I am about to go on vacation so that I will not be writing here for the next 10 days. I just got back from a training workshop that we require all pastors to go through that deals with clergy ethics. One of the aspects of that workshop that came up over and over is that when clergy get into problems more than likely they have not been doing well in self-care. One of the reasons I am leaving for this time.
It was interesting the the Tuesday Serving E strong dealt with ways of releasing stress. Here is the article.
Serving Strong eNews
A Tuesday morning minute just for you because you care for others.
Relieficus Valvum
Imagine being under extreme pressure. Your work is demanding more of you than ever before. Your caseload is piling up. Email is overwhelming. The needs of people seem endless (like a bottomless bowl of spaghetti). The burdens seem deeper and darker.
What's that you say? You don't have to imagine it? It's what you're living right now?
Relieficus Valvum
In moments like these we need what I call "Relieficus Valvum" -- the intentional integration of Relief Valves into the fabric of life.
What is a Relief Valve?
A Relief Valve is anything that takes you completely away from your profession for a period of time. I mean COMPLETELY AWAY. It's a block of time when there is no mention of others' burdens or needs. Relief Valves come in a variety of shapes and types. Some people do crossword puzzles. Others kayak on a lake. For some, running or playing basketball serves as relief.
"But" you ask, "Isn't that selfish? I should be available to my span of care at all times, right?" Are you kidding? Of course not! How in the world can you give 100% to your profession if all you do is expend your energy without refueling? Stephen Covey coined the phrase "sharpening your saw." If you don't stop to sharpen, you end up trying to cut down your proverbial trees with a dull blade - unnecessary hard work leading to burnout. Sometimes sharpening your saw means stepping away for a moment or a season.
How do I incorporate my own Relief Valves?
First, identify your unique Valves. To discover them, reflect on what you truly enjoy doing just for the sake of doing it. This can be a hobby, exercise, or whatever gives you pleasure AWAY FROM YOUR PROFESSION.
Second, schedule your Valve events. Calendar some appointments with yourself to pursue these Valves on occasion. Make it part of your daily, weekly, or monthly routine.
Those who serve strong in the people helping professions build in Relieficus Valvum. Are you serving strong?
I'll "see" you right here next week.
I know that vacations are one way. I also believe that everyone has to find some way they have to release their stresses. And maybe it does take actually writing it in one's calendar. Another way is Sabbath. So take some time for yourself and for those who are special to you today.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Today is Earth day. Over the years this was celebrated as Arbor day which originated in Nebraska City. I remember that when I was an employee of the great state of Nebraska, this was one holiday that I got off. I have to admit that I did not do anything "earthy" and usually spent the day probably increasing my carbon footprint. How times have changed. Just 30 years ago, there were the beginnings of concern about environmental issues. Carlson's "Silent Spring" came out on the dangers of DDT. There were concerns of the effects of Agent Orange not only on the jungles of Viet Nam but also on our military. Smog alerts were common in California and spreading to cities such as Phoenix and Denver. Water pollution was also making headlines and the concept of Acid Rain.
Over the years we have been negligent about the way we treat Mother Earth. We often spend little time or effort to seriously consider what we are doing to the planet and all life on it. It is only in the past 10 years with the concerns of global warming that many are beginning to take seriously the pollution that we are causing. And even with more and more scientific evidence, we still live in denial of the harm we are causing. If there is a sliver lining in the recession we are experiencing is that the amount of CO2 emissions has decreased.
God has set us to be stewards of creation according to Genesis. We are not to misuse what God has provided us. As we think about living as a disciple of Jesus Christ, let us not forget that we are also called to be faithful stewards of creation.
Over the years we have been negligent about the way we treat Mother Earth. We often spend little time or effort to seriously consider what we are doing to the planet and all life on it. It is only in the past 10 years with the concerns of global warming that many are beginning to take seriously the pollution that we are causing. And even with more and more scientific evidence, we still live in denial of the harm we are causing. If there is a sliver lining in the recession we are experiencing is that the amount of CO2 emissions has decreased.
