A Little Bit of Spring

Earlier it was raining and I heard a clap of thunder. Now the sun is out and it is almost 70. However, I am expecting an ice storm any time now. That is because this morning I started my winter clothes annual migragion from my closet to the basement.

It was a brash move, but life is not worth living without some risk in it, don't you agree?

Here are a few indications that spring has indeed sprung at last here in Wisconsin.



My Christmas cactus (which actually bloomed at Thanksgiving, as usual) got confused. I guess it was so joyful at the sun coming through its window that it managed to push out one flower in celebration of spring's return.



I picked the pussy willow branches to add to a spring boquet on the altar table.



Here is a close up.

And outside my office window the daffodills and the tulips are FINALLY about to pop!

Our New Banner

This is what's happening at our place. Sunday is "Vision Sunday" and we will (among other things) unveil our new banner, which is about 4' x 5'. Then for the following five Sunday we will explore the themes you see on the banner with a mix of music, messages, little gifts, and more.

O is for "Offer Hope"

A is for "Advance God's Kingdom"

S is for "Share God's Love"

I is for "Invest in People"

S is for "Seek God's Purpose"

So if you are in the neighborhood, drop in for breakfast Sunday at 9:15. 1706 Plymouth St. New Holstein. We are serving camel's hump sausage, ostrich eggs, dates, flat bread and Turkish coffee with yak butter. Okay, just kidding. But we are going to have fun!

Banging Away at Nothing

I had a disconcerting thought this morning. My husband came in the bedroom and said, "You have got to come outside and see this."

An across-the-street neighbor has an older car that is decorated with a wide chrome strip that extends the length of both front and rear doors. A robin stood next to the car, very still, eyeing the chrome, and then us as we watched from a distance. Then he went back to gazing at his image in the chrome.

"Clink!" Up he hopped, wings flapping, to give the intruder a hard peck on the noggin. He fell back to the ground. More eyeing..."Clink!" Back to the ground.

Mr. Robin must have been a little confused, because (after a head shake) he stoodl very still and quiet for about a minute.

Flap flap flap! "Clink!"

We grinned at the foolish and feisty Mr. Robin, and then grinned at each other as we exchanged a few comments about the nature of animals (and people) who are "twitterpated" in the spring.

Later the thought came to me that perhaps I sometimes look like that to God. Does God watch me as I foolishly waste time and anger and defensiveness and energy on some false image of what is real? Do I hop and look important and peck -- only to get a dizzy head?

All too often, I am afraid this is so.

God must wonder at me sometimes, seeing how I don't notice that what I'm fighting is just a shadow of the real enemy.

Friday Five: Just 24 Hours

RevHRod asks, "... but it made me think about what I might like to do if I knew it would only last for 24 hours. There are no reality boundaries to these imaginings. So here are the five things for you to consider...

I could get really heavy and serious about this one. But I will do the 24 hours lite version.

1. If you could dramatically change your physical appearance for 24 hours, what would you do?

Well, that one is easy. I'd be taller, slimmer, and wrinkle free. Definitely slim and graceful!

2. If you could live in another place for 24 hours where would you go?

I would spend it in the mountains among the great sequious of California. There is no place I love better, and no place where I feel better, and no place that makes me feel more full of hope. I don't know why, but mountains do that to me.

3. You get to do somebody else's job for a day...

Hmmm....interesting one and hard to choose. Okay, I will be a college professor whose teaching has a profound and life-changing effect on the younger generation.

4. Spend the day with another person from anywhere in time and space...

Wow...so many choices. I simply connot pick just one. Of course, Jesus, who else....but the Old Testament judge, Deborah, or the prophet Hulda, Priscilla (wife of Acquilla, not ex wife of Elvis), Queen Elizabeth, Abraham Lincoln, Einstein, Smith Wigglesworth, Maria Woodworth-Etter....okay...I will stop. I really don't know how I'd pick.

5. A magical power is yours. Which one would you pick?

I can go anywhere at a snap of the fingers. Maybe I'd be invisible at the same time. When I get a little tired of sitting among the tall trees in the mountains I'll visit England, or Ireland, or Greece, or Italy, or....oh, never mind. I am not good, as you see, at make one choice.

