Wednesday, January 14, 2009
MUCH TO CELEBRATE
Greetings and belated Happy New Year:
I know it has been a while since my last posting. Life has been challenging – changing and inspiring since my last visit posting.
In short, I continue to experience the love and peace of God given thru Jesus Christ.
Idalene, my wife received her Ph.D. in August. It was a wonderful ceremony and our three children and 2 grandchildren attend the graduation and hooding ceremony in Minneapolis. Idalene’s aunt and sister from Kansas City also attended. Then the children and I threw her big celebration party. Family, friends, sorority sisters, church members and former church members attended. It was a grand event. Sweets, know that I am proud of you.
William, III, has entered seminary. He is attending St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. He is excited and found the first semester exhilarating. In our phone calls and his holiday visit, he helped me remember my time at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas. It seems fitting that Williams III is in seminary. He attended with me on a regular basis, the first 6 months of his life. In between taking notes, asking questions and drinking lots of coffee, I changed diapers, fed, burped and gave lots of love.
Jamise continues to be a good mother. She works for the Middle School Learning Center Initiative as the Site Director @ King Science for the Omaha Public School Foundation. It has been a great fit and has provided Jamise with plenty of opportunity for professional and personal growth. Jamise, who has her Master’s degree continue to be a staff member at ROCKbrook United Methodist Church, coordinating the childcare each Sunday and sings with the Praise Team when they sing.
Jenna, today (January 14, 2009) turns 25. Happy Birthday Jenna, has talked, dreamed, hoped and desired to move to California, (Hollywood) to find success and fulfilled her dreams through acting. She has dream and or talked about doing this since she had the lead role in the Hobbit at the Rose Children’s Theater. Throughout high school and college, Jenna set her sight on making it through acting. Well, she is ready to take that next step of life. Jenna and Maya, her college friend, have leased and apartment and Jenna will be leaving in 7 days to begin her journey. (Today January 22, 20090.
I ask that you pray for her and that she will find happiness and success. William will be driving her to Los Angles. She will miss Jamise, a sister and best friend. I ask that you pray for them.
Mom and Dad will have a hard time adjusting without ‘Cupcake” around to assist, help and just have a presence. As much as we celebrate her decision and pray for her success we will miss her deeply.
Fly Jenna Fly. May you reach your goal.
DadPastor William
I know it has been a while since my last posting. Life has been challenging – changing and inspiring since my last visit posting.
In short, I continue to experience the love and peace of God given thru Jesus Christ.
Idalene, my wife received her Ph.D. in August. It was a wonderful ceremony and our three children and 2 grandchildren attend the graduation and hooding ceremony in Minneapolis. Idalene’s aunt and sister from Kansas City also attended. Then the children and I threw her big celebration party. Family, friends, sorority sisters, church members and former church members attended. It was a grand event. Sweets, know that I am proud of you.
William, III, has entered seminary. He is attending St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. He is excited and found the first semester exhilarating. In our phone calls and his holiday visit, he helped me remember my time at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas. It seems fitting that Williams III is in seminary. He attended with me on a regular basis, the first 6 months of his life. In between taking notes, asking questions and drinking lots of coffee, I changed diapers, fed, burped and gave lots of love.
Jamise continues to be a good mother. She works for the Middle School Learning Center Initiative as the Site Director @ King Science for the Omaha Public School Foundation. It has been a great fit and has provided Jamise with plenty of opportunity for professional and personal growth. Jamise, who has her Master’s degree continue to be a staff member at ROCKbrook United Methodist Church, coordinating the childcare each Sunday and sings with the Praise Team when they sing.
Jenna, today (January 14, 2009) turns 25. Happy Birthday Jenna, has talked, dreamed, hoped and desired to move to California, (Hollywood) to find success and fulfilled her dreams through acting. She has dream and or talked about doing this since she had the lead role in the Hobbit at the Rose Children’s Theater. Throughout high school and college, Jenna set her sight on making it through acting. Well, she is ready to take that next step of life. Jenna and Maya, her college friend, have leased and apartment and Jenna will be leaving in 7 days to begin her journey. (Today January 22, 20090.
