Blogging again

I have not posted on this site for a LONG time but hope to be back at it on a regular basis. 

Don't Miss a Blessing

posted by Butterflysongs on Tuesday, March 09, 2010 ~

An old legend says that at creation, the birds felt cheated and hurt because they received wings. Wings appeared to be burdens which none of the other animals were asked to carry. All was changed, however, when the birds learned that wings were not burdens but blessings that borne them to the sky. Because they were given wings they could rise above the earth and see sights which no other animal could see. What seemed like burdens were really blessings.

Yesterday I went to the gym after work to get my blood-pumpin', heart- thumpin' cardio in and, as usual,the gym was jam-packed. People were elbow to elbow and there wasn't a free piece of equipment to be found. This has become a frustration for me. With little time allowance in my schedule for workouts, along with the occasional lack of motivation, this tiny obstacle has sabotaged my exercise goals far too many times. Well, NOT THIS TIME! So...I turned around, walked out the door, jumped back into my car, and headed for North Park.

When I arrived, there was one lone walker, casually strolling around the .44 mile walkway. In the background, young men playing basketball could be heard cheering along their teammates, as the sound of the ball bouncing across the court echoed through the air. With my ipod in tote and headphones in ear, I cranked up the music and began my warm up pace, careful to stretch my legs to prevent injury.

The sun was brightly shining, and it's rays felt warm upon my face in contrast to the ever- so- slight briskness of the breeze that whispered in the air. I inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of Winter's last aroma intermingled with the welcome of Spring. It was invigorating!

As I quicken my pace, I noticed splashes of snow scattered here and there along the path I traveled. As I walked, I hoped that it was the last remnants Winter's song would leave behind.

In the distance, within the thickening of trees that surrounded the park, I saw a pair of birds, gently flying with wings reaching upward into the sky, as if stretching after their long winter nap.

Just as the birds thought their wings were a burden, I had thought that the crowded gym was a burden as well. I guess it was truly a blessing in disguise because it felt incredible to be outside again after a long winter! It was such a beautiful evening for a walk!

"Life holds so many simple blessings, each day bringing its own individual wonder." (John McLeod)

How many times do we miss blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

Strange

Have you ever had one of those days that resist explanation? What started as a good day quickly became a strange day.... where in the world did THAT mood come from? Is it stress? Is it age-related? Is it gender-related? What the heck?

So, I'm going along pretty good in the morning, tired but not exhausted. Did have a busy last week and weekend, though, and perhaps that did play into my mood. Mood went strange very quickly... what is being held inside that I am not aware of? Feelings of inadequacy? feelings of being nonproductive? guilt? what?

I suspect that my adult self is saying to my child self, Hey get with it. You have stuff to do. Quit wasting time. Be productive. Do. Do. Do. You know that to-do list is getting awfully long. I can hear my inner self pounding away at me. Okay. Okay. I'm working at it.

Somedays all I want to do is be the very best I can be for God; and other days all I want to do is sleep. Is it possible to have some balance?

Okay, done venting for the day! I sure am glad that God works through me in spite of me, and I sure am glad that I have coworkers who are understanding. May today be a better day!

MY Life Broken down into segments

Received this picture via email, do not know who to credit it, but.... oh boy, this is how I feel somedays. Looking for things I had just a minute ago. How can it be that the paper I just had in my hand is now under a stack of papers? How can it be that the two black socks I put into the washer result in only black sock to put back into the dresser drawer?

30 Chick-flicks in 30 days: Side benefit ~ how to be a better kisser

Just watched a segment on the Early Show about a young couple who watched 30 chick-flicks in 30 days as a way to better their marriage. Some interesting rewards: self-evaluation, am I really a jerk like that?, forgiveness, friendship, love, and the last to be mentioned - becoming a better kisser. Practice makes perfect :-)



Here's a link to the segment. http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6234572n

Focus. Focus. Focus.

Jeryl offered a great idea on Sunday to help me remain focused. So, if you see a doorhanger on my office door that reads "Focus," you can help me. My door may be closed but that does not mean I am unable to meet with you; only, please, to help me develop this discipline during Lent (40 days should help me keep it a habit), consider whether the interruption is essential or whether we can talk at a specific time. The way my brain seems to operate lately is pretty "foggy", guess that comes from perimenopausal state, and my brain tends to be "on the go" all the time. I have been noting my "to-do tasks" as they come to me in writing so that I can remember and better prioritize. If I am to serve God in the way that I want, I need this help.

