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"A Word for a New Year"  December 30, 2015

12/31/2015

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“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God….
 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?”39 He said to them, “Come and see.”… 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). John 1: 1, 35-42”

Listen to:  Casting Crowns  "Just Be Held"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIZitK6_IMQ

One of my favorite end-of-the-year pastimes is hearing about new words that have officially become a part of the English family.  These ten hopefuls from Mirriam-Webster caught my attention:
 
Precariment (noun): precarious predicament
Laughocate (verb): to laugh so hard you feel like you are going to suffocate
Deloonious (adjective): being in a state of mind in between delirious and loony.
Famazing(adjective) : more than just amazing, freaking amazing
Fleek: stylish: flawless: perfect
Irrannoy (verb): to annoy and irritate
Confuzzle(verb): to confuse someone 
Snirt (noun): a mix of snow and dirt
Chillable (adjective): being a person, place, or thing inclined to give relaxation or comfort
 
And of course, who hasn’t received an:
Eminder (noun): an e-mail reminder

Words.  The development of symbolic and ever-growing language and creative communication is one of the crowning points of humankind.  All living species communicate – but the depth and level of abstraction that humanity has achieved makes our language unique – and allows us, as a species, to continue to evolve.

The first words spoken in the Scriptures are God’s:  “let there be light,” (Gen. 1:3).  Throughout the Bible God is not depicted as a silent, remote deity; but a God who speaks, guides, enters into covenant, judges and saves.   It is in Jesus, whose birth season we celebrate through January 6 (Epiphany), we are told is “God with us” (Matt. 1:23) and “the Word made flesh” (John 1:1).  Early in his ministry Jesus himself was named by the prophet John and his first disciples, “Lamb of God,” (the one who bears the sins of the world and shows the path of forgiveness);   Rabbi (teacher -- someone who I can learn from and who I can bring my doubts and questions to), and Messiah (anointed one -- the one with moral authority and right to serve; the one who will show the path to true freedom and salvation). 
 

It is said that there are over 900 names and titles of God in the Scriptures.  Islam has 99 revered names for God; Hinduism have hundreds as well.  I imagine most faiths face the quandary:  Naming the Unnamable.  Human language could never capture the Infinite no matter how hard we try.  

For Christians, Jesus, the Word of God, allowed himself to be contained-in-word-and-flesh in order to be comprehended by the human mind and heart. His teachings give us the language of love and the semantics of justice/faith in community. It is the life-death-rising example of Jesus that gives us the nomenclature of right living in all phases of our days. Jesus recreated language of caring, forgiving and compassion that turns our traditional faith on its head.  

As much as we also treasure and esteem the Scriptures, which are also called the word of God, we call to mind the instructions of Christian writer C.S. Lewis who reminds us “It is Christ Himself, not the Bible, who is the true word of God. The Bible, read in the right spirit and with the guidance of good teachers, will bring us to Him.  We must not use the Bible as a sort of encyclopedia out of which texts can be taken for use as weapons.”   http://www.quoteland.com/author/CS-Lewis-Quotes/839/    

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So by all means, let us read and study the Bible. Make is a priority in 2016.  However, let us read the Bible as we listen and follow the Word of God, Jesus, daily, in the New Year.  Just see how famazing life can be as a result. Don’t worry, eminders will follow!

Prayer:   God who Speaks Life into Being:   In this New Year, give us the grace to read your word, to follow your Word, and create a new word in this world. Amen.

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Christmas Blessings   December 23, 2015

12/31/2015

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" And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven  and on earth peace among those whom he favors!  Luke 2:13-14"


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​Listen to:  
Bing Crosby & David Bowie "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth"

​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_ReMi7tVWA

Dear Ones:

It has been a long-standing Christmas tradition to share a year’s end letter in the Christmas card to catch up with loved ones.  I always look forward to such letters; I am sad to see their slow demise.  I understand though; our lives have changed. We don’t write letters like we once did. Our lives are busier than ever.  It’s harder to figure out what to share, get the letters copied and so forth.  So I sympathize but I realize it is a changing custom.  

However it is worthy to note that at least 21 of the 27 books in the New Testament are penned as letters.  The early Christian Community grew by people writing to each other between visits, encouraging and times correcting each other.  What would we do without these letters?  Letters deepen community.   It is my hope that E-lift is that kind of letter.  That over time, we have become a community of caring.  If I may take the opportunity, I would like to share with you my Christmas letter.

