Through the Waters
About this blog
Through the Waters is the blog of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Christian vocation ministries. Because the ministry of Christian vocation affirms the need for all baptized Christians – including Presbyterians - to identify and claim their call to discipleship in each decision and life choice, this blog is designed to serve as a resource for youth and young adults, as well as those in ministry with them, to assist the Holy Spirit in God’s movement in this journey through the waters. Take some time to read and think about your own responses to the questions posed here. For additional resources, we suggest that you visit our website.
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Journey to the Cross
The season of the church year we call Lent consists of the six weeks (40 days) prior to Easter. It is during this time that we engage in prayer and remember Christ's sacrifice on our behalf.
The online devotional d365 provides a wonderful resource for daily prayer and Scripture. You are invited on this journey, the Journey to the Cross.
http://www.d365.org/journeytothecross/
February 1, 2012
Story Telling
There is no question that God touches our lives in very different ways. We come to know God in ways that may not be similar to that of our neighbor. None of us travels the same path down the journey of faith.
He felt the movement of the Holy Spirit at a confirmation retreat during a song. Having been a part of a band and being a proclaimed musician, this was an emotional experience.
She grew up going to summer camp and experienced God’s presence through a mission experience as a part of that camp. She cannot imagine her ...
January 5, 2012
A Bug's Life
I was recently in east Texas visiting relatives when one of the children came running into the house talking enthusiastically about the ants she saw out on the driveway. Because the house in which we stay is far from town and quite a distance from neighbors, it is common to hear stories about a variety of creatures whenever we are there. In fact, this visit we were even living above an armadillo that made its presence known each night. The description of the ants, though, intrigued me and I set out to check them out for myself.
As I got ...
December 8, 2011
Strangers in Our Midst
It was only as I began walking down the aisle of the full airplane for a cross-country flight that I realized I had been assigned a middle seat. Normally, I might not mind but this was a long leg of my journey and I was tired. All I really wanted to do was stick in my earbuds and take a nap. As I located my seat, though, it was clear that I would be lucky to be able to do either.
In addition to a man seated to my right, a young mother and her 15 month old boy sat ...
November 15, 2011
Give Thanks to the Lord
There has been a lot going on around us lately. We’ve been bombarded by news of strange weather patterns; people adversely affected by too much water, not enough water, high winds, and early snows. We hear about questionable decision making from those in esteemed positions and celebrities made famous by the media. We learn about wars and deadly fighting occurring across the world and the innocent victims of those tragedies. We read about the economic trials of those living in the United States and the ways in which its citizens choose to respond. Add to all of that our ...
October 28, 2011
For All the Saints
So I here I sit as I do each year at this time. Yes, it’s almost Halloween but I’m not thinking about my costume. Those days are over for me, I’m afraid. Instead, I’m thinking more about the day after Halloween – All Saints Day. I've actually posted this before but it bears repeating.
All Saints Day, November 1, is a day is steeped in history dating back centuries and connected with an ancient feast. Now on this day each year, many western Christians spend time in prayer and worship, remembering “saints” who have been a ...
October 6, 2011
A Yellow Leaf
The weather where I live has gotten just a little cooler. In fact, because I live in the northern part of the country, the leaves are at the stage of amazing colors. I need a fleece jacket in the mornings and evenings and there is a different scent in the air. Fall is upon us.
While I am very aware that fall looks different in various parts of the country – I just returned from a visit to San Francisco where summer weather still reigned – I have realized that my body benefits from the change of seasons. Whether the change is ...
September 15, 2011
What's in Your Box?
There is nothing like moving to help you evaluate the “stuff” you have. There are only so many boxes, so much space in a trailer. Suddenly the bookshelf evolves into twelve boxes. Those old ones that held an esteemed place on the shelf don’t seem quite as important. That old sweater, same thing. The reality is that it’ll probably never be worn again.
Two weeks ago we moved into a new house. I watched in awe as our life became a series of cardboard boxes stacked onto a truck. But, it was within several of those boxes that ...
August 26, 2011
A Spiritual Wind Farm
For several years, my family and I have driven on I-65 all of the way through Indiana. It’s a straight north-south route where fields of corn and other crops are the most frequent scene out of the car windows. There is not a variety of elevation and yet with each trip I continue to be surprised by the view that greets us somewhere north of Lafayette.
In the midst of miles of flatlands, hundreds of wind turbines suddenly appear across the landscape, spinning their mighty white arms as far as you can see. They’re awe-inspiring. And while they ...
July 26, 2011
Living Into the Gifts
Are you living like a fruit duct taped to the vine?
This was a question that has stuck with me even a couple weeks after Pathways at Big Tent event in Indianapolis, IN earlier this month. Steve Wilde was one of the presenters and the one who left this impact on me.
I can’t do justice to his message in telling it like he did but the main point is this: some of us are trying to be something we’re not. We’re living into something that we’re not. We’re hiding our true selves. Because we ...