christian

Once a foreigner…..

I have been sick for the past two weeks, and have found it hard to sit and write for extended periods of time. So for some reason, this previous blog post popped into my head, and I decided to share it today. I am hoping the coughing ends soon, but I think this blog post helps me remember who God wants me to be in these very noisy days.

During the week, I sat down with my husband and watched a PBS special on “Italian Americans”. Being one myself, I was interested to watch the story of the Italian immigrants who started to come to this county in the late 1800’s. Those who came to America faced prejudice, racism and a hard life in the midst of the industrial revolution. They came though, for a better life! While it was a hard road, they travelled it with their families, community and their faith. I totally enjoyed the program, but I was not really encouraged by it until Saturday. That was when I took some time to study for our Sunday lesson.

As I read through the story of the ten lepers that Jesus heals, I was struck by the one who came back to thank him. He was a Samaritan, a foreigner. In the Bible account, he is the only one who comes back and gives praise to God. It is interesting that the author of the story points out the difference of his nationality. I believe that may speak to the prejudice in Jesus’ own time. It is the same prejudice that affected my forefathers, and the same prejudice I see affecting people today. It was in that connection, that I heard the quiet whisper of encouragement.

What was so encouraging about seeing that prejudice has not gone away? Well it was Jesus example. Instead of bypassing those who were different, He chose to heal and forgive. He did not pay attention to the prejudice of the day whether it was based on race, nationality, sin, religion or class. Jesus looked past all these things to the actual person. It was exciting, even liberating. For me, it showed a freedom to ignore the classifications that society puts on people. The freedom to treat everyone as if they were just like me, because they are, even if they don’t seem like it. That is the freedom that Jesus gives us. To accept the foreigner as if he were family.

And yes….that is the manifest for my Great Grandfather when he came to this country in 1898.

January 30, 2017 3

Good News, Great Joy, All People!

So to make a long story short, I have a bit of a new purpose statement for this new year. It really kind of came to me a little before Christmas, and it seemed to make an impression for multiple reasons. I actually could not get away from it because it is a bible verse that is part of the traditional Christmas story. Wow…this short story seems to be getting longer by the minute!

But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people”. Luke 2:10

I was looking for a verse to make some wall art, and this one popped onto my radar. I knew it would be awesome, so I would use “Glad Tidings, Great Joy” on a picture. It is actually one of my favorite verses out of the Christmas story, because of a church production that I was in many moons ago. One of the children said the line, like sixteen times, over the two weeks that the show ran. “I bring you glad tidings of great joy!” Every time he said that part, we laughed. The way he emphasized the words was so …joyful! To this day, the memory still makes me happy.

This time though, I was struck by a different note in the verse. It was the end that seemed to jump off the page and stick in my mind. I totally remember the “glad tidings and great joy” part, but I didn’t remember hearing the “all people”? At that point, I was thinking that something important was missing from my project. The “all people” was not something that I felt could be left off the photo.

Why? Well maybe it was a reaction to this whole year of anger, fear, with so much talking and not enough loving. In this past year of election noise, I wondered if that proclamation of “good news” was clearly heard? Did I see “great joy” when I looked in the mirror? Or in the church pews? And were “all people” able to hear and see those things? We may have thought so, but in watching and listening, I really wasn’t so sure?

Continue reading “Good News, Great Joy, All People!” →

January 11, 2017 1

New Year…still speaking

images-1 So today is January 4^th and an old blog post showed up from 2014 on my FB feed. You know, one of those things they bring up every once in a while that you can share? I never get my old posts coming up like that, so I decided to read it and see what my thoughts were back then. As I opened and read the post, I knew it was what I was supposed to read this morning.

I was actually reading a little bit this morning on a very popular Christian blogger/author who is taking some hits recently. I had been reading someone’s critique of her, and I really had to disagree with him on a point. Why? It was because I felt he was splitting hairs over semantics. What was it about? Well it was about how God speaks to us.

Since that is pretty much the reason I write, I immediately took notice. Now his premise was that God has said everything He was going to say in the bible, and I agree with that. He also said that looking anywhere else for God’s voice was wrong. Well, I don’t go looking for God’s voice necessarily, but I seem to hear him throughout my day, and it may start with anything. Reading my bible, a sermon, a prayer or something that I witnessed in my everyday life. It could come from TV, a movie or something that is happening around me. It typically doesn’t stop there, as these things come in waves. I will then hear that same message again from various sources, and when I see that, I start to listen. Then I start to ask God to clarify what I am hearing. Is that God speaking to me? Yes! I believe so.

Is it something that will contradict scripture? It never has. Is it some kind of new revelation? NO. It is typically the same old reminders to be who He has called me to be. They are usually the reminders of His presence, His care for me and further encouragement to finally do the things I already know I should do. So this morning along with this post I have included the previous posting. Continue reading “New Year…still speaking” →

January 4, 2017 0

Christmas traditions….

