Moving Godward

2004-01-19T08:07:00.000-06:00

"how can I begin a career in serving God?"

Oh, man! Someone found my main blog by searching with those words!

Serving God is not a career. Serving God is the attitude of looking for an opportunity.

Whoever you are: You can start your career now, by looking around you. The pay stinks, but God takes care of your real needs. Start with prayer. Someone in your current work place / neighborhood / whatever needs to know about Jesus. Ask God to place that person into your heart.

We need more everyday ministers.

Pray that God will send more harvesters!

2004-01-19T07:34:00.000-06:00

I am struck, as if seeing this in a new light, that when people cry out in pain, they meet criticism as if they have treated their oppressors too harshly.

2003-12-14T22:36:00.000-06:00

I'm considering joining the Roman Catholic church.
Perhaps these folks are also considering it.

2003-11-20T20:38:00.000-06:00

BLOGGER

2003-11-11T00:23:00.000-06:00

There are some benefits to being fat.
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_837133.html
You could save someone's life.

2003-08-14T17:26:00.000-05:00

Quenta Nârwenion

Cloning Yields Human-Rabbit Hybrid Embryo

I echo Quenta. Lord. Have mercy.

2003-06-01T23:08:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

"Thank you for writing for me."

You know, I never quite understand what is meant when the voice of the Holy Spirit whispers into my heart. This afternoon I heard, "Thank you for writing for me," as soon as I hit the "publish" button on my blog program.

That is the second time I have heard those words. The other time was when I mailed a submission to a magazine. I have lots of magazine articles rejected. But I have only heard those words twice.

2003-06-01T13:55:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

A puzzle piece slid into place this morning.

Why in the world does God want me, or anyone, to fast? The question came up again this week when I (of all people) recommended fasting to my congregation.

Fasting does not have to mean a vacation from food. You could fast from video games, or Diet Coke, or whatever "thing" you really like to do. God loves self-control. Self-control is merely the act of putting off something you want for just a little while. Consequently, if we drink coffee, we can put it aside for a fifteen hour period of time, and consider that a fast.

I have witnessed God moving in a great way during periods of fasting. Why then?

Here is the next step in what I discovered: Jesus said you could not serve both God and mammon.

"No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13, NKJV)

I believe that to be true. The human species is not very good at multi-tasking.

While you fast, you are voluntarily saying, "Lord, I really like donuts. REALLY. However, for today, I will lay aside my love of donuts and use the time I would have spent eating to take up my love for you."

So why does God love self-control? Put yourself in his shoes. You, God, are a woman in love with a man, and I mean starry-eyed and in LOVE. That man publicly professed his love for you. Now, every time you wait on your date, he shows late! Well, he is sorry, but he was obsessively polishing his new truck one more time. You did want to go to dinner in a clean truck, didn't you? As much as you love this person, you know that in marriage you will be playing second fiddle to a pick up truck. Now, you, God, start to long in your heart for even one day that this person freely chooses you over the pickup truck.

Next, try this scenario: One day the beloved woman says to you, God, "You know instead of a cup of coffee and a donut at eight a.m., I'm going to spend two minutes talking to you." You have waited for this moment for a very long time. You kiss her. You bless her. You give her the things she asked of you. You hold that moment in your heart. Maybe she will change and you will finally have one of those loves with no strings attached.

I could not see this connection, until I fully understood that God loves us like a lover. He gets jealous. He cherishes the day of our commitment to him. He is starry-eyed and in love with his creations.

Wow. Maybe fasting will be easier in the future.

2003-05-31T14:14:00.000-05:00

I forgot to mention that bruises showed up on my arms this week, about Wednesday or so. As anxiously as I have waited for the stigmata, you would think this would have been the first thing to record! My left wrist has a long-ish (half inch) red mark in the middle of a bruised circle. My right arm is scratched and bruised about the wrist.

Is this the stigmata? See, three years ago, I heard the voice of God, or the voice of the Holy Spirit, however you want to say it, asking the question, "Would you like the stigmata?" Now, I don't know if he was making conversation, or offering, or even telling. The most that has happened to me since then is this: I have learned that Christians are to be images of Christ.

"I don't understand," has come to be my trademark statement.

Knowing that I do not know, has not helped any.

2003-05-31T07:11:00.000-05:00

IN THE NEWS:

This is devastating.

The check’s in the mail, unless . . .

I'm devastated. Our country has passed an incentive to create a class gap between the poor and the rich. Not just between rich and poor people, but between rich and poor children.

Father God, what would you have me to do? What can I do? Already, I feel the sting of poverty in my life, in my church, and hoped for relief has been snatched from us and given to the wealthy! Rescue us. Hear my prayers, Lord. Hear my prayers. Through Christ Jesus, who loved the poor, I pray. Amen.

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

A vision I had this morning is bothering me. I saw a man in his late twenties or early thirties. He looked at me, with one of those facial expressions that says, "My heart is so wounded, that I can no longer bear to feel." He held a ring. It looked to be an egagement ring, all shiny as if it had never been worn. His eyes fell to the ground. His head bent down. I could see the top of his head covered with medium long brown hair. He dropped the ring to the ground, turned and walked away.

Who was he? Why did he show me? Was that symbollic of something in the church?

The even odder thing is this: I can feel his presence. It's like he is walking around, going elsewhere, but looking over his shoulder at me.

Is a demon troubling me? I do not feel fearful. Has God given me a vision? If so, what on earth is it about?

I will go to the church to bake communion bread today. That way I can go into the sanctuary and pray while it is baking.

2003-05-29T19:36:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG:
Feel like wasting some time? Take "The Geek Test"
I was 30.96647% - Total Geek.
Leave a message if you took the test.

"Geeks for God" here!

THE DEVOTIONAL:

Today's reading is Luke 24:44-53.

