phone. Just a few moments later, I was on the floor. The only thing which really got hurt was my pride. I was pretty hard on myself for the rest of the morning because I was attempting to deal simultaneously with my Blackberry addiction as well as multi-tasking. Then I read the following passage,



4For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:4



Peter sings about a "God of Grace." Sometimes words get overused in our lives. Unfortunately, "Grace" is one of those words. My hope and prayer for you, for me today is to bask in the extraordinary ordinary-ness of God's grace.



Let me know how it goes for you. Drop me a note at h2o.devos@earthlink.net

Peace,

rtg

The Gospel According to Croutons 021910

Changed By Love (by Peter Mayer)



Changed by Love

And sent to share it

When you're changed by Love

You shine the Light and wear it

In your heart in every place

Lift our hands oh God of grace

We will never be the same

We are changed by Love


Father Dominic Garramone, OSB has written in his great little book, Bake and be Blessed: Bread Baking as a metaphor for Spiritual Growth:

"All of us have days when we feel we have been broken and shared until there's nothing left of us but crumbs... If our reward is with the Lord, then when we feel useless and 'crummy' we have to listen for Him to speak to us, to make us glorious in His sight, rather than worrying about outward signs of success. To do that, we have to take our exhaustion and frustration to prayer, and let Him be the source of our strength, rather than relying entirely on our own abilities. God has formed us from the moment of our conception, knows us through and through, with all our faults and weaknesses and failures, and still finds us precious, valued, even glorious. Although our busy schedules sometimes leave us only the crusts of the day to offer to God, they are acceptable, to be gathered up and not wasted." (page 94)

Father Dom's books and cookbooks are available on http://www.amazon.com/Bake-Be-Blessed-Metaphor-Spiritual/dp/0967465230
Peter is in harmony with Father Dom. He sings, "Lift our hands oh God of grace."

There are those times in life (even on just the third day of our Lenten journey) when one feels "crummy." One of the pictures in today's devo is that of a Bread shop. I wish that maybe outside the doors of all of our faith communities' buildings that we'd just post a simple five-letter sign that reads "Bread." For bread is so basic and central to our existence. It is my fervent hope and prayer that as we are "changed by love" that we know we can get bread and be bread for one another. And perhaps most important of all, we need to have places and spaces to go when we feel "crummy."

For those of us attempting to follow Jesus who called himself "the Bread of Life" aka " Pita vitae" what grace there is to know that crusts and croutons (if that is all we have left) are acceptable to God.

I invite you to offer up the "leftovers" you have to God. I encourage you to be open and honest with God (who knows what's going on, anyway). May you be "changed by love" today.

Peace,

Rtg

Bread

This Day 021810 h2odevoscbl

This Day
February 19, 2010
+Martin Luther 1483-1546+



H2odevoscbl 021810 2nd This Day

+Martin Luther 1483-1546+



Changed By Love (by Peter Mayer)

Changed by Love

And sent to share it

When you're changed by Love

You shine the Light and wear it

In your heart in every place

Lift our hands oh God of grace

We will never be the same

We are changed by Love

It must have been 15 years ago or so when I heard Nancy Bond emphasize the phrase, “give us ‘this day’ our daily bread.” I was officiating at the table at Gethsemane Lutheran in St. Louis. Nancy was the assisting minister. We were leading the congregation in the Lord’s Prayer and she said it ever so lovely, sweetly and intentionally, “give us this day our daily bread.”

At that precise moment of hearing those words I looked down at the silver chalice which had been lovingly polished by members of the altar guild. As I stood there I saw my reflection and Nancy’s reflection upside down. It was an appropriate sign to receive for when we truly get into the “this-ness” of daily bread it turns everything upside down.

I must confess that at times I am about “next week’s bread” or even “next year’s bread.” Or what about the bread when I retire? But, Nancy’s confession and profession comes back to me whenever I pray those words, “give us this day our daily bread.”

Nancy turned things upside down, too. She now lives and works in Ghana. One really shouldn’t be surprised. For as Peter sings,

“When you're changed by Love

You shine the Light and wear it

In your heart in every place.”

To find out more about what Nancy is up to check out the link

http://www.rafiki-foundation.org/ghana/ghana.html

Martin Luther who died on this date in 1546 defined “daily bread” as

“Everything included in the necessities and nourishment for our bodies, such as food,

Drink, clothing, shoes, house, farm, fields, livestock, money property, an upright spouse, upright children, upright members of the household, upright and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, decency, honor, good friends, faithful neighbors and the like.”

WOW, that’s a lot for “this day.”



Some “daily bread” made by Chef Kurt Harvey, Camp Arcadia, Arcadia Michigan.

Have a blessed day, “this day”

Peace,

rtg

On Your Mark, Get Sent, Grow! (H2odevoscbl 021710 Ash Wednesday)

H2odevoscbl 021710 Ash Wednesday On Your Mark, Get Sent, Grow!



Changed By Love (by Peter Mayer)

Changed by Love

And sent to share it

When you're changed by Love

You shine the Light and wear it

In your heart in every place

Lift our hands oh God of grace

We will never be the same

We are changed by Love

A good way to begin this forty day journey that we call “Lent” is to hear the words, “on your mark, get sent, grow!” The “mark” or beginning point for us on this holy day is the cross. In many churches people will gather to have a cross, a “mark” put on their forehead. This cross, this “mark” reminds us, individuals and communities that “we are dust and to dust we shall return.” In other words we are reminded in a stark, honest and sometimes mind-numbing manner that we will ultimately die one day. Our culture struggles with accepting this fact. The so-called “reality” tv shows will never show us that our quest for a “fountain of youth” will leave us high and dry. Ultimately, it is a mirage.

During our six weeks together we focus our attention as Peter sings that we are “changed by love.” I’ve been praying about those words because there is at times a tendency to believe that fear or law can be more effective in bringing about change. There is no denying that we can be “changed” by fear or “changed” by law. But, in the long run (and that’s what this Christian lifestyle is all about) it seems to me that to really see and experience the kingdom or reign of God is to be shaped, formed and re-designed by LOVE. We just celebrate Valentines Day. If you need a quick primer on love, check out

I Corinthians 13

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=i%20corinthians%2013&version=MSG;KJV;CEV

Lent is about being “sent.” Peter sings, “we are changed by love and sent to share it.” So there is direction and movement implied in this process. We haven’t been changed by love in order to “stand still.” But, rather, “changed by love and sent to share it.”

