Well.. I Had to Slow Down and Pay Attention

As a pastor I am always looking for great resources; studies, ideas, insights. Listening to others is the best way I know how to not begin to shape God in my image. Of course, many of us would much prefer God would just go along with us. But I consider my #1 role as a clergy leader is to take the hands of those I meet and walk towards God in the most direct path possible. Along the way we will have conversations and experiences that could either pull us away from God or move us towards a more holy connection with the Divine. One of my favorite resources is a site called Seedbed. My friend (aka professor from seminary), JD Walt, is the sower of this seedbed. Seedbed is filled with articles, blogs, video and curricula to assist me in maintaining consistency of the message. Today as I read "The Daily Text," a commentary piece written by JD something caught my attention; their tag line stating their organization vision:

"Resourcing people, communities, and movements to love the whole world with the whole gospel."

Whoa, slow down. This statement may capture my thoughts for the entire day or longer. Wouldn't it be amazing if this was every follower of Christ's goal for each day. 

"Allow me to unpack" (a cool term I learned in seminary meaning, "I don't really know what you mean but I don't want you to know so spell it out for me". 

"Resourcing" - People are our faith's greatest asset. Jesus knew what he had in his people. We are broken, messed up but we are covered in God's rich grace, a grace that makes us right in God's eyes and gives each of us gifts that support and enrich the people of the world. It is only smart to gather these, resources and and put them to work. Jesus did this with His disciples. He found the right ones, or the wrong ones depending on how you look at it. these men were not religious leaders or scholars. They were fishermen, tax collectors, average "joes". Men with no voice or power but through their face-to-face relationship with Jesus they came to know God and their gifts were empowered to be resourced for change. I am an average joe but aren't we all? 

"Communities" - Groups of people, living close, geographically, often have begun to resource their gifts in coordinated efforts to benefit their communities. Setting forth to elevate those existing assets into a larger product is a grand plan. Maybe even a Divine plan!

"Movements" - Movement is a word most of us United Methodists should be familiar and comfortable with. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodsit Movement is reported to never aspire for the people called Methodists to be a denomination. He had his reasons, one of which he was an Anglican priest and never wanted to move away from that affiliation, but I think he had faith fed insight to more. Denominations are institutions. Institutions, by their definition, are in danger of becoming sedentary. Movements...well...move. Jesus told us to move. There was no room in his dialogue for standing still. He even said, "Go, therefor...". We can't live out our faith if we are not in motion. A group of people, a community, moving in a concerted effort, are powerful, amazing. When those very communities are resourced for God it is transformative. 

Imagine moving these large gifts from God, through large groups of people to love - to love the whole world. Imagine what it would be like to not only love those in our family, but those in our community, our world; even those that are not loving toward us. I have a person in my life that can only be described as having a retaliatory spirt. If this person perceives an injury from you, this person will hurt you back. The other qualities in this person are eventually overshadowed by the desire to hurt those that she feels are injurious to her. Eventually division is created between her and those who so desperately want to be in friendship with her. They end up loving her from a distance to avoid being hurt. Unfortunately, some may stop loving. We are created to forgive and forgive again. to extend grace to all, deserved or not. God set the standard and invites us to respond to his extension of mercy to pass it toward others. This grace extension is at the root of love. In order to love as we are called to love the world - we have to love the whole world - even those that are like my friend; hard to love, maybe even against us. Division and retaliation is never productive.

But loving all people is the whole gospel. Richard Stearns, president of World Vision, wrote a book about the whole gospel called, A Hole in Our Gospel. The "Monica's Cliff Note What it Meant to Me Version," states that loving God, as a Christian, is important, and we often stop there. The greatest Commandment actually urges us to love others as we love ourselves. Without loving others there is a hole in our gospel. Have you ever thought about giving people the whole gospel; more than John 3:16. But maybe through in a pinch of John 3:17; maybe loving people into a real relationship with Christ.

While I love Seedbed and all they offer. For me today, I feel today, the thinking I was forced to do in looking at their organizational vision will propel me into being more intentional in my movement in this Kingdom. I hope you will too. 

To Do List

All you have to do is scroll through Social Media to discover that people like lists; "21 Things That Only Happen to Awkward People", 15 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Faith", or "5 Ways to Know if You Are Prone to Cheat." You get the picture. 

