September 23, 2021
Following another great Intern Supervisory meeting, we went fishing with friends. Well, hubby and friends went fishing. He is helping teach the next generation an art he loves.
Me….I sometimes just enjoy taking pictures and reading a book. On an evening like this, fishing or picture taking, both are a win!
Wow, God! Your creation is amazing! (Yes, I think I have said that before, but I probably will again. 😉)
Blessings. And prayers.
September 22, 2021
The quick camping trip was certainly worth it. The elk did not disappoint. These were taken from the truck - they came really close.
Amazing!!! God’s creatures are amazing!!!
Blessings. And prayers.
PS The above was NOT the biggest bull we saw, but that one was too far away to get a good picture. No matter! Again, God's creatures are definitely amazing!!
September 21, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture is from Mark chapter 9, verse 40: Whoever is not against us is for us. (NRSV)
Jesus is talking with his disciples. One of them has told Jesus they stopped someone who was not with them from casting out demons. Jesus told him to leave the man alone because, “whoever is not against us is for us.”
This reminded me of growing up in a neighborhood with lots of kids. We would play in the court/street, because, of course, it was not a through street. We kids knew which driveways we could ride our bikes on, use for bases in kickball or softball, and the yards we could hide in for a huge game of hide and seek. But we also knew which yard and driveway was off limits. We could not even touch the grass and it was as if there was an invisible fence all around it. That family was not for us kids having fun, but we made the correct assumption that everyone else was. It was just the way it was.
Perhaps the disciples were concerned the man was casting out the demons incorrectly or that he would make a mistake, somehow damaging Jesus’ reputation. Whatever the reason, it was excluding this man from God’s kingdom, just as our neighbor excluded us from his yard. But Jesus is clear - his kingdom is inclusive. Leave him alone, Jesus says, because there are more people than just the disciples who are part of God’s kingdom. And that is very good news - all are welcome!
Blessings. And prayers.
September 20, 2021
Oh….this is so for me….
Blessings. And prayers.
September 19, 2021
And….First Holy Communion Class is back in session. Two young girls are learning more about what it means to receive "the body of Christ, given for you and the blood of Christ, shed for you." I LOVE talking about the eucharist and helping young ones understand. Mostly that is because I always learn something myself about how much God loves us.
And then we are off for another couple of nights of camping to see the elk. Can’t wait! Hold on, pictures to come. Hopefully!
Blessings. And prayers.
September 18, 2021
On this Satisfied Saturday, I am thankful for the first opportunity our Great-niece has to be a cheerleader. What a good thing it is that she - and others - can join such a group, be a part of a community, and have fun.
And she looks cute, too! But then, I suppose I am a bit biased.
September 17, 2021
The word for the day - grateful. As I finally sat down to write some thank you notes, I am thankful for how generous people are and how special they made me feel for my birthday (since I do not usually send a note for a card sent to me, please know each one was also deeply appreciated). You all are wonderful!
Blessings. And prayers.
September 16, 2021
Today I am grateful for folks who are willing to talk out a disagreement. It is not always easy to sit and listen to another’s opinion or feelings, but when people are willing to do so, reconciliation can happen. Well, at least misunderstanding can be heard and explained. It is the way God would want us to handle disagreements, don’t you think?!
Blessings. And prayers.
September 15, 2021
This Wednesday was another great one. Two lively study times, a first Intern supervisory meeting, the roof nearing completion, and folks visiting who were married in the congregation 53 years ago. Wow! They reminded me that some things had changed, but some had not. It was fun to have them reminisce and share their connection to this community.
All in all, another wonderful Wednesday!
Blessings. And prayers.
September 14, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture this week comes from James 4:1: Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? (NRSV)
James is an interesting book in the Bible. The focus seems to be on works, or at least that our lives should reflect who we follow or whose we are (God’s). It contains many reminders that what we do does matter.
The above verse is a good example. Where do our arguments and fights come from (and there seem to be many at this time in our world)? James says our human cravings are at war within us. We desire something we do not have and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it, even commit murder. Wow! That is severe.
Yet, do we not know of examples in our world? Or maybe even in our own lives. Jealousy, for example, can lead to a break in a family. Perhaps murder is not committed, but relationships are certainly killed.
My own father had many cousins, some who even lived near his parents, that we never visited or were in contact with. It was explained to me a split happened in the family years before, in his father's era, over inheritance. I did not understand then, and really do not today, that there were whole parts of our family we were not in relationship with over what someone thought they should have received.