God has set us to be stewards of creation according to Genesis. We are not to misuse what God has provided us. As we think about living as a disciple of Jesus Christ, let us not forget that we are also called to be faithful stewards of creation.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I am always amazed in how God works in our lives. We are starting the One Month to Live challenge at our church. If you have not had the opportunity to read the One Month to Live: 30 Days to change your life I would highly recommend it. I had done a sermon series on our Wednesday services. As a result many of the people who attended began to read the book and found it helpful in their faith journey. In fact it is from that we are now doing the challenge study.
As I was looking at this, I received my Serving Strong email which I will copy here. It deals with what legacy are we leaving. It fits exactly with what we talked about in One Month to Live.
Serving Strong eNews
A Tuesday morning minute just for you because you care for others.
Six Feet
I've been reading a book by Leonard Sweet entitled 11: Indispensible Relationships You Can't Be Without. A phrase from that book has jumped off the pages and into my life:
"Live as if today was your last day."
When I'm coaching a client, one of the first things we do is make an assessment of the current state of things. We end up with a big picture perspective before the client's plan takes shape.
Six Foot Assessment
There is a different assessment. It requires a journey forward in time and then looking back. I call it a "Six Foot Assessment". When our bodies are 6 feet under the earth, time has run out. So, while traveling above the ground here are a few questions to ask:
- What will be my legacy?
- How will I be remembered?
- What will I have accomplished?
- For what will I be known?
Live as if today was your last. Make your own "Six Foot Assessment". Then align your decisions and choices accordingly. Remember, burning out prematurely is not an option. If you take this exercise seriously, it will have an impact on the depth and duration of your service.
I'll "see" you right here next week.
The questions are pertinent to our lives. Today reflect on what is your legacy, how will you be remembered, what will you accomplish and what will you be known for. Today is the day to take this and move with it. None of us know how long we have. Rather than put off today something you have been thinking about, what prevents from doing it now.
As I was looking at this, I received my Serving Strong email which I will copy here. It deals with what legacy are we leaving. It fits exactly with what we talked about in One Month to Live.
Serving Strong eNews
A Tuesday morning minute just for you because you care for others.
Six Feet
I've been reading a book by Leonard Sweet entitled 11: Indispensible Relationships You Can't Be Without. A phrase from that book has jumped off the pages and into my life:
"Live as if today was your last day."
When I'm coaching a client, one of the first things we do is make an assessment of the current state of things. We end up with a big picture perspective before the client's plan takes shape.
Six Foot Assessment
There is a different assessment. It requires a journey forward in time and then looking back. I call it a "Six Foot Assessment". When our bodies are 6 feet under the earth, time has run out. So, while traveling above the ground here are a few questions to ask:
- What will be my legacy?
- How will I be remembered?
- What will I have accomplished?
- For what will I be known?
Live as if today was your last. Make your own "Six Foot Assessment". Then align your decisions and choices accordingly. Remember, burning out prematurely is not an option. If you take this exercise seriously, it will have an impact on the depth and duration of your service.
I'll "see" you right here next week.
The questions are pertinent to our lives. Today reflect on what is your legacy, how will you be remembered, what will you accomplish and what will you be known for. Today is the day to take this and move with it. None of us know how long we have. Rather than put off today something you have been thinking about, what prevents from doing it now.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
A new post for today with scripture coming from Psalm 136. Again this is from the message:
Psalm 136
1-3 Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits.
Thank the God of all gods,
His love never quits.
Thank the Lord of all lords.
His love never quits.
4-22 Thank the miracle-working God,
His love never quits.
The God whose skill formed the cosmos,
His love never quits.
The God who laid out earth on ocean foundations,
His love never quits.
The God who filled the skies with light,
His love never quits.
The sun to watch over the day,
His love never quits.
Moon and stars as guardians of the night,
His love never quits.
The God who struck down the Egyptian firstborn,
His love never quits.
And rescued Israel from Egypt's oppression,
His love never quits.
Took Israel in hand with his powerful hand,
His love never quits.
Split the Red Sea right in half,
His love never quits.