Our year began with two wonderful miracles:  a trip to Puerto Rico through the generosity of friends and the aftermath of Andrew’s car accident.  His car was totaled and he desperately needed a new car to get to work.  We reached out to the E-lift community in prayer.  Before long a car was not only donated but so were enough funds that enabled the car to be fixed so Andrew could drive again.  Thank you, E-lift community!!! And Praise God for touching your hearts and for prayers answered!!!

Perhaps the biggest development of 2015 came for me in terms of writing.  Knowing my former life as a Barry Manilow fan during a difficult time of my life, Forrest gently & persistently insisted I go to his concert on June 17.  This experience pried off the lid of memories long buried and I began to write again. I have not written steadily in decades. The result is a website www.moirajo.com  with my first-draft memoirs “Barry Manilow & Mother T” (during this time I also met Mother Teresa as well) along with E-lifts and sermons for now.   Thank you to Forrest and to my brothers, Mike, Greg and Mark for their unwavering support of this project.

While we attended Church conferences over the summer (International Conference of Community Churches in Dublin, OH, and “Martin Luther King Jr, “Unfinished Agenda” in Montreat, NC) we thoroughly enjoyed family reunions at Harbor Bay, Ohio, and at our nephew Matthew’s wedding to Elsie in St. Petersburg, FL in November.  We joyously welcomed the birth of two new grand nieces, Halle and Emma. 

Forrest and I continue to pursue certificates to become Spiritual Directors.  What this year has taught me more than ever is making the effort to forge ties with family – be they blood or of spirit.   We all need community.   We all need a place where our story is safe.  

Why do we tell Jesus’ story year after year?  It is a critical faith story that is linked to our own stories.   We all have stories of new birth.   We have journey stories.  Stories of being left in the cold but finding warmth in unexpected places. 

It’s like the stories of other miraculous happenings, that we hear, year after year, that touch our heart.   Because that’s how our lives are.   The birth story in Luke’s gospel is God’s letter to us that our lives are a miracle.    So always expect the unexpected.  Family is found everywhere where hearts are open, loving and true.  

The Scripture says Mary treasured and pondered these things in her heart (Luke 2:19). Mary was far from home, her village, her parents, from all that was familiar.  She was in an unknown place, with a new husband, a new baby,  relegated to a barn, visited by smelly shepherds. Yet she pondered and treasured these things. May our hearts be open to adventure like Mary  and may we ponder the treasures and treasured of our lives during this season and always.

Merry Christmas!!

Prayer:  God of Favor:   Write on our hearts your message of love that can be read by all peoples.  May they read loving-kindness, mercy, gentleness, patience, goodness, generosity,  and blessing in my life. Amen.



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"Too Blessed To Be Stressed!"  December  16, 2015

12/18/2015

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"and Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Luke 1:46-49"



​Listen to: 
4Him's  "A Strange Way To Save the World"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBCVIJBB7o4


With Christmas around the corner, endless last minute errands to run, presents to buy, cookies to bake, parties and concerts to attend, most of us are probably burning the candle at both ends.   To assess how we’re spiritually holding up,let's choose between two simple questions.  Am I presently:
·      
    Too blessed to feel stressed?
·       Too stressed to feel blessed?
 
The root of the word “blessing” in Greek is to make long or large— so when God extends his benefits to us, we are blessed  Our spirits are enlarged to take in all God has to offer.  In the crush of our daily activities, we forget that God daily extends his blessings to us. Everyday we wake up to new life.  Most of us have the blessing of a warm house, transportation, food, planned activities throughout the day, family and friends with whom to talk.  

Even so, blessing doesn’t depend on the circumstances in our lives.   How big a bank account we got.  How many Christmas cards we write.  How many presents we wrap.  Not even how many people we can fit around Christmas Eve dinner table, or stockings are hung by the chimney with care.
 
Blessing comes with the challenges.  Jesus  preached it as he saw it in the beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-12; Luke 617-49):  people in difficult circumstances who are open to God’s grace are better off than those who are well-off and  care free but whose lives are devoid of God. This is why Mary, the mother of Jesus, could sing, without pretense, “from now on all generations will call me blessed.”   She didn’t seek out to become pregnant.  She didn’t relish the lingering rumors or stares she garnered after Joseph took Mary home as his wife, after she was found to be with child.  Mary was blessed because she was open to God’s call of grace on her life.  She said yes, despite all the inconveniences, changes and heartaches, as well as wonder and joy it would bring her.   That is what blessings do for us. 
 
