Day #2340

May 28, 2020 

What is God up to in the midst of all this? 

What a great question this is. And a much more hopeful question than “why?” As in, why is this happening. It was good to be reminded of the question in a planning meeting today. 

Now, to be open to hearing what God, and others, have to say!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2339

May 27, 2020 

It was inevitable. I knew it was eventually going to happen. I have read too many “horror” stories from others to think I might escape unscathed. What am I referring to? Internet fail! In trying to connect for Zoom Bible Study, I found we were without internet. Yikes!! Needless to say, we missed being able to dive into the word of God tonight. 

Oh well, as they say, technology is only good when it works. Thanks for your understanding folks. Missed you!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2338

May 26, 2020 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Acts 2:16-17: No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. (NRSV)

Sunday is the Day of Pentecost, the birthday of the church with the coming of the Holy Spirit. These verses are part of Peter's speech to the crowd witnessing the event and wondering what is really happening. Pentecost in itself is an amazing event with lots to consider. 

But what I am thinking about today is a long-ago memory of planning a Stewardship focus in our home congregation. As the group sat around the table brainstorming, this verse came to mind. "Visions and Dreams" was born. What a joyful focus it was! We invited input from everyone about what they dreamed of doing as the church and what visions they had for what the church might look like in the future. We had some pretty innovative ideas. 

So I invite you, in this time of wondering about the future, to allow yourself to be open to the visions and dreams God is placing on your heart and in your mind. Then, please, don’t keep them to yourselves. Take a risk and find an opportunity to share them. You may just be the prophet God is calling to help guide us all into the future. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2337

May 25, 2020 

With today being my baptism birthday, I thought I would share this “virtual” baptism picture in the hopes it makes you smile. 

I must say, however, I am truly thankful I wasn’t baptized this way! I think there might have been some serious latent fear-filled memories of being “shot” into God’s Family. Haha!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2336

May 24, 2020 

It was a joy today to record a brief Memorial Day observance for folks to watch since we could not gather together in the congregation’s Memorial Garden. Such an honor!

If you would like to watch, this is the link: Memorial Weekend Observance

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2335

May 23, 2020

The bishop of our synod shared this from David Steingl-Rast in a recent weekly email letter. It spoke to me about the times we are living in: 

“If you’re grateful, you’re not fearful, and if you’re not fearful, you’re not violent. If you’re grateful, you act out of a sense of enough and not a sense of scarcity, and you are willing to share. If you’re grateful, you are enjoying the differences between people and you are respectful to everybody…”

Hope I can remember this as I get frustrated with folks not following proper social distance or wearing masks or any number of fear-filled responses. 

Respectful! A good word and an even better practice.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2334

May 22, 2020 

Today we honored the High School Seniors by inviting them to the recording for Sunday’s worship and then held a “parade of honor” for them. What fun to celebrate these three guys. And to have them in worship. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2333

May 21, 2020 

Today is the Day of Ascension. When Jesus resurrected, he spent forty days on earth in his "resurrectedness" with the disciples and others. Then, on the 40th day, he ascended into heaven, as we read in Acts 1:6-9:

⁶When [the apostles] had come together, they asked [Jesus], “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ⁹When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. (NRSV)

The Day (or Feast) of Ascension is a rather odd occurrence and not one we often celebrate with worship, probably because it is always remembered on a Thursday. It is also something odd to ponder, wondering what the event actually looked like and what it means for us. But in an effort to bring a little levity to all the wondering, I share this that I saw on Facebook yesterday. 

Seems appropriate for bringing a smile based on our lives today. Although, perhaps the "real" home Jesus works from is our hearts. Just a thought. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2332

May 20, 2020 

Over the last couple of months, one of my favorite days of the week has changed drastically. There has not been the regular Bible Study, no High School breakfast gatherings, no confirmation class. 

I have, however, been Zoom meeting with some of the High School youth. Today, however, brought even those Zoom meetings to a close for the summer. I’m already missing those youth, especially the seniors. Hope you all have a wonderful summer. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2331

May 19, 2020

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture is inspired by a statement written by Henri Nouwen: “There is a very deep hunger in many people for the life in the Spirit and many people need to be nurtured continuously by the Word of God.”

