Day #2276

March 25, 2020

The word for the day - thankful. For notes and calls and emails. For the ways folks are helping out in caring for one another. For the dedication of staff and leadership. For colleagues. For an understanding hubby. For technology. For helpful companies and workers. For so many things! And for good news from many today - healing taking place, amazing healthcare workers, and more. 

Speaking of news, today is the Annunciation of Mary - the celebration of the day when the angel told Mary that she would become pregnant from the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Can you imagine getting that news?!?!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2275

March 24, 2020

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Romans 8:11: If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. (NRSV)

Romans chapter 8 is one of my favorites in scripture. After all, the reassurance that “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus” is at the end of the chapter. And the verse above is just as important a reassurance. The Spirit that raised Jesus dwells in us and therefore gives life to us. Abundant life. Hope-filled life. New life. Renewed life. Maybe not easy life, but full life. 

In these recent days, I have been trying to remember to focus on the main thing. I believe that the Spirit dwelling in us is the main thing. And that Spirit will not leave or forsake or deny us. Ever.

Blessings. And prayers.

PS We finally were able to make a quick trip to Freezeout Lake to see the snow geese. God’s creation is amazing. Every year hundreds, even thousands, of geese return to this spot. How do they know where to go? I don’t think it’s an accident, do you?

Day #2274

March 23, 2020 

In the midst of everything, the shortage of toilet paper seems to be the least understandable. But, I found this made me smile, because it made me think about my mom. She always tried to be prepared and fully stocked, so I could imagine this happening with her. :-)

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2273

March 22, 2020

This was shared in Guideposts magazine from pocket.praise and it was just what I needed at the end of today: “Sometimes God will put a Goliath in your life for you to find a David within you.”

The Goliath was the difficulty I had in uploading a video recording of a worship service for the website. I began last night trying to upload the recording and it simply would not work. I did what I always do, but received an error message. I tried again. And again. I tried changing the length of the video. I tried closing the app and reopening it. I tried begging (yes, I know it’s a machine and begging doesn’t affect it, but I was desperate). I tried praying over it. I tried walking away for a while. I did everything I knew to do and finally had to give up last night. This morning didn’t start out much different. Until it finally worked. And I cried. Real tears of relief! I suppose finding the David within me was about not giving up. Or maybe it was just plain being stubborn. After all, there are a LOT of "I" statements in that story. 

Also, remember that market who was “flash mob shopped” (see Day #2244). Well, they have decided to stop all of their advertising in order to redirect that portion of their budget toward donations and products for local food banks, meal programs and others in need at this time. They only ask for folks to keep them in mind when recommending grocers to family and friends. WOW! What a gift to the community! Better believe the community will remember this act of sharing. 

I am encouraged and uplifted by so many good things happening in the midst of what seems like only darkness. Nope!! God is with us, and the Light shines. 

Blessings. And prayers. 

Day #2272

March 21, 2020

Waking up to a day that included saying goodbye to a good man and being with a deeply grieving family, I was comforted by these words from Richard Rohr's Meditation. He quotes this from Rev. Aaron Graham: 

We need to be reminded that our cries are not too much for God. [God] laments with us. In fact, [God] wants us to come to the [Divine Presence] in our anger, in our fear, in our loneliness, in our hurt, and in our confusion. 

May this reminder bring you comfort, also, that God hears our cries and joins with us in them. Always. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2271

March 20, 2020

For about five minutes today, I stepped onto our back deck, raised my face to the warmth of the sun, and just stood there soaking in the sun, soaking in the warmth, and breathing. Just breathing in the reassurance of God’s presence and letting go of the stress of the week. 

I was amazed and strengthened by how much better I felt after just five minutes. Those moments were a true stress-reliever. I hope you have the same opportunity soon. The warmth of the sun, created by God, is healing!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2270

March 19, 2020

After a very long day of meetings, conversation, planning and recording a mid-week service for folks to watch online, the council finalized the decision to suspend gathering for worship at least through April 5th. It’s the hardest decision I have had to be a part of in a long while. I know how important it is to gather and worship together when the world around us is in chaos. So, we are doing what we can to help us gather “virtually.” Recorded worship services to view online on the church website. Prayer together for 3 minutes at 3:00 pm from wherever we are (3 at 3:00). Extra newsletters. Mailing CD recordings of worship services. Daily emails. And prayer - LOTS of prayer. No matter what, I believe deep in my heart that God is with us in the midst of all this, giving us strength and guidance. 

