Last week on my day off, I decided to go to Panera for lunch. It was one of those foggy, gray days we've been having lately. I was lounging on my couch, but I managed to drag myself off of it and make myself presentable to the public. I had slept in, I was kind of groggy- to match the weather- and it took me a while to get going.
When I finally made it to Panera, it was late and I was hungry. I was glad to see there wasn't a very long line. I took my place and waited for my turn. The line formed to the right of the cash register, and soon a couple came in from the left. They moved as if they were about to stride right up to the counter and order, when the woman turned to me and said, “Are you waiting in line?”
“Yes” I said- relieved that she asked and didn’t cut, “I'm waiting.” She stood behind me but her husband didn't move from the counter. “I'm waiting” I said again, this time more in his direction. Still he didn't move. I thought, he must be hard of hearing. So I raised my voice, probably a little higher than I normally would...”I'M WAITING!”
He whipped around and gave me a horrible, angry look. “What are you waiting FOR?” he sneered, also a bit too loudly. Whoa.
It's moments like this I want to do 2 things. Now I know that I'm short and sweet and people would not describe me as “physically intimidating.” But, I AM from Chicago after all, and I have no problem sticking up for myself when I need to. So, in times like this, I'd like to go “Chicago” on him and tell him just what I think of his rudeness. He may be from Mequon, but I’m from the South Side!
The other thing I would have liked to do is tell him he was just mean to a pastor :)
But I didn’t do either. The woman in line in front of me said I could go ahead of her because she didn’t know what she wanted yet (yeah, that’s right, I wasn't even next in line) so I stepped up and ordered, fighting back tears.
Finally, I sat down to eat my lunch, and his words kept running through my mind. “What are you waiting FOR?” After a while I calmed down and the words started to lose their edge, and I started to think, “What AM I waiting for?” An appropriate question for Advent, don't you think? Advent, the time when we are waiting and preparing for the birth of Christ.
In the church, we take 4 weeks to wait for the birth of Christ. We light candles to symbolize the light coming into our darkness. We decorate with evergreens to show the undying nature of God's promises and love. The color of the pastors stoles and the paraments, the cloths hanging off the altar, are a deep blue to symbolize the color of the sky just before the dawn.
At home, we decorate our evergreen trees as well. We wrap presents and place them underneath the tree and wait in delicious anticipation to open them. What is inside? Is it the iPod, or necklace, or toy, or video game we are hoping for? Soon those questions will be answered.
But I wait for more than just presents, don't you? I wait for a world in which there is no more pain. I wait for a world in which mourning and crying and death will be no more. I wait for an end to war. I wait for a cure for cancer and AIDS and multiple sclerosis. I wait for a time when I don't worry about people not taking me as seriously because I am a woman. I wait for an end to racism. What do you wait for?
For the past four years when I was in seminary, it seemed like all I was doing was waiting. Don't get me wrong, I had a lot of fun and I soaked up the rich experience of studying and preparing to be a pastor. But in the moments I had last July when I was ordained and called to be your pastor, the waiting was over. It was like finally- I could do what I had been waiting to do for four years, or 27 years since I was born. I have been waiting to stand here and share with you the good news of great joy that this world so desperately needs to hear.
Because outside these doors, there is a lot of pain. There is a lot of loneliness. I don't really need to remind you of that, do I? I know that we bring that pain in here with us. But in this place we experience something different- we hear of good news of great joy, but we also do more than just hear about it. We experience it. There are so many times when I know one of you has had surgery, lost a loved one, or had a rough week in some way, and I can't even make it over to talk to you because as soon as you walk in the door, you are greeted and hugged and comforted. I hope that you all experience that when you need it. After going through a horrible week, one of you described it in this way “I came in these doors, and I knew I could let go. I didn't have to be strong anymore.” That’s part of why it’s called a “sanctuary”- it’s a place we can go to be safe, to rest, to retreat.
That’s why I am a pastor, why I chose to stand here in this pulpit instead of anywhere else. Because there is a lot of pain in this world, but here is where I find my comfort and my joy. Here is where I find my hope and strength.
