Finding God
Hi! As the new kid on the block, I got asked to write something for the bulletin. So first of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Kelly Jahn. I’m a seminary student at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. One of the things that we have to do for our degree is a semester of mentored ministry. Think of it as an apprenticeship…we serve in a church with oversight from an ordained pastor. I’m very thankful that Still Waters (and Pastor Matt) have been willing to allow me to serve here! Thank you!
I may attend seminary in Kentucky, but I live a few towns west of here in Neosho with my husband, Bill; Caroline, a foreign exchange student from Brazil; and my youngest daughter Naomi (one daughter and one son have already left home). My hobbies are reading, scrapbooking, and geocaching.
As I was reflecting on what to write here, I came upon the reading of Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). Jesus was in this wilderness for forty days with no food before being tempted by the devil. This past summer, I found myself in the wilderness for a time. While knowing that God was there, I still felt disconnected and alone.
Have you been there before? Are you there now?
God is ALWAYS there for you! Any separation that you’re feeling is because you have walked away from God, not the other way around. Are you in a time period where busy-ness has taken over your life? Are you in a time of self-doubt, wondering why God would even bother with someone like you? Are you in pain physically or emotionally, and unable to think of anything else right now?
I invite you to think back to where you felt God’s presence in your life the most. It might be in church. It might be as you hold a child. It might be in nature. It might be in music. Jesus often went away to a quiet place when He wanted to pray. Wherever it is for you, I urge you to recapture that place. Spend time there. Look for God’s presence in that place and invite that presence back into your life.
Keep listening. Keep praying. You will get through this wilderness period!
Blessings on your journey!
Kelly
March Health Notes
Living Well With a Chronic Condition
Are you someone who has a chronic (long-term) health condition? No matter what your age, you may have or are living with someone who has such a condition. Living with a chronic condition impacts one’s physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. That is why it is important now and useful long-term to remain as active, social and productive as possible. Developing self-management strategies can make a difference. This means focusing on what you can do and then create priorities for your body, mind and soul.
I have recently been trained to run a 6-week workshop called Living Well with Chronic Conditions. It is a self-management program designed to support people living with chronic health issues. Conditions such as arthritis, heart problems, asthma, stroke, pain, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, emphysema and anxiety can cause those affected to lose physical conditioning and suffer health problems over many years. Originally developed and tested through the School of Medicine at Stanford University, this program teaches new strategies that can give your confidence, motivation and skills needed to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition.
In this program you will get the support you need, find practical ways to deal with pain and fatigue, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, understand new treatment choices and learn better ways to talk with your doctor and family about your health. The classes last 2 ½ hours and will begin Thursday, April 15 – May 20th at Still Waters Church. You may invite your friends and caregivers to come as well. The workshop will be offered again if you are not able to attend this one. Please sign up on the Health Ministry table, where brochures are available or talk to me about joining the program. Come join us and put life back into your life and spirit back into your step.
Heidi Anderson Parish Nurse
Aurora HealthCare In Partnership with Still Waters Community United Methodist Church
