Centurion-Fine Step

“Three days later there was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. Jesus and his disciples were guests also. When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus’ mother told him, “They’re just about out of wine.”
Jesus said, “Is that any of our business, Mother–yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.”
She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, “Whatever he tells you, do it.”
Six stoneware water pots were there, used by the Jews for ritual washings. Each held twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus ordered the servants, “Fill the pots with water.” And they filled them to the brim.
“Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host,” Jesus said, and they did.
When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didn’t know what had just happened but the servants, of course, knew), he called out to the bridegroom, “Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But you’ve saved the best till now!”
This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11 The Message Bible

"Family" | Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors | OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Family, singing in the kitchen
Family, running through the yard
Family, going on vacation
Family, on the credit card

Family, all in this together
Family, we’re taking a chance
Family, like birds of feather
Family, kick off your shoes and dance

Family, on the way to the city
Family, laughing in the rain
Family, it ain’t always pretty
Family, can drive you insane

Family, got the keys to the kingdom
Family, take it a la carte
Family, all four seasons
Family, well bless your heart

You don’t choose 'em, you can’t lose 'em
We all have a song to sing
Some are crazy, some are amazing
All got a little bit of everything

Family, sons and daughters
Family, like a photograph
Family, baptized in the water
Family, put me on the map

Family, all in this together
Family, taking a chance
Family, like birds of a feather
Family, kick off your shoes and dance.

Lyrics by Drew Holcombe

My nephew, Charlie, has finally asked his long-time girlfriend, the question. She said yes. They had an engagement party to celebrate. That brought back some memories of my mom’s youngest brother getting married in the 80s. My uncle utilized the men in the family as groomsmen, best man, and acolytes. My sister and I were not included. That really bothered me, and the fact that he used my younger brother as an altar boy. They got married in the Presbyterian church, and had to face the altar, because of the customs of that church. I remember after the wedding, walking back, that my uncle passed me and my sister; and did not even stop to hug us, and went straight to my younger brother; gave him a hug, and asked him if got anything. My I also remember my brother making a comment about my uncle’s wedding, during the rehearsal dinner. The oldest cousin had the duties of lighting the candles before the ceremony and extinguishing them afterwards. Even though my mom did not officially have a role, she sat the dinner rehearsal’s table of honor, along with her younger sister, my abbot uncle, and the couple who was the reason behind the dinner. I remember feeling a bit miffed about things, that me and my sister did not have a direct role in the wedding, because all the family men did. It did not seem fair to us at all. I also remember having to sit with strangers, while the cousins got to sit together. I remember the day before the wedding, sitting with people, and hearing what seemed like excessive conversation going on all once. I remember my granny talking to me about the where the couple’s car was hidden; and me thinking that “Why would she even know such a thing?” I was 16 at the time, that would have made my sister 14; and my younger brother 11. Weddings, although they are special occasions, can be incredibly insane and crazy.

I chose to place the Family song because of a horse movie that I have seen called, “Centurion.” The movie is called, “Fine Step;” because the horse is controlled by its rider, riding on only one block. Any time the horse steps out of the block, it is disqualified. Centurion, an abused horse came by way of rescue to this ranch. Its hired ranch hand found out that the horse was special, when he was cleaning its stall. The song, Family, blared loudly out on the radio, and Centurion began his dancing routine. The routine so impressed the ranch hand, that he entered him into the town’s “Fine Step” competition. When it came Centurion’s turn to compete; and the song, Family, blared over the loudspeakers, Centurion launched into his routine, with the ranch hand controlling his movements. He became an audience favorite, and won the audience award.

Even Jesus did not always understand his own family. He did not want to do what his mother asked. Sometimes, we do not understand or relate to our families either; even though they may have our best intentions at heart. Family intricacies and dynamics, can help us learn about life, whether we are wanting to or not. It is during the process of living, that we find our true souls, our voice, and our dance!

It is also up to us as to how we decide we are going to use the circumstances that happen in life, whether they be positive or negative. One thing for certain, is that family and life do have an effect on how we turn out.

Have you ever tasted “bad wine?” Is any wine “bad?” Do you have your own particular brand of wine?
Have you had to deal with family in a confusing situation that turned out different than what you might have expected? What did you do to deal with the situation?
Was it the situation that was difficult or family members that were difficult?

And with that said, I am still in the process of learning how to listen and dance to the sweetest cadence!

Much Life and Love!
—Marci

Views: 455, Words: 1,083

“I didn’t tell you this earlier because I was with you everyday.
But now I am on my way to the One who sent me. Not one of you has asked, “Where are you going?” Instead, the longer I’ve talked, the sadder you’ve become. So let me say it again, this truth: It’s better for you that I leave. If I don’t leave, the Friend won’t come. But if I go, I’ll send him to you.”
John 4-7 The Message Bible

“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you and will even be in you!
John 14:15-20 The Message Bible

The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.
John 14:26-27 The Message Bible

“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
Romans 8:26 The Message Bible

Names of the Holy Spirit
Counselor, Comforter, Advocate, Guide, Intercessor, Revealer, Teacher, Witness, and Friend

Some symbols of the Holy Spirit are a dove, a flame, wind, light rays, a cloud, water, and oil.