Lists are handy. It is natural and easy to get information this way. You can quickly scan the list, check off those that apply to you and walk away happy knowing you are not awkward or prone to commit adultery or have the deepest faith - EVER!!! 

It is a great feeling when you check the list and you are "good." A recent list I read ticked off the traits to decide if you were prone to spiritual maturity; "What Does Christ-Like Maturity Look Like? 15 Characteristics." I have added a few of my thoughts, things I Had to ask myself before I could check them off. 

Check them out. If you dare. 

The article listed traits such as:

Guided by the Holy Spirit (even into uncomfortable places) most of us are willing to boldly go where we have gone before or were we feel equipped to master the area. But are you willing to go into uncharted territory where there are more questions than answers in the name of Christ?

You are a disciple finder and maker. Before you answer "yes". Ask yourself to give examples of When? Who? How? You might be surprised at your answers. IT is so easy to assume we are great disciples because we follow…right? but we are also called to find and make disciples. Jesus said. Re-read Matthew 28:19-20

You are a teacher and defender of the truth. (WARNING: You must really know the truth first.) Too often we shape God’s truth and Christ’s word into what we want to hear, but there are really hard places like “blessed are the meek, or we scatter our blessings.” Some of what Jesus says id hard to really do!!

We model spiritual disciplines which include prayer, fasting, meditation, etc. The key word here is discipline. In other words you are called to practice spirituality with disciples; everyday, consistently, intentionally, first-priority. 

A need meeter. (Hint: not your own needs) 

A protector of church members from false teachers. False teachers are not always atheists, cult leaders or folks of other faith practices. Anyone who teaches something other than Jesus' intent for us is a false teacher. 

A faith builder. In others. By living by faith, too. By walking by faith. You can’t build faith in others when you hide behind fear.

Partnering with God to see healing take place in the lives of church family (emotional and physical) by serving, caring, praying for and most importantly trusting they will be healed. 

An empowerer. Empowerment requirs letting go...of control, of old ways...of fear. 

A model of good citizenship. Be kind. Be honest. Be fair. Be NICE! Treat everyone exactly how you wish you were treated.

A transcendent hope builder. Wow! Refer to #2. Ask yourself the same questions. In this broken world, hope is what separates mature believers from those that are unbelievers or minimal believers.

A sustainer of and leader in communal expectations. Matthew 26:26-30 institutes the sacred moment of the Holy Eucharist. We should crave to share in these moments with others bringing Christ into our midst. 

A defender of the principles. We have to do the right thing for the right reason which means we may have to question our motives sometimes. Are we standing on a Christ principle or a worldly principle? 

Willing to die for God’s Kingdom. Fair enough. None of us are Jesus. Jesus is God. We aren't right? But mere humans have died for God. Sure Joan of Arc, Dietrich Boenhoffer, but do you know but do you know Cassie Bernall? She was a mere 17 year old girl. Sitting at school. A shooter killed her because she refused to lie about her faith to save her life. Would you?

Sending others out to make disciples. Go Make Baptize ALL the Nations. 

Lists are great fun. They however, make it all too easy to feel as though we have accomplished something great when at closer examination we may not have accomplished all God had intended for us. 

Usually when I make lists they are to do lists. Maybe this one is too. 

TIP-toeing Through Life?

Well the inevitable has happened...Sassy is TWO. Well, not really. Actually she doesn't chronologically turn two until late March; a full four months down the road. Regardless of the math, she is two. Or least she has reached that tipping point when children stop reacting to the world around them and begin to insert their desires, will and opinions into their tiny little world. Most parents that experience this period of development in their children call it the "terrible twos."  As a former early care and education person I will let you in on a little secret; anyone that thinks two's are terrible haven't had a three year old. Threes KNOW what they are supposed to do it, know if they do you won't kill them so do it anyway.

Sassy noticing a part of the yard away from the watchful eye of adults

Two year olds are only finding out who they are and what they can and are allowed to do. They want to find out how they can influence the tiny, little sphere that circles around them. The method employed for investigation is to walk right up to boundaries and then tip toe right over the last line drawn. Some exert their "two-ness" with a little more exuberance and hop, skip and jump past the line of expectance. Others, ignore the line completely. For a parent, this constant pushing at and pushing past the lines of right and wrong, good and bad, safe and dangerous can be wearisome. It makes you long for the days of infancy when a child lay helplessly with only the desire to have their needs met. Independence doesn't seem to be the great milestone is made out to be.