And then there was this email from a company who sells clerical robes, shirts, stoles, etc., called WomenSpirit. It brought tears to my eyes. 

As a minister, you provide a point of light in the darkness with your words of reassurance and strength. This is the challenge you answered when accepting your vocational calling in the beginning; a commitment to offer compassion and understanding when people turn to you for the intangibles that make life bearable in stressful times.    

Human fears -- basic ones -- about loss of life, loss of livelihood and the uncertainty about what is coming are causing extreme anxiety for everyone. At Sacred Stitches, we are committed to supporting you as you support your congregations. Material goods mean nothing when faced with the dire situation we are in now. But messaging is powerful. It is in times of great duress, such as the world is experiencing now, that people search for spiritual comfort to provide hope and direction. Your words, your professional presence, will provide this for all that hear your message.    

Thank you for sharing your gifts and being a calm, reassuring voice. 

The staff at WomenSpirit and Abiding Spirit dba Sacred Stitches

Oh how those words and encouragement, alongside messages from many others, is more helpful than you can imagine. We are in this all together. And we are not alone!

Blessings. And prayers. 

Day #2269

March 18, 2020 

After quite a while of not having to go to the grocery, hubby and I needed to venture there today. A few essentials were all we needed (NO TP was included - haha!). Folks had been telling me how empty shelves were, that items like meat and vegetables were scarce or non-existent. Well, we witnessed this firsthand. My goodness!! 

Some may wonder where God is in the midst of all this? Right here! And in the hearts of those who do things like the following that was shared by members: news is that school food pantries, which are available even though schools are closed, are in dire need in the midst of the pandemic crisis. So, while shopping at Sam’s for some other items, they were including things the pantries could use. When they ran into a friend and she discovered what the shopping included and why, she reached into her purse and gave them $200 in cash to help buy food for the schools. When the food was delivered, the ladies helping unload it were in tears. 

Tell me God isn’t right here! And that is only one example of ways I have witnessed folks helping. Thank you, everyone, for sharing them with me. And thank you for what you are doing. It is amazing and inspiring. Thanks be to God for your witness of how to be in this together!

Blessings. And prayers. 

Day #2268

March 17, 2020 

First - Happy St. Patrick’s Day. My dad always said we were part Irish (who knows!), so I feel a need to wear green, maybe enjoy a green-iced cupcake, and share this poem as it was posted on FaceBook.

Now, Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Ephesians 5:8: Once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light. (NRSV)

A friend used to tell me that often when she left the house, her father would say: no matter where you are or who you are with, remember you are a Smith (the Smith name is used here only as an example). In other words, keep our name proud, caring, respectable, etc. Folks will be watching you, and what you do and how you act reflects on who our family is known to be. A reputation is difficult to restore if it has been damaged. 

I thought of that advice as I read this part of the 8th verse from Ephesians chapter 5 - Live as children of light. Live as children of hope. Live as children of promise. Live as children without fear of what might be coming or what will happen to us when this life is over. Live as children who know whose we are and who we are. Easy to do? Not always (my friend sometimes struggled with her father's advice, too - hehe). Yet, this reminder to live as children of light is important for us to remember and reflect upon, especially when there is fear and chaos around us. 

Thanks be to God, we are light for the world. And with God’s help, God’s light shines through us as hope for a hurting world.

Blessings. And prayers. 

Day #2267

March 16, 2020 

This seems more than appropriate to share on this day - for this week - just because it's sweet. After all, who can resist a cute lamb?!?! 

Blessings. And prayers. 

Day #2266

March 15, 2020

Recently a new devotion came across my desk from the Henri Nouwen Society. I have long been an admirer of his writings, but I am thinking this online resource came along at just the right time for me. Today’s Daily Meditation included these words: “Everything that belongs to Jesus is given for us to receive.” That includes God’s love, God’s grace, resurrection and eternal life, the defeat of death and the victory of the cross, and more. Because of Jesus, all these are for us through God’s adoption of us. These are hopeful and hope-filled words in these days.

Speaking of which, there is need of a new day for worship in this time of keeping physical distance from one another. We are working at being creative, using the resources and tools at hand - streaming, video, etc. We are also working through the need to cancel services and gatherings. But in the midst of it all, please remember, God’s church knows no boundaries (I said this to Simon’s mother after watching her preach via video for the first time in a long time - what a joy!). 

