What is HE doing through you?

Sorry I've been out ot the BLOGosphere for a while.  You know how it goes.  I've been overly consumed by the cares of life, work, home, family, friends, my issues and the list goes on.  One may conjecture that busyness is both a blessing and a curse.  But beloved, that does not mean that you have not been in my thoughts and prayers. 

Over the course of the last week or so, I've really been ministered to on the subject of "light".  When I had a crash and burn moment at work, one of my colleagues reminded me to let my light shine.  How appropriate, after all this is the season of epiphany.  Even during advent I blogged about letting your light shine.  I just love how God will send someone to you to preach the same word to you that you've poured into someone else, in order to build you up. 

Many of us are going through faith trying seasons, but as I was reminded this past Sunday while streaming live into worship at Greater Allen Cathedral, that Isaiah reminds us to rise and shine because our light has come.  Even now more than ever, I encourage you to let your light shine in calamity and chaos.  But Sunday as I was sitting in church, my priest posed a simple question that just blessed me.  What is "HE" doing through you?  The he is Jesus, our saviour.  I really thought about that.  It is my hope that he is teaching Spanish through me, spreading love, joy, peace and laughter through me.  I left church wanting Jesus to do even more things through me, so that people won't see Karsten, but the Spirit of God.  I heard a minister once say, "Hide me behind the cross of calvary, and from thee I will not stray."  I am still thinking on what Jesus is doing and possibly could be doing in and through me.  So today, I ask you the same question.  What is "HE" doing through you?

Peace,
Karsten

Fingerprints

Today's BLOG entry comes from a set of borrowed words from a book I'm reading, "Don't sweat the small stuff," by Richard Carlson.  Enjoy!

#48 Remember that Everything has God's Fingerprints on it

Rabbi Harold Kushner reminds us that everything that God has created is potentially holy.  Our task as humans is to find that holiness in what appears to be unholy situations.  He suggests that when we can learn to do this, we will have learned to nurture our souls.  It's easy to see God's beauty in a beautiful sunset, a snow-capped mountain, the smile of a healthy child, or in ocean waves crashing on a sandy beach.  But can we can learn to find the holiness in seemingly  ugly circumstances -- difficult life lessons, a family tragedy, or a struggle for life?

When our life is filled with the desire to see holiness in everyday things, something magical begins to happen.  A feeling of peace emerges.  We begin to see nurturing aspects of daily living that were previously hidden to us.  When we remember that everything has God's fingerprints on it, that alone makes it special.  If we remember this spiritual fact while we are dealing with a difficult person or struggling to pay our bills, it broadens our perspective.  It helps us to remember that God also created the person you are dealing with or that, despite your struggle to pay your bills, you are truly blessed to have all that you do.

Somewhere, in the back of your mind, try to remember that everything has God's fingerprints on it.  The fact that we can't see the beauty in something doesn't suggest that it's not there.  Rather, it suggests that we are not looking carefully enough or with a broad enough perspective to see it. (Carlson 121-122)

Peace,
Karsten

Peace at the 8-5

For those of us who are fortunate enough to be gainfully employed in times like these, we truly have a lot to be thankful for.  I have friends who have been unemployed for 18 months or more, but are still perservering in their quest to find employment.  However, sometimes at work, our thankfulness may become jaded with underappretiation, increased work, office drama and politics and relationships with our colleagues, managers and other constituents that are related to our work.

Whether you have an 8-5, 7-3 or an 11-7; In the midst of the adversity that you face at work, remember that you have been called there to work for such a time as this.  God will give you the grace to perform your job dutifully and diligently to his glory and honor.  Remember, no one else can do your job like you.  Sure, there are people who are certainly better or worse than you are at your profession.  But you are the chosen vessel to carry out the work for this season.  Above all else, think about the people at your job that you minister to, be it through a smile, a kind word or an exhortation.  That alone should change how we approach our job.

Jobs can be heavy testing grounds of our patience, joy and faith.  In the words of Tony Danza from the 80's sitcom "Who's the Boss?,"  in a conversation with his daughter Samantha, "Before you take a test take a deep breath count to ten, and jump in. " One of my favorite scriptures from the New Testament is John 14.  Jesus begins speaking by saying "Let not your hearts be troubled."    Later on in that same chapter, Jesus issues his bequest of peace to us.  In verse 27 he says "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  At the conclusion of the chapter Jesus simply says, "Arise, let us go hence."  Simply put, Get up -- Go to work with the peace of God in your hearts, knowing that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.

Arise, let us go hence.
Karsten

365 Day Dream

As you probably imagined, today's BLOG entry is dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Twenty-five years ago, Martin Luther King Day (third Monday in January) became a federal holiday.  I am a believer in Dr. King's dream for a better America in which one is not judged by the color of their skin, but rather the content of their character.  I feel that MLK Day is the only time that people collectively sit still and reflect on the dream.  Many people have done some type of community service project today, and that is a good thing.