Looking back to see who is watching.

The desire to push past limits in in our DNA. God created each of us with a willful soul craving to use our creative minds to sculpt the world around us to...well...suit us. Sassy is only doing what each of us have done and still do each day of our lives; grabbing the gusto! Is it all bad to enjoy life and explore all the endless possibilities of life? Isn't exploration what this world is built upon. Imagine as if Columbus had stayed home, Alexander Graham Bell had not sought to find a new way to hear or if a few crazy test pilots had not boldly gone where none had ever gone before.

Sassy's exerts her independence with wings, bling and bows; much to the consternation of her minimalist momma. Being a smart women, she allows this bit of freedom. Recently, to have minor surgery, she arrived complete in comfy clothes, hair scooped up in a big fluffy bow and shoes she had chosen for her self, pink and glittery. As you do. Some days she wants to wear a bumble bee costume all day and others she may just wear four bows and a set of wings. She is developing who she is and who she will be. That is why God gave us will, so we can develop into who we are; use our creative minds to explore and shape and "blossom." I mean really, are wings and bows all that bad in the grand scheme of things?

Still checking to see if far is too far.

No, wings are not bad. Choosing our style and flair is what God wants for us. But there is a tipping point. That moment when our exploration and independence combine and take us to that place that we KNOW is too far. We are fully aware we are going beyond what our Father wants for us. As parents we all desire safety for our children. We want to protect them from harm; real physical harm or damage to our soul when our choices set us outside community. Our children push those boundaries; we push those boundaries. There is a delicate balance between moving in freedom and not falling into a spot that can lead to injury, pain, or heartbreak.


Sassy isn't quite big enough to always know how far is too far but, fortunately, at this point she is smart enough touch base as she proceeds towards independent thinking. That is the Tipping Point. We all have it. That place were we disregard the part of us that urges us to check in with God before proceeding and the part of us that urges us to run headlong into freedom without pause. Most of us are fully aware of the tipping point with in us. If not, I urge you to discover where is that place in your life where you are tempted to throw caution to the wind and run. The consequence to independence without insight is nothing short of someday getting lost; lost to our ourselves, lost to our earthly family, lost to God. We need to learn to know those places where our Parent is excited by our independence and willfulness; loving to see what we discover. But there are those places (often including apples and serpents) that we need the protective insight of someone more experienced and mighty that ourselves.

What is your tipping point? What is that button inside you that could be pushed that causes you to run outside the arms of your Heavenly Father? Are you intentionally seeking to know the great plan God has for you? 

Maybe is the day you need to start looking.

Mastering Moses...Part Two

The day I found out I was pregnant with my first child, Jill, I was weighed and measured when I was examined. I measured 5'5" and for the purposes of this story you don't need to know how much I weighed. In an interesting turn of events when I was measured at her first birthday I measured a full inch and a quarter taller! The amazing thing is that I did the exact same thing again as I gave birth the second time. In order to reach my Gabby Reece goal (I have always decided that I am not really overweight but I am under tall) I would need to have a total of eight children. I digress... My point is personal growth. I have done enough, right??? Probably not. A seminary professor of mine once said you can tell when a person stops growing by the date of the most current book on their shelf. Although he was referring to clergy I believe the sentiment hold true for others as well. 



Recently I read an article from a web site I subscribe to called, ChurchLeaders. A recent article captured my attention. The article was titled, 5 Things Long-Term Leaders Master (and Quitters Never Do) . Yesterday my post dealt with the fist "thing," being unpopular. The next two concepts needed for long term leaders according to Carey Nieuwhof, the author of the article suggested were "Personal Growth" and "Trusting God More Than Themselves." I find the two go hand in hand. As you trust in God you will grow and as you grow you will be enabled to trust more in God.

I used to know everything. If you had asked me I would have told you. In fact, if you had asked others that knew me, they would have told you I thought I knew everything. It was a while before I learned opinion from knowledge. On some level, we probably all have subjects that we feel we are experts. It was through humble, personal growth that I was able to see that others knew something and most often far more than I really know. Two undergrad degrees, a masters degree and a MDiv later I feel less knowledgable than I did a a middle school girl.