Spring Wind

It is still chilly in the north and our trees are still bare. But out back the pussy willow bush is budding, and the grass is turning green. The last few days have been warmer, but very windy. The forecast is telling us to hope for seventy degrees today! Woo Hoo!

Yesterday Trinity had her well-baby check up. Mommy tells me the doc says she is "off the chart" at thirty three inches in length. She is going to be tall like her Grandpa's family, it seems.

She loves being outside, which is just now a possibility. Here she is, out in her still-bare backyard, exulting about the rocks in her hands and the wind in her hair.

Her shirt asks, "Is it me or does this diaper make my butt look big?"

Why Did You Make Me Black?

My prison-chaplain husband found a poem on his desk the other day. It was unsigned, and we presume it was written by an inmate. Inmate poetry is plentiful, as you might imagine. He brought it home for me to read, thinking it exceptional and knowing I love poetry. I, too, found the poem's imagery remarkable and beautiful. I decided to share it. If I ever learn who the poet is, I will give credit where it is due.

I ASKED

Lord, Lord,

Why did you make me Black?

Why make someone,

The world wants to hold back?

Black is the color of dirty clothes,

The color of grimy hands and feet,

Black is the color of darkness,

The color of tire-beaten streets.

Why did you give me thick lips?

A broad nose and kinky hair?

Why did you make me someone,
Who receives the hated stare?

Black is the color of the bruised eye,

When someone you love gets hurt.

Black is the color of darkness,

Black is the color of dirt.

How come my bones are think,

And my hips and cheeks are high?

How come my eyes are brown.

Not the color of the daylight sky?

Why do people think I'm useless?

How come I feel so used?

Why do some who see my skin,

Think I should be abused?

Lord, I just don't understand,

What is it about my skin?

Why do some folks want to hate me,

And not know the person within?

Black is what people are "listed,"

When other want to keep them away,

Black is the color of shadows cast,

Black is the end of the day.

Lord, you know my own mistreat me,

And I know this isn't right.

They don't like my hair or the way I look,

They say I'm too dark or too light.

Lord, don't you think it's time,

For you to make a change?

Why not redo creation,

And make us all the same?

GOD ANSWERED

Why did I make you Black?

Why did I make you Black?

Get off your knees and look around,

Tell Me, what do you see?

You aren't made in the image of darkness,

I made you in the likeness of me!

I made you the color of coal,

From which the diamond is formed,

I mad you the color of oil,

The black gold that keeps people warm.

I made you from the rich, dark earth,

That can grow the food you need,

Your color's the same as the Panther's,

Known for her beauty and speed.

Your color is like the Black Stallion,

A majestic animal, he,

You aren't made in the image of darkness,

I made you in likeness of me!

All the colors of a heavenly rainbow,

Can be found in every nation,

And when all of these colors were blended well,

You became my greatest creation!

Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool,

Such a humble creature is he,

I am the Shepherd who watches them,
I'm the One who will watch over thee.

You are the color of midnight sky,

I put the star's gleam in your eyes,

A smile hides behind your pain,

That's why your cheeks are high.

You are the color of dark clouds formed,

When I send my strongest weather,

Your lips are full so when you kiss,

The one that you love will remember.

Your stature is strong, your bones are thick,

To withstand the burden of time,

The reflection you see in the mirror?

The image looking back is Mine.

Inspired by Genesis 1:26 and 27

"And God said, 'Let us make man in Our image, after Our likeness...So God created man in

His own image...male and female created he them.

A Moving Friday Five

Mother Laura from Rev Gals shares the Friday Five this week. She says, "We are right in the middle of a move--only twenty minutes away, but we're still a mix of busy, excited, nervous and surprisingly full of grief about what we're leaving, for me at least. So this week's Friday Five asks about your experience of the marvels and madness of moving."

I'm typing in the lobby of a motel, so this will be short.

1. How many times have you moved? When was the last time?

17., if I counted correctly Two were before I married. The other 15 were after. The USMC and the ministry will do that to you. I HATE HATE HATE moving. I should be really good at it by now, but I am not. The last time was five years ago when we moved ourselves and my mom into our present home. It was our first home where the kids had not lived, and now mom is in the nursing home. Strange feeling to be just the two of us in our little house, sometimes. Not bad, just sometimes strange and a bit sad.

