a simple word of gratitude...

Last month, Charlotte Sass wrote about love and how her understanding of it has changed in the past year (click here to read her original post). She posed the question, "Do we really take God's greatest commandment to love one another seriously at BUMC?" A few weeks later, she received the following reply via e-mail from Brian, a member of the music team, and he gave us permission to post his thoughts here on the blog.

*********************************************
Charlotte,

I looked over the BUMC Blog page and I’m not quite sure how to post a comment of this length (over 300 words) without the Blog page yelling at me. So feel free to pass this on to anyone, especially God’s House Band.

So, you asked for it and this time you’re going to get it with both barrels!

Passion.

There are times when my feelings on life and humanity run from ragged & raw to soaring, and everything in between. At this time in my life, I’m now being dragged towards “raw” because of my job, my family, my heart and trying to hear His words.

What do I mean? Recently I’ve received many accolades at work that I don’t know how to handle. I never knew I was this good. I thought I was just doing my job. Last year I was awarded one of the company’s top awards. This year I’m going to receive the highest review and therefore highest pay raise in our division. I have been offered promotions to management with huge increases in pay on two ultra high priority projects in North America. However, if I accept, it means that my family would have to move either to California or Canada. Let’s stop and think about the offers: Let’s say I make $XX per year. Then I was offered an increase of 50% to 60%! Ouch! That’s a lot of money … and in THIS economy, too! The alternative however, is grim: if I decline, I basically go on company “overhead” because I’m wrapping up my regional work this month and there’s only a weak outlook for work & essentially take my chances, possibly leaving my company if no work comes up. It’s a gorgeous cliff like Glenwood Canyon. I need a parachute, badly, and the ground is so close.

I’ve been meaning to write you for so long about your loss, your words over the last year, and how it all has influenced me. Yes, I’ve been going through my own highs and lows, but nothing compared with what you’ve gone through: At least not this year.

First of all, when it really comes down to it, I don’t know you. I mean, really, really KNOW you. I also really don’t know everyone at BUMC. But I try. I do feel that I can count myself as one of the very lucky people to be a part of your and BUMC’s flock who listens to / have read your truly inspirational words, are blown away by your gift of music, strength and leadership, and are drawn to you with every opportunity. While you were gone, I deeply missed you at church and let Ken know this.

Last summer my family and I went on a mountain camping trip up to Rocky Mountain National Park. We went for a long hike up to Emerald Lake among the glaciers. The view of Hallett Peak and the valley below alone was so breathtaking that it made me cry. I was in God’s cathedral. I sat on a boulder way off the trail and prayed while the others continued with the hike. I prayed for my family. I love them so much and when I travel I’m torn between their need for me and the demands of my job, which I also love. I prayed for war veterans who have given up their lives for my freedom. I prayed for you and your husband, thanked God for his life in your life, and especially for your healing. I had no exact words because it was so hard to express my feelings. But music crept into my mind almost without thought as I closed my eyes and listened for His words in the wind.

This week, as a family, we are at the Peaks to Plains Suzuki Institute at the Academy of Charter Schools off of 120th. We’ve been taking the girls to this institute for years and like church, we’ve become a part of the family. In Director Ann Kitayama’s opening letter to students and parents, her salient words shine through:

In a speech given by Karl Paulnack, pianist and director of music at Boston Conservatory, he talks about the ancient Greeks and how they were the first people to understand how music really works. He said that while ‘astronomy was seen as the study of relationships between observable, permanent, external objects, music was seen as the study of relationships between invisible, internal, hidden objects. Music has a way of finding the big, invisible moving pieces inside our hearts and souls and helping us figure out the position of things inside us.’ He gives examples of famous music compositions being written in the darkest times when men were imprisoned and in concentration camps. Why is this, when there was barely enough energy to find food and water, to stay warm, to avoid beatings and escape torture? It is because ‘music is a basic need of human survival. Music is one of the ways we make sense of our lives, one of the ways in which we express feelings when we have no words, a way for us to understand things with our heart, when we can’t with our minds.’ (Paulnack). As believed by the Greeks, ‘music is the understanding of the relationships between invisible internal objects’ (Paulnack). Isn’t it the music that helps create the mood that makes us burst into tears at a wedding, or what grips us during a movie’s climax, or sparks a past memory?

