The waiting game

I have applied for a significant scholarship. If awarded, I go to school full time in the fall. If not, I go part time and find a full time job. The wait comes in that the interviews for the scholarships are occuring the week of May 26th (3 weeks later than last year). Final announcements are not made until mid- June. 

My job ends June 30th.

If I GET the scholarship, I have some part-time work available to me.

If I DON'T get it, I need to join the 1,000's of others looking for a job.

I struggle with wanting to put myself out there now and not knowing if I will be able to accept what is offered. One friend said, "If you can't do it, there are 12 others behind you who will try."

Prayers, please.

Prayers answered!!

Mark is home as of this afternoon! He is doing remarkable! Some weakness, but no paralaysis. Oh, and he is supposed to play video games as part of his therapy. HAH!

Our youth group had a "wesome" Mystery Retreat this weekend. Prayers for a great retreat were answered with lots of laughter, fun, fellowship, faith building, and friendship.

More prayers going up tonight for the Bennett family as they mourn the loss of their Uncle who died in a rafting accident today.

Prayers for Mark and his family's adjusting to life after brain surgery.

Prayers for word on my scholarship... the pivot point, determining factor for my future.

Prayer request sent... awaiting reply

Tonight our family joined about 75 other people in a prayer and healing service for Mark Barstow. His surgery is tomorrow, Thursday April 16th around 10am. After a few songs from the music team, which Mark used to lead and is now a member, Pastor Dan spoke about healing and grace.

He anointed Mark, then we all gathered around, laying hands on Mark and praying.

wow. WOW!

I would not be surprised if they get in their tomorrow and the mass has shrunk, or disappeared.

All is God's time.

What's inside??

A common question when holding a package, standing in front of a closet, or getting to know one another.

Easter is is full of opportunities to ask "What's inside?".

The pursuit of plastic eggs holding treasure is a popular activity. Candy? trinket? slip of paper with a "good for one trip to the ice cream shop"? The kids know, but they don't know. And they enjoy the mystery.

The story of Mary at the tomb. She THOUGHT she knew what would be in there, then was set off into the great mystery of Christ's resurrection. Again, as Christians, we know, but we don't know, and hopefully, enjoy the mystery.

The covered casserole dish placed amidst the ham, veggies, rolls, and such... what's inside? If you're at my house, or I've had anything to do with the meal planning, it will be New Potatoes and Peas (in white sauce). No mystery.

This year added one more reason to ask "What's inside?"

Saturday morning our dear family friend, and brother-in-Christ, Mark Barstow, had a seizure. The medical staff immediately went on the proverbial hunt for the answer to "what's inside?"
Their tests showed an "undefined mass in the back right portion of his brain."
talk about mystery!

My final ponderable is prayer. I know what's inside each one...
as does God. I love that there is no real mystery, yet, there is.

when's the last time you asked the question, "what's inside?"
what was revealed?

Maundy Thursday 2009

I wonder so much about what Jesus was thinking and feeling that day over 2000 years ago. I wonder what the people in the crowd experienced. I wonder what the soldiers thought.

Whatever it was... I can be 99% certain that none of them thought "in 2009 people will gather and ceremoniusly remember this moment" (except maybe Jesus).

It's a honor to be able to do it.

one rock one word

Tonight was the last night of the annual Holy Week Prayer and Meditation Center. The youth have set this up for the past 4 years for anyone to experience. As the main person in charge, I usually don't experience it until it's time to take it down. That's just what I did tonight.

The table as you enter greets you with candles, flowers, instructions for the center, and a basket of rocks. Each rock has a word written upon it. If you choose, you may reach in for a rock. Read the word and meditate on it as you proceed. Pray about it, ponder it, ask what it is about that word that you need to consider.

I've drawn many rocks over the years. Tonight's said, "TRUST". Going with the instructions, I repeated the word, offered it up, and opened my heart and mind to hear what it is I need to consider about trust.

As I walked the labyrinth I kept listening intently for God's still small voice. My mind wandered on occassion, but I found my way back to the word. Once in the center, I lay prostrate, rock in hand. Previous experiences had me anticipating a solemn, deeply spiritual moment. I found this time quite different...I began to smile and giggle.

I went with it.

Trust is what I need to do - KEEP doing. With the new school term underway, upcoming transition with my job, and having new connections with old friends, I just need to trust. Trust what? God, my heart, my instincts, those who have been placed in my life this season.

Trust.... will do!
it's helped me this far =)

Spiritual boosts. Too available?

The ICYM youth set up the Prayer and Meditation Center at Christ UMC for the 4th year. We offer this special experience during Holy Week for anyone. The main sanctuary/Memorial Hall is transformed. A 35' 13-circuit labyrinth (Chatres) is surrounded by a dozen multi-sensory stations.

Each station offers a the chance to connect with God, reflect, pray, express, and ponder. It is open 9a - 9p Monday and Tuesday, 9a - 6p on Wednesday.

It's been publicized and personal invitations sent.
There will probably be about 75 - 90 people who go through it.

So why don't more people partake? Why do the regulars pop their head in and say "Oh, it's maze time, again."

I can't help but connect this attitude with many Christian's attitudes... "Oh look, it's Jesus, again."

What's your reaction to opportunities to just sit with Jesus?