June 29, 2014
A tradition continued today. For many years, the June or July meeting of the Women of the ELCA is a pool party/cookout at a member’s home. Today was that day. Many folks gathered for a nice afternoon of fellowship, food and relaxation.
Hmmm...seems a theme may be beginning in my summer. Just saying. :-)
Blessings.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Day #179
June 28, 2014
There is a myth in my world - that summer brings lazy, restful, relaxing days. So far this summer (since Memorial Day) has been anything but lazy and relaxing. Full, packed and busy better describe at least the last couple of weeks.
Although, please understand, "I’m not complaining, I'm just saying." There is a history to that saying. It became popular for me from a youth mission trip a couple of years ago. As we have taken these trips, our practice has been to have prayer before we climb into the vans to begin the trip.
And to take a few moments to lay down some basic ground rules. One of them a couple of years ago was NO complaining. We were going to be doing hot, dirty work, so if the leaders couldn’t, or wouldn’t, complain, then no one could. Well, not surprising, it wasn’t thirty minutes down the road before someone made some sort of complaint (what it was is long lost to memory), but the rule keepers quickly pointed out the mistake. “Hey,” the youth defended, “I’m not complaining, I’m just saying!” It became the saying of the trip, and one I have used many times since.
So, as I said, "I’m just saying," about these busy days. But, it does mean that when there is opportunity to spend some of a day just relaxing a little, it is very much appreciated! And I had that today. Yea!!
Blessings.
There is a myth in my world - that summer brings lazy, restful, relaxing days. So far this summer (since Memorial Day) has been anything but lazy and relaxing. Full, packed and busy better describe at least the last couple of weeks.
Although, please understand, "I’m not complaining, I'm just saying." There is a history to that saying. It became popular for me from a youth mission trip a couple of years ago. As we have taken these trips, our practice has been to have prayer before we climb into the vans to begin the trip.
And to take a few moments to lay down some basic ground rules. One of them a couple of years ago was NO complaining. We were going to be doing hot, dirty work, so if the leaders couldn’t, or wouldn’t, complain, then no one could. Well, not surprising, it wasn’t thirty minutes down the road before someone made some sort of complaint (what it was is long lost to memory), but the rule keepers quickly pointed out the mistake. “Hey,” the youth defended, “I’m not complaining, I’m just saying!” It became the saying of the trip, and one I have used many times since.
So, as I said, "I’m just saying," about these busy days. But, it does mean that when there is opportunity to spend some of a day just relaxing a little, it is very much appreciated! And I had that today. Yea!!
Blessings.
Day #178
June 27, 2014 Today was one of those “one word” days: prayerful.
Seems to be there are many folks with needs, concerns and thanksgivings.
What are the things you are praying about today?
Blessings.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Day #177
June 26, 2014
The Daylilies are in full bloom. These are amazing flowers. Every year they come back to produce blooms that literally last for just one day. At the end of the day the blooms die and make room for more blooms the next day, until the season is done.
Members of the congregation I serve have their garden listed on a nearby tour this year. They have dozens and dozens of varieties - all shapes and colors - each having its own name. The deep crimson pictured below, however, is part of a bed they have named: Our Lost Children. Seems the individual names somehow were lost in the shuffle of transporting and planting, so several reside together without identification. They remind me of the pillars of scripture who were never named - the woman at the well, for example - yet shine just as brightly.
This one with the crimson center (my favorites are the deeper colors) is named: Master of Eternity.
This final shot doesn’t do justice to a corner bed showing the variety of color and majesty of these flowers. What a joy to visit this beautiful garden and be welcomed by such gracious hosts. Certainly God has created beauty for us to simply enjoy - even if only for one day at a time.
Blessings.
The Daylilies are in full bloom. These are amazing flowers. Every year they come back to produce blooms that literally last for just one day. At the end of the day the blooms die and make room for more blooms the next day, until the season is done.
Members of the congregation I serve have their garden listed on a nearby tour this year. They have dozens and dozens of varieties - all shapes and colors - each having its own name. The deep crimson pictured below, however, is part of a bed they have named: Our Lost Children. Seems the individual names somehow were lost in the shuffle of transporting and planting, so several reside together without identification. They remind me of the pillars of scripture who were never named - the woman at the well, for example - yet shine just as brightly.
Day #176
June 25, 2014
It’s the little things that sometimes mean so much. Yesterday at Bible Study I mentioned how the air conditioning wasn’t working well in the offices. Today, the property chair had the technician out to check it.
