Candler School of Theology cordially invites you to attend two lectures about living a life of simplicity. The lectures are free but tickets are required.
Explore the relationship between spiritual and financial well-being by attending “Simple Enough?,” a lecture series sponsored by Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and featuring renowned United Methodist Church pastors and authors The Rev. Adam Hamilton and The Rev. Dr. Paul Escamilla.
Both speakers will address how to live a life of “less” despite being immersed in a culture that entices us with “more.” The lectures take place on February 1 and March 29.
February 1: Adam Hamilton speaks at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Reverend Hamilton is the founding pastor of the 17,000-member United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, and the author of nine books. He will discuss his book Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity a popular resource for adult religious education in hundreds of UMC churches. Get Tickets.
Paul Escamilla lectures March 29, 7 p.m., Cannon Chapel. He is pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, and author of Longing for Enough in a Culture of More (Abingdon Press, 2007), a collection of 25 brief meditations that are used for private and group study. Organized in five topics: The Good Book, The Good Life, the Good Work, The Good Society, and The Good Earth, the essays make the “life of enough” seem a natural next step in the lives of Christians. The book will be the focus of Escamilla’s lecture. Get Tickets.
For more information, go to candler.emory.edu.
Showing posts with label abundance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label abundance. Show all posts
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Teddy Bears and miracles (part 2)
Do you just love teddy bears? Those cute little button eyes and stitched noses? The little furry ears and puff tail always seem to be an extra handle to carry them along with by children’s hands that are too small to wrap around the full body.
For more years than I can recount I have been in love with these furry friends. Even today my bed is made up with one special bear sitting in the middle – a gift from someone I care deeply for. Scattered throughout the house are an assortment of these furry creatures. They range in size and color and texture and yet, I have never made a point of collecting a single one. They have each simply found their way into my home and into my heart.
Well, these little fur covered, over-stuffed objects of simple affection have been used again to perform another miracle. Since the article (found at the attached website) first went online and through the paper, I have begun receiving phone calls from folks who want to open their hearts and bless someone else with a cuddly stuffed animal.
Isn’t it amazing how easily a miracle happens when we respond with genuine love?
www.ngumc.org
For more years than I can recount I have been in love with these furry friends. Even today my bed is made up with one special bear sitting in the middle – a gift from someone I care deeply for. Scattered throughout the house are an assortment of these furry creatures. They range in size and color and texture and yet, I have never made a point of collecting a single one. They have each simply found their way into my home and into my heart.
Well, these little fur covered, over-stuffed objects of simple affection have been used again to perform another miracle. Since the article (found at the attached website) first went online and through the paper, I have begun receiving phone calls from folks who want to open their hearts and bless someone else with a cuddly stuffed animal.
Isn’t it amazing how easily a miracle happens when we respond with genuine love?
www.ngumc.org
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Love is ... part 2
I like Necco wafers. For me there is excitement in the unwrapping of the end of the package and placing that little chalky-flavored bit of candy right in the middle of my tongue. Those little bits of flavor bring back special memories of childhood for me. One of my favorite recurring memories is of my grandfather sitting in his recliner, smoking his pipe and sharing his wafers with the grandkids. The rule was that Pop-pop would open the candy roll and take the first one, then each grandchild would receive one in order of your descending age, but … if you didn’t take the color that came up when it was your turn, you had to wait until it was your turn again during the next round. Sometimes one of the kids would choose to not take the little piece of candy that was offered and would try to get the next one that came up because that was his or her “favorite”. That never worked with my grandfather! He would remind us of the “rule” and how we each took our turn, and we each had a choice to take what we were offered. Then he would go to the next grandchild. There were many times we would take the little wafer when we didn’t care for that particular flavor! As I grew up, I wondered if we took it because we didn’t want to “miss our turn” or because we didn’t want to disappoint Pop-pop.
I learned a lot of life lessons from those rolls of chalky candies. I learned that life is good - even if whatever you are dealing with isn't your favorite part. I learned that when we are given the freedom of choice we must accept the consequences of our actions. I learned that as I grew older, there were more and more people I needed to share with in order to be able to enjoy the piece of life I was offered.
