December 19, 2020
On this Satisfied Saturday, I am thankful for God’s creatures. But I am especially thankful for Belted Galloways or Belties. For some reason, they always make me smile. And a smile was needed today.
Blessings. And prayers.
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Day #2544
December 18, 2020
In the midst of a very busy time, I am grateful for my hubby who took me on a ride outside of town. A change of scenery was good. Thank you!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2543
December 17, 2020
What fun to be able to virtually attend Simon’s piano recital today. Here is a picture of him in action:
You did wonderfully, Godson. We are very proud of you. And very grateful for technology!!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2542
December 16, 2020
The word for the day - missing. As in missing what Wednesday usually meant - busy. There was time with youth, Bible Study, Confirmation Class, and possibly another meeting or two. As someone has lamented, it’s hard to know what day it is when so many are the same.
This “new normal” will not always be this way. We can look forward to the day when we can safely gather again. Until then, we can give thanks for little reminders that there are still ways to connect with others and take advantage of as many of those as possible.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2541
December 15, 2020
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Hebrews 1:10-11a: And, "In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; (NRSV)
This scripture takes us back to the beginning. Often Confirmation students have asked, who created God? Or, what existed before God? In other words, where did God come from? The answer that God always was is hard to swallow. Everything has a beginning, right?!
But is the concept that God always was any harder to imagine than that God always will be? Forever is a long time, far beyond our understanding. After all, as we look around our reality, we realize that not much is permanent. Humans come and go. Even mountains can wear away over time. Yet, God is permanent. Remains. Always and forever. And through the mystery of Christ, we will remain, also. Differently, yes, but forever.
Quite a hopeful promise, isn’t it?!
Blessings. And prayers.
Friday, December 18, 2020
Day #2540
December 14, 2020
This brought a smile to my face.
Please know I absolutely mean no disrespect to teenagers, because I think this is totally relatable. After all, who hasn’t found autocorrect messy?
Hope you have a non-error communication week. :-)
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2539
December 13, 2020
The word for the day - WOOHOO! Confirmation is back in session. Yes, it’s through the technology of Zoom, but we’re back learning/teaching.
I must say, our first official Zoom class seemed to go really well. All in all, a definite woohoo!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2538
December 12, 2020
On this Satisfied Saturday, I am thankful for folks who do technology work and provide a backup when, once again, my efforts failed.
But more than that, I am thankful for this reminder:
Yes, God is with us. Always!!!! Especially in this crazy, virtual world, I am thankful to be reminded that nothing can keep God from us!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2537
December 11, 2020
How about a little levity in the midst of all that is going on!! Someone creative put together this “Cow on a Plow,” instead of the “Elf on a Shelf.” HAHA
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2536
December 10, 2020
Some days are just tough. There are so many people hurting - grieving, sick, fearful, in angst. It is an honor to receive their pain through listening, but it can be difficult. Then there is technology that goes awry. No matter how hard folks try, sometimes things just do not work. Also, I tend to worry about folks who are injured, hospitalized, or have other needs. Don't get me wrong, prayer makes all the difference, but worry can still be in my nature. When things pile up, it can make one tired. Especially in the midst of Advent.
But then there is this smiling face. Simon is all dressed up for the taping of his piano recital. I can’t wait to watch next week. But until then, thank you for the smile. And prayers for your performance. I just know all will be wonderful!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2535
December 9, 2020
Once again, I find a conversation leading to God reminding me of something important. This time it came in the devotion “Daily Meditation” from the Henri Nouwen Society. Following a conversation with someone who admitted they were clinging to hope, Nouwen’s words reminded me hope is possible, no matter what:
I am increasingly impressed by the Christian possibility of celebrating not only moments of joy but also moments of pain, thus affirming God’s real presence in the thick of our lives. A true Christian always affirms life, because God is the God of life, a life stronger than death and destruction. In him we find no reason to despair. There is always reason to hope, even when our eyes are filled with tears.
It may be difficult to find hope when we are in the midst of despair, but through Christ we do have reason to hope. Even when the worst happened to Jesus, that was not the end of the story. There was more to come - good news and new life that no one could have imagined.