Thank you!!! The commitment and conscientiousness of the members of the body of Christ, the church, is amazing! And thank you for helping the offices be more comfortable!!
Blessings.
It’s the little things that sometimes mean so much. Yesterday at Bible Study I mentioned how the air conditioning wasn’t working well in the offices. Today, the property chair had the technician out to check it.
Thank you!!! The commitment and conscientiousness of the members of the body of Christ, the church, is amazing! And thank you for helping the offices be more comfortable!!
Blessings.
Day #175
Today marked the halfway point of Vacation Bible School. How inspiring it is to watch the volunteers and participants learn about God and celebrate being with one another.
Also, I want to personally say THANK YOU to all those who give of their time and talents to ensure this week happens. It is important work you are doing!
Blessings.
Day #174
June 23, 2014
Last night we began a week of Vacation Bible School with two local congregations. What fun to be with folks from different backgrounds of faith, yet neighbors, friends and co-learners. The pastor of the other two congregations and I are taking turns facilitating the adult class. Tonight was his turn to lead and one of the comparisons he made reminded me of the recent hike up Craggy Pinnacle during Campfirmation (see day #170).
Tonight we were talking about the growth of faith that comes in the midst of difficult or challenging times. He related how someone once told him to notice that often when you hike up a mountain, the vegetation at the higher elevation becomes more stunted and sparse the further you go. It’s like the trees are unable to grow but so high and the plants struggle to thrive. The wind on top is more fierce, the temperatures cooler, and growing is more difficult. Yet, as you come down the mountain, the trees grow taller, the plants are greener and the vegetation more densely populated. The conditions in the valley, it seems, are right for growth.
The comparison was pointed out to our life of faith. When we are on the mountaintops, growth can be more difficult. I related it to being harder for me to step out of the way and let God grow me on the mountaintops. Said another way, when things are going well and I am riding high, so to speak, I tend to think I am in control and in charge. It’s hard for God to get a foot in the door. Yet, when things are tough or challenging or frightening, I am more open and willing to God, even begging for God to take charge. It is in the valleys where God’s glory, might and wonder-working power grow in me as faith, trust and hope. The vegetation of faith thrives.
This was a beautiful, and timely, comparison. At what places or times is your faith most likely to grow?
Blessings.
Last night we began a week of Vacation Bible School with two local congregations. What fun to be with folks from different backgrounds of faith, yet neighbors, friends and co-learners. The pastor of the other two congregations and I are taking turns facilitating the adult class. Tonight was his turn to lead and one of the comparisons he made reminded me of the recent hike up Craggy Pinnacle during Campfirmation (see day #170).
Tonight we were talking about the growth of faith that comes in the midst of difficult or challenging times. He related how someone once told him to notice that often when you hike up a mountain, the vegetation at the higher elevation becomes more stunted and sparse the further you go. It’s like the trees are unable to grow but so high and the plants struggle to thrive. The wind on top is more fierce, the temperatures cooler, and growing is more difficult. Yet, as you come down the mountain, the trees grow taller, the plants are greener and the vegetation more densely populated. The conditions in the valley, it seems, are right for growth.
The comparison was pointed out to our life of faith. When we are on the mountaintops, growth can be more difficult. I related it to being harder for me to step out of the way and let God grow me on the mountaintops. Said another way, when things are going well and I am riding high, so to speak, I tend to think I am in control and in charge. It’s hard for God to get a foot in the door. Yet, when things are tough or challenging or frightening, I am more open and willing to God, even begging for God to take charge. It is in the valleys where God’s glory, might and wonder-working power grow in me as faith, trust and hope. The vegetation of faith thrives.
This was a beautiful, and timely, comparison. At what places or times is your faith most likely to grow?
Blessings.
Day #173
June 22, 2014
Such a busy day - from one thing to the next to the next. Normally, I would rejoice in days like today. Being busy, having important things to do and celebrate feeds my soul. But it’s been day after day of such, and my body and my mind, are becoming weary.
A friend reminded me today of something important - in the midst of the busyness, especially the really busy days, remember to take just five minutes and spend them with God. Bask in God’s glory, rest in God’s peace. Be rejuvenated by God.
It’s amazing how refreshing and refocusing just those few minutes can be. Won’t you try it? Remember, God is always beckoning us to come and rest in peace and love.
Blessings.
Such a busy day - from one thing to the next to the next. Normally, I would rejoice in days like today. Being busy, having important things to do and celebrate feeds my soul. But it’s been day after day of such, and my body and my mind, are becoming weary.