Maybe realizing what caused an argument, thanks to our reminder from James, could help bring it to an end. Well, at least keep it from escalating and lasting for generations. Maybe!
Blessings. And prayers.
September 13, 2021
Here is a smile for the week:
September 12, 2021
Confirmation Class is back. Woohoo! We began today and I look forward to another year of learning with these youth, and teaching with a wonderful colleague.
Later, hubby did some fishing. What an amazing rainbow came over the river after a brief shower. WOW! Oh, and he caught a couple of fish. A happy man!
September 11, 2021 - The Daily Intersection - Day #2811
On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful to remember. Twenty years ago today, the world seemed to turn upside down. There was fear, anger, death, destruction, and more. Yet, there were also those who ran to help - hundreds ran into burning buildings to try and save others, a handful changed the course of a plane at their own deaths, and thousands gave monetary donations, said prayers, gave blood, or searched for survivors. There were countless others, too. Those are who I choose to remember - the helpers and hope givers.
As we remember 9/11/01, may we also remember who is helping today. And who is faithful today - God, who did not leave us twenty years ago, has not left us today, and will never leave us. Thanks be to God!
Blessings. And prayers.
Oh, I saw this picture on FaceBook made of the faces of those who died that day. I wanted to share it with you. It is quite moving.
September 10, 2021
The change of the seasons is coming and there will be less time in the near future to take a ride in the country. So we took one today, along with a short walk. I certainly love this man and his dog. 💕
Blessings. And prayers.
September 9, 2021
Well, the word for the day - frustration! Just as the roof was making amazing progress, there was a hiccup (which is a nice word). It seems there is a city ordinance that does not allow those firring strips you saw in the roof picture yesterday. Therefore, all that work had to be taken down and restarted. As the contractor said, it was an expensive mistake for them.
I will also say this, the guys took the news really well. They jumped right in and worked hard to get the roofing undone, ready to be redone. The way they handled the frustration was inspiring.
So, how do you handle frustrating news? I know I do not always handle it very well. Maybe next time I will remember the roofers and simply dig in to fix what I can - with a good attitude.
Blessings. And prayers.
September 8, 2021
It is day three of the roof replacement on the sanctuary. Woohoo!!! The progress is coming along nicely!
I will say this, I really admire those guys crawling around on that steep roof. Prayers for their safety!
Blessings. And prayers.
September 7, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from James 3:1-2: Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. (NRSV)
Now, to be clear, the book of James contains some tough teaching, but this might be some of the toughest. Not many should become teachers - boy, I get that. Sometimes I am taken aback at what young ones remember that I say/teach. Whew! It is a BIG responsibility. And, as James says, all of us make many mistakes.
This brings to mind an encounter with a young one many years ago. He was a handful and on one particularly difficult day, I told him he was mean. As soon as I saw his face fall, I knew I had made a severe mistake. Oh, it took me a while to admit, but I did eventually tell him that I was sorry and that he was not mean, but had a hard time keeping his precociousness in check. He liked to pick on those younger than him, certainly, but he was not mean. I realized then, working with young ones was a big responsibility.
I also realize it is not just young ones in age. Those “young in the faith” look to others to teach them. We have the responsibility to be careful in how we teach - giving encouragement, being gentle in correction, etc. Oh, did I say this is a big responsibility?!?!
Blessings. And prayers.
September 6, 2021
Hubby took me on a “field trip” - to the Montana Grizzly Encounter in Bozeman. I had learned about this place on FaceBook and was anxious to see the bears up close. So the smile for this week is Max, who decided to sit upon a log facing away from the crowd
September 5, 2021
Today we finished the summer series on the Old Testament. Micah 6:8 was our ending: …what does God require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? (NRSV)
The people sought to restore their relationship with God and asked what they needed to do - make sacrifices, prepare burnt offerings, etc. The prophet reminds them, God does not want their sacrifices, God desires their love. Not only love of God, but love of neighbor, which is lived out in doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with God. When I wonder, then, what walking humbly with God looks like, I see it as trusting God and living into God’s covenant with humans as creator and Lord.
This is a tall order, one not able to be accomplished by humans on their own. We need God to help us walk humbly with God. Is trusting God to do that with and for us part of walking humbly with God?
This seemed to be a fitting end to our series. After all, over and over God is faithful, even when we are not. And, as it is in many things of faith, there are more questions than concrete answers. Walking humbly with God...hmmm?!
Blessings. And prayers.
September 4, 2021
On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for those who have vision and the courage to share it. I envy those who can look at a piece of wood, for example, and envision what might be carved from it. Or a blank canvas and what sort of painting might be placed upon it. Or who can look into the future and “see” the possibilities of a ministry or program. These folks have a gift and when they share it, we are all the better for it.
