The Dawn of Pentecost

This is one of my favorite holy days in the Christian calendar – Pentecost. When the promised Holy Spirit blew faith and form into a large group of people. This act of God was meant to awaken (like a lightening bolt) people who were diverse in every way. Awaken them to the truth that God’s good news was to be for ALL people.

The first song of the morning bird has just begun to trill. In a moment there will be an answer and nature will rise to greet the day. We awaken to a stir that will soon become a low but strengthening rumble on this day of Pentecost. It is a day to expect the unexpected.

Humanity attempts to keep everything neat and tidy, to claim knowledge of God’s thoughts and judgements. Yet this Sunday reminds us to beware of such comfort in our ‘knowledge of truth’. We are to stay alert for when the Breath of God blows through our pews, language is changed and ALL people are truly welcome. Balance tips as today’s Temple, closed faith circles, break open.

Oh yes, this day is about spreading the good news that our great Creator’s spirit still moves throughout the world. As we hear the story once again, listen closely for who is charged to take this news out into the far reaches of the earth. The story tells us that the work moves beyond the disciples and stretches to include a diverse range of people – those considered by the Jewish tradition unclean and outcasts.

This is an important day. A day for our times. In the midst of horrific acts and hateful words attempting to separate and divide, we are reminded of God’s way. A way that invites and welcomes people from far beyond and near.’Go and tell,’- this is what we hear today. Go and tell everyone you see, everyone who will listen – tell of a place that is open for all. A place of compassion and justice.

Welcome the cleansing breath of Pentecost! May it blow through our spirits and fill us with renewed energy and commitment. Don’t leave it in the pew, take it to the streets. Tell it to all who will listen. There is a place where all are welcome. Let us make it so!

 

A Great Idea for Creative Bonding

So the summer officially begins this weekend. For all the miles driven during the school year there is equal time trying to keep peace and ‘enjoy’ the (somewhat) forced time together. Now the summer will bring more hours and more demand for creative activities as the roads lay before you.

Many of us have memories of singing as we rode with our families on our story-filled summer vacations. I share with you a great example of the fun that can be shared as these memories are created… Happy Summer!!

 

Someday Theory

Reblogged from Moments with Millie:

We are so used to giving our hopes and dreams excuses.  “Someday I am going to Europe.  Someday, whenever I retire, I am heading for the mountains. Someday….”  For most people “someday” is never.  We live our lives with expiration dates we have named “someday.”  Someday is a future impossibility.  We procrastinate the someday which never arrives because the reality of taking small leaps into the unknown is fearful. 

Read more… 394 more words

We have often talked about that one special thing we will get 'around to'. This is a wonderful reflection on the importance of 'now'. For those who haven't met I introduce you to Millie. She has a beautiful way to inspire and encourage - enjoy!!

 

Let there be peace…

I have been shocked at the angry and hate-filled rhetoric spreading through the politics and the pulpits of this country. There is so much focus on what is wrong, on drawing lines between damaging definitions of who are ‘the worthy’ and ‘the unworthy’. The words are becoming extreme and therefore dangerous.

We are truly ALL on life’s path together. Actions and attitudes will make a huge impact on the well-being of this culture and the world. Our dependence on one another is only going to grow. Our differences are our strengths. Be it in word or action or the simple offering of our presence, there is little time to waste, the world is calling out for compassion and care.

It is time to raise the standard, time to offer an alternative. It is time to awaken each day ready to spread kindness. One simple act of kindness plants seeds for more of same. People are paying attention – seeking examples of another way to live in community – a way of inclusion and mercy.

Imagine a revolution based on acts of kindness. Instead of focusing on the negative and the angry, begin to watch for the good in each other. Share the stories of what you have seen. Do what you can to help redirect the discourse. Help change the conversation and attitude as we work to regain perspective in our communities.

Everyone has some thing to offer. Encouragement and inspiration is all around…

Below I share an example of ‘inspiration all around’…
Let There Be Peace On Earth

from the blog: Work The Dream