Adjustments
I adjusted the scope of this blog to go beyond the loss of a classmate to pain suffered. I am reminded that life is hard. You need a place to vent, a space to share what's going on in your life. You live with pain in your life. Some may bottle it up. Others may explode. Some may displace it upon others in volcanic measures. Others may deny it and replace it with religious cliches. Yet how does my pain relate to God and His world? Does he care?
I believe God does care. In fact God says to you right now, "Cast all your cares on Me, for I care for you." One of the close followers of Jesus, the apostle Peter penned these words in I Peter 5:7, "casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you." In the verse before Peter challenges the followers of Jesus to humble themselves before God. He wrote, "Be humble in the presence of God's mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. (1 Peter 5:6)" The main thought here is to be humble in God's powerful presence. If you have this humble attitude that the all-powerful, all-mighty, all-knowing Creator God of the universe is greater than you, then he will honor you. Knowing that God is greater than you brings you to the place where you can cast all your anxiety upon Him. Why? Because He cares for you. He cares. Every anxiety. Every heartache. Every pain. Every question. All of it can be cast upon God because He cares for you. God cares. So take a moment to share how God has cared for you amidst your pain.
Pastor D
Friday, March 16, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Afraid of losing Dad
I have my family picture on my desktop. We are all gathered together in front of a chapel. As I scanned the faces I looked at my father. I then had a scary thought. I wonder what I would do if he died. I can't imagine how I'd truly respond, but I know that I would be devastated. I am taken there as I post my own thoughts concerning the loss of someone close. Each time I hear of someone dying, I consider how fortunate I am that each member of my family has chosen to follow God with their whole life. At least they have professed it. I know I will see them again if I don't get to see before they die because Jesus informs Martha concerning the death of Lazarus her brother;
Pastor D
I have my family picture on my desktop. We are all gathered together in front of a chapel. As I scanned the faces I looked at my father. I then had a scary thought. I wonder what I would do if he died. I can't imagine how I'd truly respond, but I know that I would be devastated. I am taken there as I post my own thoughts concerning the loss of someone close. Each time I hear of someone dying, I consider how fortunate I am that each member of my family has chosen to follow God with their whole life. At least they have professed it. I know I will see them again if I don't get to see before they die because Jesus informs Martha concerning the death of Lazarus her brother;
"Jesus said to her, I am the Resurrection and the Life! He who believes in Me,Jesus says that although you and I will die, we can live with Him in heaven. Those who trust in Christ have the hope that they will see their loved ones again. I have trusted in Christ, the Son of God. Have you? Has each member of your family? I wonder if you've read this story in the book of John, chapter eleven. I wonder if this encourages or discourages you. Please make a comment. thanks.
though he die, yet he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall
never die. Do you believe this? She said to Him, Yes, Lord, I have believed that
You are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world.
(John 11:25-27)"
Pastor D
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
A place to share
I long to hear how you are doing with the loss of a classmate. I want to hear you share your challenges and your triumphs. I want to hear how God is making Himself real to you through this crisis. I wonder how long before you make a comment. It's been ten days since the tragedy occurred. I wonder what you are thinking. Please post your thoughts anonymously if you want. Thanks.
Pastor D
I long to hear how you are doing with the loss of a classmate. I want to hear you share your challenges and your triumphs. I want to hear how God is making Himself real to you through this crisis. I wonder how long before you make a comment. It's been ten days since the tragedy occurred. I wonder what you are thinking. Please post your thoughts anonymously if you want. Thanks.
Pastor D
Friday, March 9, 2007
Get where I am going
A student recommended I watch this video. He was right. I am still processing my own grief for those I've lost over my lifetime to death. I miss my aunt, Nellie. She was great. Her laughter was infectious. She made the best hash browns. I really like this video by Brad Paisley. Click the link in the "Links" section to view the video. Please add your rememberances as you see fit. Thanks.
Pastor D
A student recommended I watch this video. He was right. I am still processing my own grief for those I've lost over my lifetime to death. I miss my aunt, Nellie. She was great. Her laughter was infectious. She made the best hash browns. I really like this video by Brad Paisley. Click the link in the "Links" section to view the video. Please add your rememberances as you see fit. Thanks.
Pastor D
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Another thought
I was talking with a few students last night and we discussed how one instrument can "get-you" everytime. It's bagpipes. Yeah, bagpipes! I wonder how the mere sound of that instrument opens the portal to your emotions. To hear the baleful sounds playing a hymn moves you. Or at least it moves me. I wonder what you think. Maybe I'm just out there.
Pastor D
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Celebration of the Life of Sierra Lin Fauver
(August 5, 19890-March 4, 2007)
The service opened with a welcome from Pastor Bob Yoder from her home church, Sharon Mennonite Church. After sharing a prayer and singing, "Amazing Grace," one part of the hynm caught my attention, "Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved." I wonder what the lyricist meant by those words. I'd like to hear your thoughts.
A series of musical tributes continued the celebration, I really liked how the tribute by Joanna Marshall was read with the background song, "Stairway to heaven." I did not get a copy of the words. I wonder if someone does and could post them for all to see.
Both songs sung next (Tears in Heaven, The Anchor Holds) were comforting to me. I wonder what words spoke to you or what thoughts came to your mind during the songs. The words, "I must be strong, and carry one," spoke to me. And "The anchor holds in spite of the storm," were more words to help me.
Next Susan Tracy shared a poem Sierra's mom recited over the past few days. I did not get a copy of the poem. I wonder if someone could track it down online and submit a link to the poem. I'd like to reflect on how that comforted her mom, Theresa.
At one point in the service I had a hard time concentrating when one of the eulogizers said this sentence; "She was not meant to die, but she did." I found it hard to move on and to track with her remarks. I wonder if you felt like I did--I felt initially that it was out of place, but now I don't know. Anyways, I wonder if you heard those words, what did you feel.