I find these things in a baby born in a world that had no room for him. I hear good news of great joy proclaimed to a bunch of dirty, sleepy, smelly guys hanging out with sheep. And when I hear this good news of great joy, I am filled with that joy. I am inspired, full of hope and I know what God wants- that this broken world to be healed by his love. God wanted that so much that God was born into this world to show us that love. Tonight we celebrate that good news first told to the shepherds.
But the shepherds didn’t realize what was happening at first. They were scared. “Do not be afraid” the angel said. “LOOK!” she continues. She has to tell them to look- because the first thing we want to do when we feel afraid is to run away and hide. Fear locks us up in a small room, like a jail cell. There is no fresh air, and no light. We can't see things for what they are, since we have curled up, we can't move. When we're in the darkness of fear, everything seems to stop.
But the shepherds do not need to fear because this time, there is light. This time, God is bringing good news of great joy. There is no more judgment. There is no more waiting for the savior God promised to send. No more hiding from God's glory in a cliff like Moses did. No more only seeing God’s “backside.” God is here in the flesh, God is here to save us. God came to save everyone of us, right down to those guys out in the field with their sheep. I mean, everyone. That means me, that means you, that lady sitting next to you, and yes- even the mean guy in line at panera!
In fact, the angel says “You” or implies it 6 times in her short speech. YOU- do not fear. I am bringing YOU good news of great joy. To YOU is born a savior...God came for US because God couldn’t wait any longer.
And when the shepherds finally heard the good news of great joy of Jesus' birth, they couldn't wait. Not one second. They had to go, RIGHT AWAY, to see this with their own eyes. They said, “Let us go NOW to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to US.”
The shepherds are the first to hear and the first to see GOD is HERE! Jesus is born and the promises we heard about in the reading from Isaiah are fulfilled. Our burdens are lightened. The things that oppress us, that weigh us down no longer have control over us. They exist, but not forever. There is still darkness, but there is also light. There is still bad news each night, but there is also good news of great joy. Because a child has been born, a savior, god in the flesh. When the cry of the baby Jesus pierced through the air, the sky was ripped apart to make room for angels singing, the glory of the Lord, and peace to all whom God loves.
This is the beginning of the good news of great joy. This baby is the one we have been waiting for- the one who gave sight to the blind, healed the sick, and proclaimed that those who mourn will be comforted, the poor are rich, and that in death there is LIFE. He is the way, the truth and the life.
In this world of technology it can be easier to stay connected with each other, but an e-mail or a letter can never replace being in the presence of one that you love. There is nothing in the world like being hugged by my mom, knowing that those arms held me as a baby and still reach out to me with unconditional love today.
At Christmas, we can remember that God loved us so much he didn't just want to send us chain letters and tablets of stone. He wanted to be one of us. He wanted to welcome the little children into his arms, to touch the eyes of the blind man to heal him, to talk with us and eat with us. He wanted to be close to us so that we could be close to him.
We wait each year to celebrate Christ’s birth, and we wait for him to come again. As we wait, we have the good news to not just hear but to live. We have neighbors to be Christ’s hands reaching out to us. We have the water of baptism to refresh us, we have the bread and wine to feed us. We have good news of great joy to bring us peace. We have OUR shepherd, Jesus, to lead us. And as Mary treasured these words and pondered them in her heart, so do we. Amen.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Rejoicing
What makes you rejoice about:
1) Waiting: Sometimes the waiting can be more fun than the actual experience. As one who tends to build things up in her head, waiting and dreaming can be the best part. I like to dream of taking trips, but when it comes down to it, sometime I'd rather just stay at home. Traveling can be stressful. Also, I love to wait because anticipation is so exciting! My family opened presents on Christmas Eve, and the excitement of that day was incredible!
2) Darkness: To me, darkness is a time people return home from a long day to be alone or be with their families. It's a time of coziness, of safety, and hopefully rest. It's a time to re-create ourselves and to look back on our day with thanks.
3) Winter: A fresh snow is always gorgeous, as long as the roads are safe or I have no where to go. On a warmer day like today, I love to take a deep breath- I love the small of fresh air mixed with snow. And sometimes I'm able to rejoice that the earth is resting, holding seeds and bulbs deep in the soil so that they can bloom when all the snow melts. The earth needs a sabbath too!
