Blessed to be a Blessing

Blogging again

2010-09-30T07:54:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-10T09:00:00.008-06:00

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

2010-03-04T06:59:00.004-06:00

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

2010-02-25T09:05:00.005-06:00

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

2010-02-23T08:42:00.004-06:00

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.

2010-02-22T10:28:00.002-06:00

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"

2010-02-15T08:21:00.008-06:00

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

2010-02-15T08:11:00.002-06:00

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

2010-02-09T08:36:00.003-06:00

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

2010-02-08T07:45:00.002-06:00

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

2010-02-08T07:31:00.007-06:00

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

2010-02-03T12:37:00.002-06:00

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"

2010-02-03T08:51:00.003-06:00

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

2010-01-24T13:54:00.000-06:00

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

Asbury on tv

2010-01-23T21:01:00.000-06:00

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

2010-01-20T07:15:00.001-06:00

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

2010-01-07T09:16:00.005-06:00

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/

Walking for the Health of It

2010-01-03T14:01:00.002-06:00

One of the resolutions always is to exercise more. Asbury has begun a Walking Club. So hope to see you at the Western Mall Monday and Thursday mornings at 10 or 6 in the evening.

King as Shepherd

2010-01-03T13:44:00.003-06:00

There was a statement made in the message today; sheep nibble, nibble, nibble... and get lost. They don't run away, they nibble out of distance of the shepherd. I like that image. I get lost sometimes, nibbling away on what are good things, activities and actions that are good things, but allow me to get out of sight of my Shepherd. I'm glad I have a Shepherd who will come and look for me. And,... as a sheep, I'm going to come back to the pen with all the other sheep at the start and end of the day.

And sheep get stuck in fences! Sometimes, maybe a lot of times, they go where they aren't sposed to be. Gonna go their own way.

Yup, I'm a sheep!

Sledding

2009-12-30T22:25:00.002-06:00

Every day I drive by 26th and Western and see those kids sledding down the hill. I remember those days. Getting the kids all bundled up, driving over to a sledding hill, looking from the top of the hill and waiting for just the right time to sled down, yeah!, without running into anyone. And then that long haul back up the hill to do it again, and again, and again. What fun it was to go down the hill, to watch the kids fly over the bumps, the glow in the faces, and all of us yelling and laughing. And then back into the car, all unbundled, and running into the house to warm up.

Those were the days!

Surprise

2009-12-28T14:33:00.002-06:00

I headed in to church to work this afternoon and was given a surprise. The church was dark, the doors were locked. I headed into my office and looked at the announcement pages and discovered that the office is closed today. So, I have come back home to work. It's another gift of the year. I'm headed to clean up my inbox, do some filing, write some thank-you's and invitations, begin to lay out some steps for goals, and begin to sketch out the upcoming year.

1st Sunday of Christmas

2009-12-28T10:52:00.007-06:00

Celebrated the 1st Sunday of Christmas with worship in the morning and family in the afternoon. I am challenged to answer the question: What would Jesus, the child born in a manger, wish for most? The answers will be life-changing.

To accept the love that God has given me, from the very beginning.
To believe that God loves and values me more than I can imagine.
To let love influence everything I do.
To stay on track: celebrate Holy Communion often, to study the Word of God, and to obey the sum of the commandments - love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength; and to love my neighbor as myself.
To learn together, through the community of faith, the church.
To lead from love, not from fear.

Thoughts on Christmas

2009-12-25T18:25:00.006-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone ~

We are snowed in, here in South Dakota. We have snow!!! for a change. It's beautiful outside as long as I am inside, and it's perfect timing, cuz we get to spend the day together holed up in the house.

Yesterday, we went to the noon service and as staff and spouses we went to a buffet afterwards together to eat and hang out together; we are so blessed because we all get along so well. Then came home yesterday to do some cooking and headed back with the family in tow for the 5:30 service. I always like to fill the pew with familly; it is such a wonderful feeling to be together in the same pew. Seven of us together, two missing, but what a great feeling for me. Some of the family tolerates church and worship, but they do come out of respect.

Christmas isn't the same anymore. Most of December I felt lost and depressed and grey like, and I don't know what all, but certainly not joyful and happy. And then Monday, it was like, okay, Christmas will be here and decided to forego the Christmas tree (it has been knocked down the basement stairs a couple of times now), put up the stockings over the fireplace, strung one set of lights up in the family room, and brought out the Christmas dishes and that was that. Son had a small table top tree that he brought down from his bedroom, and we opened gifts. The kids have rather decided I guess not to exchange gifts any more, although one did bring gifts for all of us, and we as parents gave a gift and Santa money to each. I just don't get that Christmas is very appreciated any more. It seemed that we had to eat quickly so that so that we could open gifts right afterwards. While much of Christmas gift opening is for children and the excitement that comes through them, I find myself not enjoying the time together.

There was a great spirited discussion around the table this morning over global warming, health care, economics, you name it. I rather hung back to hear the various sides. It was great. Kinda reminded me of days with mom and dad and us around the table, not that we probably ever talked such topics but the noise of the conversation.

Times have changed and I have changed. I enjoy worship, family, friends. Christmas does not seem to have that glow anymore. My focus has changed. Perhaps that comes with middle age; the reprioritizing of life. I miss the days of innocence, but I'm not my mother. I'm not the homemaker type. I do enjoy the festivities; I do like people around; I do enjoy sitting in the background listening and being a part that way. I can't go back, and I'm not ready to accept where my feelings are headed now, but I'm going to have to pretty soon. Going to have buckle up and straighten up and say this is the way things are and make the most of just that.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year; it can be. The human expectation that comes from media and all my wanting (you know, the Waltons or Any Griffith situations) may not ever come about. But I do rejoice in the Christmas season, in the gift that God has given us, in the assurance of my adoption into God's family and my salvation.

December

2009-12-09T09:17:00.003-06:00

I apologize for not having blogged these last several weeks. Life has become incredibly busy; and I got both stressed and depressed.

So much positive happening at Asbury. We're looking forward to the future and planning now for next year and years yet to come. It is an exciting time to be a servant.

Plan to come to one of the many services throughout December. Christmas Eve services are especially meaningful. We have a Christmas Eve type service on Wednesday, December 16, at 6:15 in the sanctuary. Not only will we hear the Christmas story but we will share in holy communion that evening as well.

On Christmas Eve, we have services at noon, 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. Come, Rejoice in the birth of our Savior, and be filled again with renewed hope and light!

Homebound Visitation Ministry

2009-10-19T10:21:00.002-05:00

Had a great meeting yesterday and am looking forward to providing personal contact with those homebound individuals who are not able to make it to church.

Oh no! SNOW!

2009-10-10T08:18:00.002-05:00

I woke up to see SNOW on the ground. What is this? The 10th of the month? I will be able to procrastinate no longer on those projects that need doing before winter. I know of one person, however, who will be thrilled to see that snow. I am glad for her. Happy Saturday!

Getting Away

2009-10-02T08:43:00.003-05:00

Five others and myself are headed to Blue Cloud Abbey for a 24 Hr. Prayer Day Apart. I am looking forward to sitting in God's presence to listen to what God may say to me. It seems strange, I know, to think of God talking in this way to any one of us. But I do believe that through prayer, conversation does happen. Too often, we hear only the "noise" of the activities and day around us and do not listen deeply for the whispers of God.

2009-10-02T08:41:00.002-05:00

After several years of conversation, we are working on a database that will allow us to hopefully address some of those church needs that have gone unaddressed. Membership, inactives, groups, etc., etc. This is exciting!

Life's Mission - ??

2009-09-24T13:03:00.004-05:00

Okay, working on my life's mission. The following mission statement is what I wrote after being asked to reflect on questions like: if you knew you could not fail, what would you do? if you had $1 million, how would you use it? your values should reflect what you give worth to, how you spend your time, money and energy; do you have integrity - that being: values and actions are in alignment?

Enjoy life to the fullest while having fun, and make an impact on a lot of people's lives.

Life is precious, not only for me. I would want to enjoy life and its blessings each and every moment, glorying in the beauty that surrounds us and that is within us, and in the relationship we have with God. I would want all to experience God's love and grace, and really appreciate all the blessings that have been poured out. We would know how much we are loved and we would love in return. When life is hard, we would know the love, care, support and encouragement of others; and we would be that to those who hurt as well. We would be unselfish, wanting for everyone what we want for ourselves.

Bighorn Sheep

2009-09-24T09:03:00.003-05:00

While I did not take this picture of the bighorn near Sander Lodge, I did see some near Allison Hall. Being close to them is really quite different than seeing them standing on a mountain side off in the distance. They are much larger and powerful animals than I had realized.

Free Day / Walk to Emmaus

2009-09-23T23:42:00.004-05:00

We left from Seattle and instead of heading home to Sioux Falls only to drive west 400 miles again, I have landed at Storm Mountain Center and find myself with a free day. I have been studying and doing some paperwork. Storm Mountain Center has a new building and I'm here all alone looking at the gorgeous view out the expansive picture windows. The camp will be busy tomorrow through Sunday as the Women's Walk to Emmaus will be in full swing. It has been nice to sit outside in the rocking chairs during the day when it was warm, to put my coat on in the evening to view the stars, and to come inside to listen to some meditation music as I work.

I have been sitting on that wonderfully large deck. It is good to have a day to myself.

Seattle

2009-09-20T22:11:00.008-05:00

This is my first trip this far west. Seattle is a beautiful city, with lots to see and do. Moved some things into David's apartment, toured the University of Washington,

visited Pike Place Market which is a huge marketplace of vendors selling everything from fresh fish to gorgeous flower bouquets.

Met up with Jason and Mandy and went by ferry boat to Bainbridge Island, about 35 minute trip, for an evening of good conversation, pizza and ice cream.

Spent some time touring the Pioneer Square, the city's second oldest neighborhood; here the city itself took root. The first white settlers in the area landed in what is now West Seattle, across the water at Alki Point in 1851. After a miserable exposed winter, most of the settlers moved, on the advice of Chief Seattle, a Duwamish tribal leader, and began their new settlement on the more sheltered shores of Elliot Bay, in the area that is now Pioneer Square.

In Pioneer Square is a Japanese garden which is also the home of United Parcel Service. There are wonderful places to sit and listen to the garden waterfall.

David, have a great time in Seattle and may God bless your study and your time there!

Vulnerable and transparent

2009-09-20T10:48:00.003-05:00

Being vulnerable and being transparent are characteristics that may not seem appropriate in ministry. After all we are held to a higher standard/expectation. The trouble is that I am still human, still learning, still questioning, still making mistakes. I am vulnerable as I learn how to be a pastor, and I am transparent because that is just who I am.

So part of my struggle has been with bringing 'what I think I am supposed to be' to terms with 'what I really am.' You know what? I am finding trying to be something I am not frustrating and depressing. Fighting that fight is emotionally dangerous; I find myself questioning more, disliking who I am, weary and to the point of saying "why care?"