Music is my heart’s one true passion in life. It’s what keeps me practicing, too.

“Where love is deep, much can be accomplished” – Shinichi Suzuki

This link is one of the most emotional pieces of music, "Pie Jesu," sung by a young jewel. It’s slow: almost no vibrato or ornamentation. The words are simple. The power is unbelievable!

Lord Have Mercy.

So what does this have to do with your question? Everything. To be most fulfilling, music needs a listener as well as a player. Life needs the same.

To answer your question, it’s easy. I do. I love.

When compared to so many other men out there in the world today including those in my own family, it’s probably my greatest strength and my most insufferable weakness, mostly because I let it show with my friendliness and energy, heart-on-my-sleeve highs and lows, whereas most other men and many women do not.

I love life. I love people; even when it’s hard.

I agree with you. At times when you have nothing, and you’re left lying naked on a hospital bed hooked up to hoses and wires, you finally understand what it means that God is love, and love is what life is about with our fellow humans. And the music comes so easily to your mind.

This is why I go to BUMC.

And my response to my job situation? I've lifted it up. It's in His hands now.

Brian

Daily Scripture Reading July 31, 2009

Ephesians 2:11-22

Forgive for Good

11Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Check out the latest In Step Newsletter!

Greetings, Friends!

Click HERE for this issue of In Step - it is jam-packed! You’ll read about how the kids and youth of BUMC are working together to glorify God through a musical, how the youth have been serving this summer, and get info about an upcoming small group leadership training. You’ll also read about the UMW’s annual Ice Cream Social (yum!), Wheels to Worship, and some urgent needs in Gambella. Take a moment to be in conversation with God today. He loves you beyond what you can comprehend!

Blessings!
Kendra
:)

Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8

Daily Scripture Reading July 30, 2009

Ephesians 2:1-10

Forgive for Good

1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Daily Scripture Reading July 29, 2009

Ephesians 1:3-12

Forgive for Good

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

Daily Scripture Reading July 28, 2009

Luke 6:31-38

Forgive for Good

31Do 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. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And 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. 35But 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 sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Safety At BUMC

A church can be many things: a place of worship, a place of gathering, community, learning and love. Having an open, inviting and welcoming atmosphere is very important to us and to those that call this their church home. We must always remember that though we may see this church as a blessing to share with our neighbors, not everyone that enters our doors is pure of heart and spirit.

It is important to all of the staff here at Broomfield United Methodist Church that everyone who visits our facility feel safe and be safe. The church building is open from 8:30 AM until 10:00 PM most days during the week. So any number of folks can and do come in for classes or meetings and sometimes, to pray.

The church is not regularly staffed before 8:30 AM, after 4:00 PM or on weekends, so it is very important that each person who is here be aware of who else is here and what else is going on. The schedule is posted by the main entrance. Listed after the jump are some common sense rules that each person should follow when they are here anytime, but especially after hours.

1. Keep valuables at home; if you do bring something with you (i.e. purse) either keep it with you at all times, or make sure it is secured at all times.
2. Check the schedule on the way in, know who and what else is going on in the building. This way you will be more likely to recognize something out of place.
3. Always try to leave in groups of two or more. It is safer in groups.
4. Ask someone you know and trust to walk you to your car.
5. If you are the first to arrive for your meeting and there is no one around, wait in your car until another person arrives and come into the building together.
6. If you know you will be here late, park your car in a well lit area that is clear of trees and bushes.
7. Have your keys and cell phone in your hand before exiting the building.
8. If you see what you think is unusual activity (i.e. someone removing a piano) call 911 for assistance.
9. Always turn on lights as you move through the building so you can see obstacles that might have gotten left out. Of course, please turn lights off when you leave.
10. If you feel threatened in anyway, if possible move yourself to safety before calling 911.

