May 25th is a very special day. It is my baptism birthday.
The picture tells the story! We went to the pond.
I am so very thankful for this day and this moment pictured. Yes, thanks be to God!!!!
Blessings.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Day #510
May 25, 2015
May 25th is a very special day. It is my baptism birthday.
The picture tells the story! We went to the pond.
What a day (MANY years ago)! A wonderful moment of adoption into God’s family, the beginning of a journey that I never dreamed would take me to all the places and include all the people I’ve been led to meet, do ministry with, and love.
I am so very thankful for this day and this moment pictured. Yes, thanks be to God!!!!
Blessings.
May 25th is a very special day. It is my baptism birthday.
The picture tells the story! We went to the pond.
I am so very thankful for this day and this moment pictured. Yes, thanks be to God!!!!
Blessings.
Day #509
May 24, 2015
The spring “study” sessions have been about the church - what is the church, who are we as Lutheran, what is the place of the church in the world? What fun talking about something I love deeply! What joy and blessing (God IS close through the Holy Spirit) to talk about faith, grace, community and being Lutheran!
Here is a link for information about the guide we are using, developed by the ELCA: Claimed, Gathered, Sent
Thanks to all who come and join in the discussion. One more to go.
Blessings.
The spring “study” sessions have been about the church - what is the church, who are we as Lutheran, what is the place of the church in the world? What fun talking about something I love deeply! What joy and blessing (God IS close through the Holy Spirit) to talk about faith, grace, community and being Lutheran!
Here is a link for information about the guide we are using, developed by the ELCA: Claimed, Gathered, Sent
Thanks to all who come and join in the discussion. One more to go.
Blessings.
Day #508
May 23, 2015
There is great joy in planning worship, especially something that is different or only celebrated on occasion, such as a Memorial Service in the Memorial Garden. What is important to remember and include? What can we do to mark the time as special? How can the creative side be celebrated?
Someone has said that there are no really new ideas in the area of worship, just creative ways in putting things together. Is that true? Or should worship really be about transformation - in both the way we celebrate and what happens within us? And how does ritual both celebrate and transform?
Just some questions pondered while in the midst of planning.
Blessings.
There is great joy in planning worship, especially something that is different or only celebrated on occasion, such as a Memorial Service in the Memorial Garden. What is important to remember and include? What can we do to mark the time as special? How can the creative side be celebrated?
Someone has said that there are no really new ideas in the area of worship, just creative ways in putting things together. Is that true? Or should worship really be about transformation - in both the way we celebrate and what happens within us? And how does ritual both celebrate and transform?
Just some questions pondered while in the midst of planning.
Blessings.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Day #507
May 22, 2015
We spent another day exploring some of the countryside where we now live. What a blessing! What a beautiful place!
And what a place of extremes. Extreme beauty and what could be extreme cold. Here’s a sign by the road to remind us of what we may endure at some point:
Brrr...
But for today, it was beautiful and sunny and warm (see that blue sky behind the sign?!). And we surely enjoyed our day!
Blessings.
We spent another day exploring some of the countryside where we now live. What a blessing! What a beautiful place!
And what a place of extremes. Extreme beauty and what could be extreme cold. Here’s a sign by the road to remind us of what we may endure at some point:
But for today, it was beautiful and sunny and warm (see that blue sky behind the sign?!). And we surely enjoyed our day!
Blessings.
Day #506
May 21, 2015
It’s the week before Pentecost Sunday - the celebration of the “birth”day of the church. Scenes that speak of unity, chaos, fire, wind, coming alongside and prompting are filling my head and my heart.
In Bible study, we spoke about a challenge for our denomination is that we don’t worship “in the spirit” with loud noise and impromptu speaking. Certainly that is the case. Worship is typically more structured, even sometimes somber. Yet the Spirit is definitely there. It is evident to me when a hymn or anthem speaks the words more clearly than the sermon ever can; when the words “Given and shed for you” bring comfort and assurance of forgiveness; when the sharing of the peace brings people together to speak and hug and shake hands; when the children come forward and pray; when folks are present, because the Spirit is there in, through, and around them.