So I was a little sad on Sunday night. My hubby’s cousin is a music pastor, and they were having the last performance of their annual Christmas program. It brought back memories of previous years, and the annual tradition of Round the Table Carol Sing.

That was the name of the Christmas program at our previous church. It was a huge undertaking of music, drama, sets, and a whole lot of Burnt Almond Cake. There was a contemporary story, that was mixed in with a retelling of the story of Jesus birth. What I remember most about Carol Sing was the reaction of those who came to watch. They were always amazed by all of the surrounding sets, lighting and costumes. It was pretty over the top! I was privileged to be a part of it for a couple of years. Nothing special, just a part of the choir, except for that one year when I played a Santa Baby. My hubby still enjoys that hazy memory. It was such a wonderful experience. Why? Well, to be a part of something that brought so much joy to people was exciting. It was something that I could not do alone, but with God and a whole group of people, amazing things happen.

So as I was putting silverware on tables at the Lemoore Christmas Community dinner, I teared up a little. I was just feeling a little homesick. Nostalgic. Well since I am not a pretty crier, I quickly got myself under control and got back to work. I was an Elf after all, and nobody likes a sad elf. So my duties for the evening would be to help facilitate the craft and presents at a couple of tables. Greet the families and just help to ensure that they were having a good time. After I gave my new friends a general idea of what would happen during the evening; dinner/presents/raffles/pictures, we just started having a fun together. Talking, laughing and teasing each other. The kids enjoyed making their ornament and who doesn’t love some cake after dinner.

I made some extra special friends at one table. I had some bells that I had put on ribbons a couple of years ago, and they had been hanging on my tree each year. Before I left home, I had grabbed them and put them on my wrist. There is nothing better than walking around jingling, much to my hubby’s dismay. Anyway, at one point during the evening, one of the girls said she liked them. So I took them off, separated the strings and gave one to each girl. I was very happy that I had three, how perfect was that! I now have friends for life.

The organizers made sure that those who attended were lavished with care, food, pictures and then there was more. They were shocked, then excited and then they were delighted by each new surprise. At one table a fifteen year old young sat with his family. He was a happy guy. Those were his words, not mine. He seemed truly impressed by everyone’s generosity and gave me a big hug before they left. I have never met him before and may never see him again, but I will remember the look in his eyes for the rest of my life. Their table did not open the presents they were given, so I told him that I hoped the present would be good. I stood with his mom as they pulled tickets for the raffle, hoping she would win that gift card to Payless. Funny how excited you can get for someone else when you are not in the raffle yourself.

One of the boys at the other table was excited. He whispered that he had peeked into the package and the present inside was good. Then I was excited too! We laughed together, and I was so relieved that he was going to like what he received.

As the night ended I could not believe what an amazing time I’d had. It was then That I remembered Carol Sing. It was that same type of feeling. The one that comes when so many people come together and do a great work, that none of them could have done alone. When they let generosity, hope and grace flow from God through them. So many presents, so much food, so much time and so many people! Those who organized this event not only provided a meal and presents, they gave those who attended a night where they were treated as honored guests.

And as for me? Next year, no more tears. I am excited to say that I have a new Christmas tradition.

December 14, 2016 1

I am NOT…..

I AM. God’s name. I’ve always thought it was kind of a weird name, I mean really…. I AM. Well of course you are…right?

It wasn’t until this week, when I was doing a script for our preK class, that I got a better idea of what it meant for me. So as I was reading about Moses a sentence jumped out at me. I’d read it before, but today I really HEARD it. d2ca09d8868423819bd7b85d27b29d6e

It wasn’t something God said, but it was what Moses responded that caught my attention. God had just told Moses that he was going to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. Great news right? Moses then starts arguing with God, telling him all the reasons why he was the wrong man for the job. Moses asks, “who am I?” And in that question, I found a different way to look at God’s name.
God is the I AM. You can put anything you need after that statement, and it works. I AM holy. I AM truth. I AM wise. I AM peace. I AM joy. I AM provision. Whatever we need, the great I AM is always the answer. The I AM statement about God is always true, but like Moses, for me it doesn’t work so well. As a matter of fact, even at my best, there is always an asterisk.

I am encouraging.* Except when I am tired, have given it all out already and haven’t sought out my own encouragement from God.

I am patient.* Except when I’ve done all the calculations in my brain already, made a decision and have to wait for others to make theirs.

I am generous.* Only after God has to remind me that He’s got my back, and the resources at my disposal are truly to share.

I am a good listener.* Except when I have to listen too long. Ugh!

These are things that I strive to be and some are even my gifts. So it should be easier for me….right? Well that is a definite NO! God is all those things and more! He is anything we need, perfectly every single time! He fulfills the purpose of His name….I AM.

