There are a lot of interesting things to think about that don't really matter. Like what makes the sunset mostly red or why we only see the constellation Orion in the winter in this hemisphere. I mean, they do matter in the grand scheme of the world, but not necessarily in my world. Or the questions like Is God omnipotent and changeless? Because if he is then why does he rule differently today then in the old testament? Not to say that there is a right answer but interesting topics to discuss. Discuss - not debate. Talk about in a respectful and loving way. (Sometimes I have discovered these kinds of topics can lead to hurt feelings or uncomfortableness among some present...sorry! We didn't mean it!)
And then there are the things that matter that I simply rejoice that other people know and take care of that I don't really understand or want to know about. Like the laws. I like to vote, but I don't want to be a politician. I want to elect someone whom I have faith in and be able to say thanks or please don't do that. Scientific research too! I don't want to stare at petri dishes trying to find a cure to cancer but I'm really glad someone else does!
There are however things I do care about that do matter. For one, my faith. God has touched my life in such an amazing way I want to share it with others. I can only imagine as a parent how much you would love your child and want to share the wonders of the world with them. For many parents this includes their faith. So the question to discuss here is should you, the church, or anyone indoctrinate kids?
I can see both a yes and no answer to this. There is a common thought today that well... I just let my kids decide when they get old enough. (falling on the no side) Yes, faith is a personal decision. Yes, kids often follow the values of their parents and other role models around them. If the ideas are shared and presented. But, we don't let our kids (mostly) decide when their bedtime should be, what is good for them to eat and not, how much TV to watch, what is appropriate to wear or say... the list goes on. It's just a part of parenting. We teach kids what is good and right and what is bad and wrong. So why is faith questioned?
Well... faith or religion?
There is also many who teach kids theology that personally I think goes a little to far. Yes, Jesus loves them and I agree kids should know that. But I just watched the documentary Jesus Camp lately and was very distressed at some of the things happening. I have read about Islamic extremist schools for young boys that teach the west is evil and a threat to peace and happiness and God.
Hitler also educated youth. With propaganda they believed that still today makes many of us tremble. So there are extremes to this question. What do we teach kids about faith and God and the church?
I think that this is a fascinating question. It came up in a discussion with my sister yesterday. We were talking about God parents somehow and she mentioned how her and her fiance just touched the subject a while ago and he was not okay with me as a God parent because I am not catholic and they are. We don't believe the same things.
Well yes and no. Earlier in the conversation she laughed at me and said "why aren't you catholic?". We share so many fundamental beliefs about God and faith. That's why we are all christians!! Yet we often don't know the truth behind the differences or over emphasis them.
I say teach the kids the truth of the gospel. Use scripture for references. And teach them the differences of the major faiths and famous religious people and what they said. Saint Augustine is one of my favorite people - yes a catholic! But I still love being a part of the United Methodist Church. I also love Luther - (just saw the movie LUTHER as well - excellent!)
Bottom line - we all love God and have a very unifying message in his gospel. Teach that to anyone with ears who will listen.
In peace,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Lists
Confession: I love lists.
I have been teased many times, but I like to make lists. I make to do lists, wish lists, grocery lists... project lists... lists of books i want to read, people i want to learn about, places i want to go. It's my way of being organized. (not something some of my friends would describe me as)
Sometimes I put the simplest tasks on the list and sometimes very complicated ones. It's the little things that make up so much of time though. It's the little things that we remember and that give us joy.
The latest time consuming wonderful joy in my life has been cooking. I get to cook for my grandparents daily and I'm always trying to use fresh fruits or vegetable and Grandma and I have been trying new recipes. Last night we made sweet potato fries and they were AMAZING!
A really simple recipe, a common task that happens daily, but something I'll treasure for a long time.
This fall I have been living the phrase "take time to stop and smell the roses". And I am forever grateful for this time.
Hoping you find your rest,
In peace - Erin
I have been teased many times, but I like to make lists. I make to do lists, wish lists, grocery lists... project lists... lists of books i want to read, people i want to learn about, places i want to go. It's my way of being organized. (not something some of my friends would describe me as)
Sometimes I put the simplest tasks on the list and sometimes very complicated ones. It's the little things that make up so much of time though. It's the little things that we remember and that give us joy.
The latest time consuming wonderful joy in my life has been cooking. I get to cook for my grandparents daily and I'm always trying to use fresh fruits or vegetable and Grandma and I have been trying new recipes. Last night we made sweet potato fries and they were AMAZING!
A really simple recipe, a common task that happens daily, but something I'll treasure for a long time.