Someone later mentioned the Spirit being in me. I am thankful, for I believe the Spirit does live within me, but it also lives within us all. It is not because there is anything I do, or any of us do for that matter, to make it happen, that is God at work. So what I would hope most, if and when that Spirit indwelling is evident, is that it is God’s grace, forgiveness, and love of me and the world that clearly shines through.
Yes, the Spirit has brought me through some amazing transformations, and I feel certain there will be more. It is a gift and I look forward to Sunday and celebrating its coming, just as I celebrate and give thanks daily for its presence.
Blessings.
It’s the week before Pentecost Sunday - the celebration of the “birth”day of the church. Scenes that speak of unity, chaos, fire, wind, coming alongside and prompting are filling my head and my heart.
In Bible study, we spoke about a challenge for our denomination is that we don’t worship “in the spirit” with loud noise and impromptu speaking. Certainly that is the case. Worship is typically more structured, even sometimes somber. Yet the Spirit is definitely there. It is evident to me when a hymn or anthem speaks the words more clearly than the sermon ever can; when the words “Given and shed for you” bring comfort and assurance of forgiveness; when the sharing of the peace brings people together to speak and hug and shake hands; when the children come forward and pray; when folks are present, because the Spirit is there in, through, and around them.
Someone later mentioned the Spirit being in me. I am thankful, for I believe the Spirit does live within me, but it also lives within us all. It is not because there is anything I do, or any of us do for that matter, to make it happen, that is God at work. So what I would hope most, if and when that Spirit indwelling is evident, is that it is God’s grace, forgiveness, and love of me and the world that clearly shines through.
Yes, the Spirit has brought me through some amazing transformations, and I feel certain there will be more. It is a gift and I look forward to Sunday and celebrating its coming, just as I celebrate and give thanks daily for its presence.
Blessings.
Day #505
May 20, 2015
Saw this in April’s issue of Guidepost magazine. It speaks for itself:
Saw this in April’s issue of Guidepost magazine. It speaks for itself:
“God refuses to give up, and we who are enlisted to be fellow-workers with God know that the only reason we continue is that death did not have the last word; that Good Friday was not the end of the story.” By Archbishop Desmond Tutu, from his book In God’s Hands.Blessings.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Day #504
May
19, 2015
It may have been a phone call anyone would have answered similarly, but I am thankful for someone sharing a recent event that I believe was the action of the Holy Spirit working in and through someone to be God’s hands and feet in a literal, life-affirming way. That may sound very cryptic, and the details will be left that way, but suffice it to say I was witnessed to, and someone else was ministered to, in a way only the Holy Spirit could have directed.
With the upcoming celebration of the Day of Pentecost this Sunday, and through doing some early reading, I was reminded that sometimes the Holy Spirit acts to kick our can into action. How many times do I squelch the work of the Spirit out of fear, distraction, distrust, or plain "slothiness"?! Thank you for the reminder, and the conviction!
Blessings.
It may have been a phone call anyone would have answered similarly, but I am thankful for someone sharing a recent event that I believe was the action of the Holy Spirit working in and through someone to be God’s hands and feet in a literal, life-affirming way. That may sound very cryptic, and the details will be left that way, but suffice it to say I was witnessed to, and someone else was ministered to, in a way only the Holy Spirit could have directed.
With the upcoming celebration of the Day of Pentecost this Sunday, and through doing some early reading, I was reminded that sometimes the Holy Spirit acts to kick our can into action. How many times do I squelch the work of the Spirit out of fear, distraction, distrust, or plain "slothiness"?! Thank you for the reminder, and the conviction!
Blessings.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Day #503
May
18, 2015
May 17th was another of those joy-filled, privilege days of worship. We celebrated another baptism – another claiming moment by God in the waters of baptism, an adoption into God’s family, and a celebration of the continuing of God’s story.
