Thursday, July 29, 2021

Day #2764

July 26, 2021 

This made me smile. Perhaps it will bring one to you this week, also.



Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2763

July 25, 2021

The word for the day is thankful - for more folks gathering to worship, including visitors and family who come “home” for a visit. It is wonderful to be in community and I give thanks for the weekly opportunity. 


I also am thankful for the wonderful conversations we have at our early service. Folks are willing to ask questions and dig deeper into God’s Word, and I so enjoy that aspect of worship. What a gift this summer early worship time continues to be!


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2762

July 24, 2021

On this Satisfied Saturday, I give thanks for the pets in our lives. Yes, I am feeling this especially on the Fourth Anniversary of Boomer’s Homecoming, but those four-legged “children” certainly can add something to our lives - love, activity, humor, and even frustration. 😉 Thank you, God, for knowing that we can benefit and grow from all sorts of relationships in our lives, even with our furry ones. 



So from Boomer to all of you - Blessings. And prayers. 

Friday, July 23, 2021

Day #2761

July 23, 2021 

Retired Pastor Steve Molin shared this in today’s entry of the devotion, God Pause, reflecting on John 6:1-21. It seems appropriate and a good thing to remember:

Storms come in a variety of ways for us, not just on choppy seas. A sudden illness; the loss of a job, or a marriage; the death of a loved one. We cry, “Lord, help us!” not always sure if our prayer is answered by God. For such times, songwriter Scott Krippayne writes a hopeful song with this refrain,

Sometimes He holds us close

And lets the wind and waves go wild

Sometimes He calms the storm

And other times He calms His child.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2760

July 22, 2021 

The Gideons usually make an annual trip to each congregation to pray with the pastor and for the ministry. For obvious reasons, they had to miss last year, but they visited today. I will admit, it is special as a pastor to be remembered in prayer. And I am thankful the congregation will be included in their weekly meeting on Saturday. What did I ask them to include? That we would be open to God’s leading and guiding. 


Thank you for the prayers and your dedication to your ministry!


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2759

July 21, 2021 


When Firehouse first opened in our town, they immediately caught our attention - there was a Carolina Dog on the menu. Certainly, they are not the only place to get a hot dog here, but there are more reasons to go there than just the food. The owners are super nice, and we were excited to learn she was raised in NC - hence, the Carolina Dog. 



All that said, we happened to go there today for a meal and were surprised to find out it is National Hot Dog day. Well, there you go. As always, the trip did not disappoint.


Blessings. And prayers.

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Day #2758

July 20, 2021

Today's Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Ephesians 3:18-19: I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (NRSV)


To know and understand the breadth, length, height and depth of God? Could that simply be too much to ask. Besides, if we knew all that, what would be left of the mystery of God? 


But to know the love of Christ, now that is awesome, but not always easy. In a recent conversation with someone, I said well, no matter what, I believe this is God’s world and that God loves us. I am not certain of that, they responded. I wonder if God really does love us, as hateful as we are to one another. 


I was saddened by that response. I believe God does love us. God may not like all the things we do. God may be sad at the way we treat one another. God may even be angry, but I do not think God stops loving us. For any reason. 


Maybe the world would be improved if we all could really know - and believe - God loves us no matter what! Wouldn't our response to one another be different? I think so.


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2757

July 19, 2021

A smile for the week, that can also give us something to think about:


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2756

July 18, 2021 


Woohoo!!! It’s National Ice Cream Day. What better treat can there be on a hot day?!?!


Thank you President Ronald Regan for designating such a fun day!


Question: what is your favorite flavor? 


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2755

July 17, 2021

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for artists. Those who are able to transform something they see with their eyes into a work of art that others can enjoy amaze me. Those who paint, sculpt, work with fabric or yarn, etc., using their talents and gifts to beautify the world, are truly a gift. Thank you, God, for sending beauty through the hands and minds of so many. 


