tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64788647116362418462024-02-06T22:43:09.117-07:00The Daily IntersectionTraveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.comBlogger3081125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-82406028266861519282022-07-26T20:29:00.010-06:002022-07-26T20:32:21.864-06:00Day #3080<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">June 7, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is Tuesday. Usually there would be Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture, but today is going to be different. Today is somewhat of a goodbye. After 3,080 blog posts on The Daily Intersection, it is time to move on, as they say. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hubby and I are beginning a new adventure - full-time RVing - and that deserves a new blog site. This one - <a href="http://RVDUO6082022.wordpress.com"><span style="color: #000087;">RVDUO6082022.wordpress.com</span></a> - is under construction at the time of this post, but please check back soon (I am learning how to navigate a new platform that should allow for comments on the site - thank you for your patience). </span></p>
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<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, I do not plan to totally abandon this site. There will still be occasional updates about and for our Godson, and perhaps some Boomer pictures, but it will not be a daily endeavor.</span></p>
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<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have loved every minute of these daily 3,080 posts. I have learned so much about seeing God in our lives and am thankful for those lessons. Also, I love you who have kept up with my ramblings, prodded me along, and cheered for me. Thank you for reading and I hope you’ll catch us on our new blog. </span></p>
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<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For now: <span style="background-color: white;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-63116547754005230092022-07-26T19:01:00.004-06:002022-07-26T19:03:14.455-06:00Day #3079<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">June 6, 2022</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Donned with a mask, distancing as much as possible, I headed into the office for my next to last day to try and get done in two days what needed five to accomplish. However, thanks to being out sick all last week, there may be some things </span>that<span style="font-family: inherit;"> get left undone. I will try, however!</span></p>
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<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet, one important thing did begin - the replacement of the carpet in the sanctuary. This is the culmination of a project long in the making, I am so excited this is happening for the folks. And so proud of them for these</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> finishing touches on the worship space that are long needed and desired.</span></p>
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<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, since it is Monday, the smile for the week is this blessing: </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX8pSBXpvcwR-A90X0QAZzdfIc3qfI0DjeCO2icGWmJgAifPuGUpfqaz5I_OrONzn7IsCB_oO_e_blEancbAmD2_Y9iWU000OcJwV8drGCcz4G7IQ4Ipjdn4qcnUJr-a_Kf5jR097SY-7Fk7aZ1C3LmtpEjmxE5P0uPL6HrihY0JJnLP4RkO2xujm/s638/Final%20Blessings.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX8pSBXpvcwR-A90X0QAZzdfIc3qfI0DjeCO2icGWmJgAifPuGUpfqaz5I_OrONzn7IsCB_oO_e_blEancbAmD2_Y9iWU000OcJwV8drGCcz4G7IQ4Ipjdn4qcnUJr-a_Kf5jR097SY-7Fk7aZ1C3LmtpEjmxE5P0uPL6HrihY0JJnLP4RkO2xujm/s320/Final%20Blessings.png" width="271" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember always, God loves you and so do I.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p></span><p></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-3342404988044171652022-07-26T18:45:00.003-06:002022-07-26T18:45:20.012-06:00Day #3078<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">June 5, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overwhelmed! There is no other word for what I am feeling today. At how well our former Intern did with the service (you may view the worship service here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HX9dT3DTBQ" target="_blank">OSLCGreatFalls June 5, 2022</a>) and then the response at the reception. WOW!! What generosity in gifts, creativity, beauty, and kindness you have shown. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am so grateful for these years together. You have touched my heart in so many ways and you go with me into the days and years ahead of retirement. Thank you for loving me, letting me love you, sending me on my way with grace and peace, and giving us so much! I am still heartbroken at not </span>being<span style="font-family: inherit;"> with you today, but technology made it the best it could have been.</span></p>
