Day #3080

June 7, 2022 

It is Tuesday. Usually there would be Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture, but today is going to be different. Today is somewhat of a goodbye. After 3,080 blog posts on The Daily Intersection, it is time to move on, as they say. 

Hubby and I are beginning a new adventure - full-time RVing - and that deserves a new blog site. This one - RVDUO6082022.wordpress.com - is under construction at the time of this post, but please check back soon (I am learning how to navigate a new platform that should allow for comments on the site - thank you for your patience). 

Now, I do not plan to totally abandon this site. There will still be occasional updates about and for our Godson, and perhaps some Boomer pictures, but it will not be a daily endeavor.

I have loved every minute of these daily 3,080 posts. I have learned so much about seeing God in our lives and am thankful for those lessons. Also, I love you who have kept up with my ramblings, prodded me along, and cheered for me. Thank you for reading and I hope you’ll catch us on our new blog. 

For now: Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3079

June 6, 2022

Donned with a mask, distancing as much as possible, I headed into the office for my next to last day to try and get done in two days what needed five to accomplish. However, thanks to being out sick all last week, there may be some things that get left undone. I will try, however!

Yet, one important thing did begin - the replacement of the carpet in the sanctuary. This is the culmination of a project long in the making, I am so excited this is happening for the folks. And so proud of them for these finishing touches on the worship space that are long needed and desired.

Also, since it is Monday, the smile for the week is this blessing: 

Remember always, God loves you and so do I. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3078

June 5, 2022 

Overwhelmed! There is no other word for what I am feeling today. At how well our former Intern did with the service (you may view the worship service here: OSLCGreatFalls June 5, 2022) and then the response at the reception. WOW!! What generosity in gifts, creativity, beauty, and kindness you have shown. 

I am so grateful for these years together. You have touched my heart in so many ways and you go with me into the days and years ahead of retirement. Thank you for loving me, letting me love you, sending me on my way with grace and peace, and giving us so much! I am still heartbroken at not being with you today, but technology made it the best it could have been.

God loves you and so do I! Truly!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3077

June 4, 2022 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for Pharmacy Helpers who have patience, ideas, recommendations, and a smile in the midst of this craziness called COVID. What has the last two plus years been like for them, and for all the medical personnel? I cannot imagine. So a huge shoutout to you all! Thank you! We appreciate you! You rock!

On another note, there is a plan formulated for Sunday. With being the fifth day since a positive test, I simply cannot subject the folks to this illness, so I will stay home. How can I be there and not give hugs, talk to folks, be close in proximity? 

Needless to say, my heart is broken. It is not fair to the congregation - and frankly, I do not feel it is fair to me, but it is the way it must be. Yes, I am having a pity-party!

Yet, thankfully our former Intern is able to lead worship, read the sermon I prepared, be with the folks and hubby is past his quarantine time, so he can attend. Also, there will be a Zoom opportunity following worship at the reception so I can "be there." It is the best we can do under the circumstances. So, on this Satisfied Saturday, I am also grateful for technology and the folks who have creative minds to make things work! Thank you so much!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3076

June 3, 2022 

The word for the day - grateful. For help. For hope. For a little bit of energy. For a fever that has broken. 

But there is sadness. I still test positive. I still cough like a fiend. I still have so much to do. What will Sunday bring?!?!

I just cannot believe this!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3075

June 2, 2022 

Well….it is official, I have tested positive. I am sick. And it looks like I may have to miss Sunday. I keep hoping I will test negative before then, but who knows. What is Plan B!? There has to be something we can do!

The positive of all this, there are folks so willing to help. I am very grateful for their love and support. Will we manage to get everything done? With their help, and the prayers of so many, I think so. Somehow!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3074

June 1, 2022 

The word for the day - sick! I worried after hubby got sick (see Day #3070) and my fears seem to have been realized. I still am testing negative, but I sure do not feel well. All the classics - no energy (all I can seem to do is sleep), cough, headache, smell and taste lacking - everything except the fever. 

Maybe it’s just a cold. Fingers crossed! There is WAY TOO MUCH to do! It's my last week!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3073

May 31, 2022 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Acts 2:1-4: When the day of Pentecost had come, [the apostles] were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (NRSV) 

Pentecost Sunday is coming - the celebration of fifty days following Easter and the Resurrection. What strikes me in the reading about the event from the Book of Acts is that the apostles were all together in one place. They had not scattered. They had not lost hope. They had not given up. 

