Day #2034

July 27, 2019 

We finally made it to the Farmer’s Market. And imagine my surprise when we found okra for sale. Like, off the plant okra…here, in the west! First time I have seen it for sale here, except frozen. Soo…we had a southern supper - crab cakes, homemade coleslaw, and fried okra. YUM! 

Blessings.

Day #2033

July 26, 2019

The word for the day - busy. But then that's a rather typical description of a day off - errands, tasks around the house, maybe a little rest (guess that’s technically not being busy, however). 

Good also describes the day. Especially when a “sermon illustration” happens at lunch. To the woman who was inspired to stop at our table to share your observation, you may never know how you inspired me. Thank you for appreciating our praying! 

Blessings.

Day #2032

July 25, 2019 

Here is another smile for the week (and is keeping with the theme from Tuesday's Thoughts on Scripture):

Oh, the struggle is real for the hubby. At least I think it is. It's not easy being the pastor's spouse. 

Also, there was some fun today. First, FaceTime with our great-niece. Then winning a book from the local bookstore. You have to love those random number selection apps. Well, today I do. :-)

Blessings.

Day #2031

July 24, 2019

Today marks two years since we brought Boomer home. 

This shows his sassy self - he was “talking” to me as I took his picture (and his tail wagging so fast you can hardly see it). 

Happy anniversary, Boomer. You have certainly changed our lives - and they are fuller because of you!

Blessings.

Day #2030

July 23, 2019

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Luke 11:1: [Jesus] was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” (NRSV)

Prayer! Perhaps the backbone of being Christian and yet one of the hardest parts to understand. Is prayer simply conversation? Is it giving God a laundry-list of our needs, or the needs of someone we care about? Is prayer a little like magic? Should we pray more than once about the same thing? Do we need to? (Cindy used to say, I imagine God wonders about this Cindy person who keeps asking for the same thing over and over.) With all the questions, perhaps it is good to wonder, just what is prayer really about?

Obviously the disciples wondered. They wanted Jesus to teach them to pray - to maybe instruct them what to pray about and to give them guidelines regarding how often they should pray. The bottomline of the question could have been - is there a certain format that must be followed in order for prayers to be heard and answered.  

Therefore, when Jesus answered with what we now call the Lord’s Prayer, a format is more like what he had in mind. Really, the Lord’s Prayer should be less of a memorized prayer we say by rote and more of a reminder of who it is we are praying to and their kingdom. But there is also our daily life, our faults, and our need for protection from temptations. 

When it comes to prayer, I believe the question from the disciples is relevant for us, too. Not only for the Lord to teach us, but to keep us faithful in doing it. Therefore, prayers for us all! Amen.

Blessings.

Day #2029

July 22, 2019 

It’s Monday and the laugh for the week comes from the baseball game yesterday. Orbit, the team mascot, came by where we were gathered. I didn't expect him to tease me about being taller - notice how much higher his hands are than mine as I tried to give him high 5’s

Yes, he was just too high. Haha 

But then he did dance with me. Guess that made up for teasing me. 

Either way, it’s good to laugh, even sometimes at your own “short” comings. ;-)

Blessings.

Day #2028

July 21, 2019

After a Sunday away, it is always good to be back. I miss the folks when I’m away! 

And today was especially fun as we gathered for lunch and a baseball game. It is good to be together - and the weather was perfect! Thank you to those who came, and to the Voyagers for putting it all together.

And…happy National Ice Cream Day!! But then, most every day should include giving thanks for this delightful treat! Haha!

(Disclaimer - the picture is from a few years ago, but the smile is timeless!)

Blessings.

Day #2027

July 20, 2019

This from Richard Rohr spoke to me today. Seems this prayer suggestion is timely and timeless:

Prayer is sitting in the silence until it silences us, choosing gratitude until we are grateful, and praising God until we ourselves are an act of praise. Mature prayer always breaks into gratitude. This week’s practice is a body prayer from Beverly Lanzetta. Adapt the movements to your body’s needs so that you’re comfortable. Focus simply on the feeling of gratitude and, as you are able, do the following as you read through the stanzas: bow, kneel, lie down, rise, put your hands over your heart, place your hands together, bow your head, and open your arms wide. 

Holy Earth, Holy Cosmos, I bow before you with my whole being. 

Holy Creatures, Holy Nature, I kneel upon the earth in honor and thanksgiving of your blessed bounty. 

Holy Waters, Holy Mountains, I lay my body on your temple in gratefulness for nurturing my tender soul. 

Holy Passion, Holy Longing, I rise up before you a devotee of truth, following wherever you lead me. 

Holy Silence, Holy Solitude, I place my hands over my heart breathing in serenity, breathing out your peace. 

Holy Sorrow, Holy Suffering, I close my hands in prayer may I bear every wound with compassion and nonharm. 