As much as we want to feel safe in our church and have faith in our fellow man (and woman), the world of today causes us to take pause even inside the walls of a church. Be vigilant in your safety even in God’s House!

-- Deb Dorough and Jack Lehr

Daily Scripture Reading July 27, 2009

Matthew 18:21-35

Forgive for Good

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.

29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'

30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.

32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

Daily Scripture Reading July 26, 2009

Matthew 5:21-25

Forgive for Good

21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

25"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.

Daily Scripture Reading July 25, 2009

Hebrews 4:1-16

Embracing the Truth

1Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. 3Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,
"So I declared on oath in my anger,
'They shall never enter my rest.' " And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. 4For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: "And on the seventh day God rested from all his work." 5And again in the passage above he says, "They shall never enter my rest."

6It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience. 7Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before:
"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts." 8For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.

12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Daily Scripture Reading July 24, 2009

Ephesians 4:17-5:2

Embracing the Truth

17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 5
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Daily Scripture Reading July 23, 2009

John 8:26-38

Embracing the Truth

"Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied. 26"I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world."

27They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. 28So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." 30Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.
31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

33They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"

34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father."

Daily Scripture Reading July 22, 2009

John 4:22-26

Embracing the Truth

22"You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

25The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."

26Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."

The day is alive and that's why I cry...

There is a lot of Kingdom work happening at BUMC! Recently one of our members sent the following testimonial to Charlotte about the life change he's experienced since he started attending; we thank him for allowing us to share it with you!

When Jenn and I first started to visit BUMC (over 3 years ago) I was starting to climb out of a very low point of my spiritual journey.

After being very active at my "home" Lutheran church in Minnesota, I had not found a church home during my college years, and other than some extended visits back with my parents, I had spiritually "dried up" and it was not an easy thing to get back on track with.

Every Sunday morning I pretty much looked for a reason or excuse not to go to church, even though Jenn and I had agreed that it was time to find a Colorado church home. We tried three different Lutheran churches but none of them felt right to us, either they were too Catholic, too unfriendly, or something else. Now growing up I was always into traditional worship. I couldn't imagine becoming a regular attendee of a contemporary service. However, the first time we came to a 9:45am service at BUMC and heard the music—I was like, "Wow, this is really cool!" I think that Sunday the third song of opening music was David Crowder's "You Alone" and I just remember feeling torn down to the core and thinking how grateful I am just to be alive...and how good it feels just to be alive. I consider Carbon Leaf's "Let your troubles roll by" (track 9 on the album) to be a very spiritual song for me, especially when in the last verse he sings "So pay no mind, my sorrow is fine, the day is alive and that's why I cry."

Getting the chance to work so closely with the music program at BUMC has been a true blessing for me. The people that I've met are like family. I feel we can share anything that's on our mind, be it a prayer concern or just a funny joke. I wanted to say thanks for giving me the opportunities that I've had the chance to share in. Even a bad day working with the music worship team is better than most people's good days in my book.

Now, rather than looking for an excuse not to go to church, it's exciting for me every Sunday to be at BUMC. Even if we're tired and had a long Saturday night of fellowship with friends, I'm thrilled to get to church and see my Colorado "family" at BUMC.

Kyle

Daily Scripture Reading July 21, 2009

John 4:15-21

Embracing the Truth

15The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." 16He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."

17"I have no husband," she replied.

Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."

19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."

21Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.