I ask that you pray for her and that she will find happiness and success. William will be driving her to Los Angles. She will miss Jamise, a sister and best friend. I ask that you pray for them.
Mom and Dad will have a hard time adjusting without ‘Cupcake” around to assist, help and just have a presence. As much as we celebrate her decision and pray for her success we will miss her deeply.
Fly Jenna Fly. May you reach your goal.
DadPastor William
Monday, June 30, 2008
Surviving the Storms of Life
Don’t be alarmed when the trials of life crash around you. God is there to help!
This summer, we have experienced a variety of storms which have disrupted our lives. We had the tornado 3 weeks ago and then the “hurricane or wind storm last weekend. Both of these storms disrupted our lives, displaced some from home and in short, caused all king of havoc and chaos. Our homes and churches suffered through damage, power outages and fallen trees. On last Friday, Jamise, Edward and Ocean, my daughter and grandchildren were on our way to Kansas City. We were at the corner of 129th and Maple when the storm hit. While Jamise covered her children, I stopped the car and held on for life. Later Edward declared, “Storms are not fun!”
Storms will come
You are right grandson. Storms are not fun. But, storms will come into our world. Storms will come in to our lives. They come to us all, and when they hit, they are not fun. In Acts 27, we read the account of when Paul was on a ship with 275 other. In the midst a violent storm he steps forward and tells them all to “be of good cheer.”
Many if not all can look at our present life circumstance and declare, “I am in the midst of a storm”. It could be personal, work related, with children or a spouse, it could be with life changes of aging or other health related issues. Those storms could be your present financial situation. Yes, these are the storms of life. What are other storms of life you can name?
Storms are temporary
I wrote this definition of a spiritual storm: “It is an unpredictable, temporary period of distress over which we have little, if any, control.” Paul referred to the storms in his life as “light afflictions,” which last “but for a moment.” Yet, if you read his biography, you find that he endured one storm after another. How could he call them light afflictions?
A place of refuge
When storms come our way, we should seek shelter, refuge, and safety from the storm. We can find safety within a relationship with Christ and with the Church, ROCKbrook The storms will continue, but you can always find refuge in the midst of the storms. Psalm 16:1[ A miktam of David. ] Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
Meet the Lord of the storm
Have you met the Lord of the storm? Have you met the One who can see you through no matter what you face in life? Are you trying to find your own way, your own solutions? Or, are you willing to say, “Lord, I need Your help.” If you do, the Lord will under gird you. God will help you weather the storm. God will give you victory. God will bring you good cheer.
God is indeed our Refuge:
Pastor William
This summer, we have experienced a variety of storms which have disrupted our lives. We had the tornado 3 weeks ago and then the “hurricane or wind storm last weekend. Both of these storms disrupted our lives, displaced some from home and in short, caused all king of havoc and chaos. Our homes and churches suffered through damage, power outages and fallen trees. On last Friday, Jamise, Edward and Ocean, my daughter and grandchildren were on our way to Kansas City. We were at the corner of 129th and Maple when the storm hit. While Jamise covered her children, I stopped the car and held on for life. Later Edward declared, “Storms are not fun!”
Storms will come
You are right grandson. Storms are not fun. But, storms will come into our world. Storms will come in to our lives. They come to us all, and when they hit, they are not fun. In Acts 27, we read the account of when Paul was on a ship with 275 other. In the midst a violent storm he steps forward and tells them all to “be of good cheer.”
Many if not all can look at our present life circumstance and declare, “I am in the midst of a storm”. It could be personal, work related, with children or a spouse, it could be with life changes of aging or other health related issues. Those storms could be your present financial situation. Yes, these are the storms of life. What are other storms of life you can name?
Storms are temporary
I wrote this definition of a spiritual storm: “It is an unpredictable, temporary period of distress over which we have little, if any, control.” Paul referred to the storms in his life as “light afflictions,” which last “but for a moment.” Yet, if you read his biography, you find that he endured one storm after another. How could he call them light afflictions?
