February 25, 2019
Saw this today and think it says it all about how folks feel around here these days:
Blessings.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Day #1881
February 24, 2019
We finally got back into our fellowship space after the redecorating, just in time for a farewell/shower for our Parish Administrator. Her last day is Thursday (not a day I personally am looking forward to) and it is coming quickly. So we celebrated her three years with us, and wished her well as she waits for her twins to be born. Perhaps she said it best (and I paraphrase), I came here thinking this would just be a job, but you all have become like family.
So true. And we will surely miss her!
Blessings.
Day #1880
February 23, 2019
There is one word that applies to the last few weeks, and it’s a four-letter one: S-N-O-W!! Well, maybe two words, snow and another four-letter one: C-O-L-D.
It just seems to keep coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, without a break. Can we say folks here have cabin fever and are a tad ready for a break!?!?
Blessings.
Day #1879
February 22, 2019
I spent the day at my second Synod Council meeting, hearing about the work of the church. There is much that is accomplished and wonderful to learn more about the things God is doing. But there are also challenges, especially since funds alway seem to be tight.
Ultimately, the question remains, what is God up to in the world and how is God calling us to respond? The answers may not be as we expect, either. Hmm...
Blessings.
Day #1878
February 21, 2019
What a fun time I had this morning. I was invited to share with a group about my faith story and how I was led to becoming a pastor. I must admit I don’t always enjoy talking about myself, but when it comes to telling the story of how God has worked in my life through others, that is an exception. This audience was welcoming, kind, attentive and asked great questions. It was fun remembering and sharing. Thank you for the invitation!
Blessings.
Day #1877
February 20, 2019
It wasn’t pretty, losing my cool. It never is. Nor am I proud of spouting off and voicing my frustration over lots of little things that piled up to send me “over the edge.” But it happened. I am just thankful that the folks who heard me seemed to understand. And, that after the study time was over, I felt much better having spent time in the Word of God. I was ready to face the rest of the day.
So thank you, ladies, for listening. And for understanding!!
Blessings.
Day #1876
February 19, 2019
Today’s Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Genesis 45:8a: So it was not you who sent me here, but God. (NRSV)
As the story unfolds, Joseph had been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. They had let their father think the favored child, Joseph, was killed by wild animals. But Joseph fared much better than his brothers ever thought he would - he prospered and grew into a prominent position in the home and reign of the Pharaoh. So when famine came and Pharaoh was the one with food that the brothers needed to purchase in order to stay alive, they run into Joseph. When Joseph tells them who he is, because they don’t recognize him at first, they nearly shiver in fear. What will Joseph do to them to retaliate?
In a surprising twist for the brothers, Joseph responds with words and actions of forgiveness. Joseph believes it was ultimately not the brothers who sent him into Pharaoh’s home, but God. And because of God’s faithfulness, Joseph is now in a position to help many, including his family.
Sometimes we make decisions or do things that put others in jeopardy, perhaps even change their lives beyond what we imagine possible. And what we expect is retaliation, as did Joseph’s brothers. How amazing that Joseph instead saw the hand of God in the midst of the tragedy and the blessing that came from it. Can God turn around every situation? Well, I suppose that depends on our perspective. Yet every situation in my life thus far has shown God bringing something positive from a difficulty, even when I haven't recognized it at first. For this I am grateful, because otherwise, where would there be hope in the midst of tragedy?
Blessings.
Day #1875
February 18, 2019
The word for the day - thankful. Mostly today, however, for friends who arrived safely from a long trip away. Well, and we also appreciate that they thought of us with gifts:
(The handmade bowl is gorgeous and the candy in it delicious!)
Blessings.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Day #1874
February 17, 2019
Today I want to give a shout out to my patient and kind husband. As I type, he is outside digging out a friend’s car from the snow. That is after he helped me try to divert a leak at the congregation, listened quietly to me be grumpy about the snow and cold, tried to fix what we think is a plugged roof vent at home (yikes!), and generally tried to make me smile.
Can I say enough that I appreciate him?! Nope! I just hope he knows that I do!
Blessings.
Day #1873
February 16, 2019
This is not a person. Nope, it is the grill on our deck just outside the backdoor. And, yes, that's pretty much all snow piled up on the top - the grill doesn't have a very large hump. And, yes, in case you're wondering, the whole thing is nearly as tall as me!!!
So instead of "rain, rain go away," I have composed a "new" song: Snow, snow, go away, and bring some warmer temps today!
Who's ready to sing it with me?
Who's ready to sing it with me?
Blessings.
Day #1872
February 15, 2019
Finally! The high temperature rose into the double digits (albeit barely)! Yet, it was still a good day to get out and about. And enjoy seeing the beauty of the river at one of the dams.
Blessings.
Day #1870
February 13, 2019
We had a treat in confirmation class tonight. One of the students brought home-baked (by her) Valentine’s cookies. How generous! How thoughtful! What a sweet treat! Thank you so much - they were delicious!
Have I mentioned what a joy it is to be with these kids each week?!
Blessings.
Day #1869
February 12, 2019
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Jeremiah 17:7: Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. (NRSV)
Trust is defined as: “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.” Have you ever played the game where you close your eyes and fall backward, trusting that your teammates will catch you? I really stink at that game. I have a fear of falling, and trusting someone to catch me that I cannot see takes me to the brink of panic. Yet, when I have been able to overcome that fear and rejoiced that someone does “have my back,” so to speak, I am filled with gratitude for them.
Therefore, to realize that the Lord deserves our trust, has our back, will never falter in watching out for us and being there for us, gives me great joy. To think that the Lord is that truth, that strength, also gives me pause. For when I think of being blessed in the sense that the Lord’s face is turned toward me, what more could I hope for? What more do I need?
Each of us has a firm belief in something. My prayer is that my firm belief is and always will be in the Lord!
Blessings.
Day #1868
February 11, 2019
Who would have thought there would be such excitement generated in me about getting a handicap door opener installed? Having spent time on crutches and tried to open doors, hold them, get inside and not fall, I understand the challenge. So when an unexpected gift was given to the congregation, and it was decided to spend it on getting an auto door opener, I was thrilled. Can’t wait for the job to be finished and we can really start using this new addition!
Yes, sometimes it really is the “little things.”
Blessings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)