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2754

July 16, 2021 

Lots of prayers are being said by many people for some relief from a fire season that has begun too early and is already too much. Acres of land on fire, dry conditions, smoke, trouble breathing, etc. like this does not usually come until later in the summer, yet here we are. 


Lord, have mercy! Please send refreshing rain where it is needed, protect those who are in harm's way, and give everyone the desire to protect the environment by handling necessary fire safely. Amen. 


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2753

July 15, 2021 

The word for the day - thankful - for lots of conversation, some play and much laughter. There was even some work accomplished in the midst of it all. All in all, a wonderful day with parishioners, friends, colleagues and more!


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2752

July 14, 2021

In Richard Rohr’s devotion today, he shared something from Beatrice Bruteau (1930-2014), who he called one of the great contemplative teachers of the 20th and 21st centuries. The metaphor he shared is about how we can keep our concentration when Jesus says: love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole mind, your whole soul, and your whole strength. Finding this hard - nearly impossible - to accomplish, this explanation was helpful for me. Rohr shares this from Bruteau:

You just do what you’re actually doing in the moment, without thinking/feeling about the fact that you’re doing it. When you set your hand to the plow, you just concentrate on plowing and go straight ahead without looking back to see what you plowed or how well you plowed (Luke 9:62).


You put your whole mind onto plowing, the activity, in the moment in which you are actually doing it. You don’t allow the mind to divide into two, half on plowing and half on plowed. . . . And in fact, if you can put your whole mind on the activity, not dividing some part to look back and see what you have plowed, you will cut a beautiful furrow.


You put your whole will into plowing. You do not divide your will in two by partly consenting to plow, and partly resenting and resisting it and wishing you were doing something else. You “give yourself to” this activity totally, as you do it. The act of plowing and the act of willing to plow become the same thing.


Similarly, you do not allow your imagination to conjure up some other scene for you to enjoy in daydreaming while you plod behind your plow. The imagination must . . . “be here now.” This is where you actually are, this is reality. Don’t create a fantasy. . . . Know who you are and where you are and what you are doing and really be there.


Finally, put all your feelings into this plowing because this is where your life is at this moment. You have no other life here and now except this plowing. Therefore feel this plowing thoroughly, feel it in every way you can. Feel it through your body with all your senses, with your emotions. . . . Become plowing. This is you at this moment. This is where you really are and what you are really doing.


That’s how you center yourself, how you concentrate.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2751

July 13, 2021


Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Psalm 19:10: More to be desired are [God’s commandments] than gold, more than much fine gold, sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. (ELW)


MANY years ago, long before I was baptized or a part of a church community, I remember having a conversation with someone about the commandments. They were trying to help me understand that I could not keep the commandments on my own and needed God’s grace. But I haven’t broken these commandments, I argued. For example, I certainly haven’t killed anyone. At that point, I had no idea of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism or his expanded explanation of what “kill” can actually include (like killing someone’s spirit). 


Then I remember arguing that these commandments were pretty restrictive anyway. I meant that God’s laws were all about keeping us from having any fun. At least that was my perspective. 


I wonder what my teen self would have thought about this verse from Psalm 19. More desired than gold are God’s commandments?!?! Well, when my focus is on caring for the other and the other’s focus is on caring for me, that IS sweeter by far than honey!


Blessings. And prayers. 

Friday, July 16, 2021

Day #2750

July 12, 2021

The smile for this week - Simon having fun on the trampoline. 


Joy!!!


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2749

July 11, 2021

In the midst of the Summer Series on Old Testament stories, today was Moses, the Pharaoh, the plagues and the institution of Passover. It is good to recall the history of God and God’s people. I hope others are enjoying the series - I certainly am. 


Blessings. And prayers.


PS It is even good to find a little humor - forgetting all the plagues in the middle of the story could have been embarrassing, but folks chuckling made it ok. 😊

Day #2748

July 10, 2021 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for those who fight fires. We are having an early fire season due to dry conditions and exceptionally high temperatures and the fires are starting. Sadly! So thank you to all of you who put your lives on the line to protect land, animals, homes, etc. You are real heroes!


