August 26, 2014
Another day of Bible Study brought another “food for thought” moment. In studying the 4th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, we began a discussion of Jesus being led into the wilderness to be tempted, just after his baptism by John. Why did Jesus need this time of temptation? Why are any of us subjected to temptation? Or struggle? The thought of the butterfly came to mind - without the struggle of emerging from the cocoon, the butterfly, as I understand it, cannot ultimately survive.
It may not seem like much comfort, as we are going through times of struggle, to be reminded - Jesus, too, was tempted...and survived. After all, we’re not Jesus. Yet, we are loved by Jesus, comforted by him, and never left alone, for he is with us always. And he understands. He experienced it as human/God and knows what it is like from our perspective. That is great good news, to have a savior who understands, yet overcame!
Blessings.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Day #237
August 25, 2014
In the course of life, change happens. One of them that has been frequent for me in the years of driving has been the buying and selling of vehicles. A new one was bought today and an old one sold. For the last, say, ten years, I have been driving Mini Coopers, but today I changed to a Subaru. No longer will my car be as easy to spot. No longer will I zip around town and duck into tight spots with my “little” car. But all is good!
The intersection today was interacting with several dealerships and their salespeople. All have a product needed by others, but there can be many differences. Some are more than helpful; some are less. Some are full of good attitudes and smiles; some are not. Some are “let’s keep this as painless as possible;” some seem to want to inflict as much pain as possible. Some keep you waiting for an eternity; some move almost too quickly.
I suppose dealerships and salespeople are like the rest of us (duh, of course!). And like congregations. Some want to be as welcoming as possible; some give “hairy-eyeball” looks at newcomers. Some want to “hands-on” serve as much as possible; some only want to send money. Some want to worship in a new and innovative way; some like the “way we’ve always done it.” Yet, all have a “product” needed by others - the grace and love of God.
How do you match up in the scheme of things?
Blessings.
In the course of life, change happens. One of them that has been frequent for me in the years of driving has been the buying and selling of vehicles. A new one was bought today and an old one sold. For the last, say, ten years, I have been driving Mini Coopers, but today I changed to a Subaru. No longer will my car be as easy to spot. No longer will I zip around town and duck into tight spots with my “little” car. But all is good!
The intersection today was interacting with several dealerships and their salespeople. All have a product needed by others, but there can be many differences. Some are more than helpful; some are less. Some are full of good attitudes and smiles; some are not. Some are “let’s keep this as painless as possible;” some seem to want to inflict as much pain as possible. Some keep you waiting for an eternity; some move almost too quickly.
I suppose dealerships and salespeople are like the rest of us (duh, of course!). And like congregations. Some want to be as welcoming as possible; some give “hairy-eyeball” looks at newcomers. Some want to “hands-on” serve as much as possible; some only want to send money. Some want to worship in a new and innovative way; some like the “way we’ve always done it.” Yet, all have a “product” needed by others - the grace and love of God.
How do you match up in the scheme of things?
Blessings.
Day #236
August 24, 2014
Today was full of intersections - how could it not be?!
First, during worship, the Baptism of one of our youth. Then he celebrated his first Holy Communion. How awesome to look into his eyes and declare: “The Body of Christ, given for you!” Yep, all for you!
Then, after worship, lots of folks stayed to watch as I took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (see Day #234 for the story behind the story). The link below to the video tells it better than I can in words! https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=960317710660927&set=vb.227786420580730&type=2&theater
And the best part...$150 was raised for ALS, with a matching donation of $150! Fantastic!!
What a day! What an awesome God!
Blessings.
Today was full of intersections - how could it not be?!
First, during worship, the Baptism of one of our youth. Then he celebrated his first Holy Communion. How awesome to look into his eyes and declare: “The Body of Christ, given for you!” Yep, all for you!
Then, after worship, lots of folks stayed to watch as I took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (see Day #234 for the story behind the story). The link below to the video tells it better than I can in words! https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=960317710660927&set=vb.227786420580730&type=2&theater
And the best part...$150 was raised for ALS, with a matching donation of $150! Fantastic!!
What a day! What an awesome God!
Blessings.
Day #235
August 23, 2014
I was on my way to a meeting this morning when I saw them - handwritten signs posted on the side of the road (I was running late or there would be a picture). Four of them lined up - something like, “feeling overwhelmed,” “need help,” “need prayer,” “we’re here.”
Next I saw a tent, four people sitting in chairs, and another sign - “Drive-By Prayer.” There they were, a prayer team, ready to pray with anyone who stopped. No fuss, no muss, no expectations - just Jesus.
If I had not already been delayed (for not so important a reason!), I would have taken the time for this opportunity. What a great idea! What a great ministry! What an intersection - even on a straight and narrow road! :-)
Blessings.