It occurs to me that fifty days can be a long time, a lot can happen and it might be easy to give up hope. What were the apostles doing during that time to help them? Were they gathering regularly and what did they do when they were together? Did they remember the stories of Jesus’ actions, miracles, teaching? Did they relive the events, sharing their feelings and hopes and fears? Did they wonder if each day would be the one when Jesus would return, or what would the coming of the Holy Spirit be like, or if it was all a dream and they would also eventually be arrested and murdered? 

And then it happens - the Holy Spirit rushes in. Do you suppose they were scared by this violent wind and tongues of fire? Did they marvel at God’s hand? Scripture tells us they were filled with the power of this Holy Spirit and given abilities they never expected. And they were changed. Forever! They went from fearful and timid to mighty and courageous and unable to keep silent. 

Wow! What does that say to us? That the power of God is stronger than any fear we might have? That the filling of the Holy Spirit can give us courage and faith? That God shows up as promised - always? 

Whatever the recounting of the Day of Pentecost says to you, I hope you do not take its power for granted. That same power is with us today - and forever. And it can change us and the world. It did then, it has since, and it will again! Thanks be to God. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3072

May 30, 2022

A blessed Memorial Day to everyone! And prayers for those who struggle with grief. God bless you all!

On a lighter side (and perhaps a bit disrespectful for today) the smile for the week is in honor of Friday being National Donut Day:

Apologies for offending anyone, but this made me chuckle and I hope it does you, also. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3071

May 29, 2022 

Oh what a grand day!! Affirmation of Baptism for two of our youth is always exciting - congratulations as you take this next step in your life of faith. 

And….first Holy Communion, also, for the brother of one of the Confirmands (when you live a ways away, you try to make a visit count -- and we did!).

It was also graduation day for our High School Seniors. Several of our folks walked the stage - congratulations and God’s blessings to you all!!

What a great day for all the youth! And for the congregation! I am so thankful!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3070

May 28, 2022 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I must admit I am struggling to be grateful. Suddenly all the plans for our last days before my retirement grind to a halt….hubby just tested positive for COVID. After years of trying to stay safe, this yuk has entered our lives. 

It started with a sneeze, chills, and the thought it was a sinus infection. Then the fatigue hit as we drove home. Now the question is, can I avoid it?! I have too much to accomplish in the next few days to be sick! What will I do if I get it, too?! I suppose we will have to take one day at a time.

For now, I AM satisfied, however, for the opportunity to have holy conversation about Affirmation of Baptism and First Holy Communion. What an exciting day tomorrow will be!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3069

May 27, 2022 

And so it begins….

In preparation for our upcoming adventures, we have had our RV parked nearby at a campground where we have stayed before. Nice area, beautiful views, and one of our favorite stretches of the river. Today we say goodbye to this campground as we move to the next. Here is just a bit of the view to wake up to each day:

Yet while we must admit we are sad to go, we are loaded and ready:

And this is some of the view going into what will be our new “home” for a while:

Not too bad of a change, huh?!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3068

May 26, 2022 

Forty days ago we celebrated Easter - Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Today we remember his Ascension - Jesus’ return to God and the One relationship. It is a day that is not often celebrated in worship because of it being on Thursday, but it is an important day. The reminder is important that the resurrected Christ did not die again, but was “taken up.” 

What does this mean for me and you? I believe it has to do with the One relationship piece, and the forever piece. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the One relationship who desires all creation to also be in and part of the One relationship. 

Now, how long does that last? Forever. Earlier this week we looked at when God began (see Day #3066) and now we give thanks the relationship also has no end. 

Happy Ascension Day! 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3067

May 25, 2022 

Warning - somewhat of a rant follows. 

When I said goodbye to the High School Youth this morning, including two seniors, I had no idea the day would take the turn it did. One of the local schools received a report of a possible threat and went into lockdown, ruining senior day and sending parents, friends and loved ones into fear mode. What is it with people?! Is there a love of creating chaos? Fortunately, all turned out fine, but this special day is one the seniors will never get back - or forget.

But then, there are so many things I do not understand about what people do. Mass shootings abound; hateful people are prevalent; folks do not listen to one another or try to understand each other; we humans tend to think we are entitled to getting everything our way (not everyone can be satisfied or lucky all the time). It is exhausting. It is maddening. And nothing seems to be uniting us together.

