So...another one of those "coincidental" things? I was sitting at my computer this morning, and had just opened my youversion Bible reading plan for Psalms and Proverbs, when the little "bing-bong" alert sounded to let me know I have mail. I don't like everything about Outlook, but I do like the email previews that pop up on the screen. But I digress... there were two emails in a row for BACK TO SCHOOL sales (*happy dance*) and then these words were staring at me from Proverbs 12:1 "To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction." At first, I thought, "what a coincidence; back to school, learning; it all ties together." But as I reflected on that verse, I had to be honest with myself: I like to learn, but I'm not a fan of discipline, at least not the correction type. Most of us aren't, if we are honest. Sure, I like the personal disciplines, like reading my Bible reading plans, and going to the gym (which I skipped this morning). You know, those disciplines that we put on ourselves and then give ourselves grace (or excuses)to NOT do them? But to be accountable to another, to have someone else put it in front of you, and make you admit that yes, you did, or no, you didn't, that is the discipline/correction that we don't like (especially if the answer is no, you didn't). But according to this passage, you can't have one without the other! Learning and loving discipline are tied at the hip! I guess I had better get used to that fact. God, please give me a heart to love discipline; remind me that in correction is learning, and that in order to get where You want me to go, I must surrender to Your will and Your way. Help me to learn today, through discipline and correction. Amen.

Tomorrow is Independence Day, the day we celebrate our country's freedom. And, not coincidentally, the Lord had some words for me this morning from my readings in Psalms and Proverbs: Psalm 33:12 "What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD,whose people he has chosen as his inheritance." and Proverbs 28:2 "When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability." My prayer this morning is a prayer of repentance: God of every nation, including ours, forgive our "boot-strap" theology, thinking we can set our own course and simply ask You to bless it. Forgive the moral rot that exists within our nation, our leaders, and our selves. Restore to us the joy of knowing that You are our God, and there is no other. In Your grace, grant our leaders wisdom and knowledge, that they might lead us in Your strength. And give us the wisdom and knowledge to follow leaders of Your choosing: in our nation, in our states, in our cities, and even in our homes. We ask this in the name of the One who created all things by the breath of His mouth. Amen.

I heard a strange noise this morning (and as we are still acclimating to our new home there are a lot of "strange" noises); it sounded like a hissing snake, and it further sounded like it was coming from behind the love seat in our den. Kinda spooky, right? So I investigated, and found no snake. What I did find was the sprinkler system was on in our back yard, and was the source of the hissing sound. There was a bit of water on the deck, and the sun was just coming up. I turned off the sprinklers, and almost immediately the waters disappeared in the light of the hot morning sun. I sat down to read my morning devotions, and these words greeted me: When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. 5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Psalm 32) I too often have felt this way: my strength gone, evaporated like water on a hot sunny day. Lord, you know my sins; I can no longer hide them or pretend they are not there. Forgive me; remove my guilt, and make me clean. Renew my strength, that I might follow You today. Amen.

Today is the first Sunday in 9 years that I cannot call myself pastor of Elm Springs United Methodist Church. I am experiencing a good bit of sadness even typing those words. Yes, I am excited (and a bit anxious) to be the Pastor of Outreach at Central UMC, Fayetteville, but in some ways I feel like I'm learning to breathe again. Elm Springs holds such a dear place in my heart, it, as the hymn says, "causes inward pain...but we shall still be joined in heart until we meet again." So this journey journeys on (I feel like I need to insert song lyrics here, so "don't stop believin'" seems appropriate)and I am, as always, a grateful passenger.