Led Israel right through the middle,
His love never quits.
Dumped Pharaoh and his army in the sea,
His love never quits.
The God who marched his people through the desert,
His love never quits.
Smashed huge kingdoms right and left,
His love never quits.
Struck down the famous kings,
His love never quits.
Struck Sihon the Amorite king,
His love never quits.
Struck Og the Bashanite king,
His love never quits.
Then distributed their land as booty,
His love never quits.
Handed the land over to Israel.
His love never quits.
23-26 God remembered us when we were down,
His love never quits.
Rescued us from the trampling boot,
His love never quits.
Takes care of everyone in time of need.
His love never quits.
Thank God, who did it all!
His love never quits!
We had a men's meeting today and read from a devotional that is given to service men and women as well as first responders. The reflection was that not to quit to early but to stay for the entire distance. The hope is that we do not give up too soon. What I find hopeful for me during this Eastertide is that God's love never quits or in other translations, His Love endures forever. Much like the contemporary song, my hope is that indeed His Love endures forever.
Psalm 136
1-3 Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits.
Thank the God of all gods,
His love never quits.
Thank the Lord of all lords.
His love never quits.
4-22 Thank the miracle-working God,
His love never quits.
The God whose skill formed the cosmos,
His love never quits.
The God who laid out earth on ocean foundations,
His love never quits.
The God who filled the skies with light,
His love never quits.
The sun to watch over the day,
His love never quits.
Moon and stars as guardians of the night,
His love never quits.
The God who struck down the Egyptian firstborn,
His love never quits.
And rescued Israel from Egypt's oppression,
His love never quits.
Took Israel in hand with his powerful hand,
His love never quits.
Split the Red Sea right in half,
His love never quits.
Led Israel right through the middle,
His love never quits.
Dumped Pharaoh and his army in the sea,
His love never quits.
The God who marched his people through the desert,
His love never quits.
Smashed huge kingdoms right and left,
His love never quits.
Struck down the famous kings,
His love never quits.
Struck Sihon the Amorite king,
His love never quits.
Struck Og the Bashanite king,
His love never quits.
Then distributed their land as booty,
His love never quits.
Handed the land over to Israel.
His love never quits.
23-26 God remembered us when we were down,
His love never quits.
Rescued us from the trampling boot,
His love never quits.
Takes care of everyone in time of need.
His love never quits.
Thank God, who did it all!
His love never quits!
We had a men's meeting today and read from a devotional that is given to service men and women as well as first responders. The reflection was that not to quit to early but to stay for the entire distance. The hope is that we do not give up too soon. What I find hopeful for me during this Eastertide is that God's love never quits or in other translations, His Love endures forever. Much like the contemporary song, my hope is that indeed His Love endures forever.
Friday, April 17, 2009
I spent the day starting at 5 am taking my grand children to school, going to my Weight Watchers meeting (finding out that despite some great food over Easter I did not gain any weight nor did I lose), and spent part of the day at Henry Dorley Zoo. Nancy and I needed to just get away for awhile.
I have been thinking about what this time of Eastertide means at least for me. This is the time to reflect on our life as a disciple and what it means to each of us as we attempt to be faithful. Life presents all kinds of challenges. How we choose to face them says a lot about who we are and what we trust. I know as Joshua said, "As far as me and my family, I choose the Lord." Remembering what he said helps me during times of doubt and uncertainity.
I have been thinking about what this time of Eastertide means at least for me. This is the time to reflect on our life as a disciple and what it means to each of us as we attempt to be faithful. Life presents all kinds of challenges. How we choose to face them says a lot about who we are and what we trust. I know as Joshua said, "As far as me and my family, I choose the Lord." Remembering what he said helps me during times of doubt and uncertainity.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
I wanted to write today as we continue to celebrate Easter. This is the scripture lesson we find in Taking Faith Home insert. This comes from The Message.