Thank you, God, for reminding me that with you there is always more to come. After all, isn’t that the essence of hope?!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2534
December 8, 2020
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture is from 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. (NRSV)
In these words I hear the good news of blessing and promise. Blessing - may God sanctify us (set us apart or make us holy) and our whole being be found worthy at the coming of Jesus (when Jesus one day returns). What a beautiful indication of God being with us - doing for us all that we cannot. Which points to the promise - God is faithful and will do this.
There are days when I wonder if I am worthy. There are times when I doubt my abilities, my commitment, my desire, and it seems impossible that God could love me without fail. I do not feel good enough for God to keep me sound or blameless.
Here is the thing. God will do this whether we feel good enough or not. Fortunately, being worthy is not about how we feel, it is about God - the one who is faithful. In the good days and bad. In the ups and downs. In the times when all seems to be going well and when things seem to be falling apart, God keeps us sound and blameless through love, mercy and abounding grace.
What a promise!!!! What a timely reminder!! Thanks be to God!!
Blessings. And prayers.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Day #2533
December 7, 2020
This just seems to be appropriate as a smile for the week.
My “side quests” are wrecking havoc on the Advent/Christmas preparation to-do list!!! Yours, too?
Blessings. And prayers.
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Day #2532
December 6, 2020
On this Sunday in the midst of Advent, we were home. Not because of a snow day, but the result of having recorded worship early. So we made the best of it - baked, made a huge amount of soup for the freezer, and rested, even though we missed being with everyone in worship (in-person).
But we also opened the doors to let the breeze bring fresh air through the house. It was another beautiful day, or as the Psalmist said, “this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Oh, and near the end of the day, we watched a Dolly Parton Christmas Special. What a gift!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2531
December 5, 2020
On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for a beautiful weather day. Very little wind, lots of sunshine and warm temperatures meant a day we thoroughly enjoyed. We even grilled out for dinner. Who would have imagined it was December!?!?
I hope you were also able to enjoy a nice weather day. Or can the next time one comes along.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2530
December 4, 2020
Ahh - technology. Grrr - technology. In the end, the word for the day is frustrating.
The best laid plans to efficiently record the worship service for Sunday met with technological difficulties. It was no one's fault, but it meant for a long evening. Not that I mind, for providing worship for folks at home is a joy and a gift we would not have had several years ago. However, the truth is that while it is a gift, technology can also certainly be frustrating.
The good news? Things finally worked out and a recording will be available for Sunday. Thanks be to God!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2529
December 3, 2020
These words from Henri Nouwen were a good reminder to me and I feel the need to share them with you:
The real enemies of our life are the “oughts” and the “ifs.” They pull us backward into the unalterable past and forward into the unpredictable future. But real life takes place in the here and the now. God is a God of the present. God is always in the moment, be that moment hard or easy, joyful or painful. When Jesus spoke about God, he always spoke about God as being where and when you are. “When you see me, you see God. When you hear me, you hear God.” God is not someone who was or will be, but the One who is, and who is for me in the present moment. That’s why Jesus came to wipe away the burden of the past and the worries of the future. He wants us to discover God right where we are, here and now.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2528
December 2, 2020
Often, it is the little things that mean the most. When there is bad news, pain, illness, death, or fear in folks’ lives, we want to do a LOT. We want to make things all better, fix what is wrong, help the person smile again.
However, it is important to not forget that what seems like a small thing can be really important - a ride to an appointment, a phone call, a few minutes of time, a card. It may not “fix” whatever is happening, but it will certainly let the person know they are being thought about and are not alone. In other words, there is nothing too small when it comes to showing care.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2527
December 1, 2020
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Revelation 5:11-12: Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (NRSV)
This part of scripture was the recommended reading for yesterday at 3 + 3 at 3:00 pm (three minutes of scripture and three minutes of prayer together at 3:00 pm, from wherever we are). After that time, a response came be email: “WOW - What a choir!!” I suppose I had not really thought too much about how many are myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands and what all of them singing with full voice might sound like. WOW is right!
But what is even more WOW material is what they are singing. Praise to God. No hesitation. No being meek. No fear of what someone might think. Simply full voice of praise. It does sound wonderful, doesn’t it?!?!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2526
November 30, 2020
Hope this makes you smile.
I think this is what Boomer thinks when he barks - that one day he will save us from the wild and crazy bunny rabbit or the noise that came from a door slamming four houses away. Haha!