"Christ's Call to Reflection and Self-Evaluation"

Although culture and society have changed and will continue to change, Christ’s call to reflection and self-evaluation remains. We are all only temporary residents in this world. “From dust we came, and to the dust we will return. It’s good to remember the price Jesus Christ willingly paid for our redemption.”

God’s amazing gifts of reconciliation and redemption gives life its lasting meaning. Lent also is a great time of the year for Christians to invite others to consider where their life is going and to offer others the opportunity to find purpose, peace and contentment through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time for penance by all Christians.Lent provides Christians everywhere with an opportunity to reflect on priorities and make any needed adjustments to their lives.


(The Rev. Tom Verner, pastor of Franklin Street United Methodist Church in downtown Johnstown, PA, as quoted in article "Area Christians will mark beginning of Lent" by Tom Lavis in the Tribune-Democrat newspaper, http://www.tribune-democrat.com/features/local_story_043122209.html)

Ash Wednesday services; the season of Lent begins

Asbury UMC, Sioux Falls, SD will have two Ash Wednesday services, one at 12:15 p.m. and one at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17. Lenten studies are offered around Three Simple Rules: Do no harm, Do good, Stay in love with God. A retreat is set for Feb. 26-27 using the "Stay in Love with God" rule as background theme. Worship services and the celebration of Holy Communion are offered every Wednesday evening at 6:15 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Lenten meals are offered from 5:30-6:15 p.m. prior to the services. Please join us ~ all are welcome!!!!

Birthday

Twenty five years ago I gave birth to my first daughter, Jessica. She was little, 6#3oz, and perfect. She was such a good baby, sleeping through the night nearly from day one, hardly ever crying, definitely not a fussy baby. In my mind's eye, I can see her about age 4 or 5, dressed up, sitting on the sofa next to her brother and the two of them holding the littlelest one. I can see her drinking from the outdoor water spout in the summer time, or sledding down the hill or making snowmen with her dad. I see her as a teenager, long blonde hair, her smile, her laughter, the movement toward independence and being her own person. I remember how angry I could be at her, and now wish I could do some things over. Happy birthday Jessica. You will always be 17 to me. I love you!

Missions Outreach in conjunction with Kent Millard presentation Feb 12 and 13

Mission Outreach in Sioux Falls
Lay Education Opportunity
Dr. Kent Millard

Attend the DAVID presentation of portions of the Bishop’s Laity Gathering in Sioux Falls at Asbury UMC located at 2425 S. Western Ave.
· Attend any portion for free.
· Saturday Lunch $5.00
· Attend the entire event (Friday and Saturday) and it qualifies for Advanced Lay Speaker Certification ($35.00 Materials and Lunch).

Friday February 12th:
· 7:30 pm CST Worship w/ Bishop Deborah Kiesey
· 8:15 pm CST Keynote speaker Dr. Kent Millard
Saturday February 13th:
· 10:15 am CST Keynote speaker Dr. Kent Millard

· Rev. James Persons will lead Mission Outreach – An equipping the local church offering based on the course Lay Speakers Lead in Mission Outreach and Kent Millard’s presentations. Friday night and Saturday until 4:00pm.

Bishop's Laity Gathering

Kent Mallard is a United Methodist pastor from the Dakotas now serving in Indiana. Listen to him through the televised portions of the Bishop's Laity Gathering this Friday and Saturday, Feb 12 and 13. Come to Asbury United Methodist Church (31st St & Western Ave, Sioux Falls).

The public is invited to Millard's opening presentation, "It's T.I.M.E. -Together in Ministry Everyday," on Fri. Feb 12 at 8:00 p.m. CST (7:00 p.m. MST). Members of all faith communities and stakeholders in community agencies may participate in the question and answer session.

Millard presents his second address at 10 a.m. CST (9 a.m. MST) Saturday. He will illustrate how members partner with private and public programs in Indianapolis to be "Together in Ministry Everyday" from St. Luke's United Methodist Church where he is senior pastor.

"Expect to be moved and challenged. You'll hear the world speaking," says Dakotas Conference Lay Leader Janelle Jones. "Our hope is to offer networking for partnerships between persons who serve every day and potential volunteers and supporters from our churches."

