July 28, 2014
Today was another time for planning an upcoming retreat for women in ministry. This has proven to be a wonderful opportunity (one I sure am thankful I didn't miss - see Day #208). What a joy to work with three fine women, one of whom has probably done enough retreats she can accomplish them with her eyes closed. How gracious she is to help us, encourage us, pray for us, and even host us today for the meeting.
Thank you for those who so willingly share their gifts and talents - and cheer on those who are trying!
Blessings.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Day #208
July 27, 2014
As peaceful as the day was yesterday, today there is frustration. Three congregations have been planning a youth mission trip for weeks, actually months. At the outset there was much enthusiasm, much excitement, and much willingness to participate where I serve. As the time to leave has gotten closer, there is disinterest, apathy, and withdrawal. The attrition rate has been, dare I say it again, frustrating.
Well, the trip is still a go; the plans are being finalized; and I am anticipating a marvelous experience, perhaps an opportunity of a lifetime. How sad there are those who will miss it simply because they just did not want to go. I suppose it is like anything that comes our way in life, be it an opportunity to share about Jesus, a calling God is asking of us, or simply a fun and service oriented adventure, we miss out by hesitating to take a risk and step out of our comfort zone.
By the way, just in case someone has the thought, wow, she sure is pointing fingers, I realize there are three are pointing right back at me. And believe me, I’m listening!
Blessings.
As peaceful as the day was yesterday, today there is frustration. Three congregations have been planning a youth mission trip for weeks, actually months. At the outset there was much enthusiasm, much excitement, and much willingness to participate where I serve. As the time to leave has gotten closer, there is disinterest, apathy, and withdrawal. The attrition rate has been, dare I say it again, frustrating.
Well, the trip is still a go; the plans are being finalized; and I am anticipating a marvelous experience, perhaps an opportunity of a lifetime. How sad there are those who will miss it simply because they just did not want to go. I suppose it is like anything that comes our way in life, be it an opportunity to share about Jesus, a calling God is asking of us, or simply a fun and service oriented adventure, we miss out by hesitating to take a risk and step out of our comfort zone.
By the way, just in case someone has the thought, wow, she sure is pointing fingers, I realize there are three are pointing right back at me. And believe me, I’m listening!
Blessings.
Day #207
July 26, 2014
The word for a day like today is: peaceful. And I certainly am thankful for both the day and the feeling!
Blessings.
The word for a day like today is: peaceful. And I certainly am thankful for both the day and the feeling!
Blessings.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Day #206
July 25, 2014
One of the hardest parts, as I have mentioned before, of pastoral care is not being able to “fix” a reality. Especially the reality of aging. As our bodies age, the things we could once do with ease require so much more effort and patience. And we just cannot control some of the functions of our body the way we wish we could. Listening to folks as they experience this reality is difficult, especially knowing there is often not much that can be done, except accept what is happening. Which is not always easy to do, or easy to hear (after all, we are all one day closer today than yesterday to experiencing these “fun” things about getting older!).
As I worked at demonstrating compassion today (see day #204), I said something I have before: I wish I could fix this for you, make it all better, but I cannot. I do not have the magic wand of healing I would like to have, but I do have something for you; the sharing of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the sacrament of Holy Communion.
What a privilege to bring this healing element, this assuring element, this reminder of love and grace to those whose hope for things to be different may be fading as quickly as the virility of youth can fade. What a privilege to witness the power of this reminder, too, as the person receives the assurance and blessing. For many, it truly is the epitome of hope. Thanks be to God!
Blessings.
One of the hardest parts, as I have mentioned before, of pastoral care is not being able to “fix” a reality. Especially the reality of aging. As our bodies age, the things we could once do with ease require so much more effort and patience. And we just cannot control some of the functions of our body the way we wish we could. Listening to folks as they experience this reality is difficult, especially knowing there is often not much that can be done, except accept what is happening. Which is not always easy to do, or easy to hear (after all, we are all one day closer today than yesterday to experiencing these “fun” things about getting older!).
As I worked at demonstrating compassion today (see day #204), I said something I have before: I wish I could fix this for you, make it all better, but I cannot. I do not have the magic wand of healing I would like to have, but I do have something for you; the sharing of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the sacrament of Holy Communion.
What a privilege to bring this healing element, this assuring element, this reminder of love and grace to those whose hope for things to be different may be fading as quickly as the virility of youth can fade. What a privilege to witness the power of this reminder, too, as the person receives the assurance and blessing. For many, it truly is the epitome of hope. Thanks be to God!
Blessings.
