Day #253

September 10, 2014

It’s a double Wednesday. Two things today brought into focus the “intersection.” The first has to do with hiring folks to do odd jobs around the house. It is something I do not like to do. Not because I think I can do it all myself (although I like to try - haha), but because you just never know how it will turn out. Will the person do the work you expect? Will they be fair in price? Will they be dependable in showing up and finishing on time? You know, all those things that are hard to determine by just picking someone out of a list online.

But that is what I did yesterday. And I am soooo pleased. Avex Building Maintenance Solutions came today (yep, a one-day turn around from estimate to doing the job!) and completed a task inside I just did not think I could manage, and will be back tomorrow to finish one outside. They get my 100% approval rating. It’s like I made a new friend, too, besides finding a very dependable, conscientious, hardworking business owner.

The second - and perhaps the most important - today would have been my in-laws 71st wedding anniversary. I am so thankful they met and fell in love; grateful they had that son of theirs; appreciate the way they raised him to be the man he is; and was very fortunate to become one of their family, for they were very good to me.

So Happy Anniversary! You are remembered with love!

Blessings.

Day #252

September 9, 2014

Bible Study day - always a Daily Intersection! Matthew chapter 5. The Beatitudes and Jesus' comments about the commandments. As we talked in the circle about God, Jesus, and the Law, the observation was made that God changed from the Old Testament to the New; that God evolved.

It is understandable where that thought comes from - the God described in the Old Testament seems full of anger, vengeance, and an either for me or against me attitude - I suppose you would say a God of LAW! Then came Jesus, and God seems to have mellowed and grace abounds.

My response was to counterpoint saying that God has not changed. It comes from God being the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Maybe I just don’t like to think of worshiping a God who can be swayed by humans or history or current events or good arguments. I prefer to think of worshiping a God who is way bigger than any of that.

What I didn’t think to say at the time of Bible Study was that the God described in the Old Testament basically used only the Law and the Prophets to reveal to humankind who God is. In other words, God was shown to humans in a sort of one- or maybe two-dimensional view: the Law said this is how you should act and obey God; the prophets said what was going to happen if you didn’t; and the sacrifices and rituals were meant to restore the relationship that was broken.

However, in God’s good time, Jesus was sent to earth to show us a fuller view of God: love, grace, forgiveness and the way for everlasting life. Jesus revealed to us in a broader way who God truly is. Now we know God through meeting, knowing and learning about Jesus - Who reveals grace; Who reveals forgiveness; Who is the fulfillment of the law - which is about relationship and community with God and with one another.

Therefore, perhaps God has not changed at all, but a whole new dimension of God has been and is revealed in Jesus. And we haven’t even mentioned learning about God through the coming of the Holy Spirit and how that happens on a daily basis.

Wow!! Lots to ponder!

Blessings.

Day #251

September 8, 2014

Someone told me today I should begin to make a list of the things that people say to me in this process. That way I can take them out when I want to and hold them like I would a cherished photo. I’m not sure about this. Some are too precious to put in writing, but will remain forever in my memory.

So I suppose the word for today is cherish. The people (I surely do), the memories (so thankful for them), the tears (God’s way of spilling out the heart), the laughter (nothing like a hearty laugh to bond folks together), the worship (celebrating in and with the family of God - receiving Jesus), the work (made easier by sharing), and so much more. Each cherished fully!

Blessings.

Day #250

September 7, 2014

You say it’s your birthday.... go Beatles!

Yep, another year has gone by. One thing is for sure, social media has opened up a way to receive well-wishes from folks from all over. How fun!!

Yet no social media is quite able to make a birthday as special as face-to-face contact. And having a whole assembly stand and sing Happy Birthday is about as special as it gets!!!! It filled my heart and came leaking out my eyes!!!

To all the folks who sent electronic messages, who sent/gave cards, who called, and who stood to sing...A GREAT BIG, HUGE THANK YOU! You have made getting another year older FUN!

The greatest joy, though, will always be spending another year with my wonderful husband!!! It’s been quite a few now we have spent together (spans several decades), and each one is more special than the last. Love you, sweetheart!!

Blessings.

Day #249

September 6, 2014 - The Daily Intersection - Day #249

So here is the downside in all these changes - the house needs to be readied for selling. Painting to be done, furniture to sell/give away, boxes to pack, clutter to shed, yard to be groomed, etc., etc. The list is long - and somewhat overwhelming.

How does so much to do get generated in six short years?! How have we accumulated so much stuff?! How did the house begin to age in such a short amount of time?! How quickly can we get all this done?! How much energy do I really have?! (My body is six years older since we did this last time!!)

Okay, so we eat this elephant one bite, one box, one corner at a time. And keep smiling!

Blessings.

Day #248

September 5, 2014

As the news begins to spread of my impending leave, I am humbled by the words and emotions people are sharing with me. It truly feels as though one chapter is closing, yet opening another looms on the horizon.

It is similar for the folks in the congregation. This is not the first time a pastor has moved on, and will not be the last, but change is change and not something we easily embrace (we are Lutherans, after all - haha).

What a blessing to have this time to share memories, stories, laughs, even tears as we prepare to transition. I am so grateful for the time I have had with these folks. They truly will always be in my heart!

Blessings.

Day #247

September 4, 2014

It is official and the news can now be publicly shared. God has called me to a new place. My last Sunday at the congregation I currently serve will be October 5th and I begin a new call in a new state in mid-November.

Yes, I am excited. Yes, I am sad. Yes, I believe this truly is God’s call. Yes, I will continue to pray for the congregation I am leaving and the one where I will be going to serve. Yes, there is lots to do (including getting a house sold!). Yes, I am nervous. Yes, my anxiety is high.