INVITATION FOR LENTEN RETREAT AT BLUE CLOUD ABBEY FEB26-27,2010

Please Join in this LENTEN RETREAT at

Blue Cloud Abbey Benedictine Monastery
Marvin, South Dakota
LENTEN RETREAT
FEBRUARY 26 AND 27, 2010
FRIDAY, February 26 at 7 pm to SATURDAY, February 27 after supper

Breakfast and Lunch on Saturday will be provided.

Pastor Emil Eberhart will lead us in discussion.
“Staying in Love with God”

Cost: $60.00
Please sign up. A letter of Confirmation will be mailed to you.

Email Martha at martha@sfasbury.org to sign up or for more information.

"Being Christ's Witnesses"

From S O U N D B I T E S:

Something to chew on that is good for the soul™

BEING CHRIST'S WITNESSES

I thought that all we have to do is build a Church, preach the gospel, sing a few hymns, and then people will flock to us. We'll hold a tea and the neighborhood ladies will come. We'll serve ice cream and all the youth will come running. That's all we have to do. Pray, give, worship, and socialize. We can send out missionaries to other countries to convert the heathen for us. That is the traditional way. We have been doing it for years.

But I can't find anything in Your words to substantiate this, Jesus. Nothing. You never said people should come to us. You did say that we should go to them. You never told us anything about socials, but quite a bit about prayer. You never said others should become missionaries for us. You said we all have the privilege of being Your witnesses. Did You, in fact, ever tell me anything else but to pray and witness, and that You would be with me? Have I fallen so far into my comfortable churchy pattern that I cannot hear Your disturbing voice any more?

-- H.S. Vigeveno in Jesus the Revolutionary
(SOUND BITES is a free, five-day-a-week e-mail ministry begun in 1999 in memory of Dustin Wilkinson, 1982-1998. Rev. Dave Wilkinson is founder and editor. SOUND BITES originates from First United Methodist Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA. SOUND BITES Ministry™ is also available as a blog. Follow it at www.SOUNDBITESministry.blogspot.com. Bringing the good news of God’s grace through Jesus Christ to the whole world, "The world is our parish.")


Dear God,
There is so much to learn about You and there is a part of me that just enjoys our company together and resists others coming into that special relationship. And, yes, it is so much easier to be with others who know and love You than to introduce You to others who do not know you. And, God, I don't really know how to share You. I did once, when I was younger and innocent, but now I don't. I can "tell" others about You by praying and going to church, but I have lost the way to share you so that others may have a relationship with You. I suspect, God, that this comes because while I believe that every person is a person of worth and intellect, I can learn from them, You bring blessings through each and every encounter with others on my spiritual journey, ~ more often than not, my extending You through action turns into their taking me, money, time, energy, self-esteem. Give me the courage to stay true to You, to extend love and graciousness while learning from others about You and where I am in relationship with You. Renew my energy, renew my strength, that I may be a blessing to others. Amen.

Asbury on tv: Bruce Blumer on Haiti

Bruce Blumer on KDLT at 5 & 10, KELO at 5:30 & 10. Sunday 1/24/2010

Asbury on tv

Watch for Asbury on KELO and KDLT tomorrow night and/or Monday. They plan to visit Asbury UMC tomorrow to interview Bruce Blumer about his trip to Haiti. Bruce is speaking at 8 am and 11:15 am worship. Confirmation will take place during 9:00 am worship. It's going to be a meaningful morning for worship at Asbury. Hope to see you there!

Haiti and the wedding at Cana

Haiti and the Wedding at Cana
by Nadia Bolz-Weber 01-19-2010
My family and I returned from vacation Tuesday to news reports of the devastation in Haiti. I, like all of you, listened in shock to the reports of tens of thousands dead and hundreds of thousands left without shelter, without food, without family. And within hours everyone realized … on top of it all, there’s no running water. Knowing this was going to be on everyone’s hearts and minds I thought to myself “I have to preach Sunday — I wonder what the gospel text is …” when I realized it was the wedding at Cana I thought, great. Jesus at a big party making sure the wine flows freely. No one wants to hear that today. Not today. Nobody wants to hear a quaint little miracle story about how generous God is when the poorest country in this hemisphere lies in even greater waste than before. Nobody wants to hear of an abundance of wine when people on the streets of Haiti are thirsty. Who dares speak of a party when our cantor Drew is mourning his friend Ben who died in a collapsed building in Port-au-Prince? When thousands of mothers are mourning their children?

