January 24, 2022
A smile for the week:
Saturday, January 29, 2022
Day #2945
January 23, 2022
There were three young men who attended worship this morning. They were children of the congregation, now grown and living lives of their own in other places. But it was fun to watch them reunite with others.
This made me think about how it can be fun to “go home;” to see folks who knew us in our younger years, sharing memories and laughs. My aunt and I had a long overdue conversation recently. We laughed, shared a tear or two, and caught up about folks I do not get to see often. There can be much joy in remembering.
Is there someone in your earlier life who would benefit from hearing from you? Or someone you would like to be in contact with? May I encourage you to do so?!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2944
January 22, 2022
On this Satisfied Saturday, I am thankful for Interns (specifically for our intern, actually). What a wonderful way to learn and practice - doing the job with the safety net of a mentor and congregation who understands and tolerates. And our intern’s fresh eyes have certainly been helpful for me, too.
I also give thanks for the internship I had. My supervisor was challenging, caring, and trusting of me. My experiences were rich and many. When I graduated and received my first call, I felt as ready as possible.
It is unknown to me when this part of theological education began, but I am glad it is included. I hope seminaries never quit this experience, and maybe even increase it. There is much to learn and know.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2943
January 21, 2022
This is an odd day. Generally on Friday (and sometimes on Saturday), I write a sermon for Sunday. However, this weekend is different. Our Intern is preaching on Sunday (thank you!), so I do not have opportunity/need to put together a message.
So while my hubby heads to the gym for his workout (I am so proud of him!!), I have a little time to myself. All by myself. Now THAT is odd.
Hmmm…what to do?!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2942
January 20, 2022
One of the things I have learned is that every person has something they struggle with in life. Perhaps on the outside they look “all together.” It may seem their life is perfect, without worries or concerns or fears. Yet, it seems there is always something going on within them that causes them angst or maybe keeps them up at night, but that others do not know.
It is good to be reminded of that when we begin comparing our life to someone else’s. I do not mean to do this in some way of feeling superior, but in a way of understanding. First, understanding and tolerant of them, and second, of ourselves.
And, one more reminder, God is with each of us, no matter what!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2941
January 19, 2022
Thanks to the generosity of friends who included us in their “free night,” we had an opportunity to spend an evening away. What a fun place:
It can certainly do the soul a lot of good to spend time laughing, relaxing, and napping.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2940
January 18, 2022
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Luke 4:16a: When [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. (NRSV)
Have you ever thought of church attendance as a “custom?” The dictionary defines custom as "a widely accepted way of behaving." Jesus was Jewish and for hundreds of years, Jews had attended synagogue regularly. It was part of their faith, yes, but also part of their life. It was a custom handed down from generation to generation.
For me, church attendance was less a custom handed down by my immediate family. I became a regular attender (and was baptized) at age 19. But then it did become a part of my regular life, almost as much as breathing.
However, just attending is not enough. I would hasten to say that it even means very little unless God permeates and transforms the rest of our lives. Perhaps the “widely accepted way of behaving” can be a way of describing who we are as Christians, not simply which church we attend, or even if we attend.
Something to think about.
Blessings. And prayers.
Friday, January 21, 2022
Day #2939
January 17, 2022
On this day we remember the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., there is this to think about and smile.
Change is possible. The Light will overcome the darkness. Always!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2938
January 16, 2022
The first person who asked me if I had ever thought about being a pastor heard as my response, “I can’t do that. Girls can’t be pastors.” “Oh, yes, they can,” he said. Yet, I was not ready to be a trailblazer. I did not think I had the gifts needed and was too immature in the faith to trust God would give me what was needed.
I was taken back to that conversation today when someone told me, you are a world changer. You are a female pastor. I am not certain I would agree with them about being a world changer, but God has helped me be a somewhat trailblazer. For that I am thankful, and humbled.
Thank you, today, for seeing me through kind eyes. We can trust that God gives all of us what is needed for the good of the kingdom.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2937
January 15, 2022
It seems tolerance, grace, forgiveness and understanding are themes this week. With that said, today’s Satisfied Saturday is being thankful for folks who exemplify those actions, along with patience. They make life easier for others and more pleasant.
Thank you to all those who work with the public in so many ways, treating others with respect. You are a gift!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2936
January 14, 2022
And….drumroll please….the last of the annual report information is in and ready for approval/editing. WooHoo! Another year is done.
What a lot of work! Yet, it is always good to look back at what the last year entailed. God is always present, and so good!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2935
January 13, 2022
Warning - rant coming.
This is certainly a time when most folks are stressed and things get forgotten or overlooked. There is a need to be generous in giving grace, forgiveness, and understanding. However, when things are left undone and the consequences affect more than just me, I get frustrated. And vocal. There is a reason when I vocalize being frustrated - it is not just about my inconvenience, but how others may have to overwork to compensate.
