It's not about the presents, it's about His presence.

Growing up with a father in the toy business, I was particularly midful of the "haves" and "have nots" at Christmas time. Some parents spent lavishly on their children's Christmas, while others paid $5 a week on lay-away toys, and still there were those who could not afford anything. I was keenly aware at a young age how fortunate I was, and that others didn't enjoy the same luxuries. My dad treated everyone who walked through the door with respect regardless of financial means. He would often say you can't help the family you are born into. For some it is a blessing, others not so fortunate, but children don't understand this, particularly at Christmas. Parents and children are disappointed when they can't provide or receive the presents others enjoy. If this is what Christians mean by a season of hope, why would the less fortunate, discouraged want any part of it? Well, Sally reminded us in her sermon on Sunday that the expectation and real hope is in our relationship with God, through his son Jesus Christ, not the presents under the tree. We all would do well to have less gifts, and more room in our heart for Jesus.

THANKSGIVING MEMORIES

Nostalgia is from the Greek word for homecoming. Nostalgia is good for our self- esteem because the positive memories seem to surface to the top of our brain. What I remember most about Thanksgiving is 'I like the"dark meat"'. Which in the Blanton household meant roast instead of turkey. To this day give me steak or roast any day, but never turkey.

Thanksgiving is much more than the meal. It is a homecoming for family and friends. We gather in the den to watch the Macy's parade, outside to play football, in the living room with pallets on the floor to sleep, and of course in the kitchen to prepare our "dark meat" feast!

When we engage in nostalgia we think of things that are really important to us. We play the highlight reels of our lives. We remember people, places and things that make life meaningful. As you gather this Thanksgiving remember to give thanks with a grateful heart, and to give thanks to the Lord above.

Sacred space

Prayer stations served as a sanctuary for us during this busy weekend. We were able to walk the labyrinth. The labyrinth is a means of claiming that no step is ever lost. Even our missteps God may use to direct us. There was a prayer painting station and we hung our artwork of prayer on the clothesline. The prayer wall was symbolic of the western wall in Jerusalem where people pray and place written prayers in the crack of the wall. And finally the cave was a womb-like space with a single candle representing Christ's light in a dark world. Everyone hears and receives God's word differently. No one travels the same path. Bishop Hayes reminded us that God doesn't call the equipped, but equips those who are called.

We were challenged to ask ourselves "where is a place you would like to go where no one has ever been? Paul met a lot of roadblocks to Macedonia but the holy spirit kept re-directing him. This generation will respond to a "calling" but perhaps not one call. They are willing to change directions more so than previous generations. But each time they receive a different calling it will be necessary to maintain a divine center to call the scattered self into an integrated whole.

What does it mean to be called?

The important thing is to ask the question.

No call in life is crystal clear, God usually whispers rather than shouts.

If you hesitate you're in good company. Moses and Jonah are examples of resistance, but finally said "yes". So try this for discernment:

Wake up every morning regardless what you are called to do and pray this prayer,

HERE I AM LORD, SEND ME

This was our message from evening worship last night.

Exploration 2011

We are currently in the air on our way to St Louis, MO. Hannah is earning her flying wings sitting

in the window seat on her first time flying. Laura and Maggs are still deciding if they "enjoy" flying since this is their second time. meg Mal and Becks are the frequent flyers in the group. Already the group has met up with others attending the conference. USA Today has an article regarding the significance of 11/11/11. The number one represents a beginning, with double ones representing a doorway and triple doorways is extra powerful! As a group, we discussed the importance of attending Exploration 2011 on the same day as 11/11/11. Symbolically it represents imagining what you want and achieving it in a powerful way. And for us that power comes from the holy spirit helping us to discern our call. After sharing this story, we joined hands across the aisle and Hannah led us in prayer for our experience together.

Answering the Call

Next week I will be taking a delegation from WNCC to St. Louis, MO for Exploration 2011. A conference designed for young adults to help discern their call to ministry. In preparation for this experience, I have found it necessary to better articulate my own calling which began in high school.

I remember the tug of war inside of me. At school, my career path was not particularly popular. Counselors and teachers were disappointed I was not choosing a more academic route given my class rank, GPA and Junior Marshall status. My peers were polite, but shocked I would chose Pfeiffer College over UNC-Chapel Hill.

My family and church were the primary sources of affirmation for me. Oh how I wish the UMC would have offered Exploration 1976 so I could have gathered with others to worship, pray,dialogue and learn the unique gifts required for ministry.

I am so excited to be sharing this experience with young adults who are being called to lead, serve and love the next generation. Watch for blogs throughout our weekend together Nov.11-13.