Aloha Friday Message – November 6, 2009 – The Red Marble

November 6, 2009

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Happy aloha Friday! Today I want to say thank you. From time to time someone will tell me, “I sent that one to my brother (or my son, or my friend, or my dad, or …).” I really appreciate that, and thought you should know that I really encourage you to send these MBN Aloha Friday Cards everywhere you can. That’s why they are sent to you – for you to share them.

I also love to get the messages where people ask us to pray for them, or when folks tell me the prayers are having an effect. Those are the Praise Reports. In fact, I got one just recently from Justin’s mom. He’s been discharged from the hospital, is gaining weight, and feeling some better. He still has some pain where the cordoma is, and he’s still on pain meds, still getting radiation treatments. That is great progress, so Praise God for hearing our prayers. There are additional victories here and there. Some of them we hear about, others we don’t. The point is I am also thankful that you are part of the prayer circle called the Moon Beam Network. Every time you use the MBN prayer you touch literally hundreds of lives in a positive way because you lift them up to God.

I also want to thank you for sending me stories that can be shared with the MBN. I’m always on the lookout for good stories, or collections of sayings, or good clean humor; so if you’ve got those things, send them in and maybe they’ll get sent out again to the MBN.

This is one such story, and regrettably I don’t know its origins. I just know that at the end of the story I understood better this adage:

Always seek,
Expect to receive,
And accept
The Greater Gift.

The Red Marble
During the waning years of the depression in a small southeastern Idaho community, I used to stop by Brother Miller’s roadside stand for farm-fresh produce as the season made it available. Food and money were still extremely scarce and bartering was used — extensively.

One particular day Brother Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn’t help overhearing the conversation between Brother Miller and the ragged boy next to me.

“Hello Barry, how are you today?”

“Hello, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Just admiring them peas, sure look good.”

“They are good, Barry. How’s your Ma?”

“Fine. Getting’ stronger all of the time.”

“Good. Anything I can help you with?”

“No, Sir. Just admiring them peas.”

“Would you like to take some home?”

“No, Sir. Got nothing’ to pay for ’em with.”

“Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?”

“All I’ve got is my prize marble here.”

“Is that right? Let me see it.”

“Here ’tis. She’s a dandy.”

“I can see that. Hmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?”

“Not exactly …..but, almost.”

“Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble.”

“Sure will. Thanks, Mr. Miller.”

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said: “There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn’t like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps.”

I left the stand, smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Utah but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys and their bartering.

Several years went by each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there I learned that Brother Miller had died.

They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon our arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts…very professional looking.

They approached Mrs. Miller, standing smiling and composed, by her husband’s casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary, awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. Eyes glistening she took my hand and led me to the casket. “Those three young men, that just left, were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim “traded” them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size…they came to pay their debt. We’ve never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,” she confided, “but, right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho.”

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three, magnificently shiny, red marbles.

For everything there is an appropriate time, and a season for every activity under Heaven.

No need to rush through charity. You can do more that drop a buck in the Salvation Army bucket, drop off a sack of canned-goods at the food-bank, or donate to United Way. All of those make a good beginning. The kind of charity that takes a long time to deliver produces the best rewards – eternal rewards, and eternity starts here, before you ever get “there.” Lay your life down every day? Sure, why not? He did. It’s a LOVE thing.

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service.

Keep praying for the people – ALL the people. (Yep, even the ones you least expect will care if you pray for them).

Age Quod Agis, Beloved

Incidentally, if you are reading this, you probably know that I love you, too. Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved!

PS: If it’s been a while since you sent a note, now would be an excellent time…. 🙂

Aloha Friday Message – October 30, 2009

October 30, 2009

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Happy Aloha Friday! Today’s message is a pair of stories about birds.

There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak…”I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, “What you got there, son?”

“Just some old birds,” came the reply.

“What are you gonna do with them?” I asked.

“Take ’em home and have fun with ’em,” he answered. “I’m gonna tease ’em and pull out their feathers to make ’em fight. I’m gonna have a real good time.” “But you’ll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do?”

“Oh, I got some cats,” said the little boy.

“They like birds. I’ll take ’em to them.”

The pastor was silent for a moment. “How much do you want for those birds, son?”

“Huh??!!! Why, you don’t want them birds, mister. They’re just plain old field birds. They don’t sing. They ain’t even pretty!”

