Bountiful Rain

During the month of July, there were only 3 days that did not reach 100 degrees where I live. I’m not complaining because I know that everywhere in the world has experienced hotter than normal temperatures, to the point where it has created a variety of problems. I heard that in England, they do not have air conditioning, so this heat wave has caused many businesses to change their hours of operation or close temporarily to keep their employees safe.

I suppose it wouldn’t be so bad if there was also rain in the forecast, but the hot weather and no rain just makes the problems compound. Specifically, where I live, the county is urging residents to conserve water and energy by limiting days when you can water your lawn and suggesting you turn off and unplug things that are not in use. In an attempt to water as much as I can, that one day a week, I went to buy a soaker hose so I could water the ground along the foundation of my house to try to prevent cracks in the foundation.

The water levels in the lakes and rivers are way down which is having a negative effect on those small-town businesses that count on the summer boom of people floating the river. I was looking forward to attending an annual Jet Ski Festival/Competition in a neighboring town, but it was cancelled due to low water. I imagine that festival is one of those events the town hosts that brings in enough revenue to carry them and without that income, the negative effects can compound on people’s livelihoods.

Then, the low water levels also means that water is getting trapped, and the stagnant water is growing algae which adds a whole other layer of issues. Places where people might gather around rivers and lakes to boat, ski, kayak, or paddle board, are now limited. And the evaporating water leaves behind dried algae that really doesn’t smell very pleasant, not to mention some of the dead fish that were trapped. It begins to look pretty dismal.

And the lack of rain and high temperatures aren’t just wreaking havoc on the rivers and lakes, but also the earth in general. On my walks, I see places on the paths where the ground has cracked, and along the sidewalks the grass is pulling away from the edge of the concrete. Some of the cracks have become so big that my foot could fit into the separation. It reminds me of the scene in the animated movie, The Land Before Time, when the earth split, and a baby dinosaur is on one side and his mother is on the other.

The other day I passed a neighbor who said she was tired of this heat and was thinking of learning the rain dance to bring some relief. Of course, this weather condition could quickly turn around and before you know it everyone could be worried and complaining about that there is too much rain causing flood conditions and damage. This is a real concern in Texas because it doesn’t rain very much and when it does, it doesn’t soak into the earth, it rushes over it. Flash floods are a legitimate concern in this area of the country.

I think there are many nuggets of wisdom in this real-world situation to teach about faith. For one, it is to be grateful for whatever it is that comes your way today. It might be too hot, it might be too wet, it might be too something, but there is goodness in it, no matter what. Another is to look at it as a lesson in patience; to learn to wait on what you need. Yet, another is to surrender, recognizing that you do not have control of the temperature or when it will rain, or any other type of weather catastrophe.

So for now, I embrace these lessons to be grateful, to be patient and to surrender. In the meantime, I will give thanks for what I do have and to look at this time of desert conditions as a part of the restoration that is necessary for the earth to prosper. Just as in my lifetime, I will endure many seasons, the earth must also as the earth’s creator is also my own. And after all, this earth is a gift from God and the place I call home; so I choose to rejoice and be glad, even in the hard times. The rain will come, remain faithful my friends!

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GET CONNECTED DAILY! Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram. Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds. It’s more than a book, rather a guide to becoming a stronger disciple through physical and spiritual exercises. Get your copy and begin the journey!

He Disciplines

You might think that discipline is a bad thing, primarily because it is what parents do to correct their children’s bad behavior. However, discipline is something you do every day, such as maintaining the speed limit or holding your tongue and not lashing out at your boss. You might even discipline yourself by limiting your caffeine intake or setting an alarm to remind you to take a walk break. Discipline is not a bad thing; it is simply a practice to change behavior.

When you choose to change your behavior, it requires a different attitude and perspective to keep you from falling back into the undesired behavior. This can be hard, especially if you are just starting out. Many people fail when making a resolution to change a behavior due to triggers such as environment or the company they keep.

