Day #2896

December 5, 2021

I am in awe of a ministry we heard about this morning in worship. This is from the website of Toby's House Crisis Nursery here in town: “October Perez, known to some as “Toby,” was only two-years-old when she died from abuse at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend in 2011.”

This was not only a tragic event, but totally unacceptable to some folks. There should be another way. So they came together to make a place possible for parents to drop off their 0-6 year old for a few hours, or day, if life has gotten to be too much. Before losing control and being abusive, Toby’s House is there for parents/caregivers to get some cool down time. What an amazing gift. What a true lifesaver! And what a good reminder that a few can do a lot to help others! 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2895

December 4, 2021

On this Satisfied Saturday, I give thanks for the working of the Holy Spirit. One of the times I am most appreciative of the Spirit's action is when I am writing a sermon. My prayer each time I sit to write is, “Thank you, God, for this opportunity. Lead, guide, and direct my thoughts, and words, to be what you want spoken and what others need to hear” (or something along those lines). When the scripture makes it difficult to discern a nugget for a sermon, I pray this more than once. Or twice. 

In the end, I truly believe it is the Holy Spirit that gives me words and direction. I pray that translates, or comes through, on Sunday. However, I believe and trust the Holy Spirit speaks to each one of us. We can all hear what is meant for us to hear. Therefore, my prayer really is: help me, Lord, to hear you. Amen! Let it be so!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2894

December 3, 2021 

What an enjoyable evening! About ten of my colleagues and their “plus ones” gathered for dinner. In a local restaurant, we gathered in a comfortable room to ourselves and enjoyed some fine food. But the conversation and the camaraderie was the best part. 

Most of us have been meeting regularly on Zoom, but there is something to be said for being together in person. Separation is just another thing this pandemic has caused. But tonight, we celebrated together, laughed, and even sang Happy Birthday, as carefully as we could. It was glorious!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2893

December 2, 2021 

Another day when the word is thankful! This time for having - and making - time to visit folks. What a gift it is to spend time with an individual, hearing their stories, their hopes, their fears. Oh, what an honor it truly is!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2892

December 1, 2021 

The word for the day - thankful! The painting of the sanctuary is nearly completed. It looks fresh, clean, and well-cared for. The best part, however, is that we will be able to worship in “our” space on Sunday. I cannot wait for folks to see how it looks!

I have certainly missed everyone! How did we do "virtual worship only" for soooo many weeks because of COVID?!?!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2891

November 30, 2021

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Philippians 1:3-5: I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.

Years ago, when I was blessed to work with a very thoughtful boss, the first part of verse 1- I thank my God every time I remember you - became somewhat of a mantra. Those words were written at the bottom of every letter (and there were many!) that left his office, most of which I prepared. Often when answering the phone, the caller would mention receiving a letter and how much that line meant to them. Not only did they appreciate knowing they were remembered to God, but also that my boss was thankful for them.

I cannot read these words now without giving thanks for that boss. He has taught me many things over the years I have known him, but the importance of telling people you are thankful for them might be the best lesson. After all, God is a God of relationship and must be most pleased when relationships between humans are nurtured. Certainly, thankfulness - and speaking it out loud - is important for a solid relationship of any kind.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2890

November 29, 2021

From the Thanksgiving Weekend through Christmas, southern-born folks, especially, tend to eat a lot of pecans. However, just reading the word will not give us a correct pronunciation. So this help is the smile for the week:

Full disclosure, I still mostly say "Pea Cans." Haha! It is sooo hard to change. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2889

November 28, 2021

On this first Sunday of Advent, which is also the first day of Hanukkah, I had to snag this from a colleague:

What a great reminder that the Light of God always overcomes the darkness, no matter who we are!!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2888

November 27, 2021 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I give thanks for the rain where we are. We have taken a short trip over the Thanksgiving weekend since we had four days off in a row. We are experiencing several weather patterns - snow, rain, wind (LOTS of wind), and sunshine. 

Yet, it is the moisture in the form of rain for which I give the most thanks and praise. Dare I pray for more, especially at home?!?!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2887

November 26, 2021

This is from the Daily Devotion taken from writings of Henri Nouwen:

Community is like a large mosaic. Each little piece seems so insignificant. One piece is bright red, another cold blue or dull green, another warm purple, another sharp yellow, another shining gold. Some look precious, others ordinary. Some look valuable, others worthless. Some look gaudy, others delicate. We can do little with them as individual stones except compare them and judge their beauty and value. When, however, all these little stones are brought together in one big mosaic, portraying the face of Christ, who would ever question the importance of any one of them? If one of them, even the least spectacular one, is missing, the face is incomplete. Together in the one mosaic, each little stone is indispensable and makes a unique contribution to the glory of God. That’s community, a fellowship of little people who together make God visible in the world.

Is there a place in the mosaic where you are missing? In these last months of COVID, I lament those who are missing for various reasons. The “face is incomplete.” The community is lacking. 

However, I also realize the "faces" may not physically be in the same place, yet the contribution of each person is as important as ever. And as vital. My prayer is that you realize you are important and that you have an essential place in the mosaic. And if I can help in any way, please let me know. Please!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2886

November 25, 2021

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2885

November 24, 2021 

Today is a special day in your life, Simon. Today is the first anniversary of a very special wedding. One that changed your world, and brought together a new family. 

We wish you a Happy Anniversary - all of you! We pray you all continue to grow in love and commitment and joy. Every day!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2884

November 23, 2021

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture is from the Gospel of Luke, the first chapter, verses 39 and 40: In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. (NRSV)

Two women greet one another. We can assume they knew each other before this visit, but things are now different. Both women have been called into service to the Lord - anointed, holy, set apart for very special events. They will both give birth to a son - Elizabeth to John, Mary to Jesus. Both their sons would have lives that were troubled, yet filled with majesty. Both men would have followers, be teachers and prophets, and themselves be anointed. Sadly, both men would also suffer horrific deaths. Yet only one, Jesus, being both God and man, would be resurrected as Lord and Savior.

At this point in our scripture, these women may have had only a small inkling of what was to come. A very small inkling. They knew they were blessed for a special calling, and perhaps that was enough for now. Yet I have to wonder, what did they talk about in their time together? How many tears were shed? How much laughter, comparison, wonder and fear was shared? Certainly there were all sorts of emotions, because at their core, they were simply women. Different, yet similar. Separate in many ways, yet bonded in one amazing one. 

Women can have a special bond with other women due to similar experiences and can be drawn together over them. What a gift women can be for one another. Which makes me wonder: is there a woman looking to you for comfort, hope, friendship, a listening ear? More than likely the answer is yes. And that, I believe, is itself a blessing.  

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2883

November 22, 2021

Who better than The Peanuts to wish us a happy week and put a smile on our face?!

May we all have a smile on our face and in our heart this week (and always) as we remember and give thanks to God for who God is and who we are to God! Happy Thanksgiving week!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2882

November 21, 2021 

Week two without a live, in-person worship service leaves me feeling sad. I miss the community. And we have one more week to go (November 28 will also be recorded, sadly).

However, I used some of the extra time to catch-up on the blogging I have been behind on for weeks. Every day I make a note of some way that God has been shown to me, something I am grateful for or sometimes grumpy about, but writing them out and getting them posted can take a few days. But today, I am current. Today. 😊 

So I give thanks for the time and energy to write. Also, please know I appreciate all of you who read these posts. 

Blessings. And prayers.