God blesses us to enlarge our lives so we prosper – spiritually, in our relationships, financially, emotionally and health-wise.   So-blessed, we can deal with whatever challenges that come our way.  We can negotiate the hustle and bustle of the season and prioritize what to do next and what can wait so we don’t burnout.  
 
The key to remember is: God’s blessing is not reserved for a few special people in the Bible.  God blesses you - this very moment.   All you need to do is stop.  Breathe.  Say, “Thank you, God, for your Almighty blessing on my life.”   Let blessing flow through you.   Let it make enlarge your worldview so you can bless those harried shoppers who bump into you, who honk at you and cut you off driving home.   Let blessing so enlarge you that you give even more to those in need this year.  Let blessing so enlarge you that you help someone else who is lonely or lost during this Holy time.  Let blessing grow, like the Christ Child grew in Mary, and give birth to abundant new blessings throughout this sacred season.
 
So.  Once again.   Ask yourself:  Are you?
 
·       Too blessed to feel stressed?
·       Too stressed to feel blessed?
 
Prayer:  God of Jesus:  Enlarge and open my heart to your blessings. Make my life a blessing in this world.   May I be a blessing to others, may my life so richly blessed that others may see and call me “blessed.” Amen. 

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"Lo, How A Dandelion E're Blooming "  December 9 2015 

12/9/2015

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"God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are,29 so that no one might boast in the presence of God. 30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”    (1Corinthians 1:28-31)

Listen To:  Pentatonix  "Mary Did You Know?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCWN5pJGIE

Walking out the door this morning to walk the dogs, I spotted a sight that left me momentarily speechless. Here in the cold weather of December, while not yet officially winter, I spotted not one but two dandelions triumphantly poking their heads out of the ground at us.   I don't remember ever seeing this before, although I have since learned it's not totally unheard of. Dandelions are quite the hardy plant!  However I asked myself:

Was this the result of climate change?  

Some super-mutated dandelion strain populating our lawn? 

I looked at the pair, my heart felt a surge of warmth, and the Holy Spirit began to talk to me about a number of things.  From how life triumphs in adverse situations. How God chooses the lowliest of creatures to spread his glory.  How important it is to stay alert and observant in this busy season because it’s easy to overlook the simple dandelion which God has chosen to carry a message of grace and joy to us.

Poor dandelion.  It’s the “Rose E’er Blooming,” a late 16th century carol thought to allude to both Mary and Jesus, that’s exalted during this season.  Everyone’s busy buying poinsettias and any plant in a red, green or white palate.  So why on earth would this yellow dandelion pop up to mess up our color scheme? Maybe our palate needs some messing with in order to get ready to prepare our hearts for Jesus – who is color blind  to our decorating plans by the way.  Jesus is more concerned about our spiritual palate than our decorating palate.

Our little dandelion, it turns out, is a powerful healing plant.  While some many consider it an ordinary weed of little use, settlers carried the plant with them for its many well-established medicinal purposes. It is hardy and its leaves can survive tough weather.  Its roots dig in and it’s nearly impossible to remove a dandelion plant. 

 When the flower turns to the white seed which we as children enjoy making a wish and blowing or waving into the wind – for centuries cultures have associated this humble flower with the art of letting go and new beginnings, to happiness, faithfulness, and hope.   Christians have seen in this the disseminating of the teachings of Jesus, the transitory nature of life, and the bitter leaves (which are edible and delicious in salads) to the passion of Christ. 
 
I see my little dandelion and I am reminded of the Christmas story.  Grace comes out of nowhere and when you least expect it.  Mary didn’t expect Angel Gabriel to appear.  Joseph didn’t expect a dream.   Together they didn’t expect to be turned away at the Inn and put up at a stable. The shepherds didn’t expect to find “tidings of Great Joy” in that baby boy child in a stable. Mary and Joseph didn’t expect to flee Herod’s wrath and go to Egypt.  And so it goes.  Christmas is so much more about the unexpected than what we expect. 

My little dandelion reminded me this morning of this. I didn't expect it but there it was. It said:  Let go of the old ways of seeing things.  Let God show you some yellow.  Let God give you a different spiritual palate this season.   

Be a dandelion.  Be a healer.  Be strong in tough situations. Don't be afraid to stand out.  Dig in when the going is adverse and hang in there.  Spread the Good News. Spread happiness and joy.  Wish again. Dream again - like you did as a kid blowing dandelion seeds.  Let go of what is holding you down.  Be open to the new.   Don't be afraid to wear yellow when everyone else is wearing red.  Treasure life.  Eat your greens. Expect the unexpected.   Realize you are not so ordinary after all.    