Holy Humility, Holy Emptiness, I bow my head before you I have become open, for your All to shine in my soul. 

Holy Freedom, Holy Rejoicing, I open my heart to the world offering myself to this day, in joyfulness and gratitude. Amen. 

Also, today is a red-letter day in history. Fifty years ago the first lunar space landing happened with humans on board. This was a big deal watched by millions and celebrated widely. But perhaps you did not know that Buzz Aldrin celebrated Holy Communion on the moon. Here is a Guideposts article classic from 1970 that he wrote about the experience. Pretty amazing, and cool, I think.

Blessings.

Day #2026

July 19, 2019

What a wonderful Friday. A busy morning melted into a blessed afternoon as we celebrated a Baptism. In order for parents to be able to attend, we picked a Friday afternoon instead of Sunday morning (work schedules - yuk!). Also, a few folks from the congregation came to witness and show their support. Thank you!

Welcome to God’s family. We give thanks for you and for the gift of baptism! 

Blessings.

Day #2025

July 18, 2019 

The word for the day - thankful. For warm, but not hot days. For people who show appreciation. For folks who speak kind words. And for my “Friday night” and rest.

Yes, I am thankful for the small - and the not so small - things. Grace abounds.

Blessings.

Day #2024

July 17, 2019

We are back home and back at it. Work/duty calls, but I am beyond thankful for good listeners and laughter. Being able to laugh at ourselves is a gift! And a funny story goes a long way!!

Also, I am very sorry there were folks we did not get to see while in NC. The trip was not a vacation, by any means, and time was short with much to do. Hopefully next time! Meanwhile, hugs to all!

Blessings.

Day #2023

July 16, 2019 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Genesis 18.1: The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. (NRSV)

As the story continues, three men visit Abraham, and essentially Sarah, as well. They are men of God. Following Abraham's hurrying to take care of them (with Sarah and the servants’ help), one gives Abraham a blessing - “…your wife Sarah shall have a son.”

Here was Abraham, resting by the trees in the heat of the day, minding his own business, perhaps napping, thinking life probably wouldn’t be much different today than yesterday or tomorrow. Suddenly three men appear out of nowhere. What to do? Ignore them? Be friendly? Show hospitality?  Nod and send them on their way? 

What might you do? I have to admit I just might ignore them and pretend I’m not home (I am thinking about the doorbell ringing). I’m not proud to admit this, but my time at home can be sacred to me. So I wonder, who has been turned away bearing a message for me from God? How often have I missed the presence - and blessing - of God? Hmmm…

Blessings.

Oh, one final moment from NC - we went with sister-in-law and grand-niece for ice cream and hot dogs before our flight. I ordered an ice cream cone for the young one, not knowing that “Mom and dad don’t let me have cones, just cups.” The drips made me realize why. But seriously, what’s ice cream without a cone?!?!

Day #2022

July 15, 2019

After the following conversation, an idea for a new thing was born - a Monday laugh for the week (yes, laughter is needed and appreciated). 

While spending some time in the late afternoon with our grand-niece, who is a very grown-up five year old, we had this humorous exchange. She politely informed me that her birthday is coming soon and she was sad we couldn’t come to her party. But…you could get me something and leave it for me. Or…you could take me to the toy store tomorrow and buy it for me now. Yes, I suppose I could, I told her. But my birthday is coming soon, too. What are you going to do for me for my birthday? She pondered that question for a moment or so, then looked at me and said very seriously, I’m still thinking about what to do for your birthday.

I had to laugh. She’s definitely like her father was at that age! And she’s a joy.

Blessings.

Day #2021

July 14, 2019

After spending a little more time with family, we said our goodbyes and headed back to another part of the state. However, being as close as we have been in many years to the place where my grandparents are buried, we took the opportunity to "go by." 

I remember standing with my grandma by my grandfather’s grave when I was a teen and her saying to me, “You’ll have to come and visit and take care of the graves. No one else is going to do it.” Those words have been hard to swallow as I have moved hundreds of miles away.

The tree that was small when I was a teen has grown to be huge and unhealthy. The gravestones are showing their wear, but the memories of time spent with grandma are as fresh as ever and brought tears, and smiles. 

I’m grateful to my husband for going out of our way to make the visit. And even more grateful that the memories live in my heart and mind, whether I get by the graveside or not.

Blessings.

Day #2020

July 13, 2019 

As the day of the Memorial Service dawned, there was comfort in seeing this:

And kept going we did, even though saying goodbye is not only hard, it can be nearly impossible. But there are things that help - prayer; a large gathering of folks who loved and cared about the one you love; prayer; laughter and tears and hugs and flowers and cards and food and worship; and prayer!

And then there was rest!

Blessings.