December 14, 2015
My husband and I were personally invited to a public gathering of supporters for Barry Beach and I am very glad we went!
To say that I am humbled by his sharing just a little bit of his experience is an understatement. He is such an articulate man, with a deep faith he talks about easily. As I listened, it occurred to me that having endured decades in prison only deepened his reliance on God - and helped him to put into words what that reliance means to him.
What a gift his sharing was to me and I am grateful I had the opportunity to hear him firsthand and again be in his presence!
Blessings.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Day #712
December 13, 2015
What a day!! How thankful I am for so many folks who are helping prepare for Christmas - a Youth Band practicing for the Christmas Eve early worship service and folks who baked and packaged cookies for delivery to homebound members/friends are but a couple. I very much appreciate folks chipping in to help!
But I’m most thankful for the congregation’s welcome of Barry Beach! For more about Barry Beach, here’s just one article that helps tell his story just after his recent release: Barry Beach Interview. It certainly was heartwarming - and Christlike - to see folks graciously welcome him at worship.
Then the day ended with another fun time at Carols and Beer at a local pub. Singing carols and being with folks having fun - a good way to end a very good day.
Blessings.
What a day!! How thankful I am for so many folks who are helping prepare for Christmas - a Youth Band practicing for the Christmas Eve early worship service and folks who baked and packaged cookies for delivery to homebound members/friends are but a couple. I very much appreciate folks chipping in to help!
But I’m most thankful for the congregation’s welcome of Barry Beach! For more about Barry Beach, here’s just one article that helps tell his story just after his recent release: Barry Beach Interview. It certainly was heartwarming - and Christlike - to see folks graciously welcome him at worship.
Then the day ended with another fun time at Carols and Beer at a local pub. Singing carols and being with folks having fun - a good way to end a very good day.
Blessings.
Day #711
December 12, 2015
With less than two weeks until Christmas, it’s no wonder the day was spent shopping and decorating. Yet, there was also work to do - if you want to call making a visit and having a chance to hear one of the youth at their recital work. :-)
And those friends/colleagues who gathered for dinner last night (Day #710) included a couple we had the fun to host overnight, so they didn’t have to drive a long distance home afterward. Just an addition to the joy of the season!!
Blessings.
With less than two weeks until Christmas, it’s no wonder the day was spent shopping and decorating. Yet, there was also work to do - if you want to call making a visit and having a chance to hear one of the youth at their recital work. :-)
And those friends/colleagues who gathered for dinner last night (Day #710) included a couple we had the fun to host overnight, so they didn’t have to drive a long distance home afterward. Just an addition to the joy of the season!!
Blessings.
Day #710
December 11, 2015
One thing I really appreciate is having colleagues in ministry. I have been fortunate to have trusted colleagues in both calls - folks I can bounce ideas off of, look to for guidance and wisdom, trade covering for one another in times of vacation or needed time away, and those who I count as friends.
A tradition started long before I came to this call is to gather for dinner at Christmastime with other Lutheran clergy-types. What a fun time it is - being with those who share this wonderful calling. It is good to just be together, include spouses, sing a few Christmas carols, and even share a birthday celebration.
So at the end of a beautiful weather day (rare in these parts!) was quite a wonderful gathering. Feeling very fortunate and thankful!
Blessings.
One thing I really appreciate is having colleagues in ministry. I have been fortunate to have trusted colleagues in both calls - folks I can bounce ideas off of, look to for guidance and wisdom, trade covering for one another in times of vacation or needed time away, and those who I count as friends.
A tradition started long before I came to this call is to gather for dinner at Christmastime with other Lutheran clergy-types. What a fun time it is - being with those who share this wonderful calling. It is good to just be together, include spouses, sing a few Christmas carols, and even share a birthday celebration.
So at the end of a beautiful weather day (rare in these parts!) was quite a wonderful gathering. Feeling very fortunate and thankful!
Blessings.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Day #709
December 10, 2015
Making decisions is something we do every day. But, how do we make them? Maybe the answer depends on what the decision is about. Sometimes, with tougher decisions, I listen to the voice in my head, trying to discern if what it says comes from God. Other times I search to find some peace in my heart about a decision - which option seems to settle my heart instead of making it anxious.
The prayer from the d365 devotion brought to mind the thoughts about making decisions: Oh God, what shall I do? Help me to listen, to pay attention, and to respond to your presence that is alive and at work within me and within the world. Amen.
Perhaps the most important part of that prayer is not about making a decision, but about how I “respond.” Does what I think I hear move me to a response that is a building-up of a relationship, of the community, etc? Does what I think I hear move me to a response based in love, mercy or justice? What consequences might there be from my decision/response?
