July 12, 2015
Sometimes there are very sad moments in ministry. It can be hard to hear that the needs of a person and the offerings of a congregation do not match up. Learning someone feels tugged to look around at other places of worship makes me sad. But when it is because they feel a Christian Community isn’t being what it should be, that hurts my heart and my soul.
Yet, I am grateful to hear from someone, instead of them just disappearing, even when what they say is heartbreaking. Do not get me wrong, it’s difficult to receive someone’s frustration and hurt, but it’s necessary and can be helpful.
With that said, however, perhaps the hardest part is the fact-checking. The taking of the information and discerning the absolute truth and at the same time realizing that the absolute truth will probably never be learned. After all, people’s feelings, opinions, perceived innuendos, preferences, history, etc, play into the telling of an incident, often distorting the facts.
It does make me wonder how the Good News - Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness - every really gets passed along in the church. I am so glad it does, however, even in spite of us humans. And that not only does the message continue, but Jesus’ love remains perfect (where mine surely isn’t) and his forgiveness quick. Thanks be to God!
Blessings.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Day #557
July 11, 2015
One word - thankful.
But for many reasons:
Blessings.
One word - thankful.
But for many reasons:
- Thankful for a day to spend at home.
- Thankful to have had a couple of days away in an absolutely beautiful place!
- Thankful for family and friends.
- Thankful for hope found in Jesus Christ.
Blessings.
Day #556
July 10, 2015
Here are a couple more beautiful shots hubby took.
On the Going-to-the-Sun-Road:
And one of McDonald Creek:
Some of the most beautiful blue water - and crystal clear. Quite the place - the beauty of God’s world!
Blessings.
Here are a couple more beautiful shots hubby took.
On the Going-to-the-Sun-Road:
And one of McDonald Creek:
Some of the most beautiful blue water - and crystal clear. Quite the place - the beauty of God’s world!
Blessings.
Day #555
July 9, 2015
A couple of days away - to Glacier National Park. Beautiful!
We ran into a couple from North Carolina who took our picture - and we took theirs. Small world!
And a boat ride on St. Mary Lake. Wonderful!
Blessings.
A couple of days away - to Glacier National Park. Beautiful!
We ran into a couple from North Carolina who took our picture - and we took theirs. Small world!
And a boat ride on St. Mary Lake. Wonderful!
Blessings.
Day #554
July 8, 2015
It may not have been the first time this advice has been shared, but it was perhaps one of the most emotional moments in which I have heard it said. As I attended a funeral, one of the family members shared about a piece of advice the deceased had given him. He said that even though the deceased was a man of few words, and gave little advice, not long after his children were born, he told him, “the best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother.”
What powerful words and loving advice. And they were said with tears not only from him, but his wife and children, too. Evidently the advice was heard, and followed. How awesome that this father and grandfather shared this wisdom and that it touched, in a positive way, generations to follow.
Blessings.
It may not have been the first time this advice has been shared, but it was perhaps one of the most emotional moments in which I have heard it said. As I attended a funeral, one of the family members shared about a piece of advice the deceased had given him. He said that even though the deceased was a man of few words, and gave little advice, not long after his children were born, he told him, “the best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother.”
What powerful words and loving advice. And they were said with tears not only from him, but his wife and children, too. Evidently the advice was heard, and followed. How awesome that this father and grandfather shared this wisdom and that it touched, in a positive way, generations to follow.
Blessings.
Day #553
July 7, 2015
Each day the Daily Intersection ends with this word - Blessings. When I was asked about my use of that word (wondering if I may be using it too freely based on the expense it cost Jesus to make blessing us possible - see d365 "think" for July 7:d365 Think) it made me realize it has been a while since I explained my use of “blessings” here and as the ending to most notes I send.
My use of "blessings" is not meant to call into possibility some kind of "magic" by God to obtain “stuff” or the favor of God for one person/team/event over another. Instead, it is meant to remind whoever reads it that God’s face is upon them; that God cares about all things in their life, and about them in all ways. It is meant to remind whoever reads it that no matter what, where, or when, God loves them, is with them, and is looking upon them.
That’s way more important than any “stuff” we could ever accumulate. Thanks be to God!
And...Blessings.