A friend reminded me today of something important - in the midst of the busyness, especially the really busy days, remember to take just five minutes and spend them with God. Bask in God’s glory, rest in God’s peace. Be rejuvenated by God.
It’s amazing how refreshing and refocusing just those few minutes can be. Won’t you try it? Remember, God is always beckoning us to come and rest in peace and love.
Blessings.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Day #172
June 21, 2014
The theme for the camp I’ve been talking about all week is the seasons of the church year:
A - Advent
C - Christmas
E - Epiphany
L - Lent
E - Easter
P - Pentecost
Which all week we say spells the word ACELEP (not really a word, but we make it one). Well, in closing worship today, the pastor pointed out that all week we have been wrong. A-C-E-L-E-P really spells...Jesus. Well, not actually, but here is how he explains it.
All year long, the different seasons (ACELEP) really point to one thing - Jesus. In Advent, we have hope in the coming of Jesus Christ and focus on preparing the way for him. In Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, God come into the world. In Epiphany, we have Jesus revealed to us as light of the world through particular scripture readings. In Lent, we are encouraged to turn from our selfish ways and rely on Jesus. In Easter, we celebrate God’s win over sin, death and the devil through Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Pentecost, we celebrate Jesus sending the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct us in our lives and throughout the season, focus on ways Jesus spoke to our faith and life in Christ.
So...A-C-E-L-E-P really does spell Jesus. All the time, every day, every hour, our lives celebrate Jesus. Pretty cool intersections!
And, by the way, the wedding was beautiful. The bride and groom planned really well and it was truly a worship service, filled with joy and celebration.
Blessings.
The theme for the camp I’ve been talking about all week is the seasons of the church year:
A - Advent
C - Christmas
E - Epiphany
L - Lent
E - Easter
P - Pentecost
Which all week we say spells the word ACELEP (not really a word, but we make it one). Well, in closing worship today, the pastor pointed out that all week we have been wrong. A-C-E-L-E-P really spells...Jesus. Well, not actually, but here is how he explains it.
All year long, the different seasons (ACELEP) really point to one thing - Jesus. In Advent, we have hope in the coming of Jesus Christ and focus on preparing the way for him. In Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, God come into the world. In Epiphany, we have Jesus revealed to us as light of the world through particular scripture readings. In Lent, we are encouraged to turn from our selfish ways and rely on Jesus. In Easter, we celebrate God’s win over sin, death and the devil through Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Pentecost, we celebrate Jesus sending the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct us in our lives and throughout the season, focus on ways Jesus spoke to our faith and life in Christ.
So...A-C-E-L-E-P really does spell Jesus. All the time, every day, every hour, our lives celebrate Jesus. Pretty cool intersections!
And, by the way, the wedding was beautiful. The bride and groom planned really well and it was truly a worship service, filled with joy and celebration.
Blessings.
Day #171
June 20, 2014
Where did the week go!? Before you can turn around, Friday comes and the last full day of camp is here. Except, I’m headed down the mountain for a wedding rehearsal. Which, for me, is just as exciting as finishing up camp week.
A delightful couple has been planning for nearly a year for their “big day.” I am honored to have been asked to marry them, to share in the beginning of their marriage, and to wish them well. Weddings always remind me of the relationship covenant I made with my husband over twenty-five years ago.
And this trip for rehearsal means a little more. I get to see my husband and he gets to ride back up the mountain with me to be at camp for closing worship on Saturday morning. Love that extra together time!
Blessings.
Where did the week go!? Before you can turn around, Friday comes and the last full day of camp is here. Except, I’m headed down the mountain for a wedding rehearsal. Which, for me, is just as exciting as finishing up camp week.
A delightful couple has been planning for nearly a year for their “big day.” I am honored to have been asked to marry them, to share in the beginning of their marriage, and to wish them well. Weddings always remind me of the relationship covenant I made with my husband over twenty-five years ago.
And this trip for rehearsal means a little more. I get to see my husband and he gets to ride back up the mountain with me to be at camp for closing worship on Saturday morning. Love that extra together time!
Blessings.
Day #170
June 19, 2014
It was outing day at Campfirmation. History tells me that having rain on outing day is typical, even expected. Today was no exception. Well, except that the rain came before we started cooking.
Let me explain. As we waited at the bottom of the trail we planned to hike up to Craggy Pinnacle, we watched a storm roll in. So, based on the wisdom of those making decisions, we decided to try doing the cookout before the hike - a slight change of plans. As we headed to the picnic area, the bottom dropped out and it rained, hard. There we sat, in the vehicles, hoping it would quickly blow over.
