Spare Change

Two ladies joined me for the most recent Gather Ground discussion!  We relaxed around the table in my freshly painted dining room and powered through some serious brownies and some excellent conversations.  The main theme for the week was the concept of strengthening our inner selves to be prepared for outward changes.  We all admitted that although we get genuinely excited for change, when we are actually going through a transitional period - we tend to stress.  The scripture we read from 2 Corinthians reminds us that even when life gets chaotic, God has our best interest in mind and there is always a bigger picture that is better and more important than whatever we are facing in a particular moment.  That said, we discussed all kinds of changes:

THE EVOLUTION OF A FRIENDSHIP
Whether it was a childhood best friend or a husband, we mulled over the relationships in our lives that have started out strong and unquestionable and gradually evolved to very complicated situations.  On the contrary we also celebrated some of the more distant relationships that through chance and life circumstances have grown very close.  Do you confide in the same people that you would have a few years ago?  

MOVING WEST
One of the ladies that joined us this week has been swept up in a romance that could easily translate into a summer blockbuster.  She swooned and gushed about all the details of her blooming love and myself and the other attendee soaked it up like a good novel.  We are both married and couldn't help but reminisce about how we met our respective husbands.  Isn't there something so exciting about new love!  Isn't there something even more exciting about love that sticks?  Well, our head-over-heels friend is taking a leap and moving to Utah where her new boyfriend resides.  We chatted about all the details she will have to sort out in order to make a cross-country move, "ideally with whatever she can fit in her Oldsmobile."  What's the biggest move you have ever made?  Was it worth it?

IT'S A HUSKY THING
I broke a Gather Ground rule.  I let a baby come to the meeting.  Moms, please do not get all excited - I have not changed the rule.  I merely bent the rule for a friend who expressed true interest in attending; whose baby is so well-behaved it's brag-worthy.  None the less, both ladies that joined me this time are husky owners and we discovered that both their dogs have a sincere affection for babies.  So I'm going to go on a limb and assume that most huskies like babies.  #strangebuttrue  Does your pet love something in particular?  My pit bulls just love the toy recycling bin.

STANDING OUT
It seems to be a recurring theme at Gather Ground meetings that we end up discussing work.  We have talked about feeling stuck at a job, too good for a job, co-worker drama, etc.  This week we wandered into a chat about how drastically different job-searches are today.  It used to be a process of physically dropping off a resume at a company and following up with phone calls (to real people.)  You typically got to represent yourself and make an impression and businesses were inclined to treat you like a real person.  Now it seems like resumes are just a series of fill-in-the-blanks that get electronically submitted to a computer somewhere that decides whether or not you deserve to be recognized at all.  Plus, it can be really hard to look good on paper!  Networking seems to be our best bet for getting a foot in the door at a decent company; that and relentless attempts at communication.  Has anyone ever had a successful experience with submitting their resume online?  What's your best networking advice?

Overall we felt reassured that even though changes are challenging and somewhat unpredictable, they make our lives exciting!  High risk decisions have landed each of us some highly rewarding results.  Likewise, we are certain that our inner strength is what propels us to success despite our circumstances.  

Please choose one of the topical questions above and answer in the comments below!

*

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please feel free to email me privately any prayer requests you may have.

I will/do pray for you. 

 

 

Cha-Cha-Change

The Starting Point this week coincides directly with my state of mind lately.  I skipped a week of Gather Ground due to some unfortunate changes that swept through my life, and now a few weeks later it appears there are even more monumental changes in my path!  Such is life! So in honor of change, and what it does for our growth and character, I have chosen the following scripture and anecdote to spur us on towards a true appreciation for the ups and downs of life.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (The Message Version)
"So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever."

Anecdote from The Art of Becoming Oneself by James P. Brennan Ph.D.
"A renowned Buddhist teacher from the eighth century, named Shantideva, utilized a simple yet profound analogy to illuminate this point.  He compared the external conditions of life to the surface of the earth, which contains many rocks, thorns and other hazards by covering the entire world with animal hides, he taught that the protection we seek could be achieved merely by the amount of leather it takes to cover our feet.  If we know how to keep our feet covered, we can walk anywhere.  Likewise, the most direct and efficient way to prepare ourselves to deal with the adverse conditions of the outer world is to cultivate our best inner qualities.  In this sense, we learn to cover our feet through greater understanding, mindfulness, patience, humility, kindness and courage."

