Day #2250

February 28, 2020

These words written by Cindy Quirk Ryan of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansdale, PA, in the October, 2019, issue of Gather magazine’s article “Good words for grief,” were shared today as part of the Women of the ELCA's “Daily Grace” blog. They spoke to me and I share them with you: 

The best words I have ever heard are: “I don’t know how you are feeling, but I am here for you. I can listen or we can just sit quietly.”

Blessings.

Day #2249

February 27, 2020 

The word for the day - thankful! For a great Bible Study, wonderful conversation, a delightful 90th birthday celebration/visit, a delicious dinner, and a thought-provoking book event. What a glorious day! 

Blessings.

Day #2248

February 26, 2020

The essence of Ash Wednesday: Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. And the Good News: God is with us before, during, and after this life!

Then there was this article I read about possible things to give up for Lent. I share it with you here: "10 Things to Give Up for Lent that Aren't Diet Coke." 

God bless you as we journey through Lent with Jesus! 

Blessings.

Day #2247

February 25, 2020 

This week’s Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture is based on Genesis 3:1: Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?" (NRSV)

This comes from the scripture about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. All is perfect there. All is beautiful. All is available to Adam and Eve and life seems flawless. Until….the serpent asks the question that introduces suspicion, doubt, maybe even fear. Did God really say….and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Suddenly “why” has been placed in the air. Why would God want to inhibit happiness? Why would God not provide for every need? Why would God make everything available except knowledge? Why would God treat humans this way, if God really does love us? Why, why, why? 

As often happens when a question begins with why, there is a response of defensiveness. Eve answers the serpent, no, God did not say we cannot eat from any tree in the garden, just the one in the center. Of course, God loves us. Of course, God cares for and about us. Of course, unless…God doesn't. And there is doubt in all its fullness.

Doesn’t this sound just like human behavior? Can’t we just imagine ourselves there in the garden? But God, really, you do care, right?! Well...maybe just one bite won’t hurt. 

Bottomline, I am surely thankful for God’s grace and forgiveness! After all, where would we be if we were left on our own?!

Blessings.

PS And then there were pancakes. Shrove Tuesday was wonderful. Thank you, ladies, for your hard work and planning. Now we are ready for Lent!

Day #2246

February 24, 2020

In honor of this week including Ash Wednesday, here is the smile for this week…

Blessings.

Day #2245

February 23, 2020

From one type of council meeting, to another. From Synod Council that focuses on dozens of congregations that make up the entire synod, to the congregation council that focuses on our single congregation. Today we spent some extra time meeting, getting to know one another, and thinking about the year ahead. 

I borrowed the question from the Synod Council’s worship (see Day #2243): what gift do each of us bring to the table? No surprise, there were several mentioned that complement one another. So not only do these folks bring their gifts to the table, they are gifts. Each one! And I am looking forward to another year. 

Blessings.

Day #2244

February 22, 2020

As the Synod Council meeting continues today, coming to a close, it again becomes obvious that this synod has many gifts. There are talented and caring people doing lots of things to love and serve God and neighbor. There are generous stewards of God’s gifts of time, talent, and treasure. And there is much to look forward to in the future. God IS leading.

Then in the afternoon, hubby and I participated in something that provides evidence there are caring and generous stewards in this synod and in this community. Members of one of the local high schools, wanting to show support for this city’s locally owned businesses, has come up with a creative idea - Flash Mob Shopping. A locally owned specialty grocery store was the first recipient. Folks were invited to “flash mob” the store, shop there, and spend at least $2. In doing this, the students hope to help showcase what the store has to offer and increase support for it. 

Well, as a surprise thanks for the support, the store pledged to share a percentage of the day’s receipts with a local non-profit ministry. WOW! Just goes to show how our locally owned businesses need our support and how they, in turn, support the community. Way to go teens!! Way to go community!!

Blessings.

Day #2243

February 21, 2020

What happens when the Synod Council comes together to meet? Stories are shared. There is worship. “Business” decisions are made. Reports are received. New friends are met and reconnections are made. We pray, laugh, discuss, listen, and talk. In other words, it really is much like a congregation council meeting. 