2. What do you love and hate about moving?

I hate almost everrything about it except for two things. Fresh paint, usually, and the chance to downsize at least somewhat.

3. Do you do it yourself or hire movers?

Hire movers? Is that possible? I must find out about this phenomenon.

4. Advice for surviving and thriving during a move?

I have never thrived through a move so I cannot tell you. Survival was a bit easier if I made sure to have a box with bed linens for each bed, and a few essentials for the kitchen. Those get unpacked first. That way, you can at least sleep when you finish hauling furniture and boxes.

5. Are you in the middle of any inner moves, if not outer ones?

Yes. It is difficult to describe. I am feeling change every day. Some is good. Some is not. I'm waiting to see what comes of all this.

Bonus: Share a piece of music/poetry/film/book that expresses something about what moving means to you.

Everything in my life makes me think of a song. I usually start singing "On the Road Again."

Happy Friday, all!

Celtic Woman

Last night a friend and I went to see Celtic Woman (I always thought it was women, but it's woman.)

It was beautiful. Beautiful lighting, costumes, voices, dancing, instruments, arrangements, settings. Any word I use to describe the show will sound campy and cliche, but I will just say it was wonderful, earthy, ethereal, transporting, graceful, uplifting, moving, stirring....oh, I'll stop. If you love or even vaguely like Celtic music, or you like amazing vocals, lighting, drumming....well, if this show comes to your area, you do not want to miss it.

They were great. Go see them.

I Scored as Owl

Of course I did...LOL!

Your Score: OWL

You scored 19 Ego, 13 Anxiety, and 13 Agency!

"Correct me if I am wrong," he said, "but am I right in supposing that it is a very Blusterous day outside?"

"Very," said Piglet, who was quietly thawing his ears, and wishing that he was safely back in his own house.

"I thought so," said Owl. "It was on just such a blusterous day as this that my Uncle Robert, a portrait of whom you see upon the wall on your right, Piglet, while returning in the late forenoon from a-- What's that?"

ABOUT OWL: Owl is considered highly educated because he can spell his own name (WOL) and he can even spell Tuesday... although he doesn't always get it right. Owl is a good sort, really, although he can be a bit of a stuffed shirt, and he tends to overlook the smaller details in life - like the fact that his bellpull is actually someone's tail.

WHAT THIS SAYS ABOUT YOU: You are confident and you feel capable of dealing with whatever life throws at you. You know that you can handle just about everything... mostly because you know how to delegate the job of actually handling things to the people around you. You aren't one of those Bisy Backsons, who rush around trying to do everything at once. You prefer to stay at home and reflect on life, rather than go out and live it.

Sometimes, you know, you need to stop waiting for things to come to you and go out and get them. You need to go enjoy the weather, smell the fresh air, and pay attention to the little people in your life. They may not be as great as you... but maybe they could use your help.

Link: The Deep and Meaningful Winnie-The-Pooh Character Test

Hey, I don't think I am greater than other people!

A Revealing Friday Five

Sally from Rev Gal Blog Pals offers this Friday Five:

With this Sunday's gospel reading in mind, that wonderful revelation of Christ to the companions on the Emmaus road. I wonder where you might have been surprised by God's revelation recently.So with no further waffle I offer you this weeks Friday 5:

How has God revealed him/herself to you in a:

1. Book

I was reading "Farmer Boy" by Laura Ingalls Wilder to my mother in the nursing home. It is the story of Laura Ingall's future husband, Almanzo. Reading about the the activities of the family as they ploughed and planted in the spring, I ended up being able to reminisce just a tiny bit with my mother about her early farm years and what it was like at spring cotton planting time. Conversations are few and far between these days. It was a little gift from God.

2. Film

The most recent film I saw was Horton Hears a Who. While I can't exactly I was surprised by God's revelation, I can say that there are some pretty noticeable spiritual themes in this children's movie. The obvious one is that people are worthy of respect and honor. There are others, but you'll have to go see the movie for yourself.