But I do care. And I am who I am. And I will be comfortable with who I am. And that means there will be times that I am very vulnerable and that I am too transparent. So what? In 100 years when I am gone will anyone remember me or what I did? No. So let me be true to myself, let me learn as I go along, let me enjoy the learning and not view anything as failure but all as opportunity. Let me in the long view have done all that I was called to do by God, and be content with the knowledge that while I may not be successful in the eyes of the business world, that world from which I came, I am successful in the eyes of my Lord and Savior. Let me grow in relationship with God and let me introduce others to God so they too may grow in relationship. Let me remember that it is not ever about me, that I am not responsible for choices others make, that I can walk with others by sharing prayer and experiences and the journey together.

Perhaps the best I can ever do is journey along, visit with those who I come into contact on that journey, share experiences and worship together. I will not necessarily lead, I follow many others and at the same time many others follow me. The fact that others may be behind me on this journey does not mean that I am somehow better, only that I have walked a little further on the journey, and I am not as far along on the journey as others.

Let the guilt pass by me, let the feelings of failure pass by, let the busyiness of life pass by. Allow me to walk on the path, impact some and let others impact me, and be content where I am currently and in the knowledge of where I am going.

Prayer Day Apart at Blue Cloud Abbey October 2-3, 2009

2009-09-08T10:54:00.003-05:00

You are invited to participate in a
Prayer Day Apart
…a day of prayer, personal meditation, silence and community
Christian Monasticism is a way of living that is born out of a desire “to entertain silence in the
heart and listen for the voice of God – to pray for discovery” (Thomas Merton) and for the purpose of
being recharged by God. This Prayer Day Apart will consist of personal and guided meditation, community prayer, simple meals and silence.
Friday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m. - Saturday, October 3, after lunch
Blue Cloud Abbey, Marvin, South Dakota
$70 per person
Simple Breakfast and Lunch Provided on Saturday
(Supper on Friday at 5:00 available for additional cost)
Hospitality maintains a prominence in the living monastic tradition. As outlined in Saint Benedict’s
Rules for Monasteries, it is recognized that the guest represents Christ and is welcomed into the
community as such.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Please register with Pastor Martha at martha@sfasbury.org or in the Hospitality Room of Asbury United Methodist Church.

James calls us to stand with the cross of Jesus Christ – to take up residence in the tragic gap between what is and what should be.

2009-09-08T08:18:00.004-05:00

Sunday was incredibly busy. Appreciated the opportunity to preach at all three services. Spoke to the passage from James 2:1-17, not showing favoritism and how we live out our Christian life in deeds. The phrase from Parker Palmer, "standing in the tragic gap," really spoke to me and that theme ran throughout the message. One of the commentaries I had read spoke also about James not asking Christians to choose between rich and poor, not to choose between black and white, not to choose between..... James calls us to stand with the cross of Jesus Christ – to take up residence in the tragic gap between what is and what should be.

Got home to a houseful of family, 18 of us altogether for a family reunion on husband's side of the family. It is enjoyable to spend time with family. We had people from MO, AZ, CA, MN and SD. Some of this family I have met only a few times before and others I met for the first time Sunday. Great day. Weather was spectacular.

Actually had a full day off on Monday. Unfortunately, my body sought sleep most of the day. What a waste of a beautiful Monday. I slept the entire afternoon away. Oh well. Brain and body needed the rest.

Looking forward to the week, to being successful in attaining some goals for the week. And then, toward the end of next week, will be travelling to WA to travel out where my son will be living while he attends graduate school. The following week is the Women's Walk to Emmaus at Storm Mountain Camp near Rapid City, SD. Then October already. Wow!

WALK TO EMMAUS REUNION GROUP - SATURDAY MORNINGS

2009-09-02T07:41:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder to all who have been a Pilgrim on a Walk to Emmaus and are looking for a Reunion Group in the Sioux Falls area:

Joyful Journey Reunion Group
meets every Saturday morning
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (come for as much time as you are able)
Camille's Sandwich Cafe on 41st Street and West Avenue
in the back room

We will be looking for another location to meet as we are outgrowing the size of this room - praise God!

Also, a Work Day scheduled for Sunday, September 13, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 2425 S. Western Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57105. We will be putting together Agape gifts for the Fall Walks to Emmaus.

Amy and Ian Caselli in Tanzania

2009-08-28T08:34:00.003-05:00

Follow the activities of Amy and Ian via their blog: http://www.casellisintanzania.blogspot.com/

Meyers-Brigg result

2009-08-11T07:32:00.001-05:00

ESFJ (Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judgment)

You are warmhearted, conscientious, and cooperative. You want harmony in your environment, and work with determination to establish it. You like to work with others to complete tasks accurately and on time. You are loyal and follow through even in small matters. You notice what others need in their day-by-day lives and try to provide it. You want to be appreciated for who you are and for what you contribute. Famous people with your ESFJ personality include: Bill Clinton, Sally Field, Danny Glover, Terry Bradshaw, Mary Tyler Moore and Nancy Kerrigan.

I find this interesting because I am growing into the areas of sensing and feeling. I hope someday to be pretty well-balanced.

Let there be hope in these times

2009-08-10T08:33:00.004-05:00

The past week has been one of many highs and lows. Two deaths related to our church family.

The tragic deaths of those involved in the Ohio van crash. (story at video.msn.com, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/32356493#32340833.
The tragic drowning death of a youth

The celebratory release of the two females from North Korea. (story at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32328010/ns/today-today_people/)

The deaths of nine people in the aircraft crash above the Hudson River. (story at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32348044/ns/us_news-life/

Thoughts on COS Year 1 Module 1 July 5-17, 2009

2009-07-31T21:53:00.004-05:00

What a wonderful experience I had at my first two weeks of this step of my spiritual journey. Our teachers were incredible, very well organized, thought-provoking, nonjudgmental, affirming and critical where need be, and experienced. Rev. James Darby led us in Pastor as Interpreter of the Bible. Rev. Shelly Petz led us in Pastoral Care and Spiritual Formation. While the class worked hard, wrote lots of papers, had lots of feedback on what was written, there was a blessing in that work. I became more comfortable with Turabian, footnoting, citing, and the structure of these papers. My advance assignments were well received, although I realize that I did not fully comprehend what was being asked of me. I am not accustomed to having a conversation with the author, so that was a growing edge for me. I was not comfortable with using the "I" pronoun because I had been trained not to do that. I used many contractions and learned to spell the words out instead.

I had a misperception of "critical thought." To me, critical equated with criticism, which is perceived as negative. I try to be supportive and encouraging so to be critical was not comfortable. However, I learned that critical thought is not criticism in that manner. I discovered that writing/journalling was very helpful in my process of critical thinking. I tend to be scatter-brained, and writing helped me to formulate and organize my thoughts in a systematic manner.

The classmates, both in our class and in the other classroom for Year 1 Module 1, were amazing. I am so glad to have had the chance to meet and get to know others in the faith in such a deep relationship within a relatively short time frame. These will be life-long friends, and I am so thankful to God for the crossing of our paths and what I have experienced with them. There is not a one who has been called by God to ministry who should not be there (as if I could make a judgment call anyway LOL). Each individual brings a giftedness and an insight as well as the passion and determination to be God's servant.

The other pastors attending Course of Study were friendly, supportive, and encouraging as well. Some helped me to feel very comfortable in this unknown setting from the very first step of registering. The staff at Saint Paul School, from the teachers to the hospitality teams to the security staff, soon became part of my faith community.

God is good!

Vacation Bible School: ROME

2009-07-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

As soon as I have some pictures to add from VBS, they'll get posted. What a great experience at VBS. We memorized scripure from the book of Romans, sang songs, worked in the marketplace, visited Paul in his home-cell chained to Brutus, attended worship in the underground early church; met lots of parents and children.

Books currently being read

2009-07-21T08:51:00.006-05:00

Sara (Director of Youth Ministriese at Asbury UMC) put me onto a book titled Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg (ISBN 978-310-21008-5). The question is "Is your love for Jesus Christ contagious? It can be!" (Luis Palau)

Great read. Exciting. Challenging. Thought-provoking.

Sharla (associate pastor at First UMC in Rapid City, SD/a 5th year Course of Study student) put me onto a book titled Leading from the Second Chair by Mike Bonem & Roger Patterson (ISBN 978-0-7879-7739-9). As I am led and grow in my faith, the insights gleaned from this book will be helpful as I serve in a "second chair" position of Minister of Care and Worship.

I see from Sara's August Circuit Rider article, she's been reading a book called The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne. She quoted from the book: "Don't let the world steal your soul. Being a Christian is about choosing Jesus and deciding to do something incredibly daring with your life." (2006, 18) I am eager to begin that book as well.

WALK TO EMMAUS REUNION GROUP - SATURDAY MORNINGS

2009-07-21T08:28:00.005-05:00

All who have experienced the Walk to Emmaus are invited to join a Reunion Group.

Every Saturday morning beginning 11:30 a.m., a group of us meet at Camille's Sidewalk Cafe located at 1216 W 41st Street Sioux Falls, SD 57105, Phone: 605-333-WRAP (9727).

Plan to join us! Bring your worship book and accountability card with you if you have it. You may order food and eat while we meet or not. Entirely up to you. The website for Camille's is http://www.camillessiouxfalls.com/ if you'd like to take a look at their menu and facilities.

More information about the Dakotas Walk to Emmaus is located at http://www.dakotaswalk.org/. The Upper Room website for Walk to Emmaus is http://www.upperroom.org/EMMAUS/.

Mission Team to Washington DC

2009-07-21T08:06:00.003-05:00

Asbury has a team of missioners working in Washington DC this week. They are serving the homeless and hungry through an organization called YSOP (Youth Service Opportunities Project). YSOP is committed to helping young people become part of the solution to societal problems by showing them that even their smallest actions can make a difference in the lives of others. There will be another Asbury team serving in Washington DC in August.

May God work in and through them to be examples of God's love and grace.

To learn more about YSOP, see the website at http://www.ysop.org/

2009-07-21T07:29:00.010-05:00

VBS is on!

This is an intergenerational VBS, so there are not only tons of kids but adults participating. The church has been transformed into a Roman marketplace with seven or eight shopkeepers, a home-arrest room where Paul, while chained to Brutus, writes letters to the early churches, an underground church in a cave-like setting, and two areas of 1st century games to participate. Everyone is divided into Roman families (I belong to Cassius family, but there are 7 other familes) and we begin singing. As family groups we go to the marketplace to shop with three coins that have been given us (so we're able to go to two shops and the snack table), then to visit Paul as he talks with Brutus and us (his friends who visit), then to the underground church, then up to play games, and back to the Roman city as an entire group to Extoll (praise God, through song).

We learn scripture, tonight's verse came from Romans 12:2: Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. (New Living Translation). I will remember this verse as the "transformer" verse because a little one in the family I belong to is really into transformers!

We ask questions of the shopkeepers: Are you Christian? How are Christians different from others living in Rome? The adults who are the shopkeepers are really playing their roles. Some are Christian, some are pretty antagonistic to "those people who call themselves Christians." It's been interesting to know that the view of how the Christians are different from others is a reflection of whether or not one is a Christian. Those who are, understand Christians to be generous and honest. Those who are not, understand Christians to be different, but not necessarily in a good and positive way, but just "weird or strange."