At this meeting, two questions were asked of us: what would you be doing if you weren’t here; what gift do you bring to this table. As we shared our answers to the second question, we were reminded that all of us have gifts given to us by God. And when those gifts are brought together to be used to build up the Kingdom of God, wonderful things can happen. I am thankful to be a part of this council and hope my gift will help in ways that God, and the synod, needs. 

Blessings.

Day #2242

February 20, 2020 

What a fun evening we had - singing and swaying and clapping and whistling to the music of the Beach Boys at the show - 

A Tribute to the Beach Boys. 

Ah, the music of our youth. They even played the classic, Turn, Turn, Turn, based on the third chapter of Ecclesiastes. I still remember the first time I realized this song was based on scripture - I thought it was so cool. And I still do!

Thank you to a generous couple for a fun evening! We certainly enjoyed ourselves. 

Blessings.

Day #2241

February 19, 2020

Whew. Sometimes scripture is simply hard to read, much less understand. So today I give thanks for folks who will hang in to wrestle with tough scripture texts, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their insights. 

I am so thankful for Bible Study! Every single time!

Blessings.

Day #2240

February 18, 2020

This Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture is based on Matthew 17:4: Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (NRSV)

This is part of the gospel for Transfiguration Sunday, that somewhat odd celebration of Jesus’ trip up the mountain with three of his disciples who are able to witness something amazing - the transfiguration of Jesus. His face will shine like the sun and his clothes will become dazzling white, all as a reflection of Jesus’ glory. The event is even accompanied by a voice (God) from heaven - this is my son. Now who wouldn’t want to stay and bask in that sort of vision, seeing and experiencing Jesus as he really is?!

Years ago I spent a weekend at a retreat. All the meals were provided, gifts were given throughout the day, people waited on me, and all my needs were met. Everyone was kind and caring and attentive. Others listened to my ideas and none of my comments were considered wrong or foolish. There was singing and joy and I felt like I was in the presence of God every single minute. I wanted to stay there. I never wanted to come home. I never wanted the time to end. I felt like I was in utopia. 

But the weekend couldn’t last. Being waited on was exhausting for those who did the work. Listening to my every word meant someone else’s thoughts or opinions were ignored. And, honestly, who can continue to be that joyful every single minute?! No, there was work to be done (I had bills to pay, after all) back home. I had people waiting on me and relying on me. The joy-filled feelings, and the experience, could not be sustained. At least not on this earth. 

I do believe, however, the community of the retreat was a glimpse into what life could be like, what a new heaven and new earth will probably be like, and what being in the eternal presence of Christ will definitely be like. At least as it is promised. 

So while Transfiguration Sunday may seem odd, perhaps it is the perfect precursor to the upcoming season of Lent. Basking in the glory of God, we can be sustained throughout the days to come, remembering that God’s spoken direction to the disciples (and to us) is to listen to Jesus, whose first words are “Get up, and do be not be afraid.” He is with us. Thanks be to God!

Blessings.

Day #2239

February 17, 2020

A friend sent this week’s “smile” to me:

Thankfully, this is not so much what our city looks like this year, but in some places, it could be appropriate! 😣

Blessings.

PS Thank you for sharing and thinking of us!

Day #2238

February 16, 2020

As you know from Day #2233, the scripture for today’s worship was challenging, to say the least. I joked in the sermon that I had not been looking forward to preaching today, even asking Jesus for laryngitis (thankfully God did NOT answer that prayer). But, I survived. And I am thankful, as always, for celebrating Holy Communion in worship each week, receiving the assurance of God’s love and forgiveness no matter what! 

Blessings.

Day #2237

February 15, 2020

My friend Cindy called them “pajama days,” when there was no where she had to be and she could stay home to catch up on things like laundry. Or cleaning. Or reading. Or for me, sermon writing. And I did get caught up on those things that have been put off this week. All except for the blogging I am way behind in (soon I’ll catch up on that, too). But today I smile as I think of Cindy, and give thanks for a day just to be at home!