4) Advent: Christmas lights, Advent wreaths, in general all the decorations that make this time of the year special. Remembering again the birth of Christ and thinking about how I can personally prepare myself and the world for this gift.
5) Jesus coming: um, I could write a book for this section! Listen to my sermons for the answers!
What about these things makes you rejoice?
1) Waiting: Sometimes the waiting can be more fun than the actual experience. As one who tends to build things up in her head, waiting and dreaming can be the best part. I like to dream of taking trips, but when it comes down to it, sometime I'd rather just stay at home. Traveling can be stressful. Also, I love to wait because anticipation is so exciting! My family opened presents on Christmas Eve, and the excitement of that day was incredible!
2) Darkness: To me, darkness is a time people return home from a long day to be alone or be with their families. It's a time of coziness, of safety, and hopefully rest. It's a time to re-create ourselves and to look back on our day with thanks.
3) Winter: A fresh snow is always gorgeous, as long as the roads are safe or I have no where to go. On a warmer day like today, I love to take a deep breath- I love the small of fresh air mixed with snow. And sometimes I'm able to rejoice that the earth is resting, holding seeds and bulbs deep in the soil so that they can bloom when all the snow melts. The earth needs a sabbath too!
4) Advent: Christmas lights, Advent wreaths, in general all the decorations that make this time of the year special. Remembering again the birth of Christ and thinking about how I can personally prepare myself and the world for this gift.
5) Jesus coming: um, I could write a book for this section! Listen to my sermons for the answers!
What about these things makes you rejoice?
Thursday, December 6, 2007
God's Presence
In Whom We Live and Move and Have Our Being
Denise Levertov
Birds afloat in air's current,
sacred breath? No, not breath of God,
it seems, but God
the air enveloping the whole globe of being.
It's we who breathe, in, out, in the sacred,
Leaves astir, our wings
rising, ruffled- but only the saints
take flight. We cower
in cliff-crevice or edge out gingerly
on branches close to the nest. The wind
marks the passage of holy ones riding
the ocean of air. Slowly their wake
reaches us, rocks us.
But storm or still,
Numb or poised in attention,
we inhale, exhale, inhale,
encompassed, encompassed.
This is one of my favorite poems. I first read it in a book a friend put together for me before I studied abroad for a semester in college. I guess I like it because I have always been fascinated by the wind- how you can feel it and hear it (or at least the sound it causes whatever it blows by to make) but you can't see it.
This poem was a comfort to me when I was living in another country and nothing was familiar. Remembering that God was with me, as close as the air I breathe, was so helpful. Being "encompassed" by God with each breath, letting the Spirit (also translated as "breath" in Hebrew) come into our bodies...thinking of our relationship with God in this way puts things in a new light. Rather than God being someone we call out to from another place, God is a presence as near to us as air. God is here whether we recognize it or not, supporting us, filling us, and moving us in ways we can't see but we can feel.
What is the Spirit doing in your life these days? Is it a light breeze, a strong gust, warm, cold...how is God present for you?
Denise Levertov
Birds afloat in air's current,
sacred breath? No, not breath of God,
it seems, but God
the air enveloping the whole globe of being.
It's we who breathe, in, out, in the sacred,
Leaves astir, our wings
rising, ruffled- but only the saints
take flight. We cower
in cliff-crevice or edge out gingerly
on branches close to the nest. The wind
marks the passage of holy ones riding
the ocean of air. Slowly their wake
reaches us, rocks us.
But storm or still,
Numb or poised in attention,
we inhale, exhale, inhale,
encompassed, encompassed.
This is one of my favorite poems. I first read it in a book a friend put together for me before I studied abroad for a semester in college. I guess I like it because I have always been fascinated by the wind- how you can feel it and hear it (or at least the sound it causes whatever it blows by to make) but you can't see it.
