What? Say hi to someone?

Before you read the excerpt below, I have to admit I've been guilty of feeling the same way. I say hello when I sit down and I'll say hello on the way out. But to be "forced" to say hi to people felt scripted and that I was doing it just out of duty and to get it over with. Then I wouldn't say anything afterwards to anyone. I would come late on purpose. And I do know others who do the same, feel the same and avoid the greeting time. And part of it was because it was such a short time to try to get to know someone or have any kind of conversation. I don't know Abby's spiritual state, but I did like her answer. In a house of God - how dare we - I - turn my back on people He loves and has placed there for a reason. I turned around one time to say hi to someone, and found someone who just needed a smile even though she was crying. She didn't want to talk, but thanked me for just saying hi to her and asked me to pray for her. Others around her didn't even notice her state. What if I had not said hi to her at that time? You never know who you will touch or make an impression on, even if it is sometimes "forced." God sometimes has to push us to do things and this may be His way of pushing me out of my comfort zone. Living our lives is a form of worship to God, not just Sundays in church. What we do everyday should be honoring to Him and point others to Him. What are you doing to show the love of Jesus - in His house and in your community?

DEAR ABBY: I am writing about a change I have seen in church. I accept the loud guitar music and informal settings, although I do miss the traditional hymns and formal altars.
What I cannot get used to is the forced "friendly" greeting and handshaking. I attend church to meditate and worship with my family. I do not go to shake hands with strangers and give them a greeting dictated by a pastor.
I like people. I am naturally caring, outgoing and friendly. However, I believe that a greeting or handshake should come from my own heart.
I have mentioned this to friends and family from all faiths, ages and walks of life. None of them like this scheduled "greeting" either. Many say they head for the restroom at that time, turn their backs or just shake hands with the people they came with, come to church late to avoid it, or don't come at all. Others feel the practice is unsanitary. I suggest that church leaders take an anonymous poll and ask how many in their congregations agree with me. What do you think, Abby? -- MINISTER'S DAUGHTER, CAYUCOS, CALIF.

DEAR DAUGHTER: Thank you for asking my opinion. Here it is: Something is wrong in our fragmented society if, for one moment in a house of God, people cannot find it in their hearts to reach out and make sure that everyone feels included and welcome. And for those who fear it is unsanitary -- bring small bottles of hand sanitizer.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Weary? Or Just Plain Lazy

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." (Galatians 6:9-10)

Well, I got to thinking about this after listening to Pastor Tim on Sunday. Then when we were sharing in staff meeting, I started thinking more about it. I have been a Christian since I was 16, have been attending Grace Church since 1970 and have volunteered in many areas for many years. For the past few years, I have been slowly cutting down on some of the ministry work I've been doing, especially because I have had some health issues. As I look around and think about people who are in ministry around the church, I realize there are others older than me and in more physical stress than me - and they are still serving. I have come to the mindset that "I'm tired and just want to rest a little while before I get back into something." Yes, my leg hurts all the time and physical therapy is helping, but it's a long road still till it will be more normal.

My other excuse has been that I want to do ministry with my husband. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that! But he will be losing his job soon and until then, he and I have different schedules. He hasn't been able to work with youth for awhile because of his schedule and he has missed that. He has had eye problems and has also missed driving the bus. But those are not MY problems. My knee hurts, yes, but I can still walk. Thank you, Lord, for that. So, what's stopping me? I AM tired. Maybe it's something medical, which I will check out, but until then, I think I'm actually taking the easy way out and being lazy.

Women's Bible Study is coming up. I decided I didn't want to "start something I can't finish" because of the uncertainty of where Dan will possibly be getting a job after he is laid off from American Eagle. It also meant that I will still have Thursday mornings off to just take it easy before going into work at 1:00. Well, after the prodding of my friends, I decided to go ahead and start Bible Study. Maybe if I start, we'll end up staying in SLO and I can finish what I started. But, even if I don't stay here, how could I even think that missing Bible Study was even an option? I need it, and it's a great time of encouragement, whether I'm being encouraged or I somehow can encourage someone else.