Blessings.

Day #2236

February 14, 2020

An appropriate reminder of what perfect love truly is - today and every day!!!

Happy Valentine’s Day!! 

Blessings.

Day #2235

February 13, 2020

Today I am thankful for a caring waitress, an accommodating restaurant, and just over a dozen women who gather each month to eat, laugh, and spend time together. What a joy these "Ladies: Let’s Do Lunch" gatherings are each month!

Also, I am thankful for celebrating an early Valentine’s Day at a delicious dinner with the hubby! 😍

Blessings.

Day #2234

February 12, 2020

We had our final confirmation class tonight until after Easter. In preparation, we talked about Lent and especially Ash Wednesday. And…we burned the fronds from last year’s Palm Sunday worship service. The ashes were then mixed with oil to use for imposing them upon the foreheads of worshippers at this year’s Ash Wednesday worship. 

Why burn the dried palms for ashes? One reason is the full circle of the process. These palms were used last year in worship on Palm Sunday to herald Jesus’ seemingly triumphant entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of the week of his crucifixion. Saving them to be reduced to ashes as we enter the season of Lent reminds us, as we begin the journey of repentance toward the cross, of where this Lenten time will end. 

Needless to say, what the youth found most fascinating tonight was the fire itself. We can only hope that as they soon receive these ashes on their foreheads, hearing the words “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return,” they will recall what we did tonight and enter this year’s Lenten season focused on its intent - considering the depth of God’s love for the world in that God will stop at nothing to show us how much we are loved and cared for. 

Blessings.

Day #2233

February 11, 2020 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture this week comes from Matthew 5:21-37 (yes, this is much longer than a “normal” Tuesday's scripture, but I find it impossible to pare this down to a single verse): [Jesus said to the disciples:] ²¹“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ ²²But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. ²³So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. ²⁵Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. ²⁶Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. ²⁷“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ²⁸But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³⁰And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. ³¹“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ ³²But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. ³³“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ ³⁴But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, ³⁵or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ³⁶And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. ³⁷Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.” (NRSV)

Wow!!! Where to even begin?! You have heard, but I say….you have been following the letter of the law, now I remind you of the heart of it. Relationship! Not only with the God who loves you, considers you blessed and salt and light, but relationship with one another. We, who cannot even make one hair on our head white or black (sorry Clairol and hairdressers), yet who God cares so deeply about as to count and know every one of those hairs on our head. 

So what is the heart of the law? Remembering that everything we say and everything we do has a ripple effect onto others. No one lives only for themselves. No one! And we all have potential to hurt and be hurt by someone. Jesus is helping his disciples (and us) remember, and therefore act, that as we live in community - in our homes, our schools, our work, our congregations, our friends, our family, our clubs, and wherever else - what we do to and with one another is hugely important to God, our neighbor and even our own peace of mind. 

Wow! These words are not easy to hear, or to live up to, so thank God for grace!!

Blessings. 

PS - I want to share what was written on the back of a t-shirt I saw someone wearing today: “Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain.” This might be appropriate as I think about preaching on this gospel lesson Sunday. Yikes!!!

Day #2232

February 10, 2020

The smile for the week....

Perhaps you can relate?!

Blessings.

Day #2231

February 9, 2020 

I am overwhelmed with the response to the question I mentioned in Day #2230! During the sermon, folks were invited to write down just one way they see the congregation as salt and light in the world. 

I didn’t quite know what sort of participation to expect. I am awed and grateful - most of the folks responded. What they wrote included everything from lots of cars parked around the building on Sunday morning witness to faithful worship to prayer for others to being good listeners to giving time and money to ministries for the hungry and poor to welcoming ALL. 

WOW!! What an amazing response and what a gift that folks can see the ways God needs and uses us in the world! Thanks be to God!!

Blessings.