So folks, while we are being encouraged to keep our physical distance, keep breathing. The living water Jesus offers and provides is filled with hope and peace. 

Blessings. And prayers. 

Day #2265

March 14, 2020 

Well, the week had not thrown the last at us - today there is this!!! 

Wind and snow created this drift at our door off the deck. Yikes!! Boomer even said, do I HAVE to go out in this?!?!

But there is this - joy in catching up with some folks. Fortunately the phone still works and is safe from the “virus.” Thankfully!! And I certainly enjoyed talking with folks today.

Blessings.

Day #2264

March 13, 2020 

On this Friday the 13th, at the end of a week that included a full moon and a time change, the Covid-19 saga continues. There seems to be near panic in the country - who do we believe, where do we turn, who can we trust, how do we protect ourselves? I am fully aware this should be taken seriously, and I am, but not fearfully. The threat is here, but with some intelligence and safe practices, it seems minimal. And certainly survivable. 

Perhaps we wonder in times like this where we can find peace. My thought - in and with the Prince of Peace. Pray. Breath. Take necessary precautions. Stay home if you prefer. Be in touch with others who can help if you need anything (physical distancing, not social). And breath! God is still God! Always! So please, give yourself permission to be concerned, just not stymied by fear.

Blessings.

PS We attended a lovely concert with music by female composers performed by the Winds Quintet. Such talent!! We are certainly blessed with gifted musicians in this city! Thank you, again, for sharing with the community.

Day #2263

March 12, 2020 

Covid-19. Coronavirus. Who knew a virus would create the pandemic that has now been declared. Along with the chaos - toilet paper (yes, you read that correctly) flying from the shelves; events being cancelled such as the ACC Tournament; places being closed like Disney; even visits being prohibited to local care centers. What do we do? How do we respond? Do we cancel worship? Other events? Simply stay home? Fear our neighbor? 

Needless to say, there is a lot of praying going on, trusting God to lead and guide! And trying to be wise in our responses, all WITHOUT panicking!!!!

Blessings.

Day #2262

March 11, 2020

Thirty-one years ago today I repeated vows and said yes to the intent to covenant with my husband to live in holy matrimony. Today we had dinner together and celebrated our life. 

Happy anniversary, sweetheart! You have been, are, and will continue to be the one I love and the one I love to be with! xxxooo!

Blessings.

Day #2261

March 10, 2020 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from the Gospel of John 4:38: [Jesus said:] I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” (NRSV)

Years ago a woman whose name I no longer remember sat down with me to help explain why I needed to acknowledge God in my life. This Christian woman went through scripture with me, patiently heard and answered my questions, and prayed with me. She sowed seeds. But I walked away from that conversation unconvinced I needed to make any changes. In other words, she sowed but did not reap. 

Several years after that, another member of God's kingdom came along and invited me to worship, introducing me to folks who would continue to walk with me, hearing and answering my questions. They were not the first to labor in my life, but they were the ones who saw fruit. I was baptized and became a busy servant, even one day becoming a pastor. 

I often think about that woman from many years ago. I feel quite certain she was disappointed and maybe even angry at my stubbornness. Perhaps she has prayed for me. She might even occasionally think about her “failure” and wish things had gone differently. Little did she know God continued to work in my life and sent others who helped me accept God’s love and grace. There is much to learn from this unnamed woman in my life, and God’s persistence in all of our lives. Thanks be to God!

Blessings.

Day #2260

March 9, 2020

This large collection of bags and boxes of goodies for the new Youth Resource Center for homeless teens will hopefully keep you smiling all week long:

Thank you, folks, for your generosity in providing items for those who need to know people care about them! 

Blessings.

Day #2259

March 8, 2020 

Just as I thought - first Holy Communion class (see Day #2256) is awesome. One of my favorite parts of the first class is the “field trip” to the sanctuary. I have them look around and tell me ways folks can “see” Jesus in this space and ways they hear about Jesus in worship. Then I explain the “church” word for items, like sanctuary, font, sacristy, altar, etc. It’s always enjoyable to see their excitement and watch them learn. 

