onewhoponders

My Faith Pondering

AM Psalm 119:49-72; PM Psalm 49, [53] Wisdom 4:16-5:8; Col. 1:24-2:7; Luke 6:27-38

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31)

This is Luke’s version of the Golden Rule.  Its premise is based on a healthy desire for yourself.  So when I think of what I have appreciated most in my life it has been the teaching moments, or maybe better put, the learning moments.  But even then I had to put aside my own know-it-all attitude so that I might be able to receive instruction.  I love it when people “teach me” something new and wonderful, something life-changing. I am a little beyond the material world of “having things.”  I would so much rather someone teach me to fish than give me a fish.

So, in doing onto others, I want to teach people important things, life-changing things.  I want people to teach me new stuff, life evolving stuff.  I want life-long learning.  Therefore, I want to teach others as well. This is my take on the importance of the Golden Rule.

My Fitness Pondering

My workout went well yesterday.  I did pushups bend and squats, pull ups, sit ups, dips, leg lifts and concluded with yoga beginning the yoga with the dreaded “crow” position.  I hate that bird.  Well, I don’t hate the bird, I just stress about doing that particular yoga position. 

My Music Pondering

I have two things to say about my musical experiences.  First, my music practice needs to move up in the day.  I find that if I put it at the end of my day the quality of my learning is greatly diminished.

Second, playing the piano requires a great deal of eye to hand coordination. I have to see the notes and “automatically” have my fingers go to the right place just as I am typing this journal without looking – it just happens.  This will take practice – practice that requires morning application, not end of the day, fatigued struggling. My descriptive language needs to change from doing music everyday to doing music every morning.  That’s a little change in language but a big difference in results.

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, Year 1Week of the Fourth Sunday of Easter

AM Psalm 45; PM Psalm 47, 48  Wisdom 3:1-9; Col 1:15-23; Luke 6:12-26

“My heart is stirring with a noble song; let me recite what I have fashioned for the king; my tongue shall be the pen of a skilled writer.” (Psalm 45:1)

As a priest I am often called upon to preside over blessings, baptisms, weddings, funerals as well as to do opening invocations and closing benedictions.  I thank God for our Book of Common Prayer and I have used it so much that as I pray the words of the book flow easily from my lips.  And now as I blog my pondering, I pray and hope it is pleasing to people who need an inclusive way to trust and understand the will of God.

Writing helps me to better understand my relationship with God.  However, I must share with you that as I companion with people as a spiritual guide I ask them to try journaling.  Many have a hard time accepting the idea of putting their thoughts about their faith on paper, even electronic paper.  I have found that writing my ponderings down I can see how I have evolved over the years.   My tongue may not be the pen of a skilled writer but I share with whoever will read my words what our Lord has given me to say.

My personal faith creed again: I believe in God, the Creating Word, through the Holy Spirit of the Incarnate Word, in whom we live and move and love and have our being and to whom we must give an account.  This is where I am right now.  Write a basic sentence or two about what you believe in our own words.  It’s yours alone.  Read it later.  How have you evolved? Thank You Jesus.

My Fitness Pondering

I kind of rushed through my exercises yesterday.  I worked up a good sweat though.  I attended a group spiritual session also yesterday.  The people in my circle were amazed and somewhat humorous about my dedication to exercise.  We are all about the same age save one youngster.  I shared my “milk cow” metaphor with them as it pertains to an everyday commitment, and while they liked it, none were ready to commit to an “every day” exercise program.  Ha, ha.  It is what it is.

My Music Pondering

I spent a couple of hours on my electric piano yesterday.  I’m still working on “Praise to the Lord.” Another hymn that resonates with me is “Come thou fount or every blessing” (Hymn 686 in our 1982 Hymnal). When I sing the words “Prone to wonder, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love,” something happens inside me.  I need this hymn to remind me of my vulnerability.

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 Frances Perkins: Public Servant and Prophetic Witness, 1965
Deuteronomy 15:7-11 Psalm 37:27-31 Luke 9:10-17

“On their return the apostles told Jesus all they had done. He took them with him and withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida.” (Luke 9:10)

We often overlook the private time that Jesus insisted on with his disciples.  This lesson was not lost on Frances Perkins.

“Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve a President of the United States as a member of the Cabinet.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for May 13)

“As a young adult, she discovered The Episcopal Church and was confirmed at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, Illinois, on June 11, 1905, and she remained a faithful and active Episcopalian for the remainder of her life.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for May 13)

“President Roosevelt appointed her to a Cabinet post as Secretary of Labor, a position she would hold for twelve years. As Secretary of Labor, Perkins would have a major role in shaping the New Deal legislation signed into law by President Roosevelt, most notably the establishment of the Social Security program.”  (Great Cloud of Witnesses for May 13)

“During her years of public service, Frances Perkins depended upon her faith, her life of prayer, and the guidance of her church for the support she needed to assist the United States and its leadership to face the enormous problems of the time. During her time as Secretary of Labor, she would take time away from her duties on a monthly basis and make a retreat with the All Saints Sisters of the Poor in nearby Catonsville, Maryland. She spoke publicly of how the Incarnation informed her conviction that humans ought to work with God to create a just Christian social order.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for May 13)

All of the above comes from The Great Cloud of Witnesses for May 13.  I am very impressed with the dedicated devotion of Frances Perkins. We all have busy lives.  Perkins had a really busy life but she made time monthly to refresh herself by taking a retreat.  We could all learn from her example.  We become more effective when we carve out some time to be with God in an intentional way.   Thank you Frances.

My Fitness Pondering

Working out every day is hectic but worth the evaluation of people who say that I’m in my 50’s.

My Music Pondering

For me, music is truly a form of prayer. It is artful prayer with feeling.  And if it is right that it is not ourselves that pray but the Spirit that prays through us, then the Spirit of God is Holy Melody.

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 Sunday Week 4 of Easter

Acts 9:36-43 Psalm 23 Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand..”  (John 10:27)

Jesus promises us eternal life because he knows us and we follow his voice.  This is fascinating! But this is what our Christian faith is all about, the passport to eternal life through Jesus Christ.  At more funerals than I can count I hear the words “he or she is in a better place now.”  We all at one point or another ponder the here-after.  I have seen movies where the next life was still one of seeing and breathing and enjoying foods but seem to be in another dimension or at least another planet very similar to our earth. I ponder the resurrection and what eternal life will be like.

In military basic training we had a very small person who served as the platoon office clerk.  This person was not physically intimidating and a very slow runner.  But this little duty clerk was the holder of the keys to our barracks.  So even though we finished our morning run early, we could not get into the barracks for showers and rest until the clerk finally got back with us.  Jesus did not appear in a way that was thought proper to the chief priest and the elders.  But what they did not believe is that he has the keys to eternal life. Do you believe he does?

My Fitness Pondering

Yesterday was a huge success.  I was able to do push up, bend and squats, pull-ups, sit-ups, dips, leg lifts, and some yoga.  I loved it but I am tired now.  I had a long day with a social function.  I guess to have a challenging day at the same time I start a new, extended work-out program really tests the metal of what I’m trying to do.

My Music Pondering

Singing often makes me want to learn to play the music of a song or hymn.  Interestingly, learning to play a piece of music also helps me sing it properly.  I found this to be very true singing “Lead Me, Guide Me,”  It has a high note that, if not careful, can be overlooked. I am a musical work in progress. But I really enjoy it.

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 Saturday of the Third week of Easter

AM Psalm 30, 32; PM Psalm 42, 43Dan. 6:16-28; 3 John 1-15; Luke 5:27-39

“The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax-collectors and sinners?’ (Luke 5:30)

These dinner crashers question Jesus and his followers about the company they keep.  Levi, or Matthew, needed Jesus to invite him (Matthew) to come and follow him (Jesus). So do we.  Some jobs we hold often separate us from the company we would like to enjoy.  We are so judgmental about dancers, liquor sales people and others who are only trying to pay their bills within the legal limits of the law.  The tax collectors of Jesus’ day were often forced into their occupations and then hated by their community for doing what had to be done.  And, on the other hand, maybe there are sinful ways in which people are working.

My pondering informs me that no sinful person ever became good without the influence of good people mingling with them. The “us – them” judgmental attitude does not reconcile people back to God.  We must break bread with them, yes; even people we think are inherently bad only sometimes, to discover that it is ourselves that needed direction also.

My Fitness Pondering

I am restarting my garage work-outs.  They have been on hold because I wanted to get to my blog out as soon as I came out of the bedroom.  But if I don’t do something intentional about getting back to pull-ups, sit-ups, dips, leg-lifts and yoga soon, I may never get back to it at all.  So as of today I am doing my post for the blog first.  After this I am off to the garage for physical exercise.  Wish me luck.

