Day #2643

March 27, 2021

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for the “bonus” family I received with marrying my hubby. Not having siblings, I would never have had the opportunity to be an aunt or great-aunt. This week a niece and nephew (brother and sister) both celebrated birthdays. I am grateful for them in my life and for them celebrating another birthday. 

And for all the family I received through my baptism into the Kingdom of God, I am most grateful!!!! God is most certainly good!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2642

March 26, 2021 

The word for the day - grateful. For a day off from (most) electronics and time to spend with the hubby. Makes me 😊!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2641

March 25, 2021 

Once again, I give thanks for God’s presence in and with holy conversations. God never ceases to give us the words (if words are even needed) if we will only make ourselves available. Thanks be to God. 

Prayers for those who are journeying in that thin place between earth and heaven. And for those who sit with them. Christ have mercy!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2640

March 24, 2021 

It seems impossible that this is the last Wednesday in Lent. This year, the Holden Evening prayer was recorded - one time in two pieces. Then each week, I have added a short message focused on the theme, Loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength into the middle, creating a new video. So I could say that my Lenten Discipline included learning how to accomplish all this. And to not be disappointed that folks seemed to become bored with the process and fewer participated by watching. I know it is certainly not the same as gathering over soup and goodies and then worshipping together. 

Oh, may next year be different - or perhaps I should say back to normal - and we can be together again in person as we celebrate this holy season. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2639

March 23, 2021

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Mark 11:1-3: When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, [Jesus] sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’ ” (NRSV)

This Sunday we enter into the holiest of weeks as we celebrate Palm Sunday. Jesus approaches Jerusalem, where he knows he will suffer and die, and as he does so he sends his disciples on an errand - bring me a colt. Can you imagine such a specific instruction? Jesus tells them what, where, and even how to respond if questioned. Can you imagine if Jesus suggested you enter a parking lot, take a red Toyota, and bring it to him? Oh and do not worry if someone asks what you are doing, just tell them the Lord needs it and they will willingly send it…immediately. I’m not sure about you, but I don’t imagine that would go over really well. 

Do you ever desperately wish for Jesus to give you such specific instructions? Often I have thought how helpful it would be if Jesus would just write an answer in the sky for me, or send a letter, or make a phone call, or some other way I would never miss. However, even though my requests will never be as important as the one Jesus sends his disciples to do, Jesus does still speak. Many times an “answer” has come through another follower, scripture, a settledness in my heart, etc. 

As we begin another celebration of Holy Week with Jesus’ final journey into Jerusalem and to the cross and tomb, I invite you to take a few moments to listen to how Jesus is instructing you. You will know it is him guiding you, for it will be in ways of love, mercy and grace that help to build up the Kingdom. Always. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2638

March 22, 2021

Monday’s smile for the week: 

Gotta love it! 😄

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2637

March 21, 2021 

In the immortal words of Martin Luther King, Jr, I have a dream. I have a dream that one Sunday ALL the technology will work at the same time. My apologies for the irreverent use of King’s words, but good grief. This week, it seems batteries were my bane of existence. Who would have thought new batteries would die so quickly, but the microphone certainly died. In the middle of the sermon, of course. Oh, well, the things we’ve learned doing “virtual” worship. 😏

But then the afternoon made up for the morning, when technology did work so we could have a 3.5 hour class online that prompted great discussion, ideas, and inspiration. I am proud of the folks who are working through a process to identify, celebrate and participate in where God is working in the community. Faithful Innovations - great name for something so important.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2636

March 20, 2021

On this Satisfied Saturday - I am grateful the season of Spring begins today! This is my favorite time of year as there is new birth, the color green returns, trees bud, flowers bloom, the weather turns warmer, there is more sunlight, and there is eternal hope for a productive growing season for farmers. Yes, I love spring and God who created this season!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2635

March 19, 2021 

On the heels of St. Patrick’s Day is the lesser known, or celebrated in America, holiday - St. Joseph’s Day. A little research declares this day is commemorated, especially in Italy, for the husband of Mary, mother of Jesus. It seems that during the Middle Ages, crops were failing and people were starving in the severe drought. People prayed to St. Joseph to help them by sending rain. When the rain came and crops were able to be planted, the people kept their promise of appreciation by declaring St. Joseph’s Day on March 19. Now a feast is prepared annually in celebration (information courtesy of "Italy Guides" website).