I grew by losing a part of myself and that part of me was shed as I discovered a God that has perfection wrapped up in His plan. The more I saw His map for my life filled with great wisdom designed for me, I found that trusting God made so much more sense that to lean on my own understanding. I had to learn it was God's Wisdom that carried me through, not my own. 

I am still growing daily. For me it is a two steps forward, one step back or most unfortunately it can often be a one step forward, two steps back process. I often get caught up in ability. I am a fairly able and competent person and that is exactly what trips me up. Having the skills to accomplish tasks lets me rely on my own ability all too easily. I have to remind myself I could do so much more if I let God in on the planning and execution of life.

So by losing myself I gain a shot at excellence. 

Mastering Moses...part one

In a never ending quest to be a better writer, I blog. In that same quest I also read...a lot! I read from several books daily as well as read blogs and articles and pay close attention to how others write and craft thoughts into great (and sometimes, not so great) messages.

Recently I read an article from a web site I subscribe to called, ChurchLeaders. A recent article captured my attention. The article was titled, 5 Things Long-Term Leaders Master (and Quitters Never Do) . As someone that has spent the better part of my adulthood in some form  of leadership; sometimes long-term, sometimes not so much, this article spoke to me. I NEVER want to be known as a quitter, for sure. I want to finish what ever I start. When do you know your season is over and when you are walking away; quitting; giving up? Even thought this article was written for church leaders, the five reasons are pertinent to leaders in all walks of life.

In ministry, especially the United Methodsit Church, the thought of long term ministry is almost a foreign term. In a denomination where the average tenure at a local church is 8 years, it is almost impossible to plan to be in ministry long term with a particular church family. It could be easy for me to ignore the chance to grow in the area of being a leader that would prosper in a long term relationship. And if I only stay short-term everywhere I go then these long term lessons will prove to be beneficial in my life's relationships.


The first thing long term leaders master is, "Being Unpopular." Wow! Have I ever been that person. I don't care what anyone says, no one wants people to not like them. In ministry, you tend to popular for what is called the honeymoon. Let me say this beginning period of leadership is awesome! Everything you do - everything you say is right and beautiful. It is almost as if you are Ghandi and Billy Graham rolled into one. For a while you are a brilliant teacher, masterful speaker and you are sharp and quick. It is easy to expect your picture on Time Magazine as Man or Woman of the Year.

Somewhere in the in the midst of your first, second or third year the shine wears off and you are almost dull. Decisions have been made that make some people happy and other decisions are made that make others happy. The article states that as an effective leader you often make decisions that that are what people need instead of what people want. I find that I and faced with guiding people down the path that God is leading me. I feel that as God and I are wrestling with my understanding and fulfilling what He want from me, those I lead feel as though I am trying to please this group or that person. The funny thing that no one is considering is that in pleasing one contingent you have alienated another. There is nothing to be gained by leading to make others happy.

Moses must have had to wrestle too. I can hear the conversation now, "But God, really, they do't want to eat this flaky stuff." They are going to whine. "Don't you remember? Wouldn't it be easier to just sneak back into Egypt and pack a few picnic baskets and load up goat or two and start over?"

The answer lies in how it went down with Aaron when Moses went up to talk to God on the Mountain. The people got antsy and wanted to make a golden calf. In that moment Aaron had a choice as a leader to make; talk the people down from the ledge, guide them in God's way or help them make the golden idol. They made the idol. Aaron helped. Initially people were happy. They were probably ready to nominate him for "Pastor of the Year."

Being popular with those you lead is soooooooo much easier than doing what God calls you to do. God doesn't take us down the easy path. He often takes us through the wilderness so we can let go of the golden calfs in our lives.  A leader that guides others through that wilderness is not popular. Look at how Moses was treated.  I am not sure how I feel about being unpopular. I like it when people like me. My heart is burdened when others don't like me or when I have fallen short of their expectations. I lose sleep, fret and get my feelers hurt. I am human. I have cried, lost sleep, gotten angry. A recent pew survey found that "57% of those would leave ministry if there were another vocation they could do."Citation 

The the ways I find that I cope with this partial and temporary unpopularity is to lean heavily on God. Knowing that His way is perfect even when I am not. I also learn to covet those times when I find approval from others. Although their approval may be fleeting it has a lasting effect. I also have a friend that is not in my congregation, never will be. We are nothing alike and a like in so many ways. I don't see her often but when I do, she loves me. She doesn't count on me for leadership and the only decision we make together is a lunch venue. While our conversations are deep and have a lasting impact, I never feel badly when our time together ends. I am always popular with someone as long as I have her.


