December 20, 2021
Here is a smile for the week:
The picture of this sign was taken in our town. Never let it be said folks here do not have a sense of humor! Or are not creative!
Blessings. And prayers.
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Day #2910
December 19, 2021
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, the word for the day is thankful. For a wonderful morning of worship, a refreshing afternoon nap (a rare treat), and time to catch up on the blog. If you are a regular reader, you know I am often behind a few days. However, these last two or three weeks, I have gotten WAY behind. Thank you for continuing to read, sending me comments, and encouraging me to continue.
It is hard to believe I am days away from the eighth year anniversary. To say I never expected to keep going this long is an understatement. To admit it is sometimes a labor of love is also an understatement. Yet, I find it important and soul-enriching to find something every day that speaks to God intertwining life and faith. And that part is easy…most days. 😉
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2909
December 18, 2021
On this Satisfied Saturday I am thankful for sleep. There is nothing quite like a solid, good amount of uninterrupted sleep. It refreshes our body, rests our minds, and is necessary for life. God knew what we need.
To those of you for whom sleep can be elusive, I feel your pain. That describes many of my nights. Therefore, prayers for a good night’s rest for us all! And thank you, God, when they come!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2908
December 17, 2021
This message written by Cheryl M. Peterson in the January/February 2021 Gather magazine called “Weightlifting and the Mustard Seed” is important to share:
Perhaps we wonder whether we have “enough faith” to face the challenges of discipleship in today’s world. We may wonder if our faith is too small and fragile amid the anxieties during a global pandemic.
Jesus does not think that “more faith” is what the disciples need. Instead, he tells the disciples that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed (which is among the smallest of seeds), that would be enough (Luke 17:6). It is the presence of faith – not the quality – that matters. If one has the tiniest amount, it is enough.
David Tiede writes in a commentary on Luke, “There is no need for desperate quests for ‘more faith,’ as if it could be quantified or possessed.” It is God’s Spirit working in and through our faith that makes all things possible.
And then, as if to drive home the message, I saw this:
These are both good reminders that faith is not like deposits made into a bank account. Faith is from God, and God will ALWAYS give us what we need, when we need it. Thank you, God. You are so awesome!!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2907
December 16, 2021
With all the busyness, pain and death lately, I found this month's “Mysterious Ways” an uplifting article in the “Guideposts” magazine. Lori Kennedy tells of going back to her burned out home following a wildfire. Except for a few items, all was gone. After a while, she and her husband called it quits on their "discovery mission." As she turned to get in the car, she noticed something stuck to her shoe. She writes, “A scrap of paper, smudged with soot. I picked it up. Its edges were singed, yet the words were surprisingly legible: ‘If life seems difficult, I pause and reflect on the blessing sometimes hidden within every circumstance. With renewed faith and courage, I begin again.’”
Oh, how I needed to read these words. I have to admit, it is not always easy to keep going when there are weeks like these last two. Thank you again, God, for always being with me!
Then there is this picture of Simon on this day of his piano recital.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2906
December 15, 2021
If I somehow thought last Wednesday was filled with God’s presence in all the busyness, today I would describe the intersections of faith and life as being on steroids. It was a very full day filled with emotions that were all across the board. However, I consider myself blessed to have been a part of so many different gatherings.
But mostly, I feel honored to help another family lay a loved one to rest. What holy ground. What a holy moment. Thank you, Lord, for your presence and strength!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2905
December 14, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from the Gospel of Luke, the second chapter, verse 10: But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” (NRSV)
There must be something about the sudden presence of an angel that elicits a response of fear. Many of the incidents in the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus begin with the angel having to tell the person they appear to: “do not be afraid.” Are angels frightening in appearance? Does their "showing up" happen in a way that startles the person? Is it the message they are bringing? Could it be some of all of these?
In our first home together, the washer/dryer was on the first floor, around the corner from the dining room. It was in a rather small space, away from “traffic,” and the noise of the machines kept me from hearing someone coming. Many times my hubby would come behind me, say something, and scare me half to death. It was not that he is a scary man, but not expecting him almost always brought a fear-filled reaction.