“How much?” the pastor asked again. The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, “$10?”

The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy’s hand. In a flash, the boy was gone.

The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free.

Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story.

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. “Yes, sir, I just caught the world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn’t resist. Got ’em all!”

“What are you going to do with them?” Jesus asked.

Satan replied, “Oh, I’m gonna have fun! I’m gonna teach them how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I’m gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I’m really gonna have fun!”

“And what will you do when you get done with them?” Jesus asked.

“Oh, I’ll kill ’em,” Satan glared proudly.

“How much do you want for them?” Jesus asked.

“Oh, you don’t want those people. They ain’t no good. Why, you’ll take them and they’ll just hate you. They’ll spit on you, curse you, and kill you. You don’t want those people!!”

“How much?” He asked again.

Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, “All your blood, your tears, and your life.”

Jesus said, “DONE!”

Then He paid the price.

The pastor picked up the cage. He opened the door and he walked from the pulpit.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

They say there was once a boy who did not believe in the wisdom of the elders. One day he decided to prove that the old man everyone sought out for advice was really just an old fool.

He knew the old man lived in the mountains near the place where the trees stopped growing and a tall outcrop of rocks pointed up like a Tipi. Early one morning he set out to find the old man. He had decided he would capture a bird on his way to the elder’s camp. When he met the old man he would hold the bird in his hand behind his back. He would tell the old man he had a bird. Then he would ask him if the bird was dead or alive. If the old man said, “Dead,” the boy would release the bird and let it fly away. If the old man said “Alive,” he would crush the bird’s neck with his thumb and throw it at the old man’s feet.

By mid-afternoon he was approaching the tree line and the outcrop of rock. Using a stick coated with piñon pitch, he captured a young cardinal. Smiling to himself with satisfaction at seeing his plan come together, he continued toward the camp. Before long he arrived, and rather than squat and wait for the old man to come out, he stood in a little clearing in front of a lean-to and called out, “Old man! I have a question for you! Come out and show me your wisdom!”

After a few moments, the elder emerged from a narrow passage in the rocks off to the side of the lean-to. Though he moved slowly, he still moved with dignity and strength. “Yes, boy. What is it you want to ask?” The boy took just the slightest step forward and said,

“Old man, you are known for your wisdom. My friends and relatives say that you know and understand all things. I don’t believe that, and I’ve come here to prove it. I have a bird in my hand. If you are so wise, tell me: Is the bird dead, or alive?”

The old man’s eyes softened and a look of great sadness fell over him. He looked directly at the boy’s eyes intently for what seemed like a very long time. Then, crossing his wrists over his heart, he leaned forward and spoke.” My child, do you not know?” The boy’s mind was racing, “He’s fallen for the bait!” he thought. “This is really going to be good!” The old man uncrossed his arms and placed his hands gently on the boy’s shoulders. He brought his face level with the boy’s. He spoke very softly. “Dear child, the bird’s life is in YOUR hands.”

Children, when you listen to this story, ask your heart what you think the boy did. And if you are in the healing professions, remember that the bird’s life is in your hands in every life you touch.

And now, Beloved, I urge you to continue to pray. Make your life a prayer. Offer everything to God – everything – especially the things that you don’t want to show Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you – He and God speak the same inexpressible language – and give the Spirit totally access to your heart and mind.

From Justin’s mom: Thank you for the continued prayers and support. Justin is slowly improving.

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service. Beloved!

chick

Aloha Friday Message – October 16, 2009

October 16, 2009

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Happy Aloha Friday, Beloved! Here is a great little story sent to us by an MBN member who asks that we share it with family and friends.

The Duck & the Devil
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.

As he was walking back he saw Grandma’s pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved! In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile but then he saw his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing. After lunch the next day Grandma said, “Sally, let’s wash the dishes.” But Sally said, “Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.” Then she whispered to him, “Remember the duck?” So Johnny did the dishes. Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, “I’m sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.”

Sally just smiled and said, “Well that’s all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help.” She whispered again, “Remember the duck?” So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally’s, he finally couldn’t stand it any longer.

He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, ‘Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.’

Thought for the day and every day thereafter?

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done… and the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.)…whatever it is…You need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven.

He’s just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you. The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness. He not only forgives you, but He forgets. It is by God’s grace and mercy that we are saved.

Go ahead and make the difference in someone’s life today. Share this with a friend and always remember: God is at the window!