This poem was a comfort to me when I was living in another country and nothing was familiar. Remembering that God was with me, as close as the air I breathe, was so helpful. Being "encompassed" by God with each breath, letting the Spirit (also translated as "breath" in Hebrew) come into our bodies...thinking of our relationship with God in this way puts things in a new light. Rather than God being someone we call out to from another place, God is a presence as near to us as air. God is here whether we recognize it or not, supporting us, filling us, and moving us in ways we can't see but we can feel.
What is the Spirit doing in your life these days? Is it a light breeze, a strong gust, warm, cold...how is God present for you?
Monday, November 26, 2007
Seasons of Life
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time for war, and a time for peace.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
I have been thinking about these words the last few days. As the seasons change, I already find myself longing for summer. But now is not that time- now is the time for the earth to rest. I tend to be one who always looks on the bright side and has a hard time staying in the darkness. But the darkness, even though it is hard to endure, makes the light even more precious and beautiful. I still wish it was summer though!
As we as Christians start to prepare for the birth of Jesus the Messiah, I am beginning to plan for Lent, the time when we prepare for Jesus death. A time to be born, a time to die. And as my community mourns the tragic loss of young life, I weep and wait for the laughter to come. In the bible it also says, "weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning." (I think it's in Isaiah, or Psalms)
It's getting dark outside my window as I type this (it's 4:13 pm). I hate when it gets dark early! But there is a beautiful pink sky, and there are kids playing in the grass outside my window. In the darkness and in the cold, beauty is still found. In our grief, we can still find joy. Our tears can lead to laughter. And, because of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, there is life again after death.
I pray that you seek whatever it is you have lost. I pray that you plant and nourish seeds of faith and that you reap the benefits of spiritual fruit. I pray that your tears of mourning turn into tears of joy. I pray that we all have challenges, but also the strength and the support to endure them. I pray for a time of peace.
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time for war, and a time for peace.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
I have been thinking about these words the last few days. As the seasons change, I already find myself longing for summer. But now is not that time- now is the time for the earth to rest. I tend to be one who always looks on the bright side and has a hard time staying in the darkness. But the darkness, even though it is hard to endure, makes the light even more precious and beautiful. I still wish it was summer though!
As we as Christians start to prepare for the birth of Jesus the Messiah, I am beginning to plan for Lent, the time when we prepare for Jesus death. A time to be born, a time to die. And as my community mourns the tragic loss of young life, I weep and wait for the laughter to come. In the bible it also says, "weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning." (I think it's in Isaiah, or Psalms)
It's getting dark outside my window as I type this (it's 4:13 pm). I hate when it gets dark early! But there is a beautiful pink sky, and there are kids playing in the grass outside my window. In the darkness and in the cold, beauty is still found. In our grief, we can still find joy. Our tears can lead to laughter. And, because of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, there is life again after death.
I pray that you seek whatever it is you have lost. I pray that you plant and nourish seeds of faith and that you reap the benefits of spiritual fruit. I pray that your tears of mourning turn into tears of joy. I pray that we all have challenges, but also the strength and the support to endure them. I pray for a time of peace.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Unexpected Joy
Yesterday was a very busy day. Of course there was church in the morning, but before church the fire alarm went off in my building, so that added an extra splash of excitement. We had communion during the service which I always enjoy because 1) I love receiving communion and 2) I love giving communion! I am always so amazed as I look at each of you and say "The Body of Christ, given for you"- I think about God looking at each of you and how much God loves you and how important each and every one of us is to God, and I'm amazed!
High School class inbetween services was fun- we learned about Esther (check out the book in the Old Testament- it's pretty short) by watching VeggieTales and talking about courage. Lots of goofiness and chatter abounded as usual.
As I wrote in my last blog, there are lots of heavy things going on with many people here at Grace. I felt that heaviness again on Sunday, but was again amazed to see how the people of Grace care for each other in these times.
In the afternoon I had my 9th Grade confirmation students, who always keep me on my toes! So many questions, so much energy, and lots of pushing boundaries. There are some really great thinkers in that group.
Then I ran from that to the Seder Dinner with the First Communion students and their families. Wow! That was a really cool experience. The Seder Dinner is also known as the Passover Meal- the same meal that Jesus shared with his disciples on the night before his death, the basis for communion. This is quite a production and all the families pitched in to make it a success.
