onewhoponders

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Week 7 of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 97, 99, [100]; PM Psalm 94, [95] Ezek. 7:10-15,23b-27; Heb. 6:13-20; Luke 10:1-17

“Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” (Luke 10: 11)

In this passage from the Gospel of Luke we have Jesus sending out the seventy.  Again, they go without provisions. He wants then to depend on those to whom they take the healing and the message. What I find worthy to note here is that even if the seventy are not welcomed, or the people to whom they are sent are not willing to be healed, these unwelcoming people are still told that “the kingdom of God has come near.”

This is a message we still need to hear today.  The kingdom of God has come near, and it is still coming to us every day, overlapping us.  It is not going anywhere.  We can oppose it, or ignore it but God is not hindered. God, and the realm of our Creator, is what it is, whether or not we believe it.  We are the ones who should care about believing it.  God’s kingdom is coming into our world more and more every day, week, month and year.  God wins in our evolution.  We too can be unwelcoming, or we can be co-creators with the solution. It is an individual choice. Receive, be healed and believe. Thanks be to God.

My Fitness Pondering

I remember a news report once a long time ago when then President Reagan was undergoing a rehabilitation program and it was reported that he was gaining strength. In fact, at his older age, he was building new muscle.  “Reagan installed a gym in the White House and began regularly exercising there, gaining so much muscle that he had to buy new suits.” (From Wikipedia) While some may not consider Wikipedia a reliable source, I personally remember this report being said in a news report before Wikipedia was around.  So I’m thinking it’s never too late to build strength or to add muscle. I think we just get tired and begin to ask ourselves if it’s worth it.  And to that, I say yes, it is.

My Music Pondering

Playing is relaxing.  Sometimes I just let go and create melodies that I have never heard before. I think I am using music to further define who I am.  These random melodies that I play, are they sad or happy?  Are they rock or blues, jazz or church? They are all of the above.  Who does that make me?  I don’t know yet, I’m still letting the “music move me around.” (Billy Preston: Will it Go Around in Circles)   And the music is moving me around. I am enjoying the ride but I don’t think it’s moving in circles however, more like a spiral.  That is, as my music goes around it’s slightly higher and higher in clarity of who I am becoming. I, like everybody else, have to keep on keeping on. Unlike a merry-go-round, I  will not get off the ride at the point I got on.  I will be in a new place.  Thank You Jesus.

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Week 7 of Easter Year 1

AM Psalm 89:1-18; PM Psalm 89:19-52  Ezek. 4:1-17; Heb. 6:1-12; Luke 9:51-62

 “The heavens bear witness to your wonders, O Lord, and to your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones” (Psalm 89:5)

I like considering myself somewhat of an amateur astronomer. I say this because I like being able to distinguish between stars and planets.  I also like being able to see the constellations as we have labeled them based on our earth-bound observation.  I realize of course that the Big Dipper would not resemble a dipper at all if seen from the side or from top to bottom.  But the view from earth gives us humans a way to locate it among ourselves.  But the cosmos is ordered.  It is not whimsical.  There is a set pattern of rotation and with it expectation.  We star watchers can reasonably predict when eclipses will occur based on our earth bound observation. All of this bears witness to The Great Architect of the universe. “The heavens bear witness to your wonders, O Lord.”

In the same way this Great Architect has structured goodness to reside in the morality of humanity.  Unlike the cosmos however, God has given us the freedom to choose to do good. The cosmos works within the faithfulness of God. It can be counted on, predicted.  But at present, we cannot. However should we choose to operate from faith and do what is good in the sight of God then truly God’s faithfulness will be “in the assembly of the holy ones”

June 3 is the day we remember the Martyrs of Uganda. “In 1886, thirty-two young men, pages of the court of King Mwanga of Buganda, were burned to death at Namugongo for their refusal to renounce Christianity. In the following months many other Christians throughout the country died by fire or spear for their faith.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses – June 3) Again, why can’t we live orderly lives like the cosmos?  We are all made by the same God. In spite of these murders, Christianity grew in Uganda. “The example of these martyrs, who walked to their death singing hymns and praying for their enemies, so inspired many of the bystanders that they began to seek instruction from the remaining Christians.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses – June 3) Jesus Wins.

My Fitness Pondering

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I am pictured here on a friend’s Harley-Davidson Three Wheeler.  The three wheels are symbolic of my faith, fitness and music pondering. I continue to pray that my exercise program will keep me in the good health necessary to pursue continued growth in faith and increased ability in music. 

