Holy Week

Our local school system will begin their Spring break before we even start Palm/Passion Sunday.  That means in affect... we have no idea how to plan attendance at our Holy Week services and what volunteers we can rely on to sing, prepare, help, or serve at our multiple worship services. 

One of my staff colleagues said two years ago that, "Holy Week is bigger than Christmas because we cram more into less time than all the season of Advent and Christmas."  Yes, we expect to serve yet again through our three Easter worship services over a thousand folks with the 'faithful remnant' providing the service. 

No wonder I am already exhausted and spiritual 'toast' before we even begin Holy Week.  No Florida sunshine for me and the crew... rather our focus is all about our Lord's suffering, death and resurrection.  Or maybe our focus is on the details encompassing bulletins and chairs, pastries and greeters, musicians and parking lot attendants. 

All of this hoopla so that others can know Him.  I hope they can find Him through our smelly Easter lilies, hand baked muffins, and brass & organ voluntaries.  At least I hope I can find Him in the midst of my busy preparations. 

Or maybe He will find me...huddled up in a corner of the sanctuary with black-inked fingers from folding bulletions, sneezing uncontrollably from all the Easter pollen, and jacked up on a sugar high from the Easter donut glaze. 

Find me, Jesus.  And resurrect me from the busyness of church business.  Amen.

Mini- training is not for Wimps

Never knew that walking... just walking, something I have been doing since 12 months of age, could be so gosh darn, difficult. 

In January I was worried about weather... temperature, ice on the roads, and how to best care for my lips.

Now in March I am worried about weather... temperative, heat on the steamy pavement, and how to best care for my sunburnt skin! 

My mini-marathon training is coming along... longest I have walked in succession is 7.2 miles.  I need to exceed that this weekend to keep myself within my training goals.  Whew- this is more grueling than I thought.  But water and good stretches are helping.

I must brag a moment on my husband though.  He is the best support anyone could ask for!  He cheers me on. Helps me stretch. And when he isn't quoting the Marine slogan ("Pain is just weakness leaving the body".) he is quoting scripture to me.  My husband quoting scripture!  Wow!  I want to do this thing just to make him proud! 

So, let's lace up, people!  Get our walk on!

March Madness

Today is the day... most folks are doing little work because they are checking their iPhones, taking long lunches at the sports bars, and keeping websites open to get all the latest sports news.  Gotta love the fever of basketball!  (maybe it is like baseball fever, but I don't get that sport, at all. too slow.)

And yes, I have my Blue Devils winning a few games... but in no way going all the way.  They did not play well in our ACC tournament.  There will be another year to dominate.

But all this basketball is excellent distraction from the heaviness of world affairs, the high cost of gas, the humdrum or household chores, and the busyness of living.  I love it!  Such fun!

Here's to the madness of March!  Bring it on!

Signs of Spring

The weather in central Indiana has been over the top gorgeous which brings to everyone's minds horrible flash backs from the Blizzard of 1978.  But before the snow falls again, here are a few signs of spring...

• fluffy tuffs of dog fur line our fence because we've ferminated the dog and helped him shed 5 pounds of winter coat.
• daughter digs out some leftover carrots from last year and tucks them under the deck.  she wants to feed the easter bunny who has been living there all winter.
• lawn furniture dusted off and set out for my hot tea and steamy novel
• everyone at the office is sneezing because of the high pollen count
• my toes (and my daughter) tell me to get them painted and pampered!
• the number one way you can tell spring is here... the convertible is un-wintered and put back on collison insurance! 

Dear Jesus About These Confirmands

Dear Jesus,

About these confirmands you've given us this year... they are smart, funny, talented, and amazing.  I love them.  We're doing our best to help them think and grow and live their faith. 

Many of them are just growing in strides!  Wow- they are disciples already, Lord!  Praise be to you!

But Lord, I gotta say, we've got one of them that is a puzzle.  Can you offer an extra dose of our Holy Spirit on this one?  And the mentor too?  and the parents?  Andrew and I are really struggling with how to connect with this student.  How do we make You real, relevant?  We know we don't do that, but we're trying to live, teach, and model this by example.  And well, Lord, what we're doing isn't working.  We need Your help. 

This student doesn't think You exist.  Doesn't think life has a purpose or plan.  Or that there is a Divine intelligence behind everything and anything.  Our stiff necked student does not choose to open even intellectual curiousity regarding You.  It saddens us and puzzles us.  We are not sure how to reach out.

Lord, we know you created this student.  We know you love this student.  Please get nose to nose with the student.  Holy Spirit- open eyes, ears, heart and mind...  only You can make yourself known in ways that will reach how this kiddo needs You.  Do it, Lord!  Not just now but throughout this student's life.

Thank you, Lord!  For everything even this challenging young person because there is a whole wide world full of grown ups like this student!  So I pray for all your children today- oh my how you must love us.

Love,

Michelle

Spiritual Disciplines Are (Surprise!) Hard

I have been harshly reminded why spiritual disciplines are called, disciplines.  They are hard.  Sweat, muscle, thought, action, and initiation are required when you do them.  And you often do them even when you do not 'feel like it' or 'want to'. 

As my soul slogs it's way through Lent the words "my sin is ever before me" echoes in my brain.  I guess that means, in a sense, the spiritual disciples are 'working'.  Or at least they are accomplishing what they are supposed to do which is to spur spiritual growth.

In another sense the experience is grueling, uncomfortable, hard, and unglorious.  Maybe that too is a more realitsic notion of spiritual growth- not so pretty soul growth.  Our culture buys into the instant fix and quick results.  We like the 'after' photo without the pain and anguish of the in-between.  Or at least I must confess, I do.

Just as I am at a tough spot in my walking for the mini-marathon, I have noticed that my faith life is in a tough place as I attempt to use the examen.  Mostly resisting it's use... and poking at it's ideas.  "Lord, help me", seems to be the only honest prayer out of any of this.

Give me the grace... for another 6.2 miles.  For another look into my soul and discerning how You've been there and at work.  Help me, Lord.

A Week Later....

Gosh- where has the time gone?  Oh that's right into the abyss of busyness: husband's on-call schedule, daughter's activities, evening metings, lots of pastoral care visits, baptism parties, and the usual! 

I appreciate everyone's condolences on my Blue Devil's horrible loss to UNC last Saturday night at home.  Ouch.  Still frustrated and sad over the game. 

And I am sore... sore from trying to catch up on my training for the mini!  The last two weekends have been impossible to get anything accomplished.  So last night I did my longest walk ever- 5.6 miles!  Egads I was sore afterwards.  No highheels for me today at work! 

Anyway- I shall write something of more substance later.  Got a sermon to start.  Ad Council retreat to plan. Memorial service to prepare for. Confirmands to send on a service project. And the usual!