In The Loop (w/ Pam)

Welcome to Our Story

2012-01-30T20:45:00.000-06:00

I confess, it started with envy. I'd gone to a friend's new church website, and I was jealous of how all the elements of the church - names for the church, small groups, kids ministry, vision statement - fit so nicely together.

And so I whined to God.

You see, for the past few years I've been looking for a simple way to explain what we (at The Loop) are doing. We've tried different vision statements, but none of them were as simple as I'd like. And I've tried over, and over, to come up with snappy little statements or visuals, but they simply weren't... easy.

That's hard for someone who feels that both words and simplicity are strengths. Hence, my whining to God. After I whined, I sat down to try, one more time, to come up with an easy way to explain The Loop. Once again, it wasn't working. Until...

I felt God's Spirit whisper something in my ear. He asked a simple question: As you meet with people from The Loop, what themes keeping popping up?

Once that question hit my brain, I knew the answer: THE STORY.

God's Story. Our stories interweaving with God's Story.

Further discussion with our group confirmed what I was feeling. This is who we are, and what we are called to do:

Invite all to Get in the Loop of God's Endless Love Story, then Live God's Story, Celebrate God's Story, and Share God's Story together.

I'll explain more in days to come...

No Limit

2012-01-07T11:25:00.000-06:00

I just sent off invitations (via Facebook and email "evites") for our next Alpha class (this coming Wednesday, and yes, you are welcome to come!). On "evites" you can allow those you are inviting to invite others. Of course I always choose that option! And once I do, then evites gives me another choice: What's the number limit of this event? I always smile when I hit the "no limit" button.

Why do I smile? Because even though "evites" is a secular website that specializes in sending invitations, that "no limit" button reminds me of the nature of God. There is "no limit" to what He can do. And there is "no limit" when it comes to who and how many people He draws to Himself.

Perhaps some day I'll have to limit an event due to space (may we have so many that we face that challenge!). But it's good to remember that God lives in the "no limit" zone.

Angel, Shepherds, Wisemen Along the Way

2011-12-15T14:35:00.001-06:00

I continue to ponder the Christmas story from Mary's perspective. When the angel appears to tell her of God's plans, she readily agrees to be God's servant, and bear the Messiah. “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled" is her quick response.

Still.... it had to be challenging from that point forward. How do you explain the pregnancy to parents? The community? The man you are engaged to? And then, once he (Joseph) understands (through an angel's visitation as well), there's still the long journey to Bethlehem. And then there is no welcome in any of the guest rooms of Bethlehem... only an offer to sleep in the hay with the animals. Months later, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are on the run to Egypt to escape a leader who wants Jesus dead.

There had to be moments when Mary wondered if she was a bit crazy. And there had to be moments when she prayed: "Lord? Can you please explain to me how THIS is going to work?"

But then... there are moments along the journey when God shows up and let her know that she is, in fact, on the right journey. And He, the God of the Universe, is leading and guiding and protecting this whole crazy adventure. An angel comes to Joseph. Shepherd's arrive at the manger with news of angels lighting up the night sky. Wisemen show up (probably months later) with the story of the star, and with gifts that will fund a flight to Egypt. God shows up. God affirms. God provides.

I've found in my own journey of faith this pattern as well. When I start off on a faith journey, heading in a direction that God seems clear on, but that other people think is crazy... there are moments that I say: "Lord? Can you please explain to me how THIS is going to work?" And then... God shows up in unexpected ways, affirming me that I'm on the right road. It's often through "angels, shepherds & wisemen"... people who enter my life for a brief time and let me know I'm not crazy!

Today I got to be a "shepherd" to someone else. I had a meeting scheduled with a woman who I barely knew to discuss a ministry I'm connected to. But in the course of conversation, I learned that just this past week, she and her husband launched into a faith journey of home-church planting, similar to the journey that we began a few years ago.

A strange coincidence? No. For a moment in that coffee shop, angels were lighting up our sky, letting us know we are both on the right road. The right journey.

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'”

Here's praying that at this Christmas time, as you step out in faith, the Lord will light up your night sky, and bring you shepherds and wisemen along the way...

Annual Christmas Letter

2011-12-13T12:30:00.001-06:00

We just finished our annual Christmas letter. I'm hoping that by the end of the week, we'll have cards (some email, some physical) sent. (I know, I know, don't have a heart attack. This might mean that people actually get our card before Christmas!).

I find it a good exercise to write that letter. It makes me stop and look back on the year. Where we've changed, grown, been challenged. Where God has shown up in unexpected ways.

2011 has been a good year. In many ways, a simple year. I like those! Will 2012 be the same? Whether simple or complex, easy or difficult, I do know one thing: God will continue to show up. And that will make it, at least in one way, another good year.

Hit the "pause" button

2011-11-29T16:26:00.001-06:00

If you're like me, this time of year can make you feel like you're running too fast on a gerbil's wheel. There's so much to do to celebrate the season! Gifts to buy and wrap, parties to go to, cards to write... plus all the 'normal life' stuff heaped on.

Sometimes enjoying all the season has to offer... can get in the way of enjoying the season.

So tomorrow, I'm digging my advent wreath out of its box in the garage. I'm setting it up on the kitchen table. And I'm making sure that sometime in the midst of every day from December 1 until Christmas, I stop, sit down, light a candle, and take a moment to PAUSE...

and think about 'the real meaning of Christmas.' No - not the 'real meaning' that network t.v. would have us believe. The real meaning of Christmas is not about feeling good, or getting together with friends & family, or being thankful and sharing what you have, or watching Rudolph or the Grinch or It's a Wonderful Life. Hey - all those things are good, and I will gladly embrace any and all of them.

But when I light that candle on the advent wreath, that's not what I'll be focusing on. Instead, my mind will go to the amazing, awesome idea that the God of the Universe would love us so much that He would come on a rescue mission to this earth. "The Word became Flesh" (in other words, God became flesh in the form of a tiny baby). And then I'll ponder that He would entrust that rescue mission to a young couple named Mary and Joseph, who had no special gifts, training or resources (and were probably still young teenagers). What if they had blown it? The entire mission of the rescue of mankind would have been blown! BUT... God gave them a mission and trusted them with it.

And after I've paused in awe, while the candle still burns, I'll allow my mind to go to another amazing truth: God still entrusts regular people (you and me) with His mission. And it's the same mission that He gave to Mary & Joseph: Bring Jesus into this world.

SO.... I hope this season you'll spend time lighting some candles... or doing something that allows you to hit the 'pause' button and be in awe of the true meaning of Christmas...

Advent

2011-11-26T13:16:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent. Traditionally a time to prepare ourselves spiritually for Christmas. "Prepare the Way of The Lord" is a phrase heard often in reading for Christmas.

On Sunday, I'll be speaking at a church where I'll tell the Christmas story from the perspective of Mary the mother of Jesus. I'll be talking about how she prepared the way for the Lord.

What strikes me in this story is how much it cost her. She gave up her reputation, her comfort, her home, her family, just so that the world could see Jesus. Joseph did the same.

As advent begins, I'm asking: How can I prepare the way for the world to see Jesus? Yes, it will cost me. But, there's a huge return in all this.

I figure that Mary, had she lived in 2011, might have seen the equation this way:
1. Cost of my reputation: Current + future relationships broken (some beyond repair)
2. Cost of leaving for Bethlehem: One home + animals + the family business + leaving the family behind
3. Cost of believing that I would give birth to the Son of God: People believing I'm crazy
4. The return for bringing Jesus to a needy world? PRICELESS.

Are you willing to count the cost so that something of infinite value -- bringing Jesus into a needy world -- can happen? This advent, prepare the way of the Lord...

Ancient Egypt

2011-11-14T14:53:00.001-06:00

I continue - slowly! - working on my new novel. It's more research than I anticipated. Why? Because as I began to write about one of these women mentioned briefly (one sentence) in the Old Testament, it dawned on me that I had to start the story LONG before she ends up serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting (that one, tantalizing sentence). And since this verse in Exodus that is causing me to write is early on in "The Exodus" of the Israelites, then the place that I have to start is Egypt. Ancient Egypt. And how much do I know about Ancient Egypt?

Well... today I know a whole lot more than I knew two weeks ago! But it feels like I have to read pages of material before writing a paragraph. The chances of writing 50,000 words by the end of November is looking grim. Still... it's pretty interesting stuff.

And while it may seem that Ancient Egypt would really have no bearing on today, I'm finding that's not the case. I'm discovering that by learning about Ancient Egypt, I'm learning about how God works within a culture. So much of what He did in Exodus seems so... foreign to us. But my new discovery? It wouldn't have seemed foreign at all to people growing up in Egypt.

Makes me appreciate how He is a God who wants to reach us where we are... whether that's Ancient Egypt, or the good old U.S.A.

Promptings

2011-11-09T10:10:00.000-06:00

I'm someone who naturally likes things to make sense. And be under control.

But there's this pesky piece of Christianity that sometimes doesn't make sense, and is never under control.
It's The Holy Spirit. And it's not some minor doctrine that you can sweep under the rug. He's one person of the Godhead. And He does this pesky thing that has traditionally been called "promptings."

