Friday’s drive was a beautiful escape from the business we have had. Richard Paul Evans novel, The Walk, entertained us from the CD player. I had read the book a year ago and had just bought the next in his three-book series, Miles to Go, and was glad for the refresher. We were not walking, however. We were driving to the Midwest Missions Distributions Center, just south of Springfield, Illinois, to take the last of the Health Kits for Japan that had been collected by United Methodist Women and their supporters in Indiana. Our Conference president had already taken a full car load over and my husband, Bill, and I delivered the last 187 pounds of tooth paste, wash clothes, and other items to fill the Health Kits. Seventeen-thousand kits had already been packed and loaded and readied for shipping. Our contribution would begin to restock the shelves for the next shipment.
Those of you familiar with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) have helped gather supplies for “flood buckets.” Shelves that stretched to the ceiling were loaded with unglamourous flood buckets, ready for the next flood, hurricane, or other disaster. We walked through the building and viewed the supplies. In my mind I saw the blessed faces of all those who had wrapped band-aids in rubber bands and found just the right size comb to meet the requirements.
I do not know of one person who contributed because “it was expected.” I have never heard anyone say, “What will people think if I don’t do my part?” The kind faces and spirit-filled smiles I envisioned were of folks who gave because the call came forth that there were those in need. Nothing more need be said. For all that you do in the name of Jesus Christ, I thank my God for you. Let us pray:
“Almighty father, the giver of all that is good and right, I praise your holy name. May your kingdom come in the fullness of time and find none of us sleeping. I thank you, Father, for all your humble servants who work unceasingly behind the scenes and not in the light of praise. May they be aware of the vital tasks they do for you. We are all missionaries for the cause of Christ, those who go and preach and teach and heal the wounded body and soul, and those who wait upon you by supporting those who go. Each task is equal in your sight for the goal of both is the same, that the light of Jesus Christ may shine in dark places. I pray that we may see your work before us and embrace it with vigor and love. In the name of Jesus Christ, your son, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
PRIDE GOETH BEFORE A FALL . . . Proverbs 16: 18
Those of you who know me well are aware that I can be a daydreamer! I am currently putting together plans to launch LENGTH OF DAYS in October. It is a novel that takes place in 2112. So, I visualize as I plan.
I was thinking how great it would be to present my book on a national television program. Then, the words “close up” came to mind. So, again I thought, maybe I could use pieces of surgical tape to pull my face into a do-it-yourself facelift and then conceal the tape under my hair, thus hiding the fact that I am not a futuristic groupie. Then, the words “close up” crossed my mind again and I saw those tape strips pop loose and my face falls into my lap in front of Oprah or Greta Van Susteren!
Hmm, was that the image of God’s servant, who had written the book He had given me, that He would want the world to see? Not so much! Pride certainly does go before a fall and to avoid those stumbles perhaps I would better represent His family if I lived an honest life in all ways possible. Let us pray:
“Father God, who sees all that we are and loves us anyway, we praise your holy name! You are amazing and I too often want others to think I am the one to be admired. In your kingdom, we are all beautiful and energetic and full of your love and light. Glory be to God! I ask this day that we see you in ourselves. What a close up that would be! May we present You to the world boldly, while ridding ourselves of self-pride. May we act with confidence as we create and carry throughout the endeavors you have for us, for they are not our plans but yours. Give us the courage to speak up, speak out, and speak love to the world around us. Holy are you and your son Jesus, the Christ, in whom we pray. May all praise and glory go to you. I want only to bask in the glory of your light like a day of sunshine on a sandy beach. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
I was thinking how great it would be to present my book on a national television program. Then, the words “close up” came to mind. So, again I thought, maybe I could use pieces of surgical tape to pull my face into a do-it-yourself facelift and then conceal the tape under my hair, thus hiding the fact that I am not a futuristic groupie. Then, the words “close up” crossed my mind again and I saw those tape strips pop loose and my face falls into my lap in front of Oprah or Greta Van Susteren!
Hmm, was that the image of God’s servant, who had written the book He had given me, that He would want the world to see? Not so much! Pride certainly does go before a fall and to avoid those stumbles perhaps I would better represent His family if I lived an honest life in all ways possible. Let us pray:
“Father God, who sees all that we are and loves us anyway, we praise your holy name! You are amazing and I too often want others to think I am the one to be admired. In your kingdom, we are all beautiful and energetic and full of your love and light. Glory be to God! I ask this day that we see you in ourselves. What a close up that would be! May we present You to the world boldly, while ridding ourselves of self-pride. May we act with confidence as we create and carry throughout the endeavors you have for us, for they are not our plans but yours. Give us the courage to speak up, speak out, and speak love to the world around us. Holy are you and your son Jesus, the Christ, in whom we pray. May all praise and glory go to you. I want only to bask in the glory of your light like a day of sunshine on a sandy beach. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, March 28, 2011
BELIEVE IN THE SELF GOD BELIEVES IN
Haven’t you heard Christians say, “Self esteem is a bad thing? You shouldn’t puff yourself up.”