Hmmm…St. Joseph’s Day, patron saint of workers. Something to remember (and there are no snakes - haha). 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2634

March 18, 2021

The word for the day - frustrated. At myself. I know the repercussions of worrying. I know that worry only produces anxiety and fear and nothing productive. I know that when I worry, especially, I become cranky and can take it out on my loved one. 

Yet today, I succumbed to worry. How might decisions made by others affect the decisions we have made, or need to make? Will there be more discord? Will there be more hurt feelings? Will we make the right choices?

Thankfully, at the end of the day, I am able to turn my worry over to God. I also know and trust that God provides a way through ALL of our worries, fears, and anxieties. And also, thankfully, my loved one is forgiving! 

Maybe next time I will remember to take God's path BEFORE I run down the rabbit hole of worry!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2633

March 17, 2021 

Today’s sharing comes from a resource called The Messy Christian. It may be longer than my usual post, but I think is well worth the read, whether you have children of your own or not. 

I don't want to raise church kids.

That's right.

I DO NOT want to raise church kids. 

Matter of fact, it's one of my biggest fears.

That they would go to church every week of their lives and never experience what the whole purpose of church is really about.

That they would come and learn about God, but never actually seek and find Him for themselves.

That they would come and learn the stories of the Bible, but never realize that they too are a Bible story waiting to happen. That their life is woven into the tapestry of life that God has created and that they are here for a greater purpose.

That they would think that God is kept inside four walls. 

That they would sing the songs but never have more than a shallow appreciation for the words they sing. That those words, written by sinners turned saints by the blood of Jesus, would never penetrate their heart. 

That they would sing of the light, but never know the light.

That they would hear about grace, but never know how desperately they need it.

That they would learn about mercy, but never know the One who bestows it.

That they would think worship is something that just happens on Sunday mornings and not every minute of their life.

That they would just up and walk away from church one day and never return.

No, no, no.

I want to raise Jesus kids.

That they would come to church BECAUSE they know Jesus. 

That they would see themselves as apart of the church, the body of Christ. That they would work together with their fellow believers to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the community they serve. 

That they would see themselves in the story that was written at the beginning of time.

That they would look to Jesus when they make a mistake and be overcome with gratitude at the grace they are given.

That they would wake up in the morning thankful for the day and lay their head down every night assured of their eternal home.

That they would face the storms of life tethered to the One who came to save them.

That they would know that they never walk alone and their lives are being held in the hands of God. 

That they would reach for the stars because they know the One who created them and that He has a purpose for their lives. That if they seek Him first that purpose will be fulfilled.

That they will look up when they fall down. Reach out when they need help trusting that He is always reaching back to us.

That they will be like oaks planted by His stream of living water and bear much fruit.

That they would look at their neighbors and see the image bearers of God and love them fiercely.

That they would look out at this world and see hope when every one else sees hopelessness. That they would share that hope and bring His light into every dark corner they encounter. 

Yes, yes, yes!

I want to raise Jesus kids.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2632

March 16, 2021

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from John 12:24: Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (NRSV)

Perhaps because it is nearly spring, this verse speaks to me this week. What seems like death, putting a single seed into the ground, is actually only the beginning. Well, not really the beginning, but a new continuation of sharing. 

Now, I do not have the gift of a green thumb or very much enjoy gardening, but I have often gratefully benefitted from the generosity of those who do. One of the most unique gifts so far was purple okra, something from the past that I did not even know existed. But this farmer kept some of those heirloom seeds from each year's harvest and carefully planted and cared for them. They grew into plants with an abundant harvest they shared with me and others. And, by the way, they were yummy!!!!

Jesus uses this image of seeds and harvest for the kingdom. Unless Jesus leaves the disciples, the ministry, or the kingdom, will not grow. Now today, we are a part of the harvest from Jesus’ death and resurrection. Also, we are the heirloom “seeds” that share his word with others. Like the young one I was blessed to share bedtime prayers with this evening, who also plants seeds. 