Day #205
July 24, 2014
A fun way to introduce kids to church camp is a program called Agape Day Camp. Counselors from nearby Camp Agape (www.agapekurebeach.org/camps/othercamps copy.html) bring the experience to the kids, instead of the kids going away to the camp. The typical day runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with all the fun, music, crafts, play, etc. of camp away, except the kids get to sleep in their own beds at night.
This week the experience came to us, and the church where I serve, along with about five others, have helped make the event happen. Tonight was the annual cookout - a time of celebration, review, and fun. Even in the midst of torrential rain and thunder storms, the enthusiasm of those who were able to participate this year was evident. What a joy! And what a great way to celebrate the sharing of Jesus’ love! Thanks Camp Agape!!
Blessings.
A fun way to introduce kids to church camp is a program called Agape Day Camp. Counselors from nearby Camp Agape (www.agapekurebeach.org/camps/othercamps copy.html) bring the experience to the kids, instead of the kids going away to the camp. The typical day runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with all the fun, music, crafts, play, etc. of camp away, except the kids get to sleep in their own beds at night.
This week the experience came to us, and the church where I serve, along with about five others, have helped make the event happen. Tonight was the annual cookout - a time of celebration, review, and fun. Even in the midst of torrential rain and thunder storms, the enthusiasm of those who were able to participate this year was evident. What a joy! And what a great way to celebrate the sharing of Jesus’ love! Thanks Camp Agape!!
Blessings.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Day #204
July 23, 2014
Yesterday I posted: people never truly understanding something until it happens to them. What initially came to mind from that statement was that our lack of understanding is perhaps a good reason to leave the judging to God.
As often happens, this then came up in conversation today, but with a slightly different slant. What may be just as important as not judging is having compassion. When something happens to us, we can better understand what the experience feels like, realize what is helpful to hear, and certainly know what is NOT helpful.
Henri Nouwen wrote about this in “The Wounded Healer,” (although a quick Google indicates Carl Jung coined the phrase). The point being, those who have walked a certain path can be compelled to show compassion to those now walking a similar one, keeping in mind we can never experience something exactly the same way as another person does (hence the need to avoid, “I know exactly how you feel…” We don’t!). And with that, the hope that we would stop and think about what we are about to say before we say it, showing compassion to others who may be experiencing something, but keeping it to themselves. We never really know what someone else is going through.
The Good News is, that while we humans often fall short in showing compassion, we have a savior, Jesus, who understands what it is like to experience the things we do and felt all the emotions that can come with it: pain, abandonment, fear, joy, anger, sadness, loneliness, grief, and a myriad of others. It makes him the ultimate “Wounded Healer,” and the ultimate in demonstrating compassion. Thanks be to God!
Blessings.
Yesterday I posted: people never truly understanding something until it happens to them. What initially came to mind from that statement was that our lack of understanding is perhaps a good reason to leave the judging to God.
As often happens, this then came up in conversation today, but with a slightly different slant. What may be just as important as not judging is having compassion. When something happens to us, we can better understand what the experience feels like, realize what is helpful to hear, and certainly know what is NOT helpful.
Henri Nouwen wrote about this in “The Wounded Healer,” (although a quick Google indicates Carl Jung coined the phrase). The point being, those who have walked a certain path can be compelled to show compassion to those now walking a similar one, keeping in mind we can never experience something exactly the same way as another person does (hence the need to avoid, “I know exactly how you feel…” We don’t!). And with that, the hope that we would stop and think about what we are about to say before we say it, showing compassion to others who may be experiencing something, but keeping it to themselves. We never really know what someone else is going through.The Good News is, that while we humans often fall short in showing compassion, we have a savior, Jesus, who understands what it is like to experience the things we do and felt all the emotions that can come with it: pain, abandonment, fear, joy, anger, sadness, loneliness, grief, and a myriad of others. It makes him the ultimate “Wounded Healer,” and the ultimate in demonstrating compassion. Thanks be to God!
Blessings.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Day #203
July 22, 2014
Saw this today on someone’s page on Facebook:
If this isn’t ever true. And a good reason to leave the judging up to God.
Blessings.
Saw this today on someone’s page on Facebook:
Blessings.
Day #202
July 21, 2014
One more tidbit from the book, The Mission Table. This quote helps define the basis for “The Daily Intersection” in more succinct terms: “A mission leader connects the Word to our journeys on the road.”
Dear God, help me grow in helping us all see how your story intersects with our story - on a daily basis. Amen.
Blessings.