November 16, 2016 1

Election Fog….

images So it is the day after the election. For us here in Central California, it is a foggy day. Now when I first moved to Lemoore, people warned me about the fog, but I didn’t really listen. I mean, I grew up in San Jose, where fog would roll in from the Santa Cruz mountains. How much worse could it be? Well, it is like night and day! The Tule fog in the valley can be truly dangerous. After being in both types of fog, it seems to me that the fog here goes all the way to the ground. Driving in it is awful because you can only see so much in front of you, and then you cannot even see the lines to get a good bearing as to where you are. And at nighttime? Well to tell you the truth, after the Christmas in 2005 when the fog rolled in while I was shopping, and then I could not find my car in the parking lot? I don’t really drive in the fog at night.

Today though was not a horrible fog day. It was patchy, and did not go all the way down to the ground. As I walked though, it was interesting to look ahead and see how the fog distorted what was ahead of me. Now I walk the same way pretty much every day, so I know what is to come, even before seeing it.

The barber shop is always open, people are stopping by the ATM at the bank, there is a clock in town that has the wrong time and kids are on their way to school. There is so much that I expect to see when I walk, and even in the fog, I know it will be there.

So as I was walking, I thought that the fog was a good analogy for the near future. We know some of what to expect, but there are some details that are a little hazy the farther we look ahead. In the distance we can see things moving, but we don’t necessarily see the details or how it may all fit together.

We don’t have the whole picture.

That may make some of us uncomfortable, and others downright scared. Then there are others that think they know what is ahead. They will travel under the assumption that things will be just how they expect. They may or may not be surprised by what they find.

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For me, I am optimistic. Is it because my candidate won? No. It is because I have used the only power that I have in politics. And that my friends, was my vote. I did what I was supposed to do in the election process, and I cast my vote in the best way I knew how. In that sense, I am content, but my job is not done.

Today is another day where I have the opportunity to live like I say I believe. This is really where I think we have the most impact on our communities, the country and the world.

So today is really just another day. No better or worse than yesterday. Today is a day where I am going to try and continue to live out who God made me to be.

I want to love God, and love my neighbor more than myself. To seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly.

November 9, 2016 1

Choose to Influence

influence-graphic-300x169 “10 Historical Records That Tell Another Side of Bible Stories”, was the name of the article that showed up in my Yahoo news feed this morning. The article went through ten Bible stories, and matched them with some historical accounts that were written by non-biblical sources. The one that caught my eye was the story of Esther, and the historical account of the man most likely that was her husband, King Xerxes I of Persia.

What do you wish? Whatever it is, I will give it to you, even if it is half of my kingdom!” Esther 7:2 NLT

When Esther goes in to see the king, she is greeted warmly and he is delighted to see her. How do we know? Well, it is because he says that he will “give her anything up to half of the kingdom.” So I think we can safely assume that he was glad she was there. As her story goes, she asks him to a banquet, where there will be a guest list of three. Her intention is to use her influence to save her people. After the banquet, she invites him to another with the same three attendees, the king, herself and her enemy Haman.

When she had shown care, kindness and hospitality to not only her husband but her enemy also, the king asks her again “What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!” Talk about influence! It was then our story comes to its conclusion. Queen Esther unmasks Haman’s cruel plot to kill all of the Jews and the King is outraged. Long story short, Haman is executed and the Jewish people are safe.

As I read the story, I thought about the position of influence God had given her, and how she used it for good. My morning thoughts did not stop there though. The King’s statement sounded familiar, like I had heard it somewhere else. I looked and confirmed that there is another record in the bible where another person had said pretty much the same thing. Where influence was used, but the outcome was markedly different.

“Ask me for anything you like,” the king vowed, “even half of my kingdom, and I will give it to you!” Mark 6:23 NLT

Now these words were spoken by King Herod. He too was at a banquet, but this one was very different from the one Esther had given. There were many people attending, and that included Queen Herodias and her daughter. It is written that at this banquet, the daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod. When she was done, Herod told her to make her request known.

Again, another woman, another banquet, another King with ultimate power. What would she use this great moment to ask for? The power of influence right then is staggering. He was surrounded by people that would be a witness to whatever she asks, and they would then be looking to Herod to grant that request. There was only one problem. Someone else had influence over this young woman, her mother Herodias. She went and asked her mother what should she request? Herodias’ fatal answer meant death for John the Baptist.

I know most of us may never have that kind of history making influence, but that does not let us off the hook. While our circles of influence may seem small, how we use it can still have far reaching effects. So it is important to ask, how do I use my influence?

This morning as I think of the continuing message series about mercy I am hearing at church, I know that influence is part of that equation. Where do I have influence? How can I use my influence to show God’s mercy to someone else? Maybe even more important, will I use my influence for my own promotion or will I use it for someone else’s benefit?