But what happens on the Tuesday and subsequent days after MLK Day?  Recently, I've discovered yet another layer of my ministerial calling, social justice.  Dr. King dreamed of an America in which everyone regardless of color, religion, gender, creed or sexual orientation would possess the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as promised to us in the Declaration of Independence.  In the words of Dr. King, "It is obvious that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned.  Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked insufficient funds."  I know that in 2011, when jobs are scarce, money is funny and a gallon of gas is over the $3 benchmark in most states, some of us may feel as if our basic rights have been encroached upon. 

If we earnestly examine the essence of Dr. King's dream and question the marches, protests, sit-ins, his stance on war and even his non-violent demonstrations, we can trace it to one word; LOVE.  The love of people (both the lovable and unlovable) was the catalyst that propelled the civil rights movement.  Love is the reason that we are all here at this moment and this very time.  If you want to keep social justice alive and vibrant, spread a little love.  Maya Angelou periodically quotes her mother by saying "When you get something, give.  When you learn something, teach."  I wish you and yours well on what's left of this King holiday, but what will we do to carry out the dream for the remaining 364 days and beyond?

Peace,
Karsten

Having you there

Yesterday's BLOG was a tribute to friendship.  Have you ever thought about the people in your life and how their presence has made the difference.  Think about some of the good and proud moments that you have had, and the people that were there to help you celebrate.  Now think about some of your low and failing moments, which you would rather forget.  Who was there with you to help you gain peace from broken pieces?  It's possible that in both scenarios the same people were there.  In both good times and bad times, it is important to know that you have people in your corner.

I am reminded of the song, "Having you there made the difference."  This is one of my favorite gospel songs.  I actually had the opportunity to sing this song with a choir during my undergraduate years.  The Mississippi Mass Choir originally recorded the song.  Go to youtube and check it out.  It will bless you!

It's message is simple.  Having you there made the difference.  The world is hurting.  At this moment, someone is grieving, sick, has lost a job, a home or maybe even their faith and hope in God.  You can make the difference in their lives by simply being there.  You may not have eloquent words or solutions to offer, but your presence can make all the difference.  Have you been there for someone lately?

Let the lyrics minister to you.

We have come to praise and magnify the Lord,
For all that he has done, and for the victory we have won.
In the good times and in the bad times,
In the happy times and in the sad times,
Having you there; made the difference.
Just having you there.

Having you there made the difference.
When the storms of life are raging 
and the billows are tossing high,
you gave me strength and courage,
because you were standing by.

I thank you for your mercy.
I thank you for grace.
For there is no other one, 
who could ever take your place
When my friends walked out, 
you stepped right on in.
Said you'll always be with me,
through the thick and the thin.

Just having you in my life, made the difference!

Peace,
Karsten

Friends, How many of us have them?

If you were a teenager of the 90s, you remember this question posed in the hit song "Friends" by the rap group Whodini.  This song just asks; Do you have friends?  Proverbs 18:24 reminds us of this "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly:  and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."  If you have true friends in your life, you are indeed blessed, and are more than likely a blessing to them.

My closest friends are lumped into the same category as my family.  Oftentimes I find myself speaking to them more frequently than I do with my family.  That is not to say that they have replaced the love that I have and cherish for my family in any way.  Simply put, that's just the way that it is.  In the Episcopal and Roman Catholic Church, January 12 is the Feast Day (day of celebration/observance) for Aelred of Rievaulx.  I know, you're like who the heck is that?  Don't you mean Alfred?  No, there's no typo; Aelred.

Aelred was a 12th century monk, who was in his time the guru of friendship.  Aelred was an expert on friendship and has even written on it at length.  Aelred's writings explored the foundation, joys qualities and criteria for discernment of friendship.  The following is one of Aelred's statements on friendship. "Authentic Christian friendship must begin in Christ, continue in Christ and be perfected in Christ.  Friendship is also everlasting, an image of God's eternal love."  You should google Aelred in your spare time.  He has some very interesting views on friendship which are still applicable in the 21st century.  Got a friend?  Be a friend!

Read and meditate on this prayer for the Feast of Saint Aelread of Rievaulx.

Pour into our hearts, O God, the Holy Spirit's gift of love, That we, clasping each other's hand, may share the joy of friendship, human and divine, and with your servant Aelred draw many to your community of love; through Jesus Christ the Righteous, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

Peace,
Karsten

Weeping Wanda

Remember the character Weeping Wanda from Good Times?  Wanda was played by Helen Martin who would later play Pearl Shay in 227, along side Marla Gibbs, Jackée Harry and Regina King.  In Good Times, Weeping Wanda was the professional funeral goer of the Southside Chicago Ghetto.  I've been feeling a lot like Weeping Wanda recently.  December was definately a month to remember.  I lost so many people during December to death, high school classmates, colleagues, family friends, childhood mentors and the list goes on and on. I was at a funeral yesterday and was reminded to "Hold to God's unchanging hand." 

The eulogist told us that the deceased person preached their eulogy through the way that they lived, and the only thing that he had to do as a pastor at that moment, was to comfort the family.  In a weird way, I often wonder what will be said about me when I make my eternal exodus.  The words to the song "Only what you do for Christ will last" quickly come to mind.  Preach your eulogy through living your life, just as my dear friend David did.  I have learned that death is as much a part of life as birth is.  Remember to "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand."  It's preaching time!