I was on my way to a meeting this morning when I saw them - handwritten signs posted on the side of the road (I was running late or there would be a picture). Four of them lined up - something like, “feeling overwhelmed,” “need help,” “need prayer,” “we’re here.”
Next I saw a tent, four people sitting in chairs, and another sign - “Drive-By Prayer.” There they were, a prayer team, ready to pray with anyone who stopped. No fuss, no muss, no expectations - just Jesus.
If I had not already been delayed (for not so important a reason!), I would have taken the time for this opportunity. What a great idea! What a great ministry! What an intersection - even on a straight and narrow road! :-)
Blessings.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Day #234
August 22, 2014
I was hoping I might miss the whole “ALS Ice Bucket” challenge that is happening right now, but I was not so lucky. :-) What a phenomenon this has become! What a helpful use it is of the whole social media boom!
In trying to decide about this, an idea came to me. After all, two people I have known, thus far, have had this terrible, debilitating disease. David and Philip didn’t live to see this outpouring of support and hope in raising awareness and working toward, one day, a cure. So since I can do this little bit, I will.
Yet, I won’t do it alone! Nope. I’ve challenged the church to participate. Yep, for a donation of $1.00 per ticket, for as many as you want to buy, you can have a chance to be the one to douse me with the bucket of ice water. In other words, I’ll take the water (once!) if the church will make the donation!
So there it is! The challenge. After worship on Sunday, August 24th, come and buy a chance to be the one to “dunk” the pastor.
Now, I am excited to say there will be another event that day. One of our youth is being baptized (not “dunked” and not with ice water!) during worship. So, please note, just to be clear, this event afterward will in no way be more important or more life-giving than his baptism. It’s truly his day in this important step of faith!
Blessings.
I was hoping I might miss the whole “ALS Ice Bucket” challenge that is happening right now, but I was not so lucky. :-) What a phenomenon this has become! What a helpful use it is of the whole social media boom!
In trying to decide about this, an idea came to me. After all, two people I have known, thus far, have had this terrible, debilitating disease. David and Philip didn’t live to see this outpouring of support and hope in raising awareness and working toward, one day, a cure. So since I can do this little bit, I will.
Yet, I won’t do it alone! Nope. I’ve challenged the church to participate. Yep, for a donation of $1.00 per ticket, for as many as you want to buy, you can have a chance to be the one to douse me with the bucket of ice water. In other words, I’ll take the water (once!) if the church will make the donation!
So there it is! The challenge. After worship on Sunday, August 24th, come and buy a chance to be the one to “dunk” the pastor.
Now, I am excited to say there will be another event that day. One of our youth is being baptized (not “dunked” and not with ice water!) during worship. So, please note, just to be clear, this event afterward will in no way be more important or more life-giving than his baptism. It’s truly his day in this important step of faith!
Blessings.
Day #233
August 21, 2014
In a rare moment of opportunity, I happened to have the television on as I was doing some paperwork today as “Breaking News” came on about the patients with the Ebola virus who were brought back to the United States for treatment. It is great news that they have been released from the hospital, freed from isolation and disease, declared healthy again, and are able to return to their lives.
As I stopped to listen to the statement made by one of them, I was moved by his giving the glory to God for healing, and his thanksgiving for the staff, doctors, and hospital. It was obvious he was anxious to have some time with his family after having this ordeal, but wanted to express his thanks and share his faith.
Yes, God is the great physician. While we are blessed to have medical care available beyond compare, God instills something no amount of medicine can - faith. In Something more, in Something better.
Thanks be to God for these people’s healing. Thanks be to God for faith when healing, as we anticipate, doesn’t happen.
Blessings.
In a rare moment of opportunity, I happened to have the television on as I was doing some paperwork today as “Breaking News” came on about the patients with the Ebola virus who were brought back to the United States for treatment. It is great news that they have been released from the hospital, freed from isolation and disease, declared healthy again, and are able to return to their lives.
As I stopped to listen to the statement made by one of them, I was moved by his giving the glory to God for healing, and his thanksgiving for the staff, doctors, and hospital. It was obvious he was anxious to have some time with his family after having this ordeal, but wanted to express his thanks and share his faith.
Yes, God is the great physician. While we are blessed to have medical care available beyond compare, God instills something no amount of medicine can - faith. In Something more, in Something better.
Thanks be to God for these people’s healing. Thanks be to God for faith when healing, as we anticipate, doesn’t happen.
Blessings.
Day #232
August 20, 2014
A good friend (Godson's mom) posted an article/sermon today on FaceBook that helped me more than anything else I have seen or thought to understand and catch a glimpse of what Robin Williams and folks like him (including my own father) lived, and live, with every day.
The article/sermon has a depth to it that spoke directly to my heart, and I share the link below in the hopes that you will take a few minutes to read it, absorb it, let it sink in and help you, too. Even if you are not a person in this situation, chances are you know someone who is.