One more tidbit from the book, The Mission Table. This quote helps define the basis for “The Daily Intersection” in more succinct terms: “A mission leader connects the Word to our journeys on the road.”
Dear God, help me grow in helping us all see how your story intersects with our story - on a daily basis. Amen.
Blessings.
Day #201
July 20, 2014
Then there was more reading alongside Quiet. The other book is by Stephen P. Bouman, leader of the domestic mission unit of the ELCA since 2008, entitled, The Mission Table: Renewing Congregation and Community. There is much to consider in this book. He puts forth many ideas, many challenges, and much food for thought as he ties together scripture and life situations.
An example I found most powerful came under the heading: “a congregation in mission faces paralysis with courage.” He began with the story in John 5.1-9 about the man near the pool, Bethesda, in Jerusalem who for thirty-eight years had been lying on his mat waiting to be put in the pool when the water was stirred so that he could experience a miracle. Thirty-eight years he had waited, unable to make a move!
When Jesus saw him, his question to him was, “Do you want to be made well?” Stephen Bouman goes on to talk about the man’s reaction to this question, how he was stirred into action, probably through frustration, even anger. Then he writes: “Do we want to be made well: it’s the only question for congregations stalled in their ministry, timid in their stewardship, lax in their discipleship, stifled in their imagination about the future, afraid of the changing communities outside their doors.”
He continues by explaining that grief over “the way things used to be” can keep us from acting now. It can make us apathetic. He writes, “Jesus’ question stirred him to grieving anger,” explaining that putting voice to our grief can break our hearts open again and make them open to God’s work, God’s direction, God’s renewal.
Summarizing this heading, Stephen Bouman writes, “The call to healing does not make light of the divisions among us, of what our congregation has been through, of what we have lost. It is a call to walk away from apathy and also from hot anger. It is a call to cool “angr,” the grief of the gulf between what was and what has become, between what is and what should be. It is a holy longing to be well. It is a resolve to turn our gaze from the pool that is reflecting back our paralysis and apathy and to look into the eyes of Jesus standing with us in our paralysis - Jesus, the one who calls us to the place of anger transformed to healing grace for the life of the world.”
Wow!
Blessings.
Then there was more reading alongside Quiet. The other book is by Stephen P. Bouman, leader of the domestic mission unit of the ELCA since 2008, entitled, The Mission Table: Renewing Congregation and Community. There is much to consider in this book. He puts forth many ideas, many challenges, and much food for thought as he ties together scripture and life situations.
An example I found most powerful came under the heading: “a congregation in mission faces paralysis with courage.” He began with the story in John 5.1-9 about the man near the pool, Bethesda, in Jerusalem who for thirty-eight years had been lying on his mat waiting to be put in the pool when the water was stirred so that he could experience a miracle. Thirty-eight years he had waited, unable to make a move!
When Jesus saw him, his question to him was, “Do you want to be made well?” Stephen Bouman goes on to talk about the man’s reaction to this question, how he was stirred into action, probably through frustration, even anger. Then he writes: “Do we want to be made well: it’s the only question for congregations stalled in their ministry, timid in their stewardship, lax in their discipleship, stifled in their imagination about the future, afraid of the changing communities outside their doors.”
He continues by explaining that grief over “the way things used to be” can keep us from acting now. It can make us apathetic. He writes, “Jesus’ question stirred him to grieving anger,” explaining that putting voice to our grief can break our hearts open again and make them open to God’s work, God’s direction, God’s renewal.
Summarizing this heading, Stephen Bouman writes, “The call to healing does not make light of the divisions among us, of what our congregation has been through, of what we have lost. It is a call to walk away from apathy and also from hot anger. It is a call to cool “angr,” the grief of the gulf between what was and what has become, between what is and what should be. It is a holy longing to be well. It is a resolve to turn our gaze from the pool that is reflecting back our paralysis and apathy and to look into the eyes of Jesus standing with us in our paralysis - Jesus, the one who calls us to the place of anger transformed to healing grace for the life of the world.”
Wow!
Blessings.
Day #200
July 19, 2014
One of the perks of having some time away is reading. I started a new book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain. This was recommended to me months ago by someone I met at a retreat.
Often I have lamented about being an introvert, especially a shy one, wishing I had the knack of walking into a room full of folks I did not know yet and leaving having spoken to everyone, learned a little about them, and made many new friends.
However, just in the introduction to this book, Susan Cain has helped me see that being an introvert has advantages. Often I have been one to remain calm in the midst of chaos, helping others to do the same so that listening, conversation and healthy decision-making can take place. She explains that is one of the positive traits of introverts. Who knew?!
