Day #1732

September 28, 2018 

The circle is never broken. A circle may/will change, but it never breaks. This thought came to mind earlier this week and helped write the message for the funeral today. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for inspiration and for truth that the circle of love and grace that begins with God is NOT ever broken. Help us trust in the times when the circle changes. 

Today, I am also reflecting on the first ten years of my ordination. On this day ten years ago, I made promises that I would hold the office of pastor, with the help of God. I certainly can remember many, many, many times when the help of God has been very evident. Well, honestly, there have been 10 years of days of God helping. This odd and wondrous calling is just that, odd and wondrous. Thanks be to God!

Blessings.

Day #1731

September 27, 2018 

What a great day with many healthy conversations and times for study. What a joy to talk about the future, the present, the possibilities, the needs, and how to learn ways to address them all. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for being present and active. Always!

Blessings.

Day #1730

September 26, 2018

I am thinking that a Wednesday might be a good day to have someone shadow a (this) pastor to see the variety of things they do. Wednesdays are busy days with much happening and would show someone that being a pastor is anything but boring. :-)

Then at confirmation class, I am thrilled there are so many questions being asked. But then, how can we teach/answer them all!?

Blessings.

Day #1729

September 25, 2018 

I have lately been enjoying a book by Louis Zamperini (from Unbroken) finished just days before his death at age 97. The book is Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In. One of the things he wrote that I felt had to be shared was: “all you can do is plant the seed...and water it by answering any questions you’re asked. The rest isn’t up to you.” 

Zamperini continues his story in this book about his life’s conversion after the Gospel/Good News of Jesus took hold of him. He spent many of his years telling his story and doing what he could to help others know the peace that comes from having a deep relationship with God. His life was full, despite the many things that happened to him (lost at sea, prisoner of war, etc) and he credits God for the change of his life and perspective. So when he says, “all [we] can do is plant the seed,” I am comforted that the Holy Spirit is able to do things we cannot even imagine. And thankful for the seeds that others planted in my life.

Blessings.

Day #1728

September 24, 2018 

A prayer today for peace:

Almighty God, your world was created in love and perfection. Unfortunately, however, there is often anything but love or perfection in this life. Those who want what someone else has create ways to harm them to get it. Wars begin, fights ensue, harm is done. We pray, Lord, that you would lead us all toward peace and harmony. That we would find ways to return in trust to love and perfection, putting the other ahead of us. Lord, bring peace to our individual lives, our communities, our world. Amen.

Blessings.

Day #1727

September 23, 2018

Often there are paradoxes in the kingdom of God. Life and death, saint and sinner, hello and goodbye, all come quickly in succession. Today the congregation and community said goodbye to one who is moving on earth from one physical space to another hundreds of miles away. There was a celebration of her life in this place, thanksgiving for the impact she has had on people’s lives, and a farewell with hopes that life continues to be full and joyful in a new place. 

Not surprisingly, at almost the same time, another goodbye was being said to someone leaving this earth completely. Death comes quickly for some, slowly for others, and for Lloyd this has been a difficult journey. However, there will be time for celebrating his life in this place, remembering his impact on others, and faith and trust that his life will continue to be full and joyful in a new place of forever with God.

And in the midst of it all, God is present. Thanks be to God! 

Blessings.

Day #1726

September 22, 2018 

My first Synod Council meeting in this synod has come to a close after a day and a half. There was the sharing of much information, many stories, some challenges presented, new friends made, and the beginning of thinking about the process of electing a new bishop next year. Change isn’t easy, but we’re considering how to be best prepared for the change we know is coming. 

The business of the church is important - not always exciting or glamorous - but important. It is an honor to be a part of the council and to hear about the many ways the church, and this corner of it, is being present in the world. 

Blessings.

Day #1725

September 21, 2018 

It’s long overdue for a “Simon says?” 

First, a Simon second grade picture.

He’s very cute, if I say so myself. And growing SO fast!

Yet the best part was perfect for this International Day of Peace. When Simon was asked to share how he thought his classmates should act, he said:

Be kind to me

Include me

Help me

Be nice to me

Care for everyone

Then he committed to:

Be kind

Care for others

Include people

Help others

Be nice to my friends

I would say this is a perfect list for how to have peace!!!!

Blessings.

Day #1724

September 20, 2018 

Remember the game where someone took your hands and bent back your fingers until you couldn’t stand it anymore and cried UNCLE! Not a great game, not a great feeling. But while I hesitate to admit it, I’m almost at the crying uncle point this week. Another busy day from one thing to the next, with a couple more days looking similar, has me needing some “down time.” I know it, I can feel it, but it's not time yet.

As soon as those words hit the page, however, I feel bad for even having them, much less writing them. But….it’s also important to share that it is ok to need a break. That it is ok to feel overwhelmed. That it is good to know yourself and realize the signs of stress and overcommitment. 

There will be some “down time.” Some things that have been neglected will get done. And life will even out. 

Truth is, though, I love being busy and life really is good! And I'm never alone in the busy. Thanks be to God!

Blessings.

Day #1723

September 19, 2018

Wednesday activities are back in full swing. High School Youth, Men’s Square study, Bible Study, J.A.M. 2.0 (the stories of the bible for 1st - 6th graders), and confirmation class. Sound busy? It can be, but it can also be a wonderful day!!! 

However, we are off to a somewhat slow start. Other activities, commitments, etc., meant for some absences and even a cancellation. Yet, we are NOT going to let it get us down. We hope for a better turn-out next week. 

And we persevere!!! Because the message is too important not to!

Blessings.

Day #1722

September 18, 2018 

I was blessed to have a conversation with someone who recently returned from an accompanying trip to another country. The enthusiasm in their voice, the excitement to share what they learned, and the examples of how God uses the church all over the world warmed my heart. 

However, the story that brought tears to my eyes was about a pastor who, because they were at the end of their rope of trying to make an impact and bring God’s story to the people, took to their knees in prayer. Please God, I can’t do this anymore, was the plea. It was at this point that a young person, who had quietly entered the church, tugged on the pastor’s arm - hey, are you the pastor? Yes, I am. So when’s worship? Just what the pastor needed to be re-energized and encouraged. 

Oh, it’s the little things!!! And often the little ones. :-)

Blessings.

Day #1721

September 17, 2018

The prayer for this week:

Almighty God, there are so very many who are suffering due to the devastation of flood and wind. Not only from the latest storms, but for years now in the United States and beyond. We pray, Lord, that you would grant both physical and emotional healing; protect those who are helping to rebuild and/or caring for those displaced and in need; and give us all generous hearts to help as we can. Amen. 

Blessings.

Day #1720

September 16, 2018

We celebrated today. For the last twenty-five years, the congregation has been blessed with the musical direction of the same talented, gifted person. Thank you, Ellen, for all you do, the talent you share, and the joy with which you do so. We are certainly blessed at the congregation with a dedicated staff all around, but today we give thanks for your first 25 years!

Blessings.

Day #1719

September 15, 2018 

Today I’m following and praying for folks, friends and family on the east coast in the path and aftermath of Hurricane Florence. Wind and flood can be so dangerous and devastating. Praying for safety and minimal damage!!!

Blessings.

Day #1718

September 14, 2018 

Camping quickly came to an end. But we’re already thinking about the next time. Uh oh!!

Today, however, I am grateful that all seemed to go well back home. I guess I’m not quite ready to be out of “service” too often or too long. 

Blessings.