For example, if you choose to quit smoking but your co-worker whom you normally go outside to smoke with does not, it can be a challenge to still go out with them while they smoke. When you no longer go with them, it can have a negative effect on your relationship and if you do go out with them, you’re more likely to fall back into the behavior you’re trying to avoid.

Discipline is a key factor in discipleship, which is why I’ve always found it interesting that you can’t spell discipline without disciple. I feel there is a message in it somehow such as when you discipline yourself, you are a disciple in training. It makes sense because discipline is a type of sacrifice and when you strive to live your life as a disciple, you do have to make sacrifices.

You can read examples of some of the sacrifices a disciple would make (have made) in the Bible, beginning in the Old Testament. It is full of examples of people who sacrificed for God’s glory such as Abraham, Moses, Job, Naomi, and so many more. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made on a regular basis as a part of the worship experience. When Jesus came on the scene, He called on the first disciples who left behind their families and possessions to travel with Jesus. Then of course the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus gave His own life for the forgiveness of sins, which is remembered each time Mass is celebrated around the world.

Today, sacrifices might include choosing to go to a Church service or function instead of staying home and watching a movie or a live sporting event. It might mean you skip the drive thru coffee in the morning and donate that money to support a nonprofit organization. Perhaps the sacrifice is refraining from gossip or saying negative things about other people. Discipline to become a disciple can look different for each person, but it still requires a sacrifice, making the effort to change your behavior.

The practice of discipline is a primary focus during the season of Lent, when in the Catholic church people refrain from eating meat on Fridays and typically give up or take on something. However, discipline is also lived out when you don’t eat for an hour before going to Mass, so you are emptied before receiving communion (Jesus). I like this thought of shedding something or removing something to make room for Jesus, in the same way you decrease your ego to increase God’s plan for you.

So, when the scripture says that Jesus disciplines those He loves, it gives me insight as to why following Jesus can be difficult at times. It helps explain why Jesus says the gate to heaven is narrow because it requires discipline and being able to do hard things. Even Saint Paul contributes to the argument that being a disciple is difficult. He says you must deny the things your body desires and do the things that the Spirit desires; this is not an easy thing to do.

One way to accomplish this feat, or at least begin to make strides towards the goal of getting through the narrow gate, is to practice the “see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil” philosophy. In other words, shedding the thoughts and behaviors that cause you to sin. When you practice filtering your thoughts and behaviors through this philosophy, it can help you identify things you need to do to change or refrain from doing. It is definitely no easy feat, but there is (at least for me) comfort in knowing you are not alone on the journey.

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Sunday, August 21st Readings

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord,

YOU call out to me, and I come near.

YOU give me a heart of flesh to love.

YOU give me hands to reach out to help.

YOU give me the will to choose to follow.

May I never lose sight of ALL YOU give,

and always be grateful YOU are there

to give me what I need. AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 66:18-21

Isaiah says the Israelites are God’s chosen people. What indicates that they are chosen? How does that differ from being God’s chosen people by being baptized?
How are the Israelites set apart/chosen? Does God love you in the same way? How do you know?
Describe a time when you saw unity as described in this scripture.

Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

How does God use discipline to help you become the person you were created to be?
What does the word discipline mean? Is it hard? Does it hurt? Is discipline negative?
Give an example how God uses discipline or has used discipline in your life. Do you think everyone receives the same discipline from God?

Luke 13:22-30

At the center of this reading is relationship. How would you rate your relationship with Jesus?
The narrow gate frightens some believers. Why do you think people are afraid of the narrow gate? How do you feel about it? What are you called to do that will help you fit through the gate? What does Jesus do to ensure you will make it through?
Where do you see mercy in this scripture?

