A Beautiful Attitude

Dear ones! What a treat we are in for this Sunday! Rev. Molly will be back from Mexico -- thank you for your prayers for her safe journey and return -- and we will be exploring The Beatitudes.

Somewhere along this path, I started to see 'Beatitudes' as two words in one: beautiful and attitude. And, if you follow the scripture, and put the spirit of its message into play in your everyday life, that's bound to be the outcome, a beautiful attitude. Verdad? (That's for Molly).

If we are feeling poor in spirit, ours is the kingdom of heaven. If we are in mourning, we will be comforted. If we are merciful, we will receive mercy. The pure in heart will see God. Those who thirst for righteousness WILL BE filled. And the peacemakers will be called Children of God.

What kind of plan is that? What kind of GPS gets you there? Surely not one of Earthly making. As Rev. Molly explained, that's the great news about Jesus: His grading rubric is different from all the other instructors.

His plan is not about having the most toys. It's not about having the most gold. How great we look and our Earthly successes are not on the extra credit list. His plan centers on what we do for others, how we love God, and how we handle adversity. And, as Molly emphasizes, even when we blow it -- we don't stand up for righteousness, we fail at peacemaking -- even then, we are not kicked out of the club. When we fail, that's when Jesus really shortens the distance between His steps and ours. That's when He leans in really close and whispers into our ear "I love you and always will."

Sunday is also All Saints' Day. It is celebrated in many ways, around the globe:
Krakow
New Orleans
Manila
Mexico
San Diego

We will remember those who have left us by lifting up the names of loves ones, and we also take prayer concerns, lifting up the concerns of those currently suffering. During this time, there will be candles available for lighting and remembering or celebrating... we will light candles and say names aloud.

So pack your attitude... good or bad... bring the names of those you love, in memory or in person... and we'll work on a beautiful attitude, together.