It seemed so appropriate to celebrate a baptism yesterday. With it being Ascension Sunday, when we rejoice in Jesus being “taken up” in all his glory, all his majesty, and all the fullness of who he is, how perfect that we would celebrate a baptism into his life, death and resurrection, making all his promises possible and fulfilled.
Praise and thanks for the newest member of God’s family!
Blessings.
May 17th was another of those joy-filled, privilege days of worship. We celebrated another baptism – another claiming moment by God in the waters of baptism, an adoption into God’s family, and a celebration of the continuing of God’s story.
It seemed so appropriate to celebrate a baptism yesterday. With it being Ascension Sunday, when we rejoice in Jesus being “taken up” in all his glory, all his majesty, and all the fullness of who he is, how perfect that we would celebrate a baptism into his life, death and resurrection, making all his promises possible and fulfilled.
Praise and thanks for the newest member of God’s family!
Blessings.
Day #502
May
17, 2015
I am a tad behind in reading the Guidepost magazine, so I found this in an article in the March issue. Carrie Ann Inaba (who judges on Dancing with the Stars, I understand), writes about her daily prayer: “God, thank you for all that is, was and will be.” She goes on to write: “how do you imagine an unimaginable future? My prayer tells me that no matter what, my Heavenly Father is waiting to guide me, to love me, as much there as he is in the here and now. He fills those places in us that loss hollows out, shining a light on the path ahead.”
After reading that in the morning, opportunity came to share her words with two different people that day. I hope they were a comfort to them, for they certainly were to me. To trust that God already has worked out the future, no matter what it holds, and is in the here and now, too, is grace beyond my deepest desire or need.
Therefore, I do thank God for all that is. There are many joy-filled pieces to my life – God’s claiming of me and calling me to be a pastor; my wonderful spouse; good friends – the best friends!; family; health; material goods; the list could go on and on. I thank God also, for what was – or perhaps what has been. This would certainly include the struggles that have honed my trust – health scares; times of very deep mourning; times without material goods or of knowing where enough would come from; anger; doubt; fear; times when I look back reflect vividly God’s care. And I thank God for what will be. No, I have no clue what that is. But I thank God that God knows what the ultimate future holds – and promises for it to be amazing.
Thank you Carrie Ann Inaba for your prayer and your words. Good reminders that I hope are comforting for folks who are struggling right now. Remember, God has you! Also remember, I’m praying for you!
Blessings.
I am a tad behind in reading the Guidepost magazine, so I found this in an article in the March issue. Carrie Ann Inaba (who judges on Dancing with the Stars, I understand), writes about her daily prayer: “God, thank you for all that is, was and will be.” She goes on to write: “how do you imagine an unimaginable future? My prayer tells me that no matter what, my Heavenly Father is waiting to guide me, to love me, as much there as he is in the here and now. He fills those places in us that loss hollows out, shining a light on the path ahead.”
After reading that in the morning, opportunity came to share her words with two different people that day. I hope they were a comfort to them, for they certainly were to me. To trust that God already has worked out the future, no matter what it holds, and is in the here and now, too, is grace beyond my deepest desire or need.
Therefore, I do thank God for all that is. There are many joy-filled pieces to my life – God’s claiming of me and calling me to be a pastor; my wonderful spouse; good friends – the best friends!; family; health; material goods; the list could go on and on. I thank God also, for what was – or perhaps what has been. This would certainly include the struggles that have honed my trust – health scares; times of very deep mourning; times without material goods or of knowing where enough would come from; anger; doubt; fear; times when I look back reflect vividly God’s care. And I thank God for what will be. No, I have no clue what that is. But I thank God that God knows what the ultimate future holds – and promises for it to be amazing.
Thank you Carrie Ann Inaba for your prayer and your words. Good reminders that I hope are comforting for folks who are struggling right now. Remember, God has you! Also remember, I’m praying for you!
Blessings.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Day #501
May 16, 2015
As a pastor, I am often asked to do many and varied things. It is a joy and privilege to walk with folks in so many areas of life!