I was expecting to be exhausted at the end of the day, but instead when I got into my car to go home after a 12 hour day, I was filled with joy. The kind of joy that I know has to come from God because it's not anything I can ever feel of my own accord. It bubbled up unexpectedly and I was giddy all night. Yeah, I did go to bed early, but with a smile on my face and so much thanks in my heart for the God who gave me this joy, who gives us the blessings of his body and blood, and awesome people of all ages in this congregation who love God and want to learn and grow in their faith.
When are times you have felt that unexpected joy? Have you ever felt that God is with you? What did that feel like? What were you doing?
High School class inbetween services was fun- we learned about Esther (check out the book in the Old Testament- it's pretty short) by watching VeggieTales and talking about courage. Lots of goofiness and chatter abounded as usual.
As I wrote in my last blog, there are lots of heavy things going on with many people here at Grace. I felt that heaviness again on Sunday, but was again amazed to see how the people of Grace care for each other in these times.
In the afternoon I had my 9th Grade confirmation students, who always keep me on my toes! So many questions, so much energy, and lots of pushing boundaries. There are some really great thinkers in that group.
Then I ran from that to the Seder Dinner with the First Communion students and their families. Wow! That was a really cool experience. The Seder Dinner is also known as the Passover Meal- the same meal that Jesus shared with his disciples on the night before his death, the basis for communion. This is quite a production and all the families pitched in to make it a success.
I was expecting to be exhausted at the end of the day, but instead when I got into my car to go home after a 12 hour day, I was filled with joy. The kind of joy that I know has to come from God because it's not anything I can ever feel of my own accord. It bubbled up unexpectedly and I was giddy all night. Yeah, I did go to bed early, but with a smile on my face and so much thanks in my heart for the God who gave me this joy, who gives us the blessings of his body and blood, and awesome people of all ages in this congregation who love God and want to learn and grow in their faith.
When are times you have felt that unexpected joy? Have you ever felt that God is with you? What did that feel like? What were you doing?
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Hard Times
I've been trying to decide all day what to write about. I've been looking through some of my favorite books for inspiration. I didn't find anything that struck me today. But here's what's on my mind...
I'm thinking about the people at Grace. There are so many wonderful people here. I've gotten to know some of you, but I am still learning names. Sunday mornings fly by with so much going on, there's never enough time to talk. I hope you know you are always welcome to make an appointment to come and talk with me. And I'm happy to meet you somewhere too- for a walk or coffee or a trip to the dog park! People (aka YOU) are the reason I wanted to be a pastor in the first place- because I love sharing the love of God with you. It is such a joy and a privilege to be able to do that finally- after all those years of seminary! :)
One of the hard parts about loving people is that when they hurt, you hurt. There are a lot of people at Grace right now going through some heart-breaking hurts. I don't know why these things happen. There are certainly no easy answers.
But one thing I really do believe is that God takes all the bad things that happen in our lives and somehow makes something good out of them. I don't think I believe that God causes these things to happen, but I do think that whatever good comes out of them comes from God. It can be so hard to see God working in the midst of our tragedies, but if God is who he says he is, God will be there- shining a light in the darkness, making the crooked paths straight, and bringing life out of death.
The Bible can be a great companion- reading the Psalms is a great help to me when I'm angry and sad. They contain some wrenching, honest cries to God as well as praises. (Psalms 22, 46 and 61 are good examples). I leave you with some words from Romans 8, and a prayer for God's presence in your times of joy and pain.
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saint according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for good, for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose..."
I'm thinking about the people at Grace. There are so many wonderful people here. I've gotten to know some of you, but I am still learning names. Sunday mornings fly by with so much going on, there's never enough time to talk. I hope you know you are always welcome to make an appointment to come and talk with me. And I'm happy to meet you somewhere too- for a walk or coffee or a trip to the dog park! People (aka YOU) are the reason I wanted to be a pastor in the first place- because I love sharing the love of God with you. It is such a joy and a privilege to be able to do that finally- after all those years of seminary! :)
One of the hard parts about loving people is that when they hurt, you hurt. There are a lot of people at Grace right now going through some heart-breaking hurts. I don't know why these things happen. There are certainly no easy answers.