And then there were all the flavors! How could I not learn that life was about all of the flavors and experiences that we encounter? Some of were hard to distinguish between, but others were so rich and colorful that you could not help but want to savor them slowly and enjoy them down to the very ... last ... moment. ahhh...
I don't think my grandfather planned on teaching me or my siblings or my cousins all these lessons from a simple roll of candy. But I think it would please him to know that he taught us how to love life, to love others, and to love the simple things that memories are made from.
Miss you Pop-pop.
I learned a lot of life lessons from those rolls of chalky candies. I learned that life is good - even if whatever you are dealing with isn't your favorite part. I learned that when we are given the freedom of choice we must accept the consequences of our actions. I learned that as I grew older, there were more and more people I needed to share with in order to be able to enjoy the piece of life I was offered.
And then there were all the flavors! How could I not learn that life was about all of the flavors and experiences that we encounter? Some of were hard to distinguish between, but others were so rich and colorful that you could not help but want to savor them slowly and enjoy them down to the very ... last ... moment. ahhh...
I don't think my grandfather planned on teaching me or my siblings or my cousins all these lessons from a simple roll of candy. But I think it would please him to know that he taught us how to love life, to love others, and to love the simple things that memories are made from.
Miss you Pop-pop.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." ~ 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
God's Math is Different Than Ours
In today's economy we are continually hearing about people who are losing their jobs, their homes, their health insurance. Many people have become frightened to spend what they are earning on anything other than basic necessities. And many devoted Christians have fallen victim to the fear of not having enough ... enough money, enough food, enough shelter, enough ____, you fill in the blank. This fear has crippled many of us into closing our eyes and our hearts to the neediest among us. Charities are reporting lowered donations and an increased need for services. Churches are cutting programs and laying off staff members and many are only responding to their member needs instead of reaching out to the community.
In the book of Matthew, chapter 26, we read "The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (verses 11-13). I can not help but think that Jesus was telling us that he would leave the poor among us SO WE could be His hands and feet. When we stop serving Jesus, we lose so much more than what could ever be gained through our own efforts. What do you think?
57 Cents
We never know what God will do with what he gives us....if we will just trust and give it back.
A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it "was too crowded." "I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand he took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class.
The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus. Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kind-hearted pastor, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.
Inside was found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting, which read, "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School." For two years she had saved for this offering of love.
When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building. But the story does not end there. A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a Realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands.
When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered it for 57 cents. Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century).
Her unselfish love had paid large dividend. When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300 and Temple University, where hundreds of students are trained. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday school building which houses hundreds of Sunday Scholars, so that no child in the are will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds."
In the book of Matthew, chapter 26, we read "The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (verses 11-13). I can not help but think that Jesus was telling us that he would leave the poor among us SO WE could be His hands and feet. When we stop serving Jesus, we lose so much more than what could ever be gained through our own efforts. What do you think?
57 Cents
We never know what God will do with what he gives us....if we will just trust and give it back.
A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it "was too crowded." "I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand he took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class.
The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus. Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kind-hearted pastor, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.
Inside was found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting, which read, "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School." For two years she had saved for this offering of love.
When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building. But the story does not end there. A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a Realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands.
When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered it for 57 cents. Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century).
Her unselfish love had paid large dividend. When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300 and Temple University, where hundreds of students are trained. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday school building which houses hundreds of Sunday Scholars, so that no child in the are will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds."
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A matter of human dignity
http://www.umc-gbcs.org/atf/cf/%7B689fea4c-8849-4c05-a89e-c9bc7ffff64c%7D/FAITH%20LEADERS%20STATEMENT%20ON%20HEALTH.PDF
A MATTER OF HEALTH...A MATTER OF WHOLENESS
"Today health care reform has become an urgent priority, with many Americans
fearful about the health care they now hold and more than 45 million lacking
coverage altogether. Rising unemployment, underemployment and a decline in
employment benefits have deprived many more of health care. The health of our
neighbors and the wholeness of the nation now require that all segments of our
society join in finding a solution to this national challenge.