And God says, be at peace. Have trust. Take in the positive and thresh out the negative. Allow time for sharing of feelings and emotions. And all will be well.

Blessings.

Day #246

September 3, 2014

The gospel we will be using for this coming Sunday is from Matthew 16 where Jesus tells the disciples that to be his follower they must take up their cross and follow him. There is much to ponder about those words and the whole passage of verses 21-28, but perhaps the part that weighs on my mind today is how ministry is not about me - it is about Jesus and Jesus' cross. Yet, it also is about me and how I respond to his call to take up his cross. And, also, that ministry can sometimes be a burden.

There was news to share today; news that meant change, sadness, even fear. I’ve carried the burden of this possible news for a while. The burden has been heavy. It can hurt to change; yet it can also be freeing. It can cause anger to change; yet it can also bring deep joy.

God has been leading and guiding in this journey I have been on. God led tonight while I was telling the news. And God will lead and guide all of us into the future.

Whatever the weight is of the next steps, the burden has been shared. One cross has been taken up and another has been laid down. God is leading, and carrying, the journey.

Blessings.

Day #245

September 2, 2014

Another day filled with time in the car. LOTS of time.

It began with a long walk in the early morning. Good thing, considering we later SAT for hours.

There is much to be thankful for from these last days: safety in traveling; memories made that will last a lifetime; hugs received and given; time with family; talking and listening.

Thanks be to God!

Blessings.

Day #244

September 1, 2014

Today found us making our way toward Gettysburg. We toured the battlefield some and then met up with our godson and his family. Here is the latest picture of the bundle of energy.

Always on the move. He’s growing into a handsome, loving, smart young man. We are so proud!!

Of course, no trip to Gettysburg would be complete without some Mr. G’s ice cream. Yep, life is good!!!!

Truly two of God’s sweetest gifts!

Blessings.

Day #243

August 31, 2014

With the fun comes the bittersweet moments of visiting folks who no longer can make the party. The last surviving aunt on my mother-in-law’s side of the family lives in assisted living. She’s quite the lady! Has listened to me on more than one occasion. Laughed with me at more than one family antic. Been a rock and a mentor and an encourager.

We went to visit and she took my husband’s cap right off his head. She kept it, too. We laughed.

As we got ready to go, she stopped me. She had more to say and we had more tears to shed. We prayed together, even sang a song together. And shed some more tears.

Then we all went back to the party - day 2 - and laughed and talked and ate. Yet the remnants of that morning’s visit were never too far away. How grateful I am to be connected with our aunt in love, in memories and in God.

Blessings.

Day #242

August 30, 2014

Family get-togethers. What fun they are! Great to get hugs and catch up and be with folks who just love you.

Each year my husband’s cousin and wife have this HUGE party in their field. Tents, food, drink, conversation, laughter, more food, more drink, more fun - more than can fit into this blog.

Here is our niece and her mother (my husband’s sister) enjoying some of the fun.

 
Have to say - it was well-worth the drive!!! And there’s more to come!

Blessings.

Day #241

August 29, 2014

My husband, sister-in-law, niece and I began the excellent traveling adventure today. We are headed “up home” for a family reunion and some reconnecting with friends and relatives. But it means hours in the car. :-(

Yet, I’m sure all the riding and driving will be well worth the time we get to spend together! And we’re off…..

Blessings.

Day #240

August 28, 2014

Today my thoughts are about being grateful. Sometimes simply being led to the right person is evidence of God's love and grace. For me, today, that right person is my doctor.

It was time for my annual check-up and not only the doctor, but the nurse, are ones who make you feel as comfortable as possible in a very uncomfortable situation.

Thanks be to God for the gifts of folks like them!

Blessings.

Day #239

August 27, 2014

The discussion in the study group I meet with on Wednesday mornings took a reflective turn today. As many Christians tend to do, we began discussing the decline of faith in today’s world. There are less and less attending worship regularly, fewer who claim to be believers of God, and in general, at least mainline denominational congregations are shrinking in numbers and members. What is happening? What do we do? How do we remain faithful and hopeful?

As many do, we sometimes wring our hands and lament. People want to hear all will be okay, and that there is a simple solution. Many will try to tell us what to do. Many will claim to have the correct way. Just do this or that, act in this or that way, and all will be well.

One of the things I embrace about the Lutheran denomination is the encouragement to discover the Spirit’s will and way on our own. What I mean is that we are encouraged to learn and read and pray and seek on our own. It is important that we help others learn how to discover for themselves about God, encouraging and empowering them to do so, instead of spoon-feeding or leading by rote.

Certainly there is a rich Lutheran tradition of liturgy and routine, yet at the core is God’s love, grace and mercy. And that cannot be easily contained or boxed in or taught in black and white. God’s love, grace and mercy is transforming and challenging, somewhat tailored, in a way, for each person. In other words, there is much grey area and much less black and white do’s and don’ts. Which sometimes makes things hard, yet ultimately freeing.

Lutherans thrive in a world of tensions. Sinner and saint. Bound and free. Law and gospel. Many times when asked a question that has a choice of answers between this and that, my answer is yes to both. It can seem wishy-washy and indecisive, yet it also means dependence on God and God’s grace instead of my own determination of right or wrong, sin or not, good or bad.

Does that mean I make mistakes? Certainly. Yet, that is where God’s forgiveness and grace abound, and let me say I rely on that deeply. Because, in the end, it’s all about God and what God did for me and you through Jesus Christ. That is what really matters. Thanks be to God.

Blessings.