Day #316

November 12, 2014

A colleague from seminary (thank you, Jerry) shared the following as a photo challenge list for the Season of Advent. It seems like a really great idea and way to prepare for the coming of the Savior.

The idea is to take a picture each day that “describes” what the word means for you. For example, the first Sunday of Advent, November 30, is hope, a fitting way to begin the season that is full of hope.

My plan is to post pictures here. Other ideas might be on a Facebook page, Snapchat, Instagram, or Twitter. What other creative ways mights there be to intentionally share your images of the season?

Blessings.

Day #315

November 11, 2014

“At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, WWI came to an end.” It was the explanation my husband gave after I said, “Look, it’s 11:11 on the 11th.” At the time, I just thought I was making an interesting time observation, but my history-loving husband knew better. “A moment of silence,” he said, and as I drove, he closed his eyes. I wasn’t sure what was happening, until he opened them again and made the statement I started with.

Today we give thanks for all veterans. Both of our fathers served in WWII (proof WWI was NOT the war that ended all wars and certainly not the end of the need for service personnel). We have friends and other family that have served, and are serving. We are grateful for their sacrifice, their courage, their commitment. Thank you, all of you past, present and future, for what you do!

Blessings.

Day #314

November 10, 2014

Driving across this amazing country, I am reminded that there are so very many people here that are eager to help and be friendly. For example, it’s awesome to be greeted in the morning by a friendly face at the motel’s breakfast room.

I am also reminded by how very much there is to see. Beautiful natural sights and magnificent ones made by human hands (please visit travelingwithhitch.blogspot.com).

But then there are also reminders of things gone wrong. Like around Ferguson, MO, where houses and apartment buildings stand burned and empty from the aftermath of riots. Oh, the sad and unnecessary things that can happen as a result of anger, hatred, misunderstanding, and fear. A startling reminder that prayers are needed as the people of Ferguson await court decisions and their possible ripple effect. Lord, have mercy!

Blessings.

Day #313

November 9, 2014

Headed west, we are driving my husband’s pickup and pulling my car on a U-Haul trailer behind it. Ok, so what does that have to do with anything? Well, here are my observations:

First, as I learned while driving today, it means paying extra-special attention behind the wheel. Every move I make affects the trailer behind me. Hmm...the vehicle I’m driving is connected in a very real way to another.

Second, what I see in the rearview mirror never changes. To see what is coming I have to rely on other fields of vision. Hmm...I need to consider other “viewpoints.”

Third, if I focus on what is in the mirror behind me too much, I get off track in moving forward. The pickup can easily sway into another lane. Hmm...I can’t head into the future too directly or confidently if I’m focused on the past.

Fourth, sometimes the trailer affects the pickup. For instance, if it hits a bump or pothole, its “bouncing” can affect the performance of the pickup. Hmm…(this may be a stretch!)can God’s plan for creation have an affect on my performance/life? Albeit, God’s plan is always for the good - see Romans 8:28.

Ah, the surprising places for lessons in life and growth in faith!

Blessings.

Day #312

November 8, 2014

Well, we’re off! The next step in the adventure/call has begun. Many thanks to all who have helped in some way; who have prayed for us; who have called or sent a note of encouragement; and who have touched our lives, especially in these last six years of ministry here in NC. We appreciate you! We love you! We will miss you!

But, even as we go, if you’re a regular here at The Daily Intersection, you know I believe relationships don’t end. Our lives are forever held together by a common thread of love, so know you are in my heart, now and always.

Blessings.

Day #311

November 7, 2014

We did it!!! We finally got just about everything we own into boxes just in time for the movers to arrive. So here is a SHOUT-out to United Van Lines and three very efficient men: Tom, Milton and Jason!!

Thank you guys for making it happen today! And for being so encouraging, helpful, professional and efficient.

Whew!!! Now on to the next step.

Blessings.

PS - As we head toward the west, you are invited to visit Traveling With Hitch (http://travelingwithhitch.blogspot.com/2014/11/headed-west-day-1.html) to keep up with our progress.

Day #310

November 6, 2014

We stopped the packing process today (will it ever end!?!?) and went to one of our favorite places for lunch. The owner is a fine man who is connected with the church where I was serving. He is hardworking and generous, and a fabulous chef!

He came over and sat at the table with us for a few minutes to say goodbye. We got to talking about relationships and conversations between people with differing viewpoints. He asked a question that made me wonder, something like - why can’t people just have discussions without hating each other?

Good point and good question. What makes us shut off communication? What causes us to dig in our heels and think we have to be right, or make our point, or show the other person how wrong they are? Why can’t we just have good discussions without hating each other?

Blessings.

Day #309

November 5, 2014

One more time of fellowship with family happened today. We had dinner with my aunt, my mother’s sister-in-law. She’s been a part of my life for many years and we’ve enjoyed many talks, laughter, and fun times together.

Tonight was no different. She’s a fun-loving, young-at-heart, great lady and I’m grateful for her spunk and gutsy-ness. Thanks for meeting us! We love you!

Blessings.

Day #308

November 4, 2014

Ok, I must confess, I had a little meltdown today toward the end of the retreat. It has been all we hoped: a special time of sharing, laughter, prayers, and blessings. For example, here is a picture of our “altar” with some of the one-word descriptions of things that have meant something to us in these last hours.

