The ACC is in the midst of their tournament as are other NCAA Men's Basketball conferences. Tonight I know my husband will be watching one TV in the bedroom with the Big Ten on (Purdue plays). I will have the ACC (Duke plays) on in the living room. Maybe we will pass each other on the way to kitchen for more snacks. I am not sure who the dog will choose to be with... probably me... the pup can beg more popcorn from me than my hubby.
Having Easter on the calendar soooooooo early this year is impacting my NCAA Men's Basketball March Madness and Easter experiences. Usually I can separate the two, but not this year. Mixing up Easter and Holy Week preparations with bracketology has got me all wound up! I mean wow- on Palm Sunday the brackets will be announced. How often does that happen?
I will be hard pressed to focus on writing my Easter Sunrise sermon and not fill out my NCAA bracket! Maybe I can do both...
Friday, March 14, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Bumps...goose or otherwise
Our youth director and I had the challenge of teaching on one of the mysterious persons of the Trinity on Sunday (to a group of 6th graders!) Actually the entire Trinity is mysterious anyway, but talking and teaching about the Holy Spirit is a fun challenge!
We discussed the wind metaphor to describe the work and presence of the Holy Spirit. You cannot see the wind, but you experience it's impact and effects. Same is true of the Holy Spirit.
Then, I asked the bump question. Everyone knows what goose bumps are. Your skin gets cold and in an attempt to warm up your skin gets prickly.
Well, it has been my experience that when the Holy Spirit is present the hairs on my skin stand up for attention and respect causing what I affectionately refer to as "glory bumps". We asked all the mentors in the classroom if any of them had ever had a 'glory bump' moment. Almost all said yes.
Then, we challenged the students to notice when glory bumps appear... because Someone to counsel, guide, advocate, and/or comfort them has appeared. And they need to pay attention to the Presence in their midst.
We discussed the wind metaphor to describe the work and presence of the Holy Spirit. You cannot see the wind, but you experience it's impact and effects. Same is true of the Holy Spirit.
Then, I asked the bump question. Everyone knows what goose bumps are. Your skin gets cold and in an attempt to warm up your skin gets prickly.
Well, it has been my experience that when the Holy Spirit is present the hairs on my skin stand up for attention and respect causing what I affectionately refer to as "glory bumps". We asked all the mentors in the classroom if any of them had ever had a 'glory bump' moment. Almost all said yes.
Then, we challenged the students to notice when glory bumps appear... because Someone to counsel, guide, advocate, and/or comfort them has appeared. And they need to pay attention to the Presence in their midst.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Lenten Sacrifice II
Saturday morning I woke up in a sweat realizing that "Oh my gosh, Easter is 2 weeks away!" Our daughter doesn't have her dress & new spring dress shoes nor a haircut. The Easter Bunny has not organized and prepared for the arrival of his goodie basket. And there is so much to prepare at church for Holy Week services that it is silly.
But the great thing about this Eastery panic-moment is that I didn't crave my chocolate fix... I must have gone through all my withdrawal symtoms now. Yeah! What a victory of prayer! In fact in this moment of panic I simply had a chat with the Easter Maker; made a list; and got busy!
But the great thing about this Eastery panic-moment is that I didn't crave my chocolate fix... I must have gone through all my withdrawal symtoms now. Yeah! What a victory of prayer! In fact in this moment of panic I simply had a chat with the Easter Maker; made a list; and got busy!
Friday, March 7, 2008
The Surprise of the Week
My learning on life this week is :"There isn't much you can accomplish with a sick preschooler attached to your hip." Between temperature readings, naps, medication doses, and changing the TV channel- there is little time for in depth sermon research, long pastoral visits, or conference calls at meetings.
Truly, I am looking forward to the return of healthiness and vitality.
Yet, the good part about this week has been the different openings for prayer that have occurred in my day and night schedule. Sure, my prayers have included petitions for health, hope and courage, but these different prayer moments have also been a unique time to be quiet. To listen. To be present to the moment... rather than hurry up to the next thing and rush to the next place...was a surprise gift this week.
It still means I need to conquer my mountainous TO DO List but, I hope my attitude of attack on it will be more prayerful than before this week's events.
Truly, I am looking forward to the return of healthiness and vitality.
Yet, the good part about this week has been the different openings for prayer that have occurred in my day and night schedule. Sure, my prayers have included petitions for health, hope and courage, but these different prayer moments have also been a unique time to be quiet. To listen. To be present to the moment... rather than hurry up to the next thing and rush to the next place...was a surprise gift this week.
It still means I need to conquer my mountainous TO DO List but, I hope my attitude of attack on it will be more prayerful than before this week's events.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Book & Coffee
Since my colleague down the hall is frequently chatting about the books he is reading, I thought I would make an attempt.
Friday I started The Gospel According to Starbucks by Leonard Sweet. It is currently required reading by our Indiana Bishop. The Bish' has a bundle-o-books that we United Methodist pastors in Indiana are reading this year.