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<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God loves you and so do I! Truly!</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-27714590775789416262022-07-26T18:35:00.002-06:002022-07-26T18:36:04.525-06:00Day #3077<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">June 4, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for Pharmacy Helpers who have patience, ideas, recommendations, and a smile in the midst of this craziness called COVID. What has the last two plus years been like for them, and for all the medical personnel? I cannot imagine. So a huge shoutout to you all! Thank you! We appreciate you! You rock!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On another note, there is a plan formulated for Sunday. With being the fifth day since a positive test, I simply cannot subject the folks to this illness, so I will stay home. How can I be there and not give hugs, talk to folks, be close in proximity? </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Needless to say, my heart is broken. It is not fair to the congregation - and frankly, I do not feel it is fair to me, but it is the way it must be. Yes, I am having a pity-party!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet, thankfully our former Intern is able to lead worship, read the sermon I prepared, be with the folks and hubby is past his quarantine time, so he can attend. Also, there will be a Zoom opportunity following worship at the reception so I can "be there." It is the best we can do under the circumstances. So, on this Satisfied Saturday, I am also grateful for technology and the folks who have creative minds to make things work! Thank you so much!</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-88592762814749366142022-07-26T18:25:00.004-06:002022-07-26T18:25:29.567-06:00Day #3076<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">June 3, 2022 </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The word for the day - grateful. For help. For hope. For a little bit of energy. For a fever that has broken. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But there is sadness. I still test positive. I still cough like a fiend. I still have so much to do. What will Sunday bring?!?!</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I just cannot believe this!!</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-88378862484927260902022-07-26T18:18:00.001-06:002022-07-26T18:18:10.548-06:00Day #3075<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">June 2, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well….it is official, I have tested positive. I am sick. And it looks like I may have to miss Sunday. I keep hoping I will test negative before then, but who knows. What is Plan B!? There has to be something we can do!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The positive of all this, there are folks so willing to help. I am very grateful for their love and support. Will we manage to get everything done? With their help, and the prayers of so many, I think so. Somehow!</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-4734661667975706312022-07-26T18:11:00.002-06:002022-07-26T18:12:45.830-06:00Day #3074<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">June 1, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The word for the day - sick! I worried after hubby got sick (see <a href="https://thedailyintersection.blogspot.com/2022/07/day-3070.html" target="_blank">Day #3070</a>) and my fears seem to have been realized. I still am testing negative, but I sure do not feel well. All the classics - no energy (all I can seem to do is sleep), cough, headache, smell and taste lacking - everything except the fever. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe it’s just a cold. Fingers crossed! There is WAY TOO MUCH to do! It's my last week!</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-79949980897170823112022-07-26T18:05:00.003-06:002022-07-26T18:05:57.348-06:00Day #3073<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 31, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Acts 2:1-4: When the day of Pentecost had come, [the apostles] were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. <i>(NRSV) </i></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pentecost Sunday is coming - the celebration of fifty days following Easter and the Resurrection. What strikes me in the reading about the event from the Book of Acts is that the apostles were all together in one place. They had not scattered. They had not lost hope. They had not given up. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It occurs to me that fifty days can be a long time, a lot can happen and it might be easy to give up hope. What were the apostles doing during that time to help them? Were they gathering regularly and what did they do when they were together? Did they remember the stories of Jesus’ actions, miracles, teaching? Did they relive the events, sharing their feelings and hopes and fears? Did they wonder if each day would be the one when Jesus would return, or what would the coming of the Holy Spirit be like, or if it was all a dream and they would also eventually be arrested and murdered? </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And then it happens - the Holy Spirit rushes in. Do you suppose they were scared by this violent wind and tongues of fire? Did they marvel at God’s hand? Scripture tells us they were filled with the power of this Holy Spirit and given abilities they never expected. And they were changed. Forever! They went from fearful and timid to mighty and courageous and unable to keep silent. