Day #2746

July 8, 2021 

The word for the day - thankful. For another good day together enjoying this place we call home. There truly is much to love and enjoy here!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2745

July 7, 2021

Vacation time took us today for a scheduled ride on the Gates of the Mountains boat tour. These two photos show some of the beauty in the canyon, and our smiles for having the opportunity.

From there we went to the Marysville House Restaurant for dinner. That was an experience - eating in a “real” Ghost Town (photo courtesy of their website). 

Finally we enjoyed an overnight stay nearby. What fun to enjoy some of the local sights. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2744

July 6, 2021 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Ephesians 1:9: [God] has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ. (NRSV)

When I was in seminary, one of the most challenging early assignments I remember was writing about God’s mystery. The professor asked for a definition of what is meant by God’s mystery and had very definite points he wanted included. Many of us had to redo the answer several times (fortunately he let us rewrite), and the pressure of getting it "right" still sticks with me today.  

Therefore, when I read verse 9 above, I was taken back to that assignment. What I wrote then as the conclusion to the answer was this: The heart of the story is what Jesus did for us by dying, and rising – sacrificing for our salvation. This mystery is to be celebrated and proclaimed each time we gather for Worship.

My answer finally passed. That does not mean, however, that I understand my answer, never mind God’s will or mystery. That Jesus was a part of God’s plan from the beginning is hard to understand. That Jesus’ life, death and resurrection was for us, and only for us, is hard to understand. That God loves us that much, through grace, is hard to understand. 

But then, maybe understanding is not important. Asking for help to accept God’s mystery, to have faith, maybe that is the essence. Help us, O God. Amen. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2743

July 5, 2021 

The smile for this week is something someone said when I mentioned I would be out of the office - I thought you were on vacation last week. Actually, it was two weeks ago and they come fast and furious in the summer, I responded with a smile. 

Yes, I am planning to have a few days off this week, and taking vacation close together does create some difficulties. Trying to stay caught up is a challenge. Also, I will miss something this week in the life of one of the parishioners, which I heard about after plans and reservations were already made. Suffice it to say, it is always difficult trying to juggle ministry and family time. 

So the smile comes because someone made the comment, but it also comes because I’ll have time again with hubby this week. 😃

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2742

July 4, 2021 

I must admit it was odd to celebrate the 4th of July on a Sunday. For example, it was disappointing that the city where we live held their parade at 11:00 am, really close to the “church hour.” However, it was good to celebrate another year for our country. 

This picture from FaceBook that was posted by Raleigh Meade shows off some of the best of the local festivities. Nice! Happy Birthday, America!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2741

July 3, 2021 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am thankful for the edible treat known as ice cream. This may seem an odd thing to be thankful for, but how refreshing a dish or cone of ice cream can be on a hot summer day! And when the treat can be enjoyed with a friend, or a few friends, that makes it even better. 

So whether it is homemade or store-bought, plain vanilla or a creative concoction, a cone, dish, sundae, shake or bar, ice cream makes me smile. Hope you can enjoy a frozen treat today, and give thanks for that ingenious person who invented such a delightful food.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2740

July 2, 2021 

During the year or so of “shut down,” many things were put on hold. Perhaps the most difficult were the funeral/memorial services for loved ones who passed away. Not having a way to gather and say good-bye can make grieving difficult to accept or process. So even after six months, it was good for a family to gather today to remember their loved one, to hear the important reminder that God has received them for eternity, and that God is also with the living in their continuing grief. 

I pray that whatever or whoever you may be grieving for you find a way to have a ritual of saying goodbye for it/them. If I can help with that, please let me know. It is important. It is Godly. It is about how the community can help us in all experiences of life. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2739

July 1, 2021 

Today’s “Daily Grace” blog of the Women of the ELCA spoke to me. It was a reminder to take time every day to remember who God says we are. Oh, the world can tell us such lies - we are not rich enough, attractive enough, smart enough, have enough friends or dozens of other "not enough" ideas. These messages can bring us down, make us sad, even despondent. The author (Kari van Wakeren) reminded us that these are not God’s messages. God’s message is that we are loved, we are enough, we are valued and special. 

Therefore, I invite you to take this moment - right now - to remember that God believes in you. You are enough. God loves you. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2738

June 30, 2021

A “holy conversation” at men’s Bible Study reminded me how the scriptures still speak to our current lives. I never expected an ancient story about the sibling rivalry between Joseph and his brothers would lead to a very real discussion about how the same can apply today. Yes, brothers and sisters can still be jealous of the love they perceive their parents give more freely to the “other.” We humans really have not changed a tremendous amount (at least our core feelings), have we?!

Thank you, fellas, for your honest and deep sharing. May God bless all our families. Always.  

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2737

June 29, 2021 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Psalm 123:3a: Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy, for we have had more than enough of contempt. (ELW)

This line in Psalm 123 speaks to me this week: Have mercy upon us, O Lord. We humans tend to rush after so much that is without true substance - money, power, health, prestige, stuff - without even stopping to think that none of it has ultimate saving power. Oh, we think if we have enough money, or good enough health, we can take care of ourselves. Yet, we are vulnerable to many things that are out of our control and that money cannot buy or fix. 

Right now, there are many crying out for God’s mercy because they are in need of rain. Drought in many areas of the world is beyond troubling. Yet, we humans cannot buy rain. We humans cannot make rain happen. That is beyond our control. Therefore, we turn to the One who does have dominion over the sky. And we can trust that God will not forsake us.

When things in life seem too overwhelming, we can remember that God hears our prayers. And God is merciful. God does love God’s creation - ALL of it. 

Almighty God, you know the places that are hurting and living in fear due to the lack of water. Send your life-giving sustenance and show your ways of mercy. Amen. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2736

June 28, 2021

The smile for this week is brought to you courtesy of our Godson and his mom.

I happen to think their smiles are absolutely contagious! 😊

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2735

June 27, 2021 

While I am back in the saddle, as they say, our Godson (and family) is having one more day of fun and sun. I think little brother’s thumbs up says it all!

So happy to see them taking some family vacation time! As I said, it can be soooo important!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2734

June 26, 2021 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for rest. It would be my desire that everyone had the opportunity to get time to recharge and refresh. Even if you cannot get away from home, I pray you have sufficient moments of “down time.” It is, after all, God’s gift to us - Sabbath rest. 

Also, I could not resist sharing this picture of our Godson fishing. Don't you love the concentration!!

He and the family are getting some time away, also. Yay for them!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2733

June 25, 2021 

All good things must come to an end, “they” say. And today is the last full day of this vacation. Tomorrow we pack up and head home. It will be good to get back, but this break has been wonderful, I must admit. 

Thanks be to God for a congregation who understands the need for their pastor to get rest and refreshment!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2732

June 24, 2021

The word for the day - lazy! But after all, this IS vacation. And for this trip, there has been lots of resting, relaxing, reading...and eating. 

What’s a quick (an hour one-way) drive to another town to find a Krispy Kreme?!?! Something done on vacation, that’s what! Yum!

Blessings. And prayers.