"Promptings" are ideas that get in your head that seem to come from The Spirit. How do you know they come from Him and not from you? The answer to that could be a LONG paper (or book!) but the short answer is: The more you get to know Him, the more you get to know His voice. You still have to do alot of gut checking, and holding things loosely. I'm not someone who goes around saying: "God told me"! But I have learned to say: "I think God is telling me...".

So here I sit, with what seems to be a "prompting" to write. Actually, this "prompting" has been around for a few years. And I try to pay attention to it. But the reality is that there's LOTS in my life that chases out the writing. Lots of good things. Lots of God things. And taking time to write in the midst of these good things and God things... sometimes doesn't make sense.

But the promptings continue....

November is National Novel Writing Month (nanowrimo.org). And once again, I'm following the promptings to work on another novel. This time, it's about those women from Exodus 38 (see the last blog entry). I'm behind. I should be to almost 14,000 words (on my way to 50,000 by the end of the month), but I've got less that 7,000. And there are lots of reasons to set the writing aside. I have too much to do!

But there are those non-sensical promptings....

Tabernacle Women

2011-11-01T14:44:00.000-05:00

I've been studying and pondering a verse that surprised me as I was reading my Bible about 3 weeks ago. I say "surprised me" because even though I'm sure I've read that verse (or read PAST that verse) numerous times, I've never... SEEN it. The verse actually shocked me. It's Exodus 38:8, and it's in the middle of a chapter about the details of how to make the altar, washbasin, and courtyard of the Tabernacle of the Israelites (the place where God would live in their midst). It's one of those chapters, with all it's nit-picky details, that you'd usually read with your finger scanning down the page. But this time, that finger stopped dead at this verse:

"They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting."

Huh? WHAT women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting? Every Sunday School flannel-graph, every drawing, every painting, every verbal description I've ever seen or heard of the tabernacle contained only men serving.

Something came alive in me as I read this verse. "We've got the wrong picture" I realized. I've been studying, asking questions, looking at the original hebrew... I'm on a hunt for a more correct picture. I'll keep you posted on my progress...

Autumn

2011-10-28T13:17:00.003-05:00

I love everything about the fall... harvesting tomatoes, peppers, raspberries... the cool, crisp weather... the blue sunny skies... the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows of the trees. I like everything about fall... except one thing: it's a sure sign that winter is coming (especially up here in Minnesota!).

Sometimes, as I revel in fall, my brain will switch gears and propels me ahead into the cold, dark days of January. "Winter's coming...." my subconscious whispers to me.

At moments like that I have a choice: allow my brain to jump ahead to winter, or stop and revel in the moments of autumn.

I'm naturally someone who seems to live in the future (really!), but I've realized that I'm really better off when I chose to enjoy the present. So today... I'm basking in the sunlight, and the colors... and I'm even going to go see if there's any more raspberries to be captured before we finally have a hard frost.

And when winter finally arrives? THEN I'll step into that present, catch my breath at the beauty of the snow, switch on our fireplace, and grab a cup of hot cocoa. But not before. Not one second before...

A Gardener's Faith

2011-09-30T17:54:00.001-05:00

It's a beautiful fall day, and I'm planting daffodil bulbs.

It takes faith to plant bulbs. You put this dead thing in the ground in autumn, let the snow fly all winter, and then expect it to pop it's yellow cheery head up in the spring. But every gardner I know of has faith that it WILL happen (otherwise, why waste the money and the time?)

Why do I have faith in those bulbs? Because I've done this enough to know that it really does work. Those dead little blobs really have a secret life hidden inside. They have a will to live, to grow. And unless the squirrels, the moles, or the occasional horrific winter does them in, I expect to see yellow and white greet me in the spring.

Non-gardeners may not understand this hope that drives us in September and October (and, yes, I've even been known to sneak a few tulip bulbs into the ground in November). But for gardeners it's the hope that gets us through a long winter.

Planting a church is alot like planting a bulb. It takes alot of faith and hope. You plant. You wait. You let the snow fly. You hope the squirrels and the moles aren't digging up what you've planted. And you keep waiting for cheery yellow to surprise you in the spring. And when you catch sight of something blooming that you planted? There's a joy that only a planter may understand...

Lydia's Church

2011-08-31T22:43:00.000-05:00

I've been a Bible reader most of my life. I've been to seminary. I've been a pastor for 25 years. But there are still times when I'm stunned to see a familiar Bible passage in a new light.

The book of Philippians has long been one of my favorite. A book of joy, to a healthy church, laced with many insights and the depth of the love of Jesus. I've even memorized portions of the book.

But just this week, as I turned to read it's familiar pages once again, I had one of those lightening bolt insights that changes everything.

Let me explain. Acts 16 tells the story of a woman named Lydia. She was a business woman (a dealer in purple cloth). It seems she's wealthy with a large home. And in Acts 16, she becomes a follower of Jesus when a man named Paul tells her about Him.

I've always seen Lydia as something of an early pastor / church planter. After all, she introduces her entire household (servants, workers, etc) to Jesus. She convinces the apostle Paul and his whole team to come and stay at her home. She's a powerful woman. And as a new church in her town forms, it meets in her home, where Paul and his team teach. But Paul and his team don't stay forever... in fact, they are run out of town. Before they leave entirely, they meet with the church at Lydia's home. It doesn't say it in Acts, but I've always figured that Lydia assumed the leadership for this church. After all, it was her home. (Another example? Priscilla & Aquila would have led the church in their home - Romans 16). Many of the people came to this church because of her. She's a leader in the community. And she's been trained up-close-and-personal by Paul, Silas, and the team.

But it wasn't until this week that it finally dawned on me... Lydia was from Philippi. Which means that the letter to the Philippians is a letter to Lydia's church.

I read my favorite book in a whole new light. No wonder the only two names of leaders mentioned in the book are names of women! No wonder Paul says that the Philippians are in his heart! No wonder the Philippian church is a church that financially supports Paul... it's pastor is a businesswoman! No wonder this is a church that cares for the basic needs of Paul! No wonder this is a book infused with joy!

How could I have missed this before? In some ways, I feel stupid... until I realize that in all my years of seminary... and in all the Bible commentaries and study Bibles I've read... no one has pointed this out. What a shame! Understanding this really does shed a different light on the text...

Spirit's Synergy

2011-08-13T18:10:00.000-05:00

This past week I was part of an 'out of the box thinking' meeting. I was with a group of pastors, wondering how God might use us working together rather than separately. We have some ideas. We have more questions. In trying to explain our ideas to others, I've realized we have a long way to go before we figure this all out. But I don't care!

Why am I not bothered by all the unanswered questions? Because something happened in our meeting. We had a sense of God's Spirit moving us together. We had a clear sense that we're headed in the right direction. Exactly which direction is that? Not sure. But we're headed there...

Smokies v.s. Steeples

2011-08-01T21:11:00.000-05:00

Last week Marsh & I were in Tennessee. He was going for a conference... I tagged along. We went a couple of days early, and drove out to the Smokies. Gorgeous mountains! Beautiful nature! It was a wonderful two day drive.

Then we headed into Nashville. It's quite a nice little city. Even though I'm not a country music fan, there was still plenty to do.

One thing we saw in Nashville is still bugging me, however. As we were driving along in the city we came to this church that was SO bizarre looking. The building was squat and sprawled over a large lot. But the steeple was enormously tall and skinny. It looked like a rocket that had been paused mid-blast. The whole effect made the church look ugly and wrongly put together. I said out loud to Marsh: "WHY would a church ever put that tall skinny steeple on top of a flat sprawled out building?"
No sooner were the words out of my mouth, than I think I had my answer. I looked down the street and saw church after church after church. We were evidently on church row. It seemed clear to me now why this church had this bizarre looking steeple... it was taller than all the other steeples on the street. And the result of competing with the other churches on the street (almost all of them were even in the baptist family, for heaven sake) was ridiculous and ugly.

I'm really, really, really glad that God wasn't competing with anyone when He created the Great Smokies...

Hear what the Spirit says to the churches....

2011-07-22T11:02:00.000-05:00

In Revelation 2, multiple times it says: "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches." That verse came alive for me this past week, as I attended our Free Methodist General Conference (a meeting that happens every 4 years).

In the past, GC has been what you'd expect... lots of business, Robert's Rules of Order, resolutions, and haggling over one or two words. This year, our Bishop's set the stage for a significantly different meeting.

We were broken down into 4 large groups (and12 sub groups). We were to ask the question: "How can we once again become a movement of God?" Our teams were tasked to consider: Every Person, Every Church, Every Means, and Every Place. I think almost all of the delegates came in wondering how we were going to accomplish this, within the short time (each team had one afternoon and one full day, and then time to present what they'd concluded over the next two days).

I confess that even though I'd been fasting and praying for GC11 regularly throughout the year, my expectations weren't high. God proved me wrong.

As I listened to group after group present, I became keenly aware that God's Spirit was speaking to us. Group after group talked about the same things. There was a profound sense of unity.

