tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70232533902906479932024-03-12T20:07:24.594-07:00Preacher GalMusings from an introvert called to preach the Word.Pastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-68296736420713047602013-03-23T04:49:00.003-07:002013-03-23T04:49:58.670-07:00Happy Easter! Happy New Year!
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Happy New Year!</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Easter
arrives next Sunday, March 31<sup>st</sup> and the very next day, April 1<sup>st</sup>
is April Fools Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did some research
on April Fools Day this week and according to Wikipedia the practice of April
Fools Day started<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"> in the Middle
Ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that time New Year's Day was
celebrated on March </span><st1:metricconverter productid="25 in"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">25 in</span></st1:metricconverter><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"> most of Europe and in many places it was
celebrated as a week-long holiday that ended on April 1. Naturally, those who
chose to celebrate New Years day on January 1<sup>st</sup> made fun of those
who celebrated it in April.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This year, April 1<sup>st</sup>
marks the beginning of another kind of year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With Easter coming just the day before, April 1<sup>st</sup> marks the
beginning of the <b><i><u>season</u></i></b> of Easter that will last for eight
weeks until Pentecost Sunday, May 19<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It marks the beginning of a time in the
church when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the new life of
redeeming love and forgiveness and the sure sign of our own new life in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While on the cross, Jesus
said, ‘It is finished.’ And it was indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God’s redeeming work was done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Easter marks the end of Satan’s reign, the end of Satan’s hope for
eternal victory and the end of Satan’s hold on the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And so this year, April 1<sup>st</sup>
will be more than a day to play practical jokes on each other and it will be
more than a day to celebrate New Year’s in warmer weather than in January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year it will be a day to celebrate the
eternal joke played on Satan, the day when Satan’s victory was turned into
defeat and the day when Jesus’ resurrection set us free from the curse of sin
and death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And so, this year, on
April 1<sup>st</sup>,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>let’s all
celebrate the practical joke played on Satan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s laugh and be gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has done it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life has conquered death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love has conquered hate. Faith has conquered
doubt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Happy New Year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See you in church Sunday!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Pastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-63969826273825349902013-02-22T13:03:00.001-08:002013-02-22T13:03:56.051-08:00The Kindness of Snow Blowers
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It snowed last night and this morning
I cranked up the snow blower and blew out my driveway and then a path for the
letter carrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I had some more
time and the snow was light, I walked across the street and blew out two more
driveways and the sidewalks for my neighbors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I was cleaning the blower off and
putting it away, I wondered for just a moment if they would ever thank me...
and then I realized whether they did or not didn't matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What I did was a kindness to them that
had cost me only a little time, money<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and effort.. and this morning I had some of each.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Next, of course I wondered whether I
would do it again – if I had less time or if the snow was heavier and more
difficult to move with my little snow blower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Would I be as kind if the next time if it was less convenient?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I don't know, but in a few days it
will snow again and I'll have a chance to find out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What I do know is that our wonderful
God is busy dispensing kindnesses every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our Lord is never too busy, the work is never too hard and there is
always plenty of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>… and I think that often we forget to
thank God for the gracious mercy he has shown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Perhaps we're too busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps
we're too concerned with other things to notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps we think God owes it to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So far today the neighbors have gotten
into their cars and driven away to work and so far there have been no knocks on
the door with words of appreciation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
still doesn't matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a kindness
from God and me to neighbors who may need a little kindness in their lives and
no words of thanks are necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But I hope that tonight when I head to
bed, I'll remember to thank God for my little snow blower and the good works it
can do and while I'm at it I hope I give thanks for lots of other things, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Easter is coming and the long Easter
weekend will begin with the cross on which Jesus gave everything. Let's all
remember to give thanks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-77607878870933590602013-02-08T10:33:00.002-08:002013-02-08T10:33:54.186-08:00Annual Reviews<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I just
finished writing my annual report for my work here in Windom and I'm <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">exhausted! </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's not that writing the report was so