"...Learn to do good, seek justice; rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan,
plead for the widow." Isaiah 1:17
"...Love your neighbor as you love yourself." Matthew 22:39
"...Ye who believe! Stand up firmly for Allah, witness to justice...be just,
that is next to piety." Qur'an 5:8
Our diverse communities of faith -Jewish, Christian and Muslim- are each shaped and
guided by our respective sacred texts which compel us to speak out on behalf of the
most vulnerable members of our society. Today that means making comprehensive
and compassionate health care reform an urgent priority so that all of our neighbors,
especially the people living in poverty, children, and the aged, can be assured of the fullness of life that is central to the holy vision of a beloved and peaceable
community.
No longer can we afford to squander the hopes and dreams of the American people
through a much-too-costly system that contributes to economic despair. Families
and individuals must be able to rely on affordable care in times of illness or accident and preventative care to safeguard health and well-being. Those who are ill need the assurance that coverage will not be canceled by illness or employment
circumstance. They should also be afforded the dignity of selecting their own
caregivers.
Today we pray, each in our own custom, for discernment, boldness, clarity and
leadership in each segment of our society so that we may find the resolve to achieve
health reform worthy of this land. As we together pursue this vision our direction is
certain-it is toward the common good. The prospect of high-quality, affordable
health care for everyone is a measure of our wholeness as a nation.
We pray that our best minds and kindest hearts might be joined in this effort so that
all men, women and children will have the health care they need to live the lives for
which they were created. We stand ready to give our support and energies to its
achievement."
A MATTER OF HEALTH...A MATTER OF WHOLENESS
"Today health care reform has become an urgent priority, with many Americans
fearful about the health care they now hold and more than 45 million lacking
coverage altogether. Rising unemployment, underemployment and a decline in
employment benefits have deprived many more of health care. The health of our
neighbors and the wholeness of the nation now require that all segments of our
society join in finding a solution to this national challenge.
"...Learn to do good, seek justice; rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan,
plead for the widow." Isaiah 1:17
"...Love your neighbor as you love yourself." Matthew 22:39
"...Ye who believe! Stand up firmly for Allah, witness to justice...be just,
that is next to piety." Qur'an 5:8
Our diverse communities of faith -Jewish, Christian and Muslim- are each shaped and
guided by our respective sacred texts which compel us to speak out on behalf of the
most vulnerable members of our society. Today that means making comprehensive
and compassionate health care reform an urgent priority so that all of our neighbors,
especially the people living in poverty, children, and the aged, can be assured of the fullness of life that is central to the holy vision of a beloved and peaceable
community.
No longer can we afford to squander the hopes and dreams of the American people
through a much-too-costly system that contributes to economic despair. Families
and individuals must be able to rely on affordable care in times of illness or accident and preventative care to safeguard health and well-being. Those who are ill need the assurance that coverage will not be canceled by illness or employment
circumstance. They should also be afforded the dignity of selecting their own
caregivers.
Today we pray, each in our own custom, for discernment, boldness, clarity and
leadership in each segment of our society so that we may find the resolve to achieve
health reform worthy of this land. As we together pursue this vision our direction is
certain-it is toward the common good. The prospect of high-quality, affordable
health care for everyone is a measure of our wholeness as a nation.
We pray that our best minds and kindest hearts might be joined in this effort so that
all men, women and children will have the health care they need to live the lives for
which they were created. We stand ready to give our support and energies to its
achievement."
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Going back to God
“Every day people are straying away from the church and going back to God.” - Lenny Bruce
Today I had lunch with a friend and then enjoyed some time doing some shopping. As often happens, I ended up in one of those chain-based Christian book stores. As I wandered around the store I found some great bargains - boxes of cards on sale 90% off! Journals and devotionals - only $5! Gifts and knick-knacks for the house, church, or someone else - all on sale! Suddenly I found myself totally bored. And I wasn't sure why.