And in that intentional movement there will be growth. It might be the kind of growth we are expecting and desire. But, it might be growth of a nature and kind that is surprising and potential disarming for us. No matter, “we will never be the same.”

“Changed by love”

On your mark, get sent, grow!

rtg

All You Need is Love (cbl021410)

Happy Valentine's Day and a Blessed Transfiguration Sunday, too!
During Lent (which begins on this coming Wednesday, February 17th) we will focus our attention on being "changed by love." Peter Mayer has written a marvelous song about this. It will serve as our "spiritual mapquest" for the 40 days of journeying from ashes to alleluias.


Changed By Love (by Peter Mayer)

Changed by Love
And sent to share it
When you're changed by Love
You shine the Light and wear it
In your heart in every place
Lift our hands oh God of grace
We will never be the same
We are changed by Love

Sent In Peace
To share the Gift we're given
Sent In Peace
To change our way of living
In our heart in every place
Lift our voice oh God of grace
We will never be the same
We are sent in Peace

Come Holy Spirit
Lift us higher
Breath of the Spirit
Come and start the fire
In our heart in every place
Christ the Light through all our days
We will never be the same
Holy Spirit Come
We will never be the same
We are changed by Love
heart

God's blessings to you on this lovely day.
peace,
rtg

Stars and Promises * Epiphany* January 6, 2010

"Way look away
Star of the East is rising
To all who roam 'twill guide you home tonight"
Mother's Song by Peter Mayer


http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/christmas/nativities/*/viewPage/6

Take a look at the floor in this picture. The tiles and plates are upended. I've come to learn that in many paintings featuring the Adoration of the Kings, there are often signs of disrepair. In other words, the "part of the world as they knew it was falling apart." At the same time a new age, a new day is being created and birthed.

"The world is broken and now
All in sorrow
Wise men hang their heads"
Lullaby to an Anxious Child by Sting & Dominic Miller

I recently heard this song by Sting. This particular stanza is an amazing lyric. It summarizes what many people feel at this time in our experience. And yet these words are a lullaby for a child. They are descriptive for what many people feel and experience on a daily basis.

"Friends and dear ones from our yesterdays
Coming home to that familiar place
A sigh catches your breath then a smile for
The season of stars and promises"
Stars and Promises by Peter Mayer

I am becoming more and more convinced about the power and need for community. And like many things perhaps community is not so much the destination, but rather the journey. Over the past few years I have remarked that most people I know who join church come looking for a sense of community. They are hungry for a place and space where they're welcomed and accepted. However, sometimes church in its feebleness or shortsightedness offers people an opportunity to serve on a committee instead of the real deal, community. There is no doubt that sometimes community is a byproduct of being on a committee. But, there's no guarantee.

"The Christmas star, shines from afar
a herald of joy far and wide
Break out the lights Christmastide"
Ring Out The Bells by Peter Mayer

table cloth

"Love is in short supply such an obvious demand
Shouldn't be so hard to understand
We hang the lights for hope look for the star to follow
Peace on earth for what it's worth is in our hands"
This Christmas by Peter Mayer, Jim Mayer, Mac McAnally
　

On Sunday, January 3rd, Eleanor Tanner (the mother of good friend Bob Tanner and mother-in-law of Cynthia Tanner who designs these devos for us) died after a long illness. She was, in the words of Cynthia, "a wonderful, caring person."

On Monday, January 4th, it was the two-year anniversary of my Father's death at the age of 90 years. On Monday morning, I officiated at a funeral service for a three-year-old little boy who died in a car accident on December 23rd, 2009. The family of this child are not members of our church, but the local funeral home contacted me and asked if I'd help the family. My response was, "of course." I said in my homily, "As we lift up our eyes to the hills, we hold onto promises and let those promises hold onto us." I know it deep in my heart and soul, in the very fiber of my being that a passage that St. Paul wrote to the Christians in Romans, to be true, "nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8)

"In living and dying, laughing and crying
The words of the Lord remain true
Nothing can sever this gift of forever
And each Christmas night the star's guiding light will find you."
Love is Born Anew by Peter Mayer

Celebrate the Season of Stars and Promises,
Peace,
RTG


Ps -we'll be back on Ash Wednesday, February 17th
Until then, check out my exercise blog
www.revup-rtg.blogspot.com
and some twitter accounts of mine:
www.twitter.com/revuprtg
www.twitter.com/rtgcycleR
www.twitter.com/petermayersongs
　

Sundays and Seasons
Blessing of the Home at Epiphany
Introduction
Matthew writes that when the magi saw the shining star stop overhead, they were filled with joy. "On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother" (Matt. 2:10-11). In the home, Christ is met in family and friends, in visitors and strangers. In the home, faith is shared, nurtured, and put into action. In the home, Christ is welcome.
Twelfth Night (January 5) or another day during the season of Epiphany offers an occasion for gathering with friends and family members for a blessing of the home, using the following as a model. Someone may lead the greeting and blessing, while another person may read the scripture passage. Following an eastern European tradition, a visual blessing may be inscribed with white chalk above the main door; for example, 20 + CMB + 10. The numbers change with each new year. The three letters stand for either the ancient Latin blessing Christe mansionem benedica, which means, "Christ, bless this house," or the legendary names of the magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar).
　
　
Greeting
May peace be to this house and to all who enter here.
By wisdom a house is built
and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.
See Proverbs 24:3-4.
　
Reading
As we prepare to ask God's blessing on this household,
let us listen to the words of scripture.
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came into being through him,
and without him not one thing came into being.
What has come into being in him was life,
and the life was the light of all people.
The Word became flesh and lived among us,
and we have seen his glory,
the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.
From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
John 1:1-4, 14, 16
　
Inscription
This inscription may be made with chalk above the entrance:
20 + C M B + 10
The magi of old, known as
C: Caspar,
M: Melchior, and
B: Balthasar
followed the star of God's Son who came to dwell among us
20: two thousand
10: and ten years ago.
+: Christ, bless this house,
+: and remain with us throughout the new year.
　
Prayer of Blessing
O God,
you revealed your Son to all people
by the shining light of a star.
We pray that you bless this home and all who live here
with your gracious presence.
May your love be our inspiration,
your wisdom our guide,
your truth our light and your peace our benediction;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Then everyone may walk from room to room, blessing the house with incense or by sprinkling with water, perhaps using a branch from the Christmas tree.
　　
　
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2010 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26681.