Susan Cain writes: “They [introverts] listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation.” Well, dear blog readers, there you go. :-) Thank you for “listening” where I often "talk" more freely.
Blessings.
One of the perks of having some time away is reading. I started a new book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain. This was recommended to me months ago by someone I met at a retreat.
Often I have lamented about being an introvert, especially a shy one, wishing I had the knack of walking into a room full of folks I did not know yet and leaving having spoken to everyone, learned a little about them, and made many new friends.
However, just in the introduction to this book, Susan Cain has helped me see that being an introvert has advantages. Often I have been one to remain calm in the midst of chaos, helping others to do the same so that listening, conversation and healthy decision-making can take place. She explains that is one of the positive traits of introverts. Who knew?!
Susan Cain writes: “They [introverts] listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation.” Well, dear blog readers, there you go. :-) Thank you for “listening” where I often "talk" more freely.
Blessings.
Day #199
July 18, 2014
The prayer for today in the “Moravian Daily Texts” was like it was written just for this blog:
"Father, if we pay attention, we can clearly see you on a busy sidewalk, in a quiet wood, in crowds, and in solitude. We see you in those we love and in the eyes of strangers. We give you our deepest thanks."
Guess that is ‘nuff said!
Blessings.
The prayer for today in the “Moravian Daily Texts” was like it was written just for this blog:
"Father, if we pay attention, we can clearly see you on a busy sidewalk, in a quiet wood, in crowds, and in solitude. We see you in those we love and in the eyes of strangers. We give you our deepest thanks."
Guess that is ‘nuff said!
Blessings.
Day #198
July 17, 2014
My husband and I have an opportunity to be away for a few days. I am excited and busy, getting last minute things accomplished like laundry, packing and taking care of details. It seems there is as much work to do in getting ready to be gone as there is fun in doing so. Not complaining, just saying. :-)
So my intersection for today is anticipation: will everything be accomplished (probably not, but I will try); will time away be refreshing (can’t imagine it being anything else); will all be well while we are gone (praying that it will and being thankful for colleagues who will cover “just in case”).
Blessings.
PS Don't be surprised if there isn't anything posted until we are back, July 23rd. Again, just saying.
My husband and I have an opportunity to be away for a few days. I am excited and busy, getting last minute things accomplished like laundry, packing and taking care of details. It seems there is as much work to do in getting ready to be gone as there is fun in doing so. Not complaining, just saying. :-)
So my intersection for today is anticipation: will everything be accomplished (probably not, but I will try); will time away be refreshing (can’t imagine it being anything else); will all be well while we are gone (praying that it will and being thankful for colleagues who will cover “just in case”).
Blessings.
PS Don't be surprised if there isn't anything posted until we are back, July 23rd. Again, just saying.
Day #197
July 16, 2014
A question that seems to weigh on many of our minds is, “How do/can I make a decision?” Caught between two possibilities, it is often difficult to decide what to do and we can be stymied from making a decision out of fear of making a mistake. Will the decision I make be the wrong one? Which is the way God desires me to take? How do I know which is the best, or right, way?
A colleague shared something today that David Lose wrote in his blog reflecting on the gospel reading for this coming Sunday (Matthew 13.24-30, 36-43). His blog is called, “...in the Meantime” (davidlose.net) and is worth a frequent read, but this excerpt from July 14, “Pentecost 6 A: On Wheat, Weeds, and Ambiguity,” spoke to me strongly about decisions:
“...I hear in this parable Jesus’ promise that in ambiguous, challenging situations we have the promise that, in the end, God will sort things out. Which doesn’t mean everything will turn out just fine. Sometimes we don’t choose well. Sometimes things go wrong. The promise here isn’t that Christian faith prevents hardship; the promise is that we are not justified by our right choices but rather by grace through faith. And knowing we have God’s unconditional regard in spite of our poor choices frees us to live in the moment. The thing is, you see, that we don’t live in an ideal world and each week we’re faced with a myriad of challenging decisions, some small and others large, to which there is no clear answer. Some decisions we’ll get right, others wrong, and still others we won’t know whether we were right or wrong for months or years to come. But we still need to make them. And then, each week, no matter how we fared, we can come back to church on Sunday morning to be reminded that God loves us anyway and promises that, in the end, God will hold all of our choices and all of our lives together in love.”
These words may not help in making the decision when it is facing us, but it does help to know that God’s love, forgiveness, and reconciliation is there forever. And that maybe our decisions aren’t based on right or wrong, but on trust: knowing God and trusting in God’s relationship with us. Which is definitely food for thought.