Tomorrow...."Personal Growth"  eek

"WE"ird

Here is my weird family yesterday at our family picnic. Well...most of them anyway. There are a few missing. Just like any other family gathering we have some that had other engagements, a few that forgot, one or two that are crowd avoiders and I am sure there were some that "won't come if so-and-so comes", and some that were ill or too old to join us. Other than my two boys, Joe, one daughter, a son-in-law and sassafras I had no "legal" relatives at this family picnic. this family is my church family and truthfully I spend much more time with these folks than I do my daughter in Nashville, my sister back in Oklahoma or my aunt in Atlanta.

The world has changed. We no longer live in villages formed by most of our family. We can't just walk down the road to grandma's house or run next door to our sister's home. I realize that here in the small town I currently live in, there still are a few folks that manage to maintain family land for offspring to come back and settle with their families but by and large that type of lifestyle is vanishing from the American landscape. 

So this has become family to us, the Mowdys. And what a great family it is! I know that there are times that I don't see eye to eye with each and everyone of these amazing folks. I am equally sure they question my sanity at times. But isn't that family? A group of people gathered, cut from different cloths, coming from different perspectives to make a life together. 

Our family is growing. Yesterday we had some new folks join our family. A growing family is a vital family. I may be biased but this family is exceptionally great. I feel, bias aside, there are many people outside this family that would attest to my assessment.  Many people that have moved away still claim this family. Some have left for good. We still miss them.



Dr. Phil lists Five Factors for a Phenomenal Family. I find that a vital church works on each of these points: "create a nurturing and accepting family system, promote rhythm in your family life, establish meaning rituals and traditions, be active in your communication and learn to manage crisis." This article is worth the read for anyone attempting to create a healthy family, church, workplace or even in your home.  

What have I learned about family from these folks?
1. Being messed up doesn't mean we are less effective.
We are messy, weird with such varied lifestyles. It is those varied life experiences that help us to be effective in this world. When a problem arises, someone knows the answer, whether it is to fix the church van or help an addict. Someone has the tools in their tool box to address the situation. God has masterfully brought us all through life to this point to form a strong, complete unit. Is your family using your weirdness to strengthen it?

2. Differences only make us stronger.
Scripture says iron sharpens iron. In our family, we have people that like to believe what scripture says about having faith that God will provide while others hang on the idea to be good stewards of what God provides. Holding two opposing concepts in tension is what allows us all to grow. As one strong idea rub against another strong idea a sharpness comes into focus somewhere between the two. Are you squelching the thoughts and ideas of others robbing your family of a balanced perspective? 

3. What brings us together is what is important.

In our case, a deep love for others, found in Jesus Christ, shaped by God and ignited by the holy Spirit is what gathers this family together. This is a praying family. This is a family that worships in one accord. This is a family that puts God above all else. What beings you family together besides DNA?



4. Healthy families grow love and love grows healthy families. 
This family keeps growing; in number as well as love. Sure some get mad and take their ball home. Divorce happens in every family, although often it could be avoided. But in those willing to work together, understand that no one is perfect (including yourself) and get the concept that when one person gets their way - someone else may not. But your turn may be next time and love comes from within. Love comes from God through the Holy Spirit that resides within you. Let God love you, accept that love and then share it The rest will not matter. Perfect love. which is from God, when allowed to flow will create perfect love for each other. 

Whether it is on your home, workplace or church, be weird!

Send the Elephant Packing

I would like to hit you with a concept that I call the "Poverty Elephant." To me poverty is the proverbial elephant in the room; large, looming, going nowhere, taking up space. An obvious problem or tenuous situation no one wants to tackle. The metaphorical idiom is struck in the idea that if there were an elephant in the room it couldn't be overlooked; so everyone pretends the elephant isn't in the room at all.  The "Poverty Elephant" is the desire of a person or group of people to not understand poverty for those in poverty, those in plenty and the relationship between the two. Creighton Abrams Jr.,  Former Chief of Staff of the United States Army, is credited with the saying, "When eating an elephant take one bite at a time." I don't believe I would be fond of elephant consumption. I feel it is time we reconcile with the elephant in the room; send him packing.