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

And we’ll close with one of my favorite Q&A exchanges.
Q: What’s the difference between a duck?
A: A duck and what?
Q: Not a duck-and-what. Just a duck.
A: I give up. What’s the difference between a duck?
A: Each foot is both webbed.

The Point: Stupid questions deserve stupid answers, OR there’s an answer for everything, but not all answers make sense.

Have a great weekend, and remember, when a duck flies upside down, it quacks up!

Chick
Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service…
Pray for, with, and about one another, Beloved. It is what we are called to do.

Aloha Friday Message – October 9, 2009

October 9, 2009

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Happy Aloha Friday!

Today’s note will be a bit abbreviated (ok, who said “HURRAY!”?) because I’m getting set to go to Denver. In fact by the time you read this I will probably be in Denver for a short visit with family there.

In the past couple of weeks I have written about sharing – sharing suffering and sharing joy – and today I want to think about sharing love. It is one of the most natural, foundational, and integrating aspects of our humanity. The ability to love is hardwired into us as part of our creation in the image of God. When it is nurtured, it grows as God intended it to and that is what enables us to share love. When it is not nurtured, the outcome is tragic because it is so dehumanizing. We learn to love by being loved and then returning that love to the giver. Now there are a few of you whose background in psychology or social sciences will shift into high gear, but allow me the over-simplification for a moment.

To me it is simple.

First, we are created in the image of God. We are spiritual beings that are enfleshed in this world. It is our spirit that is most like God and which always leads us to ways to unite with Him.

Second, paraphrasing here, “God is Love and whoever abides in Love abides in God and God in them.” When we love, we are in harmony with the Creator; we are living as He lives. Sounds simple, yes? Like the old expression, “easier said than done.” That is because God does not make us love Him. He allows us to love Him – or not. We all know how that worked out for Adam and Eve and for each of us as well. Still, when one loves, one lives “in this world but not of this world.” One lives in The Kingdom.

Lastly, when we share love we come to the fullest expression of our humanity because eventually the “sharing” fades to the background and the Giving begins. Here in Hawaii we are very excited about one of our “local boys” being canonized this week. Damien de Veuster, now called Blessed Damien, will become St. Damien on October 11 in Rome. But there are other recent examples as well: Mother Theresa, John Paul II, Dorothy Day, and many others whose lives are based in the power of sharing Divine Love with the world. In this way we come to know the fullness of Joy and yes the fullness of Sorrow as well. One of the adages I heard often when growing up is “There is not Easter without Calvary.”

So, Beloved, love one another as He has loved you. Care for each other just as He cares for you. Share the suffering, share the joy, and share the love until you cannot share it any longer and you have to give it away. Guess what? The more you give away the more there is to give. That, too, is just as God intended. The lesson here is to know that being more like God is easier than we think and harder than we imagine. That is because we think it is impossible and we imagine we can accomplish our plans by being in control of our lives and souls.

It is not impossible. It is our nature. We don’t do it by control (law, ritual, personal effort). We do it by letting go and letting God be All in all and for all.

Thank you for your gifts of love and prayer. Please continue to pray for ALL the people, I literally mean everyone in the whole world, because all of us need to share suffering, joy, and love as God intended.

Thanks for praying for Justin. He’s so young! But getting better. And Jim, and Jorey, and Karen, and Carl, and Sandi, and Gerri, and Dan, and Ken, and Bill, and … Please, be diligent in praying for everyone who asks for our prayers. God absolutely knows who is asking and when you share the Love by interceding by praying for, with, and about them, He knows where to send the answers to your prayers. He is such a Good God!!

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved!

chick

AFC – Special Edition – October 6, 2010

October 6, 2009

Aloha Friday Message – October 2, 2009

October 2, 2009

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Happy Aloha Friday Beloved. This is been a tough week in the Pacific. Pacific. It seems ironic that the ocean named “Peaceable” should experience so much violence. Samoa. Sumatra in Indonesia. Philippines. Marianas. Guam and Saipan. All have experienced tragedies in the past few days with hundreds of lives lost, tens of thousands displaced from their home, and unfathomable property damage. Please take time today to pray for the souls of the dead, for strength for the survivors, and for generosity from all of us in ways that can be of help. Be generous especially in your prayers, but as much as you can, also be generous with your wallets. Last week I talked about sharing in suffering, and this is one way to do just that.