　
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." 3When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"
7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." 9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

THIS NIGHT SING JOY +Christmas Eve+

"Joy joy joy in the morning
Joy joy in the afternoon
Joy joy joy for the child is born
This night the promise is given to you"
Sing Joy by Peter Mayer
http://www.petermayer.com/AUDIO/SPA/SingJoy.mp3


We are almost there. Thank you for making the journey this Advent. It is my hope and prayer that you've been able to take time to mark time to prepare for the glorious heavenly text message that proclaims,
"Joy joy joy for the child is born

This night the promise is given to you"

As you might expect, the days before Christmas are quite busy. Sometimes in the midst of it all I lose my focus on what's important, or more appropriately, "who is" important. The other day I experienced a lack of Christmas "clarity." So, after a long day I put my laptop on my desk (I didn't even turn on the light in the office). I just set it on the desk and went to bed. To my surprise, shock, embarrassment and ultimately, JOY, I came back in the morning to work at my desk, and there was the angel JOY.

Sue Ann had sensed that I needed a Little JOY to get through the week.What's so great about JOY is that she's in flight, on the move, making her way around town.

So, tonight, bask in the JOY that comes from knowing that God has sent light and love to the world through the birth of a baby.

"Joy joy joy for the child is born

This night the promise is given to you"

Sing JOY

Rtg

A reading from Isaiah

2The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness -
on them light has shined.
3You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

The Adventure of Keep Walkin' 122309

"Hey Joseph keep walking, Hey Joseph keep walking
Hey Joseph keep walking to Bethlehem
Hey Joseph keep walking, Hey Joseph keep walking
Keep walking Joseph you're part of the plan"
Hey Joseph by Peter Mayer

http://www.petermayer.com/AUDIO/SPA/HeyJoseph.mp3


A great gift that you can give this Christmas is the gift of encouragement. The storms of life coupled with bumps along the journey can tend to add up to sums which result in discouragement. So, you can make a difference by deciding to encourage those who are making and taking strides to reach their goals. And sometimes one needs to have that same talk with oneself.



A passage which has meant a great deal to me and continues to be like a guiding star is

Jeremiah 29:11, " For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope."



Joseph had a plan, but that plan got changed when he learned that his fiancée was pregnant. He now had a new plan to put Mary away. But, God's heavenly plan collided or intersected with Joseph's plan which was built with fear, shame and worry.



Peter's song is all about encouragement, hope and grace,

"Hey Joseph keep walking, Hey Joseph keep walking
Hey Joseph keep walking to Bethlehem
Hey Joseph keep walking, Hey Joseph keep walking
Keep walking Joseph you're part of the plan"


The angel by the name of Adventure has wings made from a license plate and a key as a vest. During this last week of Advent the O Antiphons are read and said. Check out this one which reminds one of the "adventure of keep walkin.'"



O Key of David and Sceptre of the house of Israel, Who dost open and no man doth shut, Who dost shut and no man doth open, come and bring forth from his prisonhouse the captive that sitteth in darkness and in the shadow of death.



O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel; qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.



Keep walkin' & Sing joy

rtg

dance joy 122209

These days of winter have come to bury you

No sign of spring and no promise to carry you

No flowers blooming in your window sill

And the beat of your heart is too still...

And the beat of your heart is too still...Oh sing



Joy joy joy in the morning

Joy joy in the afternoon

Joy joy joy for the child is born

This night the promise is given to you"
Sing Joy by Peter Mayer

http://www.petermayer.com/AUDIO/SPA/SingJoy.mp3


On Sunday night Chelsea, Jessica and McKenna danced their way into the Christmas Overture. It was lovely, surprising and gracious. So, in the same space that the concert took place, I officiated at a funeral on Monday. Later on today in that same space there will be a couple get married who stand with his two sons from a previous marriage. On Thursday evening, Christmas Eve, we will gather around the manger and rejoice in the gift of the Christ Child who makes all things new.

We are all part of a larger dance. The rhythms might change, the steps may get switched around, but we're in this holy hoe-down together.

Dance joy and sing joy
rtg

"Sing" Fourth Sunday of Advent

This is a special guest h2o devo from Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

As we inch closer to Christmas, the numbers of carols on the radio increase. Every week
more airtime is given to Christmas songs. You, like I, might find yourself humming or
singing along. Or if you're a non-singer, at least tapping your finger on the steering
wheel.

St. Augustine is often quoted as saying, 'He who sings, prays twice.' She, who sings,
prays twice. Indeed, isn't it fascinating that God gave us the ability to speak and use
words to express ourselves? Yet along with that gift came variations; we shout when
we're angry, we whisper when we're being tender, we sing to voice to any number of
emotions. Singing is a gift from God. Are you ready to sing a song of your soul?
I am so excited to share this text with you today. Excited because it's about two very
important women. I'm excited because I love music and Luke dictates Mary's song of
praise. I'm excited because we have a special guest with us this morning, Peter Mayer.

In just a few moments, Peter will sing to us these words:
Sing a song of love made new, Born on this Christmas day. Heaven and earth
rejoice in the view, when love is born anew. Love is born anew.

We are almost there. This fourth week of Advent is really like the last trimester of
pregnancy. Jesus' due date is coming; but He's not in the manger yet. So today for a
brief time, we get to sing along with Mary in her song of delight that her baby, God's
Son, is on the way, a few more months to go.