My Music Pondering

Trying to learn “Lead Me; Guide Me” from Lift Every Voice and Sing.  It’s not easy.  But it is a prayer to God about needing God’s assistance throughout the day every day. 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

May 10: Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf Prophetic Witness, 1760

Readings for Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf: Psalm 101:1-4 Nehemiah 12:27-31a, 43 2 Thessalonians 2:13–3:5 John 16:16-22

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2: 16)

Zinzendorf was a Count of the Holy Roman Empire who always had more interest in religious matters than in affairs of court.  Following studies at the pietist center of Halle, he developed his own “theology of the heart,” which placed great emphasis on a close personal relationship with the suffering Savior. This “heart religion” was not just inner emotion, however, but was to result in a life totally devoted to the Savior. “All of life becomes a liturgy,” said Zinzendorf, and even the most mundane task can be an act of worship.”  (Taken from The Great Cloud of Witnesses: for May 10)

I like the “All of life becomes a liturgy,” part.  It’s not the first time I’ve heard this thought. As I am a member of a liturgical church, I understand liturgy as a way of doing worship.  Worship then, is paying devotion to God. So we can dedicate each and every act we do to God.  That will surely make me think more deeply about what I’m doing.  I mean if I am dedicating my deed to God, I want it to be Godly: right?  All Glory be to God.

My Fitness Pondering

I practice yoga.  I find its meditational components a bonding between faith and fitness.  Some of the positions require some degree of strength.  The crow position is one such position.  One has to balance on the hands while balancing head and feet on either side with knees just outside the elbows as if the wings of a crow.  I can’t hold the position long but during the position I am so thankful that I can get into the position and hold it if only for a few seconds.  Thank you Jesus.  All glory be to God.

My Music Pondering

Often while playing my guitar I drift into a blues melody.  I find it so comforting.  The continuous rhythm makes my foot pat and my torso sway a little.  I love all kinds of music.  And whether it’s jazz, country, folk, or church, all glory be to God.

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 Gregory of Nazianzus: 9 May    Psalm 19:7–14Wisdom 7:7-12John 8:25-32

 “Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8: 31-32)

“Gregory of Nazianzus, one of the Cappadocian Fathers, loved God, the art of letters, and the human race—in that order. He was born about 330 in Nazianzus in Cappadocia (now Turkey), the son of a local bishop. He studied rhetoric in Athens with his friend Basil of Caesarea, and Julian, later to be the apostate emperor.”  (Taken from The Great Cloud of Witnesses: May 9)

This Gregory is a man after my own heart. I think he really did continue in the word of Jesus and the truth did make him free.  However, he loved his privacy and prayer time. This was problematic for the theologian. I remember doing a paper on Gregory of Nazianzus in seminary about God creating something from nothing. I also like the priority he had of “God, art and humanity.”

“In 361, against his will, Gregory was ordained presbyter, and settled down to live an austere, priestly life. He was not to have peace for long. Basil, in his fight against the Arian Emperor Valens, compelled Gregory to become Bishop of Sasima. (Taken from The Great Cloud of Witnesses: May 9)

Gregory did not want to be a priest or a bishop but this was God’s plan and so, it happened.  Gregory was who he was because that’s what was needed where, and when, he was.  How about you?  Are you who God wants you to be? I hope I am.

My Fitness Pondering

Working out every day and watching what I eat (haven’t missed my mouth yet), I hope to lose weight and trim down. I’ll be 71 this month and feel pretty good. I have to keep reminding myself that this is not about dieting towards a goal but rather a life style shift to eating smaller portions and only when hungry.  Also, perhaps I should not eat after say 5: pm.  What do you think, I mean about yourself?

My Music Pondering

I’ve been working on Amazing Grace with my guitar.  It’s recognizable. So I play the melody first and then the chords.  I like singing while playing the cords.  I played the church piano today.  It’s different than my Yamaha keyboard.  The piano requires more finger pressure. I do feel I can express myself better on the full piano better than the electric keyboard. It’s all good.

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.

Ponder Notice: I am, from this point forward, going to add to my pondering fitness and music to my faith pondering blog.  It is all pondering to me so it will still be simply, One Who Ponders.

My Faith Pondering

Readings for Julian Dame Julian of Norwich . 1417  May 8

Psalm 27:1-9 Hebrews 10:19-24  John 4:23-26

From John

“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)

“Even in her lifetime, she [Julian Dame Julian of Norwich] was famed as a mystic and spiritual counselor and was frequently visited by clergymen and lay persons, including the famous mystic Margery Kempe.  Kempe says of Julian: “This anchoress was expert in knowledge of our Lord and could give good counsel. (The Great Cloud of Witnesses: May 8)

It is the All Spiritual God who brings into creation those things that we can see and touch. Julian too knew about the spirit and truth of God and found a place where she could be alone with her prayers and pondering.  Her life of dedicated prayer worked like a magnet attracting other people of God to her for God’s guidance. How is your prayer life?  Who are you attracting?