So when something expected did not arrive today, even though there was a reason, it now meant others will have to rush. When I became vocal, the response was as if it was my fault. However, I had planned ahead, giving extra time for completion to meet our deadline. Now, however, we were getting close to emergency status.
It was good that someone else stepped up and completed the information that was needed. I was thankful, and made certain I said so, with an apology for getting upset. It certainly would have been nice to hear, “that is ok. I understand. I’m sorry for our original error.” But, alas, no. Oh well, I guess it is up to me again to give grace, forgiveness and understanding.
Blessings. And prayers.
Sunday, January 16, 2022
Day #2934
January 12, 2022
Another busy Wednesday included a couple of extras this week - finishing some annual reports and meeting with our Intern to discuss the future. A day of good work and good discussion!
Then there was this:
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2933
January 11, 2022
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from John 2:1-3: On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” (NRSV)
What a moment!! Having the wine run out at a wedding celebration was beyond embarrassing - it was shameful! I remember when we were getting married, we consulted a professional to decide how much to buy to help folks celebrate with us. But what happens when the wine runs out? The party is over - time to go home.
Except that is not what happens with Jesus. He does not leave. He walks with the wedding party until a solution is found. Well, in this case, until Jesus provides the solution.
What might that mean for us? Well, what could we substitute for Mary’s comment? We have no hope? We have no answer to COVID? We have no money for the bills? We have no reconciliation in our family? All of us could add something from our lives at one time or another. Therefore, I believe this miracle is a reminder that Jesus stays with us, guides us, even provides for us, and keeps the party of community going.
God does work in community, as well as individually. We call it church. And it should be a party/celebration. After all, there is always wine and bread for all through the Lord's Table!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2932
January 10, 2022
Dear Simon,
Today is your 11th birthday. Your cake looks yummy (I'm certain it was) and you look very happy. Your picture made me smile.
Happy 11th Birthday the boy who made me a mom. Simon Hunter, I prayed for you every single day from the time I was a little girl. I couldn’t wait to have a baby of my own to know and to love, and you have exceeded my expectations and showed me more love than I could ever imagine. You are smart, funny, and you absolutely have THE BEST laugh. If persistence had a picture it would be you. You can do anything you set your mind to, which you prove over and over again. You are an amazing pianist and a developing trumpeter. You are so good at math and have turned into a great reader, especially when it comes to Harry Potter. You are an obsessive lover of animals and know more about them than an encyclopedia. You love all things church and have a heart for God. You are a wonderfully loyal brother and dedicated friend. You are compassionate and love with your whole heart. You give the best hugs and still don’t mind holding my hand. I couldn’t be prouder that God chose me to be your earthly Mama. I love you most sweet boy and I can’t wait to see where this next year takes us. As long as you are by my side, I know it will be great.
What a wonderful tribute from a mom who loves you! I hope you always know how much.
Enjoy your day, and your next year. You are at a special age and have so much ahead of you. Know that we also send our love and hugs, today and everyday. Mostly remember, God loves you. Always has and always will!
Happy Birthday and love and hugs,
Your Godparents
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2931
January 9, 2022
There was an odd “vibe” in the congregation this morning. Years ago I would never have thought that a group can have a collective feeling, but they can. Some Sunday mornings the folks gathered as a group seem excited, other times concerned, other times anticipatory. This morning I would describe as subdued. When I mentioned it to someone else, they said, “I think it is a breath of calm.”
That makes complete sense. Christmas is over, January looms ahead and we wonder what the next thing will be with COVID, the economy, health, etc. Having a safe place of calm to take a breath and relax is the best thing I can think of happening on a Sunday morning. Amen!
Blessings. And prayers.
Saturday, January 8, 2022
Day #2930
January 8, 2022
On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for God’s love. Richard Rohr says it best in his “Daily Meditation” from January 7:
If you want to know what love looks like, Rabbi Jesus is saying, here it is: Love crosses borders and boundaries; it makes new cultural rules; it cares for the stranger. Love turns strangers into friends. Fierce love is rule-breaking, border-crossing, ferocious, and extravagant kindness that increases our tribe. . . .
That’s our Jesus. That’s our God. That’s our Holy Spirit who loves us, stirs us and moves us. All so that God’s message of love and grace is told and lived and grows the Kingdom.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2929
January 7, 2022
Today’s intersection of faith and life has to do about chaff. Sunday is the Baptism of our Lord and this year we hear the account from the Gospel of Luke. It includes John the Baptist speaking about the “one who is more powerful than I is coming.” Jesus, and “his winnowing fork is in his hand.”
I have to admit that I have often struggled with Jesus gathering the wheat and burning the chaff. Those words have always sounded like judgement, making them hard to swallow. I read something today from the SALT Project, however, that gave me new perspective.
Winnowing is separating grain from chaff, not grain from grain. Each grain has a husk, chaff, and for the grain to be useful to humans, the husk has to be removed. So winnowing is revealing grain. Not good grain or bad grain, but grain period, because the husk is not useful to humans (it can be for livestock, however, so it does have some redeeming quality).