Day #2230

February 8, 2020 

How is the congregation salt and light for the world? The writing of the sermon for Sunday came down to this question. After all, in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), Jesus says we ARE salt and light. Therefore, with God in and through us, we are meant to (and do) shine and transform the world, all to God’s glory and the building up of God's Kingdom. But in what ways, specifically, is this congregation salt and light in the world? I could name several, but the idea came to ask the congregation to give their own input. I am looking forward to how this will turn out. Stay tuned for more to come…

Blessings.

Day #2229

February 7, 2020 

The word for the day - thankful. For holy conversations, meeting new folks, and hope. Always hope! 

Sometimes it seems a situation is without an answer, can never improve, and will always result in a contentious relationship. If there is anything experience has taught me, however, it is that God can bring about ways of reconciliation and change that we humans would never have expected or considered. Thanks be to God!

Blessings.

Day #2228

February 6, 2020 

Prayer. The celebration of Holy Communion. Conversation. Laughter. Telling stories. Listening. These are words that describe making pastoral visits. What a joy to have this opportunity!! It is another part of this vocation that keeps it from being “boring” or routine and allows for making memories on holy ground! 

But then, when you think about it, making visits can actually be done by anyone. And they mean more to someone than we may ever know!

Blessings.

Day #2227

February 5, 2020

The word for the day - thankful. For Jesus teaching in parables. For teaching confirmation youth about his parables. And for their enthusiasm in acting them out, as they wrestled with their meaning. Fresh eyes - new perspectives!

Another reason to be thankful - prayer. Especially that God hears them all!! 

Blessings.

Day #2226

February 4, 2020 

This Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture is based Matthew 5:16: In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (NRSV)

I first remember hearing this scripture at my own baptism. A large candle was lit and handed to me (I was an adult when I was baptized) and the pastor said those words. They seemed overwhelming. Weighted. A large responsibility. And carried the assumption that I would not only do good works, but that there was light in me worthy of shining. Wow! As I write these words, I am still humbled. 

Over the years, I have said these words to many others (or their parents) who I have had the honor of baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I wonder if they have also felt the weight. If so, please remember, as I have learned, that the light is God’s, not ours, and will shine in ways we cannot imagine or plan. And, the good works will come because of that light being in us. Therefore, we can give glory to God, and thanks for always being in and with us. 

Blessings.

Also, today is...

Prayers for all those who are in the midst of the fight, for those who have valiantly come through the fight, and for all of us who have loved ones now at eternal rest following the fight. Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to have to cancel World Cancer Day because the disease had been eliminated?! May it one day SOON be so! 

Day #2225

February 3, 2020 

The funny for the day really made me smile - until the hubby laughed just a tad too loudly. 

Guess it is tad too close to home. Haha!

Blessings.

Day #2224

February 2, 2020

The words for the day - a full heart! When one of the really little ones came to the communion rail at worship, they were mimicking what they saw their adults doing - raising their little hands up to receive the bread. As I bent to give this little one a blessing, I was nearly brought to tears at what they are learning without them even realizing it. 

Yes, little one, receive God’s love, grace and mercy with open hands and heart. As we all are invited to do!!

Blessings.

Day #2223

February 1, 2020

The study for this week from the ELCA called Faith Lens began this way:

We all know that heroes rule the box office, but did you know they now rule the internet? Throughout 2019, Google analytics data showed a global increase in searches centering around “heroes.” Sure, some of those searches had to do with what action movies were playing in theaters, but many of them were centered around what they call “everyday heroes.” Google even aired a YouTube video on New Years featuring a montage of all the “everyday heroes” videos that circulated the internet during 2019. (You can watch the video by clicking here: Year in Search 2019) 

The heroes featured in the video are strangers, teachers, first responders, children, athletes. While there were some exceptions, most of the heroic actions emerged from adversity: illness, danger, injury, loss, prejudice, natural disasters. Watching the video will bring happy tears to your eyes, because of the acts of courage and love shown by each of the individuals. It will leave you feeling a sense of hope for the world, despite the fact that many of the scenarios show struggle or hardship. 

Who are the heroes in your life? Who has helped empower you to be the best you can be? They are often folks who receive little or no acclaim, or even thanks. Perhaps a note or card to someone who is, or has been, our hero is in order?!