But one thing I really do believe is that God takes all the bad things that happen in our lives and somehow makes something good out of them. I don't think I believe that God causes these things to happen, but I do think that whatever good comes out of them comes from God. It can be so hard to see God working in the midst of our tragedies, but if God is who he says he is, God will be there- shining a light in the darkness, making the crooked paths straight, and bringing life out of death.
The Bible can be a great companion- reading the Psalms is a great help to me when I'm angry and sad. They contain some wrenching, honest cries to God as well as praises. (Psalms 22, 46 and 61 are good examples). I leave you with some words from Romans 8, and a prayer for God's presence in your times of joy and pain.
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saint according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for good, for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose..."
Friday, November 2, 2007
Friday Five: FOOD!
hello again folks...
i stumbled on a blog this past summer that is for women clergy. it's pretty interesting and has been helpful as i've been in this new job. they have online discussions about texts and other things that come up in this line of work. one thing they do is post the "friday five"- questions on a different topic every week. so, without further ado...here they are, along with my answers!
If you were a food, what would you be?
I think I would be coffee. I know that's not really a food, but to some of us it is! Like coffee, I can adapt to different situations. I can be perky or perk-less. mmmm....i think i need to go find a caffeinated cup of myself right now!
What is one of the most memorable meals you ever had? And where?
Probably the dinner at my sister's wedding. It was at an Italian chophouse and it was a HUGE meal. Plus it was a wonderful occassion to celebrate!
What is your favorite comfort food from childhood?
Tuna-and-Noodle Cassarole! I didn't like any of the ingredients individually (tuna, onions, green pepper, mayo, mustard...ick) but together- mmm boy!
When going to a church potluck, what one recipe from your kitchen is sure to be a hit?
I can make this really yummy artichoke/cheesy spread for bread or crackers. I made it for a party once and this guy stood by it the whole night eating it. This post is making me really hungry...
What’s the strangest thing you ever willingly ate?
Well my brother used to be a chef in fancy restaurants so I've eaten lots of crazy things! I think it would be better to say one thing I did NOT willingly eat was lutefisk....
i stumbled on a blog this past summer that is for women clergy. it's pretty interesting and has been helpful as i've been in this new job. they have online discussions about texts and other things that come up in this line of work. one thing they do is post the "friday five"- questions on a different topic every week. so, without further ado...here they are, along with my answers!
If you were a food, what would you be?
I think I would be coffee. I know that's not really a food, but to some of us it is! Like coffee, I can adapt to different situations. I can be perky or perk-less. mmmm....i think i need to go find a caffeinated cup of myself right now!
What is one of the most memorable meals you ever had? And where?
Probably the dinner at my sister's wedding. It was at an Italian chophouse and it was a HUGE meal. Plus it was a wonderful occassion to celebrate!
What is your favorite comfort food from childhood?
Tuna-and-Noodle Cassarole! I didn't like any of the ingredients individually (tuna, onions, green pepper, mayo, mustard...ick) but together- mmm boy!
When going to a church potluck, what one recipe from your kitchen is sure to be a hit?
I can make this really yummy artichoke/cheesy spread for bread or crackers. I made it for a party once and this guy stood by it the whole night eating it. This post is making me really hungry...
What’s the strangest thing you ever willingly ate?
Well my brother used to be a chef in fancy restaurants so I've eaten lots of crazy things! I think it would be better to say one thing I did NOT willingly eat was lutefisk.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
First Entry!!!
Hello! Welcome to Pastor Heidi's blog! I hope this will be a good way to create new thoughts and discussion about God, faith, life, coffee...wherever the spirit leads. If you register for an account with blogger.com you can respond to my entries. I have done this for other blogs and it's pretty simple to do. It doesn't mean you need to blog yourself- so don't worry if you don't blog.