After what seemed a reasonable amount of time, the adults became antsy. Even if the rain stopped, how would it get dry enough to cook on the grills? Did we have enough time to even try? Most importantly, did we have enough charcoal?
Bottom line, the rain did stop enough for it to be decided we would go ahead and cook. In fact, we had a really nice cookout. Then, as the sun was coming out from behind the clouds, another decision was made - to go back and try the hike.
Wow! As you can tell from the picture, it was a beautiful walk up and back - and the view and time of worship at the top were simply amazing. Without doubt, it was well worth the wait!
As we headed down the trail, the leader who had taken a chance by making the decisions to cook and take the hike said something like, “I was planning in chronos time, but God had a kairos moment in mind.”
What he meant - he had things planned as he thought they should go, but God had some quality time in mind that would not have happened or worked out had the first plan taken place. Being on the pinnacle near sunset was a moment in time unmatched by anything we humans could have created. Truly God moments of basking in God’s amazing creation!
Blessings.
It was outing day at Campfirmation. History tells me that having rain on outing day is typical, even expected. Today was no exception. Well, except that the rain came before we started cooking.
Let me explain. As we waited at the bottom of the trail we planned to hike up to Craggy Pinnacle, we watched a storm roll in. So, based on the wisdom of those making decisions, we decided to try doing the cookout before the hike - a slight change of plans. As we headed to the picnic area, the bottom dropped out and it rained, hard. There we sat, in the vehicles, hoping it would quickly blow over.
After what seemed a reasonable amount of time, the adults became antsy. Even if the rain stopped, how would it get dry enough to cook on the grills? Did we have enough time to even try? Most importantly, did we have enough charcoal?
Bottom line, the rain did stop enough for it to be decided we would go ahead and cook. In fact, we had a really nice cookout. Then, as the sun was coming out from behind the clouds, another decision was made - to go back and try the hike.
As we headed down the trail, the leader who had taken a chance by making the decisions to cook and take the hike said something like, “I was planning in chronos time, but God had a kairos moment in mind.”
What he meant - he had things planned as he thought they should go, but God had some quality time in mind that would not have happened or worked out had the first plan taken place. Being on the pinnacle near sunset was a moment in time unmatched by anything we humans could have created. Truly God moments of basking in God’s amazing creation!
Blessings.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Day #169
June 18, 2014
Yesterday I talked about an answer to the question, “Does Jesus ever surprise you?” I had a surprise today that came at just the right time and in just the right way.
We took the youth on a Service Project Outing today. We walked next door to a retirement village and half the group spent time talking with residents, while the other half helped with worship and also had conversations. While talking with two delightful ladies, one said to me, “You really love what you do, don’t you?” I said, yes ma'am, I do. Then she said, “You can tell. It just shows.”
Just when I was hot, tired, and somewhat frustrated and discouraged, the joy of Christ was still shining through, enough so that the joy was visible to others.
How surprising of Jesus to bless me with encouragement when that was what I/we were supposed to be giving to others. But then, that’s just how this whole loving others thing usually goes. We receive way more than we ever give!
Blessings.
Yesterday I talked about an answer to the question, “Does Jesus ever surprise you?” I had a surprise today that came at just the right time and in just the right way.
We took the youth on a Service Project Outing today. We walked next door to a retirement village and half the group spent time talking with residents, while the other half helped with worship and also had conversations. While talking with two delightful ladies, one said to me, “You really love what you do, don’t you?” I said, yes ma'am, I do. Then she said, “You can tell. It just shows.”
Just when I was hot, tired, and somewhat frustrated and discouraged, the joy of Christ was still shining through, enough so that the joy was visible to others.
How surprising of Jesus to bless me with encouragement when that was what I/we were supposed to be giving to others. But then, that’s just how this whole loving others thing usually goes. We receive way more than we ever give!
Blessings.
Day #168
June 17, 2014
One of the topics we talked about today at Campfirmation was an answer to the question, “Does Jesus ever surprise you?”
Now, the youth didn’t have too much to say in response to this question. We’re still in the beginning stages of getting them to talk, share, and engage in discussion. But it got me to thinking. How could I answer that question in any other way than, YES! All the time!
For example, whenever I think that life has backed me in a corner and I cannot see a way out, I can be surprised by a phone call or email that gives me an idea or a way to accomplish exactly what I need to, with no doubt about where it initiated.