Day #2525
November 29, 2020
Sadly, the congregation is back to only having virtual worship. So while we were live-streaming today on YouTube at our regular worship time, along with recording the worship for posting later, there were only those involved in the service present. This reality is sad and lonely, not only for staff, but for everyone.
There are too many people suffering from this illness, too many business owners doing all they can to keep going, too many people isolated and alone. So, my prayers continue for an end to COVID19 and its necessary precautions (and I invite you to join me in praying this): Please, Lord, have mercy on our world and bring healing! Amen!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2524
November 28, 2020
On this Satisfied Saturday, I am thankful for authors, booksellers, publishers, the gift of being able to read, interesting books, and the time to enjoy them.
So what is your favorite thing to read? Mine used to be mysteries, but my interests have expanded, thanks to a Book Club I joined several years ago. Right now I am reading a book called Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. It is an interesting read, troubling at times, and eye-opening.
Do you have something you would recommend for me to read? I am open to suggestions - always. Never know what the next book might be. But what a gift books are!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2523
November 27, 2020
The word for the day - lazy. Post-Thanksgiving lazy. Ok, maybe it should be called self-care. Either way - yay for a quiet day. With leftovers. Yum!
Blessings. And prayers.
Monday, November 30, 2020
Day #2522
November 26, 2020
This seems most appropriate for Thanksgiving, courtesy of the “Moravian Daily Texts:”
And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13
Give thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
God our Father, we give you thanks for the bounty of the earth. We give you thanks for the presence of your son, Jesus Christ, who teaches us to give praise at all times. Amen.
To this scripture and prayer, I say Amen and Amen!!!
A blessed Thanksgiving to one and all!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2521
November 25, 2020
This Thanksgiving Eve was filled with lots of things to do - appointments to keep, volunteering to do, shopping to finish, visits to make, and more. What a gift to have the time and energy to get it all done.
It is just one more thing to be thankful for - time! May I always spend it wisely and joyfully.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2520
November 24, 2020 - The Daily Intersection - Day #2520
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Mark 1:1-2: The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way. (NRSV)
It strikes me this is “the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ” according to the Gospel of Mark - that there was someone sent ahead of Jesus as a messenger to prepare his way. Really?! God needed someone to prepare the way?!
We recently had some painting done in our home. Did they come in and just begin painting? No, they began with preparation. We will celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday. Will dinner just happen, all the food simply ready to eat when we are? No, there is a need for preparation - turkey to be thawed, dressing to be put together, pies to be baked. It seems that most everything that just “happens" begins with preparation. Planning. Even waiting.
Godson, perhaps this seems even more appropriate today as your family has grown. Your mom was married to a wonderful man today and now you have two more siblings. Congratulations! And what a joy-filled day following much planning and preparation.
I suppose if waiting for the appropriate time and planning is needed by God, it is important for us, too. May your waiting be filled with hope and endurance. It is often well-worth the wait!
Blessings. And prayers.
PS It seems a picture of the new siblings is appropriate. Love you all!
Day #2519
November 23, 2020
A smile (actually two) for Thanksgiving week.
What a great idea!!!
And this statement of truth because of all of you!
Day #2518
November 22, 2020
It is difficult to call this an intersection of daily life and faith, but it is where we are. Today was the last Sunday for the year of in-person worship. The number of cases of COVID keep rising in our community, and nearly everyone knows someone who is (or has been personally) affected by this disease. In a difficult decision to make, the leadership of the congregation agreed to suspend in-house worship after today through the end of the year. Today, therefore, was a sad day.
There is nothing more difficult than to suspend gathering for worship at a time when the world desperately needs the strength of community. However, I cling to the promise that the community is still together. Through Christ, we are bound by the thread of faith and trust. And that promise lasts forever.
We WILL be together again. We ARE together now through Christ. Thanks be to God!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2517
November 21, 2020
On this Satisfied Saturday, I am thankful for Rev. Elizabeth Platz. She is the first woman to be ordained in the Lutheran Church 50 years ago tomorrow.
However, my thankfulness does not stop there. I am grateful for ALL the women who have followed the call to become pastors, and ALL the people who welcome and accept their ministry. There have been, and are, so many wonderful people who help shape and form me as a pastor (far too many to name individually), but I am grateful for each and every one. And I am also thankful for those who have been unable to accept a female in ministry. I learn from them, as well.