taxing, it's just that as I wrote I was reminded of all the things we had
accomplished in ministry this year and the sheer volume of our accomplishments
and the memory of all the hours that it took to make them happen just
overwhelmed me.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just when I
was thinking about how little we had done, I was reminded that we have done so
much and come so far - it's truly amazing.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I was reminded
of our upcoming Lenten preaching series on the Fruits of the Spirit. Wow! What
a lead in to thoughts about that.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Each year I
plant a garden and then fuss over it endlessly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Watching every day for things to grow, coming away everyday not sure
that anything is really happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course as the weeks (and months) go by I realize that a lot has been happening
- it was just too subtle, to gradual, to see on a day-by-day basis.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Fruits
of the Spirit in us are like that: subtle and gradual, but real and
growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Fruits of the Spirit
include love, joy and peace a host of other worthy attributes ( Ephesians <st1:time hour="17" minute="22">5:22</st1:time>-26).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But none of us will ever wake up one morning to find we have them all in
abundance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have to grow - and they
have to be cultivated which means we have to work at it.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And even
though we work at it, it may seem that we are making no progress, no growth, at
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think when that happens we should all do an annual review to
look back and see how far we've come and this will give us the enthusiasm we
need to keep looking to God as we continue on.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Grace and Peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sarah</div>
Pastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-83661069786672141272013-01-31T07:28:00.003-08:002013-01-31T07:28:40.063-08:00Theodicy
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Last week I heard from someone who wondered why I hadn't
updated my blog in a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I confess to
being surprised that anyone actually read it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why, I wondered would anyone want to take time from their already busy
life to read the musings of a country preacher?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This morning I think I may have found the answer: <i>theodicy</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What, you ask, is that? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to a web site I visited, it is: <span style="color: #333333;">the</span> <span style="color: #333333;">branch</span> of
theology concerned with defending the attributes of God against objections
resulting from physical <span style="color: #333333;">and</span> <span style="color: #333333;">moral</span> <span style="color: #333333;">evil.<a href="file:///C:/Users/sarah/Documents/blog-13-1-31.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Okay, that wasn't much help, but if
we define it as a way to see God in the world, or as a way to try to understand
that God is at work in the world even when we can't see how it is possible,
then perhaps that is a reason to read what people who claim to be people of
faith are thinking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So what am I thinking today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I sit here in my sick bed (I've caught
that cold that is going around) I am grateful for the extra time I have this
week to sit in the presence of God and to remember that this relationship is
the most important one in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
take long, deep breaths and bathe my spirit in the amazing peace that comes
from resting in God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And I resolve that after I am well,
I will try yet again to keep this peace as a priority in my life even when the
busyness of ministry again overtakes my time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let's do it together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/sarah/Documents/blog-13-1-31.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/theodicy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Pastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-47854752482884581072011-09-19T09:18:00.000-07:002011-09-19T09:18:09.750-07:00Crumbs from the Table<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It's happened a lot in the past few months: people coming to the church door, hat in hand, asking for help. Sometimes it's shelter to escape an abusive spouse. Sometimes they need money to have the utilities restored. At other times it's a request for food vouchers for the grocery store or perhaps just a few dollars' worth of gas to get them back on their way.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We help them whenever we can and we try to give at least something to everyone. Sometimes they seem truly grateful while at other times they're upset that there isn't more.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Sadly what they never seem to understand is that what they ask for is the least valuable thing we can offer them. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">They come looking for enough to help them scrape through another day when Jesus the Christ wants to shower them with blessings for a lifetime. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">They want to fill their stomachs with the bread that will leave them just as hungry tomorrow while they pass by a full plate of the Bread of Life.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">They come to scrounge for the crumbs that fall from the Master's table and refuse the invitation to the feast of paradise.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">They arrive – and leave – full of misery and hopelessness when the church lives to share the joy and hope of redeeming love.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">They cling to filthy rags of independence when God longs to clothe them with robes of righteousness.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Days like today I cry for them and wonder why it is that so many refuse the gracious hospitality of God's love. Then I am reminded that God cries over them daily and always has and I leave them to the One who cares for them more than I ever can.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">God of mercy and hope, help me love them the way you do. Help me serve them in your name. Amen.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Pastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-73493864988609215982011-09-07T12:07:00.000-07:002011-09-07T12:07:54.129-07:00Walk, Drag or Carry?Last week, Max, one of my dogs went to the vet to have a growth removed from his foot. He came home the same day and the next day he seemed not to want to walk anywhere - and who could blame him? So I left him at home and walked the other two days without him.<br />