Time is filled with swift transition,
naught of earth unmoved can stand.
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God's unchanging hand.

When your journey is completed,
if to God you have been true,
fair and bright the home to glory,
your enraptured soul will view.

Hold to his hand, God's unchanging hand.
Hold to his hand, God's unchanging hand.
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God's unchanging hand.

Peace,
Karsten

Making room for the gift

Proverbs 18:16 reminds us that "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men."  Think about the gifts that you have and that the diligence in which you exercise your gift will inevitably place you in the company of great people, not just random Joe Schmoes, Toms, Dicks, Harrys, and Debbie Downers, but upwardly mobile people who are on a mission, and would like to have you along for the experience.

Today marks the beginning of the season of the Epiphany in many churches.  In many countries, this is the day in which holiday gifts are exchanged instead of December 25th.  As children tend to believe that the Magi bring their gifts as opposed to Santa.  The Epiphany commemorates the Magi and their presentation of gifts to the Christ child.  If we look at Jesus, he is an example of Proverbs 18:16.  He had the gifts of salvation, love, joy, and peace, just to name a few.  A great celestial event happened.  Scholars and wisemen from the east came searching for him and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

During this season of Epiphany, which will lead us to Lent, I want you to think about the gifts that you have, not material gifts but skills, passions and knowledge.  Tap into your gifts.  Realize your value, people from far and near will be intrigued and perhaps mentor you, or introduce you to the person that could be instrumental  in helping you climb a little higher on the ladder.  Let this prayer from the Book of Common Prayer for the Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany minister to you.

Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us:  Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Make room for the gift.

Peace,
Karsten

Don't sweat the small stuff

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  We've heard it and maybe have even said it.  But, one of my personal goals for 2011 is not to sweat the small stuff.  To assist me in this, I am reading  "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff" by Richard Carlson, who also wrote "Handbook of Souls."  Reading this book has opened my eyes to the fact that most of the stuff that I concern myself with is really small and trivial.  Over time, I've even developed the habit of allowing the problems and drama of others to become my issues.  Knowing perfectly well that the complexities of my own life would make me a really good case study.

Most people that know me personally get a kick off the fact that I have a very expressive face.  I wear my emotions.  There is no poker face.  My best friend told me if I ever need to know how you feel about something, I just look at your face.  This can be both good and bad.  It gives me a degree of transparency, or what you see is what you get, but I can also see how it may possibly offend people and make me appear to be inapproachable or constantly on the defense.

I guess I am preaching to myself, as I try to obtain a poker face and not sweat the small stuff.  So what, some idiot cut you off in traffic.  Really, what can you do about it?  Someone cut you off in a conversation, within reason, just let them have their say.  It's okay not having to prove that you're right all the time.  As my grandmother would say "Let go and let God."  Will you join me in not sweating the small stuff?

Peace,
Karsten

Resolved

One of my favorite scriptures from the New Testament is 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says "Therefore If any man (woman) be in Christ, (s)he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."  Wow!  What a way to ease into 2011.  Brothers and Sisters, whatever you've resolved or purposed in your heart to do in 2011, take time to think on this verse.

Because we are in Christ, he's our adopted big brother, you know -- we are new creatures.  We are tangible proof of the transforming power of God.  From here on out ALL things are become brand new.  I hope that you caught that.  ALL things are become brand new, not will have become brand new, not became brand new, but rather right here in THIS moment are brand new.  If you do the same thing, you'll yield the same results.  Even if your resolutions are the same ones from last year, and the year before, you are brand new.  One of my Facebook friends posted this as a status on yesterday "I am walking under an open heaven in 2011."  That just blessed me so much. 

In this new year, the Apostle Paul reminds us that "all the promises of God in him (Christ) are yea and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."  I declare to you that the very works of your hands will be blessed in 2011.  You will walk in a new sense of revelatory glory and anointing for the next twelve months and beyond.  There will be trying times in the coming year, just as there were in 2010, but we must be strengthened and fortified realizing that all things work together for the good for those that love God and are called according to his purpose.  I resolve that God, through the Holy Spirit will Grant us wisdom and courage for the facing of this hour and the living of these days.

Peace,
Karsten

# 580 "Another year is dawning"

Happy New Year!  I trust that God's favor and blessings will rest upon you and yours for 2011.  Today's blog entry comes from another set of borrowed words.  The entry comes from the hymn of praise "Another Year is dawning" # 580 in the African Methodist Episcopal Hymnal.  This hymn is typically sung on Freedom's Eve (Watch Night) Services or the First Sunday of the new year.  As you read the words, let them minister to you and think not on the problems of 2010, but the promises and potential of 2011.  Hear ye, this great hymn of the church.

Another year is dawning, Dear Father, let it be,
in working or in waiting, Another year with thee;
Another year of progress, Another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness, the shining of thy face.
Another year of leaning upon thy loving breast,
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.


Another year of service, of witness for thy love;
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, Dear Father, let it be,
On earth, or else in heaven, Another year for Thee!

Amen

May heaven continue to shine upon you in 2011 and beyond.

Faithfully,
Karsten