Egypt Revisited

Personal blogging has been on the back burner for a while. Visiting your websites has allowed a glimpse into your lives and there has been a measure of comfort and familiarity with that. Thank you.

This move, apartment living and the job transfer have been unsettling in some manner. Surely it must be the difficulty of change after all these years, wouldn’t one think? Change is neither good nor bad, it is after all, merely change and our ability to deal with it (or not…). 

Therein is the problem. It has been a season of mourning, if you will. Sitting on a Pity Pot and straying down depression’s path has taken its toll. Truly, this move and all that surrounded it were covered in prayer and the answers and solutions were so swift in arriving there was no doubt they were divinely ordained! Looking back as I have been, I should be a pillar of salt, not unlike Lot’s nameless wife.

It is time to flush that Pity Pot and get on with it!

My new supervisor is absolutely wonderful! However, as I was “unexpected” and just showed up to work unannounced (due to the hardship transfer) other staff have been… well, less than gracious and somewhat territorial in some aspects and downright rude in others. Difficult as that is, it is recognized and recognizing it means it can be managed to some degree.

What is the function of an Administrative Assistant? Part and parcel of it is to ensure your supervisor is successful and that is the goal set before me. There is a job to do and I will do it to the very best of my ability. My success is not based upon popularity or persons even ‘liking’ me. As professionals we need not to be ‘bosom buddies’ or even friends, we need to establish a cohesive working relationship (period).

Steve Shoemaker has written: “When times get hard and God seems nowhere to be found, the consolations of what we can see and touch, taste and smell are awfully appealing: the feel of gold, the taste of skin, the smell of the soil, the sea. Golden calves often beat out the impalpable God.”

I’ve wanted to return to Egypt when the simple truth is I’ve tasted the Manna and I will be satisfied with nothing less.

I need to remember that life should be lived as Eucharist Theology. Hearts, like the bread, are made to be broken yet loved in all that brokenness. 

We should live our lives as spilled wine, allowing ourselves and our lives to overflow, spill out and come into contact with those who desperately are thirsting.

We need a community of faith that will allow us to do that… allow us to serve in some capacity… It isn’t about us – it’s about community. It isn’t about where we live – it’s about community. It isn’t about work – it’s about community.  No longer desiring Egypt, I long for Emmaus…

Spimly yours,

Tamara

Luke 24New King James Version³⁰ Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him

The Bread That Was Broken

This past Sunday Husband and I were the “Meet-ers and Greeters” at church. It was also a time of communion – the bread that was broken… the blood that was shed for the forgiveness…

Our Pastor has asked us in the past to help serve the elements, but most generally I respectfully decline. The melody that plays around and around in my mind in a very minor chord is, “I’m not worthy… I’m not worthy…” and in all honestly, I am not. However, something began to change in my heart during Holy Week.

Palm Sunday with the shouts of “Hosanna” and lying down of the palm fronds and coats to honor a king fades into a black, heavy silence and the week progresses. Then comes Thursday, Maundy Thursday and the feast of the Passover and the institution of Communion.

We celebrated the Passover feast in our Fellowship Hall followed by a foot washing. It was moving, so moving I wept. To understand the Passover and the symbolism that leads us to the cross is amazing… is humbling… To wash another’s feet is humbling too.

Then Thursday gives way to Friday, Good Friday. Our Good Friday service was a Tenebrae service. The name Tenebrae is the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows.” The lights were dimmed and the only light was provided by 16 candles with scripture versed from John 18:1 – John 19:42 broken into to 16 segments. At the end of each scripture reading, a candle was extinguished until we were left in darkness… and silence. It was moving and I wept even more as I reflected upon the sacrifice, and the darkness, and the shadows, and the sin…

But then comes Sunday and the empty tomb! Alleluia!

A week later we are asked to participate in offering the communion elements and we agree. As the congregation approaches, one by one – I break off the bread and say, “the body of Christ, broken for you” and Husband holds the chalice of “wine” into which the bread will be dipped saying, “the blood of Christ, shed for your forgiveness.”

My dear sister in Christ, Sherry, is the pianist and she is playing “Sing Alleluia” softly in the background. When I recognize it, my eyes moisten yet again. It is the song what was sung in candlelight to the pilgrims during the Emmaus weekend.

Some churches have closed communion. Others have open communion. I am not here to debate this issue. I am only here to share with you how the Lord has used this Holy Week to pierce my heart. How I became a willing servant to share the elements with my spiritual family. Even so, Amen!

