Journeys 1-1-12 New Year's Sunday

Having New Year’s Day on a Sunday really gives us a chance to step back and think about time. Crossing this threshold makes us evaluate last year and dream about this new one. The new year makes us think about reshuffling the deck of our living. If we were ever going to re-do how we do things now is a good time. All resolutions involve letting go of something and taking on something new.

This year I invite you to think back on 2011 and ask, “Where did I see God? Was God present in that event?”

‘Cause you know, most scripture happened that way. Folks looked back and said, “God was there when that happened! I’ve got to pass that on!” Whenever the eternal pops into the present, we see the future in a new way.

What do you need to let go of before you step into 2012? What do you sense God asking you to change about the way you live and process your daily living?

Maybe God is nudging you to spend more time with those who love you. Maybe God is drawing you toward using your gifts in a new way. Maybe God desires to be closer to you on a daily basis through prayer or reading scripture. Maybe God wants you to care for your self more (your mind, body and/or soul) this year, so you’ll have more of your “self” to give away.

Its a discernment process. What may God be seeking in you this year?

Grace & Peace,

Rev. Kelly

Journeys 12-25-11 "Little Drummer Boy"

I am an old drummer from way back. In the fifth grade in Albion, Nebraska you got to choose what instrument you wanted to learn to play. I wanted to play the trumpet. But me and a couple of my cousins had recently made the trip to Omaha to be fitted with braces for our teeth. I was informed that braces and trumpets do not go together. So they said, “How about trying the drums?” I didn’t realize at the time that the only instrument case bigger to carry back and forth from home to school was the tuba (that’s what my older brother played). I think maybe we got those instruments because they knew we had a large station wagon.

The very first drum solo I ever played was in the fifth grade for the Christmas music program. I played along while the rest of the elementary school sang, “Little Drummer Boy.” The lesson of the little drummer boy was that we all offer what we have to give to the Christ Child. What the little boy could do, was play his drum. 45 or so years later, I’m still playing my drum for that Christ Child.

Today, I think each and every one of you offers up what ever gift and talent you have to that Christ Child. Some of you offer the gift of making music. Some of you offer the gift of acceptance. Some of you offer the gift of art. Some of you offer the gift of a glowing smile that just lights up the room. The list is endless.

On this Christmas Day Sunday, I firmly believe that everyone, not matter how young or old, symbolically kneels before Christ our king and offers what gifts we have to make his radical, compassionate, caring kingdom happen right here in central Nebraska.

And if we listen really hard, I believe God is receiving what we give, looking us in the eye and saying, “Thanks! It’s just what I needed!”

Grace & Peace,