VBS will end on Thursday (it started Sunday evening) with an ice cream party and slide show.

From Kansas City to Rome

2009-07-20T08:01:00.003-05:00

Had an amazing experience at Course of Study, learned lots, was affirmed in my calling, and am on a mountain-top high!

Headed now to Rome in Vacation Bible School as we learn what it was like to live in Rome immediately following Jesus' time on earth. Headed to see Paul in his jail cell and learn from Paul as he is writing, going to the crowded Roman marketplace, maybe even join other Christians in an underground church. (This is a Cokesbury VBS curriculum.)

I am glad to be back home, eager to see my homebound friends, to hear what has been happening in the life of Asbury, and to continue planning and worshipping. I was able to be home Friday night. Had Saturday with Ken and mowing, very relaxing and enjoyable -- those barn swallows come out and play with me when I'm mowing -- dive bombing for the insects. And while I thought I might skip church services on Sunday, we attended and I am so glad I did.

Pastor Kip's message was inspirational. I found myself listening to his "exegesis" and thought, if I can be God's servant as he is, I will be doing well. The Children's Message fit perfectly with the message. I asked how they did this; did Pastor Kip talk with them ahead of time as to the direction the message would take. And no, they only know the scripture from which he will be preaching. It is so obvious that God's Hand and Voice is in the whole service!

I loved to be with my friends, to hear what has been going on, and to share some of my mountain-top experience. I'm eager to begin my studies for a December 10th deadline and go to Course of Study in January 2010, and I'm eager to be about my servant ministry here.

End of Course of Study

2009-07-16T22:33:00.002-05:00

Unbelievable! Tomorrow is my last day for this session at Saint Paul School of Theology. Someone said it perfectly: the first couple of days last week, thought this was going to be a long time, and now it's over. Somehow the time flew by! It's been like one l-o-n-g day.

I have met so many people, made so many friends, connected with God and myself.... I wrote in one paper, "I find myself eager to be headed home, but equally wishful that this experience would not end."

COS: Worship services

2009-07-16T22:24:00.005-05:00

Sunday attended Saint James UMC, a large African American UMC church in Kansas City. The website is http://www.stjamesumc.com Excellent experience; one I would go back to. Got lost going from one church to another, but made it within five minutes of the beginning of worship.

COS: Worship Services

2009-07-12T20:00:00.004-05:00

Attended three services this weekend. A group of us went to the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS, for the 5:00 Contemporary service on Saturday night. Rev. Adam Hamilton is an excellent speaker. You can listen to his services by logging onto: http://www.cor.org/ There are sermons archived there as well as lots of information about the church and their pastoral staff. It was an amazing experience. he used the Galatians 5:13-15 passage. These are the kinds of sermons that are archived:

Sermon Archives: Previous 12 Months
Seven Deadly SinsSeries Overview

Jul 05, 2009
Envy
Jun 28, 2009
Pride
Jun 21, 2009
Wrath
Jun 14, 2009
Special Message
Jun 07, 2009
Sloth
May 31, 2009
Gluttony
May 24, 2009
Greed
May 17, 2009
Lust
Confessions of a Struggling Parent

In fact, we were down here last week and listened to another pastor at Church of the Resurrection (Rev. Nicole Conard ) give a great practical message on Envy.

Course of Study

2009-07-10T06:46:00.002-05:00

Friday morning, 6:45 or so. Who would have thought I enjoy being a student? My brain is fuzzy but I sure am learning a lot. Of course as much of the learning comes from being around others who are called to ministry as it is through classroom. Already looking to January and next July. Ordered books last night for January. Those papers will be due in December. With the way time flies, that feels like next week!

There's at least five of us from SD here. And two friends are from MN, one is close enough that we'll be able to get together. That's exciting!

Gotta go.

Course of Study

2009-07-07T21:48:00.007-05:00

Just finished second day of course of study at St. Paul School of Theology. Two professors, Shelly Petz teaching Pastoral Care for Spiritual Formation and Jim Darby teaching Pastor as Interpreter of the Bible.

The campus is very nice here, and while it is said to be in an area of town that one would not want to walk alone, it really is not bad. The dorm is great; I got a surprise when I registered. I did not know that I would have on campus housing and had reserved a hotel about six miles away. But, I did have housing here and it turns out to be a suite. I have a living room with sofa, desk and shelf unit; a full kitchen with stove and refrigerator; and a bedroom with a twin bed, dressers and full closet; and a bathroom with a great shower in the morning. The campus has lots of stairs; I had heard that but really did not understand what was meant. I thought lots of stairs in the buildings, which of course there are, but there are rolling hills here where a set of 5 to 11 steps have been built into the hillside. It rather reminds me of tiers. The buildings are reddish brick construction. There are not a lot of buildings on campus: a chapel, three dorm buildings, a student center that houses a dining room, coffee shop, book store and lots of meeting and open sitting rooms for study, two buildings of classrooms, a library and a maintenance building.

Every morning I have breakfast in the dining room, for me that means primarily hooked up to the caffeine machine :-), then off to chapel for worship and communion, then to class. We also have a worship at the beginning of our class time. The two professors teach in tandem, about two hours each I would guess is the length. Then to lunch, workshops and homework before dinner. More study after dinner and papers to write. It is not a bad routine and while it is busy, it is a more relaxed pace than being at home working.

We wrote papers in advance of coming to St. Paul's and had heard that rewrites were a very good possibility. I actually did pretty well on my papers, and I am pleased with the beginnings of this academic life. That isn't to say that I have it all down; the professors were pretty lenient with their critique of the papers and I will have to buckle down on both format (especially when citing other work) and critical thinking. The papers are graded on structure, content and critical thinking, and it's in the area of critical thinking that I have the most comments. But I am pleased; it has been a long time since I have done any work like this, probably thirty years or so, except for the papers I wrote when I took a few classes the last couple of years.

I know three others from the Dakotas, renewed friendship with a woman who attended Licensing School with me (us of the Dakotas) last July, and have begun to make friends with many others. There is a distinct difference between Licensing School and St. Paul; at Licensing School, it seemed there was a lot of anxiety and nervous energy, which tends to exaggerate extrovert activity while at St. Paul, there are many who have been attending for some time and they bring about a calming environment.

It is good to be here. I miss my church family and certainly my husband, but it is good to be here.

Month of July

2009-06-29T10:02:00.002-05:00

Okay, I know a lot of people around my age who have headed back to school and have been very successful in that endeavor. I do so hope I am one who is successful as well. Course of Study at St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City is going to be my home for two full weeks. I know that once I am there, I will be able to put my full attention to the learning experience, but in the meantime, I am wishful that all the to-do tasks on my list were done. It is difficult to leave while there is much to do, and yet I know that I am but one cog in the wheel, so to speak, and tasks will be taken care of. For every item that is taken care of, however, it seems that there is at least one, sometimes more, that fill that spot. May God help me to do the things that are necessary to do, to leave undone those things which are least important, and to allow others the opportunities and blessings that come with serving others.

Who Stole My Church?

2009-06-17T08:42:00.005-05:00

Just finished reading Who Stole My Church? written by Gordon MacDonald. EVERYONE should read this. It's an easy read, it has depth, there are questions for discussion if used in a small group setting.

This is what the back jacket states:
A challenging, innovative approach to a delicate subject. It's sure to benefit church leaders and members of all ages who dream of a "reinvented" church

Has your Church Been Stolen out from under you?
A storm hits a small New England town late on evening, but the pelting rain can't keep a small group of church members from gathering to discuss issues that have lately been brewing beneath the surface of their congregation. The men and women assembled are all long-time Christians, mature adults, and dedicated church members. They could see their church was changing. The choir had been replaced by a flashy "praise band." The youth no longer dressed in their "Sunday best." The beautiful pipe organ sat unused. Even they felt out of place and uncomfortable in a church that had, until recently, felt like home. How will this group set out to fix what has become a deep rift in their fellowship? How will young and old learn to relate to one another's needs? Can the unity of their church survive, or even thrive?

I had purchased this book awhile back and like so many books, it went to the "read when I have time" shelf. The Reading Group selected this for the July discussion and so I pulled it off the shelf and could not put it down once I got into it.

While it is fictional, it certainly is thought provoking.

End of Conference

2009-06-06T20:59:00.002-05:00

Well, today was the last day. Lots of business conducted. Lots of friendships renewed. Lots of wonderful uplifting worship these past few days. We had Opening Worship on Wednesday evening, morning worship every morning, a Memorial Service for those clergy or spouses of clergy or missionaries or conference employees who have passed away this year, Ordination Service in which one of our own was ordained and one who I went to Licensing School with was commissioned, and the Closing Service brought us two little ones who were baptized by the Bishop.

I was surprised and not surprised at the same time as it comes to what we spend a LOT of time discussing and what we should maybe spend a lot of time discussing but do not. Oh well. Such is humanity!

Looking forward to being home tomorrow. Am grateful that Annual Conference has been renewing and re-energizing.

Conference continues

2009-06-05T22:46:00.002-05:00

Voted on the 23 amendments to the Constitution of the Church; however, as a licensed local pastor, I cannot vote. I didn't think it would bother me so, and am a little surprised that it does. I guess it's because we work in the church, we take the time to understand what is being addressed, we sit at the table during conference, we watch people who haven't taken the time to research, and the youth all get to vote, but we sit there like bumps. So I tried to pray that those who could vote would be guided by the Spirit. Next year, I'm going to see if I can be a teller; at least that way, I have a way to take an active part in the voting process.

Dakotas Annual Conference

2009-06-03T22:50:00.003-05:00

Beginning of Annual Conference. Banquet followed by Worship service including Communion. We are to "provoke one another to Love" (Hebrews 10:23-24). We are the people of the United Methodist Church. We believe in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We live by two kinds of holiness: personal and social. We follow three simple rules: Do no harm; Do good; Stay in love with God. We work in four areas of focus: Developing leaders; Creating places for new people; Eliminating poverty; Improving health globally.

What a weekend!

2009-05-26T09:02:00.002-05:00

David graduated USF, wonderful open house, great family get together on Monday. I am so proud of David!

We got back from graduation to a really great surprise: Rich and Marilyn were here from Chicago area... NO idea they were coming for his graduation. Thank YOU for coming!!! You guys looked great! So good to connect again. Rich is David's uncle, brother to his father. About the only living relative on that side of the family. What a JOY to have both of you here.

How can it be?

2009-05-01T03:17:00.002-05:00

How can it be May 1st already? Where does the time go? Easter services have come and gone... always so moving, always I am in awe of what God does and how far God will go on our behalf. Looking now to my son's graduation and to the beginning of summer. Looking to mission trips and first days of on-campus work in July. By the time I know it, it will be the end of the year again. Need more time in the day, but then I'm reminded of the song on Christian radio, I only need more of You in my day.

Challenges

2009-04-08T09:59:00.004-05:00

We are challenged to follow in Christ's footsteps: to take on the mind of Christ, to pick up our cross and follow, to stay awake and alert to opportunities to share the Good News and to faithfully follow no matter the temptation, to be a servant. These are difficult challenges because we tend to be self-serving rather than other-serving, to take care of ourselves first rather than help others, to be humble rather than self-affirming.