We can also share in their joy. Many of the survivors have said, “We are just glad that we are alive.” I confess that is a mystery to me. Those who have survived face deprivations of every kind for a long, long time. Nearly all have lost loved ones, property, even basic necessities like food and water, housing and sanitation. The sum of human misery is incalculable. Yet, they are glad, joyous, that they are alive. As I thought about that I came across something that really grabbed my attention.

This past couple of weeks I have been reviewing some of the notes I take on Sundays. One from January 25, 2004 – Probably a homily from Fr. Al Rubadello – was based in the readings for that day, in particular from Nehemiah, Chapter 8. This is the scene where Ezra is reading from the book of the Law of Moses which the Lord prescribed for Israel. (A few years back, in the Nixon era, there was some comment about the fact that Ezra was standing in an open space near the Water Gate.) Ezra read the law and a host of Levites instructed the people in what it meant. At first the people wept, for they had not heard the law read for many years (this was after the return from Babylon in the days of the Restoration). They were instructed to feast and rejoice for seven days.

So, here are the notes. The texts in [ ] are notes on the notes. 🙂

Ezra read from the scroll at the Water Gate [sic]. Rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength. {The Lord is my strength and my salvation…In Him I will rejoice… 7 days*} Responsorial Psalm: “Your words, O Lord are spirit and life.” Jesus is The Word. Can I be Theotokos [Θεοτόκος, God-Bearer – based n Elizabeth’s declaration when Mary visited her] AND Theophilus [The name given by Luke in the beginning of Acts, it is “One who loves God”]? Absolutely. I can carry The Word in the Love of God.]

Everything comes in parts; it is essential that we work together into unity, depending – interdepending – on each other; collaborating by design (<< Church), [and the design is always multidimensional] from π-mesons & quarks to Red Giant Stars and humongous galaxies trillions of light-years away, to the limits [?] of the universe, everything is part of something and everything has parts. Only God is different. Only God is One, undivided, and indivisible, entirely integral yet One in Three Persons. Luke reviewed everything [in Jesus’ life and in the beginnings of the early Church] 1. accurately, & 2. anew.

Reading in Nehemiah is immediately post-exile; the people had found it inconvenient to keep the law [under captivity] so, through ratiocination, ignored the law. Jesus’ radical conversion of the Kingdom from obligation to celebration, from Law to Love, from minimum obligation/requirement to the maximum participation/involvement changed everything. “Let the attitude of Christ be in you.” >> “If you’re Catholic and you know it. Clap your hands…” Today’s Healing Word: NOW!
End of notes
There are quite a number of words in the scriptures that are translated a joy or rejoice (-ing). Here are just a few of them.

Samah – spontaneous dancing, signing (simhah),
Exult Burst into leaping with joy
Euphraino To gladden the mind
Kauchaomai Glory in Boast against
Sunchairo Rejoicing together
Agalliao Rejoice Greatly, to exult.
Chairo Rejoicing over advantageous change

So, Beloved, lets us be mindful to generously give our prayers, our money, our time, our temporal and spiritual gifts to help those who have suffered and will suffer much. And let us also rejoice in the Lord for the blessings on all of us, even on those who have lost much as well as those who have lost little. “When you’re weary and cannot sleep, Count your blessings instead of sheep, And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings.”

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service. Please, continue to pray for everyone on the MBN prayer list and on yours as well. We in turn will pray for everyone on your list.

chick
Age Quod Agis
In God WE Trust (and rejoice)
Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved!

Aloha Friday Message – September 25, 2009 – Suffering and Service

September 25, 2009

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I want to bring in a Guest Columnist today – in fact 2. Please use the links to read two excellent articles on suffering. My heart is filled with empathy, sympathy, concern, and even pain as I reflect on the sufferings some of you have described in your letters to the MBN.

So many times people will say that suffering is meaningless, or that it was punishment from God. Not so!! Faith, strength, endurance, patience, wisdom, leadership, and holiness are the fruits of suffering. For you, whom I love so deeply, I dread to see your suffering even if it means – sometime, eventually – the enrichment of your life and the betterment of the world. I need to be reminded that God prepares us for what we need to do … my friend Abraham continues to teach me that.

Think on these things, and then read the article. Please?