My Music Pondering

I am playing the piano from feel and hearing mostly.  I am always amazed at the musical talent of our parish pianist.   They are two very gifted ladies.  We are blessed to have them at St Paul’s in the Pines.  While I say that I am playing from feeling and hearing it is not to suggest that I am not reading the notes.  I am.  But the notes I hold to memory and use feeling and hearing to tell me if I got it right.  Again, I am a late blooming work in progress.  And thankful to Jesus for whatever I can accomplish.

My Faith Pondering

Eucharistic Readings for the Seventh Sunday after Easter- Year C

Acts 16:16-34Psalm 97Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21John 17:20-26

“At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized” (Acts 16:33)

There is so much in this Acts passage.  It is a narrative that shows change and salvation. The unnamed jailer is so thankful that Paul and the other prisoners are still there that he wants to show compassion for them.  He cleans them of their wounds and they, through baptism, cleanse him and his household of their sins. I wonder/ponder if it was the same water?  How symbolic if it was. They were truly an example of Henri Nouwen’s “Wounded Healers.” 

We got to this place because of the retaliation of slave holders. The divine gifts of their slave girl were taken away because of Paul’s request to Jesus.  They had no problem using her gifts for their own wealth and did not complain about Paul when it worked in their favor.  But when their slave girl’s powers were taken away they immediately played the ethnic, religious card; they said, “These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.” (Acts 16:20-21)  If what Paul was doing early on was not lawful, then it also was not lawful when it was used for their benefit. We should not look for the evil of something only when it does not serve our purposes. 

But perhaps God makes some good of this sad situation.  The jailer has turned to Christianity because of the human caring of Christianity regardless of ethnicity or religious preference. We who decide to be Christian should be Christian because of its inherent care and compassion of others, all others.

My Fitness Pondering

I stopped at an “all you could eat” restaurant to get something for dinner.  I was getting the to-go order, not the stay and eat-till-you drop situation.  As I waited for my order to be filled I noticed people going to and fro through the buffet lines.  There is something about the “getting one’s money’s worth” mentality.  This idea about money’s worth seems to be more important than what is a healthy amount of food.  And this does not even bring into question the particular food choices.  I am overweight.  I am aware of it.  However I observed many who were overweight going back to the food troughs getting their “money’s worth” and thus ensuring that they will one day be a patient in our local hospital.  I have said it before and I’ll say it again, discipline is key.

My Music Pondering

I am finding that I like playing music at the end of the day.  It is a soothing way to relax and reward myself.  I also like the way the “brains of my fingers” are acting independently in remembering how to play the music. I am reminded that blind people play the piano and guitar and often play on par or better than sighted people (like me). I need to let go and let my fingers do their work.

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Week 6 of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 87, 90; PM Psalm 136Ezek. 3:4-17; Heb. 5:7-14; Luke 9:37-50

“John answered, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.’  But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.’” (Luke 9: 49-50)

So even from the beginning there were different denominations, of sorts.  Jesus did not care who used his name as long as it was for the benefit of persons, any persons. But as we can see, jealousy rose up amongst the twelve, John in particular.  I was amazed whenever I was in first grade and another kid knew what a hammer was.  I really thought that I, because my dad taught me about a hammer, was the only person in the world that had such information.  So when other kids knew about a hammer and other tools I was upset because I thought I had special knowledge.  This is the kind of stuff parties are made of.  People stand around at parties and try to amaze others with their keen insight about a particular matter.  I find myself moving away from such centers of attention, even though I used to be one. I am proud to now be in a place where Jesus is available to all who seek him, especially without me, but with me if necessary. But I will not assume ownership.

Today we also remember Justin Martyr who was executed in the year 167.  Justin was a student of philosophy and higher learning and when he was told about Jesus “he fell in with a stranger, who told him about Christ. Straightway a flame was kindled in my soul,” he writes, “and a love of the prophets and those who are friends of Christ possessed me.” He became a Christian as a result of this encounter, and thereafter regarded Christianity as the only “safe and profitable philosophy.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for June 1) Justin was executed because he was a threat to the Roman controlled belief system of his day.  Don’t think its unlikely now; many of us might be living under a similar kind of controlled belief system today!

My Fitness Pondering

More and more I am being made aware of the importance of food intake and what it means to have all things in moderation.  Discipline is key.  I have a weakness for carbonated beverages. I was ‘afforded the opportunity to drink some flavored water the other day.  Maybe my fitness program will benefit from substituting the carbonated drinks for flavored water or just water. Time will tell.