You know what? Take "The Geek Test". What amazes me about those of us who are constantly clamoring for wisdom by accumulating books, searching the net and going where no man has gone before, is that we have a deep seated urge to "get it right".

Come on. Admit it. If you can read, write and pronounce every character in JRR Tolkein's elvish language, what are you going to do with it, besides win an argument with someone on a bus? It's tempting because, for once in my life, I want there to be something, so unique, that I may be the only human to "get it right".

The real question is this: What on earth is the "it" we are trying to get right? In Luke's story of the ascension, Jesus let his disciples get it right.

"Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." (Luke 24:45, NIV)

The "it" they got right, was the divinity of Jesus, the fulfillment of scripture, and the power of God's Holy Spirit. That's a mighty lot of understanding. It makes me feel a little sheepish about knowing the entire history of Star Trek's Seven of Nine.

"Father God, you are the ancient of days. You are mysterious beyond the scope of our imaginations. Your presence extends beyond the edges of our galaxy. Lord, open our minds to understand the amazing fulfillment of your word. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Get it right.

2003-05-28T18:14:00.000-05:00

In response to my concern over a church saying, "it's needed," as a reason to conduct a profit-making business, Jeff posted the following:

"I wanted to tell you that this is something that is a topic that is currently being discussed at my church. Some people want the youth group to do a fund-raiser, but our pastor, rightly, is opposed to the idea, thinking that individual contributions are the correct way of raising money. It is just an interesting coincidence."

The finger of God just may be waving at Arkansas.

2003-05-27T20:41:00.001-05:00

THE DEVOTIONAL:

If you have not read it yet, open an eyeball to what Associated Press is saying about God.

"The character of God has become increasingly human and secular in comedies such as "Oh, God!," "Dogma" and the new "Bruce Almighty," suggesting mainstream audiences are more open than ever to wacky, nonreligious versions of The Man Upstairs" - AP

What is the hubbub? Well, AP is pointing out that GOD is being portrayed in movies as if he were man! They are toying with the notion of God as a "wacky, nonreligious" man.

That makes me chuckle.

John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1, NIV)

It makes me chuckle with delight, each time some hard core realist plays with the idea that God might possibly become man and walk among us.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14, NIV)

Every time God makes his presence known, he does it like a fresh wind blowing. Every person who discovers him seems to believe that nobody has ever discovered him before.

Merciful, heavenly Father, shaft of light in the universe, thundering voice of the skies, I lift up to you all who have not believed. Tell them that you would so desire personal relationship with us. Tell them that you would become one of us. Let them play with the idea that you would so desire our presence, to even take on our form. In the name of the human life you took on, Jesus of Nazareth, I pray. Amen.

What would happen if God actually wanted to be man?

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

I worked today.

Essence of God
Gentle convincer
Spirit of Jesus
Wind of his breath

Ancient of days
New like the sunrise
Old like the rivers
Harboring death

2003-05-26T08:47:00.000-05:00

Luke 22: 7-38

"do this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:19, NIV)

Those words of Jesus ring through my heart. Today is Memorial Day. I am trying to draw words up from the depths of my soul to describe this day, but all my soul will give to me is sadness. My heart trembles at how terrifying God is, and at how easily I forget his presence.

We honor people who have died. Well, no. We console ourselves in the deaths of those we love. The dead will not get their feelings hurt should we forget them. My spirit asks why. Why did they have to hurt? Why did they have to die?

Don’t point out the Adam and Eve story. I understand how sin came into the world by one man (and one woman). In today's world of traffic, jobs, finances and stress illnesses, who gives a rip about the first woman and man?

Sorrow pierces our spirits. In search of any one thing that has real meaning, we run back to God. He so desired a relationship with broken man that he came and walked among us - and hurt with us. When his time among man drew to a close, he ate supper.

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:19, NIV)

Father God, I lift up those who are sad. We remember that you hurt with us. Let your loving nature be found among us today. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Remember him.

2003-05-25T19:13:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

I go back to work on Tuesday.

I may end up deleting all this, but for now, I'm going to blog.

So, I'm sad over the church I attend. I'm sad over my brothers and sisters in Christ. Mick came up to me after the meeting today.

Well, Mick. He's a southern kind of guy. He's a little bit sarcastic, always good for a joke. He usually brings up the negative side of things when other folks go gung-ho without thinking. He's someone that everyone ought to have around, just to keep them grounded.

Anyway, Mick says to me, "I am not going to fast." That was in response to my request that everyone fast and pray on Wednesday while the Bishop hears our arguements. After a little talking he didn't balk at being asked to put off something, anything, that he wants, for just a little while.

A fast does not have to be a total abstinence from food, but God loves self-control.

To be honest, I am drinking red wine. I want to lose myself in the reminder of the blood of Jesus.

God help us.

TUESDAY, My next job will start. Ten dollars an hour. Am I deserting Jesus? God help me.

LIVE IN SIMPLICITY

If anyone is reading this, hear my plea! Live in simplicity and honor God.

Here is the story behind the stigmata. Yes, I have the stigmata. You might have it too. The stigmata is borne by any individual who is willing to hurt, just like Jesus hurt, just because that individual loves God with everything they have got.

Oh, God, where do I go when the church I love needs to be rebuilt?

Wait, I got sidetracked and forgot the stigmata. Okay, here is the story. Three years ago, I heard the voice of God. He asked, "Would you like the stigmata?" Yeah, the word was LIKE. "Would you LIKE the stigmata." I thought it sounded pretty fascinating. I said, "yes." My life was permanently changed.

I didn't know that an ordinary person could fall so deeply in love with God.

I started a diary. I was going to record every step that was taken in "achieving" the stigmata.

Three years later, I picked up the diary, read it

.. and
.... began
...... to
........ laugh.

God knows, I filled the house with loud raucus belly laughter!

did I spell that right? Oh well.

I am an image of Christ.