Even as I pray and hope to follow Christ and to be in one spirit, there are times that I find myself in need of encouragement and affirmation from others. This call on my life continually places me in positions that teach me humility, service, patience, to be in an attitude of receptivity to others' pain and trials. God is molding me; I know this and I am thankful for this.

I'll give you some examples. While I want to serve from the front of the congregation, God is continually putting me into positions that have me elsewhere. On Maundy Thursday, rather than serving Communion at the front, God has me humbling myself by foot-washing at the back. While I would like opportunities to give the message, God has me providing hospitality and welcoming others. While I want to visit on a one-to-one basis, God is reminding me that I cannot do it all and there are others to help. While I have many ideas of how I can be in ministry, God is bringing me along at a pace that is different than my choosing.

It is humbling to be in a position of care for I cannot do it on my own. I have to and want to put myself in a position of openness so that God can serve through me. My self gets in the way too often. The spectres of past experiences become obstacles; being on the "outside" of groups most of my life, being perceived as "a stick in the mud," being a preacher's kid, a "goodie two shoes," too serious, too "blonde" in action, over-analyzing everything, the knowledge that so many others can do better than I - these get in the way of allowing God to work in and through me.

I hold onto the prayer that God will work through my humanity, through my failure, through my life; I hold onto the knowledge that God is working on me and I am not in control; I hold onto the knowledge that God is molding me and who I am today is not who I will be a year from now; I hold onto the scripture verse that says 'you intended it for ill, but I (God) intended it for good; God works good through everything.

DAKOTAS WALK TO EMMAUS GATHERING

2009-04-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

DAKOTAS WALK TO EMMAUS GATHERING
Gathering is set for Saturday, April 25 at Asbury United Methodist Church, 2425 S. Western Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (33rd St. and Western Ave. area). Board will meet at 10:00, Worship with Communion at 11:30, potluck following. ALL are invited, whether or not you have attended a Walk!

Worship is an exciting inspiring time for continuing our 4th Day Journeys! Come worship with us; explore what the Walk means for others, and sign up for Reunion Groups.

If you have any questions, please contact Martha at 605-332-8861 or martha@sfasbury.org

Good results from surgery

2009-04-03T14:39:00.000-05:00

Surgery was just shy of an hour, got back to recovery in good time, and is headed now to sleep and recuperate over the weekend. All seems to have gone well. PTL.

Waiting in the hospital

2009-04-03T07:52:00.002-05:00

My son is in surgery for his knee, a fairly simple, routine surgery. It's some different waiting in the waiting room for your own than with another family's relative. It reminds me of all the days of waiting for procedures with so many of my family. I can't even tally the number of hours waiting for procedures for little Jenny. I saw a little girl about her age this morning, in pink footy pajamas waiting with her father for her surgery; a sticker on her forehead. How many times we walked with Jenny in our arms, stickers on her arm where she'd been poked, or on her shirt where the center port was placed. We called that Charlie, and only Charlie would get poked. Still, no matter that Charlie was there and received all the chemo and was the access point for lots of blood work, Jenny still was poked for other procedures. The doctors sometimes had iv's going in through the veins of her little feet or at the temple. We all waited, David and Jess and me, waiting, waiting, waiting. One gets accustomed to the atmosphere of the hospital, to the sounds of machines dinging away, to the clatter of carts going down the hallway. There even becomes a sense of peace and normalcy with the activity in a hospital.

So I sit this morning waiting for David's surgery to be done, to talk with the doctor and to be able to go into recovery. There's a peace that I have not always felt. Still, no matter that the surgery is fairly simple and routine, there's always the chance that something could go wrong. I don't dwell on it, but it's there, in the back of my head, and I know it won't be stilled until later today.

Of all my children, I had anticipated doctor visits with David, but I have instead seen both girls in trauma. While David is adventurous and active, there have been only a few times that I have spent with him in a doctor or hospital environment. I am grateful for that. And so, I wait. It'll be a couple of hours before I see him again. It'll be okay.

Soundbites

2009-03-31T11:27:00.002-05:00

A favorite daily devotional is Soundbites. It's on blog as well. Take a look. http://soundbitesministry.blogspot.com/

Asbury on Facebook

2009-03-13T08:58:00.005-05:00

We had a great ad council meeting last Sunday; rather than discuss and cuss the budget restraints, we discussed how we can be a great church. One of those ideas came to fruition just this week: Asbury is on Facebook. See the Favorite Blogs on the sidebar to access Asbury on Facebook.

FUNDING THE FAITH - Kelo

2009-03-08T22:01:00.000-05:00

While most churches aren't expecting any increases in giving during these tough economic times, one Sioux Falls congregation was challenged on that and the results were nothing short of miraculous. "The challenge was take this 100 dollars, see if you can multiply it. Remember it's God's money not you're money and in 90 days come back and tell us what you did," said Rev. Kip Roozen of Asbury United Methodist Church. Reverend Roozen passed out a thousand dollars of his church's money; 100 dollars each to 10 people. The idea was based on a parable in the Bible from Matthew Chapter 25. "This is a perfect time to do it. There are so many people in need. And so the challenge is if you're given a hundred dollars how can you expand it and use it for the good of God's kingdom. How can you help people with this?" said Rev. Roozen. Parishioner Connie Kolbrek answered the call. "When I took the $100, I had no idea what I was going to do with it," said Kolbrek. But it didn't take long for the Whittier Middle School Counselor to figure something out because every week she helps distribute backpacks of food from the food bank to children for the weekends; children who may otherwise go hungry. "It gets pretty heartbreaking to tell the kids, I'm sorry we're all out," said Kolbrek. So Connie took her $100 added $25 of her own money to it and sponsored a weekend of backpacks filled with food for a school year for one child. Then she challenged others to do the same. "All it does is take one person to get started. Challenge other people to meet the need, let them know what the need is and ask them to join," said Kolbrek. In all Kolbrek was able to get people to donate an additional 92 backpacks- which translates into $11,500. "We were able to meet our waiting list and give to another middle school and give to neighboring elementary schools,” said Kolbrek. The church's pastor says it's just one case in point that giving, even in a recession, never goes out of style. "We're naturally fearful and cautious, but I see Asbury and other churches in the community, they're about helping other people. So I don't see that the giving is going to go down. I see people's awareness increasing there is need out there. And it might be a challenge of how we're going to meet that need, but I see churches all over the community rising to the occasion and wanting to help," said Rev. Roozen. Kolbrek wasn't the only Asbury parishioner to have success with the challenge. In all the thousand dollars the church handed out grew to $20,585 for various causes and organizations. It's interesting to note that during the Great Depression, church attendance actually went down, not up. Angela Kennecke © 2009 KELOLAND TV. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail6162.cfm?Id=0,81588

MAKING AN IMPACT

2009-03-02T09:46:00.000-06:00

MAKING AN IMPACT

A few weeks ago I met Phil Vischer, the creator of VeggieTales, so I decided to read Me, Myself, and Bob. The book documents the rise and fall of VeggieTales. After VeggieTales declared bankruptcy and the dream fell apart, Phil did some soul searching. And in the book he shares some honest thoughts and questions. Let me share one question and one thought [from his book].

Here’s the question: “What do you love more, your dream or God?”

Here’s the thought: “At long last, after a lifetime of striving, God was enough. Not God and impact or God and ministry. Just God.”

Alright, I lied. Here’s one more thought. “The impact God has planned for us doesn’t occur when we’re pursuing impact. It occurs when we’re pursuing God.”

-- Mark Batterson

New Lenten devotional

2009-03-01T20:28:00.005-06:00

Dakotas Conference Bishop Kiesey has a new Lenten devotional. Click on the sidebar.

Ash Wednesday

2009-02-25T11:17:00.003-06:00

Today is a special day of worship, and I am looking forward to the six weeks of Lent. Tonight we will observe Ash Wednesday with Holy Communion and the opportunity to have a cross of ashes marked on my forehead. The words, "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return," remind me that I will die physically, but also remind me that I have died already to a life lived of the world and that I am living in Christ. The words of Communion, "This is the body of Christ broken for you" and "This is the blood of Christ shed for you" remind me of all that Jesus endured during Holy Week. After having seen the movie The Passion, I recognize the brutality and cruelty that humanity is capable of, the pain and agony that Jesus endured for me and the extent to which Jesus was willing to sacrifice himself so that we may have this one on one relationship with God, and the love that God has for each and every one of us.

From today through Easter, I will try to stay focused on the meaning of the Cross. Our worship services are looking at the theme Living in Covenant with God. I haven't decided what I will give up or what I will take on; that has been a part of Lent for many people. I do know that I have not been keeping Sabbath well. I've been studying Sabbath for school and am aware that Sabbath is not only a period of time but also an action taken to be in communion with God. No doubt whatever I take up/give up will include improving Sabbath ritual.

Lent, the Cross, Easter... these are the foundations of Christian faith... God loved us so much that God sent Jesus, so that every one who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16)

Editorial: Church multiplies money, blessings in tough times

2009-02-19T09:06:00.000-06:00

Editorial: Church multiplies money, blessings in tough times
Editorial Board • argusleader.com • February 19, 2009

South Dakota's State Fair might lose its annual appropriations from the government, putting its future in jeopardy.

The state's medical school doesn't have enough money to expand class sizes the way it needs.

In Sioux Falls, sales tax receipts are markedly down this year, requiring some growth plans to be delayed.

Let's face it. The economic vise that's gripping cities and states throughout the country is producing a string of depressing news.

So the timing's perfect to hear about the delightful turn of events unfolding at Asbury United Methodist Church.

Using a parable found in the Gospels, the Rev. Kip Roozen recently challenged his flock to take 10 $100 bills, multiply them and "invest it in God's kingdom."

The results? Well, a program to help homeless schoolchildren got a $400 boost, the Community Food Banks of South Dakota received $11,500 more for its BackPack Program, a firefighter received an honor, and people who needed something to eat were fed. And much more.

The refreshing outcome is a well-timed reminder that even while layoffs continue and revenue shortfalls in government require excruciating cuts and uncertainty looms almost everywhere, that's not the whole story.

As Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story is what's happening across Sioux Falls at places like Asbury. In those places, people continue to find ways of coming together as a community, of supporting each other and of being their brother's and sister's keepers.

And that's especially good news right about now.

Church Challenge Raises $11,500 for Cause

2009-02-18T08:20:00.002-06:00

The following article was printed in the Sioux Falls Argus on Feb. 17th.

Church challenge raises $11,500 for cause

Worshippers had $100 to build on for good deeds
STEVE YOUNG • syoung@argusleader.com • February 17, 2009

A church's challenge to its members to use $100 bills to benefit humanity has turned into an inspirational exercise in stewardship for one Sioux Falls congregation, where one member parlayed her bill into more than $11,000 to help needy students.

Ten members came forward during services Nov. 16 when the Rev. Kip Roozen offered $100 bills to anyone who would take the money, multiply it "and invest it in God's kingdom."
On Sunday, the results were shared with the congregation.

