Yesterday in church I spoke of an experience during my elementary years which a class bully threatened me with a live snake. Somehow at that young age I was smart enough to understand that if I allowed myself to be intimidated by him, I would face his power over me over and over again. He left me alone after the incident.
It's easy for me to recognize when I am on the receiving end of a slimy or disparaging comment. When I am at a good place, I can look for any nugget of truth that might be lurking within the comments. When I am not, I either brood over the words or verbally lash out.
I can't help but notice that sometimes I am the one holding the snake, trying to get my way. God help me when I try to manipulate those around me. Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount have caused me to stop and re-look at how I speak and work.
On the journey,
Alecia
Monday, January 30, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Falling Into Place
Last week I fell. My fault when I look back on it. I was rushing. It was snowing. I was in my heeled boots because of an outdoor graveside later. Wet boot heels on tiled floors were never made to go together. I have been sore... and whiny for the last few days. The fall has made me appreciate my body, which I so often take for granted.
While I was sporting a heat wrap a couple of days ago I was thinking about the church. It is so easy to take the church body and our life together for granted. The building, the activities, the ministries, the worship, the staff-- each aspect offers so much to our spiritual lives. Even when the body is hurting, in this case financially, I find myself amazed at the depth of concern and response from the membership. I don't know why it surprises me. I have walked this journey with you for 10+ years. Thank you for your work and ministry here at the church.
Perhaps out of the pain of the journey we will be reminded of the amazing life together that we share in this place.
On the journey,
Alecia
While I was sporting a heat wrap a couple of days ago I was thinking about the church. It is so easy to take the church body and our life together for granted. The building, the activities, the ministries, the worship, the staff-- each aspect offers so much to our spiritual lives. Even when the body is hurting, in this case financially, I find myself amazed at the depth of concern and response from the membership. I don't know why it surprises me. I have walked this journey with you for 10+ years. Thank you for your work and ministry here at the church.
Perhaps out of the pain of the journey we will be reminded of the amazing life together that we share in this place.
On the journey,
Alecia
Monday, January 16, 2012
Forgiveness
As I continue to reflect on the Beatitudes, I am struck at how these simple words have such an impact on my daily life. I almost hesitate to work on this week's service in more detail. It seems that each time I look at a specific Beatitude that I always need to practice what I preach at some point during the week.
This past week I have reflected on those people whom I have hurt-- with my words and with my actions. Whether intentional or not doesn't seem to matter as much as attempting to right the wrong. I spent time journaling about those folks whom I perceived have wronged me. In looking back sometimes the words and actions were intentional, while at other times, I over-reacted. I am quickly reminded how I am not God. I remember grievances. I still have scar tissue from hurts. And for me, forgiveness is not a one step process. I must be a slow learner.
I know in my heart when I release my unresolved anger it is always good and life-giving. Why I hesitate is beyond me.
On the journey,
Alecia
This past week I have reflected on those people whom I have hurt-- with my words and with my actions. Whether intentional or not doesn't seem to matter as much as attempting to right the wrong. I spent time journaling about those folks whom I perceived have wronged me. In looking back sometimes the words and actions were intentional, while at other times, I over-reacted. I am quickly reminded how I am not God. I remember grievances. I still have scar tissue from hurts. And for me, forgiveness is not a one step process. I must be a slow learner.
I know in my heart when I release my unresolved anger it is always good and life-giving. Why I hesitate is beyond me.
On the journey,
Alecia
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Anger Management
Sunday's scripture text on Matthew 5:21-26 certainly elicited a number of comments. One of the most wonderful gifts God has bestowed on human beings is emotions. Emotions are neither good nor bad. People place value judgments on emotions; however when one carefully examines them, there is a great deal to be learned and revealed. How we deal or fail to deal with our emotions is where we run into trouble. Good follow up questions might be:
1. How have you experienced broken relationships because of anger or angry outbursts?
2. How do you protect yourselves from angry outbursts?
3. Is there anyone that you need to make amends with because of anger?
Jesus said to Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength but did He really mean people too? The Sermon on the Mount certainly suggests that Jesus did call for us to care for one another.
The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew, chapters 5-7. There is a shorter version found in Luke as well. I like what Megan McKenna had to say, This "kindgom" consists not in power and authority but in relationships among the children of God, this new family of Jesus. Matthew often uses the term the kingdom of heavenwhich invokes the Spirit's truth as God sees it. When you read the Sermon on the Mount, we see how Jesus teaches the disciples, us, to live, as well as to develop specific types of relationships we choose to associate with on an everyday basis. If you read the first part of Matthew 5, you will notice that our brothers and sisters in Christ include the poor, the oppressed, the hurting, the powerless. How does this play out in your life?
I am grateful to journey with you as we walk through aspects of the Sermon on the Mount.
On the journey,
Alecia
1. How have you experienced broken relationships because of anger or angry outbursts?
2. How do you protect yourselves from angry outbursts?
3. Is there anyone that you need to make amends with because of anger?
Jesus said to Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength but did He really mean people too? The Sermon on the Mount certainly suggests that Jesus did call for us to care for one another.
The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew, chapters 5-7. There is a shorter version found in Luke as well. I like what Megan McKenna had to say, This "kindgom" consists not in power and authority but in relationships among the children of God, this new family of Jesus. Matthew often uses the term the kingdom of heavenwhich invokes the Spirit's truth as God sees it. When you read the Sermon on the Mount, we see how Jesus teaches the disciples, us, to live, as well as to develop specific types of relationships we choose to associate with on an everyday basis. If you read the first part of Matthew 5, you will notice that our brothers and sisters in Christ include the poor, the oppressed, the hurting, the powerless. How does this play out in your life?
I am grateful to journey with you as we walk through aspects of the Sermon on the Mount.
On the journey,
Alecia
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