There is much to consider about decisions in these days where responses seem to be ending more often in violence or judgment. How can we help others listen, pay attention, and respond in a God-like way?
Blessings.
Making decisions is something we do every day. But, how do we make them? Maybe the answer depends on what the decision is about. Sometimes, with tougher decisions, I listen to the voice in my head, trying to discern if what it says comes from God. Other times I search to find some peace in my heart about a decision - which option seems to settle my heart instead of making it anxious.
The prayer from the d365 devotion brought to mind the thoughts about making decisions: Oh God, what shall I do? Help me to listen, to pay attention, and to respond to your presence that is alive and at work within me and within the world. Amen.
Perhaps the most important part of that prayer is not about making a decision, but about how I “respond.” Does what I think I hear move me to a response that is a building-up of a relationship, of the community, etc? Does what I think I hear move me to a response based in love, mercy or justice? What consequences might there be from my decision/response?
There is much to consider about decisions in these days where responses seem to be ending more often in violence or judgment. How can we help others listen, pay attention, and respond in a God-like way?
Blessings.
Day #708
December 9, 2015
In preparation for John the Baptist’s words hundreds of years ago for those who came to hear his message (check out Luke 3:7-18), this prayer from the d365 devotion hits home:
And, the good news, God never gives up and never tires from our seeking transformation. Thanks be to God!!
Blessings.
In preparation for John the Baptist’s words hundreds of years ago for those who came to hear his message (check out Luke 3:7-18), this prayer from the d365 devotion hits home:
God, it’s so easy to make surface level changes, but I know that the changes I make from within are the ones that matter the most. Help me to know what needs to be cut away in order to create space for new life to be birthed within me. Transform me from the inside out. Amen.Something to consider, however: the prayer mentions changes I make from within, but can I really change myself from within in any way? Just like, can I actually figure out what needs to be cut away? For example, we can know that a short temper isn’t healthy and needs transformation from within. But, can we really change any of our feelings on our own? Certainly we can learn ways to deal with feelings, maybe through what can be a very long process of learning. But transformation, I believe, really comes from God.
And, the good news, God never gives up and never tires from our seeking transformation. Thanks be to God!!
Blessings.
Day #707
December 8, 2015
Saw this and really appreciate the “new” take on the Christmas Season (remember “Jesus is the reason for the season?”)
Also, there was this quote, or rather this question, from the presenter of a continuing education event about our place in creation: “can you love what you cannot control?” There are so many things we cannot control, but can we love...the weather? Other people? God? Hmmm...CAN we love what we cannot control?
Blessings.
Saw this and really appreciate the “new” take on the Christmas Season (remember “Jesus is the reason for the season?”)
Blessings.
Day #706
December 7, 2015
This may have been said before, but it truly is an honor and joy to be asked to pray, and then do so, with someone. As the hymn goes, “what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”
Joseph Scriven, the writer of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” must have known the power and peace that comes through prayer. It is doubled, I believe, when the prayer is with/for someone else. I have certainly felt it, and am thankful for every opportunity.
Blessings.
This may have been said before, but it truly is an honor and joy to be asked to pray, and then do so, with someone. As the hymn goes, “what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”
Joseph Scriven, the writer of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” must have known the power and peace that comes through prayer. It is doubled, I believe, when the prayer is with/for someone else. I have certainly felt it, and am thankful for every opportunity.
Blessings.
Day #705
December 6, 2015
How fortunate I am to be able to spend time in worship – to sing, to pray, to be with community, to hear where God has been seen at work; then, getting to spend time with youth in Sunday School, making gifts for others, having fun, learning. It’s all so wonderful!
Perhaps all that joy just spilled over into lunch. We went to a place we often go to get a quick, delicious meal, and were just being friendly with the waitress. So we thought. As we were preparing to leave, she said something like: thank you for being so nice. You were fun to wait on, and really turned what has been a bad day with grumpy customers upside down.
Well, there you go! How wonderful to spread joy, uplift others, and thereby be uplifted! Thanks be to God!
Blessings.
How fortunate I am to be able to spend time in worship – to sing, to pray, to be with community, to hear where God has been seen at work; then, getting to spend time with youth in Sunday School, making gifts for others, having fun, learning. It’s all so wonderful!
Perhaps all that joy just spilled over into lunch. We went to a place we often go to get a quick, delicious meal, and were just being friendly with the waitress. So we thought. As we were preparing to leave, she said something like: thank you for being so nice. You were fun to wait on, and really turned what has been a bad day with grumpy customers upside down.
Well, there you go! How wonderful to spread joy, uplift others, and thereby be uplifted! Thanks be to God!