With bake sales and silent auctions, speeches given and contributions accepted, the 10 raised thousands of dollars to benefit a variety of causes.

One man doubled the $100 and donated it to the fire department in honor of a father who had been a fireman. Another raised $400 for a Sunday night feeding program provided by area United Methodist churches.

One woman turned the $100 into more than $1,600 through bake sales to meet the basic needs of homeless schoolchildren in Sioux Falls. A father whose son died almost seven years ago combined the $100 with other donations to provide books on grieving to families who had lost loved ones.

Connie Kolbrek, a counselor in the public school system, came forward to take a $100 bill and turned it into more than $11,500 to benefit the Community Food Banks of South Dakota's BackPack Program. It sends a food package home in the backpacks of needy children at the end of each school week.

At the middle school where she works, Kolbrek would see children rushing to the auditorium at week's end to see if any backpacks were left.

"You really feel bad because we don't have more food packages to give out to them," Kolbrek said. "It costs $125 per backpack per child for a year. I decided I would put the $100 to one backpack and see if I could get others to match me."

She did more than that.

Kolbrek wanted to raise enough to fill 25 more backpacks. But in talking to other teachers and speaking in neighborhood sanctuaries, she witnessed a movement of kindness and generosity that "spread like wildfire."

They ended up with enough money to finance 92 additional backpacks that are given out at two middle schools and nearby elementary schools.

"The food packages were important," Kolbrek said. "But the lessons in love and helping others were just as valuable."

The idea for the project came out of the biblical parable of the talents, Roozen said, where a master leaves money with three servants before leaving on a trip, then asks for an accounting when he returns.

For the Asbury participants, there were three requirements: to understand it was God's money and not their own, to try to multiply it, and to invest outside the church's walls.

From his perspective, Roozen said it's an exercise worth doing again. It not only affects the community, he said, but his congregation as well.

Kolbrek agreed. "There was a message in what Pastor Kip was doing, and that is, 'It's not a one-time effort,' " she said. "Hopefully, it becomes a lifestyle."

Reach Steve Young at (605) 331-2306.

Getting Away/Coming Back

2009-02-16T21:45:00.002-06:00

Had a great time on vacation, off to stay at an all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen just south of Cancun. Didn't go off the resort except to walk around a bit, no excursions to see the Mayan ruins, no site seeing, but a lot of sitting in the sun, hearing the waves pounding on the shores, a lot of reading. Could not have asked for a better vacation. Just as it was good to be away and relax and get caught up on some other things that needed doing, it was good to be coming back home again too.

Courage

2009-01-29T08:56:00.003-06:00

I watched a program on CBS called What would you do? It's a program using a Hidden Camera to pose such situations/questions as: What if you were walking through a park and you saw a couple get into a heated argument? The man didn't hit the woman, but seemed to be on the edge of physical violence and pushed her. Or, imagine if you were in your neighborhood convenience store, and you saw a brazen shoplifter at work. The shop owner's not a friend, but she's always been friendly to you. What would you do? Would you think you had an obligation to intervene? What do you think others would do? What if you were walking through a park and you saw a couple get into a heated argument? The man didn't hit the woman, but seemed to be on the edge of physical violence and pushed her. Or, imagine if you were in your neighborhood convenience store, and you saw a brazen shoplifter at work. The shop owner's not a friend, but she's always been friendly to you. What would you do? Would you think you had an obligation to intervene? What do you think others would do?

Go to: http://abcnews.go.com/whatwouldyoudo to watch the program.

That got me to thinking about our faith as well. Why is it that we fail to act when we know what is right and wrong, when we believe what we believe, when we have opportunities to be in Christian service to others, or when we let others know about Christ through our actions and words?

There are lots of people, myself included, who fail to act when we have the chance to do God's work. We don't have to be standing in a pulpit, we don't have to be pushy in our faith efforts, we don't have to be an evangelist like Billy Graham to bring the good news to others. I would be uncomfortable, out of my realm, to be prominent like that. But there are other chances for us to share. So why do we have faith, believe what we believe, but do not share.

We need courage to step up, to share, to be true to our core values. We need courage to be confident. We need courage to be willing to be ridiculed. We need courage to step into situations that put us in a spotlight.

2009-01-06T11:43:00.004-06:00

The beginning of a new year is exciting as it subconsciously brings an opportunity for change. God and I had a long talk a couple of nights ago and as a result things seem to be in better perspective. It is with anticipation and eagerness that I come to the responsibilities and service that I hope to be about this year, with God's help.

THE WORLD IS MY PARISH

I look on all the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that, in whatever part of it I am, I judge it meet, right, and my bounden duty, to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation.

-- John Wesley

May we have the same passion to serve God in all we do, every day, every word, every thought, every action.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T04:55:00.005-06:00

Here it is,.... what we have all been waiting for .... another opportunity to begin again! For some reason a new year just pulls at the mind and heart to resolve to be a better person, to do more, to make resolutions. May 2009 be all that you hope for.

God offers us a new beginning every day.

The first few days here in 2009 have already not lived up to my expectations, but I know that I get a chance to do it again tomorrow and I hope it will be a better day. I realize one of the reasons why life doesn't go as I would script it, and that's because I fail to ask God what it is that God would want for the day.

I have been awake since the wee hours of the morning. God has been helping me unload all the thoughts and to-do's that I have swirling in my head.

I have been disappointed that although I offer help, the church offers help, and that there are many resources available, there are people who are struggling, financially, mentally, physically. And I have been learning very slowly that change is made only when the individual makes change. Not my scripting. Not my wishing. Not my planning.

I have been struggling with balance in life, balance of personal, work, study - and no doubt I will continue to struggle; but I sure do feel better right now about it all. I will do the best I can in the time I have, respect the boundaries set, and realize that that is all I can do and not feel guilty about all that is left undone. There will always be more to do.

You probably read this and laugh cuz these are lessons we have all learned along the way. Certainly at my age one would expect that I had learned these lessons. I have; it's just I need to be reminded again and again LOL

So, have a GREAT 2009, may God bless you today and every day!

December, cont'd

2008-12-28T07:04:00.003-06:00

The Wednesday before Christmas we had a service for those who would not be able to attend on Christmas Eve; then Christmas Eve we had noon, 5:30, 7:30 and 11:00 services. I went to the noon service, worked during the afternoon (well, actually, "worked" is too strong a word - we were having a blast), went to lunch with my fellow ministers in the faith, attended the 5:30 service, went home for a family get together, opened presents, and went back for the 11:00 service.

All the kids were home on Christmas Eve; just having a houseful of family is a blessing. This is a difficult time of year, and I never know how it'll be, but this year was a good Christmas. The kids helped to make the difference.

We spent Christmas Day with the extended family. We had a blast doing a white elephant exchange; first time to do this and really enjoyed it. But aI sure was dragging from Chrsitmas Eve. It took me two days to recover.

Merry Christmas everyone!

December

2008-12-22T08:16:00.003-06:00

Here it is, two days before Christmas, and it just doesn't really seem like Christmas to me. I am sure it will feel like Christmas when the kids are all home, and we are going to service together and then back home to eat and open a gift.

I try to focus on the birth of Christ, this little one who would come to save the world. That's the blessing of Christmas. That God would live as one of us, would come to us in our hurts and disappointments and joys. Would want to feel all that we feel, experience all that we experience. That's the blessing. God loves us so much that Jesus would be born, both human and divine, to live among us, to be the shining example of all that God would have us be, and bring us the hope and peace for which we all long.

May this Season be calm, peaceful, hopeful and loving. May this Season bring a knowledge of God's love for all of us. May this Season bring us comfort when we are in need. May this Season bring us hope of God's showering of blessings. May Christmas be a blessed time!

Star of Hope message

2008-12-05T08:42:00.002-06:00

We come to the Star of Hope service because for us the Holiday season is extremely difficult. We have experienced loss, and that loss has changed us forever.

Some of us have experienced the death of a loved one this year or many years ago. Some of us have experienced loss as a result of income through job loss or financial loss. Some of us have experienced situations of deep despair where the world now looks bleak and dark. For some of us, life has so completely changed that we are unbalanced, our world has turned upside down, and we no longer are completely sure of any thing.

I’m here tonight because I am one of you. I have lost (we really have not lost…..) my first husband when he was 35. I have lost my daughters, one to leukemia and one to a car accident. I have lost my in-laws. I have lost my dad. I have lost my mom. I have lost an unborn child. The grandfatherly neighbor next door sexually abused my daughter. I have had to decide life and death with both my girls. I had to decide not to continue cancer treatment and allow Jennifer to die at age 8. I had to decide to pull the plug on life support for my Jessica after her car accident at age 17. I had to watch my father in law die an excruciating death and he was afraid to die. I have had to learn that there is nothing in life that is within my control. I have felt death warmed over; you know that feeling when there is no blood flowing in your veins. I have lived in darkness, complete and utter and real darkness, and had to resort to antidepressants to help me cope. I have been in situations where I have had little medical funds and had to resort to going to Public Aid. I have fought with insurance companies over health benefits just so I wouldn’t be bankrupt. I have lost an entire life, there is no one in my life today who knows who I was fifteen years ago. There is a whole life that has just disappeared.

It is okay to feel whatever we feel at this time. Grief takes its own path and that path is not the same path for you as it is for the person sitting next to you or for me. It is okay to cry, to be angry, to be confused, to be frustrated. And it is okay to be happy, to laugh, to dream, to love.

There was a time in my life when I was sure God was testing me. I just couldn’t figure out why God would test me without first teaching me what I was to know. And I couldn’t understand what I had done that would explain God taking everything away. God doesn’t do that. God does not play with our lives. God loves us and cares deeply for us. God is not a distant god, God is as near to you and me as the breath we take.

We have come to a season that tells us very clearly just how much God loves us. God came to us as a baby in a manger. God came to us in poverty. God came to us through an unmarried teenager. God came to us in a homeless couple. God came to us when the world was at its darkest, its bleakest, its most hopeless time. God came to us to visibly show us just how much we are loved.

And God didn’t stop there. Jesus was both human and divine. Jesus has walked in our shoes. Jesus has been there. He’s experienced the highs and the lows in life just as we do. Jesus knew despair, anger, frustration, joy, love, abandonment both by his friends, by his family, by his divine Father. Do you think it was easy for Jesus because he was God? Jesus felt all the same things we do, and more. Do you think Jesus did not feel lonely, or trapped, or like he was butting heads with every one and every thing? He did. And why would God willingly allow that to happen? God could have continued working in and through us just as God had for thousands of years prior to Jesus’ birth. Why would God bend down?

Because God cares. God loves each and every one. We needed a visible human sign, an example that we could understand, another just like us who experiences everything we do. We could read and learn through Scriptures but until we could see that in practical day-to-day humanity, we could not comprehend. And that’s why God bent down. That’s why God continually today comes to us through the Spirit. That’s why God never gives up on us. That’s why God carries us during the most difficult times of our lives. That’s why God rejoices with us in our joy, and weeps with us when we cry.

Scripture reminds us of those promises made to us who are hurting, who are lonely, who are confused, who are beaten down with the burden of life. When all else fails to ground us, we can hold on to those promises.