She sings these words in another translation of Luke 2, 'I'm bursting with God-news; I'm dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened - I'm the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.' i (Luke 2:46-49)

I can only imagine that perhaps God was singing right along with Mary. When Jesus was
conceived in her womb, God knew that love would be born anew. God had seen that all
of creation was good in the beginning of time when sun rays and blue fish, parakeets and
raindrops, brought God joy. But then as history played out, God's people strayed and
wandered not following their creator. With a grieving heart, God punished them and sent
them shouting prophets to get them back on track, often to no avail. Now in Mary, there
was to be a new beginning! A new creation. Love would be born anew.

Sing, Peter!
(Peter sings Chorus - Slide 1)

Yes, love is born anew. It never fails that new parents count fingers and toes. 1-10.
They touch them, they gaze at tiny eyelashes, they rejoice in silky, soft skin. New life. It
is amazing, mysterious, and beautiful. Only God could create such a creature as a baby.
Which is why it came as so great a surprise to Mary. This young teenager, inexperienced
with men, pushes back on Gabriel when he delivers the news of her impending delivery.
'How can this be?' It's what makes Mary's story so incredible to us: that divine and
mysterious conception. But remember, God has always been in the business of birthing
life where there is none.

To provide Mary's needed support, Gabriel tells her that Elizabeth, her aged cousin, has
also conceived a son - she who once was barren. And upon that news, Mary goes
running to the hills for a much needed female-to-female visit. Upon her entrance into the
house and cheery, 'Hello!' Elizabeth gets a strong kick from baby John in her own
womb. The Holy Spirit was moving. Elizabeth didn't see Mary's ultrasound to figure it
out, the Lord told her that standing before her was the mother of the Son of God. Then
Elizabeth rejoiced! She sang!

You know that feeling. Well gentlemen, you may not know the feeling of a baby
kicking, but you know the joy that comes when God acts in your life. Unexpectedly.
Marvelously. Decisively. In ways you never imagined and all you can do is rejoice or
sing! The check comes in the mail. The long lost daughter finally calls. Forgiveness is
granted and a relationship is restored. God's 'rivers flow through highlands and dry
lands, raise blossoms where nothing could bloom.' They are moments that God grants
us, to tell us in tangible ways that nothing will come between God and God's people.

(Peter sings Verse 1 and Chorus - Slide 2 and 3)

What happens when you and I are confronted with God's crazy call in our lives? When
an angel comes bearing an unexpected message of direction - what do we do?
We could decide to say no: stand still with eyes downcast waiting for the angelic being to
go away and we are alone again. Then we go back to all that is familiar and usual and
concrete, humming a comforting tune, trying to forget the encounter ever happened.
If God begins to change our lives anyway through aging parents, change of jobs, sudden
illness, we could actively fight it. Resisting with all our might and denying the reality we
see so that we don't have to alter or modify our routines, emotions, or best laid plans.
'Life the way it used to be' is a powerful catalyst for anger, depression and definitely, no
angels or singing.

But what happens when we say yes? What transformation comes when we say 'yes' to
crazy ideas from crazy angels who tell us that God is at work in our lives? Then we
embrace the unknown, get excited about mystery, actually look for adventure and come
alive. Our souls sing! Then love is born anew in us.

Mary sings about God who brings down the powerful and lifts up the lowly. We never
know what God will be up to when we accept a call. God's ways are not our ways, but
God is the only One to know the way. It doesn't mean we might not be scared or
encounter difficulties. Yet even when 'roads are long and weary', 'nights long and cold',
it is worth it! Why? Because the God of creation is birthing new life in ... us! We
'lovers are dreamers' and Jesus said we could move mountains with only a seed of faith.
With faith Mary accepted God into her body and therefore moved not only mountains,
but the whole of history. Say yes! 'Sing the song of your soul!'

(Peter sings verse 2 and 2a)

Mary is known in the Greek Orthodox Church as Theotokos, "the God-bearer." Only she
had the unique joy and burden of carrying Jesus into the world. Mary the God bearer.
Mary, the mother of God.

Meister Eckhart, the Dominican monk of 14th century Germany wrote, "We are all meant
to be mothers of God. What good is it to me, if this eternal birth of the divine Son takes
place unceasingly but does not take place within my self? And, what good is it to me if
Mary is full of grace if I am not also full of grace: What good is it to me for the Creator
to give birth to his Son if I do not also give birth to him in my time? This, then is the
fullness of time: When the Son of God is begotten in us." ii

To be a God-bearer, doesn't depend upon gender. When you and I open the wombs of
our souls, we simply acknowledge the Divine who already exists therein. Then when we
say yes to angels' visits and new directions, the Holy Spirit kicks inside of us. The Spirit
forms our hearts and minds to carry God into the world. We die to self and rise to bear
life in new places, with new people in places we never dreamed of going. That's when
God sings, because we are pregnant to God's possibilities. As Elizabeth said, 'Blessed
woman (or man) who believed what God said, believed every word would come true!'iii

(Peter sings last Verse/Chorus - Slide 6 and 7)

Sing the song of your soul. Sing the song that God is currently writing on your heart.
Sing! Love is Born Anew! Let us sing! Amen.

i Eugene Peterson, The Message (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1995), p. 139.

ii http://marshmk.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/birthing-god-the-feast-of-the-annunciation/

iii Eugene Peterson, The Message (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1995), p. 139.

Smile Joy + Fourth Sunday of Advent 122009+

"Friends and dear ones from our yesterdays
Coming home to that familiar place
A sigh catches your breath then a smile for
The season of stars and promises"
Stars and Promises by Peter Mayer


We are definitely in the season of "stars and promises." Each day draws us closer to the holy moment of the "Word becoming flesh." It's a time to smile and rejoice in the good news that God smiles with us and on us with grace, hope and light.



On this day many years ago, Katherine von Bora Luther died. She was a former nun who married the former priest Luther. Together they had six children. You can read more about her life and witness by going to http://bit.ly/8AEmQ7



On this Sunday we are blessed to sing and hear the Song of Mary.

46And Mary said,
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever."



This song echoes Hannah's song found in 1 Samuel.