A place of refuge
When storms come our way, we should seek shelter, refuge, and safety from the storm. We can find safety within a relationship with Christ and with the Church, ROCKbrook The storms will continue, but you can always find refuge in the midst of the storms. Psalm 16:1[ A miktam of David. ] Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
Meet the Lord of the storm
Have you met the Lord of the storm? Have you met the One who can see you through no matter what you face in life? Are you trying to find your own way, your own solutions? Or, are you willing to say, “Lord, I need Your help.” If you do, the Lord will under gird you. God will help you weather the storm. God will give you victory. God will bring you good cheer.
God is indeed our Refuge:
Pastor William
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
The Easter Blues?
The After-Easter Blues
Lent is easy to live with because it seems so real. It's easy to see brokenness and alone-ness in our lives and in the world, so it's easy to reflect on the stuff we're supposed to be reflecting on. But it's different with resurrection, or it least it should be. We don’t want life to return to ‘normal.’Easter is filled with the message of the power of new life, of death's defeat. Jesus triumphs over his death and ours, and it's a day full of gladness. So we sing with all the joy we can muster. We're full of alleluias as we get into the spirit of the day. "Christ is Risen!" I knew I was having a good Easter when I felt the Spirit of God stirring in my heart. Resurrection seems true – It is possible to imagine that life can be different. That passion week has ended.
Easter is not a one-day transformation experience. We do experience little bits of new life growing in our souls; but it's never a complete transformation. We sing about resurrection but know that we're not there yet. For all our Easter joy, we're still the same people that we were during Lent. My uncle died. People are still hungry, and sad, and struggling with painful relationships, agonizing decisions, and a thousand other things. Easter is a life lifetime event, so are the Promises of Easter.
We can see signs of the resurrection in the lives of those around us and in our lives. Substance abuse rehabilitation is a success, a struggling marriage has a new foundation, forgiveness has been extended and received, a job was gained and there are other places where you have experienced the resurrection again. Alleluia, Christ is Risen.
Another sign of Easter is when someone announces his or her call into ministry. I celebrate and give thanks unto God, as my son, William M. Williams, III preached (at the 8:30 service) as a person who has begun the process for ministry. I ask that you pray with William and for him, as he lives out his faith and his call. Son, I want you to know that y0ur mother and I are proud of you.
Hallelujah, Christ is Risen!
Pastor William
Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.-John 20:19b-20Lent is so dramatic. It begins on Ash Wednesday, and then we had seven weeks to reflect, to examine our lives, our brokenness, and our mortality. We go through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday -- full of depth and meaning and even drama. And then Easter hits. And then it's done. Or at least that's how it sometimes feels.
Actually, it's not done. According to the Christian calendar, Easter is a season -- 50 days long -- and not just a day. We usually don’t celebrate Easter as a season. We have one busy Sunday, a few more days of chocolate eggs and jelly beans. But then it's back to normal. I have often said, “Things will slow down after Easter.” Life will return to ‘normal.’ Why does this happen?
Lent is easy to live with because it seems so real. It's easy to see brokenness and alone-ness in our lives and in the world, so it's easy to reflect on the stuff we're supposed to be reflecting on. But it's different with resurrection, or it least it should be. We don’t want life to return to ‘normal.’Easter is filled with the message of the power of new life, of death's defeat. Jesus triumphs over his death and ours, and it's a day full of gladness. So we sing with all the joy we can muster. We're full of alleluias as we get into the spirit of the day. "Christ is Risen!" I knew I was having a good Easter when I felt the Spirit of God stirring in my heart. Resurrection seems true – It is possible to imagine that life can be different. That passion week has ended.
Easter is not a one-day transformation experience. We do experience little bits of new life growing in our souls; but it's never a complete transformation. We sing about resurrection but know that we're not there yet. For all our Easter joy, we're still the same people that we were during Lent. My uncle died. People are still hungry, and sad, and struggling with painful relationships, agonizing decisions, and a thousand other things. Easter is a life lifetime event, so are the Promises of Easter.
We can see signs of the resurrection in the lives of those around us and in our lives. Substance abuse rehabilitation is a success, a struggling marriage has a new foundation, forgiveness has been extended and received, a job was gained and there are other places where you have experienced the resurrection again. Alleluia, Christ is Risen.