This fall I have been living the phrase "take time to stop and smell the roses". And I am forever grateful for this time.
Hoping you find your rest,
In peace - Erin
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Influences
I am often surprised by the things I don't notice. Often during a day I will hear something I think is really cool or see something really awesome and say to myself - sweet! remember that! I did that this morning actually.... I'm not sure what about though.
In my case, I am more influenced by presence then anything else. I really do love living with my grandparents, especially in those little moments where grandma just looks and me and gives me a hug. Her way of saying, "what would I do without you right now girl?".
Yet at the same time there are many things I want to be focusing on right now, and many things dragging me down. EXPECTATIONS!!! I am soooo sick of trying to explain to people why I'm making this choice right now. To stay with my grandparents instead of go to seminary. I don't have a good job here. I can't just say out loud to everyone that they really need me. Yes, I'm waiting to go back to school. When I try to say explain it, I get a look that makes me feel like I'm not going anywhere. Oh. and a change of subject.
I have always been the motivated child with hopes and dreams and plans. Right now I feel like I'm just sitting around. It drags me down. I drag me down.
But the other day I went to camp. I could feel the excitement run through me. Working on grants, answering the door, just being there with people around made my day. Nothing all that special happened. I didn't touch anyone's life or save the world from hunger. Yet just being there was a positive influence.
I do miss my friends. Many of them are all around the world. I think back to crazy times that many of them have been there for me. Late night chats, crazy shenanigans, "family" meals... They still influence me today. But it's not necessarily the things they say - it's the things they do and their presence. I keep tabs with a few by reading their blogs. Isn't it funny how you can really hear a person through how they write sometimes? It's like they are right there telling you about it themselves. You smile, you laugh out loud... you feel like they are still there.
Thank you God for the positive influences in my life. Even when they are far away.
In peace,
your sister in Christ~Erin
In my case, I am more influenced by presence then anything else. I really do love living with my grandparents, especially in those little moments where grandma just looks and me and gives me a hug. Her way of saying, "what would I do without you right now girl?".
Yet at the same time there are many things I want to be focusing on right now, and many things dragging me down. EXPECTATIONS!!! I am soooo sick of trying to explain to people why I'm making this choice right now. To stay with my grandparents instead of go to seminary. I don't have a good job here. I can't just say out loud to everyone that they really need me. Yes, I'm waiting to go back to school. When I try to say explain it, I get a look that makes me feel like I'm not going anywhere. Oh. and a change of subject.
I have always been the motivated child with hopes and dreams and plans. Right now I feel like I'm just sitting around. It drags me down. I drag me down.
But the other day I went to camp. I could feel the excitement run through me. Working on grants, answering the door, just being there with people around made my day. Nothing all that special happened. I didn't touch anyone's life or save the world from hunger. Yet just being there was a positive influence.
I do miss my friends. Many of them are all around the world. I think back to crazy times that many of them have been there for me. Late night chats, crazy shenanigans, "family" meals... They still influence me today. But it's not necessarily the things they say - it's the things they do and their presence. I keep tabs with a few by reading their blogs. Isn't it funny how you can really hear a person through how they write sometimes? It's like they are right there telling you about it themselves. You smile, you laugh out loud... you feel like they are still there.
Thank you God for the positive influences in my life. Even when they are far away.
In peace,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Monday, September 13, 2010
God is not a vending Machine
A very wise friend of mine told me one night -
"Erin, I have realized many things people try to make God into that he's not. For example, God is not a vending machine. People put in their good deeds and their righteous lives and expect blessings to follow in exactly their way. But it doesn't work that way. God is not a vending machine." (paraphrased.... )
Very sound theological advice actually. In my devo for the day I was reading from Psalm 79. The past few days have been from Jeremiah. Sigh... Jeremiah. My favorite prophet. Gosh I can't imagine being him. Trying to tell the hebrew people that they weren't doing what they should and that they would fail.
I love watching the kids I have taught go through teambuilding games. One of my favorite things for them to realize is that they don't like to be told what to do, so maybe... just maybe... they shouldn't tell others what to do. I can't imagine what Jeremiah ran up against. I'm sure the Hebrew people didn't appreciate him telling them what to do, or worse, that they would fail.
Then he lived through the Babylonian exile. Being a prophet is hard enough, but to predict bad things and then see them happen? I understand the words of the psalmist, how long will you let us suffer? I feel like our society is fairly used to suffering. We hear often of single parents struggling, unemployment, homelessness... but we also hear stories of people overcoming. We life those stories up and say look - you can do it!