That all being said, I'll get down to what I really wanted to say. When I was in college, I received a scholarship from the Fund for Theological Education. Part of receiving this scholarship was a requirement that we attend a conference in the summer. I was not too excited about this because I didn't know anyone else who would be going to the conference. (Now this was ironic because when I received the scholarship I was studying abroad and was travelling around Europe by myself. Funny.) But I went and it turned out to be a life-changing experience. It was at this conference that I really began to embrace the vocation I felt drawn to- ministry.
At the conference I lent a book to someone who promised to return it. Yeah, right. Well, oddly enough, that book found it's way back into my hands last week. 6 years later! It was such a nice surprise, like bumping into an old friend. This book had been with me as I traveled Europe and was a great source of comfort when I often felt so alone. I am starting to re-read it, and I came across a passage that was particularly dear to me...
You are at my side, dear friends, and God is everywhere. Yet ultimately we are alone, making our way home by the candle of the heart. The light is steady and sure but extends only far enough to see the next step. That there are steps beyond is a matter of faith. That we have the faith to endure and walk our own journey- even when we think we are lost- is a gift of grace, and of friendship. Many times our light seems to go out. But another light, one held by a stranger or a friend, a book or a song, a blackbird or a wildflower, comes close enough so that we can see our path by its light. And in time we realize that the light we have borrowed was always also our own. ~ A Woman's Journey to God, Joan Borysenko.
I do believe that God is everywhere. The Psalmist wrote "Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast." (139)
God was with me as I traveled. God was with me at the conference. God was with me in Chicago during seminary, and God is with me here. It can be terribly hard to see God when we get tired and our light fades. But I pray that we remember to look around for what will sustain us in those times- a friend, a book, a bible verse, our church family, or a connection with nature or a pet- because God will show up, often in surprising places. Where do you find God? Have you ever been surpised?
It is so true that we can't see further than a few steps ahead in our journey through life. Something terrible or wonderful may be around the corner. But know that God is with you through it all and that you are not alone. I hope this blog will be a source of light for you as you walk the road of life and of faith. As my favorite writer, Anne Lamott says, "Traveling Mercies: love the journey, God is with you, come home safe and sound."
That all being said, I'll get down to what I really wanted to say. When I was in college, I received a scholarship from the Fund for Theological Education. Part of receiving this scholarship was a requirement that we attend a conference in the summer. I was not too excited about this because I didn't know anyone else who would be going to the conference. (Now this was ironic because when I received the scholarship I was studying abroad and was travelling around Europe by myself. Funny.) But I went and it turned out to be a life-changing experience. It was at this conference that I really began to embrace the vocation I felt drawn to- ministry.
At the conference I lent a book to someone who promised to return it. Yeah, right. Well, oddly enough, that book found it's way back into my hands last week. 6 years later! It was such a nice surprise, like bumping into an old friend. This book had been with me as I traveled Europe and was a great source of comfort when I often felt so alone. I am starting to re-read it, and I came across a passage that was particularly dear to me...
You are at my side, dear friends, and God is everywhere. Yet ultimately we are alone, making our way home by the candle of the heart. The light is steady and sure but extends only far enough to see the next step. That there are steps beyond is a matter of faith. That we have the faith to endure and walk our own journey- even when we think we are lost- is a gift of grace, and of friendship. Many times our light seems to go out. But another light, one held by a stranger or a friend, a book or a song, a blackbird or a wildflower, comes close enough so that we can see our path by its light. And in time we realize that the light we have borrowed was always also our own. ~ A Woman's Journey to God, Joan Borysenko.
I do believe that God is everywhere. The Psalmist wrote "Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast." (139)
God was with me as I traveled. God was with me at the conference. God was with me in Chicago during seminary, and God is with me here. It can be terribly hard to see God when we get tired and our light fades. But I pray that we remember to look around for what will sustain us in those times- a friend, a book, a bible verse, our church family, or a connection with nature or a pet- because God will show up, often in surprising places. Where do you find God? Have you ever been surpised?
It is so true that we can't see further than a few steps ahead in our journey through life. Something terrible or wonderful may be around the corner. But know that God is with you through it all and that you are not alone. I hope this blog will be a source of light for you as you walk the road of life and of faith. As my favorite writer, Anne Lamott says, "Traveling Mercies: love the journey, God is with you, come home safe and sound."
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