I must've been in a more receptive mood, as I read this chapter. Cynical Tam was a little further removed, this time!
I love the idea that "God uses multiple verbal and nonverbal cues to get our attention..." Doesn't it make sense that God would reach out to us in many different ways? The world is so big and we all learn and grow in different ways; it only makes sense that God would "speak" to each of us in ways that we might see, learn, understand, grow.
Feinberg deals with scripture and liturgy as ways to seek and find God. How do you find God's presence? God's messages for your life? How do you "hear" God's thoughts?
Feinberg writes, "The clarity and boldness of God Thoughts sometimes makes me wonder if God really did speak aloud." Have you had this experience? What was it like? And what were those times of silence like? Did they affect your relationship with the Almighty?
What about visions? That's not something we think about much, these days. Have you ever had a "vision" experience? How did it guide your life?
Dreams are something that may feel a little more comfortable. We may chalk it up to our subconscious guiding us. But, if God came to the ancients in dreams, can God do the same for us? Did God do so for them, or is that just a beautiful way to tell those Biblical stories?
While I may not relate to each of Feinberg's points, I do appreciate the way she uses story in her writing.
And, like Feinberg, "I'm in awe of the beauty of God's creation and the ways in which he reveals the sacred to us in nature. The power of God is emblazoned in everything from the Grand Tetons to the ladybug resting on a leaf."
I haven't been to the Tetons since I was a teen, but the awesome splendour of their peaks resides in my heart. At that time, I would tell people, "I'm never going to get married, but if I do, I'm getting married there!" Why? Because it was, and still is, the most beautiful place I've ever been in my life. It's impossible to look at the magnificence of those mountains and not believe in God. At least, it is for me. (Why I equated that with a wedding, I don't know!)
What is your God language? How does God speak to you? Listen carefully. Very, very carefully. Because God has so much to say.
Blessings on you and your listening ears.
Tam
It's been many months since we've read a book together. Once again, I invite you to join me on a journey. This time, we will focus on the book, Children as Partners in the Church, by D-B and Phyllis Heusser. Even if you only read the forward, which is written by Marian Wright Edelman, you will be thankful you ventured that far. Used copies of the book are available on Amazon. Let me know if you have any difficulties locating it.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
.004 Readiness
I'm thinking that I wasn't ready to read this chapter. Or, perhaps, Cynical Tamalyn was the reader. Or, maybe this chapter was just a bit on the sappy side.
Whatever the case, Feinberg's writings didn't sit quite as well with me, this go round. I completely understand the feeling of not always connecting with God, just because I'm in a sacred setting or situation. Being in worship does not a worshipful experience make. Those of us who plan worship know this QUITE well!
I appreciate the fact that my worshipful attitude is mine for the making/breaking. (Well, usually.) And that I must ready my heart for God on a regular basis. I appreciate Feinberg's point that one shouldn't "look where you don't want to go." (Having allowed negativity to pull me in many WRONG directions in life, I know this peril quite well.) And I like her point that "the process of seeking God increases our awareness of our dependence on him." And, again, like Feinberg, I often feel that I feel no different after pouring my whole self out to God.
Hmm, that's a lot of appreciation. So, where do things go wrong, for me? I guess it's just in a few spots.
Feinberg says, "Spending time in the Scriptures expands the library the Holy Spirit uses to speak. The Spirit selects a story or passage to correct or challenge us."
Um, I just don't know. Is God's Spirit really turning the pages of our Bibles for us? Making our eyeballs focus on certain passages so that we'll learn specific lessons? Maybe yes, maybe no. I just don't know. But, I know I'm having questions, here. I'm thinking that the Spirit has other jobs to do.
Feinberg admits that silence, and listening to God, are difficult for her. Are they difficult for you? I'm guessing that silence is sometimes a great gift. The opportunity to sit and listen for God's answer can be calming and a blessing in itself; perhaps a chance to learn and grow in that quiet moment. (But, maybe that's what she means when she says, "Sometimes the silence of God is the message.")
I also questioned Feinberg's explanation of the Spirit's sending her messages (e.g. "your headlights are on). Would this be the work of the Spirit or a memory?
Yeah, Cynical Tam is thinking that there are grieving, fearful, working, learning, etc... people in this world, depending on the help of the Spirit. I don't think the Spirit needs to worry about my headlights.
And, one final Cynical Tam comment - Feinberg writes, "The Lord knows what is best for us, and when we are reaching for bronze, God reminds us that gold is available if we will just wait." Cynical Tam writes, "Yeah, and sometimes we can learn to live with bronze."
One grumpy girl who still believes that God helps those who help themselves, signing out!