Here's the link: http://mattgaventa.com/2014/08/17/im-through-with-love
May God’s grace be all sufficient!!
Blessings.
A good friend (Godson's mom) posted an article/sermon today on FaceBook that helped me more than anything else I have seen or thought to understand and catch a glimpse of what Robin Williams and folks like him (including my own father) lived, and live, with every day.
The article/sermon has a depth to it that spoke directly to my heart, and I share the link below in the hopes that you will take a few minutes to read it, absorb it, let it sink in and help you, too. Even if you are not a person in this situation, chances are you know someone who is.
Here's the link: http://mattgaventa.com/2014/08/17/im-through-with-love
May God’s grace be all sufficient!!
Blessings.
Day #231
August 19, 2014
Today was the Funeral Service for the dear parishioner. What a blessing that what drove the message was a line from D365 for August 16th, the day she died (see Day #184 for the introduction to this online devotion): “Every person’s life tells a story.” So very true.
It went on from there. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 11.13-16: “All of these died in faith”…”they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.” Then the prayer: “Faithful God, when I get too attached to this world, remind me that no matter how good I think this life might be, it will not compare to the reward you have planned for me. Help me be faithful until that day. Amen.”
She was. She has. And may we all!
Blessings.
Today was the Funeral Service for the dear parishioner. What a blessing that what drove the message was a line from D365 for August 16th, the day she died (see Day #184 for the introduction to this online devotion): “Every person’s life tells a story.” So very true.
It went on from there. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 11.13-16: “All of these died in faith”…”they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.” Then the prayer: “Faithful God, when I get too attached to this world, remind me that no matter how good I think this life might be, it will not compare to the reward you have planned for me. Help me be faithful until that day. Amen.”
She was. She has. And may we all!
Blessings.
Day #230
August 18, 2014
Whew! Even with the offer to help yesterday, which I am still grateful and indebted to folks for, it was a busy day from one end of the spectrum of emotion to the other. How can so many things happen or need to get done in just one day?! And why do these kinds of days come on the heels of about three or four similar in a row?
Ok, it’s beginning to sound like this is less of “The Daily Intersection” and more of “The Whining Road!” So, I’m done.
But I will say this, it’s God’s strength and faith that took me through every minute of the day and lifted me up while I was in every place I traveled. Can’t be much more about the intersection of faith and life than recognizing that!! Amen!
Blessings.
Whew! Even with the offer to help yesterday, which I am still grateful and indebted to folks for, it was a busy day from one end of the spectrum of emotion to the other. How can so many things happen or need to get done in just one day?! And why do these kinds of days come on the heels of about three or four similar in a row?
Ok, it’s beginning to sound like this is less of “The Daily Intersection” and more of “The Whining Road!” So, I’m done.
But I will say this, it’s God’s strength and faith that took me through every minute of the day and lifted me up while I was in every place I traveled. Can’t be much more about the intersection of faith and life than recognizing that!! Amen!
Blessings.
Day #229
August 17, 2014
A couple offered to help me today. Without being asked, without being made to feel obligated, they just offered. It made all the difference for how tomorrow will go. “Let me take this off you,” was the way it was presented. Wow! I was almost speechless with appreciation.
Later, however, I discovered another couple offered the opposite today. Instead of help or encouragement, what was offered was a criticism for something that did not get done yesterday (see Day #228 for the events of the day). Wow! I was almost speechless with despair.
Someone once said it takes many (I can’t remember if 10, a dozen, 20, guess the number isn’t important) words of encouragement to undo one criticism. I sure felt that today.
Yet, in the midst of both, faith reminds me it’s not all about me. And all will be well!
Blessings.
A couple offered to help me today. Without being asked, without being made to feel obligated, they just offered. It made all the difference for how tomorrow will go. “Let me take this off you,” was the way it was presented. Wow! I was almost speechless with appreciation.
Later, however, I discovered another couple offered the opposite today. Instead of help or encouragement, what was offered was a criticism for something that did not get done yesterday (see Day #228 for the events of the day). Wow! I was almost speechless with despair.
Someone once said it takes many (I can’t remember if 10, a dozen, 20, guess the number isn’t important) words of encouragement to undo one criticism. I sure felt that today.
Yet, in the midst of both, faith reminds me it’s not all about me. And all will be well!
Blessings.
Day #228
August 16, 2014
Wow! It was quite the day! From a very early morning phone call and a dear parishioner’s death to a full afternoon and into the evening time helping out at a “Back to School Blast.” Often there is the tension between life and death, but on a day like today, the reality of how fragile life can be is made very real.
Going from a hospital to a funeral home and then to an event of over 475 people, majority of them kids, and their having a great time playing games, eating hot dogs, listening to music, and bouncing around, reminded me of how precious (and important) it is to make the most of every day.