Each day the Daily Intersection ends with this word - Blessings. When I was asked about my use of that word (wondering if I may be using it too freely based on the expense it cost Jesus to make blessing us possible - see d365 "think" for July 7:d365 Think) it made me realize it has been a while since I explained my use of “blessings” here and as the ending to most notes I send.
My use of "blessings" is not meant to call into possibility some kind of "magic" by God to obtain “stuff” or the favor of God for one person/team/event over another. Instead, it is meant to remind whoever reads it that God’s face is upon them; that God cares about all things in their life, and about them in all ways. It is meant to remind whoever reads it that no matter what, where, or when, God loves them, is with them, and is looking upon them.
That’s way more important than any “stuff” we could ever accumulate. Thanks be to God!
And...Blessings.
Day #552
July 6, 2015
When someone else puts what you have been thinking into very succinct words, it can pull at your faith heartstrings. The prayer from d365 for July 6th is one of those moments:
Blessings.
When someone else puts what you have been thinking into very succinct words, it can pull at your faith heartstrings. The prayer from d365 for July 6th is one of those moments:
Living God, open my ears and mind to not simply listen, but to hear and understand what you are saying to me today and every day. Amen.Amen and amen. The noise of the world IS loud. The distractions of the world ARE many. Do help me to hear your voice, O God, and to understand what you are saying.
Blessings.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Day #551
July
5, 2015
Often God reminds me to straighten out my attitude in almost humorous ways. There was a message from a neighbor to the congregation asking for drinking water. A rather specific request for a 24-count case of drinking water, albeit with a seemingly good explanation. So…my husband and I obliged. I must confess, it wasn’t exactly willingly or joyfully on my part, but we did. It’s what we are to do, right?!
Well, after delivering the water, as we pulled away from the curb and made the turn toward home, a pickup truck pulls beside us at the stoplight. On the back of the truck is this scripture: “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Okay God, I get it!
Blessings.
Often God reminds me to straighten out my attitude in almost humorous ways. There was a message from a neighbor to the congregation asking for drinking water. A rather specific request for a 24-count case of drinking water, albeit with a seemingly good explanation. So…my husband and I obliged. I must confess, it wasn’t exactly willingly or joyfully on my part, but we did. It’s what we are to do, right?!
Well, after delivering the water, as we pulled away from the curb and made the turn toward home, a pickup truck pulls beside us at the stoplight. On the back of the truck is this scripture: “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Okay God, I get it!
Blessings.
Day #550
July
4, 2015
What could be a more fun way to celebrate the 4th than being in a parade!?!?! The congregation I serve will celebrate its 125th anniversary in November, but we’re starting the festivities early.
A huge thanks to the committee who helped the float idea come together and made sure it happened – many hours of planning, construction, etc. made for a wonderful time!
Here are some shots I took of the final preparations to the float and then one of me actually being in the parade. Thanks to the photographer who took the pic of a couple of the “float riders.” :-)
Blessings.
What could be a more fun way to celebrate the 4th than being in a parade!?!?! The congregation I serve will celebrate its 125th anniversary in November, but we’re starting the festivities early.
A huge thanks to the committee who helped the float idea come together and made sure it happened – many hours of planning, construction, etc. made for a wonderful time!
Here are some shots I took of the final preparations to the float and then one of me actually being in the parade. Thanks to the photographer who took the pic of a couple of the “float riders.” :-)
Blessings.
Friday, July 3, 2015
Day #549
July 3, 2015
It is said a picture is worth a thousand words? How about these two dozen?
Blessings.
It is said a picture is worth a thousand words? How about these two dozen?
Day #548
July 2, 2015
This cross-stitch copy of the “Serenity Prayer” hung in my grandma’s house after I made it for her many years ago. It was her favorite prayer. It’s now in my home and often helps remind me of Who is in charge.
Naturally, I thought of it when I saw this entire “Serenity Prayer” reportedly by Reinhold Niebuhr:
Naturally, I thought of it when I saw this entire “Serenity Prayer” reportedly by Reinhold Niebuhr:
God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,Blessings.