Yeah, I have a couple scratches on my arm, that I somehow got exactly one year after the first crucifixion dream. It's not much, believe me. The scratches don't bleed or throb on Fridays, or anything like that. I've just learned that to become an image of Christ, you need only discover how wide and long and high and deep is the love of our God.

2003-05-25T16:32:00.000-05:00

Should I try to convince them, Lord? Let me have a clear answer, please. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen

2003-05-25T15:57:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

Well, we had a church meeting today. I presented my option, just as I believed that the Lord meant for me to present it. There weren't any takers.

Either the Methodist Church can take over our building payments, or we will disband, move out, whatever. That's pretty sad. Either way, we, as a church unit, are forever changed. We, as individuals, are forever changed.

God didn't give me the command to convince them, only to present to them. I am pleased that I was bold enough to speak.

In Jesus' name, may we be forgiven. Amen.

2003-05-24T03:07:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

I GET IT!
I GET IT! I GET IT!

Okay, let me scroll down for a moment. Oh, yeah, and THIS IS THE STIGMATIC'S LOG. I'm excited.

There it is. On 5/5/2003, I wrote the following in my blog.

[5/5/2003 2:00:36 PM | Anita Van Ingen]
"This is my house."
I heard that this morning while strolling through the sanctuary. He sounded angry. What's up?
I really am baffled by spirituality. Really.
Other than that, He is a beautiful God. I'm quite smitten.

NOW. Here is what is happening today:

Several church members are ill. It does not seem as if God is angry, but it seems as if the people are unprotected. I'm okay. But then, I'm usually okay. PLUS, I am not a member at the church I attend. Not only are several members unprotected, but also the building itself is going through trauma. Last winter, it was the furnace. This summer, it is each one of the four air conditioning units, one at a time. Plus, woodpeckers are about to break through the front wall, and rainwater is seeping into the nursery.

With all that happening, we are out of money, and I mean TOTALLY out of money. With several church members sick or otherwise traumatized, who could come up with an extra offering? We will have a meeting this Sunday to make some decisions about the future of the church.

OKAY. That is the situation. Now, let me tell about how we have handled our money problems in the past.

We established a Mother's Day Out program. That brings in money, and is supposed to be a witness to the community. However, we really don't teach the daycare kids about Jesus. So, where's our witness? The daycare is a business.

We rent the sanctuary two nights a week to Weight Watchers. This helps people from the community to know where the church is, right? Wrong. Weight Watchers hasn't brought us members or visitors. The renting of the church is a business.

We rent two offices to the conference "Connected in Christ" team. They DO witness Jesus. Okay.

NEXT. Read Matthew 21:12-17. That's the story where Jesus drove the moneychangers, in other words the businesses, out of the temple.

Here's Matthew 21:13 (NIV): "It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a 'den of robbers.'

So the voice of God said to me, "This is my house." and He sounded angry.

I need to convince the church members that we should close the daycare and send Weight Watchers on their way. We should operate the church Monday thru Saturday as a church, not as a business that holds worship on Sunday. With this cleaning out of the temple, I think we'll be back under God's protective care.

Father God, you have given me this insight. Make me bold to deliver it to your people. I love you so, and want to serve you, but you know how my voice fails when I have to speak in front of a crowd, help me. Give me someone else's voice if necessary. I lift up Good Shepherd United Methodist Church for your loving care. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Isaiah 56:7
"these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations."

All praise be to God.

2003-05-21T22:00:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

The little church I attend is going through extremely hard times. The pastor and parishioners are fighting fear, just like I did two weeks ago. There is not one family in the church who is not suffering some tragedy. Well, maybe me, I'm not suffering. My mom isn't well, but as long as I'm not fearful, I'm usually okie-doke. So, why are we under attack?

2003-05-20T21:07:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

In case one or two of my millions of readers would like to know...

I am not Roman Catholic. I do read Amy Welborn's blog because it is interesting. I AM catholic in the sense that catholic means "universal". I am a member of the universal body of Christ. If you are Christian of any denomination, then you are a member of MY church.

I am not on the roster of any church or denomination. However, I tithe, worship, attend, volunteer and generally get worn out at a United Methodist Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Those of you who have never been to Arkansas are missing a real treat. Check out Jeff's blog at * Local Annotations

Thanks for all your prayers. I have a job starting Tuesday, May 27

2003-05-19T22:48:00.000-05:00

THE DEVOTIONAL:

Only one employee operates Yahoo.com, and that is a janitor.

I know. I have a free web page with them. You see, several months ago, I set up a Yahoo account and published to a Yahoo/Geocities web site. Their pop-up ads are nearly pornographic. I decided to cancel.

Thus began my great adventure to close a Yahoo account, under the polite and patient auspices of Mr. Auto Yahoo.

I sat and surfed Yahoo’s search page until my bottom side hurt, looking for the account close form. Mr. Auto Yahoo gave me FAQ’s and links to click. He took me back to the very page where I began.

Finally, I found an email address and wrote my request to customer service. Mr. Auto Yahoo replied to my email with the link to another FAQ page. The pages clicked and automatically changed until the sites became suspiciously familiar.

MSN.com had the instructions for closing a Yahoo account. I did close my account, but the web page would not go away.

I wrote an email to request, "someone, please delete the web page."

Mr. Auto Yahoo replied to my email. I should log in to delete the web page.

I wrote back that I had no account, so I could not log on.

Mr. Auto Yahoo invited me to create a new account since I obviously didn‘t have one…

THAT reminds me of what I like about God.

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, (Galatians 4:4, NIV)

God did not send Mr. Auto Redeemer. God sent a son who was God’s very nature in the flesh. God, himself, walked among man to answer our questions.

Heavenly Father, you are wise and good. We lift up those who are in need of a counselor. Be their guide. In the name of Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen.

IN THE NEWS:

Another protest. Take a peek at Amy Welborn's page on protestors at graduation ceremonies. Scroll down to "Adventures at Catholic college commencements".