In that regard, yesterday I was asked to be MC at a Prayer Vigil. A little history, as I understand the back-story. Decades ago a young man, a teenager at the time, was convicted of a murder he denies to this day committing. For years, many faithful folk have gathered regularly to try to have his conviction overturned and plea for the state to free this man. At one point, he was freed from prison as he awaited a new trial. However, freedom was not to last and he was sent back to prison. This particular Prayer Vigil yesterday marked two years since his acquittal was overturned and he was sent back to prison following eighteen months of freedom.
Without doubt, there have been incidents of wrongful guilt, just as there have been incidents of the guilty remaining free. Is this one of those instances? Many would argue that it is. Equal justice would be the goal - punishment for those who commit crimes, freedom for those wrongly accused. Yet, as in any system, there are those who corrupt the intent and fairness is not allowed. Is this a prime example of corruption? If so, is the real killer not the one in jail, but someone wondering around “free?” And what kind of justice is that for the victim’s family?
Whatever the answer, I applaud the commitment of those who support this man, and was honored to be asked to be a part of the event. Here’s a link to learn a little more about the case and the vigil, as reported by the local news channel: Supporters of Barry Beach
Blessings.
As a pastor, I am often asked to do many and varied things. It is a joy and privilege to walk with folks in so many areas of life!
In that regard, yesterday I was asked to be MC at a Prayer Vigil. A little history, as I understand the back-story. Decades ago a young man, a teenager at the time, was convicted of a murder he denies to this day committing. For years, many faithful folk have gathered regularly to try to have his conviction overturned and plea for the state to free this man. At one point, he was freed from prison as he awaited a new trial. However, freedom was not to last and he was sent back to prison. This particular Prayer Vigil yesterday marked two years since his acquittal was overturned and he was sent back to prison following eighteen months of freedom.
Without doubt, there have been incidents of wrongful guilt, just as there have been incidents of the guilty remaining free. Is this one of those instances? Many would argue that it is. Equal justice would be the goal - punishment for those who commit crimes, freedom for those wrongly accused. Yet, as in any system, there are those who corrupt the intent and fairness is not allowed. Is this a prime example of corruption? If so, is the real killer not the one in jail, but someone wondering around “free?” And what kind of justice is that for the victim’s family?
Whatever the answer, I applaud the commitment of those who support this man, and was honored to be asked to be a part of the event. Here’s a link to learn a little more about the case and the vigil, as reported by the local news channel: Supporters of Barry Beach
Blessings.
Day #500
May 15, 2015
500!!! My goodness, I cannot believe this is the 500th entry!!! I never dreamed when I began doing this in January, 2014, that I would actually stick with it and write about something every day that connected God’s grace and love with life.
In the first entry, I talked about time and how there doesn’t seem to be enough of it for me to be able to read and write notes, but plenty in which to watch television. Over the almost year and a half, I have noticed the television watching time has lessened (I have not seen shows that were once “favorites” I couldn’t miss, and the world has not ended!) and I have read more books (even joined a Book Club!). This daily musing of life, faith, and their intersection has helped open my eyes to see God’s work and presence in moments of doubt, trust, rejoicing, sorrow, mistakes, second chances, missed opportunities, and dozens others.
In beginning this blog, I had two goals. One was for our Godson. The second goal was for it to be a reminder that God is ALWAYS present with us, ALWAYS loving us, and ALWAYS forgiving and giving to us. The Daily Intersection has surely reminded me of that many times.
So here’s to #500!! Thank you, Daily Intersection, for helping me reflect on how God has been leading me and has been with me. And here’s to helping me trust God will be there in the next 500+ with something new around every corner. What a joy to be a part of God’s kingdom!
Blessings.
**When I Googled to find an image of 500, there were many about cars. Guess the Daytona 500 was on Google's mind. But I loved this one of a euro puzzle. What an image - 500 entries for putting the puzzle of life, God and us, together!
500!!! My goodness, I cannot believe this is the 500th entry!!! I never dreamed when I began doing this in January, 2014, that I would actually stick with it and write about something every day that connected God’s grace and love with life.