Hannah prayed and said,
"My heart exults in the LORD;
my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in my victory."
2"There is no Holy One like the LORD,
no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God."
3Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the LORD is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed."
4The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble gird on strength."
5Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn."
6The LORD kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7The LORD makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low, he also exalts."
8He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's,
and on them he has set the world."
9"He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness;
for not by might does one prevail."
10The LORD! His adversaries shall be shattered;
the Most High will thunder in heaven.
The LORD will judge the ends of the earth;
he will give strength to his king,
and exalt the power of his anointed."



Smile joy, sing joy!

rtg



Magníficat ánima mea Dóminum,
et exsultávit spíritus meus
in Deo salvatóre meo,
quia respéxit humilitátem
ancíllæ suæ.

Ecce enim ex hoc beátam
me dicent omnes generatiónes,
quia fecit mihi magna,
qui potens est,
et sanctum nomen eius,
et misericórdia eius in progénies
et progénies timéntibus eum.
Fecit poténtiam in bráchio suo,
dispérsit supérbos mente cordis sui;
depósuit poténtes de sede
et exaltávit húmiles.
Esuriéntes implévit bonis
et dívites dimísit inánes.
Suscépit Ísrael púerum suum,
recordátus misericórdiæ,
sicut locútus est ad patres nostros,
Ábraham et sémini eius in sæcula.

Glória Patri et Fílio
et Spirítui Sancto.
Sicut erat in princípio,
et nunc et semper,
et in sæcula sæculórum.

Amen.

Table Talk 121909 Saturday

"The song of an angel, good cheer to a stranger
The loved ones you've known all the way
Coming back to the heart of the matter to scatter the whistles
And bells
You're telling the story of Christmas"
The Story of Christmas by Peter Mayer



My family and close friends know that I love the music of Peter Mayer, Bono and Sting. In fact, the word love might be an understatement. After observing me watch and listen non-stop over the past week to Sting's new dvd A Winter's Night-live from Durham Cathedral, Sue Ann used the word obsession. I confess and readily admit my deep admiration, attraction and attention for these artists who so amazingly communicate and engage folks via music. People at church are used to me quoting in sermons from that "great theologian" Bono. And of course, I "sing joy" because Peter and I have been able to collaborate together throughout the years. Tomorrow night Peter will be at Bethany in Denver. I know the Fourth Sunday of Advent is gonna be rockin'.

As much as I love the turn and twists of lyrics and tunes, what really tells the story of Christmas to me is the domestic drama which gets played out at the dining room table. What I'm talking about here is how my dear wife Sue Ann decorates and celebrates this Holy Season by making a place, a cradle, a room for the Christ child to enter in. It's subtle and sometimes I don't notice right away, but each and every day in our lovely home there is a new way she "comes back to the heart of the matter." The table cloth and bowl of stars in the picture has graced our table since the beginning of Advent. Each piece is a memory and a celebration of where we've been together with family and friends. Every crèche, candle and decoration is a reminder of the Reason for the Season.
She clearly and radiantly echoes
"The song of an angel, good cheer to a stranger."

I'd like to "sing joy" like she does,
rtg

GRACE, PLAY & HOPE 121809

h2o devos sj 121809

"Once again the story begins
Bringing good news in the night
Ring out the bells Christmastide

Break out the lights shine them bright
Hang them from tree and from rafter
Let them burn all through the night
Light up your hearts with the laughter"
Ring Out The Bells by Peter Mayer

I've written before about my day off being Thursday. So, yesterday I was able to get a massage, an H1N1 Flu shot and go to my Weight Watchers meeting. I wouldn't have initially equated that trifecta of activities with Grace, Play & Hope, but the more I think and pray about it, maybe there is a direct connection.

Peter is reminding us that we are in the story,
"Once again the story begins
Bringing good news in the night
Ring out the bells Christmastide."

It is all around us and yet, I am often too busy, too preoccupied, too tied up with what I think is important to let the angelic trio of Grace, Play & Hope invite me to "story time."
Maybe you find yourself in a similar situation. So, today, make a wish, a time to let
Grace, Play & Hope invite you to "story time." You'll be glad you did.

Sing Joy,
rtg　

The Good Book 121709 Thursday

"I hear You in the gentle wind blowing through the trees
I hear You whisper in my dreams
Only You conceived the starlight that shimmers through the night
Only You can call me home from this life

I know it in my heart to be true
The answer to me is only You"

Only You by Peter Mayer and Jim Mayer

Sue Ann gave me a copy of the book U2 by U2 for Christmas. In one of the chapters Bono states that Jeremiah 33:3 is "God's phone number."

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." (Jeremiah 33:3)

The Bible is full of "text messages" for our day and age. Sometimes, people tell me they want to read the Bible more, but they don't know where to start. That's a pretty fair point. Often at the beginning of a year people decide to start reading the Bible with the first book of the Bible, namely Genesis. Usually about two weeks into it, they find themselves in the Land of Nod and jettison the project. The Psalms are a good place to start if you are wondering or wandering around for a place to begin. Just start by reading a few of them. The words might connect to you or they may not. But, hang in there, they are the songs of people who were trying to follow God's voice.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has a daily Bible email that goes out. You can sign up for it by going to the following link:
http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/The-Bible.aspx

Peter sings,
"The word went leaping off the pages
breaking in the windows and leaping over wall
All you asked for was a cool glass of water
And you got a waterfall
God is loose in the world"

Loosen Up and sing joy
rtg

The Song of your Soul 121609

h2o devos sj 121609


"The journey may take you through roads long and weary
May lead you through nights long and cold
But lovers are dreamers healing believers
You can move mountains by singing a song of your soul"
Love Is Born Anew
by Peter Mayer

Wow, I just listened to this song once again. It is amazing. And what really touched me was the notion that a mountain could be moved "by singing a song of your soul."

It takes faith to sing one's soul song, doesn't it? I mean, those cosmic bits and pieces of light and harmony which have been garnered through blood, sweat and tears can be so precious and spectacular. By singing one's soul song, it is obvious that one can be vulnerable. But, at the same time it is obvious that one can be valuable to another person who also is drawn to the light and lyric that one has to share.

Jesus said, "Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)

Making pretzels is a way that I sing my soul song. What does it for you? How do you sing your soul song?