Also, a shoutout on International Women’s Day to all the hard-working women who seek to bring gender equality for all! I personally am grateful for those who blazed a trail in helping women be accepted in the workplace, the pulpit and more. And to those who currently seem to “do it all” - work, raise children, volunteer, be friends, care for extended families, etc., with finesse and grace - you are my heroes! God bless and keep you all!

Blessings.

Day #2258

March 7, 2020

The words for the day - Daylight Savings Time! 

Don’t forget to set those clocks one hour ahead before bedtime, or your week will start off all wrong (not to mention late). And as some have been reminding us, next week has time change, a full moon, AND Friday the 13th! Lord have mercy on us all!! ;-) 

Blessings.

Day #2257

March 6, 2020

Who knew today was National Oreo Cookie Day?!?! Really, that’s a thing?! And here I am without any to consume. Suppose I’ll have to settle for this picture

And some new personal insight based on The Oreo Test of Personality. Enjoy!

Blessings.

Day #2256

March 5, 2020

The word for the day - thankful. For colleagues and friends and their sharing and caring. 

I am also looking forward to First Holy Communion class starting Sunday. There is nothing more fulfilling than helping young ones (well, those of any age) learn more about the ways Jesus shows us his love and grace! 

Blessings.

Day #2255

March 4, 2020

It’s busy Wednesday, and Lent adds a new dimension with soup suppers and worship. Ah, but I wouldn’t trade the joy, the laughs, the tears, the struggles, the questions, the pondering, and the assurances. Thank you, God, for each person who was a part of this day! I would, absolutely, not trade a single moment of it!!!

Oh, and when I saw this today, I knew I had to share after the discussion at Bible Study:

Blessings.

Day #2254

March 3, 2020 

This Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture is based on Genesis 12:1: The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. (NRSV)

Can you imagine?!?! Go from here, this place that has become home and comfort and familiarity, to a place that is not yet revealed, but to which God says, trust me. Well, a little over five years ago, hubby and I left the land of our birth and life for decades and set across country. Until two weeks before we left, we had no idea where we would live, but only that we had a place to go to that was ready for us to come; a new congregation to serve; new people to meet; a new state with new laws and rules; and a new culture to learn. We came, trusting that God was providing this place for us and God has blessed us in so many ways. Just as God had a place for us before that included wonderful people and experiences, this place does, too. 

What might you be holding onto so tightly that you are missing a new experience or a new opportunity for God to bless you and your family? Are our hands (and hearts and minds) so filled with what we are currently experiencing that we cannot imagine the risk of letting go to receive something just as (or even more) wonderful? Is that what faith is really about, trusting God to show us ways to be blessed, and to be a blessing? 

Blessings.

Day #2253

March 2, 2020 

It seems appropriate on Dr. Seuss Day to try this, my original:

     The Cat in the Hat; what could be more fun that?
     Green Eggs and Ham; don’t forget the bread and jam.
     Horton Hears a Who; I don’t have a clue!

     Dr. Seuss I am not, but for many and a lot,
     He was a great gift, giving us all a lift, 
     So we celebrate his life, and may you have a week without strife.

(I know, I know, good grief! But maybe this will help you smile!)

Blessings.

Day #2252

March 1, 2020

The congregation is host this week to guests who are a part of Family Promise (see the Family Promise website for more information). This is always a busy week: readying space to become rooms, making certain needed volunteers are in place, having extra folks around. I am grateful for every volunteer and for every person’s prayers! What an honor to be a safe place of food and home, even if only for a small amount of time. 

Being a host is a good reminder, also, that it is important not only that we show hospitality, but that we are conscious of how we speak about the “other;” the other person, the other situation, the other ways things get done. Not only is that important when folks from different congregations work together, but with folks whose lives are different than ours, be it due to homelessness, education, ethnicity, gender identification, family of origin, etc. What we say and how we say it matters. That was a good reminder for me from our Adult Education class today. Thank you! 

Blessings.

Day #2251

February 29, 2020 

We spent much of the day in class. Well, in a time of learning, re-learning, and re-enforcing. The topic: Stewardship. The time was well spent, but perhaps the most helpful take-away was this reminder: “Generosity is what God wants for us, not what God wants from us.” Pastor Michael Binder

Stewardship includes discipleship and discipleship includes stewardship - time, talent and treasure. Today was about an important, timely and enjoyable topic for me. It is good to be reminded that God is so generous to us and we are honored and privileged to be generous to others. Thanks be to God.

Blessings.