Open Your Eyes

On a recent flight to Seattle, WA, I had "plenty" of time to watch the movie, "The Blindside."  It was my second time seeing this story.  Near the end of the movie, Leigh Ann asks Michael, "how did you live through the distractions of Hurt Village (housing project in Memphis, TN)?"  He replied, "easy."  His mama would tell him to close his eyes when stuff was happening, and then she would count to three.  He continues, "then she would tell me that when you open your eyes the past is gone and the world is a good place, and it's all going to be OK."  

Perhaps I didn't completely miss this part the first time around, but I surely heard it differently this time.  Maybe it is because my Women's Sabbath group has been trying since mid-January to find rest and renewal in our busy lives.  Everyday we challenge ourselves to practice Sabbath.

Sabbath can be sitting alone in a patch of grass, a walk on the beach, preparing a family meal (OK, that's a stretch for me), or lighting a candle.  But when we can't do these things, maybe it is as simple as Michael's mama said..."Closing your eyes, and then opening them to realize the world IS a good place!"  Often times we tend to focus on all of the distractions and things going wrong in our lives.  That's easy to do.  However, when we take time to stop, look, and listen to the world around us, we realize we are constantly blessed by the steadfast love of God.

Imagine that quiet place and listen to the still, small voice saying, "Be still and know that I am God."  Everything is going to be alright.  

March Madness

The liturgical calendar of Lent always coincides with the NCAA College Basketball's March Madness. Recently, my 88 year old mother and I were watching a game and she commented on the size of the crowd. "Wouldn't a preacher love to have that many in church on Sunday?" Despite the havoc dementia has wreaked on her mind, she was spot on with that observation. Similarly, years ago, my father(now deceased) became agitated with members of his congregation who complained when the church service "ran long." He was old in years, but wise in counsel when he said, "at a ballgame we cheer for it to go into overtime! While at church, we become irritated with OT. "

Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy basketball, March Madness, college crowds
and overtime, but like my parents I wish the church was the recipient of this same passion and desire that drives the NCAA Tournament.



Good luck to the Lady Jaguars in your quest for a 3A NC State Title!

BARREL OF MONKEYS

• 5 little monkeys jumping in my head, 1 fell down and now there are ...
• 4 little monkeys jumping in my head, 1 fell down and now there are ...
• 3 little monkeys jumping in my head, 1 fell down and now there are ...
• 2 little monkeys jumping in my head, 1 fell down and now there is ...
• 1 little monkey jumping in my head, 1 fell down and now there are ...
• No more monkeys jumping in my head!!!

Have you found your five minutes of quiet this week?

Our Sr. Hi Bible Study is using Henri Nouwen's Lenten Devotion. We were reminded at Wednesday night's study how important the discipline of prayer is in our lives. Without prayer we become deaf to the voice of love and become confused by the many competing voices asking for our attention.

Does your inner life reflect a "barrel of monkeys" jumping in your head? I challenge each of us to find half an hour, or five minutes to "be still", without talking to someone, listening to music, watching TV, texting or reading a book. In this solitude, may we hear the comforting voice of Jesus.

So Others Might Eat

In 2000, the youth of FUMC traveled to Washington, DC for our Summer Mission Project. In the heart of the nation's capital the dichotomy of wealth and poverty can be seen within a few city blocks.

One of our favorite locations to serve was D C Central. This food recovery program began in the trunk of one man's car dedicated to traveling the city to dignitary's gatherings to save the left over food. This man's vision has grown to include trucks picking up food donations, persons being trained in food services and meals delivered to shelters throughout the city. The labor at D C Central is provided by recipients of the food. This is yet another benefit of this organization because it empowers the people to be trained in food services so they have a marketable skill when they leave the shelter.

This experience left Mark and Angie Hollar(members of our delegation) knowing they had to do more. Upon returning to Gastonia, the conversations began. The youth who had witnessed this program first hand joined Mark and Angie in taking the leftover food from UMYF to Cornerstone Christian Ministries. We encouraged other church groups to do the same.

However, wide our vision was at the time none of us had the resources required to implement a project of this magnitude. But the desire still burned in Mark and he was able to connect with a principal and student at Highland School of Technology to explore this food recovery program. Amanda, an outstanding student was persistent and thorough in research and red tape; however, she graduated before the project could get off the ground. Had we hit another dead end? Not to worry! A very capable Highland student was summoned to the Principal's office! It was our own Clay Hackney. Not because he was in trouble, but because he had the desire and drive to complete this project.

I am happy to report that in January 2010, food recovery began at Highland School of Technology. The food left from lunch in the cafeteria is boxed and donated to As One Ministries.

So to Mark and Angie and the other members of the 2000 FUMC mission trip thank you for your vision. It is never to late to see your dreams come true!

THROW YOURSELF INTO LENT

The season of Lent begins next week with Ash Wednesday service in FUMC Sanctuary at 6:30pm and continues through Easter.

The conversation about what to "give up" for Easter will begin to happen this week. In some ways, I feel we have "watered down" the Lenten experience by focusing so much on what to give up! Lent is also a call to be disciplined in our spiritual life. It's not enough to give up chocolate, soft drinks, fast food, etc. if you don't give time and energy to prayer and reflection on scripture.

At prayer breakfast, senior highs received a personal prayer from Colossians for each day of February. Let this begin your daily practice of scripture and prayer. Parents, friends, others can see Becky if you would like a copy to guide you as well.

I hope each of you will choose to go deeper this Lenten season. Throw yourself "wholly" (what you give up physically) and "holy" (what you anticipate God doing) into Lent.

Prayer: Dear God, Be with me on this Lenten Journey. Create in me discipline and stability of faith in You.

Be CROSS Eyed

Keep your eyes open this week for different types of crosses on church buildings, in hospitals, or jewelry. Sometimes cross shapes just happen in unexpected places. If you have a copy of my book "The Positive Place" notice how if you open the book, lay it face down as if holding your place, you will notice the bold lines are in the shape of the cross. This was intentional to represent the intersection of my faith and life experiences. Think about your favorite symbols and what they represent about you. As you see different type crosses this week is God trying to tell you something? Let me know what, when and where you see the crosses.

WE ARE THE WORLD

"Remix for Haiti"

Talk to your parents and they can recall most of the words to this song first produced in 1985.

Back then, 45 artists crowded into one studio for a ten hour recording session to benefit Africa. this began a period of activism among celebrities that continues today.

Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie along with Michael Jackson were instrumental in the 1985 production. Jones and Richie collaborate again in 2010 for the Remix for Haiti. Guests have not been announced but Usher, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift are among those being mentioned to participate. Recording takes place Monday, February 1.

The opening lines 'We are the World, we are the children, we are the one's who make a brighter day, so let's start giving,' sounds like an appeal for human compassion, the kind that Jesus had.