So, all that being said, I just want to say, that there is no excuse under the sun that should be acceptable for not being in ministry. Remember - "EVERYBODY PLAYS!" There is always a way to do it if you really pray about it and seek the Lord's timing. He will show you what you can do, should do and maybe should wait to do. Think about what you like to do - work with children, sing, cook, etc. - and then find a place to use those talents/gifts. You will truly be blessed and you will also be a blessing.

What's Next, Lord?

How many times do I ask that question? And how many times do I not get an answer - when I want the answer? Yet, whether I see Him moving or not, He is orchestrating my life (along with my husband) and getting our next destination ready for us. We just have to wait for the final pieces to be put in place.

Dan is going to have to wait a few months before he finds out about what his employer will offer him before he takes the layoff, if that is his choice. Then that will give us an idea of where we will be living - either here or somewhere else. I'm not excited about moving from San Luis Obispo. This has been my home since I was 10 years old. My kids grew up here. My best friend lives here, along with other friends. My officemates are the best and I don't think I could find a better place to work than where I am now. A mix of people with different personalities, different backgrounds, different stages in life...and we all get along so well. I will miss that...I've been there 12 years and have seen many changes, but each time it seems to get better.

But who knows better than God, what is best for us and where He wants us to minister next? We will be moving in with Dan's mom for a few months and as of November 1, Dan will be jobless. Or he might have another job by then, but he can't take another job till that date. In the meantime, God is totally taking care of us, as always, and we will see what He has in store for us. I pray wherever He takes us, that we will be able to find a church family to be involved with; to find a place to do ministry together.

So, what's next? God only knows and I trust Him fully.

And So It Goes

We are now on the side of unemployment - or will be soon. American Airlines is pulling out some of the American Eagle hubs and San Luis Obispo is one of those hubs where my husband, Dan, works. We could be mad, we could be scared of what's going to happen now, we could be discouraged. But God has always been there for us, supplying all our needs, putting us in the place He would have us be for "such a time as this."

When Dan graduated from Mt. San Antonio College, all I could think about was, "we're going home to SLO." I didn't want to hear about a possible position in Montana where his friend lived and had a job opening if he wanted it. I just wanted to hear that he would take the job at the airport in SLO if he was offered THAT one. I fought this for awhile until I realized I was fighting against what God wanted for us. I finally gave it up to Him and when we got that phone call, and Dan said we were going to move to Montana, I said that was fine. Dan couldn't believe it, but was happy that I was willing to move. Montana was a three year stint and it was the best time. We made friends that we will have forever, even though we don't keep in touch too much. We saw a few of them last year at an anniversary celebration at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch where I worked for 2 years. Several of us only worked there for a couple of years, but it was such a huge part of our lives because we worked with youths who were at-risk, disciplinary problems, and just having rough times in their lives. I saw a couple of the kids, who are now adults in their 30s and couldn't believe it. I didn't think I would see ex-students that I would know, but John came with his wife and two kids and he remembered drawing a picture for me when I worked in the Assessment Center where he and the other kids came to see their therapists. I showed him that picture - he couldn't believe that I still had it. It was a great time of catching up with old friends and students.

So...with that all said, at this time in our lives, I KNOW, without a doubt, that God has something for us, whether it be here or somewhere else. I can hear my pastor's voice in my head now - "I hate to say good-bye". So do I. I hope we can find something that will keep us here in SLO where I grew up. But, if God would have us move out of the area, I pray that we would be willing, ready and able and that we would make the most of that time for His glory.

My All In All

Another one of my poems from the past.















He told me He loves me
And He showed me by dying on the cross
He told me He loves me
And He said that I will never suffer loss.

He told me that I was a sinner
He said that I would surely die
But then He said, "Child, I love you
And I want you to live with me on High."

He showed me the way to a new life
A life full of joy and of peace
He promised me things would not be perfect
But He would always be there - my pain He would ease.

He has always kept His promise
To be with me when things would go wrong
And when my life was going wonderfully
His love was there just as strong.

He never backs away from His children
His arms are open wide for them all
All we need to do is come to Him
"Come be with Me" is His call.

If you don't know who you can turn to
Jesus is waiting for you
He doesn't look at race, creed or color
He loves you because you are you.