Is it a greater sin to “puff yourself up” or tear yourself down?
I know that God has a perfect image of the me he created. I may be too tall or too short or have a blemish in the world’s eyes, but God sees me with my father’s eyes. Why shouldn’t I?
Do you have dreams and hopes that seem out of reach? “Other” people do wonderful things, go to exciting places, and invest in their well-formed plans–because their hopes and dreams have more value than yours! Is that what you believe? Then you will be forever looking through the window pane of life but never fly away in the colorful balloon.
If you are to love your neighbor as yourself, I pity some neighbors! Those who show no compassion, love, or acceptance to their neighbor, hate themselves even more. We are not to hold ourselves in higher esteem than others, but in equal regard. God believes in each one of us. He is the life that dwells within. We can do no less than to believe in the self God believes in. Let us pray:
“Father God, creator and lover of my soul, I worship you. Holy is your name and the sound of it is music to me. I know your kingdom will come at your calling and I ask that I may pitch my tent at your door so that I might not miss its dawning. I ask that this be the day when all your children wake up to an awareness of the beauty that dwells within them. Your light shines through each one of us who call upon your name. May we see that light as good and ourselves as earthly vessels for that light. Forgive us when we have shamed and rejected the self we are. We are the self you created. Turn us away from self-rebuke and teach us to walk in the light and love that glows from within and without and floods the path on which we walk. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Is it a greater sin to “puff yourself up” or tear yourself down?
I know that God has a perfect image of the me he created. I may be too tall or too short or have a blemish in the world’s eyes, but God sees me with my father’s eyes. Why shouldn’t I?
Do you have dreams and hopes that seem out of reach? “Other” people do wonderful things, go to exciting places, and invest in their well-formed plans–because their hopes and dreams have more value than yours! Is that what you believe? Then you will be forever looking through the window pane of life but never fly away in the colorful balloon.
If you are to love your neighbor as yourself, I pity some neighbors! Those who show no compassion, love, or acceptance to their neighbor, hate themselves even more. We are not to hold ourselves in higher esteem than others, but in equal regard. God believes in each one of us. He is the life that dwells within. We can do no less than to believe in the self God believes in. Let us pray:
“Father God, creator and lover of my soul, I worship you. Holy is your name and the sound of it is music to me. I know your kingdom will come at your calling and I ask that I may pitch my tent at your door so that I might not miss its dawning. I ask that this be the day when all your children wake up to an awareness of the beauty that dwells within them. Your light shines through each one of us who call upon your name. May we see that light as good and ourselves as earthly vessels for that light. Forgive us when we have shamed and rejected the self we are. We are the self you created. Turn us away from self-rebuke and teach us to walk in the light and love that glows from within and without and floods the path on which we walk. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, March 21, 2011
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
There are springs that make chairs more comfortable and springs that run old clocks, but the spring I love the most is the one that brings green shoots out of the damp ground, buds on the trees, and a fresh scent in the air. They call young love, Spring fever, because it stirs the heart and puts a bounce in our step. Spring is also synonymous with a fresh start, beginning again, and new life. You may have already seen new leaves burst forth or fresh color where shades of brown had painted the landscape. We become color deprived during those long cold days devoid of brightness and cheer. Now, the long winter is over. Spring has sprung!