Simply yours,

Tamara

John 13:12 - 17
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. 

Finding My Path

In the sacred ground of this present moment, I find myself seeking a path, a direction for the remaining years of my life. I want it to have mattered that I walked upon this earth. Has my life made a difference? Rhetorical questions without answers… for now.

Maybe it’s the Lenten season. I desire a closer walk with Him who loves my soul. I want to pour out the oil of my devotion on His feet, wash them with my tears and dry them with my hair… if only I had hair like that woman we have read of so often.

Or maybe just to get close enough to Him to touch the hem of his garment so I could be cured of my infirmity like the woman with the issue of blood. Can you imagine her? This poor woman couldn’t attend the temple and worship because of her “issue.” Mine may not be the same as hers, but I do indeed have an issue. What about you? What is your issue? What is it that keeps you from pure worship?

Lord, deliver us! Prepare us for worship. Keep us from evil that we may not sin against You or the family of believers. Help us to have the eyes of Christ and the stamina to do what You ask. Forgive us for the times we have turned our backs upon those in need.  In Jesus’ name I pray!

Psalm 25:4-6

The Message

⁴ Show me how you work, God;
School me in your ways.

⁵ Take me by the hand;
Lead me down the path of truth.
You are my Savior, aren't you?

⁶ Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God;
Rebuild the ancient landmarks!

Tamara

The Land of Az

Traversing the highways and byways of south eastern Arizona is pleasant indeed. Traveling south on US Highway 191 from Safford to the turnoff at the Arizona State Route 266 one passes from small town community into the rural countryside.

Once you have made the turn onto Route 266 you begin to sense the wonder of the Arizona High Desert. The road begins to twist and turn and you feel the rising elevation. It is listed by some sources as having an elevation of 4,544 feet (plus or minus depending upon the article you read) as compared to Safford’s paltry elevation of merely 3,176 feet. Once on the crest of Route 266 the downward tour begins and the panoramic view is almost overwhelming. Mountains surround the vista with typical rock outcroppings reminiscent of Texas Canyon.

This is the daily trek to my work site a trip of 37.6 miles one way. The prison unit is Fort Grant and is nestled in the Coronado National Forest. Mount Graham is a mountain in southeastern Arizona, in the Coronado National Forest. It is the highest mountain in the Pinaleño Mountains. As the name "Mount Graham" is often used by locals to refer to the entire mountain range, the peak itself is frequently referred to as "High Peak". The mountain reaches 10,720 feet in height, attaining the highest elevation in Graham County and the third highest in the state.

Slowing down the vehicle and pulling over on the side of the road to avoid the horse trailers, there they are - working cowboys dressed in their denim, chambray shirts, chaps, cowboy hats and boots as they head into the high desert on horseback. These men and women are employees of the Bureau of Land Management and they are probably surveying the area for indications of potential fire hazards.

The prison supplies inmates who, when they pass the rigorous testing process are then trained to fight fires during wildfire season here in Arizona. This is a coveted “job” for an inmate. It allows them freedom outside the fenced perimeter and often it is a chance to repay a debt to society in a very tangible way.

A sergeant told of a fire where he was supervising inmates while working along side of them. When they returned to the camp, people in the town would line the streets and applaud them. The sergeant broke up while telling this and said how deeply it affected not only the inmates but him, too.

Most of the land going uphill to work is either Federal or State land. Local ranchers keep cattle on it and you can see these cowboys on their ATV’s getting the job done. These - the latter day cowboys!

Being the youngest state in the lower forty-eight we sure have a rich history with Billy the Kid from our local and then the Clanton’s and Earp’s who made Tombstone famous (or infamous as the case may be). The Mexican culture is evident in our architecture, art and the food we eat!

Arizona is home to twenty-one (21) federally recognized tribes. Together, the tribes contribute to the rich cultural diversity of Arizona. The state is home to over 250,000 Native Americans (2000 Census). Reservations and tribal communities comprise over a quarter of Arizona's landmass. Precious few of the WW II Navajo Code Talkers remain in the four-corners area.

In 1888, Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry were stationed at Fort Grant who often participated in civil duties, such as chasing train robbers and other outlaws.

Local geothermal activity means there are natural hot springs that maintain a year round temperature of approximately 106º. Copper is what is mined locally and it is said the hot springs are most therapeutic for those with arthritis. The geothermal activity coupled with the amount of lava rock one finds while walking in the desert can cause one to conclude that perhaps there may be a dormant volcano in the area, perhaps Mt. Graham itself. No literature has substantiated this self deduced hypothesis however.