There has been a lot going on in the past few months. We lost a family legacy to heart trouble and old age in February of 2024. He was ninety-four. He was a previous Catholic abbot at the same place that my uncle is now the current abbot. Also, in February of 2024, my parents were involved in an accident that took place near the city library. They were sitting still, when someone ran into the back of them, and totaled their car. My Dad had to go to the hospital to receive healing; and my mom had whiplash and had to wear a neck brace and get physical therapy. The whole incident was extremely stressful on the family, as we held and kept their healing in prayer. Around the second week of April, my Arizona brother arrived, and spent a weekend, making sure everyone and everything was ok. All too soon; he had to leave early to make his flight on a Sunday morning. I told him later that I was hoping he would go to church with us, and then leave. He had other plans. My Abbot Uncle came in near the third week of April for a one-night visit and stay and spent the night at my parents’ place. He only had time to stay over one night. We went to the Mexican restaurant for a meal and to visit. All too soon, that ended. I gave my uncle a hug and told him to have safe travels. He had about a 5–6-hour drive ahead of him the next day. In my Bible study online class, we had finished up the book of Mark. I told the person that had been the class moderator that I did not find the book of Mark so scary or confusing. It is another narrative and outlook on the life of Jesus. My brother had gotten and set up a soundbar for my parents’ tv during his visit. I decided I wanted to get a soundbar or the equivalent of one, for surround sound in my area. I wanted to hear the deep bass and tonal sounds of different notes in the songs. I have a smart tv. I got an Alexa Fire Cube, only to find out it was not compatible with my television. So I took it back. I got another soundbar, which again, was not compatible with my television. I made another return on the second soundbar. The soundbar was supposed to give my tv a boost. The soundbar I have been trying to install on my smart television, was supposed to add depth and tonation to my music. I wanted the full surround sound experience. I will continue to explore other options in searching for the best surround sound for my home environment. God wants us to experience life, fully, to “the Max,” as it was said back in the days. The Holy Spirit is somewhat like the soundbar connection. It helps if you know how to listen. Sometimes, the sound of your life can be a loud exuberant bang, sometimes the quietness of an ocean wave coming on the shore, or even sometimes in the banter of a dog barking or a cat purring. How is the Holy Spirit talking to you in your life? Even sometimes the noises of technology can get in the way of the Holy Spirit’s message. Even though our services are “Live Streamed” at church, meaning services are recorded for future viewing; there has been no technology lately. The technology added another dimension to the service and expanded the communication level. I liked watching the visual slides and seeing the upcoming events that were going to be held. Sure, you can get the same information from the bulletin, but the church technology seemed to unify everyone at the service. Suppose for some reason, an individual was not able to pick up a bulletin for the week? How does the Holy Spirit talk with you? It helps if you know how to listen. How has the Holy Spirit been directing and guiding you through these times? How can you tell? We are moving into the season of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came in fire and wind. What would it look and sound like in your life if the Holy Spirit was turned up on full volume? What would that feel like?

Continued blessings, and may you experience life in the Spirit on full blast! Marci

For a video of the song, Spirit of Gentleness by James Manley (on YouTube), click here.

Views: 635, Words: 1,066

Advent
Anticipating
Quietly waiting and
Actively watching
Expectantly;
And coming ever so softly
Circling
Candling
Warming to the glow
Putting things out
Being present
To each other
And ourselves
Hoping
Sighing
Breathing and seeing,
Swaddling in a manger
The real royalty
Of a King
Now and forever Who is with us, in all ways.
Advent!

Views: 295, Words: 60

It is raining.
And pitter patting on the drops. The cloudy weather is eclipsing the sun, And bringing forth moisture in the air.
It has been a long while since we have had rain, Softly, falling upon the Earth.
The rain is sweet.
It is much needed.
The clouds will go away.
Such as is the cycle of things to do so.
Weather is weather no matter what the storms Do bring, whether it may encompass rain or shine.
Moon shines brilliantly and is still there even in the midst of Rain drops.
Eventually, things will work towards the higher ground.
Enjoy, dance, and sing in the rain.
For however rare it seems to do so.
The inclement weather doest repeat.
So, too, the storms in life go through the sun cycle.
And hope lives on.

Views: 502, Words: 141

Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis a gift to be free.
Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be.
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we will not be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight.
Till by turning, turning we come round right.

These are the words to one verse of "Simple Gifts," a Shaker song written and composed in 1848 and attributed to Elder Joseph Brackett from Alfred Shaker Village.
They were also used by Aaron Copland in his song, also called "Simple Gifts."

“There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them, and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide. A savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for; a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger. At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir, singing God’s praises: “Glory to God in the heavenly heights, peace to all men and women on earth who please him.”
Luke 8-14 from The Message Bible

“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or–worse–stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will want most to be, and end up being.”
Matthew 6:21 from The Message Bible

“Maybe Christmas,” the Grinch thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” Dr. Seuss, in from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

Angel
Noun
A spiritual being believed to act as attendant, agent, or messenger of God, conventionally represented in human form with wings and a long robe.
A person of exemplary conduct or virtue.