But it's not that simple. (sorry... ) Every time we lift up someone who has made it, despite difficult times and situations; those of us who do have enough, who are food secure, who even have extra (like multiple cars and multiple TV's, and stocks, and... the list goes on) say to ourselves - "self, I don't have to give of my excess because I worked for it. That person made it, so can others". Sigh... that's not what its about.
We want God to give all of us our happily ever afters. Yes, we expect struggle and difficult times - for what would any story be like without that. We all have something we're up against. - I love that quote from The Freedom Writers. But like any good movie, we expect somehow for things to resolve and work their way out. If we pray enough. If we have enough faith. If we are generous and loving.
That's not what God is about. God is about love. Forgiving us for our sin and saving us. That doesn't mean our lives will end like a disney movie. It's not a simple introduction - building tension - climax - resolution story we all want so bad. Sometimes we just have to accept the cards we have been dealt and make the best lemonade with them.
My favorite prayer (Francis of Assisi)
"Lord, give me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference."
Yes, I hope for my happily ever after. Find love, serve the world, make a difference, raise some loving kids. But I try to keep in mind that my God is not a vending machine and accept all the burdens he blesses me with as well as the treasures.
In peace,
your sister in Christ~Erin
"Erin, I have realized many things people try to make God into that he's not. For example, God is not a vending machine. People put in their good deeds and their righteous lives and expect blessings to follow in exactly their way. But it doesn't work that way. God is not a vending machine." (paraphrased.... )
Very sound theological advice actually. In my devo for the day I was reading from Psalm 79. The past few days have been from Jeremiah. Sigh... Jeremiah. My favorite prophet. Gosh I can't imagine being him. Trying to tell the hebrew people that they weren't doing what they should and that they would fail.
I love watching the kids I have taught go through teambuilding games. One of my favorite things for them to realize is that they don't like to be told what to do, so maybe... just maybe... they shouldn't tell others what to do. I can't imagine what Jeremiah ran up against. I'm sure the Hebrew people didn't appreciate him telling them what to do, or worse, that they would fail.
Then he lived through the Babylonian exile. Being a prophet is hard enough, but to predict bad things and then see them happen? I understand the words of the psalmist, how long will you let us suffer? I feel like our society is fairly used to suffering. We hear often of single parents struggling, unemployment, homelessness... but we also hear stories of people overcoming. We life those stories up and say look - you can do it!
But it's not that simple. (sorry... ) Every time we lift up someone who has made it, despite difficult times and situations; those of us who do have enough, who are food secure, who even have extra (like multiple cars and multiple TV's, and stocks, and... the list goes on) say to ourselves - "self, I don't have to give of my excess because I worked for it. That person made it, so can others". Sigh... that's not what its about.
We want God to give all of us our happily ever afters. Yes, we expect struggle and difficult times - for what would any story be like without that. We all have something we're up against. - I love that quote from The Freedom Writers. But like any good movie, we expect somehow for things to resolve and work their way out. If we pray enough. If we have enough faith. If we are generous and loving.
That's not what God is about. God is about love. Forgiving us for our sin and saving us. That doesn't mean our lives will end like a disney movie. It's not a simple introduction - building tension - climax - resolution story we all want so bad. Sometimes we just have to accept the cards we have been dealt and make the best lemonade with them.
My favorite prayer (Francis of Assisi)
"Lord, give me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference."
Yes, I hope for my happily ever after. Find love, serve the world, make a difference, raise some loving kids. But I try to keep in mind that my God is not a vending machine and accept all the burdens he blesses me with as well as the treasures.
In peace,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Friday, September 03, 2010
Rebellion
This was the verse of the day today:
“This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”- Isaiah 48:17
Does it make me a rebellious young person to not entirely like this verse? One thing I try to stress to the youth I work with is that nobody likes to be told what to do. It takes a pretty good leader to be able to motivate people to do what they want without people feeling like you are telling them what to do.
In the US we live in a society which tells us that we can do whatever we want. It's all about having the freedom to live how we choose. And characteristically we get very upset when others think they can tell us what to do.
But then I wonder sometimes if that's not just human nature. When the Israelites asked God for a king, he said HE was the king. But they just kept asking until he finally gave in and look what a mess that turned out to be sometimes. Parents everywhere will tell you that children will sometimes do exactly the opposite of what you tell them just because you told them. Why is it so hard for us to be obedient?
But when I spend more time with this verse and fight against my rebellious side it is comforting. God knows what is best and will teach it to me and I continue to look to him and not myself for which way to go. Best of luck with you also.