I must confess that I am having a very difficult time 'getting' what the authors intends. I don't think it is his writing style (he has a great style) or the difficulty level of the text (it doesn't have many $5 words in it).
Here is the truth: I don't like coffee. I tried it once in seminary and that's been it. My visits to Starbucks are simply ride-alongs when my husband honors his addiction. Hot tea, Earl Grey, is my hot drink of choice.
I'm only on page 35 and I am not sure that the author will deviate from his tryaid about coffee and church... to discuss tea metaphors and church. Is there any gospel out there for me and my tea? Gospel According to Chai, perhaps?
Friday I started The Gospel According to Starbucks by Leonard Sweet. It is currently required reading by our Indiana Bishop. The Bish' has a bundle-o-books that we United Methodist pastors in Indiana are reading this year.
I must confess that I am having a very difficult time 'getting' what the authors intends. I don't think it is his writing style (he has a great style) or the difficulty level of the text (it doesn't have many $5 words in it).
Here is the truth: I don't like coffee. I tried it once in seminary and that's been it. My visits to Starbucks are simply ride-alongs when my husband honors his addiction. Hot tea, Earl Grey, is my hot drink of choice.
I'm only on page 35 and I am not sure that the author will deviate from his tryaid about coffee and church... to discuss tea metaphors and church. Is there any gospel out there for me and my tea? Gospel According to Chai, perhaps?
My Blog Process
I thought I would blog today about the role of flexibility in ministry. I planned on sharing my gratitude for the terrific staff I work with and congregation I minister with who were flexible with me this weekend when my family needed me. Flexibility is what makes ministry a movement of the Spirit. (Thanks everyone for moving with the Spirit!)
Then, I realized it was Super Tuesday. It is a voting day for some states in the U.S., but it is more importantly a Tuesday.
And that made me think about one of our kindergarten students who made a statement in chapel this morning after our discussion of Gadarene demoniacs story (see the Gospel of Matthew 9:28-34). We have chapel every Tuesday. He asked, "Are demons smart?"
Wow. Knock me over with a feather. What a terrifically insightful and provactive question. His question made me stop and pause a moment.
My answer on the spot was something like this, "Yes, because they are smart enough to get all of us in trouble and they are smart enough to recognize who Jesus is (and what that means for them), but demons are not smarter than God (who will win ultimately anyway)." He seemed satisfied with that answer.
Don't you marvel at how kindergarten students think theologically?!
Then, I realized it was Super Tuesday. It is a voting day for some states in the U.S., but it is more importantly a Tuesday.
And that made me think about one of our kindergarten students who made a statement in chapel this morning after our discussion of Gadarene demoniacs story (see the Gospel of Matthew 9:28-34). We have chapel every Tuesday. He asked, "Are demons smart?"
Wow. Knock me over with a feather. What a terrifically insightful and provactive question. His question made me stop and pause a moment.
My answer on the spot was something like this, "Yes, because they are smart enough to get all of us in trouble and they are smart enough to recognize who Jesus is (and what that means for them), but demons are not smarter than God (who will win ultimately anyway)." He seemed satisfied with that answer.
Don't you marvel at how kindergarten students think theologically?!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Financial Peacemakers
We're in our 5th week of study using Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University curriculum and I am in awe of watching God at work! God is moving within the lives of my fellow students. God is moving in my own life and my marriage. Eric and I are more united on our financial goals than we have ever been in our seven years of marriage! Yeah!
Lots of our marriages are being strengthened and healed. Wow! Unity and teamwork over check books, spending habits, and saving plans are now daily activities of couples and singles in our group.
Last night we had our first ceremonial plasectomy. That means we cut up our credit cards. Plastic (and the debt associated with it) is doing down, baby! We have a plan now. Folks in our class have an emergency fund so they are not living scared. One gal got a job this week after being laid off during week #2 of the class. Another couple can see the end of their mountainous debt, and they are pumped that there is an end to it!
I am literally watching hope come back into people's lives. I cannot tell you how excited that makes me. What a joy and privilege to watch God transform people right in front of me. Go God!
This is what church is about folks, transformation! This is what faith is about, hope. This is what faithful living is about, earning all we can, saving all we can, and giving all we can! That's what John Wesley said anyway. And he's right on.
Lots of our marriages are being strengthened and healed. Wow! Unity and teamwork over check books, spending habits, and saving plans are now daily activities of couples and singles in our group.
Last night we had our first ceremonial plasectomy. That means we cut up our credit cards. Plastic (and the debt associated with it) is doing down, baby! We have a plan now. Folks in our class have an emergency fund so they are not living scared. One gal got a job this week after being laid off during week #2 of the class. Another couple can see the end of their mountainous debt, and they are pumped that there is an end to it!
I am literally watching hope come back into people's lives. I cannot tell you how excited that makes me. What a joy and privilege to watch God transform people right in front of me. Go God!
This is what church is about folks, transformation! This is what faith is about, hope. This is what faithful living is about, earning all we can, saving all we can, and giving all we can! That's what John Wesley said anyway. And he's right on.
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