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2747

July 9, 2021 

This last day of some more vacation time was spent mostly doing errands. When I saw someone I knew, they said, “Don’t you know taking vacation means you get out of town?” Well, maybe so, but seeing them led to some holy conversation. So there you go - vacation can mean many and varied things. Either way, it’s been another good few days and I am grateful!


Blessings. And prayers.

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Day #2746

July 8, 2021 

The word for the day - thankful. For another good day together enjoying this place we call home. There truly is much to love and enjoy here!


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2745

July 7, 2021

Vacation time took us today for a scheduled ride on the Gates of the Mountains boat tour. These two photos show some of the beauty in the canyon, and our smiles for having the opportunity.




From there we went to the Marysville House Restaurant for dinner. That was an experience - eating in a “real” Ghost Town (photo courtesy of their website). 



Finally we enjoyed an overnight stay nearby. What fun to enjoy some of the local sights. 


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2744

July 6, 2021 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Ephesians 1:9: [God] has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ. (NRSV)


When I was in seminary, one of the most challenging early assignments I remember was writing about God’s mystery. The professor asked for a definition of what is meant by God’s mystery and had very definite points he wanted included. Many of us had to redo the answer several times (fortunately he let us rewrite), and the pressure of getting it "right" still sticks with me today.  


Therefore, when I read verse 9 above, I was taken back to that assignment. What I wrote then as the conclusion to the answer was this: The heart of the story is what Jesus did for us by dying, and rising – sacrificing for our salvation. This mystery is to be celebrated and proclaimed each time we gather for Worship.


My answer finally passed. That does not mean, however, that I understand my answer, never mind God’s will or mystery. That Jesus was a part of God’s plan from the beginning is hard to understand. That Jesus’ life, death and resurrection was for us, and only for us, is hard to understand. That God loves us that much, through grace, is hard to understand. 


But then, maybe understanding is not important. Asking for help to accept God’s mystery, to have faith, maybe that is the essence. Help us, O God. Amen. 


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2743

July 5, 2021 

The smile for this week is something someone said when I mentioned I would be out of the office - I thought you were on vacation last week. Actually, it was two weeks ago and they come fast and furious in the summer, I responded with a smile. 


Yes, I am planning to have a few days off this week, and taking vacation close together does create some difficulties. Trying to stay caught up is a challenge. Also, I will miss something this week in the life of one of the parishioners, which I heard about after plans and reservations were already made. Suffice it to say, it is always difficult trying to juggle ministry and family time. 


So the smile comes because someone made the comment, but it also comes because I’ll have time again with hubby this week. ðŸ˜ƒ


Blessings. And prayers.

Friday, July 9, 2021

Day #2742

July 4, 2021 

I must admit it was odd to celebrate the 4th of July on a Sunday. For example, it was disappointing that the city where we live held their parade at 11:00 am, really close to the “church hour.” However, it was good to celebrate another year for our country. 


This picture from FaceBook that was posted by Raleigh Meade shows off some of the best of the local festivities. Nice! Happy Birthday, America!


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2741

July 3, 2021 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am thankful for the edible treat known as ice cream. This may seem an odd thing to be thankful for, but how refreshing a dish or cone of ice cream can be on a hot summer day! And when the treat can be enjoyed with a friend, or a few friends, that makes it even better. 


So whether it is homemade or store-bought, plain vanilla or a creative concoction, a cone, dish, sundae, shake or bar, ice cream makes me smile. Hope you can enjoy a frozen treat today, and give thanks for that ingenious person who invented such a delightful food.


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2740

July 2, 2021 

During the year or so of “shut down,” many things were put on hold. Perhaps the most difficult were the funeral/memorial services for loved ones who passed away. Not having a way to gather and say good-bye can make grieving difficult to accept or process. So even after six months, it was good for a family to gather today to remember their loved one, to hear the important reminder that God has received them for eternity, and that God is also with the living in their continuing grief. 