The scripture for today’s Thoughts is Acts 1:14: All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. (NRSV) 

So, you may be wondering, where do I see a common denominator between these two things? It seems to me that while the disciples were waiting between the time of the Ascension of Jesus (40 days following his resurrection) and the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (50 days following his resurrection), they did what Nouwen mentioned - they were nurtured continuously by the Word of God, rooted in prayer. An understanding of prayer as a two-way conversation to feed the very deep hunger people have for a life of peace and hope and healing. Isn’t that, after all, what life in the Spirit is what we hope for - a peace that comes from trusting God?! 

So what does devoting ourselves to prayer look like? A friend described it this way - waking up in the morning and offering the day to God, starting a conversation that continues all day long, and then offering the night to God, trusting God for protection and peace in rest. And in the midst of all that, God leads, directs us and transforms us, often without us even realizing it. And thereby our deep hunger is fed.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2330

May 18, 2020

Here is a smile for the week - well, maybe a tongue in cheek smile (this quote was shared by a colleague on FaceBook):

“I miss precedented times.”

Perhaps this made me smile because I have used “unprecedented” too many times to describe our lives right now. But it’s true - I miss the “known” of three months ago. 

Ok, maybe this is a better smile:

Contagious, isn’t it?! :-)

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2329

May 17, 2020 

Today I am thankful for the ability to record worship services and those who work with me to do so. Yes, it is very different than worshipping in person, but at least it is something. 

I am also thankful for the folks who take the time to watch these virtual worship services and am overwhelmed by the number who do! You are a gift! 

So to all those pastors out there trying to reinvent the wheel - God bless and keep you. You are doing a wonderful job!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2328

May 16, 2020

Today I am thankful for three “Rs” - relaxation, respite, and a ride out of town. These three together are a real gift in the midst of what is a difficult time. Prayers you also have a chance to receive the gift of these three.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2327

May 15, 2020 

Happy Birthday to your momma, dear Godson!!! I am so thankful for her special day and for all of you being a part of our lives! 

Hope your momma has a wonderful birthday!!!! And a very special upcoming year!!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2326

May 14, 2020

The word for the day - thankful! For the gift of praying for and with folks, even as we wonder about what might be next. And even more thankful that God is with us!! Always!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2325

May 13, 2020

So, I heard something on the news today - this has been the sixth snowiest season on record for our area. 101.1 inches have been recorded since September, 2019. 

There is just one word for that….WOW! And I certainly am glad summer is right around the corner!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2324

May 12, 2020 

Acts 17:22-28a: ²²Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. ²³For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. ²⁴The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, ²⁵nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. ²⁶From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, ²⁷so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. ²⁸For ‘In him we live and move and have our being.’ (NRSV)

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Heidi Hyland Man. She shared this reflection yesterday through the daily devotion God Pause and I don’t think there is anything to add to improve upon it, so I share it today:

I wonder what Paul would say in a similar speech to us: “Americans, I see how extremely religious you are in every way.” Then perhaps he would name how some of us are “religious” about exercise, or work, some about checking email, others about sports. We might “religiously” keep a clean house (though I’m afraid that’s not me!), follow a certain diet, limit our kids’ screen time, or—especially now—wash our hands. Then I imagine Paul reminding us: these things to which we devote (note the language of religion) so much time, energy, and even money are nothing compared to “the God who made the world and everything in it.” He would reassure us that God “gives . . . life and breath and all things,” including love, without our needing to earn it. That said, God longs to be in relationship with us, yearns for us to “search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from . . . us.” And in fact, when we reach out in our own craving to know the “Lord of heaven and earth,” we discover God right here, with us already.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2323

May 11, 2020 

Here's a smile for the week....