General Questions for Journaling

Can you see anyone or any group of people who are excluded from God? What can you do to be more inclusive when you share God’s love and mercy?
Think of a time when you were “chosen” first. How did it feel? Was there ever a time when you were “chosen” last? How did that experience differ from when you were chosen first?
If you had a choice to be included or excluded, which would you choose? Make a list of things you would like to be included in and a list of things you would like to be excluded from. What can you summarize about the two lists?
What clubs or groups do you belong which give you automatic benefits? As a child of God, you receive automatic benefits. Do you take for granted these benefits or give thanks? Give examples.
Is there a specific saint whose life speaks to you? Who is it and what is it about their life that draws you in? How did God relate to this saint?
Where do you see God’s love in your life right now? Do you see Him in your struggles too? Give examples of each.
A popular phrase is “practice makes perfect”. What happens when you don’t practice faith? How can you strengthen your faith if you don’t practice it?
Where do you learn “spiritual discipline”? How do you practice “spiritual discipline”? What does it mean?
How do you exercise your faith? What areas do you need to work on?
What does your physical body/presence say about your spiritual health? Do you think they are related? How? Why?
Do you ever feel you give and give and give with nothing in return? What makes you continue to give?
What do you offer God? What does He offer you? Is it even?
Are there times when you don’t think you give enough? Whom are you trying to please or satisfy? Is satisfaction achievable?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, strengthen my relationship

ALL: in the prayers I pray.

Leader: Lord, strengthen my understanding

ALL: through the scriptures.

Leader: Lord, strengthen my focus

ALL: as I follow the path.

Leader: Lord, strengthen my witness

ALL: as I speak truth.

Leader: Lord, strengthen my commitment

ALL: in acts of justice and mercy.

Leader: Lord, strengthen me…

ALL: make me your disciple!

Challenge for the Week: Have you ever gone along with something because it was the popular choice, but you didn’t agree? This is one of the challenges in life. It can be difficult to stand up against the majority. But when you become strong in your beliefs, and you know that the direction the crowd is going is unjust or has negative consequences, you can’t just go along. It is a dilemma every person faces at some point in their life, sometimes multiple times. There might even be times when you stand up in faith and still find opposition. Matthew Kelly, founder of Dynamic Catholic, calls it being counter-cultural, when you go against the popular way and do things God’s way. Some might call you a radical for doing this, but isn’t that what they said about John the Baptist too? To live a life of a disciple means you practice what you preach and that means sometimes you will have to stand up against the majority. Reflect this week on how you would rate the strength of your faith and determine if it is strong enough to withstand opposition.

GET CONNECTED DAILY! Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram. Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple. Grab and copy and start the journey!

Firm Steps

I had a bilateral hemilaminectomy in 2018. No need to look it up, it is a type of back surgery. Over the years, I experienced minor back pain, and would ice it, stretch, or refrain from the activity that caused the pain. In 2002, my back seized while I was changing over the laundry, and it took my husband, dad, and grandpa to pick me up off the ground so they could get me to the emergency room. That had been the worst pain I’d experienced in my life, childbirth withstanding, before July 30, 2018.

I had begun a new exercise routine which included some activities I’d not done before. I expected to have some sore muscles here and there since I was working out in a different way. I was feeling really good about myself and what I was accomplishing in class, so when I felt a little discomfort in my back, I just figured I needed to do what I had always done and take it easy.

I did my usual ice and stretch but I wanted to get back to the gym, afraid if I took too much time off, I’d have a hard time getting back into it. Prior to this, I’d stuck with low impact cardio and yoga classes; modifying moves when needed, but the day I went back, I attended a HIIT class. There were several stations around the room where you and a partner would take turns completing the specific exercise. It was during this class when I finally pushed the limit.

I left class that day in major pain but figured I just went back too soon. The regular remedies barely made a dent on the pain and things like sleeping or getting dressed became very difficult. I was still keeping my regular schedule, but it was taking me longer to get ready and the pain was slowing me down from completing some of the things that needed to be done. I figured the doctor would prescribe me pain killers and muscle relaxers, which I couldn’t take if I was going to be driving or teaching and I had a contract to fulfill. It was truly a point of surrender to call and make the appointment, literally lying on the ground, pulling myself to the bathroom to use the bathtub as leverage to help me get to my feet.

At the visit, my doctor ordered an MRI and unfortunately due to insurance hang ups, it took over a month for it to get scheduled. I spent that month in such immense pain, unable to find any comfort. Even when I finally had the MRI, I cried because the pain was so bad while holding still as the images were scanned. The entire process lasted 6 months, from injury on July 30^th to surgery on October 29^th and then 90 days of recovery.