The kids had a great time and the pastor who spearheaded organizing the day was glowing. His dream of serving others in this way came to fruition today. What a joy!
Now what happens next year to top this? And how much more participation can we encourage?
Blessings.
Wow! It was quite the day! From a very early morning phone call and a dear parishioner’s death to a full afternoon and into the evening time helping out at a “Back to School Blast.” Often there is the tension between life and death, but on a day like today, the reality of how fragile life can be is made very real.
Going from a hospital to a funeral home and then to an event of over 475 people, majority of them kids, and their having a great time playing games, eating hot dogs, listening to music, and bouncing around, reminded me of how precious (and important) it is to make the most of every day.
The kids had a great time and the pastor who spearheaded organizing the day was glowing. His dream of serving others in this way came to fruition today. What a joy!
Now what happens next year to top this? And how much more participation can we encourage?
Blessings.
Day #227
August 15, 2014
Had a great conversation today while waiting for my car to be serviced. The salesman and I talked about laughter, specifically the need to keep a sense of humor, to be able to laugh and smile, as we get older. Not only do we look more handsome or prettier when we smile, it’s good for us physically.
When my husband and I succeed in making one another laugh at least one time a day, I find that life is just a little on the sweeter side (not that we’re getting older - haha). Hope that made you smile!
Here is one of my favorite pictures of Jesus, too!
Blessings.
Had a great conversation today while waiting for my car to be serviced. The salesman and I talked about laughter, specifically the need to keep a sense of humor, to be able to laugh and smile, as we get older. Not only do we look more handsome or prettier when we smile, it’s good for us physically.
When my husband and I succeed in making one another laugh at least one time a day, I find that life is just a little on the sweeter side (not that we’re getting older - haha). Hope that made you smile!
Here is one of my favorite pictures of Jesus, too!
Blessings.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Day #226
August 14, 2014
Many years ago I learned in a class about grief that an important step in the grieving process is to tell the story. That each time a grieving person explains what happened, as in sharing the events of a tragedy, a piece of the pain heals, even if only a small piece. I saw it firsthand with my own mother when my father died. She told me the story of that day over and over. And even though for me it was excruciating to listen to the details, I realized it helped her.
So when someone tells me their story, I try to remember that by listening I am being an instrument in a necessary process. With that said, however, it is sometimes hard to hear the same story over and over for years and years, knowing the person is basically stuck, unable to hear ways to move past their pain.
Today I am thankful to have learned how to be patient and tolerant (much of the time), understanding that, as I mentioned in Day #220, sometimes it is important to just be there, not fix things. Just like this picture reminds me!
Blessings.
Many years ago I learned in a class about grief that an important step in the grieving process is to tell the story. That each time a grieving person explains what happened, as in sharing the events of a tragedy, a piece of the pain heals, even if only a small piece. I saw it firsthand with my own mother when my father died. She told me the story of that day over and over. And even though for me it was excruciating to listen to the details, I realized it helped her.
So when someone tells me their story, I try to remember that by listening I am being an instrument in a necessary process. With that said, however, it is sometimes hard to hear the same story over and over for years and years, knowing the person is basically stuck, unable to hear ways to move past their pain.
Today I am thankful to have learned how to be patient and tolerant (much of the time), understanding that, as I mentioned in Day #220, sometimes it is important to just be there, not fix things. Just like this picture reminds me!
Day #225
August 13, 2014
Today is the first day I can remember since this blogging journey began that I really could not think of anything specific where I saw God at work. Nothing. Nothing to write about. Nothing to take note of as an “intersection” moment.
So on today’s “one word Wednesday,” I am grateful. Knowing that even though I cannot seem to think of anything that brought God to my mind, that I am still on God’s mind. That God is present even if/though I didn’t think I could see God at work.
So thank you, God, on days when I may not be able to recognize you, for being present - always!
Blessings.
Today is the first day I can remember since this blogging journey began that I really could not think of anything specific where I saw God at work. Nothing. Nothing to write about. Nothing to take note of as an “intersection” moment.
So on today’s “one word Wednesday,” I am grateful. Knowing that even though I cannot seem to think of anything that brought God to my mind, that I am still on God’s mind. That God is present even if/though I didn’t think I could see God at work.
So thank you, God, on days when I may not be able to recognize you, for being present - always!
Blessings.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Day #224
August 12, 2014
Thirteen backpacks were stuffed today with school supplies for children at a nearby school. Sunday they will be blessed during worship (actual picture of those packed to follow) and Monday they will be delivered to who will make sure they get where they need to be.
What an amazing amount of generosity folks have shown in helping collect the needed items!!! It is truly God at work - each person contributes a little and together it makes a HUGE impact.
Awesome!
Blessings.
What an amazing amount of generosity folks have shown in helping collect the needed items!!! It is truly God at work - each person contributes a little and together it makes a HUGE impact.
Awesome!
Blessings.
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