3. Song

This one.



4. Another person

Last night at our church's Thursday prayer time, I was aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit as we prayed together and I listened to the words of my fellow believers. It is becoming a highlight of the week.

5. Creation

It is still mostly brown here, and there are still patches of snow, and the trees are bare. However, tulips shoots are up, and irises are as well, and as spring s-l-o-w-l-y shows up I always think of my soul's renewal as well. Something happens to my physical body, my emotions, and my spirit.

Bonus answer: your choice- share something encouraging/ amazing/ humbling that has happened to you recently!

This is an encouraging something. In the last two months I have been told be several people that I should be doing more writing. It happened again, several times, while I was at District Council. Then on the way home I was speaking to my husband about a local reporter who has become friendly with me, and has also become quite positive in his articles and impressions of our church. We hopped out of our van at a restaurant not far from home, and as I went into the door I ran into (literally) this same reporter! Before I could stop myself, I said, "I'm going to be calling you in a day or so about writing a column. " (I am??) "Okay" he said, smiling.

Well...okay then.

District Council Report

It was an interesting council. I've written before about City on a Hill (COTH). The director, Diane de la Santos, is pictured above with one of the men who has been blessed by this inner-city ministry center. He is the step dad to the little boy pictured, Trevon. They lost all they had in a house fire, except for his Royal Ranger uniform (which he is wearing) and his Bible. This young boy sang beautifully for us, and we all stood to our feet in a standing ovation. It was an amazing and moving moment.



Even more amazing was what happened next. Some readers of this blog might think, based on previous posts (here and here), that I believe there is no place anymore for a "sinner's prayer." Such is not the case. Sometimes it is just what is needed.

My husband, Ken, heard the dad (whose name I'm sorry to say I forgot) say quietly to Diane at the end of speaking to us, "I think I'm ready for Jesus now." I didn't hear him, but as they exited the stage Ken headed out without a word. I didn't know why till he returned, wiping his eyes. "I just had the privilege of praying with them" he said, adding, "I asked if I had heard him correctly, and did he say he was ready now for Jesus--and he said I had heard right. And so I led him in a prayer and--I watched a visible change come over him, and his son too."

A few moments later we watched as many pastors and others came to the microphones to pledge to COTH, who has been financially struggling. A projected shortfall of almost $150,000 was erased, or will be, in minutes.

God was in the room.

At the closing session, our outgoing superintendent, Arden Adamson, asked Larry Liebe, the superintendent-elect, to come try out "the chairman's seat." He then challenged all of us to put "character first." Symbolically he turned the leadership of our district over to Larry by handing him a relay race baton. Then Larry, who has been the director of our Youth and Christian Education department for a long time, shared his thoughts with us.

These two men could not have more different personalities, in my opinion. I love both of them.
I'll miss "Brother Adamson" and I'll watch with interest, and prayers, to see what changes come.

Heading for District Council

Tomorrow Ken and I head to a not-too-distant location for the 75th annual council of the Wisconsin/Northern Michigan District of the Assemblies of God (a mouthful, isn't it?) . It's two and a half days of business, speakers, an ordination service, a banquet or two, worship times, and connecting with old classmates and friends.

Every year it seems that it is raining, snowing, blowing or sleeting at district council. Or all of those at once. We all want to shed our sweaters and don our spring duds. Well, at least this year we are staying in the same hotel as the council, so we won't be running around outside and dodging splashes of muddy ice water.

Among other business, we will be selecting a new district superintendant. Lots of change is ahead, I think. I pray it is good and healthy change. We shall see.

Gotta go pack. Back in a few days.

Robin Blue Breast

This morning was cold, grey and windy. I refused to put on a coat. I did have on a sweater but I just couldn't bring myself to struggle into a coat, much less gloves. So I was cold. And not happy about it. I am tired of being cold.

I arrived at church early to do some setting up.

As I pulled in the parking lot I spied, perched on a snow bank by the back door, a ROBIN! He was shivering in the cold, his beak was chattering, and he had a distinct blue tinge, but he was hopping across the steps.

Maybe spring will come, after all?

