|
Day 134 | Friday, 31 July 2020
Exercise Group #3
An Affirmation of Love – 4 (1 Corinthians 12:4-7; 13:13; Galatians 5:22-23, 25-26; 1 John 4:16-21) “We believe that there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. We believe that the gifts of the Spirit include faith, hope, and love; and that the greatest of these is love. “We believe that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We believe that if we live by the Spirit, we should also be guided by the Spirit, not becoming conceited, competing against one another, or envying one another. “We believe that God is love ... We believe we love because he first loved us .... We believe that the commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.” A Prayer of Confession – Loving “Great God of love, you created us for love, called us to share love and to mirror in our relationships the kindness, care and generosity that you show us. We have good intentions, but we fall short of being truly loving. We look out for number one, focus on being the best and take lightly the needs of others. When harmed or ignored, we look for ways to get back, pay back or turn our backs. “Remind us again that loving ourselves involves loving God and others. Save us from a selfish love, a narrow preoccupation with self that ignores the rainbow of your creation. Teach us to be good friends and faithful companions as we follow the way of Christ. In his name. Amen.” Quotation: “Prayer helps me analyze the problem I face. Unfortunately, sometimes I go a long way down the road in a quandary, suffering inside, before I finally ask myself, "Why don't I talk to God about it?"” -Jimmy Carter Today: Prayers for our country to return to a peaceful nation and a healthy country. Birthday Blessings to Ann Lawson today!
0 Comments
Day 133 | Thursday, 30 July 2020
COVID-19 update – 228 in county 102 in battalion 3 Exercise Group #3
An Affirmation of Love – 3 (1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Colossians 3:12-15; John 15:1, 4, 10, 12) “We believe love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or Arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. “We affirm, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, that we should clothe our-selves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. We affirm our desire to bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, to forgive each other, just as the Lord has forgiven us. Above all, we affirm our intention to clothe ourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony; and to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. “We believe that Christ is the true vine, and God the Father the vine-grower. We desire to abide in Christ as he abides in us. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can we unless we abide in him. If we keep his commandments, we will abide in his love. We believe that this is his commandment, that we love one another as Jesus has loved us.” A Prayer for Grace “O loving and gracious God, we come before you, recognizing both your holiness and our waywardness. If we were less acquainted with your love and grace, we might think that, in our unworthiness, there is no way we can approach you. We might think that we have erred too frequently, rebelled too willingly, ignored you too easily to ever be invited back into your presence. “We now look at our erring and rebelling and ignoring with regret and sorrow. We praise you that go you far beyond merely matching our repentance with your grace. According to your word, where sin abounds, your grace much more abounds. Because of your abounding grace we are in your presence now and will leave this place renewed and empowered to serve you in the world. “We praise your name for the depth of your love and the breadth of your grace, and acknowledge this as your free gift to us, through Jesus Christ who loved us and gave himself for us. Amen.” Quotation: “No wound is so trivial that the love of God is not concerned with it. No pain is so deep, so long-standing, that the love of God cannot reach it. Every shock, every wound, every anger and grief is not only encompassed by that love but is also held and transformed by that love.” -Flora Wuellner Today: Birthday blessings to Andrea Disbro and Herb Cook (maintenance) Day 132, July 29, 2020 See you at noon for prayer
Exercise Group #3 Exercise #1 Lateral Arm raise Exercise #2 Neck and Shoulder Stretch Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hands extended down at the side. Gently pull the left arm down, reaching toward the floor with the left hand, and tilt the head to the right. Hold the position for 10-30 seconds while continuing to breathe. Repeat the action, gently pulling the right arm down toward the floor, tilting the head to the left. Alternating between the two sides, repeat the stretch three to five times on each side. Rest and repeat three times. Affirmation on Love – 2 (1 John 4:7, 12; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:21-22, 25, 6:1; Philippians 2:3-4; Galatians 3:27-28) “We believe that we should love one another, because love is from God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. “We believe that in this love we should let the word of Christ dwell in us richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in our hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. “We believe we should be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands as you are to the Lord [although this is scriptural, I hesitate to support this verse for I believe in equality, just saying, Doug]. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “We believe we should do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than ourselves. Let each of us look not to our own interests, but to the interests of others. “For we believe that as many of us as were baptized into Christ have clothed ourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer male and female; for all of us are one in Christ Jesus.” A Prayer for Nature “God of wind and sea, of sky and river, we give thanks for the gift of life. We bring before you our gratitude for the miracle of nature's beauty, nature's rhythm, the breath of life. “Preserve in us the desire to honor your creation, to know your handiwork, to share this symbol of your love for us with all your children. As part of your creation, make us sensitive to its fragile health. May we learn to care for our earth as you care for us - and keep the blessing alive for generations to come. Amen.” Quotation: “Your way of acting should be different from the World’s way; the love of Christ must come before all else.” – St. Benedict Today: Where have you seen the Love of Christ exemplified lately? Day 131 | Tuesday, 28 July 2020
Today I am going to start and exercise group #3 for your use. Also I am going to have four days of affirmations of love. Exercise Group #3 Exercise #1 Lateral Arm Raise Stand upright, with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and arms at the sides. Hold a dumbbell in each hand beside the thighs, with palms turned toward the body. (If you do not have a dumbbell grab a 1 or 2 pound can of something). With straight arms, slowly lift to shoulder height (arms parallel to the floor), pause, and then slowly return arms to the straight position. This exercise can also be done in a seated position using a resistance band or weights. Select a hand weight that allows completion of 8 to 12 repetitions. Rest and repeat about three times. An Affirmation on Love – 1; (Psalm 33:18-22; 86:5, 12-13, 15; 103:8-12) “We believe the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and shield. Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you. “Lord, we believe you are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you. We give thanks to you, O Lord our God, with our whole heart, and we will glorify your name forever. For we believe that your stead-fast love toward us is great ... You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. “We all believe that the LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. We believe that God does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For we believe that as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is God's steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does the Lord remove our transgressions from us.” A prayer for Loving Kindness “Father, your grace really does amaze us. Or at least it should. We confess that too often we grow accustomed to your loving kindness, your forgiveness and your faithful provision for our needs. And we live from week to week, forgetful of where we would be without your grace. “Thank you for doing for us what we could never do for ourselves. Remind us of how much forgiveness cost you, and how much that tells us about your relentless love and grace. Wake us to sense in a fresh way the security that comes by resting in the shelter of your hand. These things we ask in humility and gratitude. In Christ's name. Amen” Quotation: “Love is a fruit in season at all times and within the reach of every hand.” -Martin Luther Today: how do we love those who resist following COVID-19 safety protocols? Day 130 | Monday, 27 July 2020
From the Church Mouse With the summer flying by and the fall approaching way too quickly, the Rev. and I have been thinking a lot lately about fear and worry. I read a story not long ago about a military working dog named Doc. He was a beautiful male Belgian Malinois who was a military hero. He had served valiantly in Iraq and Afghanistan sniffing for explosives, saving hundreds of lives. One day he was blown off his feet by a mortar fire. After that experience, Doc became fearful and hid under a bunk in the army tent. He was retired from duty and adopted by an army sergeant in North Carolina. I can not pretend to understand the trauma of war, but I thought I could understand want Doc was going through. Doc was diagnosed with PTSD. I found out that military dogs can develop PTSD just like their human counterparts. The worry that Doc felt is the same as the worry we can feel. It can literally blow us off our feet. The amazing thing is that Doc’s diagnosis wasn’t the end of his useful life. Through love and support, he regained his strength and confidence. He did not go back to the front but went on to do amazing work with soldiers who suffer from the same disorder. It can be that way for us as well. Since God can use us even if we are worriers, perhaps, if we trust Him, we will find out that trusting Him is a whole lot better than worrying. Doc found his strength again and we can keep ours too, even