Courage to change the things which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
Day #547
July 1, 2015
In something I recently read (can’t remember where unfortunately!), the author talked about a time someone had come through for them, mostly when it was unexpected. It made me think of the times someone paid it forward for me. For example, I often give thanks for the professor at LTSG, Dr. Rick Carlson, who paid it forward for me by encouraging me in Summer Greek. I often tell others that without his notes on the bottom of tests that kept saying, you can do this!, I’m not sure I would have made it. I never expected him to be so encouraging as a professor, but he certainly came through for me and was instrumental in helping me become a pastor.
Has someone come through for you, or paid it forward on your behalf? Perhaps as important, or more so, have you come through for someone else?
Blessings.
In something I recently read (can’t remember where unfortunately!), the author talked about a time someone had come through for them, mostly when it was unexpected. It made me think of the times someone paid it forward for me. For example, I often give thanks for the professor at LTSG, Dr. Rick Carlson, who paid it forward for me by encouraging me in Summer Greek. I often tell others that without his notes on the bottom of tests that kept saying, you can do this!, I’m not sure I would have made it. I never expected him to be so encouraging as a professor, but he certainly came through for me and was instrumental in helping me become a pastor.
Has someone come through for you, or paid it forward on your behalf? Perhaps as important, or more so, have you come through for someone else?
Blessings.
Day #546
June 30, 2015
Something on Facebook caught my attention: “Flat Jesus.” What is that? It is a cartoon-like picture of Jesus that is cutout and mounted on a Popsicle stick. Fine, but what is the point of that? Well, folks are encouraged to take “Flat Jesus” with them on vacation, then take a picture of where they all are and send it back to their congregation.
Ok, again, what is the point of that? As a reminder that no matter where we go, what we do, who we see or meet, Jesus is with us because he never takes a vacation from accompanying us, re-filling us, loving us.
So where is Jesus going with you this summer? Or, another way to think of it, where do you see Jesus at work in your life today? Or what is your Daily Intersection? (Which is not just for the summer, by the way!)
Blessings.
Something on Facebook caught my attention: “Flat Jesus.” What is that? It is a cartoon-like picture of Jesus that is cutout and mounted on a Popsicle stick. Fine, but what is the point of that? Well, folks are encouraged to take “Flat Jesus” with them on vacation, then take a picture of where they all are and send it back to their congregation.
Ok, again, what is the point of that? As a reminder that no matter where we go, what we do, who we see or meet, Jesus is with us because he never takes a vacation from accompanying us, re-filling us, loving us.
So where is Jesus going with you this summer? Or, another way to think of it, where do you see Jesus at work in your life today? Or what is your Daily Intersection? (Which is not just for the summer, by the way!)
Blessings.
Day #545
June 29, 2015
In the article, Nice Is Not Enough, included in the July edition of “The Lutheran” magazine, Rev. Dave Daubert talked about what is most important for a church. (See this link for the full article: Nice Is Not Enough)
He writes that a church that is hospitable, welcoming, or full of “nice” people, is not the key. However, a church that is filled with vibrant faith in God is what is needed to connect with others, deepen discipleship, and grow.
Hmm... This is quite a thought-provoking article which I highly recommend.
Blessings.
In the article, Nice Is Not Enough, included in the July edition of “The Lutheran” magazine, Rev. Dave Daubert talked about what is most important for a church. (See this link for the full article: Nice Is Not Enough)
He writes that a church that is hospitable, welcoming, or full of “nice” people, is not the key. However, a church that is filled with vibrant faith in God is what is needed to connect with others, deepen discipleship, and grow.
Hmm... This is quite a thought-provoking article which I highly recommend.
Blessings.
Day #544
June 28, 2015
Another member of God’s kingdom was welcomed on Sunday, June 28th, through the celebration of the sacrament of baptism. Another child of God marked with the cross of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Another worker with us in God’s kingdom. Another disciple/apostle gathered who will learn at Jesus’ feet and be sent out to serve and share. Another moment to give thanks to God for loving us so much! Awesome!!
Blessings.
Another member of God’s kingdom was welcomed on Sunday, June 28th, through the celebration of the sacrament of baptism. Another child of God marked with the cross of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Another worker with us in God’s kingdom. Another disciple/apostle gathered who will learn at Jesus’ feet and be sent out to serve and share. Another moment to give thanks to God for loving us so much! Awesome!!
Blessings.
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