Together our souls sing joy
rtg

Bridge Building 121509

"Only You can break down the walls that hide me away
Only You can turn the night into day
Only You can stop the darkness from over taking me
Created the land the sky and sea

I know it in my heart to be true
The answer to me is only You

Only You can stand beside me through all my thoughts and deeds
You raised the mighty Redwood from the seed
Only You formed the mountains that stretch to the sky
Cover them with moonlight tonight

I know it in my heart to be true
The answer to me is only You"

Only You by Peter Mayer & Jim Mayer


I was on my way to the YMCA yesterday when I saw the following words of wisdom written on a erasable white board positioned at the foot of the steps leading up to the membership counter at the Y:

"He who can't forgive others destroys the bridge over which he himself must pass" -George Herbert

I thought about those words throughout my workout. During these days and nights of transition it is natural to review the good times as well as the not so good times. I am reflecting on the relationships which have blossomed and grown and consequently some which have withered and died. I like to think of myself as a "bridge builder" and yet those words of Rev. Herbert have been constructive in assisting me to assess if I have been destructive by my own refusal to forgive others in the way I have been forgiven.

I looked up the quote for more information. One source I found gives a little more context, "He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven: for everyone has need to be forgiven."

When there is an impasse or lack of progress, I think it is helpful to assess the situation from the perspective of "capacity" and also "volition." In other words, is a person, institution, and congregation "capable" of doing what is asked, expected or required? Do they have the gifts and abilities to do the task or mission? Furthermore, do they have the will, the "gumption" as my grandmother would say, or the "heart" to do it?

So, I need to ask myself those questions in terms of forgiveness. My conclusion is that I have the ability to forgive, and so what keeps me at times from doing it? Well, I must confess in certain instances it is a lack of will or perhaps a sense of fear. Maybe I've spent so much energy on not forgiving that I'm not sure where that energy would be channeled if redirected. It's weird, but I've probably grown attached to the perceived pain or injury by another. And so it's time to be about building bridges, "for everyone has need to be forgiven" including me for my lack of forgiving.

I trust the Stars and Promises pointing to the long awaited Savior of the world will help me re-solve any construction problems I have.

Peace and remember to sing joy

RTG

Flow River Flow 121409

"Flow river flow through highlands and drylands
Raise blossoms where nothing could bloom
Come living water lift up your children
And nothing shall come between us and you"

Love Is Born Anew by Peter Mayer

Yesterday the Sunday School children presented their program entitled "THE FEAR NOT FACTOR." It was a wonderful way of getting ready for the coming of the Lord. One of the main reasons to incorporate the program into the 10:30am worship is to facilitate the children of the congregation to be faith formers through their singing, story telling and dancing. Another key ingredient in the mix is to present opportunities for parents, children, aunts, uncles and cousins to worship together.
As Peter sings, It's a marvelous time to pray,
"Come living water lift up your children
And nothing shall come between us and you."

G.F. Handel died 250 years ago in 1759. I find it amazing and wonderful that in this year of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of The Origin of the Species that we are still taking time and making time to celebrate Messiah. For a little taste of this amazing work, check out the Bethany College Choir, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abcgpn2UTV8

Two of the things that I think a lot about are a couple of questions which our culture wrestles with in many ways due to fantastic advances in healthcare and medicine. The two questions are:
1,"When does life begin; and 2, when does life end?"
And while significant progress has been made in regards to the technological and scientific aspects of our lives, it is fairly obvious that it is difficult for many of us to have authentic and civil conversations when addressing these questions. My hope and prayer this season is that Peter's words become personal and cosmic realities:

"Flow river flow through highlands and drylands
Raise blossoms where nothing could bloom"

Last February when our son Nate and I spent some time in London, a key stop was Handel's House. We took the tour and were amazed to find out that in the 1960s a soon-to-be famous musician rented a room in the Handel House.



Wow, Handel and Hendrix. Who knows what will happen next? Maybe the visitors from the East at Epiphany will include Lady Gaga, Bono and Sting.

Sing Joy,
Rtg
PS, extra bonus, my good friend Denise from St. Louis sent me this note on Sunday morning after she attended Mass:

Msgr. Hanneke had a good message in his homily yesterday that made me think of the Advent devos. "Joy is the companion of the belief in Jesus Christ. The realization, the moment you truly believe in Christ can bring nothing but true Joy. Not the giddy joy of youth, or of meeting an old friend but a Joy from your gut that radiates through your whole being bringing peace and serenity."

Joy to the World,
Denise

rejoice2 3rd Sunday of Advent 121309

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

From Philippians 4:4-7 we read:
4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:4-7

There is an old story about a young preacher who returned to his home congregation to deliver a sermon on a significant anniversary of the parish. He wanted everyone to know how learned he had become since he was the little boy that had grown up in that church.
And so he preached and he preached. He covered everything from Genesis to Revelation.
He covered topics related to philosophy, theology, ecology and eschatology. His words included things like stewardship, philanthropy, governance and administration. At the end of the service he stood out in the narthex greeting the congregation. People said all the appropriate nice things to him. He saw his second grade Sunday School teacher, and she simply shook his hand. She didn't say a word. Finally he couldn't contain himself any longer and said, "Well, how was the sermon?" She looked at him and thought for a minute and said, "It was like the peace of God." A big smile came to his face and then she said, "It was like the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding."

We come together on this day in worship so that God who gathers us, speaks to us, feeds us and sends us might shape, transform and mold our lives into something useful and practical for the furthering of the reign of God. It is clear from the lessons that "kingdom coming" needs to flow out of us in response to God's law, mercy, grace and love.

We hear pretty clear, concise and simple instructions on how to do this from the words of St. Paul who wrote, 4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

In other words, "REJOICE, squared or to the second power." And the reason for rejoicing, the cause for celebration is because the Lord is near.