Well, there is one thing that unites - the family of God. All are welcome. All are “lucky” because all are loved and forgiven and accepted. Nothing can separate us from God. And so today, as I celebrate my 42nd Baptism Birthday, I am reminded - do not give up hope! Do not despair! Do not fear! I am a beloved Child of God, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and marked with the Cross of Christ…..FOREVER! Actually, all of God's family is! Thanks be to God!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3066

May 24, 2022 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Revelation 22:13: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (NRSV)

A question I have often been asked, especially by young folks, is: who made God? Or when did God begin? Or how did God begin? It is a fair question. All things have a beginning and an end - at least the things we are familiar with on earth. Also, we know how most things begin - a seed, etc. So, who did make God? 

Well, this verse from the book of Revelation gives us one answer - God always has been. Now, when I have given that answer to a young person, I usually have gotten a confused or skeptical look. What do you mean, pastor? What kind of answer is that? Perhaps God having always been carries just enough mystery to remind me that God is not human, or completely understandable by humans. And, honestly, I am okay with that. God is God and I am not. 

The really comforting part of this for me, however, is that if God is first and last and beginning and end and A to Z, then God is also everything in-between. And knows everything in-between - including me. Thanks be to God. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3065

May 23, 2022

Having a sometimes challenging accent, I am asked to repeat things often. Perhaps that is why this smile for the week caught my eye, and my funny bone:

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3064

May 22, 2022

Today we recognized High School Seniors in worship. Hard to imagine these youth were in elementary school when I arrived. I am very proud of the young folks and am excited for them and their future. 

Then later in the day we celebrated a time of staff appreciation with dinner and conversation. I will miss working with these wonderful folks - Sara, Amber, Ellen, Madeleine, Jenny, Mike, and Terry. You have been so great to work with and we made an awesome team, if I say so myself. Carry on, good and faithful servants. 

Blessings. And prayers.

PS Why did I not get any pictures?!

Day #3063

May 21, 2022 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for this perspective in a sanctuary - from the pew. It is a “view” I will be seeing more often in the days to come for worship.

Yet today was not a worship service, but a recital. One of our young folks invited me to come and I was proud to be there for her, and her teacher. 

So there is a second Satisfied Saturday today - for music teachers. Those who work to make certain that gifts and talents do not get lost. Thank you for your commitment and the love of music you pass on!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3062

May 20, 2022 

The word for the day - packing! Packing, and packing, and packing, and sorting, and packing, and then unpacking as we move things into the RV. 

Whew - I am exhausted and yet there is so much more to do! Will we make it?!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3061

May 19, 2022

Over the last forty-plus years, I wish I had kept track of the number of hours spent in council meetings. As a layperson, I served in several different council positions, including president for two terms. Of course, as a pastor, almost every month included a council meeting. Mostly, I have appreciated this time, enjoyed the “business” of the church, and been honored to participate in this way. 

This evening marked the last council meeting I may ever attend. As a retired pastor, it is not recommended to serve in this capacity, and I completely agree and understand. 

So today I thank each and every person I have ever served with as a member of council. You serve, or have served, an important role, and your commitment is commended. God bless and keep you!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3060

May 18, 2022

As the days move closer toward retirement, I am soaking up as many memories as possible. Today’s included holy conversations with the early morning groups, along with a wave from the High School Youth as they left the restaurant. Nothing like seeing them turn around, smile, and wave at you as they leave. Next came a memorable Bible Study, as most are, but knowing the last is coming soon makes them all that much sweeter. Lunch followed with a colleague with important conversation, then meeting with a member that was life-giving and affirming. This wonderful day ended with a delicious dinner with friends whose hospitality was par excellence.

The amount of love expressed these days is almost overwhelming. I am so thankful for my time here and the amazing people who are now such an important part of our lives. WOW!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3059

May 17, 2022

This week’s Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verse 27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (NRSV)

When you read the word “peace,” what comes to mind? Is it lack of worry about the future because you have enough money, health, family, etc.? Is it no war in the world or everyone having the ability to live a mercy-filled life? Is it everyone getting along - no more arguing or fighting? 

