Day #1700

August 27, 2018

A prayer for this week:

Almighty God, in many places, school begins this week. We pray for all those who are first starting school, those who are returning, those who lead, teach, administrate, and work with youth and adults to help them learn, and those who have left familiar surroundings to go to colleges, universities, etc. May this be a safe year for all, with much joy and growth. Lord, we are also mindful of those for whom education is not available. Help us to share our gifts so that others may have opportunity to know the joy of learning and being educated. Amen. 

Blessings.

Day #1699

August 26, 2018

Happy National Dog Day to the latest who makes us “parents.”

I’m not certain he understands it’s a special day for him. After all, he’s not certain he’s a d-o-g. :-)

Also, what a joy to share a back to school prayer/blessing for all the students, teachers, administrators and staff. You have been prayed for and you are blessed - God’s eyes are on you. In a good way. May you have a wonderful year of learning, growth, safety and joy. 

Blessings.

Day #1698

August 25, 2018

This from Richard Rohr in his Daily Meditation really spoke to me: “Love is not determined by the worthiness of the object. Love is determined by the giver of the love.” 

It reminds me that God doesn’t love me because I am worthy. God loves me because God chooses to. Same with you! Isn't that amazing grace!?!?

Then, what a perfect evening for the annual Pig Roast. Delicious food. Great company. Gracious hosts. Unsurpassed weather. Thanks to all who came and made the evening a success. (Here's a small sample of the event and some of the folks.)

Blessings.

Day #1697

August 24, 2018 

As I work on preparations for Sunday, I must admit I am looking forward to finishing the 6th chapter of the Gospel of John. There’s a reason many pastors focus elsewhere when this turn of stretching out the Bread of Life readings comes around. Not that the Bread of Life isn’t important and amazing, just challenging to figure new ways to talk about.

Also, I was reminded that four years ago today was the vote in my current congregation to call me as their pastor. What a time that was of endings/beginnings, difficult conversations, sad/happy/conflicted emotions, and, let’s just say it - CHANGE! Wow - it’s quite an anniversary to commemorate and good to be remembered. Thank you!

Blessings.

Day #1696

August 23, 2018

Will you come? Oh, if only I could attend/be present at everything to which I'm invited or interested. When two things (or more, like today) happen at the same time, it can be difficult to choose which to attend. Sometimes it depends on the one I was committed to first - as in the case of being present as a board member for the annual Ramp It Up fundraiser for Family Promise. Which turned out to be a fun event. Tiring, but fun - and successful. Many generous people devoted lots of time and effort into making the event a success, and many generous folks donated money that will go a long way in “ending childhood homelessness, one family at a time.”

But for the things I had to miss, I’m sorry. I hope/trust all went well. 

Blessings.

Day #1695

August 22, 2018

A Simon moment captured for all time - the first day of second grade. 

Have a wonderful year, oh wonderful Godchild!!

Blessings.

Day #1694

August 21, 2018

There are certainly events and situations that do not seem as though they are orchestrated by God’s hand or that God is even present in them - illness, accidents, pain, anger, death, etc. Yet, even in the midst of moments that seem as though God is far away or uncaring, there can be glimpses of grace and mercy. Perhaps it comes in the form of simply having someone show up, by sharing a smile, by giving a reassurance that others do care, by saying a prayer, by providing a cup of water - the many and varied ways that may seem small and inconsequential, yet could be pivotal moments of God’s Spirit at work. 

God does promise to never leave or forsake us, and the moments of Intersection remind me, and hopefully you, as well, God keeps that promise. Thank you!!! 

Blessings.

Day #1693

August 20, 2018

A prayer for the week:

Almighty God, there are so many who are hurting in our world. Yet, their reaction to their hurt and pain causes hurt and pain for others. We pray that you would lead us to ways that help, heal and give hope. Protect those who respond to frightening and dangerous situations. And grant peace and healing in the hearts, minds and souls of those who are ensnared by hopelessness. Amen.

Blessings.

Day #1692

August 19, 2018

What a truly glorious day - a joyful baptism, a rousing lunch with upcoming High School students along with a good-bye to our college freshmen, and the writing of notes, both thank you and that you were remembered in prayer. All-in-all, a truly blessed day. 

You High School students, I am looking forward to the year ahead!! What an awesome bunch!! (Please note, we are sadly missing a couple in this picture!. Truly, when they are all together, I just know it's going to be a great year! Also, sorry for the slightly blurry :-( picture.)

Blessings.

Day #1691

August 18, 2018

As the time gets closer for a new adventure to begin for so many folks, this seems appropriate to share (as snagged from FB):

Heavenly Father, please be with these students as they go where they do not know. As they seek to grow in knowledge, we ask that they grow in faith. As they start to conquer the world, we hope that they conquer their fears. As they strive to find their place, we pray that they find you. Please go where we cannot, protect when we cannot, give strength that we cannot, and bring them safely home. Amen.

We pray this especially for Teagan and Haley! Amen!!

Blessings.

Day #1690

August 17, 2018 

Phone calls, text messages, and emails - all methods of communication that I am grateful for. The information and discussions that come across them, whether uplifting or concerning, is important. Otherwise, why contact me, right?! So, thank you for reaching out to me. I truly am grateful!

Blessings.

Day #1689

August 16, 2018 

How many times have you entered an elevator, pushed a button, arrived at a different floor, and not thought twice about how it works? I have, at least hundreds of times. Yet, the congregation I serve has an elevator that requires me to think sometimes about how one of these operates. 

A state inspector came recently who brought the subject to the forefront and pointed out a couple of things to address (nothing that affects the safety or direct operation of the unit - it’s functioning just fine, thankfully). So today I am grateful for those who take care of these types of things. Who are wise about elevators and all things mechanical. These are gifts and talents deeply appreciated by me!

Blessings.

Day #1688

August 15, 2018 

I don’t think this is the first time I have lamented over poor communication skills. When I make a mistake and cause confusion over dates and times, I get very frustrated with myself. Thank you for catching my error. And thank you to so many who have said yes, they will be there - even with the confusion. Yikes, it’s difficult to proof your own stuff!!

Blessings.

Day #1687

August 14, 2018

One of the benefits of social media is staying in contact with friends. It is a gift, when used properly, and a tool for staying connected. Yet there are many people who come in and out of our lives for brief periods of time that we don’t stay connected with. There are many and varied reasons for this. As someone has described, they are there for a season and a purpose, but then move on. I wish I knew why this happens. I also wish I could remember each name and face. Yet, when the faces and names of folks do come to mind, what a joy it is to be able to give thanks for them and say a prayer for them. But the best news is that God knows who each of us are - our names and faces and even the number of hairs on our heads - and never leaves us. Isn’t that amazing!!!!

Then we had a fun evening in Library Park - a free concert by Wylie and the Wild West. Remember the Yahoo yodel? That’s him. 

What fun we had - he’s quite the entertainer. Thank you for a great way to end the day.

Blessings.

Day #1686

August 13, 2018

We are having another bad fire season, so the prayer for this week is for the firefighters and those affected by fire:

Almighty God, fire is renewal. Fire is life-sustaining for cooking, refining, staying warm. Fire is a gift. Yet, when fire burns out of control, it is devastating, frightening, all-consuming. Please protect those who give their lives to battle the blazes that rage. Please protect those who are in harm’s way of fire and smoke. Help us all to make wise choices and decisions in using fire. Finally, Lord, we pray for gentle, soaking rain that will help bring an end to the fires and their threat. Amen.

Blessings.