A great way to gain insight into a text is to read it in various translations. One translation is called THE MESSAGE by Eugene Peterson. Listen to these words,
4-5Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
　6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Let me repeat, "It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." That's really what Advent is all about. We've been talking about how to move beyond the "crush" of the season to focus on the "crèche," namely the "reason for the season." Rejoice might have certain connotations for us. We might feel, you know there is too much stuff going on in my life right now that I don't feel I can REJOICE. But, think, imagine, "try this on for size" "Celebrate God all day, every day." In other words, one needs to move from thinking or being stuck on self, to being focused, centered on Jesus. Peterson encourages us, "don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray." Often when I visit homebound members, they lament that they aren't as involved as they once were. I encourage them to pray. "Let petitions and praise shape your worries into prayers." WOW, talk about faith formation. We hear in this set of passages, "letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down."

Advent is about making time, taking time to mark time. It is not about "doing time" or even "killing time" but rather to 5Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!

A person who reveled in him and who revealed him was St. Lucy. You can learn more about her life and death by
http://www.newsweden.org/luciahistory.htm

Amen.

Sing Joy,
rtg

Beautiful and Bountiful 121209 Saturday

"Bountiful"
©created by Delia Stewart

"Wrap it up in yesterday's newspaper
Whatever you got to give we could use as well
A most unlikely place for Christmas
In a junkyard shop to find Emmanuel
Flim Flam preacher man fix it King
Arch rival of the squeaky clean
Out of broken pieces sees a beautiful thing
That's a Junkman
For this worn out world he loved so well
With a troubled treasured story to tell
There's not much time but it's yours and mine
Before the night is through
If you've got anything left to give
This is for you"
Junkman's Christmas Eve by Peter Mayer

Peter sings, "Out of broken pieces sees a beautiful thing"

You can see in the picture of Bountiful an upside down shovel. More specifically it is more in the spade category than a shovel. And being an upside down spade or shovel is probably an appropriate symbol for each one of us as we imagine and re-imagine all the gifts we've been given.

The psalmist wrote and sang, "What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?" Psalm 116:12. So then, listen once again to Peter's words, "Out of broken pieces sees a beautiful thing."

There is plenty when we take time or make time to see and hear the beauty and bounty all around us. We're about half way to Christmas Day. I invite you to be like the "junkman" and adopt an attitude of gratitude. The world is full of beautiful and bountiful pieces and peaces of joy!

Sing Joy,
rtg

Redeem 121109 Friday

H2o devos sj 121109 Redeem


@created by Delia Stewart)

“Crooked arrows and keyless locks
Rusted dreams in an old toolbox
Bruised believer he’s taken his knocks
That’s a Junkman’s Christmas Eve”
Junkman’s Christmas Eve by Peter Mayer
Thursday was my day off so I spent my time doing the usual day off stuff. There was a bit of a thaw in the weather yesterday so I took the opportunity to walk around Wash Park. I’ve registered to walk in the Salt Lake City Marathon on April 17th, 2010. This event is 20 weeks away so I’ve started training in earnest once again.
As I walk I thought about the 3 R’s. Not so much of “reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic” but, REJOICE, REDEEM and RECLAIM. A fair portion of the devos this season have centered on the notion of taking time and opportunity to rejoice.
It is with artists like Delia and Peter who guide us into thinking and praying about the many ways that God takes the lead to redeem. You can see on the picture of Inspiration that there is a bicycle chain of some kind which highlights the bottom of her robe/skirt.
Peter tells the story of a “junkman” who is a “bruised believer.” One of my favorite definitions of healing comes from Dorland’s Medical Dictionary the 25th edition (I think). It states, “healing is the restoration of integrity to injured tissue.” When we’re honest with ourselves, one another and with God we acknowledge our “injured tissue.”
Fortunately, the “bruised redeemer” comes to us “bruised believers” and makes something new and wonderful out of us.
As Peter sings, “That’s a Junkman’s Christmas Eve”
Sing Joy,
rtg

GOD IS! 121009 Thursday

H2o devos sj 121009 God IS!

“It’s takes a leaving to see where you’ve been for so long
And it’s never quite the same old place you knew
The scenery will change but home will remain
The part of me that still belongs to you
It’s Christmas time I’m coming home to you

We were looking for the hometown of America
Around the world they’re looking just like you
They sent a rocket ship to Mars to investigate the stars
They keep fallingl as we are passing through…this town

We were looking for the main street of America
Looking for the heart of America
We were looking for the hometown of America in this town”
In many parts of our country the weather has been quite cold. The wind blows and you can feel the chill all the way to the bone. It’s cold. At the same time I get these warm reminders and glimpses of my hometown. I think about how when I was a young boy getting ready for Christmas programs, baking cookies, counting down the weeks and days via the Advent wreath, and doing a little Christmas shopping.

Now that I’m an adult I suppose it’s only natural to pick-up and sample nostalgic memories like little bits and pieces of holiday treats. I’m really working on truly being present in my waiting, watching, worshiping and wondering in preparation for the gift of the Holy One born in Bethlehem.

I also look forward to that time of cosmic Christmas when I am reunited (and so are you) with all the loved ones who now celebrate the wedding feast that has no end.

I’ve shared with Caitlin our ministerial intern that on Christmas Eve the task of the preacher is to simply “get out of the way of the Christmas Story from the Gospel of Luke.” Pastor Ruth Ann and I are scheduled to share in the preaching duties at our services on Christmas Eve at 1:30, 3, 5, 7, 9 an 11pm. On Christmas Day we will have a Julotta Service at 6:30am and then Caitlin is the preacher at 10:30am. The gospel lesson for Christmas Day is John 1. We hear in those lovely words a cosmic and galactic rebirth narrative. In essence the story is told like this, “before there ever was God IS!”

Savor that for a bit today,
And remember to sing joy
rtg

The Exit Sign 120909 Wednesady

"We were driving down the main street of America
Young and free and so misunderstood
Looking for the exit sign, a place to ease our mind
Some kept movin' on and some would stay for good
On in this town"
This Town by Peter Mayer



Life is a journey. That, my friends, is quite the understatement. However, it is helpful
to be reminded of the transitional and transitory nature of all things related to life and living. Just when I think certain things are "set in stone" it becomes apparent to me that change is one of the constants of life.