Love,
Tam
Whatever the case, Feinberg's writings didn't sit quite as well with me, this go round. I completely understand the feeling of not always connecting with God, just because I'm in a sacred setting or situation. Being in worship does not a worshipful experience make. Those of us who plan worship know this QUITE well!
I appreciate the fact that my worshipful attitude is mine for the making/breaking. (Well, usually.) And that I must ready my heart for God on a regular basis. I appreciate Feinberg's point that one shouldn't "look where you don't want to go." (Having allowed negativity to pull me in many WRONG directions in life, I know this peril quite well.) And I like her point that "the process of seeking God increases our awareness of our dependence on him." And, again, like Feinberg, I often feel that I feel no different after pouring my whole self out to God.
Hmm, that's a lot of appreciation. So, where do things go wrong, for me? I guess it's just in a few spots.
Feinberg says, "Spending time in the Scriptures expands the library the Holy Spirit uses to speak. The Spirit selects a story or passage to correct or challenge us."
Um, I just don't know. Is God's Spirit really turning the pages of our Bibles for us? Making our eyeballs focus on certain passages so that we'll learn specific lessons? Maybe yes, maybe no. I just don't know. But, I know I'm having questions, here. I'm thinking that the Spirit has other jobs to do.
Feinberg admits that silence, and listening to God, are difficult for her. Are they difficult for you? I'm guessing that silence is sometimes a great gift. The opportunity to sit and listen for God's answer can be calming and a blessing in itself; perhaps a chance to learn and grow in that quiet moment. (But, maybe that's what she means when she says, "Sometimes the silence of God is the message.")
I also questioned Feinberg's explanation of the Spirit's sending her messages (e.g. "your headlights are on). Would this be the work of the Spirit or a memory?
Yeah, Cynical Tam is thinking that there are grieving, fearful, working, learning, etc... people in this world, depending on the help of the Spirit. I don't think the Spirit needs to worry about my headlights.
And, one final Cynical Tam comment - Feinberg writes, "The Lord knows what is best for us, and when we are reaching for bronze, God reminds us that gold is available if we will just wait." Cynical Tam writes, "Yeah, and sometimes we can learn to live with bronze."
One grumpy girl who still believes that God helps those who help themselves, signing out!
Love,
Tam
Friday, August 5, 2011
.003 Shaped by God's Voice
How do you respond to this chapter? This one causes more turmoil for me than Feinberg's previous writing. It causes me to examine my own thoughts a bit more.
As she starts out with the story about smells and ministering to the homeless and people whose odor might not be the best, my reaction is very personal. Smells are one of my gut reaction difficulties in life. Or, gag reaction, if you want to know the truth. But I know, deep inside, that God's love is bigger than my gag reaction. And I know that people's needs are bigger than my squeamishness.
But, there's something else that Feinberg doesn't address that I wonder about - addiction. Many of the people to whom we bring care are addicts. To simply ignore that fact seems irresponsible. Sometimes God calls us to do more than simply share stories of Jesus; bring more than just spiritual healing.
Feinberg writes, "When I hear someone else's story of God's providing comfort in their lives, I often find my soul comforted." I don't know Scum of the Earth Church, but I hope they address the broader picture.
Feinberg goes on to tell the story of the missionary who came home to the grand welcome home celebration, but not for him. It was for the returning movie star. All was not lost, however, when the missionary realized that he would be welcomed home when he reached his final reward.
Rita Nakashima Brock, as well as other scholars, teach us that we are now living in God's realm. And, even if they are wrong, human beings have a great need for comfort, welcome, tender, loving care. As I read this, I was reminded of the Andy Griffith episode where Barney comes home to Mayberry after a long absence. Like the long absent missionary, there is the grand welcome intended for the movie star and Barney momentarily mistakes it as being for himself. His disappointment is palpable, heartbreaking as he exits the train and makes his way down the platform. But, he is not alone. For Andy is there, welcoming him home with his customary wisdom, gentleness, and love.
We, too, need this in our lives. And we need to offer it to others. We need to be the people who will bring God's gentle, loving welcome to the lives of others when they are feeling alone, bereft, needy.
Moving on, what role does conviction play in your life? It's not something we talk much about these days. Not in our churches, not in our modern lives. It's not something I necessarily identify with, unless I think about God holding up a mirror in front of me and saying, "OK, be honest here. Do you really think you're living up to my expectations? Or your own?
Feinberg writes, "Conviction is like a tangy fruit God uses to nourish us.... Our lives are flavored by the renewed presence of God. Beauty is carved into the core of our character." How lovely is that?
How do the remaining sections resonate with you? Feinberg writes about the spiritual discovery in scripture, "These experiences expand my capacity to know God, be filled by God, and be poured out for God. They stir the hunger to know God more." Have you felt that hunger? What stirs you, pulls you in to scripture, makes scripture real or meaningful for you?