Blessings.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Day #704
December 5, 2015
Saw this and thought, wow! Why didn’t I think of this?!
Next year?! Or maybe for Lent?!
Blessings.
Saw this and thought, wow! Why didn’t I think of this?!
Next year?! Or maybe for Lent?!
Blessings.
Day #703
December 4, 2015
We went to buy a tree - a once-live tree. Helping out at the tree lot were a couple of men from the Transition Center Pre-Release program, described as “a cost-effective alternative to incarceration for offenders through a variety of community-based correctional/treatment programs.”
Men from Pre-Release have helped out at a couple of events at the congregation where I serve. I was talking with the person taking payment about the benefits of the program. I told him I was familiar with Pre-Release because I was the pastor at a church that had benefited from its helpers, and that I am glad they are at the tree lot. He then told me how much the program appreciates the congregation. He even said, “were it not for you folks, we would be in a world of hurt.”
What a wonderful testimony to those who have a passion to accompany folks in this situation! I’m pleased, too, that I was able to pass along the sentiment/conversation to one of them.
Blessings.
We went to buy a tree - a once-live tree. Helping out at the tree lot were a couple of men from the Transition Center Pre-Release program, described as “a cost-effective alternative to incarceration for offenders through a variety of community-based correctional/treatment programs.”
Men from Pre-Release have helped out at a couple of events at the congregation where I serve. I was talking with the person taking payment about the benefits of the program. I told him I was familiar with Pre-Release because I was the pastor at a church that had benefited from its helpers, and that I am glad they are at the tree lot. He then told me how much the program appreciates the congregation. He even said, “were it not for you folks, we would be in a world of hurt.”
What a wonderful testimony to those who have a passion to accompany folks in this situation! I’m pleased, too, that I was able to pass along the sentiment/conversation to one of them.
Blessings.
Day #702
December 3, 2015
Read about a man in Oregon who befriends and takes pictures of homeless folks, then writes about their stories. What a gift! Here is a link to his FaceBook page: Pedro On the World
Blessings.
Read about a man in Oregon who befriends and takes pictures of homeless folks, then writes about their stories. What a gift! Here is a link to his FaceBook page: Pedro On the World
Blessings.
Day #701
December 2, 2015
Wondering how it first began, I did the obvious - Googled the Heimlich Maneuver. According to Wikipedia, it was first described by Dr. Henry Heimlich in some first aid instruction in 1974. I wonder just how many people over the years have benefited from the action? I know one personally and today witnessed a second.
It is not something you want to have to do very often (or even observe), but what a blessing that people use their God-given talents and skills to figure out ways to help others. Thank you for that, Dr. Heimlich.
And thank you to the person who mustered the courage to try it. It was just what was needed!
Blessings.
Wondering how it first began, I did the obvious - Googled the Heimlich Maneuver. According to Wikipedia, it was first described by Dr. Henry Heimlich in some first aid instruction in 1974. I wonder just how many people over the years have benefited from the action? I know one personally and today witnessed a second.
It is not something you want to have to do very often (or even observe), but what a blessing that people use their God-given talents and skills to figure out ways to help others. Thank you for that, Dr. Heimlich.
And thank you to the person who mustered the courage to try it. It was just what was needed!
Blessings.
Day #700
December 1, 2015
As I gathered with colleagues to study and contemplate the scripture readings for Sunday, I was reminded that God also asks for us to move - in action. Preparation for Christ’s coming really means more than just reading, praying and worshiping - it also means moving, as in our feet, our mouths, and our hands. Helpful!
Then there was this reminder from the “out of the mouths of babes” file: Four year old, out of the blue, says to mom - “I’m thankful God created the greatest. Do you know who that is?” Who is that, mom asks? “That’s us!” Yep, God made us all, dear preschooler. Thank you for your observation!
And from the “something to think about” file:
Blessings.
As I gathered with colleagues to study and contemplate the scripture readings for Sunday, I was reminded that God also asks for us to move - in action. Preparation for Christ’s coming really means more than just reading, praying and worshiping - it also means moving, as in our feet, our mouths, and our hands. Helpful!
Then there was this reminder from the “out of the mouths of babes” file: Four year old, out of the blue, says to mom - “I’m thankful God created the greatest. Do you know who that is?” Who is that, mom asks? “That’s us!” Yep, God made us all, dear preschooler. Thank you for your observation!
And from the “something to think about” file:
Day #699
November 30, 2015
On the 30th day of November, I am thankful for…
On the 30th day of November, I am thankful for…
Thirty days of being intentional about noticing things for which to be thankful - and the reminder that every day there is something worthy of being thankful for. Every day - all year through!Blessings.
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