These are all ideas of peace, yet they really are the world’s ideas of peace, aren’t they? Which begs the question, what does Christ’s peace look like? What comes to my mind is being able to trust that God is who God says and Jesus is the personification of God. That trust brings a peace that frees me from concern to “save” myself, be good enough, do enough, etc. And no one has been able to give that to me except Jesus/God/The Holy Spirit. 

Thank you, God, for those moments you provide the grace and trust to not let my heart be troubled. What a gift!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3058

May 16, 2022 

In light of yesterday’s lessons, this seems an appropriate smile for the week: 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3057

May 15, 2022 

Another FULL Sunday - 

• Simon’s momma turned the big 4-0 today. Happy, Happy Birthday! I am grateful to have you in my life!!
• The reminder that love is a verb - loving is doing.
• Asking the children if you can tell someone loves you by looking at them - and getting a reminder that yes, you can, because they smile, say nice things, do things for you (hence that loving is doing). It made me think of the reminder to smile at children who catch your eye when you are out and about because it helps them see that there is good in the world.
• Finally, an afternoon of learning with this “take home:” FAIL is simply the First Attempt In Learning. In other words, there is not failure, just opportunities to learn. I like that. A lot!

Wow - what a day!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3056

May 14, 2022 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for memories. 

One of the tasks of getting organized and packing is going through things like pictures or albums. Just the last 33 years with my hubby have created pictures galore. What fun today to look again at some of those early years - we were so young, and so were our friends and family. 

Thank you, God, for giving us relationships that spark memories, and for the ability to capture them on film. What a gift!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3055

May 13, 2022 

The word for the day - organization!! 

It is time to move into second gear, get organized, and work on getting the packing done! Time is getting closer and closer. Yikes!!

Ok, procrastination - go away!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3054

May 12, 2022 

Warning - rant ahead. 

What is it with Customer Service these days? Why is it so difficult to get things done in the way you want, when you want? What makes it ok to argue vehemently with the customer, when it is their money you are receiving to provide a service? Is every business filled with folks who really don’t seem to want the work? 

Yes, there is another business I am adding to one I would not recommend. However, I am eternally thankful for the ones who do what they say, when they say. And yes, there are still those around! 

Rant complete.

Also, today ended with a wonderful dinner with friends. So glad to be able to spend time together, laugh, and lament the changes coming. Thank you for a lovely evening!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3053

May 11, 2022 

As the time gets closer toward retirement, I am reflecting more and more on these years as a pastor. One of the key points I remember is telling the call committee that I would promise to love the folks. That I would do the best I knew how to reflect God’s love, embody God’s love, live toward them with a loving attitude. 

Have I always kept that promise? Well, I certainly know I have made mistakes. Also, I cannot always embody the perfect love that God has for the world, but I can say that I have tried. And overall the folks have made loving them easy. 

I suppose as the days tick by I will be doing even more of this reflecting, especially as I consider the last Sunday’s sermon. Whew! That one makes me nervous!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3052

May 10, 2022 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Revelation chapter 21, verse 4: he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” (NRSV)

Is there a more hopeful verse than this: God will assure that death will be no more?!?! No more death - that is almost impossible to imagine. 

It does not take long listening to the news to know that death comes every single day. And the older we get, the more death seems to draw close when we have to say the final goodbye to family and friends. God knows this - God knows that death breaks hearts and causes pain. And God grieves with us. 

But one day, all that will be done. The temporary way of life we know here on earth will come to an end and forever will become the new way. Forever with God. Forever in the relationship of love. Forever without mourning and crying and pain. Forever. 

Could there be greater love than this!?

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3051

May 9, 2022

A smile for the week: 

If you know me, you know that coffee is not the most important drink in my life. But for some (names withheld to protect the innocent 😉), coffee seems sacramental and this is for you.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3050

May 8, 2022 

What a BIG day. To begin, it was Intern Sara’s final day at the congregation. She has been such a blessing and joy and I am grateful for her time, attitude, love of ministry and now friendship. She will be an awesome pastor/chaplain!

It was the final day of Confirmation Class for the year, and my completely final. I would love to say that every minute of teaching has been wonderful these fourteen years, but I will say I have learned so much from these youth! I would not take a minute back. The Lord bless and keep you all!

And…this picture of Simon (and Mom and Brother) on his last day of school. My goodness you are growing so fast!!

Yes, a very big day!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3049

May 7, 2022

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for nurses. Seems fitting with it being Nurses’ Day. 