Perhaps the most important, however, is the community building and bonding. It is holy ground, being with women in similar vocations and situations. There isn’t time for that often, and I realized in a profound way that I will soon be leaving this group, probably forever.

Thankfully, the meltdown lasted only briefly as hugs were given and I remembered this is not the ending of relationships. We are all connected by the bond of Christ, those in my past, present, and future. Thanks be to God!

Blessings.

Day #307

November 3, 2014

We had free time this afternoon during the retreat. The location is a place that holds many good memories for me - church worship times, campfirmation retreats, candidacy meetings when I was in seminary, convocations, etc. Many hours with laughter, prayers, struggling, and learning have been spent here.

(Photo borrowed from the Lutheridge website)

So I spent some of my free time walking the camp, remembering. Many smiles came to my face. There truly is something special about the “place apart.” It’s one of the many camps the denomination owns, and for that, I am grateful!

Blessings.

Day #306

November 2, 2014

Over the last weeks many people have asked, why the west? Why leave your home state, your family and friends, and go so far away? Yesterday someone asked a similar question in a way that made me reply, maybe I just haven’t really found home yet.

That answer was on my heart as we began the Women in Clergy Retreat today (see Day #283 for more: http://thedailyintersection.blogspot.com/2014/10/day-283.html). Our Spiritual Director for the retreat (the dear woman on the left) began the time together by asking us to think of an ancestor who influenced us in some way. Then she gave us a piece of ribbon to write our ancestor’s name on and pin it on the blue cloth behind the leaders. After sharing about our ancestors, she mentioned how we reach back for them and their grounding, and yet look forward to our home in the future in the eternal presence of God.

No wonder why “home” may seem so elusive to me. After all, this life is only temporary, a time and place to love others, be in relationship, serve wherever we are called/live, and share the story of God’s love. The opportunities to do so are endless and do not require a certain “space” to happen.

So I share the blessing our Spiritual Director left for me to find. It touched me and maybe will you, as well:

May your longings lead you far and farther still toward the place where what you desire can be met only by God. May your hungering bring you home by another way.  

Blessings.

Day #305

November 1, 2014

We saw our Godson today - our first one. He’s almost grown, over six feet tall now. We held him as a baby at his baptism, kept him for his parents, and have prayed for him over the years. He’s now a handsome, kind, Christian young man.

Folks often say children growing up is the best way to keep track of how much time has gone by and how fast. Well, that was certainly true today as we all visited. Where did those years go? Why do I not feel any older in the least, but know I must be based on his almost-grown self?

Well, time is one of those strange things. It’s our doing and matters not so much to God. One day we, too, will no longer have need to keep time. We will be basking in the light of Christ, worshipping and praising, and not think a thing about eternity or how long it is.

Until then, however, the mirror and the face of babies grown up tell the story. Can’t avoid it! But then, I wouldn’t want to!!

Blessings.

Day #304

October 31, 2014

It wasn’t exactly the kind of day you would hope your loved one to have on their birthday. Especially one that is moving my husband into a new decade. His actual "birth"-day included packing, moving, and trashing...probably three things my husband likes the least...or hates the most. But he was such a trooper!

Then to top it all off, he found out one of his favorite restaurants is closed. For good. And, of course, it was the one he wanted to go to for his birthday dinner. Man, what a day!!

Truth is, though, it was actually a great day due to help from friends and family. We couldn’t have accomplished all we did without them. Deep thanks and appreciation!!

Another reminder that we all need community. Thanks be to God for others!

Blessings.

Day #303

October 30, 2014

At sometimes the most unexpected places we can find a treasure. We rented a truck today to take all the “stuff” from the farm (see Day #302) to our other house. While we waited (and waited!) at a car repair garage that doubles as a rental place, I read this on the wall:

PRAYER before starting work

My Heavenly Father, as I enter this work place,
I bring Your presence with me.
I speak Your peace, Your grace, Your mercy,
and Your perfect order into this office.
I acknowledge Your power over all that
will be spoken, thought, decided, and done within these walls.
Lord, I thank You for the gifts You have blessed me with.
I commit to using them responsibly in Your honor.
Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job.
Assist my projects, ideas, and energy,
so that even my smallest accomplishment
may bring You glory.
Lord, when I am confused, guide me.
When I am weary, energize me. When I am
burned out, infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit.
May the work that I do and the way I do it bring
faith, joy, and a smile to all that I come in
contact with today. And oh Lord,
when I leave this place, give me traveling mercy.
Bless my family and home to be in order as I left it.
Lord, I thank you for everything You’ve done,
everything You’re doing, and everything You’re going to do.
In the Name of Jesus, I pray, with much love and Thanksgiving…
Amen.

What a gem! And I have a feeling it will show up somewhere in the new office! And maybe even on your wall and in your heart.

Blessings.

Day #302

October 29, 2014

We made our last trip to the farm today. Hard to imagine that after ten years of at least one of us living there it’s time to finish packing it up. It’s been a peaceful place, a healing place, a place of respite and inspiration, a place of calm in the midst of days of chaos and stress, a retreat for mourning and a place of celebration. It’s even where my husband and I met.

But we are off to new places and new adventures. As the prayer goes - to paths as yet untrodden. Well, at least trod by us. So as we leave one place that has plenty of our footprints and fingerprints, we are ready to add our footprints and fingerprints to those in a new place. Soon!

Blessings.