Connecting the Dots, by Tracy Mooty

Connecting the Dots

 

As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 10: 46-51

 

May is a very special month in my life. Not only is my birthday in May, but also my husband’s birthday and our wedding anniversary. At the opening of my spiritual direction session recently when my director asked me how I was, I told her I felt saturated in celebration. I went on to say that it was as if God just showered me with so much love throughout the month that I couldn’t help but take it in. She, more than many, knows my long journey toward greater integration as an Enneagram Two, an important part of which has been God’s gentle process of helping me learn how to receive. As I shared a bit more, she said it sounded like I had spent the month marinating in love and that my heart had become deliciously tenderized! Of course she then asked me to expound upon this.

 

I happily responded with various excerpts from the month, one of which related to a joint 60^th birthday celebration I enjoyed with four of my closest friends from high school. All but one of us live in the Twin Cities and the one who lives out of town was planning a visit, so we decided we’d craft a wonderful weekend of merry making. Shortly after we finalized our plans, I woke up one morning–which is often when God speaks most clearly to me, before my own wheels get turning– with the realization that we hadn’t planned anything for Saturday morning. I immediately had the distinct sense that it would be my joy to share part of who I am and the work I do with these dear friends by offering to do a small retreat at my church. None of them attended church regularly and none of them had ever attended a retreat, but that didn’t deter me. At the same time, I didn’t want to overwhelm them so I went to my computer and emailed them the idea I had been given of gathering that Saturday morning for a mini-retreat entitled Sixty Minutes on Turning Sixty. To my surprise, within a very short time, they had all responded with a resounding “Yes!”

 

It was this amazing experience (which lasted well over an hour!) that I was enthusiastically sharing with my director when she offered a deeply meaningful observation. In essence, she said that beyond the wonderful details of the retreat, she noticed that I became quite “loud”, animated, and enthusiastic as I described this experience and that she rarely observed me being “loud.” I, too, had noticed this and felt quite sheepish as she was pointing it out.  She went on to surprise me with a question about whether this being “loud,” or giving full voice to something, might be a clue for me as to when I am living out of my true, God-given, and most authentic self.

 

Her question served to help me connect with another powerful experience I’d had the previous Sunday in church where our pastor was preaching on the Blind Bartimaeus passage from Mark. There are a handful of Scripture passages in this last year that continue to call to me and this is one of them. Each time I sit with it, I usually find myself in tears, in awe, and aware of some new perspective. Early on I gave much prayerful consideration to the places in my life where I felt sidelined, blind. Later, I was struck by the fact that, just moments after the crowd had attempted to quiet Bartimaeus, Jesus involves those very same people in calling Bartimaeus forward, though Jesus could have easily called him forward himself. That caused me to think about the importance of community in my life and how critical it is to discern which voices are truly for me and which are not. I’ve also devoted much thought and prayer to exactly what cloaks I have worn in my life, what they have signified, and what it has meant for me to throw them aside. Of course, with each reading, I continue to sit with and deepen my response to the ultimate question Jesus asks: “What do you want me to do for you?”

 

Well aware that there were still several parts of this passage to which I had not yet given careful attention, I was interested in hearing it again to see what God might stir in me this time. Much to my surprise, nothing I would have expected spoke to me, but instead a small part of the passage I had never really noticed before. “Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” There it was, an invitation to deeper healing, and it involved someone being “loud!”

 

Raised to respect all authority, to be a rule follower, to be compliant, to not rock the boat, and quite a pleaser and a first rate accommodator in my own right, I saw in a new way how susceptible I have been to the voices of the crowd in my life, be they the voices of parents, family, teachers, friends, or employers, well intended or otherwise. Far more than I would care to admit or even realized, these voices have frequently been more of my God than God. So when I step into this Scripture passage, right into the cloak of Bartimaeus, and I hear that Jesus is passing by, I, too, begin by shouting with all my might: “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!” But that is where the similarity can too easily end for me. When the crowd rebukes me and tells me to be quiet, I have too often either acquiesced or simply silenced myself with these types of thoughts: they must know more than I do; I shouldn’t upset him; maybe I don’t understand this as clearly as she does; this is probably not worth it; I don’t want them to feel badly; maybe I didn’t really feel or sense what I thought I did; good Christians wouldn’t cause a disruption…..