Thomas Merton: “The truth that many people never understand, until it is too late, is that the more you try to avoid suffering the more you suffer because smaller and more insignificant things begin to torture you in proportion to your fear of being hurt”

Elbert Hubbard: “If you suffer, thank God! — it is a sure sign that you are alive.”

Lesley Hazelton: “Suffering, once accepted, loses its edge, for the terror of it lessens, and what remains is generally far more manageable than we had imagined.”

St. Paul: “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope (Romans 5:3-4).”

Jane Roberts: “Suffering is not good for the soul, unless it teaches you to stop suffering”

Thomas Merton: “Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone-we find it with another.”

http://catholicexchange.com/2009/03/05/116501/

http://www.azquotes.com/author/10004-Thomas_Merton/tag/suffering

To the authors: Thank you for this clearly-written article. Our prayer group receives several new requests every week to pray for people who are suffering. Part of the natural human response is “Why me?” I think what you have written here will be very helpful to those who suffer as well as those who open themselves to share in the suffering of others. Perhaps not everyone has the spiritual preparation to be like Anne Catherine Emmerich, but anyone can feel a pang in the heart for another’s pain of any kind. That intimacy, as you describe it here, is a sure connection to the reality of being created in the image of God whose intimacy with our suffering is perfect. – MBN

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved
chick

Aloha Friday Message – September 18, 2009 – Circle of Friends

September 18, 2009

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Here is a little memory-jogger sent by MBN member LJ. It is similar to what’s been in the Aloha Friday Messages for the past couple of weeks, so I would like to share it with you. It speaks to us about the charity of friendship as well as the gifts of Grace that come from feeding on the Word. At there end you’ll find some additional prayer requests and an idea about handling a large list of requests.

I LOVE YOU!!
Take a few moments to think about
The people in your Life
With whom you share your love.
Then think about the Source of that love
And why you want to share it.
You have shared it with me, and
I want to return it plus a little more…

SO I LOVE YOU!

Now you pass it forward to those you know
Will want to do the same for you,
And especially for those who
MAY NOT.

I believe in prayer. It’s the best way to draw strength from heaven.
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

I thank you for being you!

HANDY LITTLE CHART – GOD HAS A POSITIVE
GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES
You say: ‘It is impossible’ God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: ‘I am too tired’ God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: ‘Nobody really loves me’ God says: I love you (John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: ‘I cannot go on’ God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: ‘I cannot figure things out’ God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: ‘I cannot do it’ God says: You can do all things ( Philippians 4:13)
You say: ‘I am not able’ God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: ‘It is not worth it’ God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: ‘I cannot forgive my self’ God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: ‘I cannot manage’ God says: I will supply all your needs ( Philippians 4:19)
You say: ‘I am afraid’ God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: ‘I am always worried and frustrated’ God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: ‘I am not smart enough’ God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: ‘I feel all alone’ God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
You say: “I am a sinner, and unlovable.” God says: I love you enough to die for you. (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17; 1 Peter 3:18)

We have a request from AT and CT for JAL who recently had a hysterectomy and then learned she also has cancer. She will begin radiation treatment soon. Please add her to your intercessions. JAL, AT, and CT have been friends since they were kids.

And here’s an interesting idea: I was talking with one of our prayer Warrior friends at church, and she mentioned that she has a very large list of persons who ask for prayers. Then she reached into her purse and pulled out a red, heart-shaped box filled with little slips of paper with the names and prayer requests she has received. When she is inspired to offer intercessory prayer, she takes the box and holds it to her heart and unites her prayers with those requests. It’s like a point of contact for each person. I receive a Prayer Circle letter from Pacific Garden Missions, and i use it in somewhat the same way. I hold the letter as I read it, and it is my point of contact for all the people mentioned in it. Then, during my Daily Offering, when I pray “For everyone who prays for me and everyone who asks for my prayers,” everyone is included. That doesn’t stop us from praying for individuals in their hour of need, but it is a way to help include everyone in the loving prayers of our hearts.

I hope you will take out your Bible and look up the scripture passes in this handy little chart. Even if you only look up one, make it Romans 5:8.

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever — at your service.

Pray for the people. ALL the people. Think about using something like a point of contact when you pray, but always remember to begin with a personal and intimate prayer for the person who asks and for yourself so that you can pray with Power. One more to add to our growing list: Pray for me as I consider God’s will for the future. For me today, the Key verse is that one from Proverbs 3! And, as it says at the top of the message …

Happy Aloha Friday. I love you. Make it a great day by giving it back to God.