Daily Scripture Reading July 20, 2009

John 3:16-21

Embracing the Truth

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Passing our faith to our children

This summer I have been blessed to be a part of the mom’s small group study at BUMC, “Enriching the Heart of Intentional Moms.” The author of this study gives us insight and perspective about God’s heart for mothers as His daughters. It is structured in a way that each week moms have an opportunity to implement and apply the truths we learn. It also gives us time to reflect on some very important and challenging questions. Our answers allow us to go to a deeper place with God, ourselves, and our kids. It is a grace-based study that is again reminding me just how much I need Christ to help me in my life and especially in parenting my child.

In one of the recent weeks, the focus was on what we can learn as moms from Mary, the mother of Jesus. The author pointed out that Mary was just 14 or 15 years old when the angel told her that she would give birth to God’s son. Mary’s response, after asking just a few questions, (see Luke 1:26-38) was “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”

Can you imagine having that response? An angel just appeared to you and said that you have been chosen to be the mother of God’s only Son! And then you say OK? The depth of faith that Mary had at that age was just amazing. We learned that in those times, the girls were taught about faith by the women relationships in their lives. This leads us to believe that Mary’s depth of faith and trust in God had very likely been nurtured, taught and shaped by her mother’s deep faith.

As I reflected on these lessons, I was struck with what an important role—a crucial role—we as parents and grandparents play in helping to shape the faith of our kids. In his book Rock-Solid KIDS, Larry Fowler shares several scriptures that remind us of this truth.

Genesis 18:19 (NIV) –“For I have chosen (Abraham), so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD.”

Deuteronomy 4:10 (NIV) – “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they….may teach them to their children.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children.”

Joshua 24:15 –“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Psalm 78:5-6 (NIV) — “He commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them,….and they in turn would tell their children.”

I have to say that this responsibility can feel pretty overwhelming to me. But then in those moments, I am reminded that it is also a privilege as a parent to pass on our faith to our kids.

One of the questions in our homework from the moms group was “In what area of your relationship with your kids do you want to be remembered?”

This question brings many answers to mind for all of us parents I’m sure…….and as I pondered my answer I was brought back to a recent Sunday that I was visiting my hometown and the church in which I grew up. My mom was there of course – singing in the praise team at age 71! :) And so many of the people in that small hometown church who I saw that day were people who had played a part in shaping my faith journey….my past Sunday school teachers, people who had taught me in school, family friends, and church friends whom I have known all my life. It was a really great visit.

Something that I took for granted as a kid—being involved in a church and learning about God’s love—was the result of my parents (especially my mom) being intentional about passing on their faith to me. Thank you Mom and Dad!

That was my answer to the question in the homework. I want my daughter to remember me for striving to give her the opportunity to build a faith foundation… that will hopefully one day help her through no matter what life throws her way…..good times and bad.

Wow! A huge responsibility? Yes! Is it overwhelming? Yes, at times. But we don’t have to do it alone. Where we are not equipped, God will step in and help us. (And that is pretty much every minute, in my humble opinion!!) :)

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this idea and what your answer might be to that homework question, “In what area of your relationship with your kids do you want to be remembered?”

Also, for what do you most remember your mom or dad? Do you want to be remembered for the same things, or something entirely different?

-Vicki Cromarty

Daily Scripture Reading July 19, 2009

John 1:10-18

Embracing the Truth

10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' " 16From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

Daily Scripture Reading July 18, 2009

1 Thessalonians 1      

Overflow with Thanks: Paul expresses his gratitude

 ¹Paul, Silas and Timothy, 
      To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 
      Grace and peace to you.

 ²We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. ³We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 ⁴For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.⁶You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. ⁷And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. ⁸The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, ⁹for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, ¹⁰and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Daily Scripture Reading July 17, 2009

Colossians 3:1-17

Overflow with Thanks: Seek the things above

1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Who You Are Drives What You Do

In October of 2007, I wrote a little essay entitled, “Who you are drives what you do.” This was during the heady days of the Colorado Rockies’ “Rocktober” streak, and my main point was that the Rockies started winning when they began to think of themselves as a playoff team. I was reminded of that essay during the Rockies’ recent winning streak. I actually attended the first game Jim Tracy managed, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Could it be that in his quiet way, Jim Tracy convinced his players that they were talented and capable, able to win consistently? He believes it and now, so do they.