Another poignant moment was to consider what Sierra would say as advice to you. I wonder if you considered what she might say to you. Let me know your thoughts.
In his homily Pastor Bob challenged us to acknowledge our anger and frustration but to not lose hope in God. He encouraged everyone to express our mourning, questions, and tears. He warned of shutting them up inside. That is why I created some space for you to join this conversation. I need to go, but I trust you can add to the conversation your thoughts and feelings.
Pastor D
(August 5, 19890-March 4, 2007)
The service opened with a welcome from Pastor Bob Yoder from her home church, Sharon Mennonite Church. After sharing a prayer and singing, "Amazing Grace," one part of the hynm caught my attention, "Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved." I wonder what the lyricist meant by those words. I'd like to hear your thoughts.
A series of musical tributes continued the celebration, I really liked how the tribute by Joanna Marshall was read with the background song, "Stairway to heaven." I did not get a copy of the words. I wonder if someone does and could post them for all to see.
Both songs sung next (Tears in Heaven, The Anchor Holds) were comforting to me. I wonder what words spoke to you or what thoughts came to your mind during the songs. The words, "I must be strong, and carry one," spoke to me. And "The anchor holds in spite of the storm," were more words to help me.
Next Susan Tracy shared a poem Sierra's mom recited over the past few days. I did not get a copy of the poem. I wonder if someone could track it down online and submit a link to the poem. I'd like to reflect on how that comforted her mom, Theresa.
At one point in the service I had a hard time concentrating when one of the eulogizers said this sentence; "She was not meant to die, but she did." I found it hard to move on and to track with her remarks. I wonder if you felt like I did--I felt initially that it was out of place, but now I don't know. Anyways, I wonder if you heard those words, what did you feel.
Another poignant moment was to consider what Sierra would say as advice to you. I wonder if you considered what she might say to you. Let me know your thoughts.
In his homily Pastor Bob challenged us to acknowledge our anger and frustration but to not lose hope in God. He encouraged everyone to express our mourning, questions, and tears. He warned of shutting them up inside. That is why I created some space for you to join this conversation. I need to go, but I trust you can add to the conversation your thoughts and feelings.
Pastor D
As I begin this new blog, I am going to attend the funeral of a young lady who's life was cut too short. There are many jumbled thougths coursing through my mind. I want to provide space for questions and exploration. Death is more difficult to deal with than anyone can expect.
I first heard of Sierra's passing in the hallway of our church between services. A parent approached me and shared with me the grim news. Two of the girls who were also in the accident, Michelle and Kristen survived the crash. I talked with both of them the Sunday before (February 25). We chatted briefly waiting for Michelle's mom to take them home after church. You can read the news briefs in the links in the sidebar.
So I am providing this space for you to explore your questions. I don't know if anyone will post. But I sense that God wants me to provide this space for you.
You may be experiencing many thoughts and feelings. You may feel insecure, unsafe. You may fear that tragedy may happen at any moment and it scares you. You may wonder if you can trust God anymore or at all. You may be asking the questions, "why?" You may sense that everythings out of control. You may even say, "I thought my world was okay and in order, but now I'm not so sure. I feel like I won't be able to handle it at all." You may be experiencing a difficulty to put your mind around this trauma. You may even think that you shouldn't ask any questions. These may be some of things your are feelings and thinking.
I want to allow you to explore asking and trying to work through the powerless ness of not being able to fix this or to know exactly what to think. I want you to use this space for your questions. Questions like:
Why did this happen? Why now? Why her? If God is love, why did He let this happen? If God is good, why do young people die? Where is God in all of this? Did I do something wrong?
My goal is not to provide quick answers. But I want to provide a place to say that I am sad about what happened. It's tragic. This is very hard. I am preparing to be present at the funeral and to experience this great loss with you. I can't imagine what you must be feeling. I am not you. So you are experiencing many things. I wonder if you'd like to share what your are experiencing. I trust others will join in the conversation.
May I pray? Okay.
I first heard of Sierra's passing in the hallway of our church between services. A parent approached me and shared with me the grim news. Two of the girls who were also in the accident, Michelle and Kristen survived the crash. I talked with both of them the Sunday before (February 25). We chatted briefly waiting for Michelle's mom to take them home after church. You can read the news briefs in the links in the sidebar.
So I am providing this space for you to explore your questions. I don't know if anyone will post. But I sense that God wants me to provide this space for you.
You may be experiencing many thoughts and feelings. You may feel insecure, unsafe. You may fear that tragedy may happen at any moment and it scares you. You may wonder if you can trust God anymore or at all. You may be asking the questions, "why?" You may sense that everythings out of control. You may even say, "I thought my world was okay and in order, but now I'm not so sure. I feel like I won't be able to handle it at all." You may be experiencing a difficulty to put your mind around this trauma. You may even think that you shouldn't ask any questions. These may be some of things your are feelings and thinking.
I want to allow you to explore asking and trying to work through the powerless ness of not being able to fix this or to know exactly what to think. I want you to use this space for your questions. Questions like:
Why did this happen? Why now? Why her? If God is love, why did He let this happen? If God is good, why do young people die? Where is God in all of this? Did I do something wrong?
My goal is not to provide quick answers. But I want to provide a place to say that I am sad about what happened. It's tragic. This is very hard. I am preparing to be present at the funeral and to experience this great loss with you. I can't imagine what you must be feeling. I am not you. So you are experiencing many things. I wonder if you'd like to share what your are experiencing. I trust others will join in the conversation.
May I pray? Okay.
"God, we will question why this happened, but we will seek some answers--still
let us trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Present to hear from you,
Pastor D
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