Enable
Verb
To give someone or something the authority or means to do something.
In computing, to make something operational or activated.
“You can enable compression or even virus scanning prior to backup.”

Help
Verb
Make it easier for (someone) to do something by offering one’s services or resources. “They helped her with domestic chores.”
Serve someone with (food or drink). “She helped herself to a cookie.”

Noun
The action of helping someone to do something, assistance. “I asked for help from my neighbors.”

An angel often comes in the forms of things or people that we can understand. Animals can be seen as angels too. Last year, during a cold January day, when I was in the process of transporting to work; I noticed my car needed scraping. I was not too pleased with the prospect. Scraping would require extra time that I simply did not have. So, I rolled down the window, turned on the defroster, and headed up my street. I noticed a public works guy had just gotten out of a van, I pulled over, and asked him if he had a scraper. He was a young man. He went back to his vehicle and looked. He found a scraper, and scraped my car’s front window, so that I could safely drive to work. I waved him on. Later that day, I told my dad that I did not have a scraper. My Dad went to the store and got me one. So, for me, both my dad and the young man were my snow-scraping angels on that cold, blustery January day. I have been learning about the way to make requests when I really need the extra help. At what point in asking someone for help that you so desperately need, does it become enabling? How can you use your gift or resources that you have to help someone during this holiday time?

Enable Kindness.
Enable Hope.
Enable Faith.
Enable Love.
Enable Charity.
Enable Peace.
Enable Friendship.
Enable Smiles.
Enable Presence.
Enable Happiness.
Enable Sunshine.

Who or what are your treasures in life? After I went through a divorce, I found out that my former husband had hired a cleaning service, before he moved to another location. Some of my cherished items, including some artwork I did back in college, had been thrown out to the curb. Among these trashed items included my baby book, some girl scout patches I had earned back in the 70s, and some furniture pieces from my maternal grandmother, which included a rocking chair and a chair. Other items that went in the trash were some of my awards and certificates I had received. I know the divorce up ended my former husband’s life, as he had to move to an entirely different location than from what he would have wished to be in his forever childhood home. Life happens, it changes, you move on.

How is God calling you to be an “Angel” in the lives of others this holiday season? and to not get so caught up in the Christmas preparations and “trappings,” cause you to miss the simplicity of this season.

Wishing you and yours Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May you have a healthy and prosperous year in 2024.

Blessings,
Marci

Views: 641, Words: 906

Gone to the Dogs

“But when they were in trouble and got serious, and decided to seek God, the God of Israel, God let himself be found. At that time, it was a dog-eat-dog world; life was constantly up for grabs–no one, regardless of country, knew what the next day might bring.” 2 Chronicles 15:3-4 The Message Bible

Convocation
Invocation
Discombobulation
Elevation
Revocation
Irritation
Condemnation
Retaliation
Suppression
Supplication
Insurrection
All the wild things are on the loose,
And on the roam
For an Equitable Home

I Am the Icemaker

“Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced.
You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.”
James 3: 17-18 The Message Bible

I am the icemaker. I bring forth ice.
I am the dream maker.
What are your dreams?
I am the Peacemaker.
I bring forth Peace
Only if you allow that to happen.
What are your wishes, thoughts, and feelings?
I have my own wishes, thoughts, and feelings.
You can hear of them.
But only if you allow your own soul to bring forth
Presence.
On the purposeful path,
We each have our own.

Yesterday, You Cried

“When the clouds are full of water, it rains. When the wind blows down a tree, it lies where it falls. Don’t sit there watching the wind. Do your own work. Don’t stare at the clouds. Get on with your life.”
Ecclesiastes 11:3-4 The Message Bible
Yesterday, you cried.
I did not understand the crying or
The reason behind.
Yesterday, you did not try.
I could have understood the trying
Better than the
Manipulative crying.
I heard you sighing.
It was a loud and longing
Sigh.
And then you said good bye,
But you did not say a word
About your invisible leaving
And heaving.
And the crying and sighing could
Have been some decent words,
Which I would have heard.
Instead of the deceitful and moaning
Crying.
And of a more pleasant goodbye-ing.

Views: 830, Words: 382

Burning Up the House
Back in the years when i was in high school, there was a popular songcalled, “Burning Down the House,” by the Talking Heads.
“Hold tight. Wait til the party’s over. Hold tight, We’re in for nasty weather.
There has got to be a way, burning down the house.”
911: “What’s your emergency?
My house is on fire!
911: Ok, Get everyone out to safety. We are sending the ambulance, fire trucks,
and police to your address.

