Day #2265

March 14, 2020 

Well, the week had not thrown the last at us - today there is this!!! 

Wind and snow created this drift at our door off the deck. Yikes!! Boomer even said, do I HAVE to go out in this?!?!

But there is this - joy in catching up with some folks. Fortunately the phone still works and is safe from the “virus.” Thankfully!! And I certainly enjoyed talking with folks today.

Blessings.

Day #2264

March 13, 2020 

On this Friday the 13th, at the end of a week that included a full moon and a time change, the Covid-19 saga continues. There seems to be near panic in the country - who do we believe, where do we turn, who can we trust, how do we protect ourselves? I am fully aware this should be taken seriously, and I am, but not fearfully. The threat is here, but with some intelligence and safe practices, it seems minimal. And certainly survivable. 

Perhaps we wonder in times like this where we can find peace. My thought - in and with the Prince of Peace. Pray. Breath. Take necessary precautions. Stay home if you prefer. Be in touch with others who can help if you need anything (physical distancing, not social). And breath! God is still God! Always! So please, give yourself permission to be concerned, just not stymied by fear.

Blessings.

PS We attended a lovely concert with music by female composers performed by the Winds Quintet. Such talent!! We are certainly blessed with gifted musicians in this city! Thank you, again, for sharing with the community.

Day #2263

March 12, 2020 

Covid-19. Coronavirus. Who knew a virus would create the pandemic that has now been declared. Along with the chaos - toilet paper (yes, you read that correctly) flying from the shelves; events being cancelled such as the ACC Tournament; places being closed like Disney; even visits being prohibited to local care centers. What do we do? How do we respond? Do we cancel worship? Other events? Simply stay home? Fear our neighbor? 

Needless to say, there is a lot of praying going on, trusting God to lead and guide! And trying to be wise in our responses, all WITHOUT panicking!!!!

Blessings.

Day #2262

March 11, 2020

Thirty-one years ago today I repeated vows and said yes to the intent to covenant with my husband to live in holy matrimony. Today we had dinner together and celebrated our life. 

Happy anniversary, sweetheart! You have been, are, and will continue to be the one I love and the one I love to be with! xxxooo!

Blessings.

Day #2261

March 10, 2020 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from the Gospel of John 4:38: [Jesus said:] I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” (NRSV)

Years ago a woman whose name I no longer remember sat down with me to help explain why I needed to acknowledge God in my life. This Christian woman went through scripture with me, patiently heard and answered my questions, and prayed with me. She sowed seeds. But I walked away from that conversation unconvinced I needed to make any changes. In other words, she sowed but did not reap. 

Several years after that, another member of God's kingdom came along and invited me to worship, introducing me to folks who would continue to walk with me, hearing and answering my questions. They were not the first to labor in my life, but they were the ones who saw fruit. I was baptized and became a busy servant, even one day becoming a pastor. 

I often think about that woman from many years ago. I feel quite certain she was disappointed and maybe even angry at my stubbornness. Perhaps she has prayed for me. She might even occasionally think about her “failure” and wish things had gone differently. Little did she know God continued to work in my life and sent others who helped me accept God’s love and grace. There is much to learn from this unnamed woman in my life, and God’s persistence in all of our lives. Thanks be to God!

Blessings.

Day #2260

March 9, 2020

This large collection of bags and boxes of goodies for the new Youth Resource Center for homeless teens will hopefully keep you smiling all week long:

Thank you, folks, for your generosity in providing items for those who need to know people care about them! 

Blessings.

Day #2259

March 8, 2020 

Just as I thought - first Holy Communion class (see Day #2256) is awesome. One of my favorite parts of the first class is the “field trip” to the sanctuary. I have them look around and tell me ways folks can “see” Jesus in this space and ways they hear about Jesus in worship. Then I explain the “church” word for items, like sanctuary, font, sacristy, altar, etc. It’s always enjoyable to see their excitement and watch them learn. 

Also, a shoutout on International Women’s Day to all the hard-working women who seek to bring gender equality for all! I personally am grateful for those who blazed a trail in helping women be accepted in the workplace, the pulpit and more. And to those who currently seem to “do it all” - work, raise children, volunteer, be friends, care for extended families, etc., with finesse and grace - you are my heroes! God bless and keep you all!

