Tomorrow is a grande and exciting day for our families. Our 5th grandgirl will make her debut! God is so great and we are a very blessed people. The abundance of creation, of God’s gifts, of love, truly overwhelmes me. Stay tuned for pictures!
Archive for the ‘ Tracie’s Blog ’ Category
Tools of Life
Author: TracieMay 24
Many of you will recognize this theme song from the 1975 movie Mahogony. It was sung by Diana Ross.
Do You Know Where You\’re Going To?
Do you know where you’re going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to, do you know?
Do you get what you’re hoping for?
When you look behind you there’s no open door,
What are you hoping for, do you know?
As I read those words I can do nothing less than to ponder them and I ask myself, do I know in what direction my life is going? What do I hope for?
As I look behind me, and see the experiences of life that have shaped and formed me I am joyful for them. Notice I didn’t say ‘happy’, but joyful, for many of the experiences were rough going and I would not want to experience them again. And I’ve made mistakes. But as I look in the mirror to what I have become, and where I am going, I am joyful in the Lord! He has blessed me with life shaping experiences that have led to lifelong Christian formation. I can now look behind me to see closed doors and smile inwardly as to the invaluable experiences.
We cannot know the exact direction our life is going, but we can set the course through planning and preparation. We begin this process very early in life usually with the aid of another (parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, etc.) They set our course, give us the directions, and then set us free hopefully with all the right tools.
If you were to list the tools you’ve had in life, those you have passed on, what would that list look like?
As some of you are reading this, you may be thinking of your children and asking yourself, what have/did I pass on? Did I include the very ones that matter the most; the teachings that are for lifelong Christian formation?
What are you hoping for, do you know?
Lifelong Spiritual Formation is the essential tool to the whole of life. If we have given/received nothing but spiritual directives then we have given/received the love of our Maker and Redeemer, the tools that are life sustaining.
It’s not too late you know. If you were not given the directions of life, you can still receive them with some effort. It takes effort to learn the ways of the Lord; it takes effort to teach the ways of the Lord. But we have a responsibility to ourselves and our younger generations. We have a responsibility to our Lord and our church family.
Many of us hope for, we yearn for that one thing in life that is solid, strong, never failing and life sustaining. And it is right in front of you. Grab it, hold on to it and never let it go.
“For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12-13
Where are you going to, do you know?
Come to the gathering of believers, to your church, with no pretense, with the doors of the past closed, ready to open doors to the future. Join a Sunday school class and/or the Wednesday evening Bible Studies for that is where lifelong spiritual formation begins.
Receive and give the tools of life and then you will know, you will be assured of hope and direction.
“Growing spiritually is an exciting adventure. As individual and as communities, we change, we are renewed, and we share in renewing God’s creation every day. As Christians who claim life in the power of the Holy Spirit, we live and rejoice in what God already has done, what God is doing, and what God wants for us. Spiritual growth is a lifelong process, and spiritual disciplines are the means by which we continue that process.”
Foundations: Shaping the Ministry of Christian Education in your congregation.
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Filed under: Tracie's Blog | Tagged as: bible study, christian formation, direction, Hope, life, responsibility, tools
Other Than Self, An Easter Devotional
Author: TracieMay 4
During this season of lent we are given the opportunity to experience something other than in our normal everyday lives; to experience something other than ourselves. We are invited to give up a part of ourselves that we would otherwise be dependent upon, or to cling. We are invited to experience the other possibilities in our self. In that process (those 40 days) we begin to suffer over the loss of the familiar. So often times it is much easier to continue clinging to old ways, to continue dependence on the familiar, to snuggle in the blanket of false security.
In the 10th chapter of the book of Mark, verses 17-22, we read of a man who wanted to experience something other than his self.
“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.”
Jesus, whom loved this man, offered him new life. But the man first had to give up the part of him that was surely to stand in the way, and he couldn’t do it. He could not give up what he already knew was not permanent, for what he sought was ETERNAL LIFE. Did he choose instead to wait for another day, to wait for something else, another offer? Did he think he could just continue day after day after day to live the familiar? Did he not really believe in what Jesus offered him? Maybe he just couldn’t comprehend what Jesus was offering? The man left in grief and shock, turning his back to Jesus choosing other securities, the familiar. Read the rest of this entry
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Filed under: Deeper Thoughts, Tracie's Blog | Tagged as: Christ, Cross, devotional, Easter, Easter devotional, Jesus, self
Catching up with Self
Author: TracieMay 2
I have been spending entirely too much time on Facebook and Twitter! It has caused me to neglect my blogging. I enjoy FB and Twitter but I like to be able to ramble on with my thoughts in a different format too.