Pentecost: The Christian festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his Ascension, held on the seventh Sunday of Easter.
When the feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force–no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.
The Message Bible, Acts 2:1-4

Confirmation, Noun. In the Christian Church, the rite in which a baptized person, especially one baptized as an infant, affirms Chrisitan belief and is admitted as a full member of the Church. In churches that practice adult baptism, there are often classes before the baptism and baptism itself takes the place of confirmation.
In this sacrament, the baptized person is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ. Confirmation is also part of the three sacraments of initiation, the other sacraments being those of baptism and communion. The confirmation rite is usually performed by a bishop or priest who lay their hands upon the recipient’s head in prayer and blessing. They’ll also anoint the recipient’s forehead with holy oil or chrism. There are seven gifts one receives with the sacrament of confirmation. These are wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, piety, wonder and awe, or “Fear of the Lord.”
I was in the seventh grade at a Catholic private school in Albany, GA, USA, when I received my confirmation. I was confirmed in a service by the Diocesian bishop. I remembered also learning the gifts we were to receive with this sacrament, and we had a service project to complete as well. I also remember doing a workbook on confirmation that seemed to explain this particular sacrament. I bring this up because of the RCIA, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, class I completed this Spring of 2023. I remember my mom being my sponsor at that service. I was thirteen years old at the time; and did not completely understand the part about receiving those gifts. Fast forward to the year of 2023, I have a more adult view of the gifts. How is the sacrament of confirmation like Pentecost? One receives the Holy Spirit, just as the apostles did eons ago. Why was the Holy Spirit depicted as tongues of fire on the apostles? Fire is warmth, light, it consumes. The tongues of fire were the physical evidence the apostles needed from God to ensure the continuation of the church’s mission, that being to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 28:19 The Message Bible

The Rhythm of Life
We Ebb.
We Flow.
We run screaming, “But I’m not ready yet…”
We embrace whatever life throws out
We notice bits and pieces of our hair turning gray
In what was once normal and full color.
We wax.
We wane.
Seasons
Time periods
A moment in time becomes so singular
It almost seems like a verb instead of a noun
We run shouting, “The inevitable is coming.”
We laude our praises for what is already here.
I want to hug who I once was in the childhood of life.
I want to set free the adult.
Evolution.
Revolution.
Rebelution.
The trumpet blares
Time is of ever near.
Now

Views: 928, Words: 675

Seedling diagram from Google Docs: “seed.”

Seed: noun, The fertilized ripened ovule of a flowering plant containing an embryo and capable normally of germination to produce a new plant.

Verb: To bear or shed seed, to sow seed, to cover or permeate by or as if by scattering something.

Fruit: A product of plant growth, such as grain, vegetables, or cotton. The effect of consequence of an action or operation.
--Merriam Webster Dictionary

“The trees are bearing fruit again, Fear not, Earth! Be glad and celebrate! God has done great things. Fear not, wild animals! The fields and meadows are greening up. The trees are bearing fruit again, a bumper crop of fig trees and vines! Children of Zion, celebrate! Be glad in your God. He’s giving you a teacher to train you how to live right–Teaching, like rain out of heaven, showers of words to refresh and nourish your soul, just as he used to do. And plenty of food for your body–silos full of grain, casks of wine and barrels of olive oil.” – Joel 2:21-24 The Message Bible

Here in the USA, Spring has definitely sprung out all over the land! We have gone from the days of decreased light and darkness to the time of bountiful light. We are moving into the time of longer days with more light, and away from the Lent of Winter into the abundance of Easter light and joy!

A move across states to be closer to my parents, meaning a change in jobs, and also in faith communities that are close to where I live, have brought me on a continuing journey. Part of this journey has brought me back into the world of Catholicism, through their RCIA program for adults. RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults into the Catholic faith. The classes started back in January of 2023. They were a review for the most part. It was nice to discover that the faith of my childhood has remained constant in these changing and exciting times of the future that we are currently living in.

My view of Jesus has expanded from that of being just an incredible person; to one of a “seed.” Jesus was called by God to plant new light and life in our personal darkness and the darkness of the world as well. God used Jesus to put forth His own light. Jesus was “planted’ upon the cross and rose to full victory into light on the third day! That alone is worth having hope for in life.

My sister has been on her own personal planting time; that of growing her own business. She has been here in the city for ten years! I will again be able to take communion. I have also been on a new job journey. It is hard to believe that in May I will have been at my workplace for six months.

My parents have also been on their own journey in life at their end-of-life stages. That time for them will be their own growing time, and their own journey to take. While it is hard for me to imagine them gone from this current life, my Catholic faith renewal and change that I’ve been undergoing during this Season of Lent, assures me that my sister, brother, and I will see them again. I have been enjoying the time we have been walking through the times together on their life’s path. Life, Death, and the promise of the Resurrection, and Change; is not that what the Christian life is all about?

Something I have learned is that just as there is a joy, or “Gaudete” Sunday in the season of Advent, there is also a joy Sunday in the season of Lent. Gaudete (pronounced ‘gow-DAY-tay’ or ‘gow DEE-tee’) nd means joy in Latin. Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Lent. The priest wears a pink vestment, symbolizing joy, instead of the usual purple vestment for Lent. A vestment is an article of clothing worn by the priest, and the color of the vestment worn will change during the liturgical year.

I am feeling my journey to Jesus, the essence of Light and Love, is still continuing. He is the infinite source. May you come to know him better during this Easter Season of 2023.

Please do not get lost in all the preparations of this time of year. Please take some time to focus on the presence of God in your life. Jesus died in his humanity, but divinely rose. Be blessed as you experience the hope, health, and happiness of this magnificent season!