**In the first entry, I talked about time and how there doesn’t seem to be enough of it for me to be able to read and write notes, but plenty in which to watch television. Over the almost year and a half, I have noticed the television watching time has lessened (I have not seen shows that were once “favorites” I couldn’t miss, and the world has not ended!) and I have read more books (even joined a Book Club!). This daily musing of life, faith, and their intersection has helped open my eyes to see God’s work and presence in moments of doubt, trust, rejoicing, sorrow, mistakes, second chances, missed opportunities, and dozens others.
In beginning this blog, I had two goals. One was for our Godson. The second goal was for it to be a reminder that God is ALWAYS present with us, ALWAYS loving us, and ALWAYS forgiving and giving to us. The Daily Intersection has surely reminded me of that many times.
So here’s to #500!! Thank you, Daily Intersection, for helping me reflect on how God has been leading me and has been with me. And here’s to helping me trust God will be there in the next 500+ with something new around every corner. What a joy to be a part of God’s kingdom!
Blessings.
**When I Googled to find an image of 500, there were many about cars. Guess the Daytona 500 was on Google's mind. But I loved this one of a euro puzzle. What an image - 500 entries for putting the puzzle of life, God and us, together!
Day #499
May 14, 2015
On Day #490, I mentioned a book I have been reading for the Stewardship Committee, Ask, Thank, Tell. In the section about "thank," I was reminded how important it is to say thank you. Not only to those who give of their time, talent, and/or treasure at/in the church, but in daily life. Thank you is such an easy thing to say, and mean, but it often gets left out of the equation.
The author also wrote about the importance of not just saying thanks, but writing it, too. As I have admitted before, I am terribly slack at writing thank you notes, but think I’m at least fairly good at saying thanks - and meaning it!
So when the author suggested identifying someone who has the gift (not the exact words) to “say thanks” and then turn them loose to do their thing, it made me think. I suppose I never thought about it being a “gift “ to say thanks. I just thought it was good manners, important and appreciated by the recipient.
Yet maybe the “gift” is not just saying it or thinking it, but being diligent in sending the notes, too. Something to think about.
Blessings.
On Day #490, I mentioned a book I have been reading for the Stewardship Committee, Ask, Thank, Tell. In the section about "thank," I was reminded how important it is to say thank you. Not only to those who give of their time, talent, and/or treasure at/in the church, but in daily life. Thank you is such an easy thing to say, and mean, but it often gets left out of the equation.
The author also wrote about the importance of not just saying thanks, but writing it, too. As I have admitted before, I am terribly slack at writing thank you notes, but think I’m at least fairly good at saying thanks - and meaning it!
So when the author suggested identifying someone who has the gift (not the exact words) to “say thanks” and then turn them loose to do their thing, it made me think. I suppose I never thought about it being a “gift “ to say thanks. I just thought it was good manners, important and appreciated by the recipient.
Yet maybe the “gift” is not just saying it or thinking it, but being diligent in sending the notes, too. Something to think about.
Blessings.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Day #498
May
13, 2015
The 13th marks two months in the new house. Most everything is put away (admittedly, there are still a few boxes, but MOST everything is done). But more often now I find myself looking for things in places that would have matched where they used to be. Like opening the right side of the cabinet under the sink in the kitchen for the trash can (it’s now on the left). Or looking under the bathroom sink for the deodorant (it’s now in the bottom drawer).
So when an item that my dear husband still uses that was his father’s went missing, we know exactly where it used to be. But, of course, it wasn’t there. And neither of us could remember him using it the last two months, so where it might have been put eluded us. Did it get left behind in the move across country, or in the move from temporary housing? Neither of those options made us happy.
Well, after a rather extensive search that included the unpacking of another box (that was good!), thankfully it was found. We are both very glad, because we would really hate to lose something with such sentimental value.
Guess I could say I felt a little like the woman with the lost coin who sweeps the house looking for it, for we rejoiced when the missing was found (see Luke 15:8-10 – and see what the missing being found means to God!).
Blessings.
