Debbie Downer Meets Jesus Christ

Hello Church,

I consider myself an optimist.  I personally believe that Christians should be, by default, optimists.  We believe in the goodness of God and that, inevitably, the Universe will be okay.  My soul is saved and God is just and all the bad will eventually go away (read the Bible).  And yet it is difficult to be an optimist. 

I want to share my Christian perspective on optimism vs pessimism.  I don't know if it is anything you haven't learned long before me, but I'm going to be optimistic.  This might help someone out there.

- We remember the bad, wrong and negative and we want to share it with those around us.  The vast majority of our talk about sports teams, politics, religion, family members and the run-of-the-mill daily occurrences usually have to do with losing, investigations of wrong-doing, hypocrisy, bad decisions, etc; 

- We don't do nearly as well remembering the good, right and positives of our days.  Perhaps a psychologist or anthropologist can explain why.  However, as I have observed myself turning a corner in my attitude, the pervasive pessimism that I see and hear has increasingly annoyed me.  When it stops annoying me, I should get worried.

- Pessimism has been multiplied many times over with the onslaught of social media.  I have come to see it as a kind of poison that ruins our psyche.  I took Facebook and twitter off my phone and drastically reduced my use of all social media.  I am happier. 

- How can a Christian be a good Christian if it he/she is poisoned by a pessimistic world-view?  I have learned to subtly challenge negative comments with positive ones; question the theology of doom and gloom out loud; critically think through criticisms to determine constructiveness or destructiveness; and invite the presence of God in with a person's thoughts and actions.

- Do you believe in Jesus?  Do you believe in the power of the Holy Spirit?  Do you believe in the redemption of all Creation, the salvation of souls, and an interceding God (Read the Bible).  Then you should seek out a pep in your step. 

- In order to focus on optimism, I have chosen to at least ignore the petty complaints about life (or laugh at them).  I have made it my mission to take every circumstance and be determined to not let the negative drive the discussion.  It isn't always easy.  I'm not always good at it..... I mean.. uh... sometimes it is really easy.  I am sometimes good at it (see what I did there?).

- When I mentally review my day, I make it a point to list the positives.  I make note of the negatives only if I see the possibility of turning it into a positive tomorrow.  If not, I let it slough off.  I don't think about it, dwell on it, post it, or give it any of my energy.  Truth is, most of the negatives of my day weren't in my control in any case.

Emmanuel has a slightly different energy than it did a year ago.  It's better.  I go to activities expecting to participate in uplifting stuff.  It won't always happen.  That isn't the point.  It is my expectations that are the point.  I am choosing my attitude.

What good do you expect to see and talk about today?  Look for it.  I'm optimistic that you'll find it.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Meow! Woof! And The Occassional 'Hello'

Hello Church,

I've never blessed animals before.  I'll have to look in the instruction book to see what it says about it.  Hopefully it isn't too complicated.

This Saturday (12-3) is a day for us and the Humane Society to show off animals.  I like the possibilities of this event.  It could be a day that begins a longer-term partnership.... something Emmanuel is striving for in many different ways.

But the truth is that Saturday isn't really about the animals, though I am sure they will have their own opinions on the event.  The occasional happy dog or grumpy cat who wants to know what all the hub-bub is about.  It is really about the owners and would-be owners.  We want the community to know that we care.... not just about animals, but about those would-be care-takers who enjoy the company of a pet or pets.

So I am looking forward to meeting people too... to make connections and let them know that Emmanuel is a place for them.  That if they are looking for a community of people that has something in common with them (like animals), then we can be that place.

Let's go make establish partnerships, make connections and possibly a friend or two.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

When God's Plans Are Not Your Plans

Hello Church,

Engage the Holy Spirit.

Sunday is Pentecost.  It is the day when God gifted the would-be church with His Spirit to comfort and teach and to inspire. It's a big day to celebrate.

As we live into a renewed Summer at Emmanuel--as we look at new kinds of partnerships with schools and animal shelters and retirement communities and food programs, etc--I think it paramount to consider how we go about it.

Engage the Holy Spirit.

As people of routine, we are often dictated by what our routine tells us. For example, today is Monday.  On Mondays I type my blog; find Scripture for Sunday; post on Facebook; and follow-up with any stuff that happened the previous day. (Btw, yesterday was an awesome Sunday.... if you didn't catch it, find it here!  No lie... one of my best Sunday services in a long time).

This Sunday we are also about routine.  For example, we are always invited to wear red on Pentecost Sunday.  We will sing and pray and preach in a linear fashion.... or will we?

Sometimes the Spirit tells you to do something out of the ordinary.  Maybe it is a nudge or push or shove.  Maybe God finds a way to tell you to break your routine and be led by a more spontaneous opportunity.  God's Holy Spirit doesn't always tell you His plans beforehand.  And if He does, we don't always listen.

Engage the Holy Spirit.

We will attempt to do so this Sunday... unless the Spirit tells us to do it a different day...

God is Good,
Pastor Joe