The first three months I spent a lot of time crying, feeling like a burden on my family, and that I was letting down the students in my class and the other people who counted on me at my job. I had no answers, only questions and fear. The MRI showed severe damage to my L4 and L5, to the point where I was experiencing atrophy and loss of sensation in my foot, which made walking a challenge at times.

The last three months started the day of surgery. I knew the moment I woke up in the recovery room that the surgery had been a success because the only pain I felt at that point was the pain from the incision; the pain in my back was gone. As soon as I was discharged from the hospital I was supposed to get up and walk every day, beginning with a quarter of a mile and increasing by another quarter each week.

At the beginning, my steps were slow and measured, and always with the help of others until I was able to feel firm on my feet. Over time, I became more confident but still cautious. I thankfully had access to a treadmill, so I was able to continue my recovery on days when there was rain, ice, or snow in the forecast. Still today, I am mindful of where I step when I walk, how I bend down to clean out the dishwasher or do my laundry, and how I get out of bed in the morning.

The journey of going from severe pain and the possibility of never being able to participate in activities that I love such as hiking or biking, to recovery and now living in a climate that provides me ample opportunities to do those things regularly is a redemption story. Through the pain, I had to let go and even in the recovery I had to surrender myself so others could take care of me, even to the point of needing someone else to wash my hair for me or to shave my legs.

I say it is redemptive because I came out of a dark situation to walk in the light. I am changed. Changed by the pain, the unknown future, the kindness of others, and most of all the desire to not take anything for granted. I was reminded that life is short, and it is meant to be lived; lived to the fullest with gratitude and humility. Always allowing God to guide my steps and to stand firm in faith.

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Architect and Maker

I played a game as a kid that I think was called M.A.S.H but can’t really remember is that was an acronym for something and if it was, what it meant. However, I do remember that one person would ask another person a series of questions where they could give 3 or 4 answers per category. For example, you would ask them to name people they would like to marry, what kind of house they’d like to live in, how many kids they will have, etc.

Depending on who you played with, sometimes there were only a few categories, but others liked to get very detailed in their questions. Such as asking you what type of car you’d like to drive and then asking what color you wanted your car to be. Regardless, once all of the information was collected, you’d begin a process of eliminating the choices until there was only one item left in each category. In the end, you’d have a full description of a person’s life.

Of course, this is completely fictional. No one is able to confidently know what their lives will look like, where they will live, who they will marry and what kind of car they will drive. One could give an educated guess, but to know for certain what your life’s situation will be in five years, or even one year, it would only be a guess.

I mean, one year ago this week, my husband and I were in St. Louis celebrating my husband’s birthday by attending a couple of baseball games, and we got the call that my husband was acquiring a couple of projects in Austin. We have had no idea that we were about to pick up and move after living in Kansas City for our entire 29-year marriage, and after I’d just began a new job in January. It was a bit of a shock, but the decision to move was easy.

I imagine this is how Abraham and Sarah felt when God told them they were going to have descendants as countless as the stars; a little shocked but ready to do and accept whatever God had planned for them. Abraham and Sarah probably had no idea it was possible for them to have a child at such an old age, but God made it happen. For us, it was a desire to move to Colorado where we could spend more time outdoors hiking and biking. We had no idea we could have the lifestyle we desired in Texas!

I realized that in real life, unlike in the game I played as a child, I cannot choose the options in each of the categories because they have already been chosen for me by God. God knows where I will be in five years, and I just need to trust. Yes, I could fight the changes and try to blaze my own trail, but I believe that God will get His way in the end.

God’s will for me will happen whether I let go and let God or if I try to be the captain of my own adventure. I can make decisions (big and small) without God’s help, or I can turn to God for guidance. This is really my only choice, whether or not I will open myself up to listen for God to lead me where I am to go today. So, I choose to let go and let God lead my decisions because in the end, His is the one who created me for a purpose, and He knows what that purpose is. I am not going to stand in the way of God’s plan, whatever it is, I trust it will be better than anything I could have imagined on my own.