if this fall and winter become a long, dark experience. A quote for you: “Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose.” – Michele Rosenthal Now for some Foodie Facts: The Blueberry Heart Boost “A cup of blueberries a day could keep the doctor away, says a new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Among a small group of adults with metabolic syndrome – a condition characterized by having at least three heart disease risk factors such as high blod pressure, high blood sugar, and excess belly fat – eating the equivalent of 1 cup of the berries daily for six months was associated with improved vascular function. Specifically, the improvement was in the stiffness of heart arteries, a benefit that may be due to compounds in blueberries called anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory and other cardioprotective effects, says Aedin Cassidy, study author and a professor of nutrition at University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School. Toss a handful of blueberries on oatmeal, yogurt, or salad for a tasty, heart-healthy lift.” COVID update from Chautauqua County web site: as of 3PM July 26, there were 223 cases with 101 in battalion 3 (us) and 9 deaths. Day 129 | Sunday, 26 July 2020
TODAY: PRAISE THE LORD! The assigned scripture lessons for this the 8th Sunday after Pentecost are: Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105:1-11, 45b; Romans 8:26-39 and Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52. The Romans passage is a favorite of many. I have given both the more familiar and then the Message version. I really resonate with The Message translation of this passage. On this Lord’s day as our weariness continues to grow over the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertain future for people of all ages, it is good to reaffirm for ourselves that nothing, nothing can separate us from Christ’s love for us. It is also good to remember that if we are unsure what or how to pray right now, that God’s Spirit does our praying in and for us. As Psalm 105 reminds us: “Give thanks to the Lord; Sing to God; sing praises to the Lord; Give praise to God’s holy name! Praise the Lord!” Romans 8:26-39 CEB 26 In the same way, the Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don’t know what we should pray, but the Spirit himself pleads our case with unexpressed groans. 27 The one who searches hearts knows how the Spirit thinks, because he pleads for the saints, consistent with God’s will. 28 We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 We know this because God knew them in advance, and he decided in advance that they would be conformed to the image of his Son. That way his Son would be the first of many brothers and sisters. 30 Those who God decided in advance would be conformed to his Son, he also called. Those whom he called, he also made righteous. Those whom he made righteous, he also glorified. 31 So what are we going to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He didn’t spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. Won’t he also freely give us all things with him? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect people? It is God who acquits them. 34 Who is going to convict them? It is Christ Jesus who died, even more, who was raised, and who also is at God’s right side. It is Christ Jesus who also pleads our case for us. 35 Who will separate us from Christ’s love? Will we be separated by trouble, or distress, or harassment, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, We are being put to death all day long for your sake. We are treated like sheep for slaughter. 37 But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. 38 I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers 39 or height or depth, or any other thing that is created. Romans 8:26-39 The Message 26 Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. 27 He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. 28 That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. 29 God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. 30 After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun. 31 So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? 32 If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? 33 And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? 34 Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us - who was raised to life for us! - is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. 35 Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: 36 They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. 37 None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. 38 I'm absolutely convinced that nothing - nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, 39 high or low, thinkable or unthinkable - absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Day 128 | Saturday, 25 July 2020