12-15Now, let me ask you something profound yet troubling. If you became believers because you trusted the proclamation that Christ is alive, risen from the dead, how can you let people say that there is no such thing as a resurrection? If there's no resurrection, there's no living Christ. And face it—if there's no resurrection for Christ, everything we've told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you've staked your life on is smoke and mirrors. Not only that, but we would be guilty of telling a string of barefaced lies about God, all these affidavits we passed on to you verifying that God raised up Christ—sheer fabrications, if there's no resurrection.
16-20If corpses can't be raised, then Christ wasn't, because he was indeed dead. And if Christ weren't raised, then all you're doing is wandering about in the dark, as lost as ever. It's even worse for those who died hoping in Christ and resurrection, because they're already in their graves. If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we're a pretty sorry lot. But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.
21-28There is a nice symmetry in this: Death initially came by a man, and resurrection from death came by a man. Everybody dies in Adam; everybody comes alive in Christ. But we have to wait our turn: Christ is first, then those with him at his Coming, the grand consummation when, after crushing the opposition, he hands over his kingdom to God the Father. He won't let up until the last enemy is down—and the very last enemy is death! As the psalmist said, "He laid them low, one and all; he walked all over them." When Scripture says that "he walked all over them," it's obvious that he couldn't at the same time be walked on. When everything and everyone is finally under God's rule, the Son will step down, taking his place with everyone else, showing that God's rule is absolutely comprehensive—a perfect ending!
We need to remember that we are Easter people and that we are saved through Christ.
12-15Now, let me ask you something profound yet troubling. If you became believers because you trusted the proclamation that Christ is alive, risen from the dead, how can you let people say that there is no such thing as a resurrection? If there's no resurrection, there's no living Christ. And face it—if there's no resurrection for Christ, everything we've told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you've staked your life on is smoke and mirrors. Not only that, but we would be guilty of telling a string of barefaced lies about God, all these affidavits we passed on to you verifying that God raised up Christ—sheer fabrications, if there's no resurrection.
16-20If corpses can't be raised, then Christ wasn't, because he was indeed dead. And if Christ weren't raised, then all you're doing is wandering about in the dark, as lost as ever. It's even worse for those who died hoping in Christ and resurrection, because they're already in their graves. If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we're a pretty sorry lot. But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.
21-28There is a nice symmetry in this: Death initially came by a man, and resurrection from death came by a man. Everybody dies in Adam; everybody comes alive in Christ. But we have to wait our turn: Christ is first, then those with him at his Coming, the grand consummation when, after crushing the opposition, he hands over his kingdom to God the Father. He won't let up until the last enemy is down—and the very last enemy is death! As the psalmist said, "He laid them low, one and all; he walked all over them." When Scripture says that "he walked all over them," it's obvious that he couldn't at the same time be walked on. When everything and everyone is finally under God's rule, the Son will step down, taking his place with everyone else, showing that God's rule is absolutely comprehensive—a perfect ending!
We need to remember that we are Easter people and that we are saved through Christ.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Easter has come and gone or has it? Last week was busy at our church. We had services Thursday, Friday, and three on Sunday. Attendance was somewhat sporadic but the services I felt went well. We had an Easter cantata at our traditional service that everyone I talked to greatly appreciated. Our contemporary service was several small reflections and using more contemporary music to supplement. That also seemed to be well received.
Now we are going to reflect on living the resurrection life. I will be preaching about that Easter is not just one day but everyday in our life. This week I will be preaching from the Fourth chapter of Acts verses 32-35. I will also be using some insights from the Psalm 133. As I was starting to write out my notes I came across this poem by Wendell Berry found in "The Selected Poems of Wendell Berry", New York: Counterpoint Press, 1995, 85.
"So, friends, every day do something
that won't compute. Love the Lord.
Love the world. Work for nothing.
Take all that you have and be poor.
Love someone who does not deserve it.
Denounce the government and embrace
the flag. Hope to live in that free
republic for which it stands.
Give your approval to all you cannot
understand. Praise ignorance, for what man
has not encountered he has not destroyed.
Ask the question that have no answers...
Practice resurrection."