Have a most wonderful and blessed weekend. May you find joy in your journey!

Psalm 19:6

The Message (MSG)

⁶ That's how God's Word vaults across the skies
from sunrise to sunset,
Melting ice, scorching deserts,
warming hearts to faith.

Tamara

Remembering the Less Fortunate

In the Old Testament, the poor, and service to the poor is the second most frequently mentioned topic.  Idolatry is first. 

In the New Testament, the results are even more dramatic.  One of every sixteen verses refers to “the poor”.  Among the four Gospels, the ratio is one of every ten.  In the Gospel of Luke, it is one of every seven.  In the epistle of James, it is one of every five…  

I’m sure that by now, you are beginning to see the direction I’m taking.  The Messiah celebrated in the Old Testament book of Isaiah and in Handel’s great oratorio is a God with special preference for the poor.  

And isn't that what we are celebrating?  God With Us - because of our great poverty (spiritual) God came to us in the form of the Christ Child.  The Messiah however, did not remain a child but fulfilled His mission to reconcile us to God.

As Christ’s followers — those who are committed to sharing in the work of the Messiah —we must constantly remind ourselves of that preference.  In our consumeristic world, during such a blessed season when commercial temptations often reach their highest level, such reminders become even more critical.

George Fridric Handel’s work, Messiah is generally reckoned to have been composed in three weeks; with the Hallelujah Chorus having been written in three days. Handel is reputed to have said, “that Heaven opened” while he was composing it.

Messiah remains Handel's best known work, although this was not a status that it enjoyed until the last few years of his life, brought about by annual performances in Handel's oratorio seasons and charitable benefit concerts at the Foundling Hospital, an organization for underprivileged children.

Last Sunday evening we were privileged to see the 75^th  performance of the Messiah by our local community college, due to the generosity of our Sunday School teacher and his wife. (Thank you again, Ed & Peggy!)

Persons from the community perform with the college choir and the college orchestra.  Most of the soloist parts are performed by students, but not all.

It was wonderful to behold!

My husband is not specifically drawn to the arts, especially oratorios, operas, classical music and works performed by orchestras!   Bless his heart, he attended nonetheless!  He did believe the performance was finished when the Hallelujah Chorus was complete. 

I diligently and gently tried to explain the Messiah is a performance that covers the Old Testament references from the book of Isaiah, all the way through the birth, the life, the death, and the resurrection of the Christ.

My Prayer

Almighty God, remind me how often scripture mentions the poor, and help me to remember that I also should give them priority.  Help me to speak and act on behalf of those whose voices our society often ignores.  ~Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Quotes on Poverty and the Poor

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. ~Mother Teresa

Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work. ~Mother Teresa

The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread. ~Mother Teresa

We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own. ~Cesar Chavez

We can tell our values by looking at our checkbook stubs. ~Gloria Steinem

How will you be responding to those in need this season?  Take the opportunity to read Isaiah 53 ~ this prophetic word always amazes me.

Proverbs 14:31

The Message

³¹ You insult your Maker when you exploit the powerless;
when you're kind to the poor, you honor God.

Proverbs 29:7

The Message

⁷ The good-hearted understand what it's like to be poor;
the hardhearted haven't the faintest idea.

Tamara

Seasons of Life

I've decided that change is inevitable.  Change is neither good, nor bad.  It is merely change and our ability to adapt to it and roll with it.

Change used to be difficult for me to accept and would throw me into a tailspin.  Now, I welcome change.  I have only to look at the seasons and realize without change there is no growth, no progress. 

Admittedly, there are often times when change seems to be happening all too rapidly and I struggle to keep up.  In all honesty, sometimes I am a rather reluctant participant to change.  

Looking again to nature, I need to have my roots firmly planted like the mighty oak. Yet I need be pliable and bendable like the graceful willow; able to withstand the winds of change. 

Recently, my mother had a health scare.  She had a vein burst in her brain and was taken to the hospital for several days.  Everything has turned out well, but in the interim my thoughts were random, fleeting and troubled with the “what ifs” in life and in health.   My Oh So Independent Mother didn’t want me to travel the several hundred miles to be with her.  As she said it, “I wanted you there with me when I had my mastectomy (and I was) but I’m alright.  I will let you know if I want you here.”  Bless her heart! 