Join me Saturday at any point between 10am and 2pm for coffee, brownies and a healthy dose of good ol' fashioned girl-time.  We need to be connecting face-to-face and encouraging one another to laugh more and smile in times of adversity.  Gather Ground is for all ladies - just email me if you need directions or more info.  Parking can be confusing, but I assure you it is always possible and my dogs will be confined for those who are canine-cautious.  I look forward to spending time with all of you! Let's stay strong and beautiful together.  Let's Gather Ground.

Note: I am also going to add a current event topic each week to encourage more online feedback.  Check back for the Discussion Summary for the topic we tackle this week.  Hint: Someone very famous is retiring!

It's For You!

Discussion #6 took place a little over a week ago and the summary has been floating around in my head.  I hadn't gotten a chance to sit down and filter it out onto paper (or the keyboard) until today, but as I sit here I'm reminded that this is Easter week so I decided to do a brief summary coupled with a thoughtful devotion.  Here we go!

DO WE REALLY HAVE CONTROL?
Most of our discussion last week reflected on our tendencies to feel isolated, overwhelmed and nostalgic.  We unpacked how difficult it is to simply 'give it to God' and trust Him with key areas of our lives.  With only one attendee, it was exciting to have a more intimate conversation about how God has provided cars and jobs and relationships time and again.  While it is easy to get overwhelmed with life, it is important to recognize that most of life is actually out of our control and that is why having a loving God who is in control is so essential. The verse below encouraged me that God is trustworthy and can definitely handle my little problems:

Psalm 62:5-8 
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

LAST MINUTE
Another point we touched on was how frustrating and disappointing it can be to experience the dreaded 'last minute cancellation.'  We have all experienced this insensitive act of someone bailing on plans with little to no advance notice.  I hate to admit that I have done this to others a time or two.  (I'm sorry!)  Unfortunately text messaging has made this deed even easier to commit without much guilt.  Let us all be reminded that unless you have a true life-change, most cancellations can be tactfully handled with advance notice.  Last minute bail-outs are a essentially just a quick way to show someone how selfish you are.

EASTER SPECIAL  
Now... I'm going to preach a little, so hold on, read on, and comment below!

This week people all around the world will be recognizing that pivotal moment in time when Jesus entrusted his life to his Father in Heaven and completed what no other man could accomplish: death on a cross and resurrection from the dead, atoning for the sins of all men.

Romans 5:19 
For as by one man's disobedience (Adam) many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one (Jesus) shall many be made righteous.

"It's For You!" is a phrase that I have heard shouted a million times from 2 different places.  It was either my mom/dad/sister shouting that someone was on the phone for me, or it was a pastor in a pulpit exclaiming that salvation is for me.  First, let me say that I intend on getting a land-line installed so that my daughter gets to experience the joys and frustrations of telecommunication and so I can personally screen her phone calls.  Second, as many times as I have heard the 'salvation message,' I think it took an abnormal amount of times for it to really sink in to my heart and soul and become a reality that truly changes everything for me.  Now I feel as though it's essential to spread the news.  "It's For You! It's For You! Read All About IT!"  I want to shout and hand out Bibles and hug the people I pass in the grocery store or at the hospital and explain to them that Jesus intends to save them.  In an effort to avoid getting arrested, I stifle myself and resolve to being really friendly.  I think that's all most people can handle initially.

But really... if you don't gather anything else from this edition of Gather Ground, please chew on this:
Jesus was a real man who really died in a horrific way, and really rose in a miraculous way.
It seems like history, but it is a current event.  Jesus currently lives and saves lives.
It's not about being perfect or doing all the right things, it's as simple as a phone call...
It's for you!  Pick up, have a conversation.

What if your phone rings?  Do you rush off to shower and do your hair?  Do you put on your Sunday best and clean the house?  NO!  You just answer it!  Whether you're in bed, or hungover, or sick, or in your sweats... whether you are driving, or working, or writing a paper.  That's how Jesus works.  He's calling you - just as you are.  Pick up.

Tomorrow I'll post a brief introduction of our topical discussion for this Saturday April 19th.  I know it is a holiday weekend, but Gather Ground will carry on as usual.  Sometimes we need to get away from the hustle and bustle of holiday madness and just appreciate one another (and a brownie).  
Stay tuned!

*

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please feel free to email me privately any prayer requests you may have.

I will/do pray for you.

