Meredith's Blog

Letting Go…But Do I Have To?

wscongo — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:05:38 +0000

We’re taking our first born, our daughther, our “little girl” away to college tomorrow. This is what we had hoped for right – for her to grow up, be happy, be smart, be faithful and move away from home? Then why do I have a constant lump in my throat and start crying everytime I pass the baby clothes in Target? One of the happiest days of my life was shortly after we brought our youngest baby home from the hospital – I remember walking down our hallway and kissing all of our sleeping babies good-night. Our home was full, our hearts were full, and I couldn’t imagine life being any better than this. And now, tomorrow evening, when we return home from the college drop-off, one of those bedrooms will be empty. Yes, I know, she’ll come home again, but as one of her brothers so wisely pointed out, “things will never be the same.”
I pray for all of our “babies” starting new chapters in their lives this fall. And I pray for all of the parents with lumps in their throats. God Bless us All.

Share your thoughts on sending your children off to college. We’d love some “survivor” tips as well!

UPDATE: Well, the deed is done and we have all survived the big drop-off. The most tender moment was watching Alex tell her little brothers good-bye, and then watching Dave watch Alex walk into the dorm and not wanting to move until she was out of sight. It wasn’t tender having to see me hyper-ventilate after getting in the car to drive home. But, we’ve received our first text and phone call and she sounds good – as long as she is happy, we will all get through this amazing transition. Many of you have shared great stories here as well as via email – keep those stories coming – it always helps to know that we are not alone.

Check out this great article that Ellie Roberts sent me: http://www.usatoday.com/life/columnist/finalword/2010-08-25-final25_ST_N.htm

Making the Jesus Stories Your Own

wscongo — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:33:45 +0000

I would love your feedback regarding Sunday’s Service! How did you like (or not) the Sung Call to Worship? What do you think about saying the Lord’s Prayer before the children leave for Sunday School? And, how might you begin to make the Jesus Stories your very own? Don’t forget, you can always respond anonymously, but your feedback is very, very helpful. Blessings!

The Importance of Listening

wscongo — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:30:46 +0000

The Gift I Need

Listen…only listen.

Do not pursue me

as though you were God.

The gift I need

is your hearing and your heart.

…Thomas John Carlisle

Some of you have asked, “What is the best thing to say to someone who is grieving or sick?” I’m not sure it’s so much about what you say, but how you are willing and able to listen. Follow the beliefnet.com link below – there are some helpful hints for becoming a better listener.

http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Healthy-Living/How-to-Be-a-Good-Listener.aspx?source=NEWSLETTER&nlsource=10&ppc=&utm_campaign=Inspiration&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=newsletter

Play for Jesus, Ben

wscongo — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:00:41 +0000

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the latest disgraced athlete, needs to find redemption. Here’s how.

Check out this article and post your comment here!

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2010/04/Play-for-Jesus-Ben.aspx?source=NEWSLETTER&nlsource=11&ppc=&utm_campaign=Bible&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=newsletter

THE LANGUAGE OF GOD

wscongo — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:25:22 +0000

Please check out this “hot off the press” video just released by the United Church of Christ. We would love to hear what you think of it! Post your comments and start the conversation!
http://www.ucc.org/

Food for thought:

What images from “The Language of God”

most vividly caught your attention? Why do

you think they were memorable? Were any

images confusing, troublesome or especially

meaningful to you? Why?

How do you perceive or experience God

speaking in the world?

What is distinctive about the United Church

of Christ’s emphasis on a Stillspeaking

God? What does the UCC’s phrase “God

is still speaking” mean to you?

Helpful “FORGIVENESS” Resources

wscongo — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:32:10 +0000

Many of you have told me that the need for forgiveness hits close to home. Check out these websites for great information and resources: http://www.fetzer.org/loveandforgive/home and http://www.learningtoforgive.com

and http://www.thepowerofforgiveness.com/

How powerful is this prayer:

Prayer for Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)

Lord, remember not only the men of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all the suffering they have inflicted upon us. Remember rather the fruits we have brought, thanks to this suffering: our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, the courage, the generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown out of this. And when they come to judgment, let all the fruits we have bourne be their forgiveness.

Source: Found on a scrap of paper at the liberation of Ravensbruck Concentration Camp in Germany

Forgiveness – why is it so hard?

wscongo — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:46:17 +0000

Greetings! Thanks to everyone who has visited my blog! I’ve had some folks respond to my sermon on Forgiveness. Here is a small excerpt: C. S. Lewis said, “Everyone says that forgiveness is a wonderful idea, until he has something to forgive.” It is a wonderful idea to forgive, isn’t it? Hate brings despair, while forgiveness refreshes and beautifies. Hate smothers and depresses. Forgiveness awakens and uplifts. Hate burdens. But forgiveness . . . it really does allow us to soar.

Many of you have asked, “Why is it so hard?” I’d love to hear what your experiences have been with forgivness – either forgiving others or yourself or the power of being forgiven. Remember, you can respond anonymously if you choose to! BLESSINGS and Happy Spring!

Worship – Why are We here? How are WE Changed?

wscongo — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:26:32 +0000

In Worship – Sunday February 21, 2010

Hi! Thanks for being in worship on Sunday. Please SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS! How did you like the new format for Joys and Concerns? If you’re a member of the Choir, did you like being invited to sit with the congregation? Was it meaningful to “offer” your Lenten commitments and hopes and have them blessed?

Please share your candid response to the sermon as well! Why do you come to worship? Did the reflection cause you to think about worship differently? Does worship change how you live in the world Monday through Sunday?

My Worship Expectations

wscongo — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:12:20 +0000

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