Sunday, February 14, 2016

Day #773

February 12, 2016

The word for the day? Thankful!

For some time with my hubby - for a “date” night - for time to get some necessary paperwork started.

All in all - thankful!

Blessings.

Day #772

February 11, 2016

From Michelle Phillips in the “Think” portion of the d365 devotion: “It is my hope that you use this day to reflect on who Christ is to you.”

What a great invitation! To take some intentional time to consider who Jesus is to me is a true gift. And, I hope you take some time to do the same - and, in the process, bask in the revelation of how much God loves you!

Blessings.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Day #771

February 10, 2016

Yes, on Ash Wednesday the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" weigh heavy as the cross of ashes is marked on our foreheads. A stark contrast to the fun, food and fellowship of Shrove Tuesday.

These are somber, sobering words we hear. A humble reminder of where we came from, and a hopeful promise that God who creates will ultimately bring us back to God.

The Season of Lent has begun. A penitential and disciplined time set aside for growing in relationship with God. Forty Days to focus, learn, pray, fast, and sacrificially give. Forty Days (plus Sundays) of preparation for the joy of Easter!

But thanks to a colleague who often posts humorous, lighthearted reminders that tickle my funny bone, I have to share this one that made me laugh out loud:
This is so true for the Season of Lent - and for life - finding/seeing humor in the midst of sorrow and somber.

Blessings. And blessings on your Lenten Journey! Remember, God is with us!

Day #770

February 9, 2016

Mardi Gras - Shrove Tuesday - Fat Tuesday!

A fun time at the "all you can eat" pancake supper. Thank you to the Women of the ELCA for their excellent cooking, serving and cleaning. YUMMY!!

Blessings.

Day #769

February 8, 2016
"Friendship arises out of mere companionship when two or more of the companions discover that they have in common some insight or interest or even taste which the others do not share and which, till that moment, each believed to be his own unique treasure (or burden).  The typical expression of opening friendship would be something like, "What? You too? I thought I was the only one." - C.S. Lewis
 What beautiful thoughts on friendship. Being from a small (very small!) family, I am very thankful for friends. Over the years, I have been fortunate to have many – some I still have contact and deep relationship with, some who are no longer on this earth, and some who have moved out of my life.

Perhaps one of the most important things about friendship I am grateful to have learned is that to have a friend, I must be one. It’s not always easy – but it is so worth it, isn’t it?! Thank you my friends for being my friends, and I hope I’m one for you, too!!

And, something to celebrate – the days are getting longer. This after 6:00 pm – too beautiful not to stop and notice – and share!

Blessings.

Day #768

February 7, 2016

One of my greatest joys is talking with young folks about Holy Communion. The questions that they are pondering are so insightful! The love that I try to describe is so deep! The joy and anticipation of receiving for themselves something they have observed others do for a long time is inspiring.

Yep, First Holy Communion class – a true joy!!

Blessings.

Day #767

February 6, 2016


The Moravian Daily Text (click here for the current day's link: Moravian Daily Texts) for February 6th includes this verse: 1 Chronicles 28:20 “David said to his son Solomon, ‘The Lord God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.’”

I find great comfort in these words – for I find that “the work for the service of the house of the Lord” is never finished, which can be a tad overwhelming at times. There are never enough hours in the day to get everything done I would like to get done, make all the phone calls I would like to make, visit all the people and be present to listen and share, etc., that I would like to do. It just isn’t humanly possible, and can feel quite defeating at times that there is always so much more that could/should be done.

So, when it becomes a tad overwhelming that things don’t get finished, the reminder that the Lord God is with me until they are is a great comfort. One for which I truly am most thankful. And humbled by!

Blessings.

Friday, February 5, 2016

Day #766

February 5, 2016

Two words for the day – blown away!! I had news earlier this week that has taken a few days to sink in. News of healing that is taking place, miraculous healing. Healing that means that it’s time to live, instead of preparing to die.

And I’m blown away with thanksgiving!!! Glory be to God! All praise to God!

Blessings.

Day #765

February 4, 2016

Had word of a conversation that was troubling. I was not made privy to the conversation, and I think I should have been. But now what?! Is it just me being petty? Is it necessary to confront the situation? Would that be the proper thing to do? How do we decide when we need to confront something or let it go? Will it get better, or worse, if something is said? Are we speaking the truth in love by confronting? Is speaking the truth in love staying quiet?

Oh, sometimes it is really hard to make the best, most fair, decisions! Come Holy Spirit, and guide me.

Blessings.

Day #764

February 3, 2016

The word for the day – thankful!!

For wonderful conversation at Bible Studies. For sharing. For deep questions. For honesty.

But here is my favorite line of the day: in the presence of God we are always transformed! WOW!! We may not see it, we may not believe it, but we are. No need to hide the transformation, either, because it’s all about God’s work – not mine.

Can’t wait to see where the sermon leads this week – come Holy Spirit.

Blessings.

Day #763

February 2, 2016

This coming Sunday is Transfiguration of our Lord (see Luke 9:28-36). There is much to consider in the readings, but one part I always smile at reading is how Peter babbles on about what has happened, how great it is, and how three booths should be erected so they can just stay on the mountaintop.

Life isn’t that way, however, and they go back down to meet the crowd. But questions remain. Whenever there is an encounter with God, we wonder if it is real. We ask, what did I just see/hear/feel? Can I trust my eyes, ears, hands/heart? What does it mean? What is coming next?

No wonder Peter babbles on – I suppose I would, too! Wait, I do sometimes! Maybe often.

Just listen, God says. Hmmm

Blessings.

Day #762

February 1, 2016

Whew!! No more rest – back at it!! In full!

How can a week go so fast, and create so much to get done? Certainly a note of gratitude for those who kept it in the road while I was away! Thank you!! It’s great to have staff and colleagues who will cover so that some time away can be had!

Blessings.

Day #761

January 31, 2016

The prayer from Ed Stallworth in the d365 devotion began my day:
Lord, work in me so that others may see you through me. May my devotion to you be more than the words I read, the church I attend, or the songs I sing. Let it be instead the life I live. Amen.
AMEN!!

And then another final break for the week – someone else shared the message for worship. Great job, Sharon, and thank you!!

Blessings.

Day #760

January 30, 2016

If one lazy day is good...two is even better!!

Blessings.

Day #759

January 29, 2016
 
Ahhh...the love of a lazy day after vacation. Time for laundry, talking, napping, relaxing!! 

Blessings.