Church

I just heard someone say that people in America are not going to church. It was a statement made with an air of sadness. I have to agree that it is a thermometer of the faith of our "Christian" nation. Our thermometer does seem to measure a coldness toward church. Church attendance is important, but is going to church more important than being the church?

I grew up as a "good" Catholic. We went to church every Sunday and confessions every Saturday. I was schooled at the local Catholic school and it was expected that we make our church attendance a priority. I learned that my good attendance at church would be seen by God as a good life worthy of His grace. My problem was that going to church did not always translate into faith in God or a faith filled life outside of the church walls.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am very thankful to my Heavenly Father for the churches' influence on my life. Though I am no longer in the Catholic church, without the stories of the Saints, I would never have desired to have faith or to see that I was a sinner who needed God to save me. My point here is not about what the church teaches. It is that I believe the scriptures, God's Word, emphasizes going out and BEING the church, more than it tells us to go to church.

Of course, I know that I cannot be the church without going to church. The church is the Body of Christ. The church is where I am encouraged by God's Word and the fellowship of other Christians. But, I must leave the church building to go out and truly be the church Jesus desires. What is given to me in the church needs to be taken to those outside of the church.

Lord God, Head of the Body of Christ and founder of Your church, I give You praise for the role of church in my life. I ask You to forgive me for allowing the church to be a shield from the world instead of a safe haven where I can be renewed and equipped to go into the world. Thank You for the balance You created between going to church and being the church. Teach me to be Your church in the world that needs You. Remind me that the church is not a place to hide but a place to heal.

Am I a Fool?

Am I a fool
To let you see
The twisted snake
Inside of me?

Am I a fool
To fling open
The door of my heart
So you could know me ?

Am I a fool
When I trust you
To see that God
Is the only hope for me?

Am I a fool
To look in the mirror
Face my fears and cry
For what I long to be?

Am I a fool
To trust His way
Changing me
Day by day?

There is no fool
Who trustingly
Lays his life down
In God’s hands.

I am no fool!


Carolynn J. Scully
©October 2006

An Audience with the King

The invitation is given.
He wants to talk with me.
He calls me as a friend.
He’s the King of eternity!

I set aside a quiet time
In my most private place.
Where we sit and visit
I dwell on His glorious face.

The King invites me in each day
My heart bows down in praise
He bids me raise my eyes
To see His truth-filled loving gaze.

Our time draws to an end too soon
His fragrant grace remains.
I’m His humble servant.

Today His holy presence reigns.

By Carolynn J. Scully

6/21/1999

revised 3/8/2011

Through You

I see myself

Through your words

And your silences,

So lift me up

With the music of the stars.

Set a spark and woo me with sweet whispers.

When you have no words

Drink me into your thoughts;

Share a loving toast to me

With your eyes.

I see myself

Through your touch

So, cover me

With the cleansing waterfall of passion or

Soft dew drops tempting my flesh.

When feelings are lost turn back to me.

Separation’s thirst can only be quenched by

My heart beating next to yours.

I see myself

Through you.

　 By Carolynn J. Scully

© February 2011

Where Does the Sky Begin?

Where does the sky begin?
Does it kiss the earth
With soft breezes or
Simply sit with us
In a forever embrace?

Where does the sky begin?
Where can we meet the sky?
Does it meet our fingers
When we raise our
Hands up high or
Must we fly?

Where can we meet the sky?

By Carolynn J. Scully
© 9 January 2011

Promises

Today, love is spoken in Promises to one another.
Two lovers Rejoice to lose
Self and form One flesh through
The working of a silent Miracle, a touch from God.
Pledges fervently Impressed upon the heart
And permanently Sealed in His presence
Transform this moment of Embroidered pageantry & tradition
Into the varied Seasons of lifelong love.

By Carolynn J. Scully

Vows

37 years ago Patrick and I recited these vows to one another. Today we repeat these vows, knowing full well that we must rely on God to fulfill them!

Patrick's vows:
In these modern times of trouble, when love is just a word people say less and less, let my love for you and your love for me radiate for all to see and witness. And although our love may shine daily through mists of hard times, let it be trusted like a lighthouse in the storm - to steer us clear of the perils of destruction, lying sometimes hidden but ever present.

Carolynn, I promise you my love, strength, devotion....my entire being, until the last thought leaves my mind and the last breath leaves my flesh.

Carolynn's vows:

Everything changes -

In spring the tiny green buds are like our love is now, just beginning to grow.

The fullness of the green leaves in summer is like our love which will give a peaceful shade to those who witness our joy in loving one another.

Variety in our love is reflected in the many colors of autumn. The yellows and oranges are the joys and laughter we will share. The dark colors are the sad times we will endure.

As the leaves fall to the ground in the cold of winter, so we shall part from each other only at death. Our love, not dying, only making way for a new love and a new beginning.

Patrick, I promise to love you, trust in you, respect and understand you always until I die.