Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death

Have you ever really thought deeply about this verse from Psalm 23?  There are many ways to look at this verse.  What does it mean to go through something?  Well, for starters it means that you will not be stuck there forever.  This thought is very helpful as it brings comfort and hope to the one in the valley.  Second, it means that you will experience valley times that will feel like death is about to swallow you.  But because you are going through death has no hold on you. 

The whole verse reads "Yea, though I walk through the valley of hte shadow of death..." (Ps 23: 4a KJV).  When we are walking some trips seem to take forever and we wonder if they will never end.  But they do.  And so too will the journey through the valley.  But as we walk through, we need to ask ourselves, "What is the lesson or message God wants me to learn or at the very least hear or experience?"

A person can never rush a journey when they are walking, they will only tire themselves out and have to remain in that place longer than they need to or want to.  A slow steady pace is what is required for someone to move through the valley.  Keep focused the destination and you will get through, with the Lord's help.

Blessings, Becky

Insights and Random Thoughts

It has been longer than I thought since my last post.  I have been on an emotional roller coaster over these past few months as I have adjusted to living in a parsonage without my husband.  He has had to remain at our home so as to continue farming.  This has caused me quite a bit of consternation and trepidation.

As I have become more comfortable with this new living arrangement, other issues have come to the fore.  Issues that I have had to deal with and am still dealing with.  But God never promised that life as a Christian would be free of problems and issues, he only promises to "walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death." (Paraphrase from Psalm 23) 

I have come to realize that every time I experience a season of upset, discomfort and introspection I am walking through the valley of the shadow of death.  Often when I look back I see that I have become a better person for all that I have been through.  That each time, I emerge from that valley a bit lighter and a better person because something that needed to die in me has done so.

It is not an easy process walking through the valley and sometimes I remain in the valley a long time.  But I always know that I have God right there with me, just a thought, just a prayer, just a call away.  He is there waiting for me to surrender my will to his so he can continue to help me become all that he has planned for me to be.

Blessings, Becky

Mixed Blessings

This past Saturday I spent the day scrapbooking at the church I serve.  As I sat there I thought about how I would no longer be a part of this church family on July 1st the way I was now.  And I wondered a bit about how I would feel if I come back for a day-long session at the church and if I did so would that be an ethical violation and breech of covenant?  I have no answer for these questions but I do know that the group of ladies that I scrapbook with are wonderful folks and through our discussions they have helped to make me a better person.  The dilemas I face as a pastor in situations such as the one from Saturday will always be there.  And I will always have mixed feelings about whatever choice I make.  But I do believe that such dilemas are blessings, mainly because they stretch us in our faith walk to apply the teachings of Christ.

Blessings, Becky

Leaving

Over the past few weeks I have been contemplating changes in my life.  I will be moving to a new appointment on July 1.  This means I will be leaving people I love and meeting new people that I know I will come to love, but right now the thought of leaving so many people I have come to know and care about is somewhat overwhelming.  I know I am not the first pastor most of them have had and I definately won't be the last.  But I am their pastor, and I am not certain I want another shepherd caring for "my" sheep.

It is that word "my" that has brought me up short.  When did I become so possessive?  When did I stop seeing them as God's sheep and they become my personal property?  These folks are not not mine any more than my children are mine to own, to control, to hover over.  Each and everyone of us belong to only one person, God.  We are his children, and as such are called to care for and about one another, but to also hold one another loosely.

I need to keep that in mind for all aspects of my life.  As I move into a new appointment I need to remember that I am only here for a time.  Only God knows how long.  And I am called to be a shepherd which means I must do what is best for all God has given me to care for, even if it means turning them over into the care of another.  My prayer is that I will be able to do this with the grace and dignity God expects, all the while remembering that it is love that allows me to do this.

Blessing, Becky

Little Easter's

Each Sunday is to be a celebration of Easter, a "little Easter".  I wonder, how many of us really think of Sunday and worship that way?  For most, we see Sunday as "our" day that is interrupted by Worship.  "Why do I have to take one hour and go to church?" is a refrain we often hear.  We view attendance at church as something to be endured, a joyless activity that fulfills our obligation to God and allows us to continue calling ourselves Christian.

But what if we think of each Sunday as a day to recapture the excitement and joy of Easter how much more wonderful might Worship and our faith life become?  Easter is spring-time and renewal; Easter is spending time with family and friends; Easter is joy and laughter; Easter is celebration of the fulfillment of God's promise to us.  I challenge you today to begin to look at Worship in a new light by viewing each Sunday as the day you recapture the experience of Easter, allowing it to revitalize you and prepare you to face whatever life may throw at you with joy and strength and renewed vigor.

Blessings, Becky

Busyness/Business of Life

Interesting the difference one letter can make.  Take busyness and business.  If we follow the rule we were taught in school, you should change the "y" in busy to an "i" before you add the suffix.  But busy is one of those exceptions...or is it.  Often we confuse the business of life with the busyness of life.

For instance we often confuse what is important with what is demanding our attention.  We know that people are more important than jobs or television or the internet.  But do we invest our time in people OR do we allow the busyness of life to interupt the important business of life? 

During this last week of Lent I encourage you to think about how busy your life is.  What is the business that is so important that it takes you away from God and friends and family and community.  Only you  can decide what the most important business and busyness of life is.

Blessings, Becky

Why is "Holy Week" holy?

Have you ever wondered why the week between Palm Sunday and Easter/Resurrection Sunday is called "holy"?  I have.  When I was a child, I thought it was a dumb name for that week.  I mean, what is so holy about Jesus dying.  In fact, I wondered what was so "good" about Good Friday since it was the day Jesus was nailed to a cross and died.  But as Paul says, "When I was a child, I reasoned like a child.  When I became an [adult],  put childish ways behind me." (1 Cor. 13:11)  I now understand the Good Friday is good because Jesus' death and resurrection made it possible for me to have a right relationship, a restored relationship, with God. 

But why is the whole week holy?  I mean, I know why Palm Sunday is holy and Maundy Thursday and Good Friday - but what about Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday?  I am not advocating changing our whole thought process, but I am saying we need to be thinking about things like this and not just accepting them because "We've always done it that way."  So if anyone is out there reading this, let me know what you think.

Blessings, Becky

Scrapbooking and God

I am at a scrapbooking weekend.  Thse sight is wonderful.  Our main room is located right beside Chautauqua Lake, with geese and other water birds.  The space is so serene and beautiful.  It's a wonderful place to get away to, yet you are not too far away if there is an emergency.  God provides each of us with places like Camp Onyahsa, places where we can encounter him in new ways in the midst of our busy lives.  Take advantage of these times to not only refresh yourself, but also to reconnect with God.  It will not only give you a new zest for life but also will renew your spirit.

First Entry into Blogging

This is a first for me. I have never thought about blogging before. I have always felt that bloggers were perhaps a bit egotistical. I have come to realize that that is not the case. Blogging is a way to share with others in a different forum. Blogging is conversation just conversation with friends. I named my blog "Seeking Serenity through Faith, Family and Friends" because that is what I seek to do, find serenity in life (balance and peace) through faith, family and friends. Community is important to me and I have decided to begin blogging as a way to expand my serenity through a new community resource - on-line friendships.

I don't expect to have anything earth shaking or important to say. I just want to connect with others who value community and the serenity that is found within community. I welcome your thoughts and entry into dialogue.

Blessings, Becky