Abundant God, may your harvest through Jesus show us ways to also be seeds in your hungry world. Amen. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2631

March 15, 2021

This I saw on FaceBook should say it all for Monday’s smile:

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2630

March 14, 2021

It was a tough day to have Confirmation Class, especially on Zoom. The weather is beautiful again and the youth were distracted and unengaged. 

But the topic of the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion are important, and two of my favorites to “teach.” Hopefully something got through. And thank you to my colleague in teaching who stuck it out with me!

Come Holy Spirit and remind these youth that you love them and give to everyone these Sacraments as reminders and ways you fill us all with your love. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2629

March 13, 2021

On this Satisfied Saturday, I give thanks for the sounds of children at play. Today is a beautiful day, and the children are out on their bicycles, playing games, running and just enjoying being together. We are grateful to live in a neighbor with lots of children, and today is a good example of how laughter and play are wonderful sounds that remind me spring and summer are on the way. Yay!!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2628

March 12, 2021

What would we do without colleagues in this journey of ministry? I often wonder how I would work through some of the tough times without having others to bounce ideas off of, to plan with, or to even laugh and cry with. Yes, there are many who would walk through those times with me, but when someone understands because they go through similar things, it makes all the difference. So for the times I am the one seeking help and support, I thank those who are there for me. And when I can repay the favor, like today, I am honored. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2627

March 11, 2021

As hubby and I celebrate 32 years of marriage today, we thought through some of our favorite times and also some of our most difficult. Realizing that a lot of life happens in 32 years, the list is long on both sides. But in the end, I am simply grateful for our time together. So today I say, once again, thank you for putting up with me, for loving me, and for the long-haul of time. I look forward to what is to come. Happy Anniversary with love!!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2626

March 10, 2021

The word for the day - reminder. That the Ministry of Presence is important. Sometimes it is simply being there that makes all the difference. So when the person says, I was hoping that you would come, we can give thanks that God reminds us to go - visit the sick, the imprisoned, the forgotten. And when we do, we also visit Jesus. (See Matthew 25:31-46)

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2625

March 9, 2021 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture for this week comes from Numbers 21:9: So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live. (NRSV)

Out of context this is a strange verse. Well, it is not so much less strange when it is in context, either. The Israelites have been freed by God from Egypt and are wandering in the wilderness. However, as we humans are wont to do, they have begun to complain. There is no food (at least not like in Egypt). There is no water. There is no “home.” We had it good in Egypt, so why have you brought us out here to die, they ask God. 

Uncharacteristically, from what we know as a gracious and loving God, God sends punishment for their complaining - poisonous serpents. People are bit and die and they beg Moses to intercede with God on their behalf. 

But God does not take the serpents away. Instead, God provides a way for the people to live among the serpents - look at the bronze serpent on the pole and live, verse 9 tells us. What is God doing? Why not just eliminate the problem? 

We cry out the same today. Take away this pandemic, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, anger, hatred, racial injustice, hunger, poverty, and the list goes on and on. Are we being punished for complaining, falling away, not believing? That is difficult to swallow. Maybe we should focus instead on the response of God who provides the way for us to live among the things that harm us. In Jesus, the way, the truth and the life, came grace, mercy, and love to save us, to show us God embodied, to adopt us, to one day bring us to himself in death and thereby to God. 

Perhaps the hardest part of faith is trusting that God does the work - that is grace - and is the light in the midst of the darkness of all those things that try to pull us away...however they may come.  

Grant us faith, oh Lord, and show us the way. Amen.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2624

March 8, 2021

After hearing the giving of the Ten Commandments yesterday in worship, and remembering that we are told the Israelites wandered with Moses in the wilderness for forty years, this made me smile. Hopefully it will you, also. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2623

March 7, 2021 

The word for the day - grateful! For another in-person worship, folks who willingly respect protocols, and technology that worked as it should. It is good to be together and receive the Word in song, prayer, scripture and meal, and to be able to share it online with those who are unable to be there in-person. Thanks be to God!!! 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2622

March 6, 2021

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for the beauty of God’s creation. The mountains are gorgeous (as you saw yesterday). The river we live near is a joy and beauty to cross each day. The wildlife we often see makes us smile. The sky is big, the views incredible and we enjoy something in God’s creation every day. 