• How are you being called to plant things in your own life?
• How can you have a prosperous and joyful Easter season?
• What do you need to change in your life at this time?
-
-Easter blessings of Light and Love,
Marci

Glorious Day
Living, He loved me.
Dying. He saved me.
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day,
oh glorious day.’
--by John Wilbur Chapman (1910)

Views: 888, Words: 861

Bridge

Noun
A structure carrying a pathway or roadway over a depression or obstacle
Such as a river

A time or place or means of connection or transition
a. Building a bridge between two cultures
b. The bridge from war to peace

Something resembling a bridge in form or function.

a. The upper bony part of a nose
b. Nautical; the forward part of a ship’s superstructure; from which the ship is navigated
c. Music, a passage linking two sections of a composition
d. Dentistry, a partial denture anchored to adjacent teeth.

Verb
B. ridged, bridging
To make a bridge over or across
Bridge the division between two groups
Bridge the generation gap
(Definitions from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

The bridge of “Lent,” is a time or place or means or connection or transition to Easter.  Lent is better known as a time or season in the church’s year.  The seasons in the church year give us time and space to pause, to think, to reflect, and prayer upon.  The word bridge is also used in the scouting life, such as in “Bridge to Juniors; when a Girl Scout transitions from Brownies status to that of Junior Girl Scout status.  Bridges help us to move on through transitions so that we do not get stuck in a certain place of “forever.”  It also helps to think of the final stage in our own lives, death, as a transition of going on to what’s next in our lives

Colossians 1; 15-20 (the Message paraphrase)
Christ Holds It All Together "We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body. He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he’s there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so expansive, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.”

Wisdom Road
Poetry by Marci McGowan
On Wisdom Road
You will find
The backwards route to your life
A different Way
A non-traditional and a non-conventional
lifeway path.

Yours won’t be the System.
Or the dinosaurs.
Or the Old Ways.
You were never meant to be
For that and these
Or those.
And your original
And new way keeps calling
All is well and ok in life.
All is well and ok in life.

If you should find and just take
The cruciferous
Route on
Wisdom Road
On the Wisdom Road
From nowhere to somewhere
You will end up be pleasantly
Surprised at the Universe’s offerings.

Just as Christ is the bridge from God to Man, Easter is the transformative bridge from a season of darkness, that of Lent, to a glorious season of Light, that of Easter!

May you allow the Light of Christ to come into your life to help you walk your life’s bridge.

I am currently figuratively speaking, walking on a bridge of my own. On Friday, April 1, 2022, I had some major dental surgery. I have gotten through the first part; and will need to continue to work with my dentist for the other parts. I have been on my bridge for several months.  There is light at the end of the tunnel or bridge finally coming!  I remain hopeful for my future.  If you are lucky your family will come along and walk your bridge with you.  I am grateful to my family for continuing to be part of my life.

It is Jerimiah who says “For I know the plans for you to prosper, and to have a future.”  Also in Jerimiah 29, It says, :You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with All of your heart.  Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday, as it is known in some parts of the world; is also a bridge between Lent and the fullness of Easter.  It is a Tennebaum service, service of darkness, in preparation for the Light of Easter.  If you have a chance to go to a Holy Thursday Service, it would be worth your while to go. If you do not feel comfortable going to a physical church service; then perhaps you can check one out on the Zoom app.  After an experience with the darkness, Easter is all about the brightest Light in our lives!

Are you seeking Christ with All of your heart? May you come to know the Master today.

Happy Easter!
God bless,
Marci

Views: 613, Words: 857

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope, and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Life is about constant change.  Today, the table I have been used to eating upon for so long, got moved to another purpose; It will now be used to display things.  I said, “Bye bye table.”

What type of life-changing moves, big and small have you made?   How have you felt in those times?

For me, a big life-changing move came last summer, in July of 2021. Then along with that move came another life-changing time when I applied for and am now currently working at a laundromat here in town.

People from all walks of life come into the laundromat. They use the self-serve machines or request an order.  Those who stay inside the laundromat while their clothes are being washed often talk on their phones.  It gets to be a soapy opera inside!

I have come to know some of the regulars. There is a widow who comes in at least twice a week to do her own laundry.  She will talk to me, and request different things, like bags, detergent, and fabric softener.  There are also several families that bring their clothes in for a “wash, dry, and fold” order.

It has gotten to where I can tell by their clothes which person placed the order. One couple comes in three times a week with their cleaning cloths, which take up three dryers.  I have come to know the man as “The Rag Man.”

In my own personal life, I have been doing a lot of cleaning, sorting, and throwing away stuff.  Sometimes this gets my emotions to churning.

For instance, my recent changes have meant that I’ve had to let go of a lot of old clothes, backpacks, and some dishes.  Part of me feels like I’m spread around in different places at once.

Sister was saying I needed to go through my own stuff soon—determine what I will take with me and what I will leave behind—in yet another transition soon to come.  Back in July of 2021 that transition seemed far away.  I felt as if I had the time to decide what I want or do not want.  But now that move is upon me.

I have also been feeling the need to go back and get some of the old stuff I left behind.  Because I have been working almost full-time these days, it is just not feasible to go get items that I think I will need for my next move. This next move will come in the wintertime, which is not my best time of the year.