 

Bartimaeus challenges this thinking when, in the face of rebuke, he shouts all the more loudly. My spiritual director challenges this thinking when she asks me to consider the connection between a God-inspired idea, my delight in bringing it to be, and my loud declaration of its goodness. For me, then, there seems to be an invitation to learn what it means to be “loud” in my pursuit of Jesus, not allowing anything to stand between us; and what it means to joyfully declare the good works He does in and through me.

 

Gracious and loving God, help me to learn how to flex a new muscle, to cast off all that hinders me from drawing closer to you, to be loud in my listening for and pursuit of you. Amen.

 

 

Questions for Reflection

~As you reflect on your pursuit of and response to Jesus, where have you allowed yourself to be quieted and why?

~Have you been quieted more by the voices of others or by your own internal voice? What more do you need to be aware of about this?

~Around what issue or experience are you being invited to cry out more loudly?

~What are the risks and hopes you have in doing this?

 

 

Warm greetings! I am Tracy Mooty, lover of Divine Mystery, my family, our pups, and dear friends. I am one who enjoys listening intently, making meaning, and deepening my capacity for joy. Janet and I first met at Colonial Church years ago, and, thanks to her mostly gentle prodding, we’ve partnered to offer all sorts of programs and retreats. She’s also the reason I’ve entered into this adventure! Thank you, Janet!

 

c Tracy Mooty, 2015. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God is With Us, by Bobbie Spradley

 

GOD IS WITH US

 

Over the years of my quest to know God more intimately, this characteristic of God has been especially meaningful to me. The truth that God is with us has sustained, comforted, and empowered me on my journey. I found that it is repeated over and over again throughout Scripture in both Old and New Testaments. It’s very repetition suggests that God doesn’t want us to ever forget God’s presence in our lives.

 

Please read the following collection of Scripture passages slowly and prayerfully. Allow the Spirit to speak and God’s message, uniquely yours, to sink in.

 

 

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..the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23 (see Isaiah 7:14)

 

Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. Psalm 139:7,8 For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them…” John 14:23 You, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name. Jeremiah 14:9b

 

Be strong and courageous…..for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you…the Lord…will be with you. Deuteronomy 31:6,8 He brought you out of Egypt by his presence and his great strength. Deuteronomy 4:37 You are my servant, I have chosen you…do not fear, for I am with you. Isaiah 41:9,10 The Lord your God is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love….Zephaniah 3:17 Do not be afraid….for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord. Jeremiah 1:8 …I am with you. Jeremiah 46:28

 

The Lord is with me; he is my helper. Psalm 118:7 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me. Psalm 23:4 The Lord stood by me and gave me strength. 2 Timothy 4:17 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear..Psalm 46:1,2a You shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. Isaiah 58:9 Be content with what you have; for he has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid… Hebrews 13:5,6

 

For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (God) said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20 Be strong all you people of the land, declares the Lord, and work. For I am with you. Haggai 2:4 And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:3 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11

 

Reflections on these verses:

…. Give thanks for God’s presence with you right now.

 

…. What does that mean to you? How are you experiencing it?

 

…. Reflect on how awareness of God’s constant presence can enrich your daily life.

 

Thank you, loving God, that you are always with us. Make us increasingly conscious of your presence that we might also be with you.

 

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Hi, I’m Bobbie and am what some would call seasoned. Now in my early eighties I look back on a life full of experiences through which God has shaped and refined me – still a work-in-progress – and for which I’m so very grateful. My first husband and I raised three daughters and both of us worked full time. Following his death from leukemia, God gave me another good man to partner with. Our combined families now delight us with 17 grandchildren. Our church’s prayer ministry is my passion. I also enjoy reading, journaling, long walks, jig-saw puzzles and knitting prayer shawls. I’ve known and treasured Janet’s friendship for close to 35 years and am honored to share on her blog.

 

c Barbara Spradley, 2015, All Rights Reserved

God is Faithful, by Bobbie Spradley

God is Faithful

Introduction by my new blogger: Bobbie Spradley.