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wow! What does that say to us? That the power of God is stronger than any fear we might have? That the filling of the Holy Spirit can give us courage and faith? That God shows up as promised - always? </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whatever the recounting of the Day of Pentecost says to you, I hope you do not take its power for granted. That same power is with us today - and forever. And it can change us and the world. It did then, it has since, and it will again! Thanks be to God. </span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-63156147950275828552022-07-16T16:08:00.004-06:002022-07-16T16:08:47.293-06:00Day #3072<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 30, 2022</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A blessed Memorial Day to everyone! And prayers for those who struggle with grief. God bless you all!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On a lighter side (and perhaps a bit disrespectful for today) the smile for the week is in honor of Friday being National Donut Day:</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAaoKk4tls_vwacLV9fk7E39p2zuKL_HheRqB9z9UJzMewnTHFH44msORj58t5JUeE6uX_o1VS66cLQkg7U8k4m0Xf3PxKR010Z4teSYqsw1NfGnSrFPvUZqg7IAXlTQ1B8mUO3_5UfwTmnnsvxn1wofuOryMLqa6Tub274jCnGx-XNnsPxqgPRCu/s800/Honor%20donut%20day%20smile%205-30-22.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAaoKk4tls_vwacLV9fk7E39p2zuKL_HheRqB9z9UJzMewnTHFH44msORj58t5JUeE6uX_o1VS66cLQkg7U8k4m0Xf3PxKR010Z4teSYqsw1NfGnSrFPvUZqg7IAXlTQ1B8mUO3_5UfwTmnnsvxn1wofuOryMLqa6Tub274jCnGx-XNnsPxqgPRCu/s320/Honor%20donut%20day%20smile%205-30-22.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>Apologies for offending anyone, but this made me chuckle and I hope it does you, also.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><p></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-30933674219763057642022-07-16T16:01:00.008-06:002022-07-16T16:01:57.209-06:00Day #3071<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 29, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh what a grand day!! Affirmation of Baptism for two of our youth is always exciting - congratulations as you take this next step in your life of faith. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And….first Holy Communion, also, for the brother of one of the Confirmands (when you live a ways away, you try to make a visit count -- and we did!).</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was also graduation day for our High School Seniors. Several of our folks walked the stage - congratulations and God’s blessings to you all!!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What a great day for all the youth! And for the congregation! I am so thankful!</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-83268520612015930302022-07-16T15:55:00.002-06:002022-07-16T15:55:27.961-06:00Day #3070<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 28, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On this Satisfied Saturday, I must admit I am struggling to be grateful. Suddenly all the plans for our last days before my retirement grind to a halt….hubby just tested positive for COVID. After years of trying to stay safe, this yuk has entered our lives. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It started with a sneeze, chills, and the thought it was a sinus infection. Then the fatigue hit as we drove home. Now the question is, can I avoid it?! I have too much to accomplish in the next few days to be sick! What will I do if I get it, too?! I suppose we will have to take one day at a time.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For now, I AM satisfied, however, for the opportunity to have holy conversation about Affirmation of Baptism and First Holy Communion. What an exciting day tomorrow will be!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-28312681800510463242022-07-16T15:43:00.006-06:002022-07-16T15:46:17.377-06:00Day #3069<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 27, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And so it begins….</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In preparation for our upcoming adventures, we have had our RV parked nearby at a campground where we have stayed before. Nice area, beautiful views, and one of our favorite stretches of the river. Today we say goodbye to this campground as we move to the next. Here is just a bit of the view to wake up to each day:</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-B4h8j1Rkm6G1ZHRrRmFKVajKu4M5JQnsQMylz9mFPANgBUf0QBjBGk-I75ANg_cqgRsgssW0i1nDToQLtx3Mz-f1W403twAOJ1i5Zwueub4zPa-hEOXMyV3eNtn9NnAGzedrM1DXRF-MfJ2Az_pjGG4a7OGZB42SxwrGDMWptqetZ0AZ3i33ziEy/s3024/IMG_0599.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1619" data-original-width="3024" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-B4h8j1Rkm6G1ZHRrRmFKVajKu4M5JQnsQMylz9mFPANgBUf0QBjBGk-I75ANg_cqgRsgssW0i1nDToQLtx3Mz-f1W403twAOJ1i5Zwueub4zPa-hEOXMyV3eNtn9NnAGzedrM1DXRF-MfJ2Az_pjGG4a7OGZB42SxwrGDMWptqetZ0AZ3i33ziEy/s320/IMG_0599.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet while we must admit we are sad to go, we are loaded and ready:</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpipfTMgmEO3dctcZlitLkF4Nq9c6UemUIHEx0xDY8m2KwWVntz5O2eKBttrtgJRhGoUY1EShTamWISwkgvxPXZcRY21j6mnXNB7VVvHS_A8UqGNTCIpMDVSPIytOffFPQvXHz0t7aAwTyXZf53XEboHfZ1d9UNdzmSIyf1Q8ctpA9WXpaHXTEySkp/s3352/IMG_0598%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3352" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpipfTMgmEO3dctcZlitLkF4Nq9c6UemUIHEx0xDY8m2KwWVntz5O2eKBttrtgJRhGoUY1EShTamWISwkgvxPXZcRY21j6mnXNB7VVvHS_A8UqGNTCIpMDVSPIytOffFPQvXHz0t7aAwTyXZf53XEboHfZ1d9UNdzmSIyf1Q8ctpA9WXpaHXTEySkp/s320/IMG_0598%202.