As with many vocations, there are nurses who are truly called to their profession and others who see it as just a job. I am thankful for those who have cared for me who were truly called. I am also thankful for friends who have lived this life and been awesome at it. You all rock!!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3048

May 6, 2022

The reality of what is coming continues to sink in as we sell more furniture and folks take it away. Yes, we are really doing this seemingly crazy thing - and I am excited for what lies ahead. 

Yet, it is also bittersweet. Very much so!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3047

May 5, 2022

Visits and meals and popping in on folks means the goodbyes continue. It is the most difficult part of what is coming - saying farewell. I am thankful, however, that most folks seem to understand the right time has come for me to retire. And while it will mean change, they are happy for me and hubby. That makes this whole process much easier and I am grateful. 

Also, please know each thing you tell me about what our time together has meant I take to heart and cherish. Thank you!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3046

May 4, 2022

Wednesdays are always special days. Busy, but special. 

Yet, today was even more special for our Godson - his first band concert.

Way to go Simon! You're looking very dapper for your big day!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3045

May 3, 2022 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from John 10:27: My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. (NRSV)

Once while speaking to the Jews, they asked Jesus to tell them plainly who he is - no guessing, no parables, no “signs,” just plain talk. Jesus said they did not believe what they witnessed of who Jesus was because they were not his sheep, meaning they could not recognize his voice. Harsh words? Perhaps. But I wonder just how we are to “know” Jesus’ voice. 

It made me think about a friend’s dog, Sandy, who escaped her yard one day long ago and was picked up by Animal Control. My friend had to work, so I went to the pound to see if Sandy was there. As I walked by the various cages, I came to one where there were several dogs, all of them barking and jumping, trying to get my attention. All except for the one who sat in the back, head down and trembling. It was her. I spoke one word - Sandy - and she immediately came running toward me. She knew my voice, that I was safe and would take care of her. 

But how did she know my voice so well? I had spent lots of time with her, playing and correcting and getting to know her and her me. There was no doubt I was a friend.

Perhaps our spending time with Jesus in scripture, prayer, worship, and among others helps us know him as a friend and savior, also. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3044

May 2, 2022

Now here is a smile for the week:

I can just hear this actually happening! 😉

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3043

May 1, 2022 

The calendar has once again turned and today we celebrate May Day. 

I am grateful for the number of saints who gathered for worship on this special day. And for the kind May Day note I received! Thank you!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3042

April 30, 2022

On this date in 1987, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America began. During the opening session of the Constituting Convention in Columbus, OH, the new ELCA constitution was adopted. 

The picture below includes Bishops David Preus (left), James Crumley, Jr. (right), and Will Herzfeld (hidden) as they fill a communion vessel to symbolize the three merging church bodies (the American Lutheran Church, the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches, and the Lutheran Church in America) forming one church. Herbert W. Chilstrom (who was elected the first bishop of the new body) looks on from behind the altar. 

This photo and information is courtesy of the Lutheran Standard, ELCA Archives. 

In these thirty-five years there has been richness, joy, turmoil, and schism. Certainly there is much the church needs (and can) do to be faithful in sharing God’s message with the world. Yet, today, we celebrate and say, Happy Anniversary. 

So on this Satisfied Saturday, I am thankful for the wisdom and God's guidance that led to forming this church body. It is a privilege to serve as a pastor in the ELCA alongside many wonderful people/saints.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3041

April 29, 2022

It has been a very long time since I was invited to a bachelorette dinner. A VERY long time! Yet, today I had the opportunity to do this very thing to celebrate with a colleague and friend. The wedding is a few weeks away, but the celebrations have begun. 

I look forward to continuing to walk this path with my friend. She certainly deserves to be happy. 

Blessings. And prayers.

PS Guess the answer to the riddle on Monday (see Day #3037) was that it would snow. And so it did. Ahhh...springtime in MT!

Day #3040

April 28, 2022

All I can say is that as these next weeks progress, the saying goodbye is bound to only get more difficult. Today included colleagues who have also become good friends over the years, along with members who have been very supportive. 

The process is necessary, for all of us, yet I pray: Lord, give me graciousness and strength. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3039

April 27, 2022 

On her next to last Wednesday with the “guys” at Men’s Square breakfast and Bible Study, there was laughter when our Intern was teased by me with a silly answer to her question about the Gospel reading for Sunday. The text tells us that when the disciples put down the nets at Jesus’ urging, they caught 153 fish, but the nets did not tear. 