Thank God for the Reign

Hi Ladies! I must apologize for my lack of summary post for the Can I Get an "Amen" discussion.  Due to a combination of sickness and technological difficulties (i.e. The blue screen of death) everything in my life seemed to get slightly de-railed.  Luckily, 3 lovely ladies did join me a few weeks ago and we enjoyed a relaxing discussion about the power of prayer. We wandered onto various other topics including:

• Where & when we find it easiest to pray everyday
• Trying to be a good influence to others
• The concept of a community garden
• Poetry & theater
• Hormones in our food
• Great places to eat in Bethlehem

Tomorrow is Discussion #6 and I want to keep it simple.
I didn't really prepare much, but I'd like to encourage each of you to consider how much of life is truly out of our control. How do we deal with that hard reality? When have we learned to let God reign? When have we had to trust in His sovereign plan?

This will be our discussion starter and I'll add verses to the summary.

Remember: Join at any time, for any amount of time; the doors are open from 10-2.  Brownies, apples and coffee are all free while supplies last. Gather Ground is for all ladies - just email me if you need directions or more info.  Parking can be confusing, but I assure you it's always possible and my dogs will be confined for those who are canine-cautious.  I look forward to spending time with all of you!

Can I Get an "Amen" ?

Discussion #6 will begin and end with Prayer

It's been a delight to research different aspects of the Christian Faith and share them with ladies over the past couple of months.  Encouragement, Enlightenment and even some Good Humor have all been fruits of our rapid-fire discussions.  This week we'll be doing a word study along with our usual scripture reading and light-hearted discussion.  The word of the week is (drum roll please...) "Amen."

Come join us for any amount of time between 10am and 2pm this Saturday March 22nd.  My dogs will be contained in the kitchen, the brownies will be fresh from the oven and I will make as much coffee as it takes for you to feel awake.  Gather Ground is a safe and encouraging place where your point of view and your presence are always valued.  If you need directions, have questions or just want to put in a prayer request: email me and I'll get back to you ASAP.

VERSE - Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

WORD STUDY - Amen
Definition:

• at the beginning of a discourse - surely, truly, of a truth

• at the end - so it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled. It was a custom, which passed over from the synagogues to the Christian assemblies, that when he who had read or discoursed, had offered up solemn prayer to God, the others responded Amen, and thus made the substance of what was uttered their own.

The word "amen" is a most remarkable word. It was transliterated directly from the Hebrew into the Greek of the New Testament, then into Latin and into English and many other languages, so that it is practically a universal word. It has been called the best known word in human speech. The word is directly related -- in fact, almost identical -- to the Hebrew word for "believe" (amam), or faithful. Thus, it came to mean "sure" or "truly", an expression of absolute trust and confidence.

*Source: Biblestudytools.com > Greek lexicon

Four-Ever Grateful

Last weekend Gather Ground welcomed 3 new faces!  There is something so thrilling about a Gather Ground Meeting Day because I never know who is going to join me or when they're going to show up!  For some, this scenario may be a nightmare, but for me the unpredictability is energizing.  There were three 'shift-changes' (2ppl, then 3ppl, then 4ppl, then 2ppl) this past Saturday, each of which took on a different kind of conversation which made the hours fly by.  

If there's anything I'd like ladies to gain from this week's post, it's that all women have something unique to contribute to a group setting.  Whether you're young, old, excitable or reserved - you have a voice and deserve to be heard.  Listening is a big part of Gather Ground.  Some people just need to know they've been heard; that someone cares; that there are other people out there striving for what's good and right.  Check out our summary of discussion points below from Discussion #5 and chime in as you see fit in the comment area.  You're participation is greatly appreciated!  Thanks for sticking with us and reading along.  I hope it refreshes you!  I hope it's a bright spot in your day or week.

LENT & FASTING
After delivering a brief summary of the history of Lent and proclaiming my personal decision to practice Lent this year, we found ourselves analyzing the concept of fasting on a whole.  Most people participate in Lent (the 40 days before Easter - not including Sundays) by giving up something.  However, the concept is best portrayed by not only giving up something - but replacing that presumably 'fruitless' thing with something meaningful (i.e. prayer and meditation on scripture).  Some participants were happy to know more about Lent, but felt no need to participate.  Other participants had recently fasted and found the whole practice to be very cleansing and enlightening.  I personally considered giving up bacon, but selfishly could not rationalize such a sacrifice.  Instead I'm giving up some sleep and adding a reflection time before bed each night - I'll keep you posted on how that affects my preparation for Easter. 

RIGHTS OF PASSAGE
How long does it take to gain favor at a place of work?  Sometimes when you start a new job it's obvious that there are some favorite employees.  While it's hard for managers not to play favorites based on personality or family ties, the lack of fairness can bewilder and demotivate otherwise committed and joyful employees.  Some of our ladies this week were facing this exact scenario and wondering what the secret is to overcoming the bias and lies that easily overshadow good work ethic.  Do we have to settle for situations that require us to compromise our personalities in order to gain a right of passage?  We all confirmed that there are plenty of opportunities out there where we can be properly appreciated and it's worth it to seek them out.