So since I wrote last, which looks like middle of March, I have had a birthday. I don’t particularly feel older, but I do see significant changes in my body happening much too quickly. The most telling sign is my eyes. They have rapidly gotten worse. I use to have excellent vision, then I turned 45 and it began to get worse. Now 2 years later, I am looking at full time glasses with probable bifocals. I have an appointment today. Read the rest of this entry
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Preparing for Life
Author: TracieApr 3
I love Easter for with it comes Spring; new life, warmer temps, flowers blooming, trees coming alive again. I like getting outside playing in the dirt as I prepare my flower beds in order that they grow vibrant and healthy. If I don?t prepare their soil properly, they won?t grow properly, if at all.
How appropriate it is that the season of Lent coincides with Spring for it too involves preparation; the preparation of our lives for the resurrection of our Christ. As we began the Season of Lent, Rick asked me what I would be giving up this year. I told him, “self”. For me, Lent is a time I take to seriously consider my attitude, my actions toward others, my “love level”. In other words, I ask myself how much closer I am to having the spirit of Christ than the previous year and what do I need to do to attain that? Christ was certainly selfless in all he did. It requires a lot of prayer, a lot of self examining, a lot of truth finding about the self. It is an act of preparing in order that my soul grows vibrant and healthy.
Self denial…the deliberate refusal to satisfy ones desires, as a method of disciplining oneself or making it possible to help others. Resurrect…to bring back to life, to bring back to memory or into use Vibrant…full of life and energy As we are nearing Easter and I look back upon this lent season I have to say that I could’ve done better, but I did better than the previous year. Of course, it is all just the beginning and doesn’t end with Easter, for Easter is the time of resurrection.
The next time you?re out working in your yard, ask yourself how you are preparing your life for vibrant growth. Is your life full with the love of Christ or is it lying dormant in need of some care?
God loves you immensely!
Tracie
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Filed under: Tracie's Blog | Tagged as: Christ, Easter, Lent, life, preparation, resurrection, self, selfless
A Familiar Song
Author: TracieMar 16
This is an old writing of mine from the Spring of 2000. I was reminded of it yesterday when the birds began their beautiful morning ritual. Creation is something we must take time to enjoy…
It is just before 6:00A.M. on a new morning, a morning set aside for praise of our glorious and sovereign Lord.
It is still dark as I sit out amongst the beauty of His creation, and I hear but only one bird begin the song. I marvel at its sweetness as it announces, with a melody, this new day.
Everything around me is so peaceful, so still, as if the elements of the earth are awaiting an event.
Then, I hear a second bird as if in response to the first. They speak for awhile, just the two of them, one with a tone of authority, the other seemingly submissive.
I look up into the skies noticing the dawn to appear, a picture so perfect, with colors so clear.
The birds, they are all now singing a chorus of great joy.
It’s a song of great praise to the one who has made the red colors arise out of the expanse of the sky.
Look! There he is! In the east of the heavens; thy Savior appears casting rays of light, showing all of God’s might.
I marvel at its excellence as it continues to rise, God placing His Son in the brilliance of the sky.
I remember now, the one lone bird instructing the other of what must happen for man to awaken.
Now, I see the Son in his place, he shines down on me with the warmth of His face.
It is now that I remember from whence he did come, he arose from earth’s darkness showing all of mankind it is Thine will that must be done.
Now, I know why God made the birds, it is to awaken each day to the glory he hath made.
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Filed under: Deeper Thoughts, Tracie's Blog | Tagged as: birds, creation, dawn, God, Lord, praise, Son
Lenten Season Begins
Author: TracieMar 2
It’s the Lenten season now, ushered in last week with Ash Wednesday. We had a worship service where we were given the opportunity to examine the self, rid the self of sin, and if chosen you could write something in particular on a piece of paper to be burned in the service. It is a common practice and one we have done for several years. This one, however, was a bit different; much more heated so to speak. Read the rest of this entry
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Filed under: Tracie's Blog | Tagged as: Ash Wednesday, Lenten season, Lord, love, random acts of kindness, sin, worship
Random Acts of Kindness
Author: TracieFeb 13
The other day I was inside my granddaughters school waiting for the bell to ring, and I noticed a small poster from an organization called Acts of Kindness, with its purpose being to promote random acts of kindness. Next to the poster was a very large chalk board where the children wrote about their random acts. I love this idea!
As I read through some of the articles on the website I realized the entire site was geared for educators and students with ideas for teachers to promote kindness. There are many resources available.