Often where Jesus surprises me the most is in his unconditional love. Over and over I am given chance after chance, forgiveness after forgiveness, healing after healing. It’s truly amazing how Jesus loves me. And loves you.
How might you have been surprised by Jesus recently?
Blessings.
One of the topics we talked about today at Campfirmation was an answer to the question, “Does Jesus ever surprise you?”
Now, the youth didn’t have too much to say in response to this question. We’re still in the beginning stages of getting them to talk, share, and engage in discussion. But it got me to thinking. How could I answer that question in any other way than, YES! All the time!
For example, whenever I think that life has backed me in a corner and I cannot see a way out, I can be surprised by a phone call or email that gives me an idea or a way to accomplish exactly what I need to, with no doubt about where it initiated.
Often where Jesus surprises me the most is in his unconditional love. Over and over I am given chance after chance, forgiveness after forgiveness, healing after healing. It’s truly amazing how Jesus loves me. And loves you.
How might you have been surprised by Jesus recently?
Blessings.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Day #167
June 16, 2014
It is only Monday and I have sat down and gotten up from the floor more in the last twenty-four plus or minus hours than I have in the whole last year. It’s Campfirmation week and we spend a LOT of time up and down, singing, praying, learning, getting stuff, etc.
I couldn’t help but remember last year’s mission trip with the Senior Youth. One of the younger folks on the trip made this comment: “Have you ever noticed that the age of a person is directly related to the time it takes them to get up off the floor?”
Haha! So I can’t just sit down and get up without a little extra time and effort. But I’m doing it. And for these confirmation kids, I would do it over and over and over in a heartbeat - and enjoy every minute of seeing them encounter God-moments - Daily Intersections. Praise the Lord!
Blessings.
It is only Monday and I have sat down and gotten up from the floor more in the last twenty-four plus or minus hours than I have in the whole last year. It’s Campfirmation week and we spend a LOT of time up and down, singing, praying, learning, getting stuff, etc.
I couldn’t help but remember last year’s mission trip with the Senior Youth. One of the younger folks on the trip made this comment: “Have you ever noticed that the age of a person is directly related to the time it takes them to get up off the floor?”
Haha! So I can’t just sit down and get up without a little extra time and effort. But I’m doing it. And for these confirmation kids, I would do it over and over and over in a heartbeat - and enjoy every minute of seeing them encounter God-moments - Daily Intersections. Praise the Lord!
Blessings.
Day #166
June 15, 2014 - The Daily Intersection - Day #166
Father’s Day. There must have been a thousand pictures on Facebook today of fathers. Even my own father-in-law made it to Facebook. He was a great guy, lots of fun, hardworking and hard-playing, and I was honored to be his favorite daughter-in-law (his only, by the way).
My father, however, didn’t get posted today. He and I had our trying times as I became a teenager and well into adulthood. He did his best, I truly believe, and taught me some wonderful life lessons, but he wasn’t always my hero. Fortunately, I have other father figures in my life who have helped me in that regards.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I loved my father and respected him and would have done anything I could to help care for him (and did much in his later years). But he wasn’t the man, according to what my granny said, that he was before he went to war. It changed him. It hardened him. I wish I had known the man in this picture.
The one who was God-loving, kind, and patient. I can’t judge the first of those attributes, because he just never talked about God (as I said, I am thankful to have other father figures in my life who are my heroes in the faith).
So, I do honor the man my father was as I knew him: his business savvy, his penchant for doing things the right way, his neatness, and that he expected a lot from me.
Happy Father’s Day!
Blessings.
Father’s Day. There must have been a thousand pictures on Facebook today of fathers. Even my own father-in-law made it to Facebook. He was a great guy, lots of fun, hardworking and hard-playing, and I was honored to be his favorite daughter-in-law (his only, by the way).
My father, however, didn’t get posted today. He and I had our trying times as I became a teenager and well into adulthood. He did his best, I truly believe, and taught me some wonderful life lessons, but he wasn’t always my hero. Fortunately, I have other father figures in my life who have helped me in that regards.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I loved my father and respected him and would have done anything I could to help care for him (and did much in his later years). But he wasn’t the man, according to what my granny said, that he was before he went to war. It changed him. It hardened him. I wish I had known the man in this picture.
The one who was God-loving, kind, and patient. I can’t judge the first of those attributes, because he just never talked about God (as I said, I am thankful to have other father figures in my life who are my heroes in the faith).
So, I do honor the man my father was as I knew him: his business savvy, his penchant for doing things the right way, his neatness, and that he expected a lot from me.
Happy Father’s Day!
Blessings.
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