Freedom in methods. Holding people (leadership, pastors, and congregations) accountable to the RIGHT things... not a list of rules, but fully following Jesus in healthy ways. Finding new ways to measure this. Getting out of our comfort zone. Trying new things. Allowing leaders to lead. Empowering all followers of Jesus to do the work of Jesus. Seeing the hurting of the world and doing something about it. Getting over our fears.

I'm still processing all that happened at General Conference, including: How do I take this experience of collective listening for the Spirit of God, and bring it back to my church and my district?

The Spirit is at work. I want to be riding this wave...

25 years in ministry

2011-06-28T16:45:00.000-05:00

As of next week, I'll have been in ministry for 25 years. In late June, 1986, I packed up a truck full of all my 'stuff' and moved across country. I left my beloved Boston, my friends from high school and college, my 'career job' in the business world, and headed to the midwest. I was on my way to seminary and to work at a new church plant (which became one of those mega-churches). My brother volunteered to drive the moving van we'd rented, and it wasn't until we were half-way there (Ohio, I think) that I looked at the map and with horror said to him: "John! Illinois is next to IOWA!" I thought I was moving to the middle of nowhere (sorry, my friends from Iowa). I got to the home where I'd be staying with a family, and promptly got the stomach flu. I remember laying in bed watching Boston's July 4th fireworks on T.V., wondering 'what have I done?'

Twenty five years, 6 moves, 5 towns, 3 churches, 2 states, and 1 husband later, I have to say it's been a good time.

I'm not the same girl I was 25 years ago. Ministry is not the same. The world has changed. But God remains the same God who led me out on that adventure all those years ago... He's a God who loves me, invites me into His adventure, and gives me the ride of Life.

Here's to 25 more good ministry years hand in hand with this adventurer God...

Thin Places: Mundane & Extraordinary

2011-06-21T16:26:00.000-05:00

I've been told that Irish (Celtic) Christians have a phrase for a place or time when God seems to be exceptionally close: a "thin place." The idea is that the separation between the physical world and the spiritual world is "thin"... and in that place we can see more clearly with spiritual eyes the realities of God.

I like that phrase. It helps explains those times in my life when I've sensed the presence of God in palpable ways. Like when I was singing worship songs with thousands of other Christians from many, many nations and many, many different languages at an international conference. That was truly a taste of heaven. Or a time like our wedding day... when our African friend, Sam, spontaneously led a dance at the end of the ceremony, and I had a sense that Jesus was joining in the dance. Or the time when I was faced with the very real possibility that I had ovarian cancer, but I such a sense of peace from God.

I usually associate thin places with extraordinary occurrences, like the ones I mentioned above. Yet today I've had a sense, all day, of being in a thin place. A place of simply knowing the extravagant grace of God in the mundane. Today I was not singing with thousands, or marking a significant event, or facing a big challenge. In fact, it was an exceptionally average day... packing a lunch for Marsh, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, catching up on emails, talking to Jenn about her job hunt. But it crossed my mind this afternoon that I felt the grace of God in an unordinary way all day. I felt, even in these simple tasks, full with the wonder of a God who loves me extravagantly. Thank you, Lord, for thin places...

Runaway Plastic Cows

2011-06-13T21:49:00.000-05:00

You know those giant fake cows that often sit in front of a steak house or an ice cream shop? The really, really big ones that tower over your head?

Last week I was driving in Wisconsin (where else, if I'm talking about cows?) on the Interstate. I was coming up to an overpass, and I looked up, and guess what I saw? One of those giant cows, running across the overpass bridge at a fast clip! (No... I didn't get a photo. I didn't grab my phone fast enough).

Now I KNOW that in reality, it wasn't really running... but it sure looked like it. The vehicle that must have been pulling it was hidden behind the wall of the bridge.

The image of the fake cow running across the bridge had me giggling a good way of my trip. I even had to call my husband to tell him about the runaway cow.

But other than making me giggle... that image has been making me think. So often I find myself trying to explain to people how I KNOW that God is at work in my life. And sometimes people question whether I'm sane!

It's a bit like the fake cow. When I saw it, I knew it was being pulled by something I couldn't see. It really was the best explanation. But I suppose someone else, who felt they could trust only what they could see, might think I was crazy to assume a car or truck was the cause of the runaway cow.

For me? I know the cow was being pulled by a vehicle. And I know my life is being guided by the unseen hand of God. There's no other explanation to being on the road that I am...

Back on the road...

2011-05-25T16:11:00.000-05:00

I have wondered out loud if The Loop should be categorized as something other than a “church plant.” Church plants bring to my mind mass mailings and launch Sundays, with the hope of future buildings being built and a physical presence in the community being grown & maintained.

Of course, the ministry of Jesus didn’t exactly look like this kind of “church plant.” There were no mass mailings or launch Sundays (although the feeding of the 5,000 would have been a spectacular one!). No building was built, no physical reminder for generations to come of ‘the Church that Jesus built’...

...Unless you consider ‘The Church’ being the relationships and the people that Jesus built! For certainly The Twelve, The 72, The 120 were all that was needed to change the world.

I confess, I sometimes envy people their mass mailings, and launch Sundays, and new buildings and physical presence in their community. But... it seems that this is not our call.

This has been a season of waiting for The Loop. While in the Fall we saw new people coming, and others being discipled, in late February it seemed that The Loop was coming undone. People who had been with us, disappeared. Events where we would be expecting 10-15 people, would have no one show up. The well seemed to be ‘running dry.’ We entered Lent with one prayer: That what needed to die would die, so that Christ would more fully live in us.

God seemed to be in a process of peeling away much of what we depend upon. Jobs, where we live, and important relationships all seemed to be up in the air. My husband and I wondered if God was calling us to a new place. We waited... and waited... and waited... to hear what God would say.

Slowly... God seems to be letting us know that we are not done here yet. People who were gone (from The Loop) came back. Our next “Taste of Alpha” brought in three new young women to the group. We found a system of discipleship that fits with our vision. The few who remained began reporting that God was at work, transforming their lives in new, deep ways. They are ready for the ‘next steps‘ for us... whatever they may be. We are encouraged.

And so... we continue this journey of letting others know of Jesus and inviting them into His Way, this journey of ‘doing’ church in a way that bears more resemblance to the disciples walking through the fields of grain with Jesus, than a building with a steeple. Pray for us as we journey...

Waiting...

2011-05-04T20:06:00.001-05:00

As many of you know, we've been in a mode (ministry-wise) of 'exploring the land.' At the beginning of March, God seemed to be significantly shifting what we'd been doing with The Loop (it seemed to be doing a disappearing act)... and so we began 40 days of 'exploring the land' (the allusion being to what Joshua & Caleb did). The 40 days are over... and while we've had all sorts of interesting conversations and unexpected happenings, we still don't have an answer for which next territory we're headed towards.

Thankfully, over the past few years I've gotten better at waiting. I'm still not GOOD at it, but I'm better than I was. This past Sunday I was a guest speaker at a church, and I spoke on Sarah (as in 'Abraham & Sarah'). She had to wait a very long time (90 years) to see God at work in the way that she'd hoped.

Waiting is okay. There's a gift in waiting. We're on an adventure. We sense God's presence and peace. I just hope I don't have to be 90 years old for the waiting to be over...

Women in Ministry

2011-04-06T15:42:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I was at "Come to the Waters"... a conference for women in ministry. There were about 450 of us there! There were great speakers, workshops, etc. But the best part? Connecting with friends I rarely see (they live in other parts of the country), meeting new friends, and... laughing.

Laughter is good for the soul, isn't it? And somehow, when you are with people who are walking a very similar path to your own, there's alot to laugh about.

When we had a denominational meeting with all the Free Methodist clergywomen there, someone asked: What would you like to see happen if we were to more frequently get together? What's your need? Your expectation? You hope?

My answer? Laughter.

Today find someone you can laugh with. It's good for the soul!

Explore the Land

2011-03-21T23:11:00.000-05:00

40 days. It's an important number throughout the Bible. Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days. It rained for 40 days when Noah was in the ark. And... Joshua and Caleb and the other "spies" went and "explored the land" for 40 days.

It's this last mention of 40 days that has my interest right now. Last week, when I realized it was 40 days until Easter, I started looking up all the "40 days" in the Bible. And "explore the land" is what got stuck in my head.

You see... we're at a place where we really have no idea what's ahead... in SO many ways. Just like the Israelites had no idea what was ahead of them in the 'promised land.' So what did they do? They wisely spent 40 days exploring the possibilities ahead. And what are we doing? We're looking at possibilities. Every possibility that seems to come our way. And we're asking... how might God be at work here?

We still don't have an answer to that... except: I want to be like Joshua and Caleb, ready to go and do whatever God wants us to do. I don't want to be like the Israelites who turned and ran. Pray with me that we'll choose the Joshua way...

A Lenten Prayer

2011-03-10T23:12:00.000-06:00

Lent. A time to prepare for the miracle and mystery of Easter. To let go of what needs to die, so that we can enter into Christ’s resurrection more fully, more deeply.