Maybe it's because I was looking to connect with God in the midst of "church" things. Maybe it's because I realized there was plenty of stuff that was diverting my attention away from God. Maybe it was because I just need to sit and be the person God created me to be. Or maybe, I realized that what I am looking for can not be found anywhere else but in the personal relationship with God and everything else does not measure up to that amazing gift.
Glory, glory to God!
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments." - Exodus 20:2-6
Today I had lunch with a friend and then enjoyed some time doing some shopping. As often happens, I ended up in one of those chain-based Christian book stores. As I wandered around the store I found some great bargains - boxes of cards on sale 90% off! Journals and devotionals - only $5! Gifts and knick-knacks for the house, church, or someone else - all on sale! Suddenly I found myself totally bored. And I wasn't sure why.
Maybe it's because I was looking to connect with God in the midst of "church" things. Maybe it's because I realized there was plenty of stuff that was diverting my attention away from God. Maybe it was because I just need to sit and be the person God created me to be. Or maybe, I realized that what I am looking for can not be found anywhere else but in the personal relationship with God and everything else does not measure up to that amazing gift.
Glory, glory to God!
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments." - Exodus 20:2-6
Sunday, July 26, 2009
More than Enough
"After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias.* A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages* would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they* sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’ " - John 6:1-14
After having been gone for several weeks I found myself so grateful to be at home and sleeping in my own bed, enjoying my creature comforts. But after a few days - 3 to be exact - I found myself irritated with all the "stuff" piled up throughout the house. At first I blamed this irritation on the dust bunnies that were no longer hiding under the furniture but living out in the open. Then I began to secretly blame various family members for not helping more in the straightening and cleaning department of the housekeeping. After awhile I began to blame myself for being lazy and unproductive with my life. Then I read the scripture above and listened to God's small still voice in my heart.
During this past few days I have realized how much my life is filled with blessings and how often I lose focus on those blessings. You see, sometimes I see the pile of books on the floor and can only see clutter. I forget about the blessing of eyesight, the blessing of the ability to read, the blessing of the financial wealth that allows me to purchase books for education and pleasure. The list goes on. Sometimes I look at the little knick-knacks on the shelves that need dusting and cleaning and I forget the blessings that they each contain. Like, when one of my children picked out that very special one for my birthday or that one that my husband gave me to tell me how much he loves me or the little collection that was passed on to me by my now deceased grandmother. And the list goes on...
As I have looked upon these many blessings and realized just how much I have been given I am filled with gratitude for God's unending abundance. And I realize that what I am really irritated that I am hoarding all of these blessings so it's time to share the blessings and the abundance of God's love by passing some things on. Isn't that what God asks each of us to do?
After having been gone for several weeks I found myself so grateful to be at home and sleeping in my own bed, enjoying my creature comforts. But after a few days - 3 to be exact - I found myself irritated with all the "stuff" piled up throughout the house. At first I blamed this irritation on the dust bunnies that were no longer hiding under the furniture but living out in the open. Then I began to secretly blame various family members for not helping more in the straightening and cleaning department of the housekeeping. After awhile I began to blame myself for being lazy and unproductive with my life. Then I read the scripture above and listened to God's small still voice in my heart.
During this past few days I have realized how much my life is filled with blessings and how often I lose focus on those blessings. You see, sometimes I see the pile of books on the floor and can only see clutter. I forget about the blessing of eyesight, the blessing of the ability to read, the blessing of the financial wealth that allows me to purchase books for education and pleasure. The list goes on. Sometimes I look at the little knick-knacks on the shelves that need dusting and cleaning and I forget the blessings that they each contain. Like, when one of my children picked out that very special one for my birthday or that one that my husband gave me to tell me how much he loves me or the little collection that was passed on to me by my now deceased grandmother. And the list goes on...
As I have looked upon these many blessings and realized just how much I have been given I am filled with gratitude for God's unending abundance. And I realize that what I am really irritated that I am hoarding all of these blessings so it's time to share the blessings and the abundance of God's love by passing some things on. Isn't that what God asks each of us to do?
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