I'll be honest. I don't understand pro-choice Christians. I love God. God loves life. Therefore, I love life. Pro-life just makes sense to me.

2003-05-18T08:26:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

I never know what is driving me to this sort of thing. The church calendar, rather than need, sometimes drives my inner world. Today I am preparing pancakes (bread) for breakfast and just a splash of red wine. I need to drive to church and teach children's Sunday School.

What has my heart agreed to do without asking my permission?

2003-05-16T10:21:00.000-05:00

I AM TRULY SORRY FOR WHAT I WROTE LAST WEEK.
I have an excuse, but I don't feel like hiding behind it.
I have sinned against God, and I beg his forgiveness and mercy.
Let those who may have been harmed, be mightily blessed.
In Jesus' name, amen.

2003-05-15T14:17:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

I just got my first rejection letter from a book publisher!!!!

A real book publisher acknowledged that I am alive. This is exciting.

THE DEVOTIONAL:

Get the bigger picture.

Maybe the U.S. has not checked the "Who's Who?" of Iraq. Consequently, Saddam's Baath party officials have been volunteering to set up a new free Iraqi government - one with Saddam in full power. Seriously, I don’t trust Saddam’s intentions for the world.

Am I just paranoid? Mmm.

For two weeks, I HAVE been battling unexplainable fear. The fear built up slowly. It started with considering tragedies on a prayer list. It climaxed as I ran out of money and forgot God‘s mercy.

Fear gets into a Christian's life the same way a Baath party official gets into the new Iraqi government. It understates its intentions and then enters freely. You don’t get the truth until you step back and consider the bigger picture.

Consider the bigger picture of the first dozen hymns in the book of Psalms. Through seven chapters, the psalmists cry out to God about war and remember his promises. Then Psalm 8 does an about face and really cuts loose in praise of God. A few chapters later, the psalmists have forgotten the initial terror.

O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1, NIV)

Acknowledge the path the Bible takes on its movement Godward. If you have been afraid, and if you have cried out to God, then, cut loose and praise. God will move you on to security.

Heavenly Father, how majestic you are! From the bright spot of the littlest ladybug, to the specter of a magnificent sunrise, your creations totally amaze us. Remind our hearts today, to look upon you in wonder. In Jesus' mighty name we pray, amen.

Cut loose and praise!

2003-05-14T18:11:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

Mighty God
Abba Father
LifeSpring Eternal
Holy and Pure

Love of my life
Love of my longing
Well of my hope
Solid, Secure

2003-05-12T22:45:00.000-05:00

IN THE NEWS:

This is so sad and frightening. Woman Accused in Sons' Deaths on Watch
The woman is Christian. She believes she hears the voice of God, and believes he wants her to do something bizarre.

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

I love God, and he's just about my best friend in the whole world. I always wonder... why did he permit this? How come? Lord, didn't she belong to you? Maybe not, I don't know.

2003-05-12T06:56:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG

Yeah, poverty stinks. It's not really the lack of money that stinks.

I so desire to write about the things that oppress the poor. Even when I do write about oppression, I go back and delete it. I need a better understanding of love.

WHEW! What an eye-opener this time has been.

Father God, I beg of you. Never let me forget to befriend my brothers and sisters in Christ, and never let me forget to befriend your creations. For we never know how desparately a person may need a friend. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

2003-05-11T22:11:00.001-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG

Now, I'm absolutely sure. Poverty stinks. Well, wait. There ARE some tender moments. My son came home from work carrying a single long stemmed red rose. He said, "Happy Mother's Day." It was all right then.

Happy Mother's Day to all my blogging mom friends!

I read a book on St. Francis once. I read that he never harmed a bug, but he would gently pick up the bug and move it out of harm's way. About the time I finished the book, a cockroach came strolling across my bedroom floor toward me. The bug stopped acted as if it were considering me. I considered it.

I fell into deep prayer. "Lord, I love you. I cherish your presence in my life. I understand how you created all life. I see how bugs and rodents and me are all parts of a big cycle of life. But, Lord," I paused and considered the cockroach, my fingers twitching, "I'm still not St. Francis."

I used the book on St. Francis to smash the cockroach.

2003-05-10T12:50:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG: SATURDAY AFTERNOON

deleted by me. what a mood!

2003-05-10T08:49:00.001-05:00

THE DEVOTIONAL:

The simple story of a greedy financier quickly became a titillating expose of wealthy people paying millions to keep their own children isolated from public schools.

Who cares what the rich do?

Having been the parent of a disabled child, I care. I can verify that public schools do not have funding to give needy kids a decent education.

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" (1 John 3:17, NIV)

In 1 John 3:16-24 the apostle defines love. Love isn't just a pleasant feeling. Love is an action word. John expressed love's action so that even I understand. In paraphrase he said, "If it looks like love, it is love. If it doesn't look like love, don't believe it."

Hey, the man was just loving his children, right?

The financier withheld donations to his local school programs, denied them the volunteer hours of two parents, and restricted his kids from friendships with the children of their own community. Money is a greedy master. It does not allow its slaves to show love toward God's creations.

"... this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another ..." (1 John 3:23, NIV)

Don't be fooled. If it doesn't look like love, it isn't love.

Father God, we lift up those people who are slaves to wealth. Break the spirits of confusion and unbelief that hover about the financier. Then, send your servants to cross his path. In Jesus' great and redeeming name we pray. Amen.

*****************************
STIGMATIC'S LOG

The Christian life is a life of relationships, not just a life of feeling nice things, like love. We can feel love all day and all night, but until we love with actions and in truth, it is all just lip service. We don’t need to help the poor as much as we need to befriend them. Then, we may help, as one friend to another

As I struggle with the poverty/wealth problem in my own life, God speaks to me through his word. In poverty, I am not tempted to make my material possessions into a god. Nothing I own has great value. Will that change when I have an income? God seems to be saying that the temptations will be greater, and he reminds me of his truth.