1. He has promised to supply every need we have. The Bible says: "But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". That's Phillipians 4:19

2. God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us. (II Corinthians 12:9). In fact, God has made provision for our salvation by His grace through faith. (Read Ephesians 2:8. It is through an obedient faith that we have access into the grace of God according to Romans 5:2.)

3. God has promised that His children will not be overtaken with temptation. Instead, Jesus assures us that a way of escape will be provided. This promise is recorded in I Corinthians 10:13.

And Jude wrote: "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present your faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude v 24).

4. God has promised us victory over death. God first resurrected Jesus by way of assuring our resurrection. Peter said: "God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact." (Acts 2:32).

Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "For what I received, I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (I Corinthians 15:3,4). Later on he adds: "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ " (I Corinthians 15:57).

5. God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully (Romans 8:28). It may be difficult for us to see and understand how this is accomplished at times, but God has promised it, and God will deliver.

6. God has promised that those who believe in Jesus and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins will be saved. (Read Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38).

7. God has promised His people eternal life (John 10:27,28).

Jesus gave us three amazing promises:
(Jesus said...) A little while longer and the world will see Me no more... (John 14.19a)

#1 - He promised to prepare a place for you in Heaven.
(Jesus promised you...) In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14.2)

#2 - He promised to return for you.
(Jesus promised you...) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14.3)

#3 - He promised to give you a living gift -- namely, the Holy Spirit.
(Jesus promised you...) And I will pray to the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth... (John 14.16-17a)

This Season for us can be difficult. We are changed people because of what has happened in our lives. But, let me appeal to you to live so that the promises of God will be yours!

New blog to watch for

2008-11-25T08:55:00.004-06:00

Okay, so I just read Jason's blog and then, because Roxie was laughing soooo much yesterday as she read his blog, I had to do some checking myself this morning. I've added this blog, What Christians Like, to my blogs to watch, but honestly, I did so in hopes that I might catch the laughing that goes on as well. As you all know, I tend to the more serious in my writing; hopefully I'm not that serious all the time in life, but I do tend to be that way in writing. Anyway, maybe this site will bring you a much needed laugh. Be sure to check out the #438, Refusing to let people borrow you pen (http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/2008/11/438-refusing-to-let-people-borrow-your.html) It's so stupid but it's what brought me to the site!

2008-11-10T10:12:00.002-06:00

Where is it that we want to go? What is it that we want to achieve in life? How as Christians do we live God's priorities out in our lives? Where is the passion for Christ in our lives?

Thoughts on Election Day

2008-11-05T09:15:00.002-06:00

What an exciting moment in history. As I watch the morning shows, watch the video of celebration, hear the soundbites from both parties, I find myself excited, hopeful, amazed and a little overwhelmed by this moment in history. Certainly as the days pann out over time, it is my hope that the vision for our country, the tearing down of divisive walls, the lifting up of the best of all of us will continue. Even as I went to vote yesterday morning, I was on the fence. I am sustained by my faith that in all things God brings about his ultimate will. And I am thankful to be living in this country of such freedoms, even as I struggle with the issues of the day. May we all continually pray for our leaders, for peace and love to pervade throughout the world, that we lead from a servant-heart, and praise God for God's faithfulness to us.

A passing of another chapter of my life

2008-10-27T07:05:00.013-05:00

We have just begun the transfer of our company's assets to another and spent the last five days travelling from SD to SC hauling 2500 pounds of weight. It was April 1, 1990 when my first husband and I bought this company and I've been running it since his death on July 17, 1992. Such mixed feelings and thoughts as this transfer is made. The company took on a life of its own and saved in a sense my life.

All the men in my family were concerned for me; a 35 year old husband who had died unexpectedly and tragically, three small children, one diagnosed with leukemia. They wanted a secure future for me, a way to earn a living without being tied to set hours in a job, and an outlet in whatever way was needed. I thank God now for their wisdom, for their support and encouragement. I did not know a thing about this type of business but they stayed days and weeks to sort through what needed to be done. My brother in law, in purchasing, called customers about open purchase orders, reviewed pricing and inventory and customer base. My brother looked to the orderly transition from my husband to myself, to the vision and planning for the future, for the strategies needed to accomplish that. My older sister and her daughter stayed weeks with me, watching the three children as I went about my learning. My dad and my father in law spent hours working in the shop, supporting and encouraging everyone. My mother and younger sister were there as I cried, as my nightmares came on me, helped to keep my frustration and despair at a manageable level. To my very best friends, Rob and Lorelle, who stood beside me, helping in all ways possible. I did not know it then, but I know it now, they were the face and hands and feet of Christ, each and everyone of them. Through the tragedy that could have overtaken me, they gave me strength and courage to do what I didn't think I could do.

And I most certainly would be remiss to acknowledge the manufacturers who supported and encouraged. The company that H had worked for supported me and taught me a lot about technical stuff. Rakes and angles and bevels, speeds and feeds, material composition. Throughout the years they continually supported by giving the best pricing, regardless of the size of the company. The friendships that began when H worked there continued with me after his death.

The Haas family (to whom the company is being transferred) are a special family. I don't know how well he knew my husband, certainly they had had contact being in the same industry, and yet he and his employee came to the shop, furthered my education, gave me one on one teaching, and supported and encouraged me in this endeavor. Never did I feel that I could not trust them, that information I would give about customers would be used to further their own customer base, nor that I was not a part of their family. I have always felt a part of their family. I thank God for Don and his family, for Armond, for the integrity and honesty which they have in business. It's uncommon to find such integrity and honesty in an industry which is very narrow and very competitive. And his sons who follow in their father's footsteps are of the same caliber. They are easy going, knowledgeable, fair, honest, generous, and a lot of fun to be around. Again, I did not know it then, I know it now, they were the face and hands and feet of Christ.

I travelled to SC with a bit of sadness as the end of a chapter was coming in my life. The dreams that H had, that this company would allow him to be close to his family and to provide financially for all of us had been shattered. Instead, it had brought about his death and left me in deep despair, quaking inside even as I put on the mask of courage and strength, in a situation I never envisioned. I have continued to run it for over 16 years. Through this experience, I have learned a lot, but I have also lost a lot. I learned not only the stuff about business and shops, but about myself, about the ability to persevere, about the strength of my faith, about the depths of hell and heaven, about forgiveness lived, about the inner self. But I have also lost a lot, friendships that meant so much, about dreams and wants, about an entire life that will never be, about mistakes made and decisions wrongly made.

The day we put one piece of equipment in the hands of the Haas family, this Friday, was the 27th anniversary to the date of my marriage to H, 10/24. How ironic.

I travelled back to SD with a bit of relief, that this phase of my life is at the beginning of its end. There is relief because God is calling me to do other things, and there just isn't the kind of time to devote to a small business, to give the best to customers, and to do justice to all those who have encouraged and supported me over the years.

There will be times, I know, down the road that I think back with longing for the days that have gone by. I already do that. I do that, in fact, all the time when it comes to remembering the days when the kids were small, to the cherished friendships, to those years that are remembered now only by me. There are so few people alive who I was close to who knew who and what I was years ago. There's a grief in that, a sadness that that part of my life is gone. And when I get into those memory modes I forget to look forward to the future.

I have lived half of my life already. I have done so much but I have so much yet to do. I had goals and plans for my life, some of which were realized, many of which were cut off by tragedy. I have trouble sometimes getting ahold of my life as it is and getting into the vision of the future. I pray that God will calm my spirit, walk with me in such a way that I am not anxious, and bless all that is yet to come.

Celebration

2008-10-20T08:50:00.002-05:00

The tables were set with balloons, birthday hats and streamers. Very bright, very cheery, very celebratory. In gratitude for all that God blesses us with, we gladly bring our offerings and tithes to God who loves us and desires only the very best for us, who desires a relationship of depth and meaning, who uses every circumstance to bring about the best for us. There was a time when putting a single dollar into the offering plate seemed like a pretty good offering, and even as incomes grew, to put in $20 seemed to be a reason to pat myself on the back. But you know what? It isn't. The children's message brought it to a practical understanding... we give back to God one and we keep nine. That's not really very much. Pastor Teri brought a message that spoke to all of us.... there will never seem to be a day when we will be able to give that one-tenth, there's always reasons to hold on to what we have been given, and most of those reasons are reasonable. But for us to step out in faith, to be more than a warm body coming to the party, to show our gratitude for all that we have, to take that step requires us to give that one tenth back.

As my life changes, as we sell the company that's been a part of my life for 17 years, as I step out in faith to be a part of God, I find myself strangely not anxious, not worried, not hesitant. I know that no matter what happens in my life, God is there. I know that no matter what bad decisions I unintentionally make, God will work through them. I know that no matter what situation arises, God is there for me. I know that when I am happy or when I am in tears, God feels the same. I know that when I feel God in my life, God is there. But more importantly, I know when I don't feel God in my life, God is still there.

So if I'm not feeling anxious, worried or hesitant, what am I feeling? I am rejoicing. I am strengthened in God. I am willing to be be molded by God. I look forward eagerly to what the future holds. Am I afraid sometimes? Of course. There's always a bit of fear of the unknown. But God won't let me down. God will always be there for me. And so I learn to trust.

Thank you God!

A date with God

2008-10-13T08:13:00.005-05:00

I needed yesterday. Being around an active church just made my day. I seem so prone to the blues this time of year. Maybe it's the change in weather, maybe it's getting up in the dark and not so much sun during the day, maybe it's this constant persistent dull headache that I deal with, I don't know. But I do know that these past weeks I have been feeling blue, easily overwhelmed and on the verge of tears. But yesterday was such a healing and enjoyable day. The weather wasn't very good but the joy of being in church, with the Spirit flowing throughout the activities, the smiles and laughter and friendships made all the difference.

Four services, each one so very different. The message in the first three, even though it's the same, is different. I feel my body/soul resonating with God, kind of being like on a date. The shared joy, the shared interest, the conversation, the joy of being together... like on a date. Each service brings its own special place. Like on a date, God and I go different places. The 8:00 service is more mellow, quiet, meditative, less distracting. I enjoy the time with friends, the wakening of my soul to God early in the day, the pleasure of quiet. And then the 9:15 service with its excitement and fellowship with lots of people, the joy of many voices raised in song, and the activity that comes when over 200 people join in praise and worship of God, of running to Sunday school, of laughter and greetings shouted in the hallways, and the party like setting. The 11:15 praise and worship service brings a different kind of joy and enthusiasm for being with my date. I'm awake, and having the time of my life, singing and dancing and clapping just for the love of God. The 5:00 worship brings a close to the day with praise and gratitude for all that God and I have enjoyed. We celebrated the birth of two children and the promise of all that those lives hold; through the sacrament of Baptism. The preciousness of life, the sacredness of life, the promise of life - we renew our commitment to God and God's faithfulness to us and promise to support these children and their families in their spiritual lives and in ours. And in the preciousness of life, we celebrated the birth of children through baptism but we also celebrated the passing of life as we dedicated the outdoor worship area at the 5:00 service.

