I didn’t get online today. Therefore I am writing this blog on Word and will post it tomorrow.
I went to church this morning, of course. Good service. We sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” in honor of Independence Day. I think that is my favorite patriotic song. My favorite verse is the one that comes last in our hymnbook. I know there are more verses than the ones printed there and I don’t know if this is the last of the whole song, but it does make a good endimg.
In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea,
With the glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me,
As He died to make men holy let us live to make men free
Our God is marching on!
It’s “glory” not “power” that transfigures us. I hadn’t noticed that before. It’s an interesting thought that God’s glory changes us. As we get closer to Him, His glory shines on us more and has a stronger influence on our lives.
I have been doing a lot around the house. For one thing I am covering up lead paint. Covering it up, but it’s still there. The new paint will need to be maintained carefully to keep the toxic dust under control. It can be like that for us. Our spiritual natures need to be maintained so that our old, sinful natures do not contaminate our lives. As we grow in grace – get closer to God’s glory—our former natures become weaker.
Someday I hope to replace the trim around the windows and doors where there is lead paint. In the same way, some day God will take away our old natures and perfect us. We are in some sense a new creation now, then we will be fully changed.
Well, that’s my ramblings for today.
Have a good one!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Can we do this?
I was asked recently if CYC, the youth ministry I volunteer for, accomodates kids with disabilities.
I would love to simply say, "Absolutely, every teen can attend!" I am, after all, an advocate for special needs students. The real answer is that we want every high school student to be able to be there and we will do what we can to make it happen for as many as possible. Over the last few decades we have included students with a variety of physical, cognitive, sensory, learning, health, and emotional challenges in our program. We don't have trained staff. We rely on parents to tell us what will work best and learn as we go. Some kids simply attend -- there are some disabilities that just don't matter in our context. Others we need to learn more about and set up informal supports. Somtimes we have to consult with parents and make a mutual decision as to whether the student can safely work with us.
Actually, CYC is very welcoming to those with disabilities who do attend. In some cases, I have been told that our program was the first Christian community that welcomed the child. That saddens me. I wish the Church as a whole were better at this.
My own congregation has recently added a stair lift and handicapped accessible bathroom. We've had an elevator and hearing assistance technology for a while. I am happy with my church for making these strides.
Usually it is attidunal difficulties not physical barriers that keep disabled people from being part of things. Physical barriers can usually be gotten around.
Is your church or organization doing anything new to include people with disabilities?
Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park (CYC) is a two week ecumenical conference for high school students held in August on the beautiful southern coast of Maine. The theme for the 2011 conference is "Face to Face" and will look at restoring relationships between God and individuals, and amongst people. Click here for more information.
I am participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge this month. A post a day in July!
I would love to simply say, "Absolutely, every teen can attend!" I am, after all, an advocate for special needs students. The real answer is that we want every high school student to be able to be there and we will do what we can to make it happen for as many as possible. Over the last few decades we have included students with a variety of physical, cognitive, sensory, learning, health, and emotional challenges in our program. We don't have trained staff. We rely on parents to tell us what will work best and learn as we go. Some kids simply attend -- there are some disabilities that just don't matter in our context. Others we need to learn more about and set up informal supports. Somtimes we have to consult with parents and make a mutual decision as to whether the student can safely work with us.
Actually, CYC is very welcoming to those with disabilities who do attend. In some cases, I have been told that our program was the first Christian community that welcomed the child. That saddens me. I wish the Church as a whole were better at this.
My own congregation has recently added a stair lift and handicapped accessible bathroom. We've had an elevator and hearing assistance technology for a while. I am happy with my church for making these strides.
Usually it is attidunal difficulties not physical barriers that keep disabled people from being part of things. Physical barriers can usually be gotten around.
Is your church or organization doing anything new to include people with disabilities?
Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park (CYC) is a two week ecumenical conference for high school students held in August on the beautiful southern coast of Maine. The theme for the 2011 conference is "Face to Face" and will look at restoring relationships between God and individuals, and amongst people. Click here for more information.
I am participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge this month. A post a day in July!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Beginnings
It's July 1st.
I have already mentioned that I am participating in both the CYC Prayer Blast and the Ultimate Blog Challenge this month. They begin today.
I am finding that beginnings can be hard. How do you start? Where do you begin? It almost feels artificial, even though I already both pray and blog. In a few days, I will be underway and get into the flow of them. Right now motivation is at a low ebb.
What are you at the beginning of right now? Are you excited or reluctant? How will you get going?
What is this that I am praying for? CYC is an amazing two week Conference for high schoolers. Christian teahing, spiritual development, leadership training -- we offer all that and more. We'd love to have you join us!
I am participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge in July. Check out the link and maybe give it a try!
http://www.ultimateblogchallenge.com
I have already mentioned that I am participating in both the CYC Prayer Blast and the Ultimate Blog Challenge this month. They begin today.
I am finding that beginnings can be hard. How do you start? Where do you begin? It almost feels artificial, even though I already both pray and blog. In a few days, I will be underway and get into the flow of them. Right now motivation is at a low ebb.
What are you at the beginning of right now? Are you excited or reluctant? How will you get going?
What is this that I am praying for? CYC is an amazing two week Conference for high schoolers. Christian teahing, spiritual development, leadership training -- we offer all that and more. We'd love to have you join us!
I am participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge in July. Check out the link and maybe give it a try!
http://www.ultimateblogchallenge.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)