I've always been buoyed by the passage from Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and for all time." There is an objective reality expressed in that statement which is not dependent upon our subjective manners of thinking and feeling. And yet, at the same time we are subjective by nature. Luther himself came up with the question, "What does this mean?" In other words, "How will it play in Wittenberg?" Now, I hasten to add once again the objective reality isn't dependent upon the pragmatic or subjective nature of things. However, we are flesh and blood, looking to understand and discern the mysteries of divine and holy realities.
How wonderful then, that Jesus came into this world not as an "object" but as a "subject" who set aside his royalty to embrace humanity, in all of its reality.
Peter sings of "this town." There's that "this-ness" again. And so, our journeys are not fluffy, speculative out of this world adventures, but lived out in the here and now, in this town, this place and this time.
As we travel we watch for "exit signs" "a place to ease our minds."
It doesn't matter if you're on ROUTE 66 or a country dirt road, I invite you to take time to watch for the "exit signs" to SING JOY!

Sing Joy,
Rtg

THIS 120809 Tuesday

H2o devos sj 120809 “This”

“Joy joy joy in the morning
Joy joy in the afternoon
Joy joy joy for the child is born
This night the promise is given to you”
Sing Joy by Peter Mayer

http://www.petermayer.com/AUDIO/SPA/SingJoy.mp3

One of the many things that I love about being a member of a church is the grounded reality it brings to my life. Church is not an abstract concept. It is a reality which is called into being by the Spirit of God. Sometimes experience in a church can be disappointing and even frustrating. At other times it can be so marvelous that words simply cannot describe it.

The picture at the top of today’s devo is of prayer shawls. They have been lovingly created by volunteers so that people who are in need of prayer might feel God’s love and grace wrapped around them. It’s that simple. It’s also that complex.

Peter sings “for the child is born
This night the promise is given to you.”

As you may have guessed I really like the idea of “this” in those lyrics. While the context is obviously the story of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem I am certain the “this-ness” transcends and translates across the miles and ages into our very time and place.

“This night the promise is give to you.”

So, it is coming right now, right here, among all the things going on in our lives.

Sing joy this night

rtg

In the "NICK" of TIME 120709

Encore performance originally sent on
S&P 2005 "In the Nick of Time" 12-06-05
updated for h2o devos sj 120709
In the "Nick" of Time
Saint Nicholas Day, Bishop of Myra, c. 342

"It's Christmas time again New Year's 'round the bend
There must be something more than give and take
What it's all about turns you inside out
'Till you finally see the difference you make
This Christmas this Christmas
There's a gift that only you can give
This Christmas this Christmas
Give yourself to...
Love is in short supply such an obvious demand
Shouldn't be so hard to understand
We hang the lights for hope look for the star to follow
Peace on earth for what it's worth is in our hands"

This Christmas by Peter Mayer, Jim Mayer and Mac McAnally
http://www.petermayer.com/AUDIO/SPA/ThisChristmas.mp3




Whenever I get dismayed by the commercial aspects of this season I listen to Peter's song, This Christmas. So as you might expect, I listen to it a great deal. In fact, several times a day. For me it's like a lyrical and Biblical version of "It's a Wonderful Life." What this song does better than anything else is that it provides a clear, distinct, simple answer to the complex question, "Does it matter?" May I have the envelope, please? The answer is, "YES!" "Yes, it does matter." And what matters even more because of the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, you matter and so does everyone else.
"There's a gift that only you can give
This Christmas this Christmas

Start with the best of you
Followed by the rest of you
The things you say and the things you do
This Christmas"
Lend a heart, lend a hand
Make a start, understand
Lend an hour, lend a day
Wrap yourself to give away"

Yesterday was St. Nicholas Day. You can learn more about him by checking out the sermon from yesterday, ADVENT DREAM


It seems to me that you and I both have the opportunity for the next 18 days of giving to make our presence the present.

As Peter sings,
"Wrap yourself to give away"

Just in the "Nick" of time,

RTG

Give Yourself 120609 2nd Sunday of Advent

H2o sj 120609 GIVE YOURSELF
2nd Sunday of Advent
+Nicholas+ Bishop of Myra, c 342


“It’s Christmas time again New Year’s ‘round the bend
There must be something more than give and take
What it’s all about turns you inside out
‘till you finally see the difference you make

This Christmas this Christmas
There’s a gift that only you can give
This Christmas this Christmas
Give yourself to …”
This Christmas by Peter Mayer, Jim Mayer and Mac McAnally

http://www.petermayer.com/AUDIO/SPA/ThisChristmas.mp3

Several years ago Peter asked me if pastors ever “collaborate” on writing sermons together. I indicated that many pastors attend weekly studies on the Biblical texts for each week. But, I doubted whether too many pastors actually sat down and wrote their sermons with one another. Peter shared that often songwriters ask another song writer to give them input or collaborate on a project they are working on which seems to be stuck or not quite where they want it to be.

Today, the 2nd Sunday of Advent at our congregation, Pastor Ruth Ann will present a sermon that she and I collaborated on. She is going to be narrating what we call an “Advent Dream.” And in the middle of the dream there are two visitors, John the Baptist and St. Nicholas. Two people from two different times in the history of the church. It’s been a blessing to work with Pastor Ruth Ann on this sermon and I pray that it is a blessing to the congregation.

As Peter sings,
This Christmas this Christmas
There’s a gift that only you can give
This Christmas this Christmas
Give yourself to …”

Peter is echoing the life, ministry and words of St. Nicholas. For here was a saint who gave and gave of himself, (much of it anonymously). We are called to simply give the gift of self. It’s precious, sacred and wonderful.

At the end of the sermon with John the Baptist and St. Nicholas verbally wrestling with each other and the congregation, Pastor Ruth Ann will declare:
Two men, living several hundred years apart, both had a message to share with the world about Jesus Christ. My Advent dream helped me see what these two men had in common.

• Both, prepared ways for God to enter into the lives of people.
• Both, paid the price for being faithful to their vision and understanding of Jesus.
• Both spent time in jail for following Jesus.
• John the Baptism ultimately lost his head because he was relentless in calling Herod into accountability. And St. Nick was relentless in showing mercy and being responsible to those who were in dire straights.

The bottom line of this Advent Dream is to embrace God’s dream and vision of a time when
"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
5Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
6and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

Sing Joy,
Rtg