While I’m not from a tradition that emphasized Lent, this is a year when I need it. I need this season to evaluate what needs to die, so that new life can come.

The past few months have been challenging ones for The Loop. We lost momentum after the holidays, which we never regained. Illness, busyness, forgetfulness, distractions, and choices all kept people away. This week we hosted a “Taste of Alpha.” Rather than the 15 people we’d hoped for (with the prayer that we’d launch a new Alpha class), Marshal and I ended up having dinner alone (with a very large pot of spaghetti!). Our other Alpha class has functionally disappeared.

I find myself asking: “What now, Lord?”

Enter into Lent. Pray and ponder: what needs to die so that Christ may fully live in me, and in us?

Will you enter into this Lenten prayer? For me? For The Loop? For yourself? Our world desperately needs the power of Christ’s resurrection. The good new is that our God is in the business of resurrection. The challenge that lies ahead is that death must come first. What needs to die so that Christ’s life and power might be more fully displayed? That is the prayer for this season of Lent...

Cabin Fever...

2011-03-04T14:17:00.000-06:00

This has been a long... long... long... winter.

Everyone I talk to (in this part of the world) seems to be longing for spring. And everyone seems to be working out their 'cabin fever' in different ways. Half my class at the local college didn't show up this week (and I was told that just about every class experienced the same thing!). One friend is working out every day at the gym (that would not be me!). Another friend is sitting below one of those 'natural daylight' lamps. Another has decided that 'tanning' helps. Or vitamin D.

When the weather gets like this, I cope in a variety of ways. Eat favorite food. Sleep. Dream of being on a cruise, somewhere warm. Plan the garden for when (if?) the snow melts.

What happens when I spiritually have 'cabin fever'? When I'm in the midst of a time when there seems to be little spiritual growth? Eat (take in favorite passages in the Bible). Sleep (rest). Dream of what might be. Plan next steps.

This Sunday, we have one of those 'next steps.' Another "Taste of Alpha" with the hopes of starting another Alpha course. Do you have cabin fever? Come on out on Sunday night. The food will be good. The conversation better.

Crankiness and Fires

2011-02-12T17:19:00.000-06:00

Last night Marshal & I decided to go out to eat. We thought we'd like to go to a mediterranean restaurant that we like... but we decided to call ahead to make sure there wasn't a long wait. We called... and the phone 'mailbox was full'! Really? What kind of good business practice was that? So... we kept calling thinking that sooner or later we'd get through. No luck. That made me cranky. And judgmental. I liked this restaurant, but REALLY, if they couldn't even answer the phone on a Friday night... (And the crankiness wasn't helped by the fact that I'm recovering from surgery).

Finally, we switched gears and decided to try a new italian restaurant. Called, and got a reservation that gave us enough time to get ready and then get over there. I wanted mediterranean, but italian would have to do.

Just as we were walking out of our house to try the new restaurant, Marsh looked at the local paper sitting on our couch. On the front page? A picture of the mediterranean restaurant burning down two days ago. Oh. So THAT'S why they hadn't answered the phone.

It makes me wonder... how often am I judgmental of people, when I have no idea what their reality is? Probably far too often.

The Big Story

2011-01-26T12:02:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday, at a meeting with some of our Loop folks, I asked a question: What's a movie that you've loved, that has really connected with you in some way?

Braveheart. Shawshank Redemption. Apollo 13. The Lord of the Rings. Saving Private Ryan. Titanic.

Okay... why? The answer that seemed common to all of us, was that these movies speak to our hearts, whispering the truth that there is... something more. That we are created with purpose. (As an engineer who loved Apollo 13 said: "regular old engineers got to save the day!"). These movies remind us that we can be 'heroes' in the grand story of life. The struggles that we face are really about so much more.

Which led us to the next part of the discussion. God has put this desire to be part of something bigger in our hearts. He's created us with greater purpose. But do we see it? Do we know it? Do we live as if we are truly part of 'The Big Story' and that we have a crucial role to play? Or do we get stuck in the humdrum of life, never hearing the whisper to be... something more?

Today? Listen to that whisper. There is more. Much more.

Shimmering Verses

2011-01-10T15:16:00.000-06:00

Each year I pick a "Bible verse of the year." The verse represents some hope or challenge or prayer that I want to carry with me throughout the year. I like to have that verse in mind by January 1. It makes sense, right? Get off to the right start for the new year. Get focused on what is to come.

But this year? I was having a hard time figuring out what verse to choose. Nothing seemed to... 'fit'... until this morning. This morning I found a verse that... how do I describe it?

Believers in the evangelical tradition would say that "God's Word spoke."

Those in the charismatic tradition may say that "the Spirit moved."

Christians in the contemplative tradition describe verses that "shimmer."

Whichever tradition... I read this verse this morning, and little bells went off in my head. "YES! This is it!" Here it is:

"This is what the Lord says: stand at the crossroads and look;

ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it,

and you fill find rest for your souls." - Jeremiah 6:16

For you... what verse shimmers, speaks, or moves? Listen... God speaks.

Presents

2010-12-20T23:20:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday we had our Loop Christmas Celebration. We had brunch together (thanks, Marsh... it was yummy!), then I took some time to teach about the first Christmas. It's always fun (& chaotic!) when I'm teaching something to ages 3 to 55 all at the same time!

The best part of the morning came for me when I told people that we had a present for them from the Loop... if they'd like to take it. I'd found a deal on all kinds of Bibles (magazine format, compact versions in various colors, and MP3 bibles!) as well as on bookmarks listing all the books of the Bible. I knew that everyone in the group had a Bible (I'd made sure of that)... but I told them that if they'd like one that they thought... fit them more... then I'd love for them to pick one.

I watched as everyone came up to the pile, and looked, and touched, and held, and discussed what would fit in a purse, on a desk, and which one would get read the most. I sat there incredibly grateful. People's eyes were shining as they picked up their new Bible (almost everyone took one), and they were excited to take it home. Most of the people who were picking out a Bible would not have been Bible readers a few years - or even months - ago (some still aren't, and some are still searching... but they excitedly took a Bible anyway).

I still have lots of presents that have to be wrapped for family and friends to give on Christmas. I love giving gifts. But I'm not sure if anything will beat giving those Bibles this Christmas.

Advent

2010-12-13T16:36:00.000-06:00

I love the weeks leading up to Christmas... "Advent." A time of preparing room in our lives for Jesus.

But this year... I came down with a nasty, long-lasting cold, just as Advent was beginning... and I feel like I've been catching up ever since. Yesterday, I lit my advent wreath for the first time (2 weeks late). My little Christmas tree isn't yet decorated, and the big one is staying in the garage. I still need to get our Christmas letter out. Being behind has put me out of sorts for the season.

But then I remember... it's never too late to make room for Jesus. And so, today... I light the advent wreath again, read some of my favorite passages of prophecy about the coming Messiah (Jesus), and take a deep breath. Because... ALL of advent is supposed to be a time of preparation and welcoming. Yes, by Christmas eve I hope to have the tree decorated and the presents wrapped! But far more importantly... by Christmas Eve I want to be celebrating the fact that my God is a God who so wildly loves us that He left His throne in heaven, to come on a rescue mission to earth, invading the womb on a young girl, humbly being born as a baby. It is far more important that my soul know and welcome this truth, than that the tree be decorated!

Today... welcome the Savior.

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." Welcome, Lord Jesus...

Beating the 'Bah Humbug'

2010-11-27T18:52:00.000-06:00

I went out into "Black Friday" just long enough yesterday to return home saying "bah humbug!" While I love celebrating Christmas - including giving gifts - I hate setting foot into stores this time of year. Crowds, impatient people, and the 'you aren't complete unless you have this' marketing schemes all get me down.

But I've found one thing that helps to beat the "bah humbugs." When I pass by a Salvation Army red kettle, I toss in a dollar. It doesn't matter if I pass three in a day, I still make the effort to toss in money every time I go by (unless I'm passing by the same kettle on the way in and out of the building!).

A few days ago, as I was standing outside in very cold temperatures while I dug into my wallet looking for money, one of the bells ringers suggested that I simply make a donation through my smart phone. Even if I could (I don't have a smart phone), I wouldn't. I explained to him that it was the action of always stopping to give some money as I shopped that was important to me.

He looked at me like I was a little crazy. How could I explain that the act of throwing some money in a kettle helped me to remember that I have so much, while the people the Salvation Army serve have so little? It puts all the craziness inside the stores into perspective.

Next time you are in a 'bah humbug' mood, intentionally stop at that red kettle and throw something in. The Salvation Army is one of the most effective and efficient organizations out there in serving those who are neediest. And as you throw something in? Pause and say a prayer... of thanksgiving for all that you have... as well as a prayer that God would bring hope to whoever is on the other end of you donation.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T15:50:00.000-06:00

The retail world is hurtling us towards Christmas. Decorations, ads, and merchandise all reminds us that Christmas will "soon" be here. Yesterday, a clerk wished me a "Merry Christmas"... and I absentmindedly responded "Merry Christmas to you, too" as I collected my bags. But just as I was about ready to turn and leave, I turned back. "Happy Thanksgiving before Merry Christmas!" I reminded both her and me (even though the snow outside is indeed making it so "it's beginning to look alot like Christmas").

