Day #2699

May 22, 2021 

On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for the church. 

As I was preparing for Pentecost Sunday tomorrow, and an Affirmation of Baptism, I was reminded of the gifts the church brings - diversity, teaching, example, friends, encouragement, worship, generations, story, and more. Yes, the church can act in painful ways and has hurt many over the decades; the church can be stoic and judgmental; the church can exclude instead of include, etc. The church has faults. But at its best and most basic, the church, the body of God’s people, is there because of God’s love. And we need one another, which is a good reminder of this gift from God. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2698

May 21, 2021

I know it isn’t Monday and time for the smile for the week, but I had to share this bit of humor as the snow keeps coming down. 

Might as well smile. Haha

Blessings. And prayers.

PS It's really not this bad. At least not here, but in some places it is. Yikes!

Day #2697

May 20, 2021 

Umm…it’s MAY 20th, right?!?! What is this???? Spring SNOW!!!!

And the forecast is for this to continue for a couple of days. Hmm…

Blessings. And prayers.

PS I promise this is a picture from May 20, 2021, and not sometime during a winter. Yes, I promise. MAY! Please remind me not to brag about beautiful spring weather again! 😉

Day #2696

May 19, 2021 

In today’s Bible Study we used the devotion from the “Gather” magazine of the Women of the ELCA. The topic was intergenerational relationships. There was much to think about. How do we listen to one another, learn from each other, include one another, and/or welcome one another? 

This reminded me of my fear as I began internship of ministering with youth. My supervisor recognized this as a “growing edge” and gave me many opportunities to stretch my wings. I also had encouragement from our Godson’s mom. They both reminded me that to be present and listen were the most important things I could do. Wise advice. Now I am thankful to say that I thoroughly enjoy being with, teaching, and learning from youth, and all ages!!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2695

May 18, 2021

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from John 15:12: “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. (NRSV)

Jesus is having his final conversation, teaching moment, time of instruction with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. He has told them many things, not only on this night, but in the years he has traveled with them. And he still has many things to say?!?! What more could there be? 

I think of some of the last conversations I had with my mother. After nearly 50 years of having her with me and learning from her, one would have thought she had told me all I needed to know about the family history, the wisdom she had gained in living life, her hopes and dreams for me and my hubby, and even what it was like to be her age enduring what she was. Yet, as each year goes by, I realize she did not tell me all she could about the aging process, or the family, or even how she felt about me (well, maybe she did, but it would certainly be a gift to actually hear her say once again that she loved me). I suppose I was not ready to hear at age 47 what being 60 is like. That wisdom would have to come from experience, and I am learning as I go. 

What did the disciples think that evening when Jesus said there was more, but they could not bear it? I can imagine they were somewhat frustrated. How will we make it if we do not know the whole story? Well, Jesus goes on to say they will not be left alone. An Advocate, the Holy Spirit, will come upon them and teach, guide and direct them. They would have to trust that they would know what they needed to know when they needed to know it. Hmm…

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2694

May 17, 2021 

If you know me, you know that what this says about ironing truly is a reason to laugh out loud. Ironing just does not happen in this house (I do not even own an iron - I gave it up for Lent almost 20 years ago!). I do, however, try to wash, dry and fold the same day. We all have our “things.” Haha 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2693

May 16, 2021 

The word for the day - humbled. The gospel reading this week reminds us that Jesus prayed for his disciples and that he, in turn, prayed for those who would believe because of their witness. And that is us. Jesus prays for us. What an amazing gift!

What memories do you have of being prayed for? How did/do those times make you feel? What might you want Jesus to pray to God for about you and your life right now? 

Thank you God, for hearing our prayers. And thank you, Jesus, for praying for us. Amen.

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2692

May 15, 2021

On this Satisfied Saturday, as I officiated a Memorial Service, I was reminded that I am grateful for the memories of family. Certainly, not all memories of family are necessarily warm and fuzzy, but there are usually some that fill our hearts with joy and stay with us, shaping us and even guiding us, forever. 

Thank you for being willing to share the memories of your loved one, and for sharing her with us through them. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2691

May 14, 2021 

The word for the day - thankful - for beautiful weather. And the opportunity to plant a few flowers. Finally! Let’s hope Spring really has sprung. 😊

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2690

May 13, 2021 

Today, forty days past Easter, is known as Ascension Day. We are told that on this day the resurrected Jesus returned to heaven as his followers witnessed his leaving. Does that mean we are left alone? Never! The account of the coming of the Holy Spirit is only ten days away on Pentecost. 

Thank you, Jesus, for the witness you shared in the time between your resurrection and ascension. There is much comfort found in those accounts and there is much to learn. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2689

May 12, 2021 

Oh how wonderful laughter can be. It is perhaps the best stress reliever. I am blessed to laugh with parishioners in conversation, study time, and more. Thank you for the joy you bring!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2688

May 11, 2021

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from the Gospel of John, chapter 17, verse 11: [Jesus prays]: And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. (NRSV) 

Often folks will tell me that I am in their prayers. That means more than you can know (or perhaps you do know how much that can mean). Less often, I have been prayed for, out loud, right then and there in the presence of the one praying. I remember once calling a friend to ask if she could pray for me RIGHT NOW. She was flabbergasted, but stopped what she was doing and granted my request. I was afraid and her prayer helped immensely. The situation did not change, but I felt much better.

In this verse, Jesus is praying for his disciples. He has told them all he knows to say, and now he takes his thoughts to God in prayer. I cannot imagine what that must have been like, to have Jesus pray for them, out loud, right then and there. Were they comforted? Did they become more frightened (Jesus does ask for their protection)? Were they perplexed? Embarrassed? We do not know from this reading, but Jesus knew what they needed. And probably what he needed, also.

Is there someone who could use your prayer for them, with them, today? Out loud? Probably. And perhaps you need the opportunity to pray just as much as they need the prayer. May God provide you such a blessing.  

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2687

May 10, 2021

The smile for this week is rather personal, but hopefully inspirational. It is the sound of my uncle’s voice as I called to wish him a Happy Birthday. He is my closest blood relative left on this earth, and I do not call nearly as often as I should. But I did today, on his special day, and I am thankful, because I could hear the joy my call brought him. 

Our conversation put a smile on my face for several hours after we hung up. I hope you are also able to talk with someone this week who brings a smile to your face. 

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2686

May 9, 2021 

On this Mother’s Day, I am blown away by how fast - and how tall - you are growing, Simon. I am just amazed by this picture:

You are quickly becoming a young man. I hope you know how special you are, Simon, and how much love is sent to you today. And to your Momma - our bonus daughter. 

Happy Mother’s Day. To all!

Blessings. And prayers.

Day #2685

May 8, 2021

On this Satisfied Sunday, we give thanks for being your Godparents, Simon. It is hard to believe this is your 10th Baptism Birthday. That is a long time since this picture taken on that special day:

We send you our prayers and love. God bless and keep you always!

Blessings. And prayers.