Category: Blog

Blog

2019 UMC General Conference

This is my personal response to some who asked for my take on things.

We knew that however it ended up, a large number of people would feel hurt, scarred, betrayed and disillusioned.  Another large group would feel those exact same things, and relieved.  Everyone involved feels war torn.  A sad state of affairs.  It is not yet over.

As God is my witness, I try to surrender to God and not my own will, compulsions, nor changing societies, values, and trends.  Jesus said He only did the Father’s will, and I want to be like Jesus, unashamed of the gospel.

My favorite uncle was gay, I have parishioners who are lesbian, and friends with other lifestyles and I love them as friends.  We mutually understand that love does not always mean agreement in all matters.

Scripture says, “As far as it is up to you, be at peace with all.”  We all need God.  We all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.

My foundation and continuing guidance must be God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as revealed in scripture, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, discerned in study and groups of faithful Christians.  For those among us who feel compelled to answer to God above all else, our hearts and minds must align with God.

My friends, even though I love you, I cannot agree with attitudes and actions of unrepentant, open disobedience and intentional disruption as experienced in public spaces, conferences, and social media.

Parts of scripture may be difficult to accept and apply in this time of socio-political upheavals.  Still, it is disrespectful to God to misuse verses out of context to support popular ever changing opinion.  Even Jesus set boundaries, and as the prime demonstration of love, He said, “Go and sin no more.”

Grace, truth, and peace be yours.  RevDonnaH

No Excuses – Press On!

When you share your faith, it’s not always accepted by others.  You know that some are thinking (or even saying) “What gives you the right to tell me anything?  You’re not such hot stuff yourself, I know about your past!”

Keep this verse in your heart and press on.  Let those slings and arrows of others bounce off your armor of God, you have a new life in Christ, my friend.  Hear the word of the Lord, through the Apostle Paul:

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”       Philippians 3:12

Don’t be discouraged, don’t give up – pray for them as you continue following the call God put on your own life, through the Holy Spirit, and confirmation from others.

What Would Jesus Do?

To know “what would Jesus do?”  Go to the source – read and learn for yourself.  You may be surprised what (or how) He would do/act!

If you are not sure where to find the record of Jesus’s words and actions, find a Bible translation you can understand, then look through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as a good start.

To go deeper, look through other scriptures to see what was said about Jesus – both before and after He physically walked the earth.  If questions arise as you study, find a person mature in faith to talk with, perhaps even to mentor you – it’s fascinating to have these discussions!

Be Encouraged, Take Heart

Our focus belongs on God’s steadfast love and mercy, rather than the ever-changing values and troubles of society and the world.  It can be hard sometimes, especially when those near us devalue your faith.  Take heart, you are in excellent company.

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”     — II Timothy 3:1 – 5

Unwell?

It seems like bad things happen at the worst times possible, physical or financial, just when we have so much planned!  Sometimes, we are not just told to cut back a bit and do less, but we feel like we’re been completely shut down from doing anything productive or useful.  It’s frustrating, disappointing, disheartening, we get jealous of others who can do or go more, we feel left out, misunderstood, pitied by others, etc.

It feels crummy.

I have learned some gritty lessons from seriously ill patients, as well as others with devastating financial problems, and endless and excessive family/work demands.  I even learned a lot from my own experience with a badly broken leg  – bedridden, off work, then wheelchair-bound, etc. for several weeks, and experiencing unexpected depression.

One of the things I’ve learned in my chaplaincy visits, when I stop trying to fix their issues, I can hear them better.  We can both hear God better too!

When people lose the ability to physically do the things they want, some grow in peace, grace and wisdom – after an initial adjustment period.  Priorities get adjusted, humility develops (replacing the POISON of resentment) and perspective changes.  In some cases, it’s a relief to have to let go of some things that really are unrealistic even when in full health.  Facing and accepting our limitations can be a hard pill to swallow, but it’s unsafe and unhealthy to not receive that medicine.

Time is limited and incredibly valuable – for all of us.  That crazy feeling running train of thought for all the things we need (or want) to do seems never ending.  When sidelined, quiet down a bit, turn to God and can hear Him better.  It helps. 

When I visit with people in hospice, they sometimes feel lost, especially unable to do for themselves or others.  But listen to them, their thoughts and words are even more precious and frequently filled with wisdom.

Offer the best gift, your time, listen, really hear their heart words.  Make time.  It matters.

Peace be with your spirit, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

What Is Class?

What Is Class?.  Please visit this gentleman’s WordPress blog, to read his tribute to his father-in-law’s good words to his daughters.

“Class never runs scared.  It is sure-footed and confident in the knowledge that you can meet life head on and handle whatever comes along.

Jacob had it.  Esau didn’t.  Symbolically, we can look to Jacob’s wrestling match with the angel.  Those who have class have wrestled with their own personal angel and won a victory that marks them thereafter.

Class never makes excuses.  It takes lumps and learns from past mistakes.  Class is considerate of others.  It knows that good manners are nothing more than a series of small sacrifices.

Class bespeaks an aristocracy that has nothing to do with ancestors or money.  The most affluent blue blood can be totally without class, while the descendant of a Welsh miner may ooze class from every pore.

Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down.  Class is already up and need not strive to look better by making others look worse.

Class can “walk with kings and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch.”  Everyone is comfortable with the person who has class because he is comfortable with himself.

If you have class you don’t need much of anything else.  If you don’t have it, no matter what else you have, it doesn’t make much difference.”

Holiday Sadness – Oxymoron?

Pain is often more pronounced during any holiday season.  Be sensitive to people you know, listen more than talk, really hear and care – without criticizing or insisting that they’re wrong, or offering unsolicited advice.  We can do better, be better, caring about difficult people, the ones who make us feel uncomfortable.  Take time to care, in ways they need most.

Ask God to open your eyes and ears to those who need you.  Loan them your faith, through your presence, if you can.  Grace and peace.