But sometimes making a move in your life is just not convenient, even though it is necessary.  I do know that I am now in a much better place. I am feeling much better. I have hope for my future.  I do not see myself as a bag lady wandering up and down the streets. I have definitely seen the hand of God in working with and through others to make this all happen!

As I write this, I am also noting the end of the Christmas season with Old Christmas or Epiphany, when Jesus was visited by the three wise men. Not too far ahead is the hope of the coming Easter Season, and of Spring, and a return to those 9 p.m. sunsets!  That hope alone is enough to get me through the next few weeks, and onto a most excellent and exciting year in 2022!  I am learning how to embrace new things, and not to “put new wine into old wineskins.”

Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out; and the wineskins ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wine skins, and both are preserved.  —-Matthew 9:17 (NIV)

May you have a healthy and prosperous New Year in 2022!

Questions for reflection and discussion:
What changes have you had to make in your life recently? Which ones have been big? What have been smaller?   How do they compare?

1. How do your emotions get to churning during change? What helps you to cope in such times?
2. Are there things that you have left behind that are especially hard not to dwell upon?
3. Can you see the hand of God working through the past changes you’ve made?
4. What changes might you have ahead of you? How are you preparing, with God’s help, for these?

Prayer:
Gracious and loving God, we give thanks that you are with us through all of the changes in our lives—including the ones that are most difficult for us. 

Help us to grow in times of change, and to feel your presence with us, guiding us and giving us confidence. 

Also in all we do, help us notice and care for one another.  We never know what changes may be going on in someone else’s lives, or if they are feeling like their lives are in pieces.  Help us be kind and compassionate to all we meet, and to ourselves in this season of our life.   In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

May you experience all of the love and hope that God has to offer you!

Carry on,
Marci

Views: 1056, Words: 907

“Does dying hurt?” said Piglet to Pooh. “I don’t know.” said Pooh
to Piglet. “I think it’s something you have to push through.” “Oh,”
said Piglet. “Both sets of my grandparents are dead.” said Piglet.
“Have you ever read that book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull?”
asked Piglet. “I did.” said Pooh. “I felt so different after I read it,”
said Piglet. “And I decided some things have no answers; and
that is ok. “True.” said Pooh. “Pooh,” said Piglet. “What is raw
courage?” Pooh said “It’s flying in the face of scared.” “Pooh,
said Piglet, “I don’t like being scared...that’s when I grab your
hand and hold on.” “True.” said Pooh. “I hold onto to your hand
when I feel scared. And the scaries don’t seem so scary, “ said
Pooh.
Pooh and Piglet by A.A. Milne. Words by Marci McGowan

Be strong and courageous! Don’t tremble! Don’t be afraid of
them! The Lord your God is the one who is going with you. He
won’t abandon you or leave you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 From God’s Word Today

Back in July of 2012, I threw away a twelve year old pair of shoes.
The shoes were the only pair of shoes I came with other than a
pair of slippers. My sister had gotten mea pair of Hoka shoes; so
I knew it was time to throw the other pair away. We hang onto
things in our lives much longer than we need. I’m going to be
sorting and throwing out what is no longer purposeful in my life.
Sure, it is hard to throw things away that you no longer need.
Scary? You bet! We are more than the material things we
accumulate; and yet, so much more is the worth of our souls.
Back in July 2021, I made a really scary decision. My siblings
posed a question to me; “Move in with one of them, for a better
life and health; or keep the old way; and be a bag lady at 65.
When I came to Georgia; I did not take any of the furniture, it
would not have fit into the car. I had some clothes, I took my
Dobro guitar and banjo, my medicines, and my life. I left behind
my cat, Sophie. She had become my “Cattachment,” since she
would often climb onto my left shoulder. I could not bring her
because my sister’s rental place has a “no pets” policy. I told my
coworkers goodbye, and prepared, as best as I could, for a new
life start in Georgia. I also did not bring a lot of clothes with me.
Coming to Georgia, I had no job prospects which meant no
monetetial income. I had to find a part-time job in a totally new
town. I was at my sister’s shop one afternoon. We went to get
her mail; and I noticed a sign for a laundry attendant! We made a
stop inside the laundromat; and I now have another fun part time
job! I have been learning my way around the new to me city of
Georgia. This meant finding a local doctor, where the grocery
store is, pharmacy, church, and local library. I have been using a
maps application a lot! I am gradually getting used to this new
location. In November, my sister’s lease expires on the rental
place. She is looking forward to her new chapter of her own
house! I am also looking forward to the studio house that I will
have within a stone’s throw of her yard. It has not been easy
getting used to these new conditions. My sister and I have a
better relationship than the one we had in our childhoods.
Sometimes, you live in “muck and mire” for so long; that you
become nose blind and think the conditions you are living in are
normal. It took having some difficult phone conversations with a
caring brother and sister for me to realize that. I was not in a
better place when I left town. I feel I am in a better place of
courageous hope! I am looking forward towards the new and
brighter future which lies ahead. Simone Biles portrayed
excellence and strength in showing the Olympic Committee of
2021 that she was not mentally fit for her competitive event in
gymnastics. She became a courageous ambassador through
supporting and believing in her competitors. Her raw courage
shone through the whole Olympian timeframe. May we also rise
to the character of courage, when it comes calling for us to do so
in our current and future lives.