A bit more than six months ago I made rather significant job change – still with the same agency but an entirely different job function.  I struggled a bit in getting back into the administrative field and still do at times.  However, for the most part and I am extremely happy with the change, the new responsibilities and the persons I work with. 

The church we attend has this wonderful “Clothing Exchange”.  Persons are encouraged to bring something and take something.  This time it provided me with the opportunity to purge my closet of clothing I had hoped to one day get back into.  Suffice it to say that my closet was jam packed full, but I’m happy to say that is no longer the case!  I was even most conservative in my selection of two jacket/blazer type items I can use for work. 

Our church has a wonderful Wednesday after school program called Sidewalk Sunday School. A lot of children who normally don’t go to any formal church attend this program.  Some of the kids with their moms are now coming to church.  The clothing exchange is a wonderful opportunity for the moms and their children to get clothing at no cost.  This is especially important as a number of the families are low income.   In our country’s current financial condition we all are feeling the economic crunch.  I feel honored and blessed to be able to participate in an event like this.  The Hubs is a volunteer for the Sidewalk Sunday School program, bless his heart! 

What changes are you facing at this time?   

How are you dealing with it/them?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

New International Version (NIV)

¹ There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

² a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

³ a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.  

Tamara

PS - I am having extreme difficulties leaving comments on some of your blogs.  I'm not sure what the issue is but it just won't let me.  Perhaps it is the laptop the upgraded Windows, I just don't know.  I'm reading you! I just cannot leave a comment.

Added 11/04/11: From my Devotional -

All change involves leaving behind something known
in order to move toward the new and unknown.
It means releasing the way things were
in order to embrace the way things are and the way things will be….
Understanding our past is important,
but our lives are meant to be lived in the present and into the future.
—Leigh Harrison

The Annual Apple Annie's Event!



Harvest Time

On Saturday, we took our grandchildren Abby & Zachary to Apple Annie’s in Willcox, Arizona for autumn fun and frivolity!  We rode hay rides, picked out pumpkins, got lost in the Corn Maze and ate expensive junk food!

 

Not unlike the popular commercial:

 

 

Community & Church

I previously posted one of my favorite quotations by Mahatma Gandhi regarding faith, community and politics:

"A religion that takes no account of practical affairs and does not help to solve them is no religion."

And so I ask:

What is the church doing for those in need inside their own walls?
What is the church doing in and for the local community? 
What is the church doing for the world community?

We can and often do reach out to fill the spiritual needs of people, but what about the physical needs of food, clothing, housing?  Or merely spending time with persons who have begun attending our church or who have moved into our community or neighborhood?

Next, I need to take it to a more personal level and ask myself the above questions:

What am I doing for those in need at the church?
What am I doing for my local community?
What am I doing for the world community?

Oh, I may piously sit back and say, "well, I support ministry XYZ with a monthly financial contribution..." but is that enough?  Is that enough to quell the Spirit in my soul that begs for more?  And not necessarily money, but that of time and actually of getting my hands dirty?

In Luke 6, right after the Beatitudes, we are commanded to 'love our enemies'.  It is hard enough to love those who are like-minded, but our enemies?  Really?

Beginning in Luke 6 verse 27:

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Now wait a minute? Does this mean the woman who seeks an abortion?  Does this mean the homosexual?  Does this mean the Muslim?  Yes, it does.  Does this mean we turn our back to sin?  Of course not.  What it means is that we respond as Christ did. In and with love.  Even though the end of this reference speaks of reward, that is not the motivation to perform such acts. We do these acts, these charities because all persons are created in the image of God - not just the Christian.  Being a Christian, proclaiming to be a Christian is not an elitist club or membership.

Today's post is meant for me.  For me to be able to sort through all the religious acts of piety and become a 'verb' - an action word.  It is one thing to know this and quite another to live it.

There are certain things I know quite well about myself.  I have a creative streak, a gift, if you will.  I can conceive some wonderful ideas and plans, but in carrying them out?  Not so good.  Am I able to convey this vision to others and perhaps they can carry them out?  That remains to be seen.

So this I pray:

Abba, Father... help me to see all mankind as created in Your image.  ~Amen!

because we're His,

Tamara

ps... in accordance with verse 30... to the Christian woman who borrowed my book Zipporah and then sold it in her yard sale.  Consider it yours.  I release you and my feeling of shock, awe, hurt and disappointment!  Note to self:  Don't go to yard sales of persons you know or have lent something to. Then don't be angry with yourself for not saying something.  In the scope of eternity, is it worth it?