- God loves -- me, you, the people I don't want to love -- no matter what.
- God loves Hitler as much as God loves Mother Theresa. In other words, we cannot earn God's love by our actions. Neither can we stop God from loving us.
- I'm meant to love other people and to act in loving ways towards others, even if the others are very different from me.
- Heaven is not a place to go after a person dies, but it exists here and now.
- I'm not sure I believe in a place called hell, any more than I believe in a place called heaven.
- I believe there is evil and sometimes I substitute the word hell for evil. Often we make our own hells.
- Why did Jesus come? I believe it was to show us humans how to live.
- I don't believe Jesus died because of my sins. Yes, I sin, but I don't think a loving God would require anyone to die because of that. I'm still trying to figure this out.
- So what's the purpose of Jesus' crucifixion? and resurrection?
- My picture of God is not the same as anyone else's, but that doesn't make my way of seeing God either better or worse than the way another person sees God. Just different.
- God means for us to love one another and to do what we can to make life better for one another. This means we need to consider both our individual and group actions. As an example, it is important to feed the person who is hungry, but it is equally important to support public policies that help all people to be adequately fed.
- I love God. I need God in my life every moment.
- God created and creates all things. Creation didn't happen only as described in Genesis 1, but creation happens every day.
- God is still talking to people. The Bible is a recording God's interactions with people years ago. But, the stories continue today.
- God is Creator, Jesus Christ and Spirit. Spirit is especially hard to understand because of the moldable nature.
- Each day, I remember the words of the prophet Micah. "And what does the Lord require of you?"
- Prayer connects me with God. I often pray by reciting the scriptures (memory verses) that I learned as a child and considering what that verse can mean in my life today.
- Prayer may not change a situation, but it may change the way I look at the situation.
- God works through people just like me, full of goodness and fault. It's just possible that I can be God to another person.
- God has many names.
I think this is all for now.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
My theology, as I understand it today
Friday, April 24, 2009
Endings
Sometime during the past month or so, I read the following in a daily devotion. "What needs to die in my life? What am I holding onto, out of fear, out of comfort, out of refusing to change, that is actually keeping me from living life to the fullest?" I kept trying to be very philosophical in finding an answer to the question and then it just knocked me upside the head.
My teeth! My dentist has been telling me for several years that my top teeth need to be removed and I need a denture. Well, now my teeth are verifying my dentist's recommendations and so I have an appointment to have that done this next week.
It's not my teeth that need to die, but my pride and my fear of the unknown. The present state of my teeth has been a source of embarassment for me for years. Yet even so, I knew what to expect. I have a fear that people will think less of me, tho I know this is not the least bit rational. I don't think badly of other folks who wear dentures. I may like or dislike them for other reasons, but certainly not because of dentures. I am afraid that I won't be able to talk with the denture. I don't want to give in to the realization that my body is growing older and that pieces and parts are wearing out. In my mind, I am still young, but my body tells me otherwise. I guess one of my fears is that once it's done, there are no do-overs. I can't change my mind. It's not like making a bad hair cut or hair color choice. My hair grows back again. I get second chances with hair.
And yet, I know that I'll be better off in the long run. My health will be better. I'll relearn how to talk. I'll have a prettier smile and won't hide my teeth anymore. Or at least this is what I am hoping for. So I'm trying to come to terms with this "dying."
Another quote that was on a Sojourners email this week: You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right. - Aung San Suu Kyi
Now, I'm not sure why these things make me think of my dental situation. Who can understand the wanderings of my mind and soul? There's no telling where I will end up on this journey of my life. Maybe next time I write, it will be something more interesting.
My teeth! My dentist has been telling me for several years that my top teeth need to be removed and I need a denture. Well, now my teeth are verifying my dentist's recommendations and so I have an appointment to have that done this next week.
It's not my teeth that need to die, but my pride and my fear of the unknown. The present state of my teeth has been a source of embarassment for me for years. Yet even so, I knew what to expect. I have a fear that people will think less of me, tho I know this is not the least bit rational. I don't think badly of other folks who wear dentures. I may like or dislike them for other reasons, but certainly not because of dentures. I am afraid that I won't be able to talk with the denture. I don't want to give in to the realization that my body is growing older and that pieces and parts are wearing out. In my mind, I am still young, but my body tells me otherwise. I guess one of my fears is that once it's done, there are no do-overs. I can't change my mind. It's not like making a bad hair cut or hair color choice. My hair grows back again. I get second chances with hair.