Why is it important to have a "Happy Thanksgiving" before sprinting into Christmas? For me, it has to do with my soul. "Happy Thanksgiving" for me does not equate to "Happy Turkey Day." While it's good to gather with family (and good to eat wonderful food!) the point, to me, of THANKSgiving, should be to give thanks to the Giver of all good gifts.

When we run into the Christmas season without giving thanks, then it simply becomes about what we will buy, get, give. It becomes about getting more and giving more. No wonder everyone in the stores seems so crabby!

But... if we truly pause and thank God for all He's given --- family, friends, warm clothes & shelter, paying jobs, enough food, life with purpose, the beauty of nature, love & joy --- I could keep going, but you get the picture... if we truly stop and think about all we have (not all we want)... then Christmas can resume it's correct place. A celebration of God's great love and mercy, coming down on a rescue mission to earth in the form of a helpless baby. And Thanksgiving can become a "happy" event as gratefulness floods the soul.

So today, I wish you all a....
Happy Thanksgiving!

Casino Prayer

2010-11-10T15:05:00.000-06:00

"I've been going to a quiet place in the casino to try out praying..."
It's not what you'd normally hear at church. Of course... we're not too normal! One of the guys in our Alpha class has no church background (truly none), but is putting his "toe in the water" and trying prayer. He works (you guessed it) at the casino. Hence... the line that was heard today at our Alpha class.
I LOVE our group. I love how we break the mold. I love how we have people coming who would not walk into a "normal" church. And I love how I hear things at our church meetings that I've never heard in other church meetings...

50,000 words...

2010-11-08T23:21:00.000-06:00

I'm one week down on this novel writing journey, but not yet 1/4 of the way there (yes, that means I'm behind on word count). Part of the reason I'm behind is that I had to stop and spend quite a bit of time figuring out what I'm writing about (this is something that many who are doing the novel-in-a-month thing had complete before November, but I came late to the game). Part of the reason I'm behind is that there were some unexpected interruptions. And part of the reason I'm behind is that I had underestimated how many 50,000 really is.

I've never been good at estimating anything having to do with numbers. Time? I usually think it will take less time than it does. Measuring food for portion size? Sometimes over, sometimes under, rarely right. Writing a book? I'm just beginning to pour the words into that 50,000 level cup, wondering if I'll have enough to fill it. But I continue to pour, and since it seems that Jesus invited me into this journey, I'm asking Him to multiply the words like He did with the loaves and fishes...

Novel Writing

2010-11-02T16:38:00.000-05:00

Last week I got an email from the college where I sometimes teach, asking if I could teach a 6 week Tuesday / Thursday class. When I looked at my calendar I was amazed to find that the class time was open every Tuesday and Thursday from now until Christmas. So... I told them I could. In order to teach, however, I had to rush to get some around-the-house things done, and I had to make some adjustments to my schedule. But - ta-da! - I could do it!

Then on Thursday I got another email. They'd decided to run a different class this semester, and won't be needing me. Okay....

I sat for awhile and talked to God. What was THAT about? Clearing and adjusting my schedule... for what? My husband encouraged me to fill the time with some art classes... but for some reason, I couldn't get excited about painting or pottery. WHAT was I supposed to do with this new-found time?

On Friday, I came across the National Novel Writing Month (nanowrimo)... which is November. The idea is that hundreds of thousands of people (literally) sign up to take the challenge to write a complete novel (50,000 words) during the month of November. Not the great American novel. Not something that's ready for the publisher... but a full first draft. I've always said that "someday" I'd like to write a novel. But now? Without weeks to formulate a plot or think about characters? Oh... why not.

So I signed up. And I've started. And now I think I'm crazy. What was I thinking??? Still... there is that extra time that God seems to have had me clear away...

Maybe I'll write a novel about a crazy pastor who tries to write a novel...

You never know...

2010-10-22T12:49:00.000-05:00

Last night we hosted a "Taste of Alpha" as an introduction to the Alpha course (a 10 week course in Christianity). We had a mix of new people, as well as people who have been through the course. One of the people who came is someone who has been coming to Alpha for over a year, as an "agnostic." With an atheistic background, he watched every video with skepticism. I wondered why he kept coming. At one point I asked and he said: "If you keep feeding me, I'll come." Okay...

Last night we had a new person, who has no religious background whatsoever. He wanted to know if he would truly be welcomed. I introduced him to one of our guys who 2 years ago came as a skeptic, and took almost a year before deciding to follow Jesus. Then I introduced him to this guy who has been coming to Alpha for a year, and asked him to define himself (expecting him to say "agnostic"). Instead, he told us that he'd decided to follow Jesus about a week ago.

You never know when God will use a video... or food... or a quiet moment alone to reveal Himself to someone! I love God's surprises...

Eagles Cry

2010-10-12T14:45:00.000-05:00

This summer we've often seen a bald eagle flying outside our kitchen window, over the small lake near our house. It is an enormous, majestic, awesome bird. One of those sights that takes your breath away...

...until it makes a sound. Somehow, it's cry seems... wimpy. In fact, if I didn't know it was an eagle, I'd think it was a much smaller bird!

As a follower of Jesus, I have His enormous power at my disposal. The power of prayer. The power of His Truth and wisdom. The power of His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control. The power that is in His church, which is His body on this earth, power to transform a hurting world.

But I wonder how often I - and we - sound wimpy. We forget HIS power, and rely on our own. Or worse... we rely on the power of this world to get our message across. We forget the source of our true power and we only sound out a little chirp.

Even though the eagle's cry is not a roar, I don't think eagles forget their power. But do we?

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 41:31).

Self-Discipline

2010-10-04T22:15:00.001-05:00

I've been on the road most of the past 2 1/2 weeks. Half way through this time I got a cold. So for the past 8 (9?) days I've been dealing with both the upheaval of travel as well as feeling lousy.

You know what happened? My healthy eating and exercise flew out the window. Okay... maybe I threw it out the window. But today... it's Monday. A day to start the week fresh. A day to eat a bit healthier. A day to... maybe not exercise, but at least sit outside in the sunshine! Maybe tomorrow I'll feel well enough to go for a long walk. It is a beautiful time of year, after all!

I'm glad God loves me whether I'm eating veggies or junk food. But I'm also glad that He loves me enough to want me to live a healthy (and disciplined) life. So today... I'll let both the veggies that I'll eat and the sunshine that I'll bask in remind me of His love!

Home

2010-09-14T14:25:00.000-05:00

This month marks my living in Minnesota for 13 years... longer than I've lived in any other state (unless you add up all the different times I've lived in Massachusetts, AND you include the four years I was in college in Maine, but my "home" was in Mass.). Because I've lived in 6 different states (10 different towns) when people ask me where "home" is, I'm never quite sure how to answer.

I love Minnesota. It's a great adopted home. But having moved as often as I have, I still find that I hold locations of "home" quite loosely.

But there's one home where I want to put roots down deep. The "home" of life with God. I want my place of safety, comfort, and "feeling like I belong" to be with Him.

Hey Minnesota? You're a beautiful, great place to live. But you can't hold a candle to being at home with God!

The world wide web... of friends

2010-08-27T21:43:00.000-05:00

Jennifer (our "daughter") is headed out tomorrow to go to Florida with a friend. They are on a mission... bring back a car that Jenn's dad has for her. They'll take five days to make the trip. Along the way they will stay with friends and family that I've contacted who are willing to give them a place to sleep.

Some of these friends are people I haven't seen for years, but they are willing to help out. I'm thankful! I didn't want Jenn to be driving all night, or driving tired. A world-wide-web of friends is a far better thing than the www of the internet. In a few weeks, Jenn and I will be staying with another friend who is putting us up while Jenn takes a class in Washington, DC. Thank you, Lord, for friends all over the place who are willing to help out!

And Lord? Some day I pray that The Loop would spread out all over the place... willing to lend a hand in all kind of places, to all kinds of people...

Almost to the top of a hill?

2010-08-21T11:53:00.000-05:00

We're in an interesting place with The Loop right now. For the past year, most of our connections have been with college students. I've loved it! But this is a very mobile population... and with September looming, many (perhaps even most) of our people are on the move. Some of them will be attending schools in other locations. The new graduates are looking for jobs... and their desired careers will probably lead them to other locations. So... what's next? Good question. Perhaps God will use some of these people to take The Loop with them (our concept is very mobile, after all, and we are designing it so that this could happen). I'm praying for this. Time will tell. Perhaps God will also bring us new people. I'm also praying for this. Some have asked me if I'm discouraged. Nope. I feel like God let me know when I started this journey with The Loop that this would be a different sort of journey... a slower one, an untraditional one.

I feel like I'm out on a hike in the woods, not speeding along a highway. The pace is slow. And just now... I'm hiking up a hill, almost to the top, but I don't yet know what the view is. I'm praying that the new view reaches far and wide. But whether the top of the hill holds a grand view, or simply a twist in the path that keeps leading up, I continue the hike, enjoying the scenery as well as the stops along the way.