My Music Pondering

I visited a friend yesterday who did not know that I was learning guitar along with piano.  He had a guitar in his office and let me play a couple of melodies on it.  It is wonderful to hold, or be at an instrument you’ve never seen before and yet, be able to make it sound like you.  He too is learning the guitar and like me, plays in support of church gatherings.  Musical instruments are nice mediums for bringing the faithful together.  Thank You Jesus.

My Faith Pondering

Eucharistic Readings for The Visitation

1 Samuel 2:1-10 Romans 12:9-16b/a> Psalm 113 Luke 1:39-57

“And Mary^[f] 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.”  (Luke 1: 36 – 38 NRSV)

Mary’s proclamation sounds much like Hannah’s in 1 Samuel 2:1 – 10).  Both women received the grace of knowing the power, love, graciousness, and will of God.  And, they tried as best they could, to put it into words.  Mary speaks of her soul magnifying the Lord and her spirit rejoicing in God her Savior (the Savior that she gave birth to).  This shows that there truly is something divine imbedded in us, put in us by God.

This soul/spirit impregnation does not end with Hannah or Mary or even just women only.  This soul/spirit impregnation is in all human beings, male and female alike.  In some of us (Christians) it has the special purpose of heralding the good news that the kingdom of heaven has come near.  That is, we just let people know that God is all around us, all the time. It’s up to them to decide how they receive God, not our job.  Mary informs us about God and lets us know that God looks upon us as being in relationship with God. We, like Mary, are to inform people about God. We just toot the horn; it’s up to them, both if they dance, and how they dance. I know that my spirit also rejoices in God my Savior. And, yes, I’m dancing, kind of resembles James Brown’s “I Feel Good.”

My Fitness Pondering

My Daily Seven is really going well.  Of course, I did just re-name my workout to that very Marine Corps sounding name.  Now I’m doing my Daily Seven – seven days a week.  Remember, that’s when a milk cow is milked, seven days a week.  When I told a person in my spiritual guidance group about my daily commitment and how it is like the commitment of milking cows, she looked down as if recalling her days on her family farm regarding the milking responsibility and gave me a somewhat solemn “yes.”  But to me that “yes” was the affirmation I needed to know I was on to something.  Or as Marines say while on the run, “Everyday, all the way!”

My Music Pondering

Last night I got to see what I would consider my dream job, a high school band director. This man got to bring music to young people and be a part of shaping their lives musically and perhaps spiritually and morally as well.  He also got to hear the beautiful music these young people played on many different kinds of instruments. Wow! And Wow again!  And get this; he gets paid to do it.  Can you believe that?  That’s so what I want to be when I grow up.  Thank You Jesus.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying through (and to) the people of the Creating Word and then let us “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do.”  John Thomas Frazier Sr.

My Faith Pondering

Readings for Ascension Day

AM Psalm 8, 47; PM Psalm 24, 96 Ezek. 1:1-14,24-28b; Heb. 2:5-18; Matt. 28:16-20

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:16-17)

Having been to Galilee and visited several hills there I have a real appreciation for how beautiful that Holy Land is.  Galilee, in many ways, is like our churches. We gather to worship Jesus believing that he is with us again, even to the end of the age.  But also it must be recognized that some of us there still doubt.  And even some of us so called true believers doubt some times.  But still, Jesus is with us anyway, whether we trust it or not.  I like that part.  This day we remember Jesus’ final departure, his Ascension, forty days after the Resurrection. His Presence is still felt in our communities, in our churches, in our homes and in our hearts.  One day, we too will ascend and be with him as he is. Thank You Jesus. 

My Fitness Pondering

Continuing to be “a work in progress”, I now have my morning exercises separated into seven different exercises.  Hopefully not boring you, I do pushups, pull ups, sit ups, dips, vertical leg lifts, toe-touches, and squats.  I separated bends and squats into two different exercises.  The toe touches are a deliberate effort to attain the lock-kneed toe touch; not there yet though.  The squats are just good in themselves because the large thigh muscles generate good blood flow.  So I now have what I am calling my “Daily Seven.”  So it’s the “Daily Seven Seven Days” a week.