This week’s events bring with them a lot of questions about God, and none of them have to do with parties. One atheist blog I read this week sneeringly used the earthquake to make a case against believing in God at all. The writer implied that he could not believe in a God who would inflict such suffering on so many people, which made me admit that according to that definition, I must be an atheist too because I don’t believe in that God either.

But after reading the wedding in Cana story over and over again this week I realized that I think Mary, the distraught mother of our Lord, might just be the key to seeing how this text speaks to our mourning and confusion and the death and suffering this week has brought to so many. They’re at a wedding when Mary looks to her son and says the wine has run out. “Woman,” Jesus says to his mother, seemingly dismissive and perhaps even disrespectful, “my hour has not yet come.” To which Mary is like, “Oh yeah? Too bad.” Ok she didn’t really say that, but she did simply turn to the servant and said “do whatever he tells you.”

Mary tugs at the shirt of God and says I will not keep silent. I will obey you and I will tell others to obey you but I will not keep silent. People are thirsty.

Mary stands here in a long line of prophets who have not stayed silent. The prophet Mary stands and says Lord, we’ve run out of wine and people are thirsty. And Jesus hears her. So Jesus does this crazy thing: He could have filled the actual wine jugs up with water to be turned to wine. That would have been the logical miracle (if there is such a thing). Instead, Jesus takes six ceremonial purification jars and has THOSE filled with water to turn into wine. Jesus responds in an almost embarrassingly excessive way. 180 gallons. Surely that’s too much. But that’s how Jesus is. It’s a sign of what God is doing in Jesus, namely that the very abundance of this gift means that maybe it’s not meant only for you and me. I mean we can try and keep 180 gallons of wine for ourselves but it will just become something we like to call “vinegar” unless it’s shared.

So Mary only shows up twice in John’s gospel and both times her son calls her “woman.” Once is here at the wedding when she refuses to be silent because people are thirsty. The other is when she stands at the foot of the cross. She watches as her son and her Lord hangs innocent from a cross with the weight of the world’s suffering tearing his very flesh.

This is our God. Not a distant judge, cruelly indifferent to our pain, and not some monster causing calamity, but a God who weeps. A God who suffers not only for us but with us. Nowhere is the presence of God amidst suffering more salient than on the cross. This is a God who bears suffering. God does not initiate suffering — God transforms it.

That passage in John reads like this:

standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said, “I am thirsty.”

I am thirsty he says. I am not watching this from a distant heaven. Jesus says I too am thirsty.

As we hear the cry of our Haitian brothers and sisters, let us discern the other voice we hear with them — that of Christ saying, “I am thirsty.”

The reports that came in those first 24 hours following the quake said that when night fell on the streets of Port-au-Prince, people were singing hymns and psalms. Blessed be God, they sang. People were singing praises to God amidst their entire world destroyed.

Pat Robertson is wrong, by the way. There is no reason for this destruction — but there IS meaning. And this meaning is to be found as we again become the human family of God’s new creation without country, religion, boundary, or race to divide us. In this moment, to the extent that we take up the responsibility of a mother caring for her son, a son for his mother. In this moment, to the extent that we act like Jesus and love and care for those suffering from the earthquake as if they are our own beloved family, we are all Haiti.

So we, with Mary, tug on the shirt of God and say we have run out, Lord. We need wine. Good wine. Enough for all, flowing over. We too will not keep silent. We will join with the family of God in the singing of hymns and psalms. And then we will listen to Jesus’ command and fill some jars with water for the thirsty.

Blessed be God. Amen.

Nadia Bolz-Weber is a Lutheran pastor living in Denver, Colorado, where she serves the emerging church, House for all Sinners and Saints. She blogs at www.sarcasticlutheran.com and is the author of Salvation on the Small Screen? 24 Hours of Christian Television. This article is an edited adaptation of a recent sermon.

Movie: The Soloist

Have been watching a 2009 movie called The Soloist starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr. in which a reporter befriends a mentally ill and homeless man, once a student at Julliard but now playing music on the streets of Los Angeles.

Couple of things that stood out for me:

Sometimes just "being" with an individual is enough. No agendas, no goals, no strategies, just meeting people in the place they are.

“You will never cure Nathaniel; just be his friend, and show up”

"The simple act of being a friend can change the brain."

"I can tell you, by witnessing his courage, faith in power of art, I have learned the dignity of being loyal to something you believe in, believing without question that it will carry you home.”

Mentally ill people know they are mentally ill, but sometimes the effects of medication feels worse than the known effects and ability to handle the illness.

See more information at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0821642/