Exercise – Group #1 and Group #2 An Affirmation on The Faithfulness of God “(Psalm 25:10; 36:5; 89:1-2, 5; 91:4; 92:2; 100:5; 115:1; 117:2)” “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness. For we believe that the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. “We believe that all the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. We believe God's steadfast love extends to the heavens, the LORD'S faithfulness to the clouds. We believe the Most High will cover us with his pinions, and under his wings we will find refuge; the faithfulness of the Almighty is a shield and buckler. “We will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD, forever; with our mouths we will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. We declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. For we believe it is good to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night. “So, let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones. For we believe that great is God's steadfast love toward us, and that the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!” Prayer of Amazement “Gracious God, we are surprised, startled, amazed. “We are surprised, Creator God, that you even bothered to create, that you had thought of a world or of a people. We are surprised by the delight you take in detail, by the subtle signs of your care that bespeak a love so amazing, so divine. “And God, we are startled, because you have not rejected your people. Despite the hard hearts and stiff necks of your covenant community, you have continued to come after those called by your name, eager to show your steadfast love, longing so much to know and be known that you took on flesh that we might see you face to face. We are startled when we see you, because you challenge all of our false assumptions. “Lord, in your grace break down the fortresses of our misconceptions. Help us to see, once and for all, what it is you see: people cleansed and made holy by the love of Jesus Christ. Unearned, undeserved, unrighteous, except by the Word you have spoken, a Word that came and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth, from whose fullness we have received, grace upon grace. “And so it is that we stand amazed. Amazed that you create, amazed that you call, amazed that you care. We thank you for that care, and so lift up to you this day (name your concerns here ...). “Gracious God, may we be daily surprised in your creation, hourly startled by the depths of your love and mercy, and every moment amazed by your care. For we ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.” Quotation “God is. We are. In spite of our fumbles and because of God's grace, we are not daunted by the troubles of this age, nor are we fearful of what is to come. We do not bless God for our wealth, our health or for our feeble wisdom. We bless God that God is, that we are and that his promise and love shall be with us when time itself shall be no more.” -Peter Gomes Today: prayers for those who are unemployed. COVID-19 update – as of 7-24-20 at 1PM there were 218 cases with 100 in our battalion. Day 127 | Friday, 24 July 2020 -
From the Church Mouse – Jonah, our greyhound, was a gentle spirit. We never saw him growl at the two grey cats we had at the time, Matt and Mike. I’m sure they tried his patience, but he never challenged them for space. Jonah’s name, in Hebrew, meant gentle. That’s why we chose it to replace his racing name. Jonah never demanded our attention. He just quietly lounged near us, his very presence ushering in a feeling of calm. He seemed to know that we would provide for his needs, and he didn’t need to fight for anything. He just allowed good to come to him. Jonah lived in the mindset that there would always be enough. Peace followed Jonah wherever he went. During these times, we miss Jonah more than ever. I want to have more of that peace-bearing gentle spirit. In my professional life where I worked, I often felt challenged with people who were jealous and angry, constantly pushing for a place at the top and the power it would bring them. I tried very hard not to harbor resentment because I knew that even if you don’t say anything, it can show on your face. Since I confronted all the danger and uncertainty in our world right now and with no end in sight, I have begun the practice of just being quiet. I sit on our back porch and watch all the wildlife that have come to make the Woodlands their home. I walk around the outside of the house and down along the pond to delight in the color of all our new blooming plants and shrubs. I go over to the wooded area, sit in my swing, and think, like Jonah, that there will always be enough. With all the dissension in the world, isn’t it better to take time before we speak, to take time and consider compassion before responding? When we allow gentleness to enter the room, peace falls on heated moments. Quiet and compassionate truth always leaves the most powerful impact. “My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.: James 1:19 (NIV) And now for food for the body: Roasted Chicken and Squash Panzanella – 30 minutes, serves 4 Ingredients:
1. Heat oven to 425 degrees and place a large roasting pan on the middle rack. In a large bowl, toss butternut squash with sage, 1 Tbsp oil, and ½ tsp each salt and pepper. Transfer to the hot pan and roast until squash is nearly tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Lay slices of bread on the top rack and roast until toasted. 2. Meanwhile, rub chicken with 1 tsp oil and season both sides with ½ tsp each salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add chicken, skin side down, and cook until golden brown and crisp, 7 to 9 minutes, Turn and cook 4 minutes, then remove from the pan. Drain excess fat, then add cider to the pan and cook, stirring, scraping up any brown bits. Remove from heat. 3. Flip butternut squash pieces, then nestle chicken skin side up, in the roasting pan (reserve all juices in the pan). Tear bread into 1-in pieces and toss with 1 tbsp oil, then scatter over chicken and squash. Roast until squash is tender and chicken is cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes more. 4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl whisk together vinegar, mustard, and remaining Tbsp oil. Then add shallot and cranberries and toss to coat. 5. Transfer chicken to plates and butternut squash, croutons, and any juices to the bowl of dressing along with arugula, then toss to combine. Serve with chicken and reserved cider pan drippings. Nutrition per serving – 623 Cal, 44 G pro, 51 G Carb, 30.5 G fat (7 G sat fat) 6 G fiber, 645 MG Sod. Day 126 | Thursday, 23 July 2020
Exercise Group #2
Do three or four reps of all four exercises for a good program. An Affirmation: “The Practice of Prayer – 2” “(Matthew 6:6; Ephesians 6:18a; 1 Timothy 2:8; 1 Peter 4:7; Jude 1:20)” “We believe these things to be true about prayer: that whenever we pray, we should go into our room and shut the door and pray to our Father who is in secret; and our Father who sees in secret will reward us. that we should pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. that in every place people should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. that the end of all things is near; therefore, we should be serious and discipline ourselves for the sake of our prayers. that we should build ourselves up on our most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” A Prayer for Renewal “We come to you, O great One, to renew our tired spirits. Let us rest in you awhile and feel you surrounding us in safety and love. [long silence] It is our rest in you that calls forth new strength. For the weary, we pray for comfort and peace. For the worried, we pray for solace and reassurance. For the desperate, we pray for relief and hope. Help us all to set our priorities differently, so that you come before all other demands in our lives - for only then, we know, O God, may we be filled with your life once again for the fullest living on this earth. Hear our prayers and grant us your peace. Amen.” Today: Prayers for the residents of Orchard Grove, the staff and the staff member now quarantined. Quote: “Behind all words and gestures, behind all thoughts and feelings, there is an inner center of prayer where we can meet one another in the presence of God.” -Bede Griffiths Day 125, Wednesday, 22 July 2020
Exercise Group #2 Exercise #1 – Squats Exercise #2 - Seated Sit ups Exercise #3 – Leg Extension Sit squarely and slightly forward on a chair with your feet flat on the floor, hip distance apart. Slowly extend your lower right leg up to hip level, pause, then slowly return your leg to the starting position. Add ankle weight if you wish. Complete 10 – 15 repetitions. When finished, repeat the exercise with your left leg. Do three or four reps of all three exercises. An Affirmation: “The Practice of Prayer – 1” “(Romans 12:12; 8:26; Colossians 4:2; Philippians 4:6; James 5:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Jude 1:20)” “We believe we should rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering and persevere in prayer. “We believe that the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. “We believe we should devote ourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. “We believe that we should not worry, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God. “We believe that if any among us are suffering they should pray, if any are cheerful they should sing songs of praise, and if any among us are sick they should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. “We believe we should pray without ceasing, building ourselves up on our most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” For Help in Prayer “Lord, we do not know how to pray as we ought. We whisper wishes between traffic lights and call it prayer. Lord, we do not know how to be still, to listen. Chattering thoughts and restless impulses constantly interrupt. Lord, we do not know how to pray with trusting hearts. Afraid of being exposed, we try to hide our secrets from you. Lord, we do not try to pray as we ought. Prayer changes people, and we do not wish to be changed. Lord, we do not pray as we ought. We stall, wee make excuses, we want five minutes more sleep. Lord, teach us to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen” Quote: “When life is more and more becoming a prayer, you notice that you are always busy converting yourself and gaining an ever-deeper understanding of others.” – Henri Nouwen Today: For those areas of our country experiencing high volumes of the virus and the health care providers trying to maintain sanity. SEE YOU AT NOON! If raining, come with an umbrella or stay in your garage – open the door. COVID-19 update – as of July 21st at 3:00 PM the county had 210 cases with 97 in our battalion which includes one staff member at Orchard Grove. |
Rev. Douglas Knopp, Pastor EmeritusArchives
April 2022
Categories |
RSS Feed