 

Many years ago I heard the Spirit’s invitation to be in a closer relationship with God and longed for that.  But how? The answer jumped out at me.  To be in a close relationship with someone means to know that individual.  To truly know God meant at least three things: being open to learn, listening more during prayer and talking less, and discovering what the Scriptures say about the truth of who God is. I’ve been applying these ever since. As I prayed and studied the Bible, I began to keep track in writing of various characteristics that described who God is and what God does. The result has been such enriched daily praise and thanksgiving during my devotional time that I end up in tears most days. I wanted to share that joy and felt God calling me to put my notes into some form that might encourage a reader to engage in deeper praise and worship.

 

I will be sharing on Janet’s blog a few of the characteristics of God as revealed in Scripture that have been especially meaningful to me. I hope you will enjoy this as an opportunity to be immersed in focusing on a single facet of God’s unlimited wonder.

 

GOD is FAITHFUL   

 

God is not a human being, that he should lie, or a mortal, that he should change his mind. Has he promised, and will he not do it? Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19…and the Lord did for Sarah as he had promised. Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age. Genesis 21:1   Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who maintains covenant loyalty with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations…Deuteronomy 7:9  Ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock, his work is perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God, without deceit, just and upright is he.  Deuteronomy 32:3b,4 … all his work is done in faithfulness. Psalm 33:4b   God is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:9  Not one word has failed of all his good promise.  1 Kings 8:56b

 

Blessed is he….whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – the Lord who remains faithful forever.  Psalm 146:6  NIV…The Lord…a God abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Exodus 34:6  May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do this.  1 Thessalonians 5;24 ..if we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself.  2 Timothy 2:13   Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.  Hebrews 10:23

 

No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13    If we confess our sins he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9  I know, O Lord, that your judgements are right, and in faithfulness you have humbled me.  Psalm 119:75  The Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.  2 Thessalonians 3:3

 

O Lord God of hosts, who is as mighty as you, O Lord? Your faithfulness surrounds you. Psalm 89:8  You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.   Psalm 86:15  Your faithfulness endures to all generations;  Psalm 119:90  O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.  Isaiah 25:1  Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.  Psalm 115:1  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:23

 

….Reflect on the repeated theme of God’s faithfulness. What does it say to you?

….What are some ways God’s faithfulness has been evident in your life?

….Praise God now for this enduring quality of faithfulness.

 

Thank you, loving God, that we can depend on you, that you keep your promises, that you are at all times and forever faithful.

 

c Barbara Spradley, 2015, All Rights Reserved

 

 

Short bio

Hi, I’m Bobbie and am what some would call seasoned.  Now in my early eighties I look back on a life full of experiences through which God has shaped and refined me – still a work-in-progress – and for which I’m so very grateful.  My first husband and I raised three daughters and both of us worked full time. Following his death from leukemia, God gave me another good man to partner with. Our combined families now delight us with 17 grandchildren. Our church’s prayer ministry is my passion.  I also enjoy reading, journaling, long walks, jig-saw puzzles and knitting prayer shawls.  I’ve known Janet and treasured her friendship for close to 35 years and am honored to share on her blog.

 

 

Pocket Prayers: Part Three

Pocket Prayers

Pocket prayers are little words or phrases that we breathe in and absorb. Like little bite sized prayers for ourselves and others. Then when we feel their truth living within us, we may want to thank God or ask for the grace to pay forward what we gained.

So take whatever word or phrase or idea that calls to you, write it on a business card or the back of an envelope, something you can take with you. Or tape it somewhere you will see it this week. Listen for God’s message to you in these words.

Take your extraordinary life and place it before God as an offering!

What you say to another is eternal.

They gave witness that God was their rock, the High God was their Redeemer.

Take me by the hand. Lead me down the path of truth.

From now on every road you will travel will take you to God.

God is all mercy and grace–not quick to anger, is rich in love.

Let them praise his name in dance; strike up the band and make great music.

And a bonus quote: from Eleanor Roosevelt, “Courage is more exhilarating than fear and, in the long run, easier.”

Reflections on these verses:

Which word or phrase or idea reaches out to you?
Why?

What happens for you when you choose just a word or two and let it soak more deeply into your life?

What words from God are you hungry for?

How does God’s love show itself most in your life?