The 5:00 service was very special because we dedicated this outdoor worship area that had transformed an ugly unkempt area into a place where we can find ourselves spending time with God. The beauty of this area's transformation is not only in its visible appearance but also in the initiative and vision that one had and others embraced with commitment, dedication and love. The Cross is center just as the Cross is central to our faith. The labyrinth recognizes each individual's personal spiritual journey, how at times we feel very close to the center (God) and at other times very far away, sometimes lost and wandering, but always in the presence of God. The Flame that represents Light and the Holy Spirit. The greenery and color of flowers. The benches that wait patiently for us to come sit in the presence of God.

I drive home, no radio on, no distractions, and find myself thanking God aloud for this day. For the peace and calm that has come over me today. For the joy of being with my Christian family. For the blessing of baptism. For the commitment and dedication and service of so many leaders. For the leadership of Pastor Kip. For the love expressed on Steve's and Jennifer's faces as their little one is baptized. For the love and support expressed by the Karpinen family as their little one is baptized. For the transformation of ugly places into places that bring us closer to God. For the gifts generously given by many individuals. For the gift of Christ freely given to us. For the pure joy of being alive and well.

Thank you, God, for a wonderful date.

Stephen Ministry first training meeting

2008-10-10T08:51:00.003-05:00

First Stephen Minister training went very well. We have eight individuals, probably six of whom will continue with a care receiver at the end of their training, and two individuals from another church attending training. It is a huge blessing to a congregation to have individuals coming forward who are willing to be trained to be effective Christian caregivers. What makes Stephen Ministry different is their distinctively Christian attitude -- prayer, scripture, faith issues -- but also the Christian attitudes of love, acceptance, openness, and reflective listening. We do not offer advice, we do not talk about ourselves, we listen carefully to what is being said, both the words and what is not being stated, and help individuals to clarify for themselves what is going on in life and how to deal with situations. Very often those people who are in need are in need because of life situations -- death in the family, diagnoses, loss, major life changes, etc. And who of us do not go through some situation like that where it would be helpful to have a listening focused friend to talk with? We thank God for the gifts that are brought to this ministry and for the individual's courage to step out in faith to share hurts with others.

Worship Committee meeting

2008-10-07T08:05:00.002-05:00

I attended a Worship committee meeting last night and heard many strong emotions - passion for worship was at the center of it. How is it that we can love God and still be harsh? I know that we normally would not intentionally be hurtful, but last night there were hurts. I know that we are an open and loving family, and yet we disagreed with each other, and that disagreement caused hurt. Tears were shed, voices were raised, the tendency to want to be understood come across in anger. How is it that we, who know God to be a unifying force and who makes all the boundaries disappear, become divisive? What is ironic too, is that we just celebrated World Wide Communion, in which we know that Christians all around the world are celebrating Holy Communion together. I was part of it too. How could I have caused further hurt? How could I have, in attempting to put make a position, caused tears and anger? Today, my heart is heavy and the tears are there.

I witnessed a love for others and a willingness to clarify and a willingness to accept and love unconditionally last night too. It came through the tears, it came through the hugs, it came through the ability to hear what was really being said underneath the words that were being said. It was apparent as we left the meeting, emotionally wrung out but walking together.

It wasn't our best day and yet it was our best too. We were honest in our sharing; granted, we could have been much more tactful and less emotionally charged, but we were honest. We all love the same God. We want to be respectful and honor God. That's maybe the crux of this: how do we be respectful and honoring as well as open and inviting?

I am so grateful for the wisdom of that group. I am grateful for the patience and understanding and love that pervades that group. I am grateful for the strength of faith. I am hopeful that the hurts and tears will be healing and lead us to an understanding of who we are as disciples of Jesus. And while I don't like the conflict, I know that we will grow through it, we will be truer to God, we will be better for the conflict.

Let us pray that God will lead us in the way. Let us pray that we will be open to the direction of the Spirit. Let us pray that we will continue to share and talk through the dynamics of our faith. Let us pray that we will have the courage to listen. Let us pray that we will have the wisdom to sort through what is being said and not said. Let us pray that we will be unified in Christ, the Body of Christ. Let us pray that we continue to cry as we grow. And God, grant that we may see the bigger picture here, that we will love each other, that anger or frustration or disappointment will not tear us apart but will forge us together stronger in our commitment to serving You.

First Blossoms

2008-10-05T06:46:00.002-05:00

From The Upper Room devotional.
author Liz Palmer (New South Wales, Australia)

"AS a new Christian, I compared myself to other Christians. I felt I wasn't good enough. I was sure I was a disappointment to God.

Then one September day, my little wattle tree bloomed for the first time. I was so excited to see the early blossoms that I took my son to share the moment with me.

Next to that little tree was a more established wattle tree. At this time, it was big, bushy, and in full bloom. It was beautiful. I took great pride in that big wattle tree. However, I took as much pride in the smaller wattle tree that was beginning to bloom.

As I looked at my two trees, one beautiful and established, the other smaller but starting to bloom, I realized that God sees us in a similar way. Yes, God rejoices in established Christians who have grown in their faith and are producing an abundance of fruit. But I am sure God rejoices just as much in new Christians who are beginning to grow."

2008-10-04T13:39:00.003-05:00

Some times I just don't know what's wrong with me. I get so tired sometimes, just in need of bumming for a bit, but of course there is so much I should be doing that then I feel guilty, and guilt leads to feeling overwhelmed and inadequate, which in turns just leads to feeling badly. What's a girl supposed to do? Some times I just have a need to sit in the sun and be in the presence of God; sometimes that becomes paramount. Maybe that's what I'm supposed to be doing. And when I sit with God, what do I hear? I hear God telling me I have to be in the Word, I have to be in the scriptures. I'm so bad at that. I want to be, I plan on reading, I very often do log on to the Benedictine website and read morning and evening prayers/meditations, but it's not enough. So now I'm trying to read the Bible at the stop light, at the drive-thru, at those unexpected free times. I miss the Abbey sometimes, cuz there we are all doing the work... we pray, we worship, we work, we study, we relax, but we do it in community. We aren't always together, but we are all doing the same type of things at the same time. There's a sense of power and unification in that. I think I am in need of spiritual friends and mentors, spiritual direction, support and encouragement. Let's hope that God leads me to those very soon.

God will empower you to do what you have been called to do, not anything you might want to do.

2008-09-29T08:08:00.003-05:00

God will empower you to do what you have been called to do, not anything you might want to do. I came across this statement in my reading for Exodus 17 where the Hebrew people are testing God by demanding proof, once again, that God is with them. I found the statement intriguing. So often perhaps we think that God will empower us to do everything we want to do, but by this statement, that may not be the case. God empowers us, but empowers us to do what God wants us to do. As we look to be doing God's work, as we look to discovering God's will for our lives, as we look to what we should be doing in life, this is a great tool. As doors open, opportunities come, our gifts and efforts are affirmed, we find that we are a part of God's plan for our lives.

For several years, I wondered if I was doing what God wanted me to do. As classes came that dealt with the topic of the will of God, as books were recommended that dealt with the topic of the will of God, as opportunities came in terms of service, I delved into them hoping to discover the will of God for my life. I learned more about myself, my gifts, my strengths. I also learned more about my weaknesses, those areas that I am not gifted, and areas in which I needed to grow.

I find myself relying more and more on God empowering me, working through me in spite of me. Life becomes less and less about me and more and more about God. I used to think the person of I would disappear, but that's not true. When God is working, the person of I becomes more whole, more content, more aware that success and acceptance are not as important.

It's also a great comfort that, when God calls us to do something, God will empower us. The success of what we are to be doing does not rest on ourselves but on God. And certainly God can and will succeed.

One of the things I struggle with now is patience, the patience to allow God to empower, to work, to succeed, and to realize that everything I do will be blessed and worked through by God. Even my mistakes. That's a huge relief.

The Joy of Male Laughter

2008-09-22T21:12:00.003-05:00

I just came in tonight to hear male laughter in the house. Lots of it! Loud, hilarious, joyous, rambunctious, deep laughter. Men's Group met at the house tonight and I came in just as the twelve of them were preparing for prayer, arms around each other, big circle in the living room, in fellowship with each other and with God. What an amazing experience! I am so glad to be friends with each one of them. These men give me an insight into the male side of God; to the sense of humor, responsibility, courage, wit, and love that men have to offer. Thank you for allowing me to share your lives.

Getting Away

2008-09-17T08:50:00.003-05:00

What does God want of us? We live busy lives, full of activity and running from one thing to another, trying to live every day to the fullest, trying to be there for our kids, for work, for spouses, for ourselves, for those activities that we have set as priority. But I wonder, if we were to take some time to really think about our priorities, about how we want to be remembered, how we want to live, would our priorities and the activity that we are running around doing change?

What's really important in life? To sit down regularly and evaluate our lives is important. The activity that surrounds our priorities - are they really about our priorities or has the activity become the priority? Silence, contemplation, thinking hard about life are all difficult to stop and do. Distractions abound. Just about the time there seems to be time to take out of busy days ... there's one more thing to do. Maybe getting away is the answer, getting away from the daily routine, from the distractions that come when sitting at home. It would be great if we could get to the point in life where we can sit comfortably in silence in the presence of God and be still. But to do that takes perseverance; it doesn't come naturally. So getting away is a way to do that. I'm headed to Blue Cloud Abbey this weekend and hope that by getting away, I can sit comfortably and in silence in the presence of God and hear what God has to tell me. I find that I am not able to sit without distraction at home. I turn on the television, I turn on the computer, I do chores, my mind wanders... I cannot 'will' myself to be still. It'll take time and perseverance to do that. The few times that I am able to sit still, to be calm, to listen for God, to empty myself are meaningful and exciting. I love the knowledge that I am with God, alone, without distraction, at those times.

Sometimes, more often than a few years ago, I can go to a place in prayer where it is just me and God. It happens at chapel most often. When I close my eyes, and sit still, I can go to another place. The light streaming through the stained glass doesn't even penetrate that place. My thoughts and other distractions disappear and I can be in this place where I feel the presence of God. What's neat too is that sometimes I feel the presence of many others as well. Does that sound strange and weird? I'm sure it does. A few years back if someone shared that, I would have been uncomfortable. Not now.

I look forward to my time away at Blue Cloud Abbey. The structure of the day is balanced between prayer/worship, work and relaxation. It's a structure that is difficult for me to maintain when I'm not there. There's a pace that is unhurried, meaningful, things to do, but not in a hurried fashion. There are few outside noises - no traffic, no television, no music playing, no one talking. When I sit outside, I hear the wind, I hear the leaves on the trees, I hear the grass waving. I feel the warmth of the sun, I feel the breeze on my skin. I can be okay with 'not doing anything.'

When you have a chance to get away, or if you ever want to come to Blue Cloud with me, take that opportunity.

Awesome! - Church is Fun

2008-09-09T19:33:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful Sunday we experienced. God is working mightily, the Spirit was everywhere and enjoying the day of praise and service to God! So much joy, so much laughter, so much excitement as we took the time to hear God calling us and to see where we may be called to serve, to be gathered as a community, to be following Christ.

And then, this Friday, the movie in the sanctuary -- what fun that was! Kids and adults joined in laughter, confirmation students voluntarily serving during intermission.

