"Behold, the former things have come to pass, now I declare new things; before they spring forth I proclaim them to you."  (Isaiah 42:9  NAS)

And challenges bring changes......  So many things happening at what seems like, pretty much, the same time.  The hectic schedules change depending on what is happening with which person.  Sometimes our "people" have changes that cause challenges and sometimes changes in our own lives bring on the challenges.  When it can get really interesting is when the changes are affecting all and require even more changes.

The most recent change, for me, has been retirement - from full time "church" ministry.  This has required a move from a parsonage to the "family" home.  As in going from a 4 bedroom parsonage to ONE bedroom.  You guessed it!  A LOT of downsizing!!!  

​The most wonderful part of all of this is the "peace -- God's PEACE" (John 14:27) that we are promised.  We know God keeps God's promises!   God has shown, in so many ways I have lost count, these changes are what God is calling for.  God has also worked out a lot of the challenges the changes have brought about.  Even as I keep repeating "moving is fun" there is God's PEACE through all the changes and challenges.   

"Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a t chance to eat, he said to them "Come with me to a quiet place and get some rest."  (Mark 6:31)

So many things happening, busy schedules that get unexpected (and unwanted) changes, and - sometimes -  all of these things mean there are "new" things happening.  The time we spend in prayer helps us to feel God's presence but also helps us to know the direction God is wanting us to take.  Taking the time to s-t-o-p and be with God is something we need to be doing daily.  Sometimes we need to be doing it several times a day!

The readings today are about feeling God's presence and guidance.  Knowing the peace "that passes understanding" because of KNOWING God IS with us.  In Isaiah 41 we read of God holding our hand AND keeping us in "God's righteous right hand."  (Isaiah 41:10 & 13)  In Ephesians Paul is reminding Jesus is "our peace" because we have "access to the Father by one Spirit."  (Ephesians 2:18)  Then we have Jesus calling to us when the things are so busy "they did not even have a chance to eat."  Jesus is telling all of us to "come away with me."  (Mark 6:31)

With all the changes, challenges and storms the schedules are even more hectic meaning sometimes there isn't time to eat.  However, with all the things happening, we need to be even more careful to have the time with God.  At least a morning - to start the day, and evening - to end the day, but "extra" is also good.  When are you taking the time to talk to God about everything happening?  Something to think about.........

"Others said, "It is Elijah."  And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.""  (Mark 6:15)

We have all done it, do it now and probably will continue to do it.  "If I had paid more attention _____" fill in the blank.  We have probably also said, or have a number of, "if only I had done ____."  What we need to think about is if we can change.  IF we can, maybe, turn the "if," and the "if only" into "what if _____."

The Scripture readings are about changing the "ifs."  David has taken his men and gotten the "ark of God" an are returning to to Jerusalem.  "Please note David, his men, and "all Israel," were celebrating.  (2 Samuel 6:5)  Paul is reminding all of us that we are "marked...with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit."  (Ephesians 1:13)  God giving us Emmanuel AND the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide us.  In Mark we are hearing the story of how John, Jesus' cousin, was killed.  The reaction of the people is causing Herod to be concerned.

So the question is about our ifs.  Is paying "more attention" to what God is asking us to do?  Are we we saying "if only I had one what God asked?:  Or are we saying "what if I did it"?  Are we speaking up, like in the Gospel reading, to say who we know Jesus to be?  Something to think about......​

"Isn't this the carpenter?  Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?  And they took offense at him."  (Mark 6:3)

When you get excited about something what do you do?  What about when you learn something new? What about if it would HELP people?  Have you tried to share, to tell people, maybe even your family and friends?  Have you tried to show them how it has changed YOUR life?

The readings today are about living, and sharing, our faith.  David is now king, building (and living in) the fortress he starts calling the "City of David" (2 Samuel 5:9).  He also continues to grow in strength as he follows, and shares, how God IS with him (5:10) Paul is telling the Corinthians how important it is for people to show how Christ's power "may rest on me." ( 2 Corinthians 12:9)  Jesus is also living his faith as he is, on the Sabbath, in the synagogue.  The problem is the people question what he is saying because they think they "know" him. (Mark 6:3)  This meant Jesus wasn't able to do "any miracles there" because of their questioning and unbelief.

So..... do people question what you are telling them?  Do they believe you?  One of the sayings we all grew up with is "actions speak louder than words" -- so are people SEEING the change in you from what you have seen or learned?  Are they seeing how God IS strengthening you through the crazy, changing, challenging schedules (and storms)?  As Caregivers are we taking a few minutes to tell people how we feel God's presence and strength?  Are we helping them understand what they are seeing in us?  Something to think about.......