Day #3 The United Methodist Way--Those who lose their lives, find them

Hope: A Council of Bishops who understand that we must change and gives some real direction for how to get there

Melancholy: Is it too little too late?

Hope: Gil Rendle reminding us that change starts at home...we d.s.ers and other conference staff types need to make sure we are living the change that we want to see in the world.

Doubt: Can 847 mostly gray haired over 55 types really do what it takes to change when we are all so entrenched in the "system?" Is there a way that we can listen better? How can a church that is so shaped by modernity find its way out of one paradigm and into another? Can it? Those who are willing to lose their lives will find them. The test of any of us at any time: Are we willing to give up who we are for who we may become?

Hope: Biblical stories: Dry bones that live; wilderness times that finally yield to fulfillment of God's promises of new life; Lazarus risen; nothing can separate us from the love of God; we are not yet what we shall be; we must be willing to lose our life in order to find it (woops, that last one might not seem like such good news.)

Okay, I leave it there. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto us.