My Music Pondering

I’m still playing three hymns everyday: “Lead Me, Guide Me”; “Praise to the Lord”; and “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”. I love the music and the words of each.  At least family and friends reading this blog or just knowing me, will know what I want played at my funeral. Most people know I like these hymns because I can be heard singing them from time to time. I can still remember my mother singing “When I Rose Up This Morning.”  Now that is a real “Resurrection” hymn I think; so appropriate at a funeral.   How about you? Have you gotten with your pastor and discussed what you would like played at your funeral? As a pastor I can tell you it really makes a difference when preparing a funeral.   Remember, we never know when. So right now, while you have some control, is a good time to make an appointment.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying through (and to) the people of the Creating Word and then let us “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do.”  John Thomas Frazier Sr.

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Week 6 of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 119:97-120 Baruch 3:24-37; James 5:13-18; Luke 12:22-31

“Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5: 13 – 14)

Truthfully, I like all of James’s letter.  Today’s reading of James is timely for me as it falls on a Wednesday, our healing day at St. Paul’s.   While I’m not using the Daily Office for today it still resonates within my mind as I conduct the anointing of oil and the prayers.  I also like the instruction to pray when suffering and to sing songs of praise when cheerful.  I asked people, clergy and lay, if they could point out someone in the Bible to me that they saw as cheerful.  Most of scripture is dreadful, at least to me.  Yes, I know Jesus reclined at table on many occasions. But most of the biblical persons are prophets who warn of the “wrath to come” or of the impending dread about to fall on us.

Joseph, son of Jacob/Israel and Rachel, was a cheerful person. Of course it almost got him killed by his brothers, whose ancestors will represent the twelve tribes of Israel.  Joseph wound up being the salvation of his brothers (Gen. 30 – 50) by making a space for them in Egypt. Joseph appears to be an optimist and a cheerful person who brought good news to the people of his day including the advice to store up provisions for the future.  In the end, he received his father and brothers with loving arms and tears.  Yes, he was a trickster too, but he was a joyful person. 

My Fitness Pondering

This morning was one of those “make myself do it” mornings.  Now that it’s done I am pretty proud of myself.  I meet people all the time who say they admire and respect the way I get up and work out but will not respect themselves the same way.  I have found that when we have an appointment with a doctor or job interview, or just a lunch date, we will keep it.  We need to put ourselves on our own calendar to exercise and keep this all important appointment. When you do it and keep the appointment to exercise you too will be pretty proud of yourself.

My Music Pondering

Sometimes it is boring playing the piano.  But it is during these times that I must press on to play anyway.  When I make myself play, it winds up being a good practice. It just takes perseverance. I find that when my mind says that’s enough, my fingers learn new stuff.  I think I am developing a type of muscle memory in my fingers as they relate to the keyboard. Go Me!

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying through (and to) the people of the Creating Word and then let us “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do.”  John Thomas Frazier Sr.

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Week 6 of Easter Year 1

AM Psalm 78:1-39; PM Psalm 78:40-72 Deut. 8:11-20; James 1:16-27; Luke 11:1-13

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27)

I like this definition of what pure religion is.  Many people today claim not to be religious but rather they say they are spiritual.  Most of these people are trying to distance themselves from “organized religion.” James does not let them off the hook.  Also, I am reminded that Jesus in his invitations on the beach did not say go and be spiritual. He said “follow me.”  Therefore we are “organized” after all. James further organizes us to take care of the orphans and widows, the voiceless ones and all people in need of help.  I don’t believe Christianity is meant for everybody to be Christian.  But if you feel that you are called to help the needy without insisting that the people you help also become followers of Jesus, ironically, then Christianity is probably right for you. We assist, we shouldn’t enlist. Oh, they can join us through baptism but they should understand what they are getting into. In this way we stay unstained by the world, a world that says success is measured in the number of followers you have.

My Fitness Pondering

I’m still maturing in my due diligence to do “all” my exercises in the morning.  I am faithful with pushups, but sometimes negligent with what follows.  I am writing this journal entry as a confessional so that hopefully it will prompt me into being more diligent.  I am due to retire next year.  It is my plan to continue pondering about faith, fitness and music as a career practice for as long as I am able. Today however, I am happy to report that I did all of my exercises: I did pushups, pull ups, sit ups, dips, vertical leg lifts, and bend and squats. Confession is good for the soul, at least as for my exercises are concerned. How about you?  Are you sticking with it?

My Music Pondering

I saw an article on TV where Steinway Pianos were made in Queens, New York by mostly immigrant workers, a tradition that has been maintained for more the 150 years. All of the Grand pianos were hand crafted. The reporter doing the story was a pianist himself.  He was afforded the opportunity to play one for a moment.  Even through the television I could sense his joy as he listened to the sound the piano made. I thought of how nice it would be to hit the lottery and buy one; maybe in my dreams perhaps.  I would love to play one though.  I have faith.  Maybe in my travels, at an airport or a hotel lobby or even while visiting a church there will be a Steinway just sitting there.  Halleluiah!

