Advent is Change and then Not Change!

Numerous aspects of our lives change daily or yearly, yet relief from the whirlwinds of change come with Advent and Christmas.  These holy days ground us because of the traditions woven into our celebrations.  Layers of memories fuse into previous memories blanketing us with comfort, strength, and peace. 

We are creatures of habit, aren’t we?  That is not to say anything good or bad about us.  It just is.  We like things to stay the same.  An adjustment to our status quo or equilibrium is an occasion for coping with grief, newness, and unknown possibilities. 

So what happens when a source of our strength- the holidays- means the recognition of change?  Because all of us at Ridge can say together, “Advent and Christmas will be different for the entire Ridge UMC family in 2015”.  Our congregation has made its way through: senior pastoral leadership transitions, other staff changes, death of beloved members who will celebrate their first Christmas in heaven, and shifted ministries from the way-its-always-been-done to new ways of serving Christ in our world. 

My family too has journeyed through massive change this year; we sold our beloved Avon home, Diana graduated from Hickory Elementary in Avon, my appointment changed, we purchased and remodeled a new home in Munster, and our family relocated to this community. 

If you and I are honest with one another, some of the changes we like better than others.  That’s normal.  Some changes are easy to move through and adjust.  Others give us pause. 

Yet, I am reminded that one thing remains the same.  A cradle will stand ready to welcome the Christ child this year.   My family has not yet decided where the Nativity scene will be displayed in our new home, but He will be with us!  We will all welcome the Babe of Bethlehem once again because Jesus Christ stays the same. He is forever and always as our Emmanuel, our gift of possibility, new life, second changes, healing, renewal, and hope.

Maybe 2015 is the best year, after a season of tremendous transition, for all of us to crawl into Christ’s cradle and wrap our arms around the Hope of the World! 

See you at the cradle!

My Thankful List

Every year my gratitude list grows and grows.  And, I suppose, that is a very good thing.  Generosity begets generosity.

This Thanksgiving our traditions have been re-arranged because we live in a different community, but my hearts overflows with gratitude for the variety of blessings I enjoy.

Here is my list (hope you make your list too):

1. Beautiful, safe haven to call home and find refreshment and renewal.
2. Loving, kind family of three (plus dog and fish who keep having babies.
3. Health of mind, body and spirit (although I am very glad to have a new gym membership.)
4. Hope, I have hope because I know Jesus, and he is my hope.
5. Congregation in which to learn how to grow into a more generous, loving pastoral leader.
6. My husband's job provides him with challenge, and blessing.
7. My kiddo's tenacity to conquer her tough homework.
8. My extended family and friends whom I miss dearly.
9. The wonder of Facebook because it does help me stay in touch with people.
10. Colleagues who are loving, supportive, and encouraging.
11. My BFF whose power lunches always give me a boost.
12. The privilege of witnessing how God's spirit grows within people to move them to be and do more than they ever imagined!

Happy Thanksgiving!

House Blessed

Finally, we made it!  The day of our House Blessing and Open House arrived this past Sunday, November 8th.  The weather was lovely and the company delightful.

In between the door bell and the phone ringing,  we read scripture, prayed, and shared our hopes and dreams for safety, rest, renewal, and the making of new memories here in Munster!

It was a joy to share our treasures and hard work with our new church family.  The fish even behaved for all the guests.

Now, that the house is blessed, you know what that means, right?!
REST!