Admittedly this is a strange detail and we are not certain what it means. However, my “quip” answer to her question, “What about this detail,” was that the net had a tag on it that said, capacity is 150 fish. That made it easy to count how many there were. 

She took the teasing well. Me? I am sorry, I just could not help myself. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3038

April 26, 2022 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from John 21:3: Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. (NRSV)

Jesus appeared to his disciples in Jerusalem, but was not finished. He soon met them by the Sea of Tiberias. The disciples, meanwhile, had returned to something familiar. Peter led the pack - “I am going fishing” and try to make sense of this whole new thing. The rest followed him, but their all-night effort yielded nothing. 

Jesus was still not finished, however. He gave them work to do, beginning with a focus on Peter - feed my lambs and tend my sheep. This activity, with the help of Jesus who would always lead them, would yield an unbelievable “catch.” 

Which begs the question, what about us? Do we stick with the familiar, even though it yields nothing? Or do we step into the future bravely following Jesus, doing what he has called us to do, and let down our nets of fear, feelings of scarcity and feelings of dread, trusting we are not ever alone?

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3037

April 25, 2022 

This smile for the week seems really appropriate for springtime here in Montana:

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3036

April 24, 2022 

As the time nears for our intern to complete her time with the congregation, I asked if she would preach on this first Sunday after Easter. The text is always the same, poor Thomas who was not with the disciples when they saw the resurrected Jesus (see Day #3031). Yet, today our intern made an interesting connection in the verses that follow today's reading - that the smell of the charcoal fire that Jesus sat beside on the shore in his next appearance to the disciples is what helped them recognize him. 

It occurred to me how many sights, smells, and sounds we have explored over Lent and Easter this year - ashes and Holy Communion on Ash Wednesday, the sounds of Holy Week like anointing oil, nails being hammered into Jesus’ flesh on the cross and the shutting of the tomb, to name a few. Could another smell really have been what brought the disciples to recognition and realization? 

What about us? What about those who have never seen the physical Jesus - how might we recognize his presence? Could it be the smell of bread and wine, or the feel of water, the aroma of anointing oil, or a bit of them all? Hmmm...

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3035

April 23, 2022 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I give thanks for books, especially on the anniversary of World Book Day. Begun on April 23, 1995, World Book Day was created as a worldwide celebration of books and reading. According to the website (see World Book Day), "...World Book Day founder, Baroness Gail Rebuck, recalls, ‘We wanted to do something to reposition reading and our message is the same today as it was then - that reading is fun, relevant, accessible, exciting, and has the power to transform lives.’” 

What a wonderful day to celebrate! How grateful I am to be able to read and to also be married to someone who loves to read!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3034

April 22, 2022 

Spending a few days at the foot of gorgeous mountains, enjoying watching wildlife in their natural habitat, and driving home in the nourishing rain, seems the best way to celebrate Earth Day. 

Yet, Earth Day is really about maintaining the earth, caring for it to the best of our ability, and passing the greatest possible earth on to the next generation and the next. 

Oh Lord, teach us to be good stewards of your creation, for you and for all your creatures’ sake. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3033

April 21, 2022 

As we wind down another Chico Pastor’s Conference, there is still time for good conversation and good food. This dish, for example, was not only pretty to look at, but delicious to eat - shrimp and grits. 

Must admit, makes a Southern girl smile!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #3032

April 20, 2022 

This written by Allison Wehrung from the “think” portion of the devotion d365 had me pondering: 

Put yourself in Mary’s sandals, and imagine being the first one to share, “I’ve seen the Lord!” How would you feel? Confident? Nervous? Excited? Uncomfortable? A little bit of all of it? Our particular shoes might vary these days, but we can still follow in Mary’s footsteps. Where have you seen God lately? Spend some time today thinking about how you might share about it in your own words.

Good thoughts and questions, huh!?!?

Also, at our annual (back in person after two years of COVID cancellations) pastor’s conference at Chico following Easter, we had some free-time to venture into Yellowstone National Park. We were not disappointed. We saw lots of deer and elk, a wolf, and this...

Wow! What an amazing day! 

Blessings. And prayers.

PS This picture was taken safely from the car window! No way was I getting out with this grizzly that close!