A Million Dollar Friday Five

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I Am Ginger? Hmmm

You Are Ginger

Like ginger, you are a total shape shifter. You can be sweet, spicy, mellow, or overpowering. You are both soothing and unique. You are popular... yet you are often overlooked.

What Spice Are You?

Happy Easter

Our sanctuary, just before people started gathering.

I love it when the purple-draped cross with the crown of thorns

becomes the white-draped cross with a royal crown!

My favorite flowers--daffodills--and Easter lilies!

HAPPY EASTER!

Christ is Risen!

Artwork: Easter Morning

by He Qi

At last light came with cold grey dawn;
The women, broken and forlorn,
Departed the city before it was day,
Who would roll the stone away?
But the grave was empty! Their Lord was gone.
An angel was guarding the tomb that morn.

The sun burst forth in warmth and glory
Across the earth it told the story.

Death could not hold our Lord for long,

"The tomb is empty! His body is gone!
So sing, all people, let your voices ring,
Sing all people, "Christ is King!"

It is Finished!

And now for a complete change of pace, here is a Petra classic from the Greg X. Volz days! Any Petra fans still around? I remember the first time I heard them, but that is another story.

IT IS FINISHED!

Resurrection Cookies

I thought people knew about these, or I would have explained further. I won't wait till after Easter, because if you want to use it this year you still can do so. Saturday is the day to make 'em. I used it for children's church several years ago. We happened to have something going on for the kids on the Saturday before Easter, so it worked out beautifully to make them that day, seal the church ovens, and then open them during Easter church. I am happy to provide a link to the recipe, and to the directions of how to use scripture reading to tell the story as you make the cookies. I never made them with my own children, because by the time I saw the recipe my kids were grownups. I'd love to hear if some of you use this with children and how it turned out. Maybe someday I'll make them with Trinity--pasturized eggs, huh? :-)

A Good Friday Five

RevHRod from RevGals offers this Friday Five:
As a child the designation "good" for today confused me. How could we call such a somber day, good? Holy, yes. Blessed, yes. But, good? As an adult I understand the meaning of good for this day. It is a solemn day of remembrance but it is also a time for us to stop and recall the great gift of love that we received this day. And that is most certainly good. Our worship today will differ from place to place. Some services will focus on the great litany of prayers. Others will use the seven last words of Jesus. Some of us will walk the stations of the cross. Others will participate in a Tennebrae service of shadows and light. I hope that this Friday Five will be a meaningful part of your Good Friday. God's blessings to you on your journey.

1. Our prayer concerns are as varied as we are this day. For whom would you like us to pray?

My mother, 91, in the nursing home with dementia, lonely and confused.
My husband, several health issues.
My church, renewed hope, energy, finances, people
Uh, how many am I allowed? :-)

2. Are there things you have done or will do today to help the young ones understand this important day in our lives?

Not today, but in the past have made those little resurrection cookies out of egg whites that I now know we shouldn't make due to health concerns...but it sure was a good illustration. Easter Sunday--empty!

3. Music plays an important part in sharing the story of this day. Is there a hymn or piece of music that you have found particularly meaningful to your celebrations of Good Friday?

There are so many hymns I love....we don't do many of them at my church. Last night we sang "At the Cross" - I always get a bit weepy at this time, so the verse, "But drops of grief can ne'er repay the debt of love I owe. Here, Lord, I give myselt away, 'Tis all that I can do..." We also sang the chorus "Allelujah" with just guitar, my favortie way.

4. As you hear the passion narrative, is there a character that you particularly resonate with?

Peter. That is because he'd die with the Lord if need be. He had a good heart, a big mouth, good intentions but most of all he was afraid and his fear led him to a failure. That has happened to me more times than I like to remember. Thank God for grace. I also understand the resentment of those who were disappointed and thinking, "Hey, where is God? THIS isn't how it is supposed to be!"

5. Where have you seen the gracious God of love at work lately?

At church I'm watching people begin to connect in good ways. It's God. No other explanation!

And now I have to go prepare for my part in the Tennabrae service. We considered canceling because of snow, but I think we are proceeding, unlike the poor folks south of us who may get up to 15 inches! Blessings to all on this day.