An article on the site spoke about the health benefits of kindness, both physical and mental.
“Helping contributes to the maintenance of good health, and it can diminish the effect of diseases and disorders serious and minor, psychological and physical.
A rush of euphoria, followed by a longer period of calm, after performing a kind act is often referred to as a “helper’s high,” involving physical sensations and the release of the body’s natural painkillers, the endorphins. This initial rush is then followed by a longer-lasting period of improved emotional well-being.”
I recommend taking a few minutes to read the article.
I live in a small town where random acts of kindness still occur. Just yesterday a friend stopped by just to give me some company. (i’m presently healing from surgery) It was 20 minutes out of her day and made us both feel good. It’s not unusual to get a phone call ‘just because’, or a plate of cookies, even a chocolate pie! Last year a lady brought by a handful of children’s movies thinking it might be of some help to us as we found ourselves with grandchildren for an extended period of time. And just 2 weeks ago a friend came by with a beautiful gift that still brings me so much joy. She took the time to find and purchase a small pillow, then sewed 2 different pillow cases for it so when one got dirty i simply had to take off the other.
I wonder if we are born with kindness or is it something to be attained and maybe learned?
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
2 Peter 1:3-9 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
After reading these scriptures I tend to want to believe that kindness is something to be attained and learned and given.
To be kind is to love. To be kind is a quality; it is a fruit of the Spirit and something we are to clothe ourselves in. So it takes effort, thought, desire to be so. And it is something God has, is divine in nature and He is willing to give to us.
You’ve probably heard the story of the man who got out of bed in the morning, something happened to cause him to be angry and he carried that anger through out the day, spewing it upon each person he encountered who then did the same and so the anger affected many people, even ones he didn’t know. So then all we have to do is replace the anger with kindness.
I think it is easier to spread anger than it is to spread kindness. Kindness takes thought and effort.
I’m going to pray for kindness; Godly kindness that involves love, affection, sacrifice. And as I do I will thank God for the kindest act of all, giving His Son so that I may too know loving kindness.
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Gee it looks like I’ve abandoned my blog, but not so! I’ve been healing from the first arm surgery and have recently had my second arm surgery. I sure am glad I don’t have more than 2 arms. I’ve also been working on my other website, TurnItGreenToday.com, and my church’s website, ArcherCityFUMC.com. I tend to hang around Facebook too! Speaking of which, is it just me or have you been hearing a lot about Facebook too?
A lot of people have been asking about the bruising this go around. Yes it’s there and it is just as ugly as the first.
So anyway, this is short but it’s late and I’ve got some thoughts to post tomorrrow. See ya then!
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2009
Author: TracieJan 1
Seems I have a bit of catching up to do. First…Happy New Year! We ended our year at a worship service. Rick started the tradition about 3 years ago. It’s fantastic! I prepare myself throughout the day by reflecting on the past year, my accomplishments, my failures. I think about what I could do differently or if I should. I spend a bit of time praying and by the time of the service I trust in God to direct me. And He never fails to show me the paths He has layed for me.
It has been my prayer for several years that God would help me to love others deeply. I’ve discovered there are many steps to experience in attaining that height and depth of love.
The first year I knew I had to rid myself of some anger that had been festering for a couple years. I wasn’t successful in that year. It would get worse before I was able to finally release it. It has only been in this past year that I was able to do that. Now that it is behind me, I can go forward.
The second year I realized I needed to learn to listen to others, to discover the beauty of that person and that their faults weren’t that much different from my own. That a persons actions usually came from some personal turmoil not unlike my own. It was amazing to go through that year with that thought and purpose. It opened my eyes to see people in a different light.
This year, with the greatest desire of my heart being to love others deeply, I beleive I can move forward with confidence, with a greater understanding of man and with faith that God is the One that will help me. I know I must take the time to listen, to hear, to act. And patience! When you ask God to help you with something, you better know He is going to do it right. It isn’t an overnight thing with God, but a lifetime of experience and trust.
Enough of that! To update you on my arm, the bruising is gone, although there remains a hint of a shadow. Interesting. I had my 6 week check up this week. All is well. I will say that the elbow is extremely tender still and is the source of some pain. The doctor assures me the nerve is now waking up and so it is normal. I am scheduled to have my other arm done on February 3. UUGGHH!
As I am sitting outside in the beautiful 68 degree weather, my battery is running low. Again, Happy New Year. Oh, a good friend of mine pegged this saying today…”All will be fine in 2009!”
God Bless
Tracie
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