Kitty Williams, Director of Music Ministries
“The desert us a dangerous place.
“There is no food or water there. People can die in the desert.
“When the wind blows, the shape of the desert changes. You can lose your way.
“The sun is so hot that people wear many clothes to keep the sun from burning their skin.
“When the wind blows, the sand stings your face and hands. People need protection from the blowing sand.
“At night, it is cold, and you need many clothes to keep warm.
“The desert is a dangerous place. People do not go there unless they have to.”
This is the opening statement to several of the Godly Play stories.
First United Methodist Church Garland recently hosted Core Training for Godly Play.
I attended. Although I don’t have the privilege of teaching on the 2nd floor, as a member/staff, I like to know what/why something is going on in the church.
As a choir director, I tell my people, ‘It’s not only important to know your part, but what you are a part of.”
One of the reasons I am convinced that Godly Play is probably the best curriculum for kids is that it teaches kids to listen for God’s voice.
My heart is full knowing that God is working in and with each of us.
I’m thankful for [Pastor] Caroline [Noll] and all the 2nd floor personnel who are teaching our kids to listen for God’s counseling.
I would love to tell you about my experiences in the desert (in my soul) and how listening (not always audible) for God’s guidance, led me through.
Have you been to the desert? Let’s share!
Dr. Suess has a book titled, Oh, the Places You‘ll Go.
Listening (not always audible) and trusting our God who is love, can lead you to a beautiful life.
This is what we at First United Methodist Garland teach.
This poem by Williams Cowper (pronounced “Cooper,”) expresses my heart overflowing:
Sometimes a light surprises the child of God who sings:
the light of one who rises with gentle, healing wings.
When comforts are declining, God grants the soul again
a season of clear shining, to cheer it after rain.
In holy contemplation with joy, we shall pursue
the theme of God’s salvation, and find it ever new.
Set free from present sorrow we cheerfully can say,
let the unknown tomorrow bring with it what it may.
It can bring with it nothing but God will bear us through.
Who gives the lilies clothing will clothe the people, too.
Beneath the spreading heavens no creature but is fed:
the one who feeds the ravens will give the children bread.
Though vine and fig tree neither their yearly fruit should bear,
though all the fields should wither, nor flocks nor herds be there,
yet God, the same abiding, through praise shall tune my voice,
for while in love confiding I cannot but rejoice.
First Reflections 