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Sunday, August 7th Readings

19^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do I doubt your love for me?

Let me reach out to you and feel your embrace.

May I never lose hope in your presence!

What can I do to trust you more?

Let me call your Name and hear your response.

May I always know the sound of your voice!

Keep me close Lord, I cannot live without YOU!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Wisdom 18:6-9

Do you trust God will “take care of your adversaries”? Why or why not? Give an example of what this might look like.
What gives the Israelites the courage to begin their journey? This same faith lives within you, how do you show it in your life?

Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12

Explain how you show trust in God and His plan for you. Give an example of how you trust God.
What do you think was going on in Abraham’s head when first he was promised endless descendants and then is asked to sacrifice the only son he was given? Do you trust God this much? How does God test your trust in Him?

Luke 12:32-48 or 12:35-40

Is there anything you’ve been waiting on God for which He has not delivered?
Why would God want you to be watchful? How do you let down your guard?
Put into words what “treasure” God has promised and has waiting for you in the kingdom.
If God knocked on the door, would you be ready? What do I need to do to become ready?

General Questions for Journaling

Describe having “courage” to let God work in your life.

Do you have relationships where you have a shared commitment? Who is the relationship with and what is the commitment?
How are the qualities of your relationship with shared commitment the same and different than other relationships?
Have you ever needed to make a “leap of faith”? Explain.
Is there something in your life that you are in “hopeful anticipation” of? What makes you hopeful about the situation or event? How can you give thanks to God for this hope?
Have you ever felt lost in your faith? Describe.
Where do you feel God calling you? Who do you turn to for help and guidance during these times of the unknown?
List three treasures of your heart. Can you come up with more? Is it hard to think of three? Why or why not?
What is your understanding of “an hour you don’t expect”? How do your words and actions reflect that understanding?
What do you do when you think no one is looking? God knows what you do in the dark, so who do you hide from?
Who in your life is not worthy of your trust?
Is there a common sacrifice all Christians’ value? What is it and how do you know it is valuable?
Is it easy or difficult to let others have power over you? Why? What would Jesus tell you to do?
Have you ever sworn an oath? What was it for? Did you keep it?
Do you love and serve God out of fear or obedience? What is the difference?
Have you ever felt as though there was no hope? What was the situation? Was hope really gone or had you lost sight of it?
Can someone you know be a stranger? Explain.
Have you ever moved forward in faith, knowing God was calling but not knowing what was to come? Explain.
Has God ever delivered a miracle to you? When? What was it?
What was the last decision you allowed God to make without your input?

Closing Prayer

Leader: When I face adversity…

ALL: May I have the courage, only faith can give!

Leader: When I question…

ALL: May I have the wisdom, only faith can give!

Leader: When all I see is despair…

ALL: May I have the hope, only faith can give!

Leader: When I feel empty…

ALL: May I have the fulfillment, only faith can give!

Leader: When all I have to hold is the promise…

ALL: May I have the trust, only faith can give!

Leader: When I feel you in my soul…

ALL: May I feel the peace, only faith can give!

Challenge for the Week: Trusting God, living a Christian life and following the path laid before you can be extremely difficult at times. You can be tempted to stray and fall into sin or to doubt or lose hope in the promise that God will take care of you and all your needs. However, scripture repeatedly reminds you that God has plans for your life that are so much better than what you can accomplish on our own. The scripture says that even though it might be difficult, and you might want to throw in the towel waiting on what God to deliver, but you should NEVER lose hope! Spend time thinking about how you have remained vigilant in the promises of Christ. Have you been losing hope? Are you holding on by a thread to the promise? What can you do to refocus and get a clearer perspective on what God has been doing in your life? God is still there, He just maybe not giving you what you expect. Trust that God has a plan for you and when you do, it will come to fruition.