The 13th marks two months in the new house. Most everything is put away (admittedly, there are still a few boxes, but MOST everything is done). But more often now I find myself looking for things in places that would have matched where they used to be. Like opening the right side of the cabinet under the sink in the kitchen for the trash can (it’s now on the left). Or looking under the bathroom sink for the deodorant (it’s now in the bottom drawer).
So when an item that my dear husband still uses that was his father’s went missing, we know exactly where it used to be. But, of course, it wasn’t there. And neither of us could remember him using it the last two months, so where it might have been put eluded us. Did it get left behind in the move across country, or in the move from temporary housing? Neither of those options made us happy.
Well, after a rather extensive search that included the unpacking of another box (that was good!), thankfully it was found. We are both very glad, because we would really hate to lose something with such sentimental value.
Guess I could say I felt a little like the woman with the lost coin who sweeps the house looking for it, for we rejoiced when the missing was found (see Luke 15:8-10 – and see what the missing being found means to God!).
Blessings.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Day #497
May
12, 2015
The word for the day – thankful! It is not the first time I have used that word, but today’s reason to be thankful is because of action. Here is why - there was a discussion held in a committee about a month or two ago regarding implementing a particular something (the details are not important). However, things never got past the discussion stage. Until…the not doing something almost resulted in a very difficult (shall I use the word tragic) outcome of a happening. The possibilities of what could have occurred resulted in the discussion being ramped up again. The difference this time? Literally within hours, there was action! Positive action.
So thankful is what I am – for a non-tragic outcome, and for some forward-moving, positive action. Yay!!!
Blessings.
The word for the day – thankful! It is not the first time I have used that word, but today’s reason to be thankful is because of action. Here is why - there was a discussion held in a committee about a month or two ago regarding implementing a particular something (the details are not important). However, things never got past the discussion stage. Until…the not doing something almost resulted in a very difficult (shall I use the word tragic) outcome of a happening. The possibilities of what could have occurred resulted in the discussion being ramped up again. The difference this time? Literally within hours, there was action! Positive action.
So thankful is what I am – for a non-tragic outcome, and for some forward-moving, positive action. Yay!!!
Blessings.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Day #496
May
11, 2015
Recently I was asked what “thing” I miss most since our move across country. I must admit it’s some of the foods we cannot find here. Little things like my favorite mayonnaise, the bbq sauce for pork and chicken I’ve eaten since I was a kid, Cheerwine sherbet (see Day #111), and hot dogs. Specifically Yum Yum Hot Dogs. (Please don’t misunderstand, I miss people the most, but I was asked about “things” I miss.)
So,
when we opened the front door and found a surprise package, I was intrigued. I had
almost forgotten the conversation, until the box was opened and we found two bottles
of bbq sauce..
and a huge jar of mayonnaise.
Yippee!!!! Just in time for tomato sandwiches and grilling pork chops!
Thanks to friends and loved ones who take the time to call, pray, send notes or emails, and “stuff!” Now if we could just get Yum Yum to deliver ice cream and hot dogs!
Blessings.
PS The Carolina Treet supplements well the Boar and Castle Sauce we received last fall. Just saying!
Recently I was asked what “thing” I miss most since our move across country. I must admit it’s some of the foods we cannot find here. Little things like my favorite mayonnaise, the bbq sauce for pork and chicken I’ve eaten since I was a kid, Cheerwine sherbet (see Day #111), and hot dogs. Specifically Yum Yum Hot Dogs. (Please don’t misunderstand, I miss people the most, but I was asked about “things” I miss.)
So,
when we opened the front door and found a surprise package, I was intrigued. I had
almost forgotten the conversation, until the box was opened and we found two bottles
of bbq sauce.. and a huge jar of mayonnaise.
Yippee!!!! Just in time for tomato sandwiches and grilling pork chops!
Thanks to friends and loved ones who take the time to call, pray, send notes or emails, and “stuff!” Now if we could just get Yum Yum to deliver ice cream and hot dogs!
Blessings.
PS The Carolina Treet supplements well the Boar and Castle Sauce we received last fall. Just saying!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)