Blessings.
A colleague shared something today that David Lose wrote in his blog reflecting on the gospel reading for this coming Sunday (Matthew 13.24-30, 36-43). His blog is called, “...in the Meantime” (davidlose.net) and is worth a frequent read, but this excerpt from July 14, “Pentecost 6 A: On Wheat, Weeds, and Ambiguity,” spoke to me strongly about decisions:
“...I hear in this parable Jesus’ promise that in ambiguous, challenging situations we have the promise that, in the end, God will sort things out. Which doesn’t mean everything will turn out just fine. Sometimes we don’t choose well. Sometimes things go wrong. The promise here isn’t that Christian faith prevents hardship; the promise is that we are not justified by our right choices but rather by grace through faith. And knowing we have God’s unconditional regard in spite of our poor choices frees us to live in the moment. The thing is, you see, that we don’t live in an ideal world and each week we’re faced with a myriad of challenging decisions, some small and others large, to which there is no clear answer. Some decisions we’ll get right, others wrong, and still others we won’t know whether we were right or wrong for months or years to come. But we still need to make them. And then, each week, no matter how we fared, we can come back to church on Sunday morning to be reminded that God loves us anyway and promises that, in the end, God will hold all of our choices and all of our lives together in love.”
These words may not help in making the decision when it is facing us, but it does help to know that God’s love, forgiveness, and reconciliation is there forever. And that maybe our decisions aren’t based on right or wrong, but on trust: knowing God and trusting in God’s relationship with us. Which is definitely food for thought.
Blessings.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Day #196
July 15, 2014
It’s Tuesday and, no surprise, there is another “nugget” from Bible Study.
We were discussing the final chapter of Galatians and began with the verses about the fruits of the Spirit. When you are talking about love, joy, peace, patience, etc., it is hard not to also talk about the antithesis - envy, greed, etc. A question was raised about the degrees, if you will, of sin. I haven’t done any of the “worst” ones, I remember telling someone once. In response, they tried to explain to me that sin is sin; the “small” or the “worst” are still sin.
Here is the intersection moment. Have you ever dropped a bit of mustard or ketchup down the front of a white shirt? It may just be a little speck, but the shirt is still dirty. You might as well toss it out, because that little speck is as noticeable as if the whole shirt were stained. Until something takes the stain out - some sort of stain remover - it’s unwearable. It doesn’t matter if the stain is small or large, it takes something from outside it to make the shirt clean again.
That’s what Jesus did for the world through his life, death and resurrection. “Small” or “worst,” sin is sin, yet God will/does forgive. Through Jesus, no one need be tossed out. All are loved and worthy.
Blessings.
It’s Tuesday and, no surprise, there is another “nugget” from Bible Study.
We were discussing the final chapter of Galatians and began with the verses about the fruits of the Spirit. When you are talking about love, joy, peace, patience, etc., it is hard not to also talk about the antithesis - envy, greed, etc. A question was raised about the degrees, if you will, of sin. I haven’t done any of the “worst” ones, I remember telling someone once. In response, they tried to explain to me that sin is sin; the “small” or the “worst” are still sin.
Here is the intersection moment. Have you ever dropped a bit of mustard or ketchup down the front of a white shirt? It may just be a little speck, but the shirt is still dirty. You might as well toss it out, because that little speck is as noticeable as if the whole shirt were stained. Until something takes the stain out - some sort of stain remover - it’s unwearable. It doesn’t matter if the stain is small or large, it takes something from outside it to make the shirt clean again.
That’s what Jesus did for the world through his life, death and resurrection. “Small” or “worst,” sin is sin, yet God will/does forgive. Through Jesus, no one need be tossed out. All are loved and worthy.
Blessings.
Day #195
July 14, 2014
A video came across my path today that gave me reason to pause. There is much to ponder in these few seconds. This is the link:
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5571044?utm_hp_ref=good-news&ir=Good+News
How often do I hesitate to share what I consider to be “mine?” How often do I wonder about the motive behind a request? How quickly do I make judgements about the person asking? How have I forgotten the generosity others have shown to me over the years?
Blessings.
A video came across my path today that gave me reason to pause. There is much to ponder in these few seconds. This is the link:
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5571044?utm_hp_ref=good-news&ir=Good+News
How often do I hesitate to share what I consider to be “mine?” How often do I wonder about the motive behind a request? How quickly do I make judgements about the person asking? How have I forgotten the generosity others have shown to me over the years?
Blessings.
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