Mind Not at Rest

A Reflection on the scripture Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23

There are times in everyone’s lives when they have a hard time settling down their thoughts and being at rest. It can be caused by stress, worry, excitement or a myriad of other reasons. I can recall it happening to me several times, but especially when I was a kid, the night before the first day of school, my mind would be filled with so many thoughts that it was hard to rest. When I was a kid there weren’t summer camps, sports, and social media to keep kids connected over the summer, like they do today.

I would be worried about what I would wear, if I needed all of the school supplies the first day, if I’d remember my locker combination, and honestly if any of my friends from the previous year would remember me (mostly because I moved around a lot and didn’t have those long-time connections like being classmates in pre-school).

I thought the racing mind was just something that happened occasionally to people, until I met my husband. His mind is churning a thousand miles a minute, thinking, planning, worrying and so much more. Honestly, I get tired sometimes watching him think 😉 but what my husband deals with is just an overactive brain.

There are people in the world whose minds are never at rest because they are filled with traumatic events, stress, grief, and what is finally becoming something people feel comfortable talking about, mental illness. Five or ten years ago people kept it to themselves if they were taking medication or needed to be hospitalized because they needed assistance regulating thoughts, emotions and how to process information.

I feel one of the repercussions of COVID and everyone staying at home, caused a lot of people to crawl up into themselves like a turtle and it stirred up a lot of angst. The first reading this week is from Ecclesiastes, chapter 1:2 and 2:21-23, to me, it opened the door for me to say, if you, in the two years since the world shut down because of COVID feel like a lesser version of yourself, you MUST find some help to navigate back into the world. If you suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, PTSD, or any other form of mental illness, please talk to someone who will listen and guide you to find yourself again.

I recently had a day when I felt like at every turn, someone was slamming a door in my face, and nothing was turning out right. It was just one day for me, but I know there are people who don’t have the support system that I have (and for me that includes God). For some people, this is an everyday emotion which causes them to be paralyzed and unable to enjoy things they usually would enjoy. It causes them to push family and friends away, so they won’t see this different version of the person they used to be.

I write this message, maybe not for you, but it could be for someone you know and love. I believe the scripture is God saying that it is important to be reaching out and paying attention. It is a reminder that as a disciple, you are called to love Him AND your neighbor. After the time of stay at home, I think people want to be seen, after not being seen for so long.

This means there might be someone you know who could use a little encouragement or to be reminded that they are important to you. Your positive words can help turn a bad day or a day that is headed in that direction into a brighter day. I’m not saying you can cure mental illness with some positive words, but I am saying that every human likes to be seen and be told that they are loved and that they matter.

Again, I think there is an important message in the scripture this week and it is to take care of yourself AND others. Not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. Reach out to someone you have spoken to for a while to check in to make sure they are okay and that you care about their wellbeing. This is what God calls His children to do!

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Sunday, July 24th Readings

17^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Lord

Why do you love me?

What causes you to stay with me?

You love me and never leave

even though I neglect you

and persecute you.

May I acknowledge your persistence in love

and come to know you enough

to love others as you love me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 18:20-32

What do you take from the conversation between God and Abraham? What does it say of God’s character?
How might you be more like Abraham? What characteristic do you want to emulate? How will you do this?

Colossians 2:12-14

What are the things that keep you from having the relationship you want with Jesus?
Are there people you can’t forgive? What stands in the way? Is there something God is calling you to do about it?

Luke 11:1-13

Who taught you to pray? How so?
Do you ask God for what you need? How does He respond?
Where do you find the answer to your prayers?

General Questions for Journaling

Is there something which you feel guilty about right now? What is it? Why?
Who do you turn to as a moral compass? Is it a person? What do those conversations sound like?
Do you believe in hell? Why or why not?
In light of the hatred and violence in the world right now, where do you see God at work?
Do you ever think God gets mad at us? Why or why not?
If God gets mad at us, what do you think he is mad about? Our actions? Lack of action? Words or lack of words?
Are there things you are afraid to talk to God about? Is it because you are afraid to ask?
What is the definition of oppression? Where do you see oppression happening today? In the world, your community, your church, your family?
Do you answer the door when God knocks?

Closing Prayer