I pray that whatever or whoever you may be grieving for you find a way to have a ritual of saying goodbye for it/them. If I can help with that, please let me know. It is important. It is Godly. It is about how the community can help us in all experiences of life. 


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2739

July 1, 2021 

Today’s “Daily Grace” blog of the Women of the ELCA spoke to me. It was a reminder to take time every day to remember who God says we are. Oh, the world can tell us such lies - we are not rich enough, attractive enough, smart enough, have enough friends or dozens of other "not enough" ideas. These messages can bring us down, make us sad, even despondent. The author (Kari van Wakeren) reminded us that these are not God’s messages. God’s message is that we are loved, we are enough, we are valued and special. 


Therefore, I invite you to take this moment - right now - to remember that God believes in you. You are enough. God loves you. 


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2738

June 30, 2021

A “holy conversation” at men’s Bible Study reminded me how the scriptures still speak to our current lives. I never expected an ancient story about the sibling rivalry between Joseph and his brothers would lead to a very real discussion about how the same can apply today. Yes, brothers and sisters can still be jealous of the love they perceive their parents give more freely to the “other.” We humans really have not changed a tremendous amount (at least our core feelings), have we?!


Thank you, fellas, for your honest and deep sharing. May God bless all our families. Always.  


Blessings. And prayers.

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Day #2737

June 29, 2021 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Psalm 123:3a: Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy, for we have had more than enough of contempt. (ELW)


This line in Psalm 123 speaks to me this week: Have mercy upon us, O Lord. We humans tend to rush after so much that is without true substance - money, power, health, prestige, stuff - without even stopping to think that none of it has ultimate saving power. Oh, we think if we have enough money, or good enough health, we can take care of ourselves. Yet, we are vulnerable to many things that are out of our control and that money cannot buy or fix. 


Right now, there are many crying out for God’s mercy because they are in need of rain. Drought in many areas of the world is beyond troubling. Yet, we humans cannot buy rain. We humans cannot make rain happen. That is beyond our control. Therefore, we turn to the One who does have dominion over the sky. And we can trust that God will not forsake us.


When things in life seem too overwhelming, we can remember that God hears our prayers. And God is merciful. God does love God’s creation - ALL of it. 


Almighty God, you know the places that are hurting and living in fear due to the lack of water. Send your life-giving sustenance and show your ways of mercy. Amen. 


Blessings. And prayers.

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Day #2736

June 28, 2021

The smile for this week is brought to you courtesy of our Godson and his mom.



I happen to think their smiles are absolutely contagious! 😊


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2735

June 27, 2021 

While I am back in the saddle, as they say, our Godson (and family) is having one more day of fun and sun. I think little brother’s thumbs up says it all!


So happy to see them taking some family vacation time! As I said, it can be soooo important!


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2734

June 26, 2021 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for rest. It would be my desire that everyone had the opportunity to get time to recharge and refresh. Even if you cannot get away from home, I pray you have sufficient moments of “down time.” It is, after all, God’s gift to us - Sabbath rest. 


Also, I could not resist sharing this picture of our Godson fishing. Don't you love the concentration!!

He and the family are getting some time away, also. Yay for them!!


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2733

June 25, 2021 

All good things must come to an end, “they” say. And today is the last full day of this vacation. Tomorrow we pack up and head home. It will be good to get back, but this break has been wonderful, I must admit. 


Thanks be to God for a congregation who understands the need for their pastor to get rest and refreshment!!


Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2732

June 24, 2021

The word for the day - lazy! But after all, this IS vacation. And for this trip, there has been lots of resting, relaxing, reading...and eating. 



What’s a quick (an hour one-way) drive to another town to find a Krispy Kreme?!?! Something done on vacation, that’s what! Yum!


Blessings. And prayers.