Father God, you remind me of truths just before I see the need for them. You are so good. While I give up poverty, let me not glorify wealth. Let me live in loving relationship with your creations and with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I will watch for opportunities to spend my riches on relationships with God and with others.

2003-05-10T00:04:00.000-05:00

THIS just cracks me up.

2003-05-09T15:50:00.001-05:00

THE DEVOTIONAL:

Being a news junkie, I notice things like this:Another mass grave uncovered in Iraq

and this: 129 airline passengers hurled to their deaths

But then, hope glimmers like a weak light in the muck with this: Building collapse kills 7, but baby lives

All things are under God's control. All things that happen are things that he has permitted. But he does not love all things that he permits.

Remember Psalm 23? When I was a kid, I used to imagine Jesus popping one of them sheep with his staff and yelling, "Go lay down!"

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures." (Psalm 23:2, NIV)

I don't know about you, but I feel guilty about lying down in green pastures while kids are dying of cholera in Iraq, or when families are thrown from an airplane in the Congo. I feel guilty about eating fresh food on Wednesdays when I watch the food pantry patrons leaving our church with their boxes of canned goods.

"he restores my soul." (Psalm 23:3, NIV)

The only permanent resolution for a world of hopelessness is for Jesus to return and clean up the mess. Until then, I have this need to jump in, over work, and over commit. Then Jesus pops me gently with his staff and says, "Child, take some rest."

Father God, we lift up to you all those who work in your name. Make their work fruitful. Keep them healthy and well-rested. And thank you, Lord, for your gift of the sabbath day of worship and rest. We honor you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

And, hey, Christian, Sunday is on its way. Get some rest.

*************************
STIGMATIC'S JOURNAL:
God really does give us opportunity to take a rest

As soon as I think this walk with God equals a lifetime of non-stop work, and I get myself psyched up to do it, he makes me lie down in lush abundant places. Eating grains that I did not grow, warmed by sunshine that I did not create. Using freely that which is not mine.

Father God, you are the gentle nurturer of my soul. You lavish gifts upon me as a lover would. You have provided for me more than I could have imagined. Do I say I love you now that you have complimented me? I loved you before! I love you now. Let me love you forever. Through Christ Jesus, your grace-giving son, I pray. Amen.

I guess I’ll just yield to his love. Sigh.
******************************************

2003-05-08T16:39:00.000-05:00

I take back everything I said about Mom being the worst in the world at saving stuff. 30 Tons of Rubbish Taken from Woman's Home

I spent yesterday afternoon in the offices of headhunters, being told how great I was.

I spent the evening publicly making a fool of myself.

It evened out.

2003-05-07T18:04:00.000-05:00

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

Today, I read this: Ezekiel 34:1-16 and my heart spoke.

Apparently, God gave me the nod of approval to go ahead and work a day job.

I had two interviews today, and at least one more will be on Friday. I'll lose my membership in the poverty club. Will I lose my sense of compassion for the poor if I work?

Hear the words of the Lord as recorded by the prophet Ezekiel: "I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice." (Ezekiel 34:16, NIV)

My heart advised, "Do not forget your roots."

Holy God, search us. I lift up to you, those of your children who are about to make a transition. Find those things we need to purge from our hearts, and show us how to throw them out. And Lord, inspire your people to use their paychecks for your purposes. You do indeed love the poor. In the name of the one who said, "the son of man has no place to lay his head." Through Christ Jesus' holy name, I pray. Amen.

Do not forget your roots.

2003-05-06T18:41:00.000-05:00

NEWS ITEM:

I HAVE to do some checking into this group! Countdown to Doomsday

All I know is that they are a cult. Does anyone know if they are a Christian cult or just ordinary nutcases?

STIGMATIC'S LOG:

Tomorrow. Sigh. I'm going to apply for a real job. I have been hanging out at my church, typing bulletins, washing dishes and discussing eschatology with the pastor. I never made a vow of poverty. Poverty just happened to me. God seems to be more active in my life while I am poor. He provides for me what I need, as I need it, and no more than I need.

This doesn't allow me to give to the poor, give to the church, give to my family, or buy a new car. However, it IS quite fascinating to watch God work. He is so loving to the poor.

Being poor is much like being a member of an exclusive organization. Some employed folks do actually speak sharply to me and stare at me. The poor tend to be rich in relationships. They tend to be rich in love.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3, NIV)

When he said "the poor in spirit" could he have been including those people who seek relationships among the poor as well as among the wealthy?

Father God, if I work a day job, let me continue to be "the poor in spirit". Let me be one with the poor, and not forget their plight. In Christ's blessed name, I ask. Amen.

God does indeed defend the poor and needy.

2003-05-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

"This is my house."
I heard that this morning while strolling through the sanctuary. He sounded angry. What's up?
I really am baffled by spirituality. Really.

Other than that, He is a beautiful God. I'm quite smitten.

2003-05-04T23:05:00.000-05:00

Speaking of Iraq, I just heard the third C-130 pass by overhead today. If sounds do not deceive, our guys are coming home. Please, continue prayer for the ones still in Iraq.

2003-05-04T22:52:00.000-05:00

All lovers of the Iraqi Information minister need to check out this 404 page.

2003-05-04T22:08:00.000-05:00

There is great beauty in silence.
and great beauty in pursuing the heart of God.
The road winds ahead.
The past vanishes into the distance.

2003-05-04T16:40:00.000-05:00

Black Lab puppies will chew on anything! Dog Bites Sheriff Patrol Car, Twice

2003-05-03T12:29:00.000-05:00

Here's s'more to my goofball for God log
Today, I heard His voice again.
He said, "What have you learned?"