Another sign of Easter is when someone announces his or her call into ministry. I celebrate and give thanks unto God, as my son, William M. Williams, III preached (at the 8:30 service) as a person who has begun the process for ministry. I ask that you pray with William and for him, as he lives out his faith and his call. Son, I want you to know that y0ur mother and I are proud of you.
Hallelujah, Christ is Risen!
Pastor William
Monday, January 7, 2008
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Yes, I know that we have a few more days before it is officially 2008. I just want to be the first to hope and pray that your 2008 will be filled with God’s Grace and Mercy.
It was terrifying for her. It was late one evening and I was working late at the church. Jenna was with me and we were readying the sanctuary for services the next day. After we finished, we took the short walk—maybe 30 yards from the church to the parsonage. But it was dark…very dark. Jenna grabbed me by the hand, terrified. Scared of the dark and the unknown.
I remember our brief conversation as we crossed the parking lot in the dark. “Jenna, are you scared?” Yes daddy, she replied, as she reached up and grabbed my hand and clasped it as tight she could. After we reached the safety of our home, Jenna quickly shared our adventure. What we did at church and our walk home. She shared of her fear as we walked home and her relief as she felt the comfort of my presence.
As we stand at the threshold of a brand new year, we have only a glimpse of what lies ahead of us. Good health or sickness, gladness or heartache, financial security or financial setbacks? What changes are in store?
What will be the challenges? The uncertainty can be frightening and unsettling, but knowing that God is standing always beside us can give us courage to face the future with peace and hope.
In moments of despair, confusion, fear or doubt, take God’s hand. Remember the promise of His abiding presence. Relax in His power to overcome all the obstacles. Rejoice in His provision for your every need.
Prayer: Lord, as I step into this New Year, help me remember always that You are by my side and that your presence will go with me every step of the way. Give me strength to persevere when trials come my way. Give me grace to forgive when I am hurt and offended. Give me joy to share with others who need someone to walk beside them. Amen.
Partners in our journey,
Pastor William
It was terrifying for her. It was late one evening and I was working late at the church. Jenna was with me and we were readying the sanctuary for services the next day. After we finished, we took the short walk—maybe 30 yards from the church to the parsonage. But it was dark…very dark. Jenna grabbed me by the hand, terrified. Scared of the dark and the unknown.
I remember our brief conversation as we crossed the parking lot in the dark. “Jenna, are you scared?” Yes daddy, she replied, as she reached up and grabbed my hand and clasped it as tight she could. After we reached the safety of our home, Jenna quickly shared our adventure. What we did at church and our walk home. She shared of her fear as we walked home and her relief as she felt the comfort of my presence.
As we stand at the threshold of a brand new year, we have only a glimpse of what lies ahead of us. Good health or sickness, gladness or heartache, financial security or financial setbacks? What changes are in store?
What will be the challenges? The uncertainty can be frightening and unsettling, but knowing that God is standing always beside us can give us courage to face the future with peace and hope.
In moments of despair, confusion, fear or doubt, take God’s hand. Remember the promise of His abiding presence. Relax in His power to overcome all the obstacles. Rejoice in His provision for your every need.
Prayer: Lord, as I step into this New Year, help me remember always that You are by my side and that your presence will go with me every step of the way. Give me strength to persevere when trials come my way. Give me grace to forgive when I am hurt and offended. Give me joy to share with others who need someone to walk beside them. Amen.
Partners in our journey,
Pastor William
Sunday, December 23, 2007
A CALL TO PRAYER
A Call to Prayer
Christmas is just around the corner. Songs of joy and cheerfulness fill the air. Children, young and old are being extra nice. I can smell the aroma of fresh baked cookies. The multi-colored lights, the evergreen trees decorate our homes. Yes, Christmas is just two days away. And, there is joy in the air. Or at least we think there is joy.
Christmas is just around the corner. Songs of joy and cheerfulness fill the air. Children, young and old are being extra nice. I can smell the aroma of fresh baked cookies. The multi-colored lights, the evergreen trees decorate our homes. Yes, Christmas is just two days away. And, there is joy in the air. Or at least we think there is joy.