As a pastor of a congregation that is known for their love of people and their desire for reaching out, I often find myself mediating the conversation regarding helping those in need and helping those that are not truly in need but are in want. The backbone of this church family is a deeply, imbedded work ethic and an overall approach toward simplicity. Some folks find it hard to help those that "could" help themselves. Others say nothing but live in constant tension of what they feel they are called to do, feeling as though God will "sort this out", yet all the while hoping those receiving help truly "need" it. "The Poverty Elephant" is our lack of understanding of the relationship of poverty for God's people.

Taking a look at poverty a few concepts must be understood. 

• Poverty is not limited to those unable to provide for their needs.
• We all personally struggle with the spirit of poverty. 
• Christ said the poor will always be with us and we should take care of those that do without.
• Poverty is relative to each person's culture. 

Whether we would like to admit it or not, the concept of helping those in need is biblical. We are asked, commanded, to love others as ourselves. To not only give our shirt but our jacket as well. To pull all our resources together, use what we need and then give the rest to the poor. In the culture in which Christ delivered this kingdom code for his followers there were two words to describe the concept of poor; penes and ptochos. The term penes referred to those we would call the working class poor. Those that did not have leisure time or time to devote themselves to attending ball games, discussing or participating in politics, pursue higher education for the sake of knowledge. Ptoschos were those that had loss family, social support, so therefor became part of the "begging poor." When Jesus spoke of the poor, he was speaking of the ptochos; the begging poor. They would always be with us. And clearly we are to help beyond their requests. This issue of deservedness is never addressed. All we know is that they will be here forever and we are to help them generously.

So why do we balk at helping others when it is clear that is what we are called to do? WARNING: This is a "pot/kettle moment." Here are a few thoughts that have run through my head at least once, maybe you have had these thoughts too:

• I work hard for this money, why can't they?
• Some people take my money for needs and use their money for frivolous expenditures.
• If they would _____________ (fill in your activity of choice) they would have enough to live on. Choices can include stop smoking, stop drinking, work at McDonald's, sell their car, etc.

A shocking statement coming from this pastor is, "Yes, this is true. All of these sentiments have validity." But in addition to that I would say these statement come from a place of a spirit of poverty. It isn't so much that we feel we are poor, it is that no matter what we have been given by God, we feel that we need/deserve/want more and that by giving to those who by our estimation don't deserve it we are taking from ourselves.

As a child I learned the lesson between wants and needs. If I heard once I heard a bazillion times, "Want in one hand and s#@* in the other and see which gets fullest first." In fact I heard it so often I learned to confuse needs for wants. I learned the fine art of convincing myself that I needed something when in all actuality it was only wanted...badly...immensely. 

Everything we have we has been given by God. Most of us know and agree with this...theoretically. But because we work so hard a spirit of entitlement, "I deserve good things", because I worked hard to have them. But we earned the right to work by choosing to leave God's perfect garden to have our free will, right?

So we are left with the elephant. To eat or not to eat, that is the question. Allow me to send the elephant packing instead. Since helping the poor won't fix the problem as they will always be with us. Since we know we have issues about whether we should or who or even why we should help. Maybe, just maybe those are not the questions to be asking ourselves. Maybe there is a different answer.  Maybe the answer is that we should help. Could it be that the poor will also be with us to help us remember that we dont need all we have; that God provides what we need and that is all we need. Maybe the poor will always be with us so there will be a never ending lesson of simplicity and generosity waiting for us to learn. Possibly, we are to forever engage in poverty not so that we loose "stuff" by giving but that we "gain" God by uncluttering.  If we had no poor to share with, we wold we just keep wanting and amassing more possessions? Would they pile so high that we would lose sight of the One that gave us the ability and resources to even "have?" 

So what do we do with they elephant, we pack his trunks full of all of our over-flowing blessing from God's and send him on His way and enjoy our life with God awaiting the next elephant.