My Fitness Pondering

My daily ritual is to do push-ups and bend and squats first thing every mourning, without exception.  Daily morning exercise is one of my “Milk Cows.”  You can’t buy a milk cow and plan a vacation.  This cow has to be milked EVERYDAY!  It’s a daily commitment.  Not very many people today want to commit to something that requires attention every day.  Of course they have no problem with eating and sleeping, both of which are self-serving.  And they are committed to these activities each and every day.  How about reading, study, exercise and prayer?  I have heard somewhere that a healthy body contributes to having a healthy mind.  I hope that’s true.

My Music Pondering

Learning to play “Praise to the Lord” on the piano has been a dedicated commitment for me. The piano and guitar are also two of my milk cows.  That means each and every day I can be found touching the notes and listening for mistakes.  I love it when I play something and it sounds right.  One of our Pianists at our parish told me that to be proficient I must practice every day.  Okay, that’s a milk cow if I ever heard one.

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.

Daily Office Readings for 3^rd Week of Easter: Tuesday: Year 1

AM Psalm 26, 28; PM Psalm 36, 39Dan. 4:28-37; 1 John 4:7-21; Luke 4:31-37

“The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.” (1 John 4:21)

My Pondering

We must learn to love God, God, the Creator and lover of our souls. Without God we would not exist.  And, while not everybody’s lives are lived out in the best possible way, we have what we have. Moreover, perhaps those of us who are doing well should do all we can to help the down trodden to live better.  All people should live happy, peaceful, and good lives.

Jesus reaffirms the Jewish Law that we should love God first with all that we are. (Deuteronomy 6) And to this, “Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.   And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37 – 40)

Even though we say it’s hard to love an unseen God we must ponder our God and try to love God in thankfulness and praise. It’s possible if not easy. And remember, “Those who say, ‘I love God’, and hate their brothers or sisters are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. (1 John 4:20) So true.

God made it easier for us to love God by coming to us as Jesus in order that we might have a human person to focus on. “God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.” (1John 4:9)

I believe we should strive to love others “through” Jesus.  In this way we see others through Jesus’ eyes.  To first look at others, and then try to bring Jesus in, is putting it backwards.  We must put God first even when looking at, or thinking of, others. And before we do that we must have a relationship with God ourselves. “God’s love was revealed among us in this way: again; “God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.” (1John 4:9)  Living through Jesus, we learn to love others in a much more meaningful and unconditional way.

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 is doing.”  John Thomas Frazier Sr.

Daily Office Readings for Monday 6 May 2019 3 Easter Year 1

AM Psalm 25; PM Psalm 9, 15 Dan.4:19-27; 1 John 3:19-4:6; Luke 4:14-30

1 John

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”  (1 John 4:1)

My Pondering

Ok, so I was unaware of the different spirits, especially evil ones. I suppose there are but I try to make myself familiar with the Holy One.   One of the ways I tell if the Spirit is from God is to see if there is a cost for me, either monetary or time or both.  Normally I can tell it is from God if it is inconvenient for me but serves a benefit for others.

Some examples of the Spirit of God working in me are made manifest in giving people time by listening to them vent or just explain what has happened to them.  I preach that fifteen minutes or fifteen days or even fifteen years are added to our lives that aren’t ours.  This added time was given to us for the benefit of others.

Sometimes if I find myself with a few extra dollars I feel I have been rewarded for something that maybe I have forgotten about and I justly deserve it.  And then someone in need will appear and I realize that God has given me “their” money.  This is no time to be stingy or self-serving.

There are so many biblical examples of God gifting people to do the work of giving the time that others need.  God made use of Moses, and the prophets who were called from positions of comfort to go and help others.  This power was not for them to be personably profitable but for them to carry messages of hope and freedom to people who needed it.

When Jesus sent out the twelve he gave them the power to “heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”  (Luke 10:9)  I like Luke’s version of the sent-out healing because Luke has the twelve even responding to those who do not welcome them.  “But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’” (Luke 10:10-11)  So even if people refuse the help they are informed that the kingdom of God has in fact come near.

If I get messages of personal advantage or privilege without a clear path of how to use if for the benefit of others I am very suspicious of the origin that spirit. The goodness of God works with us to assist the needy and down trodden.  All we have to do is understand that God uses us to help us.

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 is doing.”  John Thomas Frazier Sr.