Blessings.

Day #2222

January 31, 2020 

I think this, that I have seen several times on FaceBook, speaks for itself. Not that today was particularly difficult, but I did have a profoundly sad day. Anyway, may you have your own Piglet to sit with you on those Difficult Days. Or contact me! I understand those days.

"Today was a Difficult Day," said Pooh.

There was a pause.

"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Piglet.

"No," said Pooh after a bit. "No, I don't think I do."

"That's okay," said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.

"What are you doing?" asked Pooh.

"Nothing, really," said Piglet. "Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don't feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days either.

"But goodness," continued Piglet, "Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you've got someone there for you. And I'll always be here for you, Pooh."

And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs...he thought that his best friend had never been more right.”

Blessings.

Day #2221

January 30, 2020 

At a meeting today, the convener lead us into a devotion by asking the question, how is God a quilter? One response was as the weaver of different people and situations into one beautiful kingdom. Another was a thread that runs through all of life. 

I thought later of a specific incident that brought the past into the present and future, much like God is, has been and always will be. Years ago my sister-in-law sent me on a mission while I was visiting my good friend in Alabama. She asked me to go to thrift stores while there and buy t-shirts, which she planned to use in crafting a quilt for our Alabama fan nephew, her son. My friend and I had lots of fun shopping, making great memories, laughing and spending time together. Below is a picture of the quilt when it was nearly finished:

Being reminded of this trip with my friend, the smiles my sister-in-law brought with her talent (and her request), and the beautiful quilt our nephew can take into the future reminds me of how God loves us always and through all types of events, connecting us in ways we could not imagine or create ourselves. 

Blessings.

Day #2220

January 29, 2020 

In a discussion today, the youth were talking about doing “job shadowing.” Several different professions were mentioned, so I asked, I wonder why pastors are not “job shadowed?” One of the youth spoke up, maybe it’s because it’s boring. We all laughed. I mean, it probably seems boring when compared to being the mayor of a city or an EMT. But then there was a follow-up question: “what does your day look like?” Honestly, no two days are ever really the same and there is not a lot of “routine.” Things can change quickly. However, I later found myself pondering the question, what do pastors do?

Years ago our book club read a novel about a pastor’s life. Mostly the author depicted the pastor having conversations with folks, planning worship, attending meetings, and making visits and phone calls, most of which seemed to imply the job can, indeed, be boring. The book was also a reality check. I imagine most folks have no idea what being a pastor is actually like. Which is probably the case for almost all vocations - unless you do the job, it’s hard to know what it really entails. 

Fortunately, I find not knowing what I may be invited into keeps the days exciting and challenging. And then there are the times when someone wants to talk about God and God’s presence in their life. Those are some of the best moments - learning with and from others. Oh, and celebrating Holy Communion at worship. That is never, ever dull, or boring!!!

Blessings.

Day #2219

January 28, 2020

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture is based on Micah 6:8: He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (NRSV)

On one of the first days of seminary, our Old Testament professor gave us a Pop Quiz. On one side of the paper were quotes of “famous scripture.” On the other side was a list of the chapters and verses where those quotes came from. Our task was to match them up. Most were easy, except the one from above. I had no idea about this one. Somehow, in all the years of studying and learning before seminary, I never remembered hearing/reading it. Which seems unbelievable now, considering the importance of this message given from God to the prophet Micah.

What seems to be God's message is a reminder that our sacrifices, and even our worship, are less important to God than what we do for others. It seems we often try to please God through sacrifice and worship, thereby attempting to get into right relationship with God on our own. Or without considering there is more to loving God than just what is in it for us. There is also loving neighbor, and the reminder that we are “powered” by God to do all we do (the walking humbly with God), relying and trusting God for all of our lives, and giving God the glory for all of our accomplishments. 

I give thanks for the quiz that day. It made me realize how much there was to learn. And this scripture coming up Sunday reminds me there still is much to learn. And do. 

Blessings.