The month of December has been filled with pain, hurt, darkness and many, many tears. There are stories of marital discord and talk of separation; some have heard the painful news about their health; others have experienced near death and life changing moments, not once but twice. Depression and suicide—aspects of poor mental health—are evident in some, while others cover it up. A community is rocked by the multiple murders that happened at a mall, while others seek to end the violence that happens every day in their community. Domestic abuse increases along with drunk driving. A family struggles with addiction; another struggles with losing a job at Christmas.
These are just of few of the places where pain, hurt, darkness and tears have entered into the lives of people you know— or perhaps even yourself. As I sat at my desk this week, giving praises to God that my daughters were not seriously injured in a car – train wreck, I know of many who are hurting and are in need of prayer. I asked myself, “How can The Church help?”
When the Israelites escaped from their oppressors in Egypt, they continued their journey under the guidance of Moses towards Canaan. At Rephidim the Amalekites suddenly and unexpectedly attacked them. (Sounds familiar...the pain of life.)
However, the victory did not depend merely on Joshua and his weapons. Rather, it depended on prayer. Moses had taken up his position on the hillside overlooking the battlefield, where his only weapon was prayer. Here, Moses was totally dependent upon God alone to win the battle. He was holding his staff. By holding it up to heaven, Moses was appealing for God to defend his people.
As he watched the battle, Moses saw firsthand the importance of his gesture of prayer. When he raised his staff and prayed, Israel had the better in the fight. But when he lowered his staff, the Amalekites gained the upper hand. In desperation, Moses lifted his staff even higher, appealing to God for victory. But soon his arms grew tired. When he could not hold his arms up by himself, two men, one on each side, held up his arms.
In the same way, our spiritual battles against the world, the flesh, and the devil are won and lost through the weight of our prayer. If we do not pray, we start losing the battle. We can arm ourselves with truth, righteousness, and faith. But if we do not ask God to assist us, we will not be able to make our stand. We will be dragged down into doubt and discouragement.
Therefore, on Sunday, January 6th we will gather to have a Service of Prayer, Healing and Anointing at 5:00 p.m. Please save the date, circle your calendar, watch for more information. Invite others, come yourself, come to pray for yourself, come to pray for others. Come!!
Connected and Strengthened through our prayer,
Pastor William
Friday, December 7, 2007
Loneliness and Brokenness
This week has been a week in which violence; pain and tragedy rocked,
shocked and stripped the innocence of many. It touched the lives of my
families, including mine.
On Monday morning, I received a phone call. On the other end was silence. Then I heard sobbing, a heaving fearful sobbing. It was Jenna, “Daddy, I was robbed.” She works at Bath and Body in One Pacific Place, 105th and Center. For the rest of the week she was afraid to leave the house. The robber not only stole the bank deposits, he stole Jenna’s innocence. He robbed her of a sense of security.
Then on Wednesday we hear about the horrifying shooting eight victims and a suicide at WestRoads Mall. Nine people dead, 20 injured and many family members and friends left to grieve and search for answers in the midst.
Yes, this has been a week in which we, again, were stripped of our innocence and our sense of security.
Yes, this has been a week in which we, again, were stripped of our innocence and our sense of security.
Each time a small child is killed by a stray bullet in North Omaha we feel the pain. Each time some killed because of a drunk driver, we feel the pain. Each time a person become addicted to “crack”, “meth” or tries for the first time, marijuana we feel the pain, each time someone come to suffer from depression, we feel the pain. Each time divorce or separation happens we feel the pain.
Jesus cries out in anguish for a city that will sleep with even more awareness of our brokenness and the fragility of life.
I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me.” Psalms 69:29
We can find comfort, hope, peace and salvation in God.
On tomorrow night the Omaha area United Methodist Churches will be having a prayer vigil at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church 120th and Burke at 7.PM. You are encouraged to attend this time of praying, hoping comforting and being comforted in the love and peace of Christ.
Peace – God Peace – Shalom
Pastor William.
I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me.” Psalms 69:29
We can find comfort, hope, peace and salvation in God.
On tomorrow night the Omaha area United Methodist Churches will be having a prayer vigil at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church 120th and Burke at 7.PM. You are encouraged to attend this time of praying, hoping comforting and being comforted in the love and peace of Christ.
Peace – God Peace – Shalom
Pastor William.
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