What about prayer? How do you feel about Feinberg's question, "What if?" Can we change God's mind with our prayers? Or is God immutable? She says that God is inviting us to pray. That God looks for people to pray and become a part of "what he is already doing." What do you think of that? Does God need us to pray? Want us to pray? What part do we play in the grand scheme of things?
As for guidance, I love Feinberg's statement, "...God gives the greatest leaders guidance on a need-to-know basis. I realize this, yet still find myself begging God, Tell me more and tell me now." Boy, wouldn't that be nice? Or, would it? Feinberg says, "God doesn't just guide the places where we go or the people we meet; the Lord is involved in the miniscule details of our lives." Do you agree?
Love. Do you ever take the time to just be with God? Feinberg writes, "I sit in the silence and enjoy stillness with God. No agenda. No words. No challenge. No correction or instruction. Just being together."
Take a moment. Right now. In the stillness of this moment, find a quiet place, ignore your chores and your challenges, ignore everything that MUST be done. And just ENJOY God. Just appreciate that being who calls to you, loves you, created you, and is with you at every moment of every day. Just because you are you and God is God.
And let that Being shape who you are.
Love,
Tam
As she starts out with the story about smells and ministering to the homeless and people whose odor might not be the best, my reaction is very personal. Smells are one of my gut reaction difficulties in life. Or, gag reaction, if you want to know the truth. But I know, deep inside, that God's love is bigger than my gag reaction. And I know that people's needs are bigger than my squeamishness.
But, there's something else that Feinberg doesn't address that I wonder about - addiction. Many of the people to whom we bring care are addicts. To simply ignore that fact seems irresponsible. Sometimes God calls us to do more than simply share stories of Jesus; bring more than just spiritual healing.
Feinberg writes, "When I hear someone else's story of God's providing comfort in their lives, I often find my soul comforted." I don't know Scum of the Earth Church, but I hope they address the broader picture.
Feinberg goes on to tell the story of the missionary who came home to the grand welcome home celebration, but not for him. It was for the returning movie star. All was not lost, however, when the missionary realized that he would be welcomed home when he reached his final reward.
Rita Nakashima Brock, as well as other scholars, teach us that we are now living in God's realm. And, even if they are wrong, human beings have a great need for comfort, welcome, tender, loving care. As I read this, I was reminded of the Andy Griffith episode where Barney comes home to Mayberry after a long absence. Like the long absent missionary, there is the grand welcome intended for the movie star and Barney momentarily mistakes it as being for himself. His disappointment is palpable, heartbreaking as he exits the train and makes his way down the platform. But, he is not alone. For Andy is there, welcoming him home with his customary wisdom, gentleness, and love.
We, too, need this in our lives. And we need to offer it to others. We need to be the people who will bring God's gentle, loving welcome to the lives of others when they are feeling alone, bereft, needy.
Moving on, what role does conviction play in your life? It's not something we talk much about these days. Not in our churches, not in our modern lives. It's not something I necessarily identify with, unless I think about God holding up a mirror in front of me and saying, "OK, be honest here. Do you really think you're living up to my expectations? Or your own?
Feinberg writes, "Conviction is like a tangy fruit God uses to nourish us.... Our lives are flavored by the renewed presence of God. Beauty is carved into the core of our character." How lovely is that?
How do the remaining sections resonate with you? Feinberg writes about the spiritual discovery in scripture, "These experiences expand my capacity to know God, be filled by God, and be poured out for God. They stir the hunger to know God more." Have you felt that hunger? What stirs you, pulls you in to scripture, makes scripture real or meaningful for you?
What about prayer? How do you feel about Feinberg's question, "What if?" Can we change God's mind with our prayers? Or is God immutable? She says that God is inviting us to pray. That God looks for people to pray and become a part of "what he is already doing." What do you think of that? Does God need us to pray? Want us to pray? What part do we play in the grand scheme of things?
As for guidance, I love Feinberg's statement, "...God gives the greatest leaders guidance on a need-to-know basis. I realize this, yet still find myself begging God, Tell me more and tell me now." Boy, wouldn't that be nice? Or, would it? Feinberg says, "God doesn't just guide the places where we go or the people we meet; the Lord is involved in the miniscule details of our lives." Do you agree?
Love. Do you ever take the time to just be with God? Feinberg writes, "I sit in the silence and enjoy stillness with God. No agenda. No words. No challenge. No correction or instruction. Just being together."
Take a moment. Right now. In the stillness of this moment, find a quiet place, ignore your chores and your challenges, ignore everything that MUST be done. And just ENJOY God. Just appreciate that being who calls to you, loves you, created you, and is with you at every moment of every day. Just because you are you and God is God.
And let that Being shape who you are.
Love,
Tam
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