This Spring, within the opening bud and the unfolding leaf, I want you to see the heart of God offering you a fresh start, new every morning and manifested in all his glory every Spring. Holy is the Lord and his grace and forgiveness know no bounds. Let us pray:
“Holy Father, creator of all and re-creator of each of us who are willing to be remolded to the image you had for us, we praise your precious name. May your kingdom come on the Spring breeze and blow new breath into our spirit. Forgive us when we have turned our back to the brightness of a spring day, when the beautiful color of your world is your gift to us. The light brings us new life and for that we give you glory. Forgive us when we have not opened the window for another who is trapped in darkness. Leading others to the light is the charge and the joy you have given us. May we all feel you draw near to us as the birds fill their nests, the meadow blooms with wildflowers, and the trees blossom in the dark woods. For all of these blessings, we give you praise and honor. In the name of Jesus Christ, the very voice and word of all creation, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
This Spring, within the opening bud and the unfolding leaf, I want you to see the heart of God offering you a fresh start, new every morning and manifested in all his glory every Spring. Holy is the Lord and his grace and forgiveness know no bounds. Let us pray:
“Holy Father, creator of all and re-creator of each of us who are willing to be remolded to the image you had for us, we praise your precious name. May your kingdom come on the Spring breeze and blow new breath into our spirit. Forgive us when we have turned our back to the brightness of a spring day, when the beautiful color of your world is your gift to us. The light brings us new life and for that we give you glory. Forgive us when we have not opened the window for another who is trapped in darkness. Leading others to the light is the charge and the joy you have given us. May we all feel you draw near to us as the birds fill their nests, the meadow blooms with wildflowers, and the trees blossom in the dark woods. For all of these blessings, we give you praise and honor. In the name of Jesus Christ, the very voice and word of all creation, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
HEALTH KITS FOR JAPAN
We, in the United Methodist Church, collected thousands of Health Kits for the people of Haiti and now basic Health Kits are greatly needed in Japan. Please check the information below and find a way to help the people on that shattered island by contributing to the Midwest Mission Distribution Center. The items needed for the kits are listed as well as information on how to contribute money so that others can shop for the Health Kit items. Thank you and God Bless you. Doris
Health Kit -
1 Hand Towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", no kitchen towels)
1 Washcloth
1 Comb (large & sturdy, not pocket size or pic)
1 Nail file or Fingernail Clipper (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
1 Bath-size Bar of Soap (3 oz. or larger in original wrapper)
1 Toothbrush (single brushes only-in original wrapper, no child-size brushes) (no multiple packs) (no dentist name or phone number)
1 Tube of Toothpaste (6.4 oz or larger. Check expiration dates-must be at least ONE YEAR ahead.) (You may leave out and send $1.00)
6 Adhesive Plastic Strip Sterile Bandages (regular size and wrapped in a rubber band)
Wrap the items in the hand towel. Items should be placed in a new, one gallon plastic zip closure bag. Please make sure all items are correct sizes. If they are not the correct size, they are unusable. In addition, health kit items in bulk are very desirable as well.
Please note: if you have questions please email office@midwestmissiondc.org or call 217-483-7911 217-483-7911 .
In addition, please check MMDC's website: www.midwestmissiondc.org or facebook page: www.facebook.com/midwestmission for updates.
Health Kit -
1 Hand Towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", no kitchen towels)
1 Washcloth
1 Comb (large & sturdy, not pocket size or pic)
1 Nail file or Fingernail Clipper (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
1 Bath-size Bar of Soap (3 oz. or larger in original wrapper)
1 Toothbrush (single brushes only-in original wrapper, no child-size brushes) (no multiple packs) (no dentist name or phone number)
1 Tube of Toothpaste (6.4 oz or larger. Check expiration dates-must be at least ONE YEAR ahead.) (You may leave out and send $1.00)
6 Adhesive Plastic Strip Sterile Bandages (regular size and wrapped in a rubber band)
Wrap the items in the hand towel. Items should be placed in a new, one gallon plastic zip closure bag. Please make sure all items are correct sizes. If they are not the correct size, they are unusable. In addition, health kit items in bulk are very desirable as well.
Please note: if you have questions please email office@midwestmissiondc.org or call 217-483-7911 217-483-7911 .
In addition, please check MMDC's website: www.midwestmissiondc.org or facebook page: www.facebook.com/midwestmission for updates.
Monday, March 14, 2011
AND THE EARTH SHOOK
The earth’s plates shifted and the ground above it shook with a force strong enough to send tsunami waves nearly 5500 miles from the epicenter in Japan to the coast of California at the speed of a jet airplane. This earth is not Heaven. It is merely a forge for the strengthening of our character as we are readied for the glory that is to come.
The whole world is part of the family of God and our kinfolk have been brought low with the might of this world’s natural forces. For those who have died, for those who are injured, for those who are missing, for those who are homeless, your father God sends you messages of love and hope and peace amid the chaos. Praise the name of the Lord of Peace, call upon his name, and he will bring you his grace and peace in spite of the destruction around you. Let us pray:
“Holy Father, Love of all, we praise your precious name. May your kingdom come amid the pain and bring your perfect healing to an injured world. Chaos is NOT of you, Father. Chaos is from the author of darkness, not the Prince of Light. We long to seek the sweet face of Jesus among the broken, for that is where we will find you, Father God. We ask this very day, that the man-made containment walls of the nuclear reactors may hold back the radiation that could harm your loving children. We pray for safety for those injured, homeless, and missing. Fill them with your hope and love. May we, who were untouched, rise up with the strength you have given us and bring aid to those in pain and hold back the economic disaster that could come. With your love, we can bring hope, confidence, strength, help, and security to this world. We have allowed ourselves to be shamed into hiding the love we have for you and therefore others. Now, we stretch out our arms like the wings of angels, and gather your children in, where they will know they are loved and protected until the earth trembles no more. In the name of Jesus Christ, who brought your love to the earth, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
The whole world is part of the family of God and our kinfolk have been brought low with the might of this world’s natural forces. For those who have died, for those who are injured, for those who are missing, for those who are homeless, your father God sends you messages of love and hope and peace amid the chaos. Praise the name of the Lord of Peace, call upon his name, and he will bring you his grace and peace in spite of the destruction around you. Let us pray:
“Holy Father, Love of all, we praise your precious name. May your kingdom come amid the pain and bring your perfect healing to an injured world. Chaos is NOT of you, Father. Chaos is from the author of darkness, not the Prince of Light. We long to seek the sweet face of Jesus among the broken, for that is where we will find you, Father God. We ask this very day, that the man-made containment walls of the nuclear reactors may hold back the radiation that could harm your loving children. We pray for safety for those injured, homeless, and missing. Fill them with your hope and love. May we, who were untouched, rise up with the strength you have given us and bring aid to those in pain and hold back the economic disaster that could come. With your love, we can bring hope, confidence, strength, help, and security to this world. We have allowed ourselves to be shamed into hiding the love we have for you and therefore others. Now, we stretch out our arms like the wings of angels, and gather your children in, where they will know they are loved and protected until the earth trembles no more. In the name of Jesus Christ, who brought your love to the earth, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, March 7, 2011
PARTY WHILE YOU CAN!