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying through (and to) the people of the Creating Word and then let us “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do.”  John Thomas Frazier Sr.

My Faith Pondering

Readings for Bertha and Ethelbert, Queen and King of Kent 616 May 27

Psalm 144:9-15 Wisdom 9:7-121 Timothy 4:6-10Luke 10:21-24

“You have chosen me to be king of your people and to be judge over your sons and daughters.” (Wisdom 9:7)

Today we remember Bertha and Ethelbert, queen and king of Kent, England 616.  Ethelbert married Bertha, who was French, with the understanding that she could continue her Christian faith. Ethelbert himself became a Christian later.

Though [Ethelbert] helped the missionaries and founded cathedrals and churches throughout southeastern England, including Canterbury Cathedral, he never coerced his people, or even his children, into conversion. Bertha’s kind and charitable nature and Ethelbert’s respect for law and the dignity of individual conscience represent, to this day, some of the best of the English Christian spirit.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses May 27)

Sometimes we have to push away from historical text in order to get a clearer picture of what God is doing in our world.  I believe we can see God’s movement at work developing the church more and more in incremental steps.  God works through Ethelbert and Bertha slowly evolving the church into the Anglican Communion of which our Episcopal Church is still a part of.  We must remember however we are a Church for the benefit of the world, not to convert the world to us.  We are to serve others, not convert others. I like Ethelbert’s policy of not mandating Christianity.

My Fitness Pondering

I was reminded yesterday that fitness is so much more than just exercise.  Fitness also has much to do with what we put into our bodies. Fresh fruits, vegetables and water are important.  As the summer creeps in, water is very important.  I forgot that and I was feeling bad. But I am blessed to have a friend who reminded me to drink water. Wonderful!  I did and I felt better. Thanks friend.

My Music Pondering

I can be found writing in my journal at the dining room table a lot.  I am aware of the TV on in the family room.  I am amazed at how much music influences our attitude as we view what we are watching.  There is certain music for horror, certain music for adventure and so on. There is also music for just riding in our cars. It is a passive experience.  I like being a part of what I hear. I like having something to do with what I hear by actually making some of the music myself – even if its just my voice. I especially like hearing someone who claims she can’t sing actually sound pretty good as she makes her own music. Voice is an amazing instrument.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying through (and to) the people of the Creating Word and then let us “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do.”  John Thomas Frazier Sr.

My Faith Pondering

Eucharistic Readings for May 26, 2019 Week 6 of Easter Year C

Acts 16:9-15Psalm 67 Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9

“Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23) 

So much of our Christian teaching has to do with us going to God.  But here Jesus says that He and the Father will come and make their home with us! It might be time for some spring cleaning! What will it look like for God in the person of Christ Jesus to come and live in you? Will people see that God is acting out in you? When this happens, how can we get out of the way so that God can do God’s work?

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”  (John 14:27)

Jesus gives us a peace which surpasses all understanding.  We have a peace which will assist us in resolving our problems – if we would but give it a chance. When Jesus, with the Creator comes to live with us and gives us this divine peace, how do we live into it?  Blaise Pascal Quotes. “The heart has its reasons which reason knows not.” Also Pascal says, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”

How about sitting quietly in a room with the Holy Spirit of Jesus, with the Peace that Jesus leaves with us?  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”

My Fitness Pondering

Morning exercise is so wonderful!  The mornings are quiet. Exercise starts the blood to moving. And, while it is good for the whole body, it is especially good for the brain.  It is with such an awakened mind that I review my journal just prior to posting it to my blog site.  When I think of newborn babies I recall that they first express their aliveness in movement. This is the way we are made.  We move and then we reason, think, we pray and ponder. But it starts with the One in Whom we live and “move” and have our being. This is God Almighty, the Alpha and the Omega.

My Music Pondering

Every day I play the piano. The time spent playing is not always the same. Some days are shorter, some days longer.  I don’t know if I am improving.  But I like hearing the music that I make. And here is the best part; it is me that is doing it!  I did not give up on me. I am reminded that we don’t quit playing because we grow old; we grow old because we quit playing.  That is just as true in music as it is in sports and exercise. We must keep on keeping on. Thank You Jesus.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying through (and to) the people of the Creating Word and then let us “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do.”  John Thomas Frazier Sr.