Blessings.

Day #2258

March 7, 2020

The words for the day - Daylight Savings Time! 

Don’t forget to set those clocks one hour ahead before bedtime, or your week will start off all wrong (not to mention late). And as some have been reminding us, next week has time change, a full moon, AND Friday the 13th! Lord have mercy on us all!! ;-) 

Blessings.

Day #2257

March 6, 2020

Who knew today was National Oreo Cookie Day?!?! Really, that’s a thing?! And here I am without any to consume. Suppose I’ll have to settle for this picture

And some new personal insight based on The Oreo Test of Personality. Enjoy!

Blessings.

Day #2256

March 5, 2020

The word for the day - thankful. For colleagues and friends and their sharing and caring. 

I am also looking forward to First Holy Communion class starting Sunday. There is nothing more fulfilling than helping young ones (well, those of any age) learn more about the ways Jesus shows us his love and grace! 

Blessings.

Day #2255

March 4, 2020

It’s busy Wednesday, and Lent adds a new dimension with soup suppers and worship. Ah, but I wouldn’t trade the joy, the laughs, the tears, the struggles, the questions, the pondering, and the assurances. Thank you, God, for each person who was a part of this day! I would, absolutely, not trade a single moment of it!!!

Oh, and when I saw this today, I knew I had to share after the discussion at Bible Study:

Blessings.

Day #2254

March 3, 2020 

This Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture is based on Genesis 12:1: The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. (NRSV)

Can you imagine?!?! Go from here, this place that has become home and comfort and familiarity, to a place that is not yet revealed, but to which God says, trust me. Well, a little over five years ago, hubby and I left the land of our birth and life for decades and set across country. Until two weeks before we left, we had no idea where we would live, but only that we had a place to go to that was ready for us to come; a new congregation to serve; new people to meet; a new state with new laws and rules; and a new culture to learn. We came, trusting that God was providing this place for us and God has blessed us in so many ways. Just as God had a place for us before that included wonderful people and experiences, this place does, too. 

What might you be holding onto so tightly that you are missing a new experience or a new opportunity for God to bless you and your family? Are our hands (and hearts and minds) so filled with what we are currently experiencing that we cannot imagine the risk of letting go to receive something just as (or even more) wonderful? Is that what faith is really about, trusting God to show us ways to be blessed, and to be a blessing? 

Blessings.

Day #2253

March 2, 2020 

It seems appropriate on Dr. Seuss Day to try this, my original:

     The Cat in the Hat; what could be more fun that?
     Green Eggs and Ham; don’t forget the bread and jam.
     Horton Hears a Who; I don’t have a clue!

     Dr. Seuss I am not, but for many and a lot,
     He was a great gift, giving us all a lift, 
     So we celebrate his life, and may you have a week without strife.

(I know, I know, good grief! But maybe this will help you smile!)

Blessings.

Day #2252

March 1, 2020

The congregation is host this week to guests who are a part of Family Promise (see the Family Promise website for more information). This is always a busy week: readying space to become rooms, making certain needed volunteers are in place, having extra folks around. I am grateful for every volunteer and for every person’s prayers! What an honor to be a safe place of food and home, even if only for a small amount of time. 

Being a host is a good reminder, also, that it is important not only that we show hospitality, but that we are conscious of how we speak about the “other;” the other person, the other situation, the other ways things get done. Not only is that important when folks from different congregations work together, but with folks whose lives are different than ours, be it due to homelessness, education, ethnicity, gender identification, family of origin, etc. What we say and how we say it matters. That was a good reminder for me from our Adult Education class today. Thank you! 

Blessings.

Day #2251

February 29, 2020 

We spent much of the day in class. Well, in a time of learning, re-learning, and re-enforcing. The topic: Stewardship. The time was well spent, but perhaps the most helpful take-away was this reminder: “Generosity is what God wants for us, not what God wants from us.” Pastor Michael Binder

Stewardship includes discipleship and discipleship includes stewardship - time, talent and treasure. Today was about an important, timely and enjoyable topic for me. It is good to be reminded that God is so generous to us and we are honored and privileged to be generous to others. Thanks be to God.

Blessings.