We are entering the season of Lent. In the Christian tradition, Lent is the forty-six days before Easter. It is a time of prayer, penitence, almsgiving, and self-denial. Many people pray, few confess they have done anything wrong, some give to the poor, and it has become rare for anyone to deny themselves anything.
Mardi gras, or Fat Tuesday, is tomorrow and that is the day before Ash Wednesday–the first day of Lent. The point of Mardi gras is, if you are going to start denying yourself anything the next day–Party while you can! Our problem is that we started partying after World War II and never stopped. We used little effort to protect the peace that Armistice Day provided and indulged ourselves on every possible thing the hedonistic mind could imagine. What have we traded? To name only a few, we have: a new iPhone every year but broken families; a dangerous rise in obesity while some people starve; and a bigger and bigger TV screen but a smaller and smaller heart for God. Perhaps you can think of three more jewels you have traded for self-indulgence. For this Lenten season, I’d like you to shift your focus: give up nothing, but embracing everyone; eat all you want and share much more; pray for peace and fight for love; entertain yourself as much as you like and like spending time with your family even more; spend what you need and need even less; sing a song of love–this time out loud. Your time to party will eventually end. What will be left? Let us pray:
“Dear Lord and father of us all, Abba to your son Jesus the Christ, holy is your name beyond all our ability to express. May your kingdom of love and peace be manifested in each of us this day, so that we may experience Heaven on earth as do the angels above. During this time of Lent, may we see your face on those in need, your heart in the unlovable, and your smile on the invisible ones. We pray that we may be drawn to loving rather than partying, to service rather than self-indulgence. Forgive us when we have not seen the needy, not heard those who cry, and not touched a healing hand on those in pain. Lead us not into believing we have ministered to others on our own, because we know, only you can heal, only you can love without harming, only you can save when we get out of the way. May our goal be, not to party while we can, but to love while we can. In the name of Jesus, your son, our Savior, we pray. Amen.”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Mardi gras, or Fat Tuesday, is tomorrow and that is the day before Ash Wednesday–the first day of Lent. The point of Mardi gras is, if you are going to start denying yourself anything the next day–Party while you can! Our problem is that we started partying after World War II and never stopped. We used little effort to protect the peace that Armistice Day provided and indulged ourselves on every possible thing the hedonistic mind could imagine. What have we traded? To name only a few, we have: a new iPhone every year but broken families; a dangerous rise in obesity while some people starve; and a bigger and bigger TV screen but a smaller and smaller heart for God. Perhaps you can think of three more jewels you have traded for self-indulgence. For this Lenten season, I’d like you to shift your focus: give up nothing, but embracing everyone; eat all you want and share much more; pray for peace and fight for love; entertain yourself as much as you like and like spending time with your family even more; spend what you need and need even less; sing a song of love–this time out loud. Your time to party will eventually end. What will be left? Let us pray:
“Dear Lord and father of us all, Abba to your son Jesus the Christ, holy is your name beyond all our ability to express. May your kingdom of love and peace be manifested in each of us this day, so that we may experience Heaven on earth as do the angels above. During this time of Lent, may we see your face on those in need, your heart in the unlovable, and your smile on the invisible ones. We pray that we may be drawn to loving rather than partying, to service rather than self-indulgence. Forgive us when we have not seen the needy, not heard those who cry, and not touched a healing hand on those in pain. Lead us not into believing we have ministered to others on our own, because we know, only you can heal, only you can love without harming, only you can save when we get out of the way. May our goal be, not to party while we can, but to love while we can. In the name of Jesus, your son, our Savior, we pray. Amen.”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
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