Now, we know we do not live in the only place where God’s creation shines. There is beauty everywhere. God is definitely good and what God made is also good! 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2621

March 5, 2021 

Another springlike day (and a day off) turned an errand into a nice ride in the country. 

We certainly live in a beautiful place. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2620

March 4, 2021 

What can be finer than a springlike day in the midst of winter?! Certainly, there is plenty of time for more cold and snow, but today is about enjoying a break in the weather. That, and an enjoyable lunch with someone. All in all, a really good day!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2619

March 3, 2021 

Wednesday is becoming a tad more “normal” and I am thankful. We had Bible Study for the first time today in many months, and it was very good to be back!! Nothing can be more about the intersection of life and faith than studying God's word with others. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2618

March 2, 2021

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from John 2:14-16: ¹⁴In the temple [Jesus] found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. ¹⁵Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. ¹⁶He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” (NRSV)

While I generally focus on one verse of scripture for Tuesday’s Thoughts, it only seemed to make sense this week to include these three verses. After all, it is about the only time we hear of Jesus having such a visceral reaction to what is happening in the temple. He gets angry. Rightfully so. The temple had turned into something it was not intended to be - a place of transaction that took advantage of others. How? Those coming to make a temple offering were charged a fee to change the money they had brought with them into coins that were “acceptable” temple offerings, not to mention a place to purchase a dove, sheep or cattle for a sacrifice. 

Whenever I hear this, I am reminded of an insurance office I worked in many years ago. Folks would bring their insurance payments into the office in cash and I was instructed to sell them a money order, explaining that the company “would not accept cash.” I never thought it was fair to charge people another few dollars as penalty for bringing cash. Jesus did not think the temple’s actions were fair either. He minced no words in saying so - and made no friends, either. 

In the Gospel of John, this comes early in Jesus’ public ministry. In other gospels, it is closer to his crucifixion. No matter when it happened, it played a part in what would eventually happen to Jesus. Taking a stream of income away from the temple authorities was not welcomed. However, for those being taken advantage of, it was wonderful news. 

Which made me say WOW when I saw this on FaceBook. Certainly makes one think, doesn’t it!?

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2617

March 1, 2021

The smile for this week speaks to how my life seems to be at times - whoops!

No matter how hard I try, sometimes the obvious just gets missed. Maybe you also see yourself in this, but hopefully you can still smile. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2616

February 28, 2021

The word for the day - grateful! For resuming in-person worship. For folks who are willing, and willingly, follow protocols. For the community known as the church. And for the patience of folks as we continue to navigate through this pandemic. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2615

February 27, 2021 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for those who serve as funeral directors. As a pastor, I have met many different people whose vocation is working in funeral homes. I have found a few common traits - compassion, professionalism, humor, and a sincere desire to help people during a most difficult time. They can be a true gift for pastors, and I hope pastors are a gift for them. It is an important partnership. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2614

February 26, 2021

The intersection of faith and life is always evident, from my experience, in the midst of those who are grieving. God comes close to families and friends who have recently faced the death of a loved one. The community surrounds them, prayers abound, people share stories and memories, and healing is taking place. 

Yes, God is present in these times and once again I was honored to be a witness as I accompany folks in this process known as grief. Thank you, God, for always being present and teaching me something new every time.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2613

February 25, 2021

Out of the generosity of folks of the congregation, several things took place today. It was an exciting day - a new copier, heating system repairs, checks sent for ministries in the community. How good God is and how generous are God’s people. Thanks be to God.  

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2612

February 24, 2021

This prayer caught my attention. It is asking God to help me be open to who God is and was quoted in the devotion God Pause. The author took it from “Meditations of the Heart” by Howard Thurman:

Open unto me—light for my darkness.

Open unto me—courage for my fear.

Open unto me—hope for my despair.

Open unto me—peace for my turmoil.

Open unto me—joy for my sorrow.

Open unto me—strength for my weakness.

Open unto me—wisdom for my confusion.

Open unto me—forgiveness for my sins.

Open unto me—tenderness for my toughness.

Open unto me—love for my hates.

Open unto me—Thy Self for my self.

Lord, Lord, open unto me!

Blessings. And prayers.