AGE QUOD AGIS
In God WE trust.

chick

Aloha Friday Message – September 11, 2009 – A Remembrance

September 11, 2009

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It is only fitting that I start today’s note with a remembrance of the events that shook the world on this date in 1992 and 2001. In 1992 it was hurricane Iniki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Iniki) that swept across Kaua`i and caused tremendous destruction and lasting memories. In 2001 it was the World Trade Center (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks) and other sites that were attacked leaving thousands dead. Those are difficult memories for us.

But then on that same date in 1906 Mahatma Gandhi coined the term “Satyagraha” – nonviolent resistance. In 1940 George Stibitz was the first to operate a computer remotely. In 1944 Allied Troops breached the border of West Germany, a major turning point in the war. In 1956 President Eisenhower founded the People to People International Movement to promote “Peace Through Understanding.” In 1978, Carter, Sadat, and Begin signed the Framework for Peace. In 1917 Ferdinand Marcos was born. In 1967 it was harry Connick, Jr. born on 9/11. 1977 Rapper Ludacris was born. Check out the day at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11.

So what’s the point of all that? Just this – another memory verse. Matthew 6:34 “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” Pretty well fills the bill for September 11, yes?

So since last week I have been thinking about other verses that got lodged in the old tea kettle over the years but didn’t make it to the list last week. The first on that popped up is “chapter one verse twelve of John is the ground we stand upon.” That is part of the song The Assurance March by William M. Runyon (I think), and I sang that song at the top of my voice for years. What does John 1:12 say? ” But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God…” Pretty cool.

Another one switches the numbers around and lands in the book of Romans. Romans 12: 1 (and 2) says, ” I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. 2 Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” We covered that once when talking about Metamorphosis and Metanoia.

I remember when my dad was a Deacon, and then an Elder (see information about the Presbyterian Church at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterian_Church_%28U.S.A.%29), and he and I talked about this when I was in Junior High. These verses are from 1 Timothy 3. “8 Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, 9 holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.” Well, my dad passed all of that with flying colors. He really was an exceptional Christian, and I am still learning from him to this very day despite his jump to Heaven on his 81st birthday in 1997. Did I ever tell you the story about the white shirt? If you don’t remember it, let me know. It was one of the Key Turning Points in my life. Wow. Time to pause for a prayer of praise!!: Love you Dad!!

And there was also Ephesians 5:10, one of my favorites because it was so easy “Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” Not far from that is Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.” When I forget that, I lose ground. And just down the page a bit is Ephesians 6:18: ” With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit.”

So, I’m going to leave off there for today, because that’s more than enough for all of us to think about. 9-11 was a good day for some and a not-so-good day for others, but (I can’t resist this!) Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad!” Good enough for me!!

So how about you? Some of you sent me your favorite Bible verses. I’d like to see more, and we can share them. Feasting on the word is great fare indeed! Come on! The banquet is ready. A table is prepared for us in the presence of that wily old codger The Accuser. He knows The Word, too, but to him it’s poison. To you and me, it’s LIFE!

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved.

Pray for the people. All the people. Please take a moment to intercede for everyone who has asked the MBN to pray for them. The MBN Prayer and the Prayer for All Souls is right here for you to use. Just look in the Standard prayers Page. 🙂

chick
Age Quod Agis
In God WE Trust

Aloha Friday Message – September 4, 2009

September 4, 2009

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Happy aloha Friday, Beloved!

Today I am thinking about Bible verses I learned when I was a kid. I’d like to share some of them with you. There’s no doubt in my mind that these have shaped my life in many ways. I’d also like to “hark back” to some previous notes and thoughts from days gone by.

I guess we could start with John 3: 16-17. That’s one passage which everyone has heard – at least in part – because it is so popular. 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. That second verse is too often overlooked. To me, it is comforting to know that the whole purpose of Jesus coming was Salvation and not condemnation. Sometimes our sense of guilt overlooks that fact.

One of the earliest memories I have is of my first-grade Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Wright. Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents (in the Lord), for this is right. My mom used to love to tell the story of the first time I recited this verse in her class. When I said it, it came out, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord for Mrs. Wright.”