Church .... it's not only a place we attend to better understand how God would have us live and to praise God for all the blessings that are bestowed on us; but it is also a place to just have fun, to be with family and friends and meet new people and to enjoy!

Come and see for yourself; experience for yourself; find out how enjoyable Church can be.

Stay ready to keep from getting' ready for quittin' time

2008-09-04T07:21:00.001-05:00

READY FOR THE LORD'S RETURN

I remember reading a story Dr. Charles Swindoll told in a book called Rise and Shine some years ago. Chuck talked about a time when he was in school, working in a machine shop. He worked with an old-timer named Tex. Ol' Tex had a kind of invisible sensor down inside. He seldom had to look at the clock. He always knew when it was getting close to that last whistle. Without fail, Tex was all washed up and ready to punch out a couple of minutes before the whistle blew. On one occasion, Swindoll reminded him that it was about time to start getting ready for quittin' time, and he never forgot the man's reply. He told Chuck, "I stay ready to keep from getting' ready for quittin' time."

I like that. How do you prepare for the Lord's return? You stay ready to keep from getting ready. Because if you do stay ready, you never have to scramble around to get ready, do you? And that's the impact the thought of the Lord's return ought to have on us. Because He may return at any time, we should live our lives as the book of Titus tells us -- in a godly righteous way, so that we might always be ready.

-- David Jeremiah in Jesus' Final Warning

Relaxing

2008-09-01T15:38:00.002-05:00

Been relaxing today; warm and breezy outside, comfortable weather, sitting around, watching a little television coverage of Hurricane Gustav as it hits New Orleans area, reading a little, checking email, basically very relaxed. It is good to have a day like this once in awhile. Enjoy your day!

Let's try it!

2008-08-27T08:12:00.003-05:00

There is an atmosphere of "let's try it!" whether 'whatever' has been tried before or not. God has blessed us with many many gifts, some of which we actually use. It's kinda like the brain; we don't use our brains to their full capacity - in fact, we use a very small percentage of our brain's capabilities. I think in some ways that is true of the gifts God has blessed us with. So, when there is an opportunity to "try it", "it" helps us to grow in our spiritual gifts and to discern whether what we think is a gift really is. I mean, sometimes, we want so much to do something or be like someone, that we think it's really possible. But we find it's not a gift. There is no failure in having tried and discovering that "it's" not for us.

How wonderful that we are able to "try things on" to see whether they fit or not. How wonderful to be accepted as we discover our potential. How wonderful it is to be lovingly reminded that "it" isn't working.

You know, God created order out of chaos. So what if we are a little chaotic sometimes? God will work in and through that chaos, bringing order to our lives. I spose it does mean listening to God, however, and bringing ourselves under God's authority. But that's not something to fear; rather, let's embrace our diversity, our uniqueness, our gifts, our trying, and particularly embrace God as we "try things on."

Rev. or Pastor Martha

2008-08-25T08:57:00.005-05:00

Sunday was a special day for me as my pastoral role was formally recognized. I am grateful to the Conference that I am able to serve within my home church, I am grateful to be serving among this very special church body, and I am honored to be able to do so. Because I have been active here for awhile, there were many who didn't realize the next steps that had been taken. I look forward to being Pastor Martha but still being "just" Martha. Thank you all for your continued encouragement, support and honest critiques.

What is a Licensed Local Pastor anyway? "The licensed local pastor has answered the call from God to serve the mission of Jesus Christ through the work of the local congregation in The United Methodist Church. The licensed local pastor while appointed to a particular charge shall perform all the duties of a pastor, including proclamation of the Word of God, leading in worship and liturgy, performing the sacraments of baptism and holy communion, the services of marriage (where state laws allow), burial, confirmation, and membership reception. The licensed local pastor has the authority of a pastor only within the setting and during the time of the appointment and shall not extend beyond it." (UMC Board of Ordained Ministry)

What are some of the next steps? They include applying at St. Paul's School of Theology in Kansas City, MO; beginning Course of Study July 2009; and continuing that education for two weeks every January and July thereafter for the next six years or more.

Quoting from St. Paul's information: "The summer and winter sessions of the Saint Paul Course of Study School use an integrative teaching model. Foundational and functional classes are taught together, exposing students to both theory and application. Students enroll for one module that includes two courses and is taught by two instructors.

"Course of Study School is designed to be a year-round learning experience. Registered students receive advance assignments and book lists from which to prepare. Students who do not complete and submit the assignments by the published deadlines will be withdrawn from the program. Students also receive further assignments during class sessions."

PLEASE..... I ask for your continued prayers, for your continued support and encouragement, and for your honest critiques. It is important to me to follow in the steps that God is leading and to do my very best. Having said that, I realize just how much I have to learn, how much 'smoothing of my own rough edges' there is yet to do, and how often I 'miss the mark.' So I need others who have a deep faith in Christ to help me along this journey. Thank you all.

Family

2008-08-23T08:34:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile since the family has been together, and we just about made all of us last night. Summer has been busy for everyone, and time has been flying. Two days' reprieve for Chris; he got home last night from boot camp/Army band school and the other two of three kids joined us. I love listening to the boys talk. I don't always understand (well, maybe I should really say I don't usually understand) all that they talk about, but I just love the interaction between Ken and the two boys. The schedule gets busy for both of them again; back to college for another round of learning. For a couple of hours it was reminiscent of years ago; I'm sure a lot of mothers have experienced this. I just had this warm fuzzy glowing feeling having family together.

Relying on God

2008-08-18T08:32:00.005-05:00

Devotional reading today was so very appropriate for me. I hope that by sharing, you will be blessed by the devotional as well. Looking at Matthew 14:13-21, feeding of the 5000, (I know, I am two weeks behind on my devotional reading from this book, that's just how it goes sometimes LOL). (from Finding God in the Meager, Travis Tamerius, pastor, Christ Our King Presbyterian Church, Columbia, MO, The Upper Room Disciplines 2008)

"Throughout our entire lives we come face-to-face with our limitions. No sooner do we arrive on the scene than we are sized up and sorted out." Oh, How very much I feel that! Not that anyone is scrutinizing me; only I scrutinize, only I compare and feel that I fail, only I am my own harshest judge.

"Where do you find yourself 'not enough'? Where do you feel limited? Limited by circumstance, by opportunity, by the hurts and mistakes of the past? Recognize that God is able to feed multitudes with all that seems meager and insufficient in your life."

I am reminded of a professor's comment that we, by virtue of our calling, are already authorized, we are exactly what God wants, and we can go forward with confidence. I take hold of that when I find myself feeling inadequate; I am a daughter of God, God will work in me, and God will work through me.

The task I have at hand is to allow myself to be open to God, to be available to God, to be that conduit, vessel, whatever term one wants to use, so that God can work.

And so, I pray this prayer from Pastor Tamerius' devotion:
"God, give me enough faith to trust that you are able to do abundantly more than I can ask or think, according to your power that is at work within me. Amen."

The loss of a child

2008-08-08T08:01:00.003-05:00

On Good Morning America yesterday, Steven Curtis Chapman and his family were interviewed with regard to the tragedy that the family experienced in the loss of their 5 year old. What struck me in this interview was the faith; some comments that struck me:

Will had hit his 5 year old sister, Steven rolls the window down and very loudly yelled to Will Franklin, your father loves you! as he is rushing his daughter to the hospital.

The process of grieving is the process of grieving with hope. That is what has kept us alive, while we are grieving, that there is a hope that we are anchored to.

Steven's wife's comments about: I don't care whose lives are touched by this, whose lives are changed by this, at the heart of a mom, I want my daughter back. But because I know that she is completely whole because of my faith and I will see her again, as a mom I have to shift that grief to go to the other children. My grief gets shifted to seeing that they are as whole and healthy as they can be.

For Will, it's the unwavering love of his family. My faith has gotten stronger through this but there are days that hit you and this is awful. You have to continue to choose to live.

Caleb, Will's brother: When you see someone hurting or burdened, you want to take that burden from them. Because I see Will hurting, I want to take that pain away. You'd rather endure that pain than see your brother hurting.

Oldest sister: Grief is this winding road, sometimes you have a straightaway and it's beautiful and then you turn the corner, and it's thunderstorms and mountains. It hit me hard. Sometimes in the same day.

Steven says: We are a family, some say of great faith. But, we are a family with a lot of questions. but that's what faith is. It's living with the questions.

If you want to view the video, go here: http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=5524419 It may take some time to load, and there is a little advertisement, but it's worth watching.

F-U-N

2008-08-02T13:34:00.004-05:00

Been such awhile since I have posted, but I am still here! Having a blast in my life right now, learning so much, doing so much, being part of such great happenings, and enjoying! I wish this for everyone: To find value and enjoyment in what each is doing.

I have spent most of the summer in a steep learning curve: going to Annual Conference, going to Licensing School, going to Stephen Ministry Leadership training, going to Volunteer Conferences, attending meetings, planning for future events, working closely with individuals who are highly gifted, talented, enthusiastic and desiring above all to serve God.

As I have struggled with discerning where God is calling me, I have run away, ducked, stuck my head in the sand hoping to be able to ignore it; coming to terms with the call on my life and then realizing just how very inadequate I am and running away again; and finally, saying yes! to God and going forward on faith. I find a peace, a calm, and an excitement that I have not experienced in a long time.

One of my continual prayers has been Lord, Help! Another has been, God, I need more time! And yet another has been, Your Will be done. One of my biggest struggles is balancing personal life and church life. The two are so intertwined that it becomes a struggle to keep both in line. I would ask for your prayers for me in this regard.

At the beginning of the year, I wasn't sure if I could be as active, if I could work in the traditional sense of work, being held accountable to time and results, didn't know if I would have the energy and stamina for all that may need to be done. After all, I haven't worked in a traditional sense for a number of years and I have not been a student for many many years. But God has granted me an opportunity that I cannot pass, and so here I am, trying my best with God's help to do what needs to be done.

The schedule is full and at times feels hectic. There will be planning and learning and doing as well as applying to theological school and attending all next July. These are wonderful times for me and I am excited. God has blessed me with an encouraging and supportive husand as well as a faith community that surrounds the two of us.

May you find fulfillment in all that God asks you to do as well. Don't be afraid; don't bury yourself in "busy-ness" so much that you cannot hear God. Step out in faith and find yourself experiencing all the goodness that God has in store for you.

Stephen Ministry Leader Commissioning

2008-07-21T10:53:00.002-05:00

Barb and I were commissioned yesterday during the worship service. Most of our current and previous Stephen Ministers were present at the service and laid hands on Barb and me as we knelt before God to take our commitment vows and to be blessed. This is a responsibility that we are both excited to be about, to be able to help others learn to offer distinctively Christian caregiving on a one to one basis with those in need. I have been a Stephen Minister for a while now and have learned so much throughout that time. I am looking forward to this aspect of my spiritual journey, to what I will learn in leadership skills and what I will experience from those Stephen Ministers and Leaders who are honest, caring, supportive and encouraging. I look forward to continuing to be molded and formed, to the rough edges being smoothed out, and the skills and gifts that God provides being developed and matured.