You CAN be in two places at once

2010-08-10T12:31:00.000-05:00

I did something this past weekend that's a first for me... I spoke in two countries at once.

How? I was the officiating minister at a beautiful wedding. The bride is from Rumania... and all of her family is still in Rumania. The groom's family hosted the wedding... and a friend of the bride did a skype video stream of the whole wedding and reception. The bride's family hosted a party in their home... and participated via the technological connection. Before the ceremony, after the ceremony, and frequently during the reception, the bride and members of the wedding party would stop by the computer to "say hello" to the group in Rumania (who must have been very sleepy... our "afternoon wedding" was late at night, and the reception would have been early in the morning!). What an amazing thing...

Which makes me wonder... how soon might it be that we have a virtual connection to a new group for The Loop that's outside our area? Yes, it's possible...

Entering the Story

2010-08-04T23:47:00.000-05:00

This past year I haven't done much speaking / preaching in anything larger than a small group... until recently. When we were in South Dakota I preached twice. I'll be preaching in Minneapolis in a couple of weeks. And I've just finished working on a message for a wedding I'm officiating on Saturday.

My speaking / preaching lately has consisted mostly of story telling. Sometimes in the first person, sometimes in the third. The friends who dug a hole in a roof to get their friend to Jesus. The woman with the issue of blood, healed by Jesus. Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine.

I used to think that this kind of "preaching" was almost cheating... for me, with my creative drama background, it seemed too easy. But lately, I've realized it's a gift. Somehow, entering the story can make us hear the voice of God in ways that more academic preaching / teaching can't.

Next time you pick up your Bible and read one of it's stories, try this: place yourself in the story. Who are you? Where are you? Why are you there? What do you learn?

Let the Story live in you... let the Word live in you...

Do a U-Turn... then ... Do a U-Turn

2010-07-26T11:24:00.002-05:00

We've just gotten back from a week in South Dakota... both vacation time, and ministry time (I spoke at 2 churches in our district). While we were in the beautiful black hills, our GPS kept getting confused as it would lose a signal in the hills. At one point, it kept saying (over and over again): "Do a u-turn... then... do a u-turn." Marsh and I had a good chuckle about that one!
But our GPS reminds me too much of our culture these days. We seem to be going in circles, with no one pointing a clear way ahead. When I get anxious because of the circles I see or feel around me, I remember the words of Jesus:
"I am the way..."
Phew. Clear directions. No circles. No u-turns... unless it's that u-turn to get on His road.

Spiritual Practices

2010-07-14T16:03:00.000-05:00

This summer, we've combined our two "post-Alpha" groups so that we can meet together for "Spiritual Training." (This is the group that met at Cici's Pizza last week... this week we met at our house. A MUCH saner option). Each week, we've talked about spiritual practices that a person can do, in order to make room for the workings of God in their life. Last week, we talked about "Simple" practices (Sabbath, quiet, worship, thanks, celebration). I gave everyone a sheet with a list of practices, and told them to try one or two. When we met this week, a number of people had tried one or two of the practices... and for some of them, they had a new sense of God because of it. This week, our practices involve the "side-by-side" aspects of our life... being in community with others, speaking the truth in love, resolving conflict and asking for forgiveness, sharing honestly. (If you notice a pattern of words that begin with "s", understand that these practices are being organized around our core values, that all begin with "s"). Next week, we'll talk about practices related to Scripture. I love it when people experience God - perhaps in a new way, or for the first time - and so I've greatly enjoyed teaching these practices to this group.
If you want to know more, go to our website: www.getintheloop.net
Click the "God's Invitations" tab, and read the material we're covering. I'd love any feedback you have...

Thomas Edison & Cici's Pizza

2010-07-07T12:34:00.001-05:00

Thomas Edison once said: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

One more thing that doesn't work: Meeting with a large group (larger than expected... 13 people) at Cici's pizza. Too noisy. Too many distractions. BUT... one thing I learned... more people are coming to learn about spiritual practices and "God's Invitations" than I expected. I keep looking for that lightbulb of the best place to meet...

Connecting makes things easier

2010-06-29T15:30:00.000-05:00

I just got done updating The Loop's website, facebook group, and facebook page. Does that make me sound like a "techie"? The reality is that anyone who knows me would laugh at the idea that I'm technically oriented! But I am learning how to use these technical tools and connect them...

One thing I've learned is that, while I'm frustrated that I can't get my Mac-based website to show up in the google engines, I CAN get our church's facebook page to show up. So... connect them!

And for awhile I was frustrated by having too many things to keep updated on the website every time we scheduled a new event on facebook. But I've learned... connect them!

Re-directing people from one site to another (and hey - my blog would be included in this), just makes sense. More ways to get the news out!

I find this is true in the church world, as well. The Loop isn't your cup of tea? Or you live too far? I'll connect you to something that makes more sense. If we (in the church world) could better "link" to one another, we'd be functioning better as well!

Church Moves from McDonald's Playland to Cici's Pizza

2010-06-22T23:47:00.000-05:00

As far as I know, we are the first church to meet in a McDonald's Playland. Really. At least our first team has come to realize it's the perfect place to have a meal and then a Bible study & discussion... while keeping the kids occupied.

However... for the summer, we are combining our teams. (With the crazy-summer-schedule, we thought we'd change it up a bit). Where do combine a group of college students, with a team with young kids? No, not McDonald's... Cici's Pizza. Cici's still has the arcade to keep the kids occupied. But it also allows the college students to pig out on pizza for cheap.

I'll keep you posted on the pros and cons of church at Cicis...

Little Adventures

2010-06-17T14:46:00.000-05:00

If you know me, you know that I can be a bit... driven. Focused. So focused on the future that I lose sight of the present. My husband, Marshal, is thankfully someone that is far better at enjoying the journey. (Literally... when we travel, he even likes to stop and read all those little historical markers by the side of the road). Being married to him, I've come to better appreciate the adventure of the moment.

This past weekend, we were on the road to Annual Conference (a regional meeting of pastors). In one sense, we were on a "business trip" for me (although I do really enjoy Annual Conference, it still wouldn't be considered a vacation!). But we ended up making the weekend into an adventure. We took the long way home. We stopped at an out-of-the-way greenhouse that had lots of new varieties of plants (yes, we bought more plants). We enjoyed the scenery. And yes, we even took in a few historical markers. When we got tired we pulled into a McDonald's parking lot for the free wi-fi, and booked a hotel room for the evening.

When I look at Jesus, I see someone who, while He always knew where He was heading (in every sense), He also knew how to enjoy the journey. He knew that "interruptions" were actually opportunities for God to show up. He took time to get away and rest.

There are many things I want to see happen with The Loop this summer. But I need to remember that summer is a great season to sit back and enjoy the adventure and the journey...

Hummingbirds

2010-06-15T15:57:00.000-05:00

Did you know that the tiny hummingbird (3 inches, 2-3 grams, 1/5 the weight of a chickadee) flaps it's wing 50-60 times per SECOND, breathes 250 times a minute, and has a heart that beats 1,260 times a minute? (No, I'm not an ornithologist, but I do own a bird book!). This year we've put up a feeder on our kitchen window, and another one on our deck. We regularly are visited by the ruby-throated variety. Beautiful. Tiny. Amazing. Able to fly frontwards, backwards, and hover. When you are close, you can hear their wings. And each time I get to see one up close... I hold my breathe a bit in wonder... and I thank God for His amazing creativity... and thank Him that He shares His beauty and creativity to me in such small, wonderful way!

Digging Gardens

2010-06-07T19:23:00.000-05:00

Most people would be happy to move into a house with a garden already perfect. But me? Ever since I started gardening (about a dozen years ago), I've been drawn to places where things aren't currently growing. My first garden was carved out of a weedy backyard that had served as the neighborhood construction dump site. I figured that I couldn't make it worse!

When Marshal & I moved into our home (this is our 7th summer), there was one standard garden with daylillies, and then there was one garden & a hillside with "wildflowers" (golden rod, a.k.a. weeds). We now have 7 gardens, dug out of the lawn (or weeds, or rocks). We rarely plant large plants... we usually get small perennials (plants that come up year after year) when the sales start. We plant lots... and wait to see what survives. We're still digging up weeds, planting new plants, laying paths, spreading mulch. But you know what? It's finally beginning to look like the garden we'd hoped it would be. And we love it.

So now I find myself digging up new "ground" for a church. Not going where someone else has already gone. Going to people who are new to God, new to faith. Probably shouldn't be surprised!

We're 7 years in on the garden, and we're 2 1/2 years in on the church. My prayer is that when we arrive at 7 years with the church it will be flourishing as much as our garden is now!

Mobile Church

2010-06-02T13:34:00.000-05:00

This past week I've been pondering this notion of a "mobile church." On the first page of our church website (www.getintheloop.net), it asks this question: "What would it be like to be out on the open road with Jesus?" It's asked that question for over a year... it's crucial to the vision for The Loop. But about a week ago, I began to realize... at this point, we haven't done too well on the "mobile" part. Our meetings have been pretty focused on our home.