Well, I had been sick for a couple weeks. I had fatigue to the point of not wanting to even lift my arms.
Then finally, I asked my son (the fitness expert), and a lady who owns a health food store (the nutrition expert). They both had good advice, which I followed to the letter. I am some better today.

Anyway, to answer the "What have you learned?" question, I responded, "I've learned to take care of myself."

He said, "Right!" He said not to let matters of health go unattended for the sake of others. Well, that didn't seem right to me, so I spouted back, "but Jesus gave his whole LIFE for the sake of others."

Then He caused me to remember the scripture.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.(Romans 5:6, NIV)

Christ gave his whole life at the right time.

So, I'm struggling with getting a day job again.

"Do not give yourself to others to the point of bad health."

I'd like to work for the church. I've been working for the church, for very low pay, but I don't have money to buy really good food along with utilities with that paycheck. According to my mom, my son and Ann, I need different food.

"Do not give yourself to others to the point of ruining your health."

"Look at it this way: When I gave myself on the cross, I was healthy, well fed. I drank, I wore clean garments."

So, I wondered about that, "Did you have a nice house?"

"I lived as it was provided to me. My home is in the temple.

Now, my home is in the temple of your heart, and the hearts of all my children."

I started to get one more question wedged into our conversation, but He beat me to the punch.

"What have you learned?"

"uhm," I thought about it. "I've learned to eat complex carbohydrates in the morning."

"Stop. What have you learned?"

Well, I had to dig deep to get at what he wanted. "I've learned to love my God with all of my heart. I've learned to love my fellow man and to love myself equally. Now, how do YOU like that?"

"Very well."He responded and He fell silent again.

So, St. Francis, he had the stigmata, too. He devoted his life to poverty. Looking back through history, I would say that a vow of poverty was the right thing for Francis to do. He gave up his well being at the right time. But if I work a day job, I could purchase food for the food bank, making sure that the needy eat properly, too.

Father God, you are holy and good and wise and wholesome. Whenever it comes to the "right" time for us to give up our lives or our well being for others, would you let us know, please? And would you do that in a pretty clear manner? In the name of Jesus' who gave up his life at the right time, amen.

2003-05-01T17:51:00.000-05:00

For your reading pleasure, I offer the first chapter of Genesis.

In case it is not obvious, here is my advice for folks in the military:

Pursuit of evil is vanity.
Pursuit of those who pursue evil is vanity.
Both lead to death.
Instead pursue love, which leads to life.

Now, for those of you who already are military, or already are protesters of the military, I have this to say:
I do not share your concerns, but I support you as individuals. God created life, and all life is good.

I understand that countries go to war. In such cases, military people should do their jobs to the best of their ability, just as they would in any other time. Protesters should voice their opposition, just as they would in any other time.

When the war is over, returning soldiers will have greater personal needs than protesters. I recommend to the protesters that if they wish all war to come to an end, that they invest some compassion into the ones whom they hate. To do, the very thing they are asking leaders to do, would prove beyond a doubt that peace can be attained by humans.

If they do not, the evidence against them is great, for they have brought war to our own city streets.

Father God, I lift up to you our troops. Protect them. Keep them alert. Give them rest as they need it. I lift up to you the war protesters. Protect them. Keep them alert. Give them rest as they need it. Let the ones who have been blessed, give to the ones who need a blessing. In Jesus' name, amen.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning-the sixth day. (Genesis 1:31, NIV)

2003-04-30T19:37:00.000-05:00

My question is: Did he get there on time?
Dead Grandfather Attends Wedding

I have the same advice for Iraqi citizens that I did for American citizens...
Two More Protesters Killed in Iraqi Town
Pursuit of evil is vanity.
Pursuit of those who pursue evil is vanity.
Both lead to death.
Instead pursue love, which leads to life.
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. (1 John 3:14, NIV)

2003-04-29T16:38:00.000-05:00

People who send sappy emails ought to be forced to put a warning in the subject line.

"Mom? Is there something wrong?"

I was messing around. The fifth chapter of my book has me baffled, so I took a break and opened my email. There it was: The "RED MARBLES" story, and no warning whatsoever.

"Uuuuuuu," I inhaled, gasping loudly for air. "I'm alright." Tears streaked defiantly down my cheeks. "It's just an email."

Michael turned to leave the room and muttered in disgust, "Geesh, Mom."

If the sender had labeled this a "three hanky story", I could have saved myself a lot of trouble and just blogged instead.

2003-04-28T18:44:00.000-05:00

I'm still thinking about this one.
Last Will and Testament... She wants to be barbequed.

Actually, I'm still thinking on this one, too.
Israeli bulldozer crushes US peace protester

Yeah. I DO have a comment.
Pursuit of evil is vanity.
Pursuit of those who pursue evil is vanity.
Both lead to death.
Instead pursue love, which leads to life.

1 John 3:10, NIV
This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

2003-04-27T12:57:00.000-05:00

From the Middle Eastern Times comes this report:
STEP ON IT!
A taxi driver was arrested for possession of marijuana that he kept hidden in small rolls underneath his brake pedal. He traveled under the name 'Cousa', (meaning zucchini) and was caught with over three kilos of marijuana stashed in his automobile, giving a whole new meaning to the term 'drug pedaling'. (From Al Akhbar)

2003-04-23T22:38:00.000-05:00

Stigmatics Journal, April 23, 2003

Read about Christian love in Acts 4:32-35

She has spent most of her paychecks buying bar soap and underpants for children who are incarcerated. She has spent most of her love, patiently teaching teenaged girls to clean their cells. Today my 'sister' in need, was a Christian woman, a security officer in a juvenile detention center.

U.S. detention centers becoming warehouses for mentally ill youth

We began a fun project, that of donating and sorting white underclothes for prisoners. Chance chose the juvenile detention center as recipient. When we delivered the items, we toured the facility. Then God spoke with the voice of our sister in Christ as she made an impassioned plea for our help with lives that have been "thrown-away".