<br />
The second day, Max seemed much better. He seemed anxious to go out for his morning walk but before we had gone 100 yds., he sat down and refused to go further. <br />
<br />
Obviously, I had a decision to make: 1) I could insist we finish our walk and drag him along hoping he might change his mind or that his foot would stop hurting; 2) I could pick him up and return home with the other two dogs and none of us would get our morning walk; 3) I could pick him up and carry him the half mile or more that our morning walk usually takes us.<br />
<br />
I picked him up and we went on our way. Max got his fresh air and a look at the neighborhood sights from a new angle while the other two dogs and I got our usual walk in.<br />
<br />
I've read that 'footprints in the sand' thing a number of times and it always seems too 'cutsey' yet there on that morning was an example of just that kind of love. <br />
<br />
That morning Max was feeling somewhat better and was trying to make it on his own in spite of his injured foot. He doesn't know how to ask for help but I confess that too often I don't ask for help either. When we're hurt, our first thought (like Max) is to stop in our tracks or go back somewhere safe.<br />
<br />
Or perhaps it seems that God is dragging us forward into a world we want no part of - a world that hurts too much - when we'd rather just give up and go back.<br />
<br />
Or - we might let God carry us for a while. We'd move forward with a new perspective and a helping hand and God would show us the path.<br />
<br />
Maybe I'll reread that 'footsteps in the sand' thing again...<br />
<br />
Lord, help me learn to trust you enough to let you carry me when I'm weak. AmenPastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-78306517162684416112011-08-30T09:11:00.001-07:002011-08-30T09:11:41.837-07:00It's a foggy morning.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I was out walking very early yesterday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sky was dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The streets were quiet. The wind was still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The air was crisp and clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was foggy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Living in town we don’t see fog very often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s something that affects those living in rural areas more than those living in built-up ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even yesterday, I didn’t really see the fog unless I looked toward a streetlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In places where darkness prevailed the fog was there but could not be seen, but when I looked to the light its effects were obvious.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I think the work of the Holy Spirit must be a lot like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit is always everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its presence pervades everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no way to escape its presence or its effects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, unless our eyes look toward God’s light, we just don’t see it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some theologians believe that everything good that happens in the world is a work of the Holy Spirit even when the person doing that good deed is not a person of faith.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On mornings like yesterdays when I am silently and invisibly enveloped in fog I understand what they mean.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Lord God, surround me with your presence and give me the grace to see your light in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</div>Pastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-57183506474208365402011-08-28T05:30:00.001-07:002011-08-28T05:30:45.075-07:00Signs for the Fair<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Recently, the Cottonwood County Fair was held in Windom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fairgrounds are not far from where I live and so I have an up close and personal look at all that goes on - not just during the fair but also during all the weeks of preparation that precede it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Most people don’t notice, in fact I did not notice myself, but there is also a lot of activity around the fairgrounds that are just as important as getting all the buildings ready for the annual event.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">All over town, someone was putting up signs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The signs read: ‘Fairgrounds <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">è</span></span>’ and ‘<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ß</span></span> Parking’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The signs were not important in themselves, but they pointed the way for all those who are searching; to all those on their way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">In many ways, we have a lot in common with all those signs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We proclaim the realm of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our signs read ‘New Life in Christ <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">à</span></span>’ and ‘<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ß</span></span> Forgiveness’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We point the way to eternal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We direct people to the One who has redeemed us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not just the work of pastors and evangelists, it is the calling of each of us. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just as the fair worker chooses the location and message of each sign, we don’t choose the place or type of work we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That choosing is done by the Holy Spirit working in us, through us, with us.