Another element that's crucial to The Loop is training others who can lead. Again... at this point, I've been the "point person" for everything.

But now I'm asking some new questions... how do we really start putting this "mobile" plan into action? How do we get others to take Jesus with them... to their workplaces, or schools, or friendship groups?

Pray with me for the next segment of the journey...

God's Generosity

2010-05-16T13:29:00.000-05:00

I'm in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It's a beautiful city. This morning I spent a few free moments looking out my hotel window onto a city bursting with spring, while the mountains in the distance are still covered in snow. Ah... I love to travel.

I've always loved to travel. When I was young I informed my mother that I was going to travel to England on my honeymoon! (Oddly enough, I did).

But 25 years ago, when I sensed that God was calling me to leave the business world and enter the ministry, I surrendered this "travel bug" to God. I really believed that, with the change in finances that being in ministry would bring,traveling was something that I would have to give up. As much as I grieved this, I trusted God that He would make it so I wouldn't miss it.

I'm doing a quick tally in my head. Since entering ministry, I've traveled internationally at least 17 times... Bringing the total number of countries I've visited to over 22. The vast majority of these trips have been paid by someone else. Today I'm in Vancouver for a meeting of Arrow Leadership Ministries. I sit on their board (so they pay for the trip).

I know that God doesn't always work exactly like this, but my experience with God has been that every time I give up something for Him, He more than makes up for it. I serve a generous God!

Tribes

2010-05-06T15:48:00.001-05:00

As I work with many people who are in the early 20s age bracket, I'm seeing what a number of others are seeing... tribal behavior. No, I don't mean that they are out there dancing around a camp fire. What I mean is that people run in packs of friends... and each pack has a slightly different behavior. For example: Tribes have different ways of communicating. One tribe texts. One tribe uses Facebook... another, Myspace... another Twitter. Some actually still use email or the phone (but very few). That's just one way that tribes differentiate themselves.

And that is a challenge for someone like me. When I'm hosting an event, I need to be able to pass the word along to each tribe in their preferred method of communication. (Yes, that gets confusing!). And I need to be able to personally connect with people... no matter what their "tribe."

Fortunately, a few people are beginning to understand this challenge. I'm now looking at a web-based church management program that would allow each of our sttenders to set up their own page (similar to facebook) and program in their own communications preferences. This might work for us... I need to investigate more.

I also just got a book entitled "Tribes: We Need YOU to Lead Us." I'm hoping that will give me some more ideas. I'll let you know if I like the book....

What's in a Name?

2010-04-30T17:39:00.000-05:00

Okay, this is getting silly. The Loop's foundation is "Teams" of people who meet together & serve together. These "teams" usually (okay, up until now, ALWAYS) start with an Alpha class (Alpha is a 10 week introduction to Christianity). And up until now, it's been pretty easy to keep track of our different groups. But it's getting confusing. Here's the deal: Our first Alpha class became team #1. Simple. And when they were team #1 we started a new Alpha class. So... we had one team, and one Alpha class. But then... we added another Alpha class. Okay, so we have Alpha 1 & 2... or is that 2 & 3? And now one of our Alpha classes has finished Alpha and has become a Team. Team 2, right? So does that make the Alpha group that is left, Alpha 1, 2, or 3???

Let's face it. We need to get creative and actually name these teams. Any ideas? So far, after posting the question on facebook, I've received the following suggestions: The Loopey Group, The Mongooses, "something having to do with weaving loops", name them after streets in "the loop" (uh... wrong city!), name them after roller coasters (are there really that many names of roller coasters?), kattjm (initials of people in the group). Ah.... someone with some creative brainpower, help me!

Wear It

2010-04-23T10:14:00.001-05:00

I love it when people get excited about a particular Bible verse and memorize it or put it on a post-it on their mirror or computer, or make it into a piece of art. This week, I learned something new to do with a Bible verse you are excited about. One of the people in one of our groups was gripped by a Bible verse he heard in the Alpha video (Rom. 6:23)... so much so that he said: "I think this will be my next tatoo." I love it! Except that I think I'LL stick to putting verses on a post-it...

Ministry on the edge

2010-04-14T19:04:00.000-05:00

Last week someone who reads my blog asked me if I was discouraged. Goodness, NO!

My life right now is "doing ministry on the edge." What do I mean by that? It means I am connecting with people who are far, far away from "church" (that edge). And often far from God, as well. It means that they don't look like or talk like a church crowd. It means that their lives are messy, and sometimes... they just don't show up. Sometimes this means they don't show up once. Other times it means they disappear.

But I love doing ministry on the edge. Today at our Alpha class I talked to two guys who have lived lives far from the church crowd. But they are looking at their lives and realizing... there is something more.

I realize that ministry on the edge doesn't result in huge churches exploding into quick being. That usually takes a group that's closer to God for that to happen. When people are far, far away from God, it's a long, long road to get them there, to see their lives transformed, to see their leadership potential tapped and developed.

But you know what? I love this road. I love being on the edge. I love the people God is bringing me into contact with. I love the sense of having to wait each day to see who God will bring and what God will do.

I've done enough ministry in the "safe" zone. I have to tell you... it's much more fun on the edge.

Herding Sheep

2010-04-09T13:23:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking more about my last blog. I'm well aware that Jesus often talked about being "the good shepherd" and that his sheep know his voice (in the middle east sheep are not kept in a place with a fence, but they learn the voice of their shepherd and follow it). How might Jesus be "calling" to my "herd"? How should I, as an "under-shepherd" call?

Jesus loves His sheep... even when we stray. He goes hunting for us when we are lost. He takes care of us when we are hurt. THAT'S how his sheep come to know his voice and follow him.

Lord? I want to love this flock in a way that reflects your love...

Herding Cats or Sheep?

2010-04-08T15:29:00.000-05:00

Over the past few weeks (2 of which were "spring break week" for our college students), our Alpha groups have been quite... varied... in attendance. Yesterday we were back to two functioning groups, with a total of 7 of us split between the two groups.

When I told my Superintendent, who has been praying for us, about some of the weeks when we had people "disappear", he likened doing ministry with college students to herding cats. Consistent attendance isn't a priority for most students. Finals? Can't come. Spring Break? Can't come. Nice weather? Well, you know...

I laughed at the picture of the impossibility of herding cats. But then I wondered... is it really herding cats or herding sheep? Cats do things on their own. But this group travels in packs. When the pack is straying, off they all go. When the pack is headed in the right direction, you can breathe a sigh of relief.

Makes me wonder... where can I get a sheep dog?

Unorthodox Easter

2010-03-27T16:39:00.002-05:00

I know... at most churches, on Easter you expect to wear your Easter best, sing the grandest songs, bring in more tradition than normal. But at The Loop? We'll have a meal together like normal (although this one will be breakfast), then talk about what Jesus' resurrection does for us (theme for the morning: the freedom Jesus brings), then we'll have an easter egg hunt for the kids. Maybe we'll listen to a song or two on my ipod. Most of us will probably be in blue jeans.

I know that's not a traditional Easter service, at least not the way tradition has been in any church where I've been before. At the same time, it reminds me of that first Easter... when Jesus appeared alive to the disciples, and asked them for something to eat. A meal was an integral part of that first Easter celebration... as was sitting around, asking questions, taking in the miracle of the resurrection. (Luke 24)

We may not have a brass band or a choir next week when we celebrate... but we don't need that to take in the miracle of the resurrection!

Ah, Spring!

2010-03-15T17:44:00.002-05:00

Yesterday and today have been sunny and warm. (Yesterday was a record... in the low 60s... and today is in the 50s). The snow is almost gone. The ice in the lake is melting. And I'm wondering when we'll get socked again with snow! (Honest... we usually have a late March or early April storm that brings in 6-10 inches!). But for now I soak up the sunshine and the warmth (I even went outside to sit for awhile this afternoon!).

For this gardener, spring always brings hopes and plans for the coming garden. This winter we had to cut down a bunch of trees due to disease. But that means sunshine in new places! And I begin to plot and plan what and where to plant.

We're in a ministry "spring" as well. Lots of new faces at Alpha (all college students). And plans beginning to take shape for the next step after Alpha. I woke up early this morning and couldn't fall back to sleep because I kept having new ideas!

Whether it's in the garden or in ministry, I DO love spring!

Thankful for The Team!

2010-03-10T15:58:00.002-06:00

This has been a wild week. I've been dealing with conflict resolution at one of the churches in my district (where I am the assistant superintendent). I've planned & held a meeting with pastors. I've graded mid-term exams, and am now turning the corner to teaching the final week and a half of class. And today... I was running two Alpha classes for college students.

As I sat this morning with my cup of coffee, looking out the window, I knew that I was tired... and that frustrated me. I wanted the energy to really pray for the group that was coming today to Alpha. I wanted to pray for people to come & I wanted to pray for God to really be at work. I also wanted the energy to interact with these students, talking about life, answering questions, praying for them. But there I sat, exhausted.