There was another passage from Ephesians that was often quoted to the six of us kids at the Todd House. With five brothers and one sister, you can imagine there were “a few” squabbles. We’d hear Mom or Dad quote this verse: Ephesians 4:32 (And) be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. I’ve often found that recalling that verse can make me take a breath and settle down in situations that light my short fuse. I truly wish it would pop into me head and heart every time I get the urge to be unkind!

One passage that has stayed with me for over fifty years is Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. As I grew (and grow) older, that verse has been and will be the needle in my compass. It reminds me that when I need to know what’s what, go to the Word, especially the Word in my heart. The verse just before that was also one that forms a strong childhood memory. Together they look like this: Psalm 119:10-11 How can the young walk without fault? Only by keeping your words. 10 With all my heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commands. That is a pretty good formula for happiness – if you can consistently keep it in your head and heart. It really is a good compass.

Speaking of a compass, there are a couple of verses that, for me, are essential parts of the map that points to The Way. The first is one I learned as a teen: Psalm 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good that you may dwell in the land and live secure. 4 Find your delight in the LORD who will give you your heart’s desire. The lesson I learned with that has helped me find my direction many, many times. If I want to live my life for God, I must trust Him and do the right things; trust and obey. There was a hymn we sang called “Trust and Obey.” The first stanza said, “When we trust in the Lord, in the light of His word, what a glory he sheds on our way. When we do His good will, He abides with us still, if we only will trust and obey! Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way to be Happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.”

For Psalm 119:4, which I had heard many times, I eventually came to understand that “my hearts desire” did not properly come from within my heart; it was placed within my heart by God. When I made enough room in my life for God to load me up with His gifts, He did not give me – will not give me – the things my imagination craves because those things are usually not good for me. Instead, if I get rid of the junk, He places a treasure in me and invites me to use it.

As an adult, I still sift through the Bible and find passages that I can “hide in my heart.” One of these is a verse I have often quoted in these Aloha Friday messages. Micah 6:8 You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God. I try to remember that every day. Honestly, it doesn’t always work; I forget even though the concept is part of my morning prayers: “Good morning Lord! Thank you for this day! As we go out to help the world together, be beside me all the way. Teach me to be just and merciful, to live righteously and to walk humbly before you wherever you Spirit guides me. Let the constant hope I have in you be the light that drives away the darkness and draws me and everyone I meet to your perfect integrity, endless mercy, and eternal salvation through Christ our Lord. Amen.” People who know me well, can tell you it doesn’t take long for me to forget that request to ” be just and merciful, to live righteously and to walk humbly before you.”

Being reminded I’ve forgotten is truly humbling, sometimes even humiliating; I resolve to do better, but sooner than I wish – I forget again. Fortunately God is patient. When I ask Him “What more do you want?” He says, “I don’t want more. I want it all.” Yikes! Talk about Amazing Grace!! He wants all my imaginations about what I am, have, and can be, and He will replace that with all I am created to be. That’s a pretty good deal! So why don’t I always accept the terms of that deal? I forget to remember what He put there and displace it with what I put there.

Still, it is the desire God has placed in my heart, and it is so much better than the worldly things that displace it when I forget that God is with me, that I can dwell in the land secure by delighting in the Lord. That’s what makes Him and me happiest.

Well, I will move on to some requests for intercessions. The first comes from an MBN member and is circulating around the net. It is a genuine petition for help. You can find the information here: http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/prayer/bish.asp *. Read it, pray it, pass it along.

I have heard from so many people who are really up against it because of the economy – really, who among us isn’t?

But so many people are literally losing everything. Please pray that God will “see to their temporal needs and continue to draw them all to a deeper spiritual awareness of and commitment to Jesus.” All of us, including me, have family members who are teetering on the brink of catastrophic change. It evokes a feeling of helplessness when we see the whole world literally crashing down around us, knowing that we too can be swallowed up by the consequences caused by a handful of greedy people. Scary stuff. Pray for all of us who are depending on God to get us through the hard times.

There are also many prayers for healing. There are cancers and other tumors, depression, injuries, betrayals, unimaginable physical pain, spiritual needs, and all of these lead to such suffering! I know you are probably tired of me harping on this, but would you please find that copy of the MBN Prayer and just give it your best attention daily? Pray for all the MBN, for everyone who takes a moment to intercede for someone else. Pray for the people, all the people.

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service.

chick
*The CaringBridge site reported that Sam Bish passed away on August 20, 2010. Thank you for your prayers of support for Sam and for his family and friends.

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