We all have influence in various circles in our lives, through work, church, family and friends. Sometimes we may have a little, and at other times much more, but I believe that one thing is true. God does not give me influence to squander only on myself, but to help those around me. And while I may not feel that I have much, I do know that the right thing for me is to advocate for those who may have even less. Small amount or not, I believe God gives each of us just the right amount. All it has to be is enough, for “such a time as this”.

October 26, 2016 0

Acknowledging loss

I am always amazed by the way life ends. Today, a mother lost a son. In her grief, she will drop everything. Her world has narrowed down to a small point of focus. As a mom, I hurt with her. I can feel some of her pain. I shed tears and know that in the back of my mind that it could have been my son. It could have been any of our sons.

As I sit here though, in the first few minutes of shock, I hear birds singing and the hum of our pool filter. Outside are cars, a dog barking and the faraway engine of a plane. The sounds of people going through their normal routine as the work day is winding down. I always wonder….why doesn’t time stop? How can life still go on so normally, when so much pain has been unleashed? When a precious life is no more.

I know. This happens every day, all over the world. There is loss, and there is grief. And yes, that loss and that grief deserves that same kind of respect, but it is something that the world gives to no man.

So today I grieve with my friend, for her beautiful son. And if no one else will or can, I an going to take this moment to stop and to pray. To put aside my normal life and acknowledge the great loss that is not only hers, but all of ours.

October 12, 2016 2

My Rock

20150330-p3301911-e1428356430678-1240x785 So this weekend I went to the Pinnacles National Park with my hubby and his parents. We were all in their RV and it was wonderful. It is fall, so the park has a total “old west” look to it, which some people may not find the most attractive, but I thought it was gorgeous. The Pinnacles is known for its rock walls, talus caves and California Condors.

The first day that we hiked, we got to the set of caves on the trail and I had to say some quick prayers before I entered. I do not like being closed in or confined, whether it is clothes, under water, airplanes and even caves. I was with my hubby though and I could not hold him back, and to tell you the truth I did not want to hold myself back. So we went into the cave and I did OK, till we finally got to a point where the outside light was no longer visible. It was then that I caught my breath for a moment. To me, this was the place of most danger. The place where I could not get out quickly if I needed too. I mean really? They had just issued an earthquake advisory for Southern California a few days before, and while I was not in the south, we were directly on the San Andreas Fault line. I am a lifelong Californian and we do not typically get advisories like that, so there must be something to it. Right?

Well in the middle of the cave, these thoughts flash through my head quickly. So after hpnm0110 another quick prayer, I turned on my light and followed my hubby. In retrospect, the length of the cave was very short, so I was able to easily get through. So you would think on day two I wouldn’t have any problem with the cave? Think again.

The hike we took the next day was even longer, and took us from one side of the park to the other. It was a wonderful walk enjoying the quiet and the calm of the chaparral. When we reached the cave on this trail, I felt pretty good. I figured that if I could survive the first caves, I could survive this one. I am sure that I said a quick prayer going in, but in looking back it was not enough. We got to the inside of the cave, and it became dark again so we put our headlamps on. I was doing Ok, but we came to a point where the further we got the more uncomfortable I became. It was then we reached a spot where we would could not walk through any more. We had to literally get on hands and knees to climb up a boulder about six feet up, then crawl through an opening that was probably 4 feet wide. Now that is a good amount of room, but to a chicken, any smaller spaces seem very disconcerting. It was at this point that my fear again reared its ugly head. The words were on my lips to tell my hubby that I wanted to turn around, but I couldn’t.

So I started crawling up to the spot where he was sitting, waiting for me. The higher I got, the better I felt. I was cracking up, because I am sure that everyone could hear me. As with each rock I touched I reminded God that He is my “rock” and my “shelter”. Before I knew it, I was through the caves and out on the other side. At that point, my fear seemed a bit silly.

The payoff? Well the other side of the trail was my favorite part of the whole weekend. It was beautiful! There was a “courtyard” on the other side of the caves, surrounded by towering rocks. After such a long hot walk, it was cool, refreshing and awe inspiring. I thought as we continued to walk, that I could have missed it all if I had turned back. I thought about what I wouldn’t have been a part of, if I had let that momentary fear change my direction.

14572759_10209832544864192_8318213139520730873_n I was really encouraged by my experience at the park. I read the bible and the stories of people are very much alive to me. They help me see what God has done in the past, and how He is able to work in a person’s life. To have a more personal reminder though, is even better. It helps me push through that moment of fear and find the courage to keep going. It reminds me that even in the darkest moment, when the problem is all encompassing, an answer may shine through just a step or two away.

October 5, 2016 1

Cheryl Mendoza

How He speaks to me…..Or… can't He just call my cell when He wants to talk?

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