I think the same principle applies in spiritual matters: Who we are drives what we do. My experience is that those who understand their identity in Christ, who understand how much they are loved, forgiven, and empowered by God, begin to live more and more like Christ instructs. For those who struggle to act like Christians, the answer is not a long accountability lecture. The answer is I know who I am, a dearly loved child of God, a person forgiven through Jesus Christ, a person who is empowered by the Holy Spirit.

My men’s group has a favorite book, The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life (Moody Classics), by Hannah Whitall Smith. Consider what she says in an amazing chapter on “Bondage or Liberty”: “We are, however, continually tempted to forget that it is not what men do that is the vital matter, but rather what they are. God is a great deal more concerned about our really being ‘new creatures’ than anything else, because He knows that if we are right as to our inward being, we shall certainly do right as to our outward actions” (p. 68).

Does this principle ring true to you? In what ways have you experienced this truth in your own life? What examples can you give of ways that your identity has shaped your actions? How well does the church communicate the features of our identity in Christ?

I have prepared a list of Scriptures showing how God sees you, affirming your identity (click Read More! below). The portrait they draw is remarkably positive. I encourage you to place them on your mirror. When you look at your face in the mirror, remember who you are in Christ!

- Thomas Cross

In Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah,
I am… You are… We are...

The salt of the earth -- Matthew 5:13
The light of the world -- Matthew 5:14
Dead to sin -- Romans 6:11
Alive to God -- Romans 6:11
Heirs of God -- Romans 8:17
Co-heirs with Christ -- Romans 8:17
More than conquerors -- Romans 8:37
God’s fellow workers -- 1 Corinthians 3:9
God’s temple -- 1 Corinthians 3:16
Washed -- 1 Corinthians 6:11
Sanctified -- 1 Corinthians 6:11
A new creation -- 2 Corinthians 5:17
The righteousness of God -- 2 Corinthians 5:21
Saints -- 2 Corinthians 13:13
Sons of God -- Galatians 3:26
Clothed with Christ -- Galatians 3:27
No longer a slave -- Galatians 4:7
Free -- Galatians 5:1
Holy and blameless -- Ephesians 1:4
Included -- Ephesians 1:13
God’s workmanship -- Ephesians 2:10
Fellow citizens -- Ephesians 2:19
Members of God’s household -- Ephesians 2:19
Dearly loved children -- Ephesians 5:1
Light -- Ephesians 5:9
Citizens of heaven -- Philippians 3:20
Reconciled -- Colossians 1:22
Holy in Christ’s sight -- Colossians 1:22
Alive with Christ -- Colossians 2:13
Forgiven -- Colossians 2:13
Hidden with Christ in God -- Colossians 3:3
Sons of the light -- 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Sons of the day -- 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Completely qualified -- 2 Timothy 3:17
Equipped for every good work -- 2 Timothy 3:17
Pure -- Titus 1:15
Justified by Christ’s grace -- Titus 3:7
Heirs having the hope of eternal life -- Titus 3:7
Peacemakers -- James 3:18
God’s elect -- 1 Peter 1:1
Living stones -- 1 Peter 2:5
A chosen people -- 1 Peter 2:9
A royal priesthood -- 1 Peter 2:9
A holy nation -- 1 Peter 2:9
Belonging to God -- 1 Peter 2:9
The people of God -- 1 Peter 2:10
Aliens and strangers in the world -- 1 Peter 2:11
Overcomers -- 1 John 2:13, 5:4
Strong -- 1 John 2:14
Born of God -- 1 John 5:1
Given understanding -- 1 John 5:20

Daily Scripture Reading July 16, 2009

Colossians 2:6-23

Overflow with Thanks: A call to perseverance

6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

16Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. 19He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

20Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21"Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"?