And yet, I know that I'll be better off in the long run. My health will be better. I'll relearn how to talk. I'll have a prettier smile and won't hide my teeth anymore. Or at least this is what I am hoping for. So I'm trying to come to terms with this "dying."
Another quote that was on a Sojourners email this week: You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right. - Aung San Suu Kyi
Now, I'm not sure why these things make me think of my dental situation. Who can understand the wanderings of my mind and soul? There's no telling where I will end up on this journey of my life. Maybe next time I write, it will be something more interesting.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Glimpses of God on I-80
Some people complain that I-80 is so boring, but I find it peaceful. I'm very familiar with the road as I've traveled eastward from Council Bluffs to Des Moines or Newton or Iowa City or points beyond many times in the past 30 years. I know the good places to stop for a cold drink or lunch or restrooms. The only thing that seems to change is the location of the highway construction.
The good part of familiarity with the road is that it gives my mind a chance to consider other things...... or nothing. I can put in music and sing along. I can have extended conversations with God. I often marvel at the plants and the changing of the seasons. If the weather is bad, I can concentrate on my driving and watching the other cars and the big trucks. I don't have to worry about where the next exit is because I've pretty much got those all figured out.
On Monday I made a trip to the Christian Conference Center at Newton. The weather on Monday was not ideal for travel -- I hate to drive in rain -- but the trip over was relatively uneventful and left plenty of time for things mentioned above -- singing, talking with God, watching the plants, figuring out the construction zones. I spent the night in relative quiet since the TV at the conference center is limited to only two stations. Those are fuzzy at best and the programs didn't interest me. So, I thought I'd get a snack I had stashed in the fridge, read a bit and call it good.
It was a good plan except that I fell and sprained my foot. I slept fitfully, a few hours at a time and would readjust the ice pack they keep in the freezer. (It's a camp, with lots of kids running around in the summer, tripping over stuff, running into things. They have to be prepared with first aid supplies.)
By morning, I was wondering if I'd be able to drive back home by myself. I wasn't sure I could load the scooter and then walk from the rear of the van to the driver's seat. I decided to call Rand to warn him he may have to come get me. Others came for the meetings we had planned. I managed to transfer from my scooter to chairs and back, although it was painful and slow-going. I decided to try to drive back home alone.
I made it home fine with the help of some willing strangers to open and close my car's back hatch. I just didn't trust my foot enough to hold me upright. My foot still hurt like the dickens...... but not so much after my stop at the Adair rest area. There, I hoped to impose upon the people in a vehicle that pulled in next to mine. And then I stopped to look. Here was a young woman (20's), driving alone, with arm crutches, a hat pulled over whisps of hair and only one leg. Suddenly I was glad for a foot that ached because at least I have two feet. God shows us our blessings in unexpected ways.
That young woman was God present for me that day. I doubt that she knew it. I wonder when and how I have shown God's presence to others.
The good part of familiarity with the road is that it gives my mind a chance to consider other things...... or nothing. I can put in music and sing along. I can have extended conversations with God. I often marvel at the plants and the changing of the seasons. If the weather is bad, I can concentrate on my driving and watching the other cars and the big trucks. I don't have to worry about where the next exit is because I've pretty much got those all figured out.
On Monday I made a trip to the Christian Conference Center at Newton. The weather on Monday was not ideal for travel -- I hate to drive in rain -- but the trip over was relatively uneventful and left plenty of time for things mentioned above -- singing, talking with God, watching the plants, figuring out the construction zones. I spent the night in relative quiet since the TV at the conference center is limited to only two stations. Those are fuzzy at best and the programs didn't interest me. So, I thought I'd get a snack I had stashed in the fridge, read a bit and call it good.
It was a good plan except that I fell and sprained my foot. I slept fitfully, a few hours at a time and would readjust the ice pack they keep in the freezer. (It's a camp, with lots of kids running around in the summer, tripping over stuff, running into things. They have to be prepared with first aid supplies.)
By morning, I was wondering if I'd be able to drive back home by myself. I wasn't sure I could load the scooter and then walk from the rear of the van to the driver's seat. I decided to call Rand to warn him he may have to come get me. Others came for the meetings we had planned. I managed to transfer from my scooter to chairs and back, although it was painful and slow-going. I decided to try to drive back home alone.