I was moved by this poem for too often we spend time trying desperately to figure it out. Sometimes we just need to know that there is a mystery and allow that to guide us in our life. Then we can learn that we do not know everything and will never know everything until we are re-united with our Creator. Letting go of our arrogance may be the first step in building community of people with shared values such as we see in the story in Acts.
Now we are going to reflect on living the resurrection life. I will be preaching about that Easter is not just one day but everyday in our life. This week I will be preaching from the Fourth chapter of Acts verses 32-35. I will also be using some insights from the Psalm 133. As I was starting to write out my notes I came across this poem by Wendell Berry found in "The Selected Poems of Wendell Berry", New York: Counterpoint Press, 1995, 85.
"So, friends, every day do something
that won't compute. Love the Lord.
Love the world. Work for nothing.
Take all that you have and be poor.
Love someone who does not deserve it.
Denounce the government and embrace
the flag. Hope to live in that free
republic for which it stands.
Give your approval to all you cannot
understand. Praise ignorance, for what man
has not encountered he has not destroyed.
Ask the question that have no answers...
Practice resurrection."
I was moved by this poem for too often we spend time trying desperately to figure it out. Sometimes we just need to know that there is a mystery and allow that to guide us in our life. Then we can learn that we do not know everything and will never know everything until we are re-united with our Creator. Letting go of our arrogance may be the first step in building community of people with shared values such as we see in the story in Acts.
Monday, April 6, 2009
I was reading the devotion from Disciplines today and it was interesting for it talked about some of the same things that I wrote for our monthly newsletter, The Journey. The author talked about the ambivalence that Jesus must have felt as he entered into Jerusalem. The scripture was Isaiah 42:1-9. At the end of this I will copy what I wrote from the pastor's desk.
What I wanted to share tonight was from Isaiah that states that the servant will be a light to the nations. Whether we see this servant as Israel or see the servant as Jesus, what God is intending is not just for a small group of people but for all people. In my Wesley Study Bible, there was a life application about this and I want to quote it. "I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations (Isa 42:6b). Jesus is the light of the world--he came to chase away the darkness of brokenness, sin and death. He calls us to be the light of the world (Matt 5:14). God's grace has been released for the whole world in the person and work of Jesus, and God calls us to be partners in spreading the light of the good news to the whole world. Are you reflecting the light and grace of God in your life?" p864.
The question during Lent is how am I remaining faithful to Jesus and his commands. Even in the difficult times that we face and sometimes the conflicts that we endure and even the ambivalence we may feel, God is with us and the Sonshine will never be overtaken by the darkness. Here is my message that I wrote for the newsletter:
What I wanted to share tonight was from Isaiah that states that the servant will be a light to the nations. Whether we see this servant as Israel or see the servant as Jesus, what God is intending is not just for a small group of people but for all people. In my Wesley Study Bible, there was a life application about this and I want to quote it. "I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations (Isa 42:6b). Jesus is the light of the world--he came to chase away the darkness of brokenness, sin and death. He calls us to be the light of the world (Matt 5:14). God's grace has been released for the whole world in the person and work of Jesus, and God calls us to be partners in spreading the light of the good news to the whole world. Are you reflecting the light and grace of God in your life?" p864.
The question during Lent is how am I remaining faithful to Jesus and his commands. Even in the difficult times that we face and sometimes the conflicts that we endure and even the ambivalence we may feel, God is with us and the Sonshine will never be overtaken by the darkness. Here is my message that I wrote for the newsletter:
From the Pastor’s Desk April
As I am writing, I am reminded of the weather that occurs in
As I reflect on this changing and often unpredictable weather, I realize that life can also be unpredictable. What one could depend on has a way of changing and the sunshine of today can give way to violent storms of life. Where the hope is that the storms of life also give way to the Sonshine. During Lent we have been focusing on spiritual disciplines and how important they are so that we can not only weather our personal storms but also continue to build the faith. No matter those problems that we face, when we have a committed relationship with God, we can overcome. No matter the people who disappoint us we can forgive and extend an invitation to healing. Especially to those who have hurt us, individual and as a body of Christ.
