Since I was feeling a bit subpar this Morning, I attended church online. The first thing I noticed was that the Grand, grand piano was on stage rather Than the guitarists. And our beloved Robert was seated at The keyboard. Our new sermon series focuses on the Psalms, the "Hebrew Hymnal," scripture that Was intended to be sung. And three of our song selections were from Our own church hymnals which have Become obsolete like our old pews. But because the hymns are embedded in my Soul, I no longer need to see the music. As Robert played and the Congregation sang "How Great Thou Art," I joined in at home. I lifted my hands and sang till the Tears came. I've learned to appreciate the newer Songs, many with meaningful words. But truth be told, when I'm old, "How Great Thou Art" is the one I will Remember. |
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Last evening we gathered outside our
Church to pray. Our country certainly needs it. In my small group we poured out Our hearts with earnest pleas for Love to replace hate, for the Pandemic to end, for direction for Our leaders, for healing for those who Are hurting. But I was stopped in my thoughts when A boy among us added his own short Prayer, "May we have joy like Paul." What insight! In the upheaval around us, he simply Asked that we be joyful in it, just like Paul responded to his imprisonment. The apostle rejoiced that his chains Actually advanced the gospel. I told Jonathan that his was the best Prayer of all. Despite all the bad news bombarding Me today, I will trust that God has a plan, and I'm going to ask Him to give me joy. "Rejoice in the Lord always." Philippians 4:4 I noticed the sanctuary was
Darker than usual as I sat in Church. But we were well into the Service before I realized I had Forgotten to remove my Sunglasses. What a difference it made when I took them off and saw my Surroundings in a new light. I wear blinders when it comes to The issues swirling around me. But a young friend and I talked for An hour and a half on the phone, Listening to each other, explaining our Positions, admitting our biases. We didn't really reach any Conclusions, but just being willing to Respectfully explore each other's World views was eye opening. And we plan to do it again. It wasn't like before, but it was a
Blessing nonetheless. Despite wearing a mask and keeping My distance, it was bliss to be Back in church. Singing while wearing a mask was a Novelty. My voice reverberated in my own ears Rather than those around me. I must confess, I rather enjoyed Hearing myself sing. It felt right to see Pastor Mike in Person again, rather than just on a Screen. And, thankfully, his proclamation of Truth remained the same. I loved catching up with friends even From 6 feet away, a reunion of sorts. And it was delightful to have a reason to Dress up, to wear the new top my Daughter gave me for Mother's Day. One day the choir and orchestra will be Back. One day the aisles won't need to be Roped off. One day I'll give hugs and sing Loudly enough to disturb the Parishioners in front of me. One day. But today was a beautiful step in that Direction. Our music minister introduced a new song to
Us this morning on online church. The writers were inspired by Psalm 42:5, and the Words moved me, so much so that after the Service was over I found the song on YouTube and sang along. One verse especially pulled me in: "Should my life be torn from me Every worldly pleasure When all I possess is grief God, be then my treasure Be my vision in the night Be my hope and refuge Till my faith is turned to sight, Lord, my heart will praise You..." * I've been there when I've felt that all I possessed was grief. My heart was stretched to capacity with The pain. But in reality I possessed God, and He Possessed me, and from my Wounded soul I praised Him. * "Lord From Sorrows Deep I Call..." by Bosswell and Papa An advantage of "attending" church
Online this morning was that I didn't Need to fix my hair, or apply makeup or Search my closet wondering what to Wear. I didn't need to travel in my car or Search for a place to park near the Door. But I missed my regular Sunday routine. I missed the warm greetings, the Hugs. I missed sitting beside my friends and Singing my heart out. And as my pastor preached HIS heart out to The rows of empty chairs, I missed Encouraging him with a nod of my head, A quiet "amen," a smile. I mightily missed my family today, especially As we are facing the uncharted waters of The ongoing pandemic. We need each other. Online church is better than no church, but I understand why the writer of Hebrews warned Believers not to forsake meeting together as Some were in the manner of doing.* I pray that staying home for weeks on End won't become a habit for some of Our folks. It certainly won't be true for me. I can't wait to be back in church again. *Hebrews 10:25
I've always been inspired by the
Service before Thanksgiving, my Favorite of the year. But this morning was over the top. I choked up remembering five years ago, The first time I attended without Jack. And I could barely bear to see the Empty seats beside me where Mark and Becky always sat. Mark's spot will never again be filled. I absorbed the message on thankfulness, how It characterizes all of the Christian life. My voice cracked when we sang, "Out of the Silence the Roaring Lion declared the grave has No claim on me." * And finally, when we ended with the Doxology I put My arm around my first grandchild, Paul Min, and Whispered in his ear. "The first time I saw you in The airport, we welcomed you home with that Song." It had been 22 years ago, and now as I heard him Sing along, my heart smiled and warmed me. The words were never more true: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." Praise God in the glorious times when you greet Your grandson in the airport. Praise God in the grave times when you grieve for Your husband and stepson. In the "anythings and everythings" of life, ** Praise God. *Living Hope by Phil Wickham **Pastor Jonathan Wiley The three gentlemen sat in front of me at
Church. I studied them. I noticed their thinning white hair, Their weathered faces and their Hands, well worn like the Bibles they Held. Two were widowers and the one in The middle a caregiver for his Wife, each matured and mellowed by Life. Over the years the three had encouraged me And my family. I was beholden to them. I watched the seasoned ones sing and Listen intently to the pastor's message. They were unaware that in my spirit I was Honoring them, thanking God for their Fruitful faithfulness, for Finishing well. It would have been easy for the three to Stay home on a cold morning, but as was Their custom they were in church. The godly men had no idea how they had Blessed me by simply being there. I sat beside my grandson in church this
Morning. My heart smiled as I heard him join in as We sang. Some songs were familiar, others new, but all The words were meaningful. The pastor's message was "spot on." I took notes. In the corridors I greeted lots of folks. The smiles and words of encouragement Cheered me. I shared in heartbreak too. A mom described her daughter's cancer Battle. Another hadn't spoken to her child for a Year. She shed tears. I listened and said I'd pray. In Sunday School my teacher's careful Study opened the Word to me. Driving home to fix lunch I was already Well fed. There is absolutely no place I'd rather be on Sunday morning than in church. |
Dorothy Kalb Hsu Seitzinger
Writing poetry has helped me process and express my sorrows and joys, my concerns and blessings. "Life is hard, but God is good!" Archives
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