Perhaps angels appearing were more common in that day, but not to the people we hear about. A young peasant woman, a man ready for marriage, a group of shepherds tending their flock in the middle of the night may have been unlikely candidates to hear from God’s messenger. Yet, they receive them. Mostly willingly. And not only do they receive the angels, but also their messages. Then they share them, so that we may know. For that, I say thanks be to God!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2904
December 13, 2021
December 13 is known as St. Lucia’s Day. I learned of this tradition while in seminary when a classmate, Lucy (of course), was chosen to “wear the lights.” A Google search reminds me that “this festival is celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and the Swedish-speaking areas of Finland.” “St. Lucia’s Day can be traced back to the 4th Century. It commemorates the martyr Lucia of Syracuse, who, as legend has it, brought food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs, lighting her way with a candlelit wreath on her head.”
How does this celebration fit as a smile for the week? Well, just imagine you are hiding away, hungry, and see her coming. Surely that would bring a smile to your face. As does this Icon from the hand of Luke Dingman.
Day #2903
December 12, 2021
The word for the day - festive! With the help of several, the sanctuary is decorated for the rest of the Advent Season and Christmas. The tree and the sconces look wonderful. The poinsettias will be delivered later this week. All is nearly ready.
But for the Confirmation Class, it seems prophecy is not the most exciting of subjects. Whew, it was a tough teaching day. Prayers for all those trying to keep students’ interest as the holidays draw near. Many prayers!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2902
December 11, 2021
On this Satisfied Saturday, I give thanks for remembrances. From the memories our Godson’s mother shared on FaceBook of her stepfather on the fifth year anniversary of his death, to those shared with me for a Memorial Service of a long time member that allowed us all to know him a bit better, to those who have lived through a terrible series of tornadoes in the midwest, today was a day full of remembering.
What a gift it is to leave memories that bring smiles and even laughter. In the end, knowing others will remember us is so very important.
And for those who are suffering and have lost so much, many prayers.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2901
December 10, 2021
The word for the day is thankful. Following a crazy week, it is good to have some time with the hubby. What an amazingly patient man who never questions my schedule and need to be away. I am very fortunate and truly believe God brought us together. Thankfully!
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2900
December 9, 2021
It is hard to describe how holy it is being invited to walk with a family in the midst of their deepest grief. At the death of a loved one, folks are most vulnerable and often in the most need to have someone they trust with them to bring comfort and some guidance. What an honor it is to be asked to be that person and to bring the reminder of God’s love and presence. God, thank you for this amazing call. Amen.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2899
December 8, 2021
It is difficult to name something that was not included in today that reminded me of the intersection of faith and life. God was with me in every part of the day - in conversations, reviews, study, laughter, planning, a good doctor appointment for hubby, prayer, visits, hugs, tears, shock, support. I feel certain I am missing something.
Wednesday is usually a busy day. However, this one was beyond busy. God, thank you for being with me, sustaining me, inspiring me, and guiding me. Amen.
Blessings. And prayers.
Day #2898
December 7, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Matthew, chapter 1, verse 23: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” (NRSV)
Emmanuel, another of Jesus’ names, means God is with us. Yet what does that really mean? In the person of the Holy Spirit, God can be everywhere, right?! The Holy Spirit, like the wind, can be felt anywhere, especially in the wind of breath, as close as our heart. So why Emmanuel?
Perhaps one clue to the need for the person of Jesus can be found in his humanity. There is more than simply an idea of wind or breath to the human Jesus. There is a baby, a young man, a living, breathing adult with temptations, feelings, hopes, and prayers. A man who suffered and died. A man who loved and cried. A man who experienced what we do. Yet a man who was more than any other. Who, as God, was able to accomplish more than any other. Resurrection. Victory over death. And, ultimately, right relationship with God forever. Eternally!
This is Emmanuel. This is God with us. This is our Savior, Jesus the Christ. So, as we inch closer to celebrating his birth some two thousand years ago, may the promise of his presence with us eternally, and ours with him, give us all hope. And peace.
Blessings. And prayers.
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Day #2897
December 6, 2021
Every year I promise myself “this Advent will be different!” More organized. Less stressful. Less last minute things. Every. Single. Year!
Well, following the Second Sunday of Advent, I realize this year is much like all the others. Then I saw this and said, “I must not be alone.”
Hope this brings you a smile this week. Certainly I have colleagues who can relate!
Blessings. And prayers.
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