Lent is that time to remember what Jesus has done for our lives. With the events that have occurred in the last week, we remember that we are a body called to repentance and to forgiveness. I would be remiss not to thank those who have come forward in support of the unfortunate incident that has occurred. I am so thankful for the community in which I live and which we live who respond in times of need. Thanks be to God. See the newsletter for the many people named and unnamed who have supported us during trying times.
April is also the time of Easter. During holy week, we will be doing some special services as well as an Easter Vigil. See the times in the newsletter. Easter is the celebration that the Son will shine no matter the darkness that surrounds us. The light helps us not stumble and fall. Let this Easter be a time of building our spiritual body through healing, forgiving, and growing. As the flowers bloom and the grass greens, may we also let go of that which hinders our relationship with God and with each other so that we can bloom in the light of Christ.
Pastor Eldon
Sunday, April 5, 2009
I wanted to write in my blog but am so scattered right now. we were without electricity for about 2 hours due to the wind. We were supposed to get 3-6 inches of snow but what we got melted almost immediately. We did get the blustery wind. To top it off when I went to open the church for services I and a deputy driving by discovered an open window in one of the Sunday School Classrooms. He as well as I thought the worse. We looked and the screen had not been disturbed. Apparently someone had broken the window crank and unlocked the window. The wind probably lifted the window. There was no break in. We did find several other windows that were not locked. So now after Easter, we will have a discussion about safety and security.
After the electricity came back, one of the furnaces that heats the sanctuary overheated and sent smoke upstairs setting off the fire alarm. Now I know it works. Two fire engines showed up.
Thank God there was no fire just smoke and overheating. So this Sunday has been interesting. Being Palm Sunday we did have the children sing second service and for both services had over 200 attend. God is good. Our Easter egg hunt could not be outside but the children had fun indoors finding the Easter eggs.
After the electricity came back, one of the furnaces that heats the sanctuary overheated and sent smoke upstairs setting off the fire alarm. Now I know it works. Two fire engines showed up.
Thank God there was no fire just smoke and overheating. So this Sunday has been interesting. Being Palm Sunday we did have the children sing second service and for both services had over 200 attend. God is good. Our Easter egg hunt could not be outside but the children had fun indoors finding the Easter eggs.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Last night at our communion service we reflected on Good Friday and the betrayal of not just Judas but also the rest of the disciples. We discussed whether the betrayal of a person who betrays a person for their own gain is any worse than the betrayal of someone who supposedly is a friend and believes in you. We discussed that being betrayed by someone who loves you and is a friend hurts more and at times is more difficult to forgive. What made this most poignant was Peter's insistence that he would follow Jesus to jail or even to the cross.
Jesus states, "Simon, Simon listen! Satan had demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. And he said to him, 'Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!' Jesus said, I tell you Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me (Luke 29:31-34)."
We have all been in the same situations of Peter where we have denied Christ in our lives. Whether that be for our gain or by choice of fear or even by not doing what we know we should do. Yet even in this passage is a strong message of hope. Jesus does continue to pray for us and gives us the opportunity to turn back and to receive forgiveness. Thanks be to God! No matter what we have done now is the time to turn back which is what repentance means.
I also wanted to share a prayer that I read in Disciplines. This is based on the Serenity Prayer. God grant me the humility to accept when I don't get it, the freedom to laugh when I do, and the wisdom to keep my mouth shut otherwise. Amen.
Jesus states, "Simon, Simon listen! Satan had demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. And he said to him, 'Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!' Jesus said, I tell you Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me (Luke 29:31-34)."
We have all been in the same situations of Peter where we have denied Christ in our lives. Whether that be for our gain or by choice of fear or even by not doing what we know we should do. Yet even in this passage is a strong message of hope. Jesus does continue to pray for us and gives us the opportunity to turn back and to receive forgiveness. Thanks be to God! No matter what we have done now is the time to turn back which is what repentance means.
I also wanted to share a prayer that I read in Disciplines. This is based on the Serenity Prayer. God grant me the humility to accept when I don't get it, the freedom to laugh when I do, and the wisdom to keep my mouth shut otherwise. Amen.
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