Views: 988, Words: 769

On the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left Egypt, the whole company of Israel moved on from Elim to the Wilderness of Sin which is between Elim and Sinai. The whole company of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron there in the wilderness. The Israelites said, “Why didn’t God let us die in comfort in Egypt where we had lamb stew and all the bread we could eat? You’ve brought us out into this wilderness to starve us to death, the whole company of Israel!” ...

The riffraff among the people had a craving and soon they had the People of Israel whining, “Why can’t we have meat? We ate fish in Egypt—and got it free!—to say nothing of the cucumbers and melons, the leeks and onions and garlic. But nothing tastes good out here; all we get is manna, manna, manna.” 

—Numbers 11: 4-6 (The Message)

There’s a Right Time for Everything
There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:
A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to kill and another to heal,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh,
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to make love and another to abstain,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up,
A right time to love and another to hate,
A right time to wage war and another to make peace. .

                        -Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, The Message

I don’t have to tell anyone that we’re living in a time that’s tough to get though.  Like the people of Israel in their times of trouble—after leaving Egypt, the only home they’d known, finding themselves in the uncertain times in the desert, many missing their old familiar way of life, even in slavery—people started to complain.

The familiar passage from Ecclesiastes is reminder that people must “get with the program,” must figure out what’s going on in the time they’re living through,—and so, the proper response so they might live.

Just like we find ourselves today.

What is this like for you?

Each of us have different challenges, and some have experienced terrible tragedy, including loss of life or livelihood for themselves or loved ones.

For others it is tough inconveniences and heaps of restrictions.  It’s a time that many of us feel like crying out like that unhappy child having a tantrum—things are NOT the way we wish they would be and it is so hard to keep on living under these restrictions, to keep our guard up—none of us knowing what tomorrow may bring. Together, as God’s people, we can get though this ourselves, but importantly, help each other, too.

Where I live in North Carolina, United States,  the months of March, April, May, and June, were a “lockdown time” for us. It was a time we could not go out to places of interest, go visiting, or go to restaurants.  People were told to stay inside their homes—to be safe at home.  Schools closed their campuses and went online.

The pandemic denied graduating high school and college seniors their last semester of school and all the celebrations that go along with it.  Workers in the areas deemed to be essential were directed to continue to work, but with added rules and safeguards.  Some of them had terrible decisions whether to quit their jobs to be safe, or to keep working to support their family or the people they serve.

The working world came to a stop in many areas. Billions of people applied for unemployment.  I was one of those.  During this quarantine time, my husband came back home from the facility where he had been convalescing from a series of falls he’d had in the previous months.  The facility provided him with a stable health care environment.

The North Carolina governor started to reopen our state in various phases: moving from “safe at home” to  “safer at home” than getting out, but lifting some restrictions—to reopening many of the businesses that had been closed. As our state reopened, we’ve experienced more spread of Covid-19 and with that, our state trying to figure the best response.  This lockdown time and quarantine has been hard on everybody.  In order to jumpstart the economy, the government issued “stimulus checks’’ to taxpayers.

What have I been doing stuck in the house during this quarantine time?  I have a new appreciation of my relationships with family and friends.  I have also been using the ZOOM application as well as Facebook, a social utility, to stay connected to people.  I have been learning to play my banjo, and practice on my Dobro guitar.  I have not gotten a haircut.  I have been sorting through things in the house; and doing deep cleaning.  I have been doing some much needed yard work.   We have also acquired a new to us pet, a cat named Sophie.  She is of a “grandma” age, and has been a delight to us.

These days when I’m out, I wear a mask, and am careful to keep the recommended “social distance” of at least six feet apart.  Businesses stress the use of hand sanitizing in addition to the use of face masks.

This lock down has not been easy.  Americans will prevail, survive, and even thrive in these new conditions.  Our God is breathing new life this time.  One only has to look find the beautiful and new things unfolding in the everydayness of life.

I returned to work in a retreat center near the end of June 2020.  While it was great to see my co-workers, we had to refrain from hugging.  We are not allowed to put out paper items, such as magazines and retreat schedules.  It was mandatory for workers to wear face masks when in the building’s public areas.  Guests are required to wear masks on the shuttle.  The masks, while they may be an inconvenience, are for everyone’s protection against the Covid-19 virus.

Upon my arrival at work I am required to get my temperature checked at the Gatehouse. In every building there are reminders about masks and social distancing.  Employees and guests are urged to use the hand sanitizer positioned in prominent places.

Our whole way of doing housekeeping has been upended to meet maximum safety standards.  We can no longer put out any paper in the rooms, including the organization’s magazine. Our carts have been reorganized, and we can no longer carry used linens, i.e. sheets, pillow cases, and bedspreads, on those carts.   At the end of a shift, we go through the laundry area and into the towels location where we stock up, and get the cart ready for the next time.  Then we go back through the laundry area; and return the cart to its position and place in line.  I know this will eventually work out; but it is a learning process during the time of Covid-19.