The Bible tells how early Christians cared for one another.

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." (Acts 4:32, NIV)

Therein lay a problem. I'm poor, and frankly, nobody wants to share my stuff. But this missionary continued her plea. She needed women and especially men who would tutor the kids.

If we love Christ, our greatest possession to share is our heart.

Lord, we lift up to you the children in juvenile detention centers. Give them grace to grow in joyous life. Give us grace and wisdom to serve them. In Jesus' name, amen.

2003-04-21T16:33:00.000-05:00

``I don't think I bit the dog. I just got into a fight with him,'' SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - A 33-year-old man faces charges that he bit a police dog during a disturbance outside a downtown bar.

2003-04-21T07:21:00.000-05:00

Stigmatics Log, April 21, 2003

"The Americans make great liberators but lousy occupiers."TIME.com: Marines Cast as 'Mongols' in Baghdad

Continue to pray for our troops and leaders, my friends. They have many difficult decisions to make.

2003-04-19T09:39:00.000-05:00

And the moral is: don't steal the donkey. Middle Eastern Times

2003-04-18T22:25:00.000-05:00

Well, I don't know, officer. I think he was short, fat and he grunted a lot. News

2003-04-18T22:13:00.000-05:00

But, how is the turtle doing? News

2003-04-18T17:45:00.000-05:00

My week has been busy!

Palm Sunday events: Sunday School, Worship, egg hunt, crafts, living last supper, apologize for not having real bread ready for communion
Monday's agenda: type bulletins for Easter week services
Tuesday's to do: phone calls
Wednesday's event: Taize prayer
Thursday, all day: Roast lamb, Seder meal
Good Friday morning: meetings, water the lillies

Friday afternoon: Ponder what really killed Jesus during Holy Week

I once learned that all anxiety is sin. That includes anxiety over the events of Holy Week in a small church.

John 18 and 19 depicts the town of Jerusalem in the midst of an anxiety festival. Peter worried about the Jews. The Jews worried about the law. Pilate worried about Ceasar.

Jesus alone wasn't worried.

He had already confronted his fears in the garden on his knees. Once he finished praying and giving all concerns over to his father God, he was ready. He went peacefully and was crucified.

"It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour." (John 19:14, NIV)

Funny that Jesus died on the 'day of Preparation'. What could God have been thinking? He was preparing for a resurrection, of course!

In fact, our whole week of celebration is not the focus of Easter. The climax of Easter week is not when we get our once a year helping of roast lamb. Nor is it when the smallest child finally finds an egg. Easter week prepares our hearts for God, who then reminds us of the resurrection we have in him.

So, tonight, during Tennebrae Service, when I sit on the hard boiled egg that fell off the seder plate, I may not be overly concerned.

I'm going to look for the prize in the empty tomb. Happy Resurrection Day, my friends!

Father God, I lift up praise to you for the gift of life resurrected! In Jesus' holy name, I pray, amen.

2003-04-14T19:08:00.000-05:00

It's never too late. Couple marry after living together for 77 years

Well, *cough*, ummm. Belgian mayor sets up Department of Tenderness No, thank you. I had a boss who did something similar at a restaurant job. NO, thank you.

I know there is a message in this somewhere: Skunk with Coca Cola tin on head causes traffic problems Just give me some time to listen for it.

Stigmatics Journal April 14, 2003

Some people witness history.Luke 24:36-48 Others look for an excuse to keep their eyes closed. WeLoveTheIraqiInformationMinister.com

The Iraqi Information Minister, Muhammed Saeed al-Sahaf is an elusive character to be certain. Rumor has it that he bought a forged passport. Then, claiming that he was Geraldo Rivera, let US troops escort him out of the country.

Liberation has come to Iraqi citizens who wish to speak out against the regime, but the Information Minister has not yet enjoyed his freedom. He bet his life that Saddam's prophecy would come true. He depended on the power of his own words

In Luke 24, Jesus' disciples were frightened and in hiding. Their leader was killed in a most bizarre fashion. His body was missing from the tomb. In a surprise ending, he showed up in their midst.

Jesus reminded his disciples of God's prophetic words, and then added:

You are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:46-48, NIV)

So, Muhammed Saeed al-Sahaf stood on a rooftop and watched until fear silenced him. The disciples hid in fear until love entered them. Their hearts could not be silenced, and they have witnessed to this very day.

Father God, we lift up to you those who witness war and prophecy. First, grant them peace. Then give them the ability to share the love that enters their hearts. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

2003-03-29T08:08:00.000-06:00

8:19 am

From the "So, where DOES it belong?" files:

A Minnesota newspaper banned the use of scripture as inappropriate in their religions columns.

2003-03-29T07:55:00.000-06:00

7:55 am
Father God, creator of mankind, send your peace. Comfort the families as only you can comfort them. Bring the war to a conclusion quickly. Hear me, Lord. Send your peace. In Jesus' name, amen.

Yahoo! News - War Must Not Become 'Religious Catastrophe' - Pope

2003-03-28T18:36:00.000-06:00

This researcher says that death is fatal.
Why can't *I* get a job doing research like that?

Yahoo! News - Sudden, Unexplained Death May Kill Many Adults

2003-03-27T18:14:00.000-06:00

Stigmatics Journal: Thursday, March 27, 2003

The Bronze Snake.

My Lenten discipline this year has been broken. I grumbled and then I broke my promise to God.

I had no idea that I was capable of consuming a whole dozen donuts while playing computer games for over an hour!

In Numbers 21, Moses was leading the children of Israel through the wilderness. They also grumbled. Well, next thing you know, the LORD was sending poisonous snakes among them. THAT was pretty serious. Some of them died.

. The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." (Numbers 21:8)

Snakes, if you accept traditional meanings, usually represent sin, or satan. God told Moses to make a bronze image of something that represented death, and sin, to the people. Then, they could look at death and sin and - - LIVE.