22These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Daily Scripture Reading July 15, 2009

Philippians 4:4-8         

Overflow with Thanks: The importance of focus

 ⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 ⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Walking to Emmaus

This fall I will be honored to serve one of the Emmaus communities here in Colorado as the Lay Director of the Walk to Emmaus. This Columbine Emmaus Community women’s walk will take place on October 8-11, 2009 at Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je near Bailey, Colorado. (The men’s walk is October 1-4 at the same camp.)

I am humbled at the thought of being chosen for this opportunity to serve God and my brothers and sisters in Christ through leadership. Praise God, I don’t have to do it alone; there will be around 40 other Emmaus alumni from the community who will serve alongside me on this spiritual journey. A few familiar names to some of you are Pastor Thomas Cross, Pastor Patti Thomas, Colleen Peketz, Sara Cline Holley, Karin Schmidt, Priya Nye and several others will be on the team as well.

The Walk to Emmaus is a lay led, three-day event unlike any other retreat you have attended. The Walk to Emmaus gets its name from the story in Luke 24:13-35, which provides the central image for the three-day experience and follow-up. Luke tells the story of that first Easter afternoon when the risen Christ appeared to the two disciples who were walking together along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They did not recognize who he was until he later revealed himself to them and then ascended into Heaven.

The Walk to Emmaus offers today's disciples a parallel opportunity to rediscover Christ's presence in their lives, to gain fresh understanding of God's transforming grace, and to form friendships that foster faith and support spiritual maturity. While Emmaus provides a pathway to the mountaintop of God's love, it also supports your return to the world in the power of the Spirit to share the love they have received.

This Christian event is very special to me and sharing three days with other women in the presence of the Holy Spirit is an amazing experience. If you have an interest in attending a spiritual walk on one of these weekends let me know, or visit either http://www.columbineemmauscommunity.org/ or http://www.northcoloemmaus.org/ for more information.

My life changed in so many ways since my walk in 1998; not only did I become active in a small group that my husband and I continue to participate in but I also began working here at Broomfield United Methodist church where I celebrated my 10th anniversary earlier this year!! I have served the Emmaus community in numerous ways and am so blessed by God each time I serve as the hands and feet of Christ! I would love to use this forum to hear from other Emmaus alumni about your experience and your story since your “walk.”

-Linda Schmidt

Daily Scripture Reading July 14, 2009

Acts 4:13-33                

Overflow with Thanks: Responding to persecution

¹³When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ¹⁴But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. ¹⁵So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. ¹⁶"What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name."

 ¹⁸Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. ²⁰For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

 ²¹After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. ²²For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

 ²³On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. ²⁴When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. ²⁵You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: 
   " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 
 ²⁶The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ²⁷Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. ²⁸They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. ²⁹Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ³⁰Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

 ³¹After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

 ³²All 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. ³³With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.

Daily Scripture Reading July 13, 2009

Luke 17:11-21             

The healing of the ten lepers

 ¹¹Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. ¹²As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance ¹³and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"

 ¹⁴When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.

 ¹⁵One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. ¹⁶He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

 ¹⁷Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? ¹⁸Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" ¹⁹Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

 ²⁰Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, ²¹nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."

Daily Scripture Reading July 12, 2009

Matthew 6:16-34

Overflow with Thanks: Open your eyes to blessings

¹⁶"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ¹⁹Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.²⁰But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

²²"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. ²³But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

²⁴"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. ²⁵Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

²⁸"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Daily Scripture Reading July 11, 2009

Hebrews 11:16, 32-40  

Live by Faith: Heroes of Faith

¹⁶Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

 ³²And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, ³³who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. ³⁵Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection.³⁶Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. ³⁷They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— ³⁸the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.

 ³⁹These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. ⁴⁰God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Daily Scripture Reading July 10, 2009

James 2:14-19

Live by Faith: Our faith is manifested in action

¹⁴What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? ¹⁵Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?¹⁷In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

¹⁸But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

¹⁹You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.