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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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 part of this world. This is usually related to the church members who have died during the past year.
In addition to that tradition, All Saints Day has become a big day for me. It’s my annual opportunity to look over who I’ve become and who helped me get where I am. It’s time to think about the saints in my life; those who have been instrumental in my faith journey and in the formation of me! Before you begin to think that this is a selfish day when I wax nostalgic about me, myself, and I, think again! All Saints Day is actually a chance to do just the opposite.
Consider engaging in this practice in your celebration of All Saints Day this year:
Think back on those who have served as a saint in your own life.
Who has been a source of support for your faith?
Who have been those people who have listened to your questions about God and the church?
Who has helped shape the “you” that you are today?
Who are the people who have tapped you on the shoulder and identified your gifts?
Once you’ve identified them, take some time on November 1 to write them a letter of thanks. If you’re really feeling up to it, use paper instead of email, text,or Facebook! Let them know about the impact they have had. Thank them for the gift they have given you. Let someone know about the difference they have made.
Well, I’m off to write my 2011 letter!
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 …- Posted at 9:52 a.m.
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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 I …- Posted at 3:59 p.m.
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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 appear …- Posted at 11:53 a.m.
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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 may not naturally …- Posted at 3:07 p.m.
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