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And this is some of the view going into what will be our new “home” for a while:</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkiXWoJqOLTOOlO9RTXXbVErHwvBLpv73CkvlvSXnYTMsrvRrQmvSQ9EVFGG1KPa_zmWMcmDip7N4RLC1uUiPrHpNSGZBwdh6kLfflymLhWJXPmrAu-d_9itJftUxnsv9LUxCZ2rlba9R3I1NMv-TYxhHq-QhZe3qebH9o8d2PSR3K6YqfS-OGfG1/s3792/IMG_0600%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2182" data-original-width="3792" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkiXWoJqOLTOOlO9RTXXbVErHwvBLpv73CkvlvSXnYTMsrvRrQmvSQ9EVFGG1KPa_zmWMcmDip7N4RLC1uUiPrHpNSGZBwdh6kLfflymLhWJXPmrAu-d_9itJftUxnsv9LUxCZ2rlba9R3I1NMv-TYxhHq-QhZe3qebH9o8d2PSR3K6YqfS-OGfG1/s320/IMG_0600%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not too bad of a change, huh?!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-13678259185610784982022-07-16T15:22:00.005-06:002022-07-16T15:24:21.656-06:00Day #3068<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 26, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Forty days ago we celebrated Easter - Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Today we remember his Ascension - Jesus’ return to God and the One relationship. It is a day that is not often celebrated in worship because of it being on Thursday, but it is an important day. The reminder is important that the resurrected Christ did not die again, but was “taken up.” </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What does this mean for me and you? I believe it has to do with the One relationship piece, and the forever piece. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the One relationship who desires all creation to also be in and part of the One relationship. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, how long does that last? Forever. Earlier this week we looked at when God began (see <a href="https://thedailyintersection.blogspot.com/2022/07/day-3066.html" target="_blank">Day #3066</a>) and now we give thanks the relationship also has no end. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Ascension Day! </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-17327847200171218742022-07-16T15:10:00.002-06:002022-07-16T15:13:41.192-06:00Day #3067<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 25, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Warning - somewhat of a rant follows. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I said goodbye to the High School Youth this morning, including two seniors, I had no idea the day would take the turn it did. One of the local schools received a report of a possible threat and went into lockdown, ruining senior day and sending parents, friends and loved ones into fear mode. What is it with people?! Is there a love of creating chaos? </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fortunately, all turned out fine, but this special day is one the seniors will never get back - or forget.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But then, there are so many things I do not understand about what people do. Mass shootings abound; hateful people are prevalent; folks do not listen to one another or try to understand each other; we humans tend to think we are entitled to getting everything our way (not everyone can be satisfied or lucky <u>all</u> the time). It is exhausting. It is maddening. And nothing seems to be uniting us together.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, there is one thing that unites - the family of God. All are welcome. All are “lucky” because all are loved and forgiven and accepted. Nothing can separate us from God. And so today, as I celebrate my 42nd Baptism Birthday, I am reminded - do not give up hope! Do not despair! Do not fear! I am a beloved Child of God, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and marked with the Cross of Christ…..FOREVER! Actually, all of God's</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> family is! Thanks be to God!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-75710393606025726762022-07-16T14:45:00.008-06:002022-07-16T14:50:51.011-06:00Day #3066<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 24, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Revelation 22:13: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” <i>(NRSV)</i></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A question I have often been asked, especially by young folks, is: who made God? Or when did God begin? Or how did God begin? It is a fair question. All things have a beginning and an end - at least the things we are familiar with on earth. Also, we know how most things begin - a seed, etc. So, who <i>did</i> make God? </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, this verse from the book of Revelation gives us one answer - God always has been. Now, when I have given that answer to a young person, I usually have gotten a confused or skeptical look. What do you mean, pastor? What kind of answer is that? </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps God having always been carries just enough mystery to remind me that God is not human, or completely understandable by humans. And, honestly, I am okay with that. God is God and I am not. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The really comforting part of this for me, however, is that if God is first and last and beginning and end and A to Z, then God is also everything in-between. And knows everything in-between - including me. Thanks be to God. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-7945304757377635882022-07-16T14:34:00.000-06:002022-07-16T14:34:16.370-06:00Day #3065<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 23, 2022</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Having a sometimes challenging accent, I am asked to repeat things often. Perhaps that is why this smile for the week caught my eye, and my funny bone:</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkHtjI5QVgvjuvbQjYLvY5sV7ozJ2ojAdzz5AOdaBSDZH1s_Pdsoyu7xGR-GoIDyEMSBtAtb2EB1UCxR4b01BKGNTQvXtRaUcxPfInKGzK_q00lzQP162UetI6gtml1Ii5jRWksTQ7bsjppCciX-O-Z6-B53pbDZ47NFU0sEXDZ8pBmDTOgMoH4I7/s723/Bibles%20Funny.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkHtjI5QVgvjuvbQjYLvY5sV7ozJ2ojAdzz5AOdaBSDZH1s_Pdsoyu7xGR-GoIDyEMSBtAtb2EB1UCxR4b01BKGNTQvXtRaUcxPfInKGzK_q00lzQP162UetI6gtml1Ii5jRWksTQ7bsjppCciX-O-Z6-B53pbDZ47NFU0sEXDZ8pBmDTOgMoH4I7/s320/Bibles%20Funny.png" width="237" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-50324944316947394322022-07-16T12:07:00.002-06:002022-07-16T14:28:30.027-06:00Day #3064<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 22, 2022</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today we recognized High School Seniors in worship. Hard to imagine these youth were in elementary school when I arrived. I am very proud of the young folks and am excited for them and their future. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then later in the day we celebrated a time of staff appreciation with dinner and conversation. I will miss working with these wonderful folks - Sara, Amber, Ellen, Madeleine, Jenny, Mike, and Terry. You have been so great to work with and we made an awesome team, if I say so myself. Carry on, good and faithful servants. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">PS Why did I not get any pictures?!</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-46372432876808354202022-07-16T12:01:00.002-06:002022-07-16T12:02:19.949-06:00Day #3063<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 21, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for this perspective in a sanctuary - from the pew. It is a “view” I will be seeing more often in the days to come for worship.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKJBmvEIsXAq8wr0oRK6WBWjk3P5NUIFwvIuvF-t6-s2VNtf3RPAG1fljWp89ZTMG-Jxqrc2-CqzKKO3qg2SP20Tnojli1brjjallgPlF29H873RGQ9yNS3T0PjZsZIeZdkiQRQ5xhX7N0dSaHxFTafl1zu96G8qrg_Pe4XcqyO0L9O45WbdRJtOZ/s3024/Perspective%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2947" data-original-width="3024" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKJBmvEIsXAq8wr0oRK6WBWjk3P5NUIFwvIuvF-t6-s2VNtf3RPAG1fljWp89ZTMG-Jxqrc2-CqzKKO3qg2SP20Tnojli1brjjallgPlF29H873RGQ9yNS3T0PjZsZIeZdkiQRQ5xhX7N0dSaHxFTafl1zu96G8qrg_Pe4XcqyO0L9O45WbdRJtOZ/s320/Perspective%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet today was not a worship service, but a recital. One of our young folks invited me to come and I was proud to be there for her, and her teacher. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So there is a second Satisfied Saturday today - for music teachers. Those who work to make certain that gifts and talents do not get lost. Thank you for your commitment and the love of music you pass on!</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju44NsPg6N7ImTpVPGPVmxf_16SvqckiMaa5vXNe-Wo0NzGFfQ9gMWmxHLrVeJCF6aRKkMx1NJwiRCk8w5gpbbGXZlypDZ5KPTmOKQC-iVkPMId17g83Df2zD1xJy0oHcVSyEYyKT_yVp94Gg4el6My-i9g2pimHSvlJY5_-SBEqkOC83clQaM8uQy/s3146/IMG_0593.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3146" data-original-width="2718" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju44NsPg6N7ImTpVPGPVmxf_16SvqckiMaa5vXNe-Wo0NzGFfQ9gMWmxHLrVeJCF6aRKkMx1NJwiRCk8w5gpbbGXZlypDZ5KPTmOKQC-iVkPMId17g83Df2zD1xJy0oHcVSyEYyKT_yVp94Gg4el6My-i9g2pimHSvlJY5_-SBEqkOC83clQaM8uQy/s320/IMG_0593.jpeg" width="276" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-57810753770999474812022-07-16T11:17:00.004-06:002022-07-16T11:17:27.403-06:00Day #3062<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 20, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The word for the day - packing! Packing, and packing, and packing, and sorting, and packing, and then unpacking as we move things into the RV. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whew - I am exhausted and yet there is so much more to do! Will we make it?!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-59413948155175534232022-07-16T11:14:00.001-06:002022-07-16T11:14:34.594-06:00Day #3061<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 19, 2022</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the last forty-plus years, I wish I had kept track of the number of hours spent in council meetings. As a layperson, I served in several different council positions, including president for two terms. Of course, as a pastor, almost every month included a council meeting. Mostly, I have appreciated this time, enjoyed the “business” of the church, and been honored to participate in this way. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This evening marked the last council meeting I may ever attend. As a retired pastor, it is not recommended to serve in this capacity, and I completely agree and understand. </span></p>