Does that make any sense?

At my age, over eating and over indulging would mean an early death. I tried to make Lent a time of disciplining my behavior. But what I really need to do is this: Confront my sin, and I mean, really look at it.

I need to acknowledge sin for what it is and carry it to the foot of the cross, again. Every time I do this, God gives me what I need to live. He gives me forgiveness.

With fresh forgiveness I can remember that it is my desire is to become a vessel of his love. Discipline is then is a lesser thing, and somehow easier to achieve.

Father God, creator of all good things, grant peace to all those who suffer from addictive over-eating. Give us a solid reminder that draws us back to you. Forgive us Lord, for we have sinned. In the name over all names, Jesus Christ, we put all addictions in their place with love. amen.

I could put a bronze donut on a pole in the front yard. Or I can turn my heart to Jesus, one who became the image of death and sin, raised up for us to look upon and live.

On a lighter note:
The Herd is here.
Click on the horses one at a time.

2003-03-25T19:10:00.000-06:00

Stigmatics Journal, Tuesday, March 25, 2003

Hollywood.

I'm at a loss for words at the passion Hollywood is flaunting in protest of the atrocities of war.

And, they took a break from making money, uh, excuse me, they took a break from making MOVIES that glorify mayhem and violence to tell you so.

2003-03-23T17:24:00.000-06:00

Stigmatics Journal, Sunday, March 23, 2003

FW:email.

My electronic mailbox collects emails with the subject line: "FW:" faster than my mother collects junk in her sewing room.

Remember the "attack spider under public toilet seats" email? I personally know at least ten women who were lifting all toilet seats, just to make sure they were safe. Everyone one of those women sent me the email, in triplicate, to make sure I also looked before I sat.

How about the one that offered a free trip to Disney World, did you ever get that one? Email me if you didn't. I had 58 copies of the thing. Surely, I can spare one for you.

I praise God because he took a woman, and lifted her up so that she could work, write and even witness. After that miracle of my personal life, I just automatically thought God made all Christians smart.

Then one day, I looked square at my friend Amy. She wore her hair with a perfectly straight line of bangs no longer than the middle of her forehead. Her hair matched her personality - stiff and unyielding. She grinned, with black eyes sparkling, while she told a racist joke. I told her that I loved Jesus and really didn't want such things told about God's beloved creations in my office.

My confession impacted Amy. I started getting a new breed of FW:email that was distinctively Christian.

"If you love Jesus, you will send this to ten friends. If you delete it, you just denied him, and he will deny you."

I could almost see Amy flashing her dark eyes over her coffee cup when I read the punch line.

Now, my love for anyone, Jesus included, is determined by me, not by my email. I deleted it. Amy gasped in horror.

I voiced a small concern that I didn't have clothing appropriate to wear to church. The next barrage of FW:emails had this theme:

"The first five hundred people to receive this will win a coupon for free designer clothing!"

Because of the years I lived in the dregs of greed, I am able to pass on some valuable information about big business. You give them your money, and in return, they don't give a rip who you are. They won't track you down to give you presents. Consider yourself lucky when you do indeed receive products that you actually paid for.

While I'm on the subject, here's the first line of one FW:email, which Amy was sure I would never delete:

"Mrs. Smith in Iowa deleted this email, without forwarding it. She died the next day!"

When Amy poked her head around the wall of my office to ask about it, I quizzed her. "What do you think?" I asked. "Was the email written first, or Did Mrs. Smith die first? I can't tell."

"Of course," she replied, "the email was written first."

I said, "Mrs. Smith read that she would die, and she still deleted the email? What an idiot!"

Amy drew up her shoulders and thought. "Oh," she finally nodded, "no, she died first."

I have these imaginings of a grumbling undertaker, walking to the grave of Mrs. Smith with a shovel, a computer and a very long extension cord.

1 Corinthians 1:22, Paul wrote, "Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom." That's still true today. The world demands either miracles or wisdom, and we forward emails to our entire address list when we think we've found it.

But God only wants our hearts.

Anita Van Ingen's Personal Web Page

2003-03-17T22:50:00.000-06:00

stigmatics journal, March 17, 2003

Well, today is Saint Patrick's Day. My Irish grandfather claimed that our family was among the 'snakes' driven from Ireland.
Consequently, I wear red, in honor of Grandpa.

War.

I was a teenager when our guys were fighting in Vietnam. I was a, uh, war protester. If anyone reading this was a soldier, please, God love you, please accept my apologies. I had no idea what I was doing. Yeah, I was protesting war, but I was also denying the support and encouragement a bunch of kids needed, when they were uprooted from their peaceful homes and sent to Vietnam to die or be wounded.

One day a kid was covered in grease and studying the engine of a Chevy pickup truck under a shade tree in central Illinois. A few short months later, he was dodging bullets in Vietnam, dodging the hatred of war protesters, fighting off depression and not knowing who to trust.

God does not love war. No, I won't protest the war against Iraq. Don't get me wrong, I hate war. I won't take part in emotional hurt against our guys in uniform again. Once was enough to fuel my guilt for an entire lifetime.

Is this the rapture? Would you run to God if I said yes?

2003-03-15T17:11:00.000-06:00

IT'S MY FIRST BLOG!
Stigmatics Journal, March 15, 2003

God loves the unlovely.

Three years ago, I heard the voice of God ask me if I would like the stigmata. Yep. Laugh now and get it out of your system.
I'm sure God is still laughing - - with delight at the thought of one lost child finding her way home.

The stigmata, by the way, are marks on a believer's body that imitate the wounds of Christ. Do I have them? Well, I might. It's hard to tell. I have some marks. They aren't much.

The amazing thing is not the path of a Christian mystic. The amazing thing is God.

He loved the unlovely. He loved me.

For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but shall have life everlasting.