Oh, definitely Marty - avoid 2020 :-)!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2322

May 10, 2020 

Happy Mother’s Day. Those beautiful, celebratory words for a new mom can, at the same time, be painful ones for someone struggling with infertility or grief at the recent (or long ago) death of their mother. As with most things in life, there are two sides to each sentiment. For me, I choose to think of today as Women’s Day, celebrating the mothering qualities/roles of all women - mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, aunts, nieces, cousins, friends, God-mothers, sisters, etc. So today I am thankful for the women in my life who fill those roles and for those for whom I fill those roles in theirs!

Also, we had a joy-filled moment today, even at its bittersweetness. Long-time, active members are moving (she has most recently filled the Visitation Minister position in the congregation) and the congregation participated in a surprise drive-by goodbye parade. It was wonderful to surprise the couple and as a bonus, we got to see one another - from a distance - in person. Thank you to all who were able to participate. What a gift! And we wish you well as you leave - Godspeed and blessings in your new home. 

Blessings. And prayers.

PS Here's a sample pic. :-)

Day #2321

May 9, 2020 

On the upside - today was an absolute lovely day in which I was able to get outside of town a little distance and admire how green things are getting. I do LOVE this time of year!

On the downside - today it took a LOT of time to upload the recording of the worship service for tomorrow. Who knew what I needed to do was turn off everything and turn it all back on, including the Wifi!?!? Ahh…technology, a blessing and a curse. But…we’re ready for tomorrow. Thanks be to God!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2320

May 8, 2020

I received these beautiful roses today as a gift from a family who wanted to say thank you for being like a “mother” to the entire congregation. I have often told folks that I have lots of children, of many ages, since I don’t have any of my own. How thoughtful of this family to acknowledge it. Thank you!

I’ll be thinking this weekend of all those women who are mothering to others. Yes, that includes mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers, but also sisters, friends, cousins, Godmothers, nieces, aunts, and many others. Thank you to all you mothering women! And prayers for all of you who desire to be mothers, or whose mothers are no longer on this earth. This can be a tough time. The Lord be with you!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2319

May 7, 2020 

I saw this on FaceBook and wanted to share it as a reminder of how much a simple hello can mean…

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2318

May 6, 2020

Today is National Nurse’s Day. Thank you to the nurses (active and retired) I know, and especially those I don’t, but have met through having my own procedures/medical needs and being with family and parishioners. I think ALL of you are amazing and I have witnessed you providing some fantastic care. I am grateful for ALL of you!!

As a thank you to nurses, the Air National Guard did a fly-over the hospital here and in several cities across the state (and the nation). It just so happened that I was at a stoplight by the hospital at the exact right time. I had forgotten about the fly-over, and wondered why so many folks were outside with cameras. Then I heard the planes, and they ended up flying directly over my car. Directly over it. It was so cool to be in the right place at the right time, even by accident. 

So thank you again to all the nurses, and to the Air National Guard for giving tribute. What a moment! I can only image how much it meant to the nurses. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2317

May 5, 2020 

Today's Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from 1 Peter 2:5: like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (NRSV)

When I was a young girl, I was somewhat obsessed with rocks. One year for Christmas I received a Rock Tumbler to smooth the stones I found and collected. I thought it was one of the best gifts ever. I had fun putting those rough rocks into the tumbler and following the directions so that they would eventually smooth into beautiful stones. It took time, proper materials, and patience. But the result, I thought, was amazing. I made jewelry, crafts, and more, and enjoyed it all.

I thought about those stones when I read the scripture above and wondered what “living stones” might look like. Rough edges being smoothed through time, proper materials, patience, and being turned into something amazing. But not just for me, or an individual stone, but for the Kingdom. Multiple stones (thousands from the past, present, and future) coming together, being fit together, in a joy-filled image. And one that I believe God can use in ways single stones cannot be, especially as God provides the time, materials and patience.  

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2316

May 4, 2020

Here is the smile for the week - what May the 4th has become. A tribute to Star Wars. :-)

And I smile at the "Lutheran" response (and also with you). Double :-)!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2315

May 3, 2020 

I must say, I am really enjoying this new ability to video chat with you, Godson! What a grown up young man you are becoming. You make me proud - and you make me smile! Thank you! We love you!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2314

May 2, 2020

Warning - a rant is ahead. 