Hmmm…some new insight I found very helpful. And hopeful. Thank you, SALT!!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2928
January 6, 2022
On this Day of Epiphany, as we say, somewhat sadly for me, an official goodbye to another Christmas Season, this made me smile:
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2927
January 5, 2022
On this Twelfth Day of Christmas, I thought I would recap by listing twelve good things from the season (cheating just a bit to include a couple of days before Christmas). Note: this is not an complete list of the good.
- A fun, new, event on December 23 that reminded us of the Moravian Candle Tea in Winston-Salem
- The opportunity to close the office on Christmas Eve and Day
- A wonderful Christmas Eve worship service
- Another wonderful Christmas Eve worship service
- A quiet day at home for Christmas with good food and rest
- Time to gather with folks for dinner and lunch and coffee and such
- A week off to enjoy doing things I do not usually get to do
- Naps
- A quiet New Year’s Day at home with good food and rest
- The chance to be helpful for folks who need a hand
- Affirming conversations
- Bible studies and back to a regular schedule
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2926
January 4, 2022
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Isaiah, chapter 43, verse 1: But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. (NRSV)
These words were originally prophesy for the people of Israel near the end of their Babylonian exile. They are words of hope and promise. God has not forgotten them. God has not turned away from them.
There is good news for us, however, and for the generations before us and the ones to come: God’s promise still stands. God has not forgotten God’s creation, nor has God turned away. God has still redeemed us and called us by name. We are God’s.
Let those words of promise pour over you. Repeat them in the morning, at noon and in the evening. Let them wash over you and fill you with peace.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2925
January 3, 2022
Now, this is a smile for the week.
It actually made me laugh out loud.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2924
January 2, 2022
On this Ninth Day of Christmas, we took a drive by the falls. Yes, they are frozen. No surprise, it is the season and it has been cold!!
Blessings. And prayers.
Saturday, January 1, 2022
Day #2923
January 1, 2022
On this Satisfied Saturday, which happens to be the first day of a New Year, I am thankful for traditions.You know, those things that must happen in a family, or congregation, or workplace, or community.
For my family, a year could not begin without the “traditional” Southern fare of pork, greens, and black eye peas. That meal meant the new year would be filled with luck, health and money.
So, do not be surprised that this was our meal today:
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2922
December 31, 2021
These words from Brian McLaren that were shared in Richard Rohr’s “Daily Meditation” spoke to me as we end one year and begin another:
What was true for Revelation’s original audience is true for us today. Whatever madman is in power, whatever chaos is breaking out, whatever danger threatens, the river of life is flowing now. The Tree of Life is bearing fruit now. True aliveness is available now. That’s why Revelation ends with the sound of a single word echoing through the universe. That word is not Wait! Nor is it Not Yet! or Someday! It is a word of invitation, welcome, reception, hospitality, and possibility. It is a word not of ending, but of new beginning. That one word is Come! The Spirit says it to us. We echo it back. Together with the Spirit, we say it to everyone who is willing. Come!
And this I saw on FaceBook seemed to just reinforce the message.
Happy New Year! Many prayers for 2022 to be filled with the assurance of God’s love and presence.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2921
December 30, 2021
On the Sixth Day of Christmas, I give thanks for accomplishing things I had to do that were “left over” from earlier in December. Okay, I admit, even earlier. So while this vacation time is quickly coming to a close, and it is not exactly a “normal” week off, it is good. Very good.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2920
December 29, 2021
On this Fifth Day of Christmas, I am simply wondering - where is time going and why is it moving so quickly?!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2919
December 28, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2, verses 1-3: In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him. (NRSV)
It should be no surprise, perhaps, that King Herod is not depicted in Nativity Scenes. At least, I have never seen him in one. It seems that a frightened look at the birth of Jesus would distract from the Good News that the Messiah has arrived, that God has come to earth to live among us, that the Prince of Peace has been born. There is not room for fear in that Good News, or is there?
The truth sometimes causes fear. The truth shines light on the darkness, illuminating the motives of the heart that someone may think are hidden. Is that why King Herod, and all of Jerusalem, are afraid? That God might discover their deepest desires - for power, control, status quo? Or is there fear simply because they do not know what God will ultimately ask of them? To give too much, to forgive too much, to reconcile too much?
Maybe a little bit of fear is a good thing for King Herod and Jerusalem’s people. After all, there can be a small difference between fear and respect. But I believe in this case, there is fear because they all dread what this might mean for them. How their lives might change. And these men from the East, from a long way away, are holding up a mirror to them.
What does the news of Jesus being born create in your heart? I believe it is Jesus’ deepest desire for his presence to cause not fear, but awe, and joy, and hope. Help us, Lord Jesus, to welcome you with joy. Amen.
Blessings. And prayers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)