God bless you Rev. Platz. And thank you, God, for her and ALL those who follow in her footsteps.
Blessings. And prayers.
Friday, November 20, 2020
Day #2516
November 20, 2020
Even after taking multiple semesters of Spanish in High School, I did not know until I was watching Jeopardy tonight that adios, which is the Spanish word for goodbye or farewell, “derives from a term meaning “may (you) be (commended) to God.”” I think this is very cool! And it gives new nuance to a familiar word. Adios, everyone!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2515
November 19, 2020
The word for the day, thankful! For the support of the congregation’s council. Some tough decisions had to be made regarding in-house worship (yes, once again), and their support is encouraging and appreciated!
What a gift to have leaders who care and want to do the best for others. Thank you!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2514
November 18, 2020
In a conversation today, someone suggested that if we would all just live life looking out for one another, we would have millions of others seeking our best interest all the time. Would that not be amazing?!
This idea made me think about how Jesus said that the two most important commandments are love God and love neighbor as ourself. If we would all do that, the rest of the commandments aren’t necessary, because we would be always watching out for one another.
Nice thoughts for a Wednesday, aren’t they?!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2513
November 17, 2020
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Psalm 95:1-7a: Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before God’s presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to the Lord with psalms. For you, Lord, are a great God, and a great ruler above all god's. In your hand are the caverns of the earth; the heights of the hills are also yours. The sea is yours, for you made it, and your hands have molded the dry land. Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For the Lord is our God, and we are the people of God’s pasture and the sheep of God’s hand. (ELW)
Generally Tuesday’s Thoughts focus on a single verse of scripture, but these several verses screamed to not be broken up. Actually, they are all good words to be remembered daily! So when I left for work and saw the beauty of the mountains, I was reminded of God’s greatness. The picture speaks for itself, even though it hardly does the beauty justice.
The Rocky Mountain Front is showing off today, God, and you are the creator of its beauty. Thank you for being our God, and for the reminder that we are yours - forever! We need this reminder every single day!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2512
November 16, 2020
While we are in the midst of having professionals do some work around our home, this picture made me laugh. It reminds me that DIY is not everyone’s forte.
Day #2511
November 15, 2020
After many months of planning and dreaming (the initial training began in January for several of us), the first class of Faithful Innovations for three congregations happened today. This first section is about learning to listen more intently - to God, one another, and the community. Listening is so very important. After all, we have much to learn from one another and from God.
During the training, one of the instructors shared this Native American Proverb, and it seems an appropriate reminder to share here:
Day #2510
November 14, 2020
Today I am thankful for generous folks. Hundreds of non-perishable food items were collected, sorted, packed, and loaded for delivery to four area school food pantries. This annual “Can Do” project of the congregation is always another reminder of how generous folks are. And I didn’t even mention the hundreds of dollars collected to be donated to those school food pantries to purchase items they might need we did not provide.
So here is a picture of generosity - those who were available to come together to sort. Thank you, everyone!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2509
November 13, 2020
Friday the 13th in the year 2020 - yikes!!! It’s a recipe for a nightmare for someone who tends to be a bit superstitious (I inherited the thought from my mother). But I really don’t think this bad luck day had anything to do with the body aches I’m feeling. It is a reminder, however, of how much one is slowed down when the body hurts. And frankly, I have too much to do to be slowed down!!!
Anyway, it does remind me to pray for those in chronic pain. The Lord be your healer and strength.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2508
November 12, 2020
In his Daily Meditation, Richard Rhor wrote today regarding “the transforming power of love.” He quoted Valarie Kaur Me when he included this:
Love is more than a feeling. Love is a form of sweet labor: fierce, bloody, imperfect, and life-giving—a choice we make over and over again. If love is sweet labor, love can be taught, modeled, and practiced. This labor engages all our emotions. Joy is the gift of love. Grief is the price of love. Anger protects that which is loved. And when we think we have reached our limit, wonder is the act that returns us to love. “Revolutionary love” is the choice to enter into wonder and labor for others, for our opponents, and for ourselves in order to transform the world around us.
Wow! I know that love is work, but I appreciate her words “sweet labor.” Because love is so worth the effort. And it is critically needed at this time. Oh, if only the whole world would choose love!
Blessings. And prayers.
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