Guests have been asked to put bagged trash outside their room each morning if they would like to have the bag removed for the day.  Housekeepers have also been asked to sanitize anything a guest could touch.  These items range anywhere from the obvious, such as door handles, to the not so obvious, such as thermostats, lamps, and light switches, and the ironing board, hangers, and of course, the iron, as well.

It takes everybody working together to protect all of us in the fight against Covid-19.  We are in this together.  We will prevail.

The photo of the cat is Sophie.  I chose this photo because she came to us around the first of April 2020.  She has been a blessing ever since.  Pets are another way to help with the stress from the Covid-19.  Americans are at their best during tough times.  We will come through this.

My mom has been exposed to the virus. She was in her book club meeting. They found out someone tested positive.  So she is in quarantine with one more week to go.  She is doing ok.  It's scary to hear that a family member has been exposed. Yet my dad told me because he wanted me to know the information. It is during this time that even though we need to remain vigilant to the spread of Covid-19; we can be assured that we can always give God our stresses, concerns and worries.  He is ever present with us during these turbulent times. One thing for sure, it's good to know that God is always present and a constant in our lives.

What is this time like for you?  How are you getting through?

Prayer:  Loving God, we pray for us to feel you near to us in this tough time.  Please guide us and show us the way.  Forgive us when we whine.  Keep us from taking out our anxiety and upset at these times on one another.  Help us to work together in the world, from those in top leadership to the workers on the front lines, to those wondering what to eat or how to pay their bills, or grieving loved ones lost during this time.   Help us to serve as your hands, feet, heart and mind though this time, when that is what you call us to do. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

God bless you
Marci

Views: 777, Words: 1,591

Banner made by First Christian Church, Asheville women

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such, there is no law.
Revised Standard Version (RSV)

Galatians 5:21-24
Fear not, Earth! Be glad and celebrate! God has done great things. Fear not, wild animals! The fields and meadows are greening up. The trees are bearing fruit again: a bumper crop of fig trees and vines! Children of Zion, celebrate! Be glad in your God. He’s giving you a teacher to train you how to live right—Teaching, like rain out of heaven, showers of words to refresh and nourish your soul, just as he used to do. And plenty of food for your body—silos full of grain, casks of wine and barrels of olive oil.
The Message Bible

Have you taken a long look at the fruits of the spirit that Paul lists to the Galatians? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
I am using these to help with my spiritual life this Lenten season, which is fast approaching.

The time of Lent in the Christian year is almost upon us. Having been raised in the Catholic faith, we took Lent seriously, this 40-day cycle from Ash Wednesday to just before Easter Sunday—a special time of personal reflection, prayer, penance, and other acts of faith. For me, it is a way of walking with Jesus, and thinking of the road we are all called to travel.
From where I sit today, I have to admit that sometimes I realize that Lent is upon us, and it feels like an obligation and duty that would be easier to sail right by and begin singing Easter Alleluias.
Something that happened to me recently reminded me of the duty part of things.

I had gotten an official letter that told me I was being called up to serve jury duty on a certain day. Where I live, this is something able-bodied and -minded citizens are called upon to do from time to time. By law, we must report as scheduled and be available, if chosen, to sit with other jurors to hear and give our verdict on a court case. It is a civic duty that I don’t mind so much, except when “not convenient.”
The Monday I was scheduled to serve I’d worked on my frame of mind so I could do a good job—but then an emergency came up and I couldn’t be there on time.

After not being able to find anyone to explain to what had happened and afraid I was really in trouble all on top of dealing with the emergency—- to my surprise I did find someone to talk to and received a kind listening ear, understanding, and an “all clear.” That made my whole day and week as well!

You may be asking, how in the world does jury duty tie in with Lent? Well, sometimes, taking the time to take Lent seriously seems like something I have to do, don’t really want to do at all, or begrudge. When the time comes, I am not ready to walk with God in the darkness into the light of day this Easter.
And then I remember who God is and the grace God’s Spirit provides even when we show up late or do things imperfectly. I am reminded that part of walking with God and preparing myself, is trying to become like that Spirit of God, in my prayer life, penance, and preparation for Easter.

This year I am taking those fruits of the Spirit and using them to help me pray, reflect, prepare, and act in the world around me.
This is the schedule I have written up.

Fruits of the Spirit Walk Through Lent
LOVE: Ash Wednesday, March 6
JOY: Sunday, March 10
PEACE: Sunday, March 17
PATIENCE: Sunday, March 24
KINDNESS: Sunday, March 31
GOODNESS: Sunday, April 7
FAITHFULNESS: Palm Sunday, April 14
GENTLENESS: Maundy Thursday, April 18.
SELF-CONTROL: Good Friday, April 19

If you would be interested in following along, I welcome you to follow along or modify this as it suits your needs.
Or you may choose some other way to help up focus on “showing up” this Lenten season.
Easter becomes more relevant and special when we can meet God with our thoughtful preparation.
Lent is only a season but affects our souls for the whole year. Get your Lent on!

God Bless!
Work through the Lenten season
Have a happy and joyous Easter!
Marci

Views: 1032, Words: 764