The state has been invited to move into re-opening based on a Phase 1, slow and cautious, protocol. Think physical distancing - 6 feet between folks, wear a mask for the safety of others, only so many in a store/business at a time based on its size, stay home if you have symptoms. Much of what we have been doing in places like grocery stores and "essential" places, but now more things are opening. 

Now, here’s the rant part - people are acting as if there is absolutely nothing going on and we are back to normal - crisis over and averted. Folks were trying to get in my personal bubble space (which is rather small for me, but that is beside the point), never mind staying six feet away. Hubby and I were part of only a very few wearing masks. Number restrictions?! Really, there are?! So…either I will be sorry one day for being out and about, even with trying to remain cautious, or I will be found to have been overreacting all along. But here is the thing: it’s not for my safety that I try to follow protocol. It is for the other folks. So I wonder, when did we as a people become so self-centered?! Wait, duh, isn’t that the definition of SIN - it’s all about me?!?!

Rant over, with an apology for voicing my frustration. Now here is the upside - I was able to run into a couple folks at the grocery that I know and to say hi, from behind my mask, and see the smile in their eyes. Nice!! Really nice!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2313

May 1, 2020 

And after 6 1/2 years, the African Violet I received when I began serving here finally has a baby bloom on it. 

I believe this is most appropriate for May Day, don’t you!?

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2312

April 30, 2020 

In a conversation with someone today, we were lamenting how much has changed since the beginning of the year. The question was asked, if we had seen this coming, what would we have done differently? 

I’m not certain we would have known what to do differently. Bought more toilet paper earlier? Hugged our loved ones we haven’t been able to see in weeks just a little longer the last time we did? Worshipped more fervently and joyfully that last Sunday we were together? 

I am thinking this whole thing is a reminder that we are given what we need when we need it. Faith, patience, perseverance, all come in the amounts we need when we need them. We cannot prepare adequately for what we don't know is coming, yet we follow the one who knows the future and has prepared it for us. Thanks be to God! 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2311

April 29, 2020

For today I quote directly from an email I received: “This is one of those days that remind us why we put up with winter!” Yes - a beautiful spring day with sun and warmth does wonders for the soul!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2310

April 28, 2020

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Psalm 23:2: The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. (ELW)

I cannot count the number of times I have read this Psalm, both silently and aloud, using various translations and emphasizing different parts. Neither can I think of a funeral or memorial service where this has not been chosen as a reading. It is famous scripture, comforting scripture, scripture of hope and promise, which is appropriate for a time of grieving. Who doesn’t want to hear, especially then, the comforting words that the LORD is with us, leading us, guiding us, giving us peace and relaxation. 

That is what I think about specifically in the verse that refers to lying down in green pastures and being led by still waters. When I was a teenager, my parents had a cottage by a river. It wasn’t “still” waters, but the water was shallow and moved slowly by the house. I spent many hours wading and skipping rocks and dreaming of what the future held. But the times that were most comforting and peaceful were spent in the field down the road. The field was on a hill, with no houses around, and I remember lying back, watching clouds, and feeling as if the world were without fear or worry. 

My hope is that you have a place where the LORD leads you to find peace or quiet, so that you can hear God’s voice and be reassured that you are being watched over and cared for. Always!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2309

April 27, 2020 

Here is a smile for the week that someone shared with me recently by email:

My how the days do seem to run together!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2308

April 26, 2020

For the first Sunday since we ceased gathering together for worship, I was able to “watch” worship at the same time as we normally worship, realizing there were many of us doing the same thing at the same time. It was a powerful few minutes and I am grateful for the technology (and staff) that make this possible. 

There is certainly power and truth in knowing that the church is not the building, it is the people! Wherever we are! Thanks be to God!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2307

April 25, 2020

The word for the day - thankful! Thankful for very efficient roofers who finished the job all in one day, including doing a really nice job of cleaning up! We are pleased - the roof looks great. 

But what am I really thankful for? Quiet. Now I have to go around and straighten all the pictures on the wall. Haha!!

Blessings. And prayers.