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Can you imagine a sign saying, ‘No not there!’ or ‘I won’t say that!’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither can I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet often I try to negotiate with God about time and place – hoping for some more convenient time and place or for a message easier to deliver.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But the Spirit knows best and in my best moments I let the Spirit have its way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Lord God, make me a faithful disciple, delivering Your message wherever you want me to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</div>Pastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-64168051822952238062011-08-14T05:12:00.000-07:002011-08-14T05:12:28.227-07:00By the Light of the MoonThe moon was full this morning as I took the dogs out for their morning walk. Its light was bright enough that it was easy to see as we walked along even though it was well before dawn. The air was clear and crisp and it was quiet and peaceful - a wonderful way to start the day. As we walked along I often paused to look up and admire the splendor of the skies.<br />
<br />
As I write this, the sun is up. The busyness of the today has begun and I kinda miss the quiet of the early morning. The moon is still up but its light is not as noticeable and I am now so occupied with the events of the day that I have less time to glance up and enjoy its beauty.<br />
<br />
This week I finally took a full day off and went kayaking. For several hours I was away from the distractions of traffic and phone, Internet and people. Like dog walking in the darkness and taking time to see the moon, it was easy to set my thoughts on God because I was freed from so much of what so often occupies my attention.<br />
<br />
Lord, free me from distractions that take my attention from the splendor of your presence. Help me live in the light of your loving gaze. Amen.Pastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-55404422481933740912011-08-08T09:04:00.000-07:002011-08-08T09:04:40.415-07:00To-Do ListsMonday, and my new To-Do list seems longer than ever. Phone calls to make, people to visit, sermon to prepare, meetings to attend, Bible studies to prepare and give. And I know that no matter how long or how hard I work, I will never come to the end of that list because there will always be more to do than I can possible fit into the week.<br />
<br />
This is why people (even me) need to schedule time for the things that really matter: God, family and self-care. In the western world, we tend to measure ourselves by how much we ACCOMPLISH rather than how much we ARE as human beings.<br />
<br />
Sadly, many wake up to find life has passes them by while they were busy working 24x7. <br />
<br />
Scripture tells us that Christ came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.<br />
<br />
I think I'll rewrite my To-Do list for this week. Right near the top I'll have: quiet time with God, long walks with the dogs, read a good book (that's just for fun), make funny smiles at children. Then I'll add back in everything already on the list.<br />
<br />
By the end of the week life in Christ will look like a lot more fun and a lot more abundance.<br />
<br />
Lord, help me to live fully in your presence instead of working myself to death. AmenPastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-75577993641528882942011-08-07T05:32:00.000-07:002011-08-07T05:32:12.297-07:00Sunday MorningHurray! Sunday! The sermon is done: posted, practised, printed. I pray that it will speak to the congregation in all the ways it has already spoken to me.<br />
<br />
In the busyness of the day, I hope I remember that this is the Lord's day: a day to step back and reflect on the love of God and the joy of God's creation. <br />
<br />
Sometimes there are so many things scheduled (worship, visiting, meetings) that I find I am exhausted rather than refreshed at the end of the day. And often I am guilty of doing the scheduling that makes it so.<br />
<br />
I was out walking the dogs this morning just before 5 am. As we began the walk the sky was clear and full of stars. Before we were back at home it was overcast and there were no stars in sight. The change had been quiet, unnoticed. Much like how we can find the cares of the world overshadow us and we lose sight of God.<br />
<br />
Lord, give me clearer vision to see the stars in your face and enjoy the beauty of your presence. Amen.Pastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-6120641711943615532011-08-06T09:03:00.000-07:002011-08-06T09:10:01.103-07:00Family ValuesToday is the day my attention is fully turned to firming up and editing the sermon for tomorrow. I find my mind filled with times in my own life when I am about to say to the congregation has been applicable to me. I think most preachers find God speaks to them through the text before they are able to proclaim it to others. <br />
<br />
This week's text is from Genesis - Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. It's amazing how poorly we can treat one another - especially those in our own families. And it is amazing how poorly we can be treated by them. The ones who should love us the most are the ones who know best how to make us miserable.<br />
<br />
Soooo, it's a wonderful thing that God is so much kinder and loving, forgiving and faithful.<br />
<br />
Getting to share good news like that reminds me that I have the best job in the world - a calling from the holy One to share the good news of life in Christ.<br />
<br />
Lord, make me a faithful proclaimer. Amen.Pastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023253390290647993.post-35271022693558194282011-08-05T05:11:00.000-07:002011-08-05T05:11:47.218-07:00Vacation Bible School Is Here...or so goes a song I remember from my childhood. Vacation Bible School is here and we 'grown-ups' are busy singing, story-telling, craft-making and game-playing near the lake with many of God's children. It is both fun and tiring. It's taking up a lot of my time this week and I wouldn't miss a minute of it!<br />
<br />
I have many fond memories of being one of those children and I am still grateful for those many 'grown-ups' who took the time to do this for me and millions of children like me.<br />
<br />
It is, after all, through the telling of stories and personal examples that God speaks to us and to our children.<br />
<br />
Lord, please let me live a life that shows your glory to the children. Amen.Pastor Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05930217974193099522noreply@blogger.com0