In peace,
your sister in Christ~Erin
“This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”- Isaiah 48:17
Does it make me a rebellious young person to not entirely like this verse? One thing I try to stress to the youth I work with is that nobody likes to be told what to do. It takes a pretty good leader to be able to motivate people to do what they want without people feeling like you are telling them what to do.
In the US we live in a society which tells us that we can do whatever we want. It's all about having the freedom to live how we choose. And characteristically we get very upset when others think they can tell us what to do.
But then I wonder sometimes if that's not just human nature. When the Israelites asked God for a king, he said HE was the king. But they just kept asking until he finally gave in and look what a mess that turned out to be sometimes. Parents everywhere will tell you that children will sometimes do exactly the opposite of what you tell them just because you told them. Why is it so hard for us to be obedient?
But when I spend more time with this verse and fight against my rebellious side it is comforting. God knows what is best and will teach it to me and I continue to look to him and not myself for which way to go. Best of luck with you also.
In peace,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Life is...
I am a thinker and sometimes I find myself pondering the age old philosophical questions many before me have wondered. What is life all about?
Well in my experience everyone answers this question differently and often tries to persuade others to their answer.
Life is about love…
Life is about success…
Life is about family…
Life is about relationships…
Life is about happiness…
Life is about God…
Life is about chocolate…
How a person answers this question, or whether or not they do, shapes who a person is. I’m not saying that you have to choose one – there is great wisdom in balancing many or all of those ideas.
Yet I can’t help but notice that I… and I suppose other young people, struggle to answer the question at all. This leads us to search, for what we don’t know, but apparently we’ll know when we find it.
At camp I try to show people that life is about relationships. In survival class we talk about how it’s almost impossible to live all by yourself. We as humans need each other. For help taking care of ourselves – getting food and building shelter, but also for company and love. Kids share how important their family and friends are to their lives.
And the staff teach how much God wants to be in relationship with us. Over and over again he reaches out and shows us how he cares. He knows us. He knows me. While it is an easy concept to say, it is much deeper. God knows when I cut a corner or tell a lie, when I go out of my way to help someone, or when I’m impatient or rude. He chooses to love me anyway and this is the amazing gift of grace. But it doesn’t stop there.
Life is about relationships. They grow and change as we grow and change. We get out of them what we put in. Many of us have seen relationships fall apart and disappear when we stop putting any effort into them. Yet God continues to try with us, with me.
Take time daily to work on your relationship with God. He teaches us to pray – to talk and listen to him. To study about him by reading the bible (remember who he is – not making him into something I want him to be). And to act on that relationship – serve and love others.
The cost of discipleship – choosing to have that relationship with God, is high. It requires commitment and time. But is one relationship I know my life can’t live without.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Transitions
When looking at something with a critical eye we divide it into pieces and consider the quality of each piece and then the whole. Transitions is the time between sections. But living in transition I wonder if its more than we give it credit for.
I guess I have this idea that life fits into a nice timeline of events. Childhood, school years, college, job.... marriage and family next?
Yet my generation cares and doesn't care about this nice and easy system. What about those of us that have degrees and no job? So many more factors to complicate life... economics for example.
And then there is the cheesy quotes and thoughts that each day matters and we can make it what we want. Yet we all know that life is like a patchwork quilt and while one square can be perfect.... it's all of them together that really make something.
So what does the bible say about transitions? Not much... story-story-story. The transitions of traveling or time when their isn't a story happening is left out. (can't imagine how big the bible would be with all of the day to day!) Yet that is where life is lived.
So that's what I'm up to this fall. Living life. Caring for my family. Caring for myself.
Watch out blog - here I come.
In peace,
your sister in Christ~Erin
I guess I have this idea that life fits into a nice timeline of events. Childhood, school years, college, job.... marriage and family next?
Yet my generation cares and doesn't care about this nice and easy system. What about those of us that have degrees and no job? So many more factors to complicate life... economics for example.
And then there is the cheesy quotes and thoughts that each day matters and we can make it what we want. Yet we all know that life is like a patchwork quilt and while one square can be perfect.... it's all of them together that really make something.
So what does the bible say about transitions? Not much... story-story-story. The transitions of traveling or time when their isn't a story happening is left out. (can't imagine how big the bible would be with all of the day to day!) Yet that is where life is lived.
So that's what I'm up to this fall. Living life. Caring for my family. Caring for myself.
Watch out blog - here I come.
In peace,
your sister in Christ~Erin
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