That's the parable of the dandelion.

Now we can get ready for Christmas -- thanks to the dandelion. 


Prayer:  “God Ever Blooming, seed our hearts with your love, kindness, and compassion – your full spiritual palate, so we may richly display your Christmas colors to all whose path we cross.  Amen.” 
 

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"Stay on the Bus!" December 2, 2015

12/9/2015

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14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:14-17
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Listen to:  Mavis Staples  "I Woke Up This Morning (with My Mind Stayed on Jesus)"  (a favorite song of Rosa Parks)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7V-4sBpEzU

This week, 50 years ago, a quiet, unassuming Black woman named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in a black section of a segregated bus for a White male passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. Her response not only resulted in her arrest, but sparked a 13 month mass protest and bus boycott that led to a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional. 

Many believe that Parks got on that bus that day and out-of-the-blue decided not to give up her seat to the white passenger.   Perhaps there was a bit of that. Or that she was just physically tired.  That is definitely not true.  Parks herself has said, if anything, the only thing she was tired of was of “giving in.”  However, Parks' story is deeper than that.  Rosa Parks was exposed to advocacy for racial equality in her early childhood by the example of her parents and grandparents. 

Her husband, Raymond Parks, whom she married in 1932, was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  Parks became actively involved in civil rights issues and joined the Montgomery chapter of the NAACP in 1943, serving as the chapter's youth leader as well as secretary to NAACP President E.D. Nixon—a post she held until 1957.  Parks was not even the first to challenge bus segregation. Bayard Rustin (1942), Irene Morgan (1946), Sarah Louise Keys (1952),  Claudette Colvin (a 15 year old girl handcuffed, arrested and forcibly removed from a bus in 1955), Aurelia Browder (1955), Susie McDonald (1955), and Mary Louise Smith (1955)  were all arrested for not giving up their bus seats months before Parks made her move.  So Parks had examples that paved that way for her. On one hand this let her know what was in store. On the other, it let her know that she was not alone.

It’s a good thing to read of Rosa Park’s refusal to get off the bus during our first week of Advent. Advent calls us to prepare ourselves for this journey to Christmas.  Too often we get off the bus as its heading its way to Christmas.  We jump off to go shopping.  We hop off to get a holiday latte at Starbucks. Or we leave the bus to take in the sights: the Christmas tree or skaters at Rockefeller Center or the decorations on every street corner; How many of us gawk at the houses trying to outdo each other for how many strings of lights and candy cane displays can be crammed in the front yard?
 
Some of us never make it to the bus in the first place: even before Advent began last Sunday,  November 29, we were off to the races: Grey Thursday (AKA Thanksgiving), Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday....it’s three weeks to Christmas and if the bank’s not broke, then morally and spiritually something is amiss within us.  We’ve gotten on the wrong bus.  We’re heading the wrong way. We should be on the bus to Bethlehem not to Retail King.   We’ve got to get on the right bus.  And stay on it.

I am glad for Rosa Park’s story this week because her determination to say “No” came from a community experience.  She was trained and taught what was right and wrong.  She knew she had a right to be on the bus, and the only way she was leaving the bus was by being arrested.  It was a matter of justice and righteousness.  So it is with us.  As people of faith, we need to stay on the bus to Bethlehem for dear life.  We have the stories of the scriptures, songs, the psalms and the prophets, to teach us “to make a way for the Lord.” We have each other’s stories and examples to build us up.  Isn’t that how we should pass our time as make our way on the bus?

We need to stay on the bus, and not let the world push us around.  We need to stay on the bus and not get swallowed up by the gods of consumerism, greed and indifference.  We need to make run on our bus for those who are cold and hungry, and spiritually searching, and invite them along for the ride.  We need to ride this Advent Bus until it is full and no one is left behind. Then we will reach our destination with our hearts full of hope, our spirits filled with peace, our souls ablaze with joy and bound together with love. That's how we will know that we have followed our true journey – and achieved our final destination -  the birth of the Christ Child within each of us—full of grace and truth.
 Prayer:  Advent God:  Put us on the bus and keep us there.  Fill it up will all your searching people.  May we journey this advent faithfully, seeking you, serving you and those who need to be on the the bus with us.  Amen.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_Bus_Boycott

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    Moirajo is a minister, social worker, wife, mother, writer and animal lover. That's just for starters. Join the story, there's so much we can share together! 

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