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<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So today I thank each and every person I have ever served with as a member of council. You serve, or have served, an important role, and your commitment is commended. God bless and keep you!</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-64232959821483305002022-07-16T10:59:00.003-06:002022-07-16T10:59:43.498-06:00Day #3060<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 18, 2022</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As the days move closer toward retirement, I am soaking up as many memories as possible. Today’s included holy conversations with the early morning groups, along with a wave from the High School Youth as they left the restaurant. Nothing like seeing them turn around, smile, and wave at you as they leave. Next came a memorable Bible Study, as most are, but knowing the last is coming soon makes them all that much sweeter. Lunch followed with a colleague with important conversation, then meeting with a member that was life-giving and affirming. This wonderful day ended with a delicious dinner with friends whose hospitality was par excellence.</span></p>
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<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The amount of love expressed these days is almost overwhelming. I am so thankful for my time here and the amazing people who are now such an important part of our lives. WOW!!</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-43971936329242090732022-07-07T22:41:00.005-06:002022-07-07T22:41:56.001-06:00Day #3059<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 17, 2022</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This week’s Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verse 27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. <i>(NRSV)</i></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you read the word “peace,” what comes to mind? Is it lack of worry about the future </span>because<span style="font-family: inherit;"> you have enough money, health, family, etc.? Is it no war in the world or everyone having the ability to live a mercy-filled life? Is it everyone getting along - no more arguing or fighting? </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These are all ideas of peace, yet they really are the world’s ideas of peace, aren’t they? Which begs the question, what <i>does</i> Christ’s peace look like? What comes to my mind is being able to trust that God is who God says and Jesus is the personification of God. That trust brings a peace that frees me from concern to “save” myself, be good enough, do enough, etc. And no one has been able to give that to me except Jesus/God/The Holy Spirit. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you, God, for those moments you provide the grace and trust to not let my heart be troubled. What a gift!</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-66028795726085322262022-07-07T22:27:00.000-06:002022-07-07T22:27:02.716-06:00Day #3058<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 16, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In light of yesterday’s lessons, this seems an appropriate smile for the week: </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuLAyK4qsRwJNKNKwm_4A0kduqAg-qxe4hqAO_m78V_i2WRR6RAumDcK6UUNAvKOT2Kq3fMrVw0cJCpBHtjEN_TOpdKc2qHvvnEgZG3W7IdM69LUWxlguPz3AgwfYr_22QltcHJrg-OB_EFMa_TBeYUoDT1GX_jVoKE4x7NPY8oxdUIt8uwXV-kMR/s860/love.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuLAyK4qsRwJNKNKwm_4A0kduqAg-qxe4hqAO_m78V_i2WRR6RAumDcK6UUNAvKOT2Kq3fMrVw0cJCpBHtjEN_TOpdKc2qHvvnEgZG3W7IdM69LUWxlguPz3AgwfYr_22QltcHJrg-OB_EFMa_TBeYUoDT1GX_jVoKE4x7NPY8oxdUIt8uwXV-kMR/s320/love.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-82661277287376028832022-07-07T22:21:00.007-06:002022-07-07T22:23:10.447-06:00Day #3057<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 15, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another FULL Sunday - </span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Simon’s momma turned the big 4-0 today. Happy, Happy Birthday! I am grateful to have you in my life!!</span></li>
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The reminder that love is a verb - loving is doing.</span></li>
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Asking the children if you can tell someone loves you by looking at them - and getting a reminder that yes, you can, because they smile, say nice things, do things for you (hence that loving is doing). It made me think of the reminder to smile at children who catch your eye when you are out and about because it helps them see that there is good in the world.</span></li>
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, an afternoon of learning with this “take home:” FAIL is simply the <u>F</u>irst <u>A</u>ttempt <u>I</u>n <u>L</u>earning. In other words, there is not failure, just opportunities to learn. I like that. A lot!</span></li></ul>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wow - what a day!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478864711636241846.post-64265465309162023882022-07-07T22:11:00.005-06:002022-07-07T22:12:32.574-06:00Day #3056<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">May 14, 2022 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for memories. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the tasks of getting organized and packing is going through things like pictures or albums. Just the last 33 years with my hubby have created pictures galore. What fun today to look again at some of those early years - we were so young, and so were our friends and family. </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you, God, for giving us relationships that spark memories, and for the ability to capture them on film. What a gift!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings. And prayers.</span></p>Traveling throughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02518999764435199264noreply@blogger.com0