CRAFTS & CONSIGNMENTS
While a lot of people get excited about craft shows and consignment sales around the holiday season, we were all pumped up about them this week at Gather Ground.  Not only is this the kick off of Yard Sale season (can I get 3 cheers?!) but there are some really amazing craft shows and consignment sales hitting the Lehigh Valley in March and April.  One of our Gather Ground regulars is participating in her first official craft show this coming Saturday March 15th and we gabbed about her adorable preparations.  From a killer table display to finishing up some homemade sale items, craft shows require some real skills these days.  It's important to try and stand out in a sea of tables.  A children's consignment sale is coming up as well that a few of us are attending and we're preparing our lists of 'wanted' items so that we can be stealthy shoppers among the inevitable crowds that these kinds of events draw.  This will be my first consignment experience (in late March) and I can't wait to see what kind of chaos ensues!

CAREER PATH
We had an awesome surprise this week!  No, my dogs did not run away and get magically returned by a door-to-door salesperson (see Open Door Policy).  But one of our attendees brought her grandma along!  Yay for age diversity!  First, let me say that my love for old people is abnormal.  If I could adopt elderly men instead of children, I would.  Second, this woman was closer to my father's age than my own grandmother's so I'm going to express that she was not "old," just much older than any of the other ladies.  Her presence was refreshing and dynamic and she spoke of her past career of 35 years.  We all listened closely as she described the challenges, joys and adaptations she encountered at that job in the hospitality industry.  It seems like a fairytale to our generation to think of having a job at the same place for such a long time.  She also told of her humble beginnings of being a babysitter at the age of 12 so that she could buy her school clothing.  Wow.  I could have listened to her for hours.  May we never grow tired of hearing what the strong women in previous generations experienced.  We all appreciated her visit to Gather Ground.

MOVING ON

Moving on was definitely a theme this week.  When do we know that we need to move on from something that is poisonous in our lives?  Sometimes we cling to what hurts us.  Sometimes we grow fond of our weaknesses.  Sometimes we nurture our insecurities in unhealthy ways.  I've spoken with enough women to know that we all do this.  It's sad and frustrating, but it gives us the potential for growth if we're willing to fight through the vicious cycle.  I've seen women walk away from horrors that blinded and crippled them for years.  I've seen experienced women come alongside the weak and the terrified.  Gather Ground was a place of safety and strength this weak.  I pray that more women would know where to find a firm foundation.  God is our Father.  He loved us (like a father) before anyone else had a chance to define us, hurt us, reject us... I pray that women re-discover Him and know that His Love is where we begin again.  His Love gives us the strength to walk away from anything that has taken us captive, stolen our joy and defiled our hope.  He is the source of all beginnings.

*

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please feel free to email me privately any prayer requests you may have.

I will/do pray for you. 

 

 

Good & Lenty

Discussion #5 will begin with an exploration of Lent

Many of us practice Lent and many of us are clueless about it!  I fell into the particularly 'clueless' category and did some research this week about what it is, when it began and how people participate in it today.  Come join us and familiarize yourself with Lent.  It's a beautiful practice that prepares our hearts for Easter!  Join us this Saturday March 8th and email me if you need details.  Otherwise, find our Starting Point below and enjoy!

VERSE - Isaiah 58:6-9
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?
⁷ Is it not to share your food with the hungry
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
⁸ Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness^[a] will go before you,
    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
⁹ Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
    you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

ANECDOTE
Excerpt from "7" by Jen Hatmaker

Oh how we love our religious yokes, not for what they communicate about God, but what they say about us.  This is the kind of people we are.  We say "no" when everyone else says "yes."  We don't do that. We don't watch that. We don't vote that way.  We don't go there.  We don't include them.  But God's idea of a fast is less about what we're against and more about what we are for.
...
When we hear "fast" we put on a yoke of self-denial.  When God said "fast," He meant to take off the yoke of oppression.  The Isaiah 58 fast is not about mechanics of abstinence; it is a fast from self-obsession, greed, apathy, and elitism.  When it becomes more about me than the marginalized I've been charged to serve, I become the confused voice in this passage: "Why have I fasted and you have not seen it?"

Remember: Join at any time, for any amount of time; the doors are open from 10-2.  Brownies, apples and coffee are all free while supplies last. Gather Ground is for all ladies - just email me if you need directions or more info.  Parking can be confusing, but I assure you it's always possible and my dogs will be confined for those who are canine-cautious.  I look forward to spending time with all of you!