I made it home fine with the help of some willing strangers to open and close my car's back hatch. I just didn't trust my foot enough to hold me upright. My foot still hurt like the dickens...... but not so much after my stop at the Adair rest area. There, I hoped to impose upon the people in a vehicle that pulled in next to mine. And then I stopped to look. Here was a young woman (20's), driving alone, with arm crutches, a hat pulled over whisps of hair and only one leg. Suddenly I was glad for a foot that ached because at least I have two feet. God shows us our blessings in unexpected ways.
That young woman was God present for me that day. I doubt that she knew it. I wonder when and how I have shown God's presence to others.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Proud to say I'm an Iowan
I've always felt that Iowa was a good place to be. The Iowa Supreme Court decision that was handed down this last week just reaffirms my thoughts. The Court said that it was unconstitutional to bar gays/lesbians from marrying. In other words, equal rights for all really does mean for all.
As I was reading a news story about the ruling, this is the comment that was made. "Iowa has a history of being in the forefront on social issues. It was among the first states to legalize interracial marriage and to allow married women to own property. It was also the first state to admit a woman to the bar to practice law and was a leader in school desegregation." Folks are always talking about how backwards Iowans are! Ha! I've always been proud of Iowa. When I hear about other states that execute criminals, I am grateful to live in a state that doesn't believe even the government has the right to take one's life. This latest Supreme Court decision reaffirms my belief in the goodness and fair-mindedness of Iowans.
Now, I wonder how this will play out. Will our pastors and our churches have the courage to marry gays/lesbians? Some denominations have already taken stands in favor or against. The congregation to which I belong has not made a formal decision. I wonder what we will do when we are confronted with the issue. Will we open our arms and our hearts to include all children of God? or will we turn them aside? I wonder......
As I was reading a news story about the ruling, this is the comment that was made. "Iowa has a history of being in the forefront on social issues. It was among the first states to legalize interracial marriage and to allow married women to own property. It was also the first state to admit a woman to the bar to practice law and was a leader in school desegregation." Folks are always talking about how backwards Iowans are! Ha! I've always been proud of Iowa. When I hear about other states that execute criminals, I am grateful to live in a state that doesn't believe even the government has the right to take one's life. This latest Supreme Court decision reaffirms my belief in the goodness and fair-mindedness of Iowans.
Now, I wonder how this will play out. Will our pastors and our churches have the courage to marry gays/lesbians? Some denominations have already taken stands in favor or against. The congregation to which I belong has not made a formal decision. I wonder what we will do when we are confronted with the issue. Will we open our arms and our hearts to include all children of God? or will we turn them aside? I wonder......
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Hibiscus and other blooming things
In the room where I write, we have the hibiscus plant that comes indoors to live during the winter. It struggles because of my neglect, for the most part. I forget to open the window blinds so that it can get a little sunshine and I forget to water it. When the leaves begin to curl in on themselves, I get the watering can... tho it may take me a day or so to do that. This is a hearty plant and it is patient with me.
The hibiscus blooms daily for weeks at a time. These are gorgeous, showy, huge flowers. They delight me and help me to smile. Those times are good for my soul.
But, this plant has its dormant times also. I think it is resting and gathering up strength to bloom again. I see buds on the plant today after a month or so of green leaves only. I think it is waiting for the warmth of spring and hoping to be allowed back out onto the deck again.
My life is much like this. Sometimes I bloom. Sometimes I rest and am dormant, storing up my energy so that I can be bold and show others the wonders that God has created in me. Sometimes I am dried up, curling in on myself, waiting for a drink of God's goodness and mercy. God is a better caretaker than I am tho because God's goodness is available anytime I am willing to ask for it.
I wonder why I forget to look for God?
The hibiscus blooms daily for weeks at a time. These are gorgeous, showy, huge flowers. They delight me and help me to smile. Those times are good for my soul.
But, this plant has its dormant times also. I think it is resting and gathering up strength to bloom again. I see buds on the plant today after a month or so of green leaves only. I think it is waiting for the warmth of spring and hoping to be allowed back out onto the deck again.
My life is much like this. Sometimes I bloom. Sometimes I rest and am dormant, storing up my energy so that I can be bold and show others the wonders that God has created in me. Sometimes I am dried up, curling in on myself, waiting for a drink of God's goodness and mercy. God is a better caretaker than I am tho because God's goodness is available anytime I am willing to ask for it.
I wonder why I forget to look for God?
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