Blessings. And prayers.
September 3, 2021
It was obvious the person was having a difficult time. They needed someone to listen. There was nothing I could do to fix the situation, but I had the time to be available in allowing the person to talk. And talk they did.
I did eventually ask what seemed to be one important question for them - what are you doing to take care of yourself in the midst of this? They stopped, looked at me, sort of smiled and said, I’m fine. There must have been something in my face that told them, that’s not an honest answer, because they teared up and said - that is the most compassionate question anyone has asked me. I smiled and said, well, I AM in the compassion business. Then, aren’t we all!?
Blessings. And prayers.
September 2, 2021
The word for the day - thankful! For beginning to celebrate another birthday (thank you for lunch!), for the excitement of planning a wedding ceremony, and for seeing our Godson’s picture on his back to school night.
Oh, you are growing up so fast! Prayers for a wonderful year!
Blessings. And prayers.
September 1, 2021
Wednesday is back!! Getting back to Bible Study (plural) after a month off due to cataract surgeries and vacation warms my heart. I certainly missed being with everyone and studying God’s word!
Blessings. And prayers.
August 31, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from James 2:1-4: My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? (NRSV)
I do not know about you, but these are tough words to read. Yet, they hit the nail on the head. We humans often make judgements based on looks - what a person wears, their physical appeal, etc. However, the old saying, “you cannot judge a book by its cover” applies. We simply cannot know a person’s heart the way God does. And all God’s children are loved equally by God (which can also be tough words to read).
This reminds me of an account I heard about the first Sunday of a new pastor’s call. He was not in the sanctuary as people gathered, but a man entered who was disheveled, smelly, and unshaven. He slowly made his way to the front of the sanctuary and sat in the front pew. There were a few awkward moments as folks looked at one another and wondered what to do. Finally, one of the ushers came forward and sat down next to the man, welcoming him and trying to quell the whispers. The man looked at the usher, smiled, then took off his hat and coat, stood up, and faced the congregation. Turns out it was the new pastor. What a way to begin in a truly welcoming congregation!
Blessings. And prayers.
August 30, 2021
Today's smile for the week reminds me of how perspective really does make a difference.
August 29, 2021
I just LOVE a baptism. This time our newly adopted into God’s family slept most of the rest of the service and into the taking of pictures. Being welcomed is exhausting, isn't it Rowdy?! 😊
Blessings. And prayers.
August 28, 2021
On this Satisfied Saturday, I am reminded of the appreciation I have for the folks who serve in the military. It has been an especially difficult time lately for those who have served in the last twenty years as the War on Terror in Afghanistan comes to an end - another war ending without a victory. There is much fear and danger there and fervent prayers are being said, along with much lament and frustration.
So today, as I witnessed another military honors ceremony being conducted at a gravesite, I was reminded of this prayer from the ELW Worship Book:
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils that surround them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Amen and amen. Thank you hardly seems enough, you good and faithful servants!
Blessings. And prayers.
August 27, 2021
All good things must come to an end, it is said. Vacation is included. We packed up and headed home today. Until the next time, so long Yellowstone! You are truly an epitome of God’s beauty and diversity in creation.
Blessings. And prayers.
August 26, 2021
On National Dog Day, we have to give a shoutout to Boomer.
Well, maybe he’s giving a shy-looking shoutout to all of you! Either way, it's your day, Boomer. Enjoy!
Blessings. And prayers.
August 25, 2021
Taking an end of the year camping trip, we chose to go to Yellowstone. It has been a while and we always enjoy visiting. We are amazed at how different the park is each time we come.
Yesterday, while we were on the hillside near the Mudpots, I looked across the landscape and was taken aback to see a cross in the middle of seemingly nowhere. I quickly realized it was just a power pole, but I was reminded that God really is everywhere, which is very comforting.
Today, we took a drive to find the place we stayed two weeks back in 2008. This was like our home away from home and we enjoyed our time here immensely. On that trip, we blogged under “Traveling with Hitch.” The post for saying goodbye to this place may be found here: Traveling with Hitch - July 7, 2008
Here is the same spot today.
Needless to say, some things do not change much (except for the smoke in the air this time!) Neither had the food - we enjoyed an excellent lunch as we dined on the porch overlooking the lake, reminiscing about the room we had then, the hospitality, the beauty of the spot, and how quickly time has passed. All in all, it was a very nice relived memory!
Blessings. And prayers.