But then a little thought occurred to me. I did not have the energy to fervently pray... but I knew that my prayer team was praying. Suddenly, I felt lifted up by others' prayers. I was not doing this on my own. I am part of a team.

Thank you, team members. Your prayers were answered today. God came. People came. They asked questions. They got excited about the things of God. And they said they want to keep coming.

I am so thankful for my team! Today, I rode on your prayers, and they carried me.

The 3rd Alpha / Team

2010-03-03T15:33:00.003-06:00

I've been praying for our 3rd Alpha class to start before winter is out (one past Alpha class has become a Loop Team, one is still meeting as an Alpha class, and I've been praying for a new one to start. Alpha is a 12 week intro to Christianity). I had no idea how this 3rd class would start... didn't know who to invite. But I've been praying, asking God to bring me a new group.

I'm teaching this Humanities class at a local college. One of the assignments that I give students is to go to something "religious" outside their own experience, and to do a write up on it. I've always mentioned The Loop as an option, but just in passing. This time, I had two students ask me if they could come to "my church" (they know I'm a pastor). We opened up our current Alpha class (all college students) to anyone from my class who would like to come, and our original group agreed to go back to lesson #1 so people could get a taste of the Alpha program. Today at lunch 4 new students came. Three of them would like to join a new group which will start next week! As far as I know, none of the 3 are church goers. And so... our third Alpha class starts (with a wide invitations to others to join us!). Interestingly, the group figured out how to make it work so that this group meets first, then has lunch together with the original group, then the original group meets.

I LOVE it when I see God at work in ways that are completely beyond me. Thank you to those who are on my prayer team, and have been praying with me for this!

In Deep Weeds

2010-02-26T16:55:00.002-06:00

On Thursday, after I had taught class, and as I was picking up my books and coat in order to leave, one of my students walked in. This student hadn't been in class... in fact, he's missed 2/3 of the classes so far. He apologized for missing, and then said: "Uh... am I doing okay in Humanities?" What do you say? I finally mustered the words to say: "Well... you've missed most of the classes, and haven't turned any assignments in yet. I'd say you are in deep weeds!" He actually tried to make a case for why he thought he should be doing well! Sigh...

I wondered: how could this student think he was doing well? But then I stopped and asked: Do I ever do this in life? Convince myself that I'm doing well, when in reality, I'm simply in denial?

I'm still pondering that... and in my case, rather than asking a teacher, I'm asking God. How am I doing, Lord? Is there any place where I think I'm good, but really, I'm in deep weeds? (I hope not... but I'd rather know the truth than be ignorant...)

A Challenge...

2010-02-18T14:33:00.003-06:00

I'm back to teaching Humanities at a local college. We're in week 2 of a 6 week abbreviated semester. On Tuesday, I asked students on their quiz to write down anything that would be helpful for me to know (like what they were struggling to understand). One guy wrote that he wanted me to know that he hated stuff like theater and music and religion and... (yeah, that's pretty much the class... and it's a required class). Ah, a challenge to make a class he "hates" something that impact his life.

I love the challenge!

Open Doors

2010-02-12T14:21:00.003-06:00

I'm preparing to teach a workshop tomorrow at our area (Free Methodist) GROW event. I'm talking about making sure we (and our churches) are truly places where people are welcome.

Jesus had an amazing way of welcoming people who were definitely outside the "religious" mold. Matthew represents "all that's wrong" in Jesus' time... Matthew is in league with the enemy (Rome), probably taking bribes, using the power of his position ("tax collector") to become wealthy, and is presumably far from God. The religious folk of the day look at Matthew with disdain. But here comes Jesus... inviting Matthew to become a follower, and (soon after) one of His top leaders.

And then there's the "sinful woman" who comes to Jesus, pours perfume on His feet, "washes" His feet with her tears and her hair. Can you picture this happening on a Sunday morning at your church? A scantily dressed woman comes forward and starts pouring perfume on your pastor's feet and wiping the feet with her hair? People would be - at best - VERY uncomfortable with the behavior of the loose woman. But Jesus? He commends her for her love.

I've been a follower of Jesus' for a long time... but it still amazes me that God-in-the-flesh would so surprise us in the way He loves us radically...

God Speaks Through a License Plate

2010-02-08T11:26:00.002-06:00

In the Bible, God speaks through prophets, the written word... even a donkey. But who would have thought He'd ever speak through a license plate?

Yesterday Mashal and I pulled into a parking lot, headed for Menards. We were in the middle of a great conversation, when Marsh stopped and said: "Do you see that license plate on that van?" I couldn't. But the license plate had an unusual last name on it... a last name of some old friends of mine, that Marsh has never met (they live in another state). "I really feel like God pointed that license plate out to me because we're supposed to pray for your friends" said Marsh. That may seem a bit odd to you, but I've learned that God gets Marsh's attention in some odd ways... and it usually really is God speaking. So we stopped and prayed for this family, not really knowing what was going on.

When I got home last night, I emailed my friends, not even sure if I still had the right email. I soon got an email back. Yes, they are in need of prayer. Their kids are far from God, and they just got bad medical news for the husband. The wife had been out walking the dog yesterday afternoon asking God how she was going to deal with all this. Then my email arrived. When she emailed me she wondered if Marsh saw the license plate at about the same time she was talking to God.

Would you pray for my friends C & N? God's obviously called Marsh & I to pray for them, and I'd like to ask others to pray as well. Thanks.

It's all about... WHO?

2010-02-05T22:17:00.004-06:00

This past week I had a long drive, and turned on one of the local Christian radio stations. At one point the announcer came on to talk about a new program that was being introduced on the weekends. After explaining the new program, he said something like: "and we're doing this because it's all about you!"

WHAT? I sat in the car, stunned. A CHRISTIAN station telling us that it's all about us? or me? or you?

I have news for you... (which I hope isn't news)... it's NOT all about you. Or me. Or us.

It's all about an incredible triune God, who loves us and gave Himself for us. And when we make our lives all about HIM, then we live our best lives possible. When someone tells you that "it's all about you"... even if it's a "Christian" radio station... don't believe them. It's a lie that will eat your soul.

Free Methodist Women & Haiti

2010-01-30T10:54:00.002-06:00

Every day since the Haiti earthquake, I check our denominations website for updates (www.helphaitiheal.org). This morning, I read a blog from Linda Adams, who heads up our Childcare program (over 8,000 children are sponsored, and we have over 50 schools... many of these schools have now become places where crowds of people are staying). Linda asked for prayer that today she would be able to somehow get tents for people... particularly the children... to protect them from getting cold at night (please pray! The funds are there, but the tents are nowhere to be found). Yesterday, I saw a video of Delia Nuesch-Olver (who oversees our Latin America missions) in Haiti, meeting and planning with pastors in the remains of one of our churches / schools. Just a few minutes ago, I read a "tweet" from our well-drilling team that is down there... good news, they have found water at the US Embassy, equipment is being flown in, and a well should soon be drilled. It dawned on me that this well-drilling ministry started out of a church in Ohio, pastored by Brenda Young. When I remembered that, I realized that three of our women pastors (Linda, Delia, and Brenda) have made a substantial contribution to the relief efforts. I have met all three of these outstanding women of God. I am SO thankful that I am in a denomination with a long history of encouraging women in ministry! (How would the relief efforts in Haiti be different if they were not?).

New Every Morning

2010-01-29T11:16:00.002-06:00

One of the things I love about the Bible is that I keep learning from it, no matter how often I read it. It really is God's living Word, as it continues to speak to each moment of the day.

This week one of our Loop teams is reading Mark. As I was reading, I noticed something I'd never noticed before! Every time I've read and studied the passage where Jesus "clears the Temple"... upending the traders in the Temple... it's somehow seemed like Jesus was out of control. It seemed like He came into the Temple, saw what they'd done to God's House, and went... kind of crazy. Now I know that the Son of God was never "out of control"... but it SEEMED that way in that passage.

Until this week. I was reading the whole chapter, which starts with "Palm Sunday" when the crowds were cheering Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. The end of Jesus' "road" on that Palm Sunday was the Temple... the night BEFORE He clears it. Mark 11:11 says: "Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve." It dawned on me... Jesus was MAKING PLANS for His big Temple clearing!!!! He was looking to see where the traders were, where He'd go, what He'd do.

Which made me contemplate two things: What do I need to be making plans for? AND... is there any place where I need to SEEM a little "out of control" in order to shake things up for the Kingdom of God?

Hmmm....

Being Connectional

2010-01-23T17:23:00.004-06:00

For many years I was part of a "non-denominational" church. That meant that this church had no formal accountability or connectional system outside the local church.

I'm now part of a "denomination" (called "Free Methodist"). This means that I operate within a larger structure. It also means that I'm connected to a world-wide system of other Christians.

There are lots of good reasons to be connected. One reason I've seen in action over the past week and a half.

The Free Methodist Church has 15,000 members in Haiti. Over the past 10 days, I've seen this connectional system kick into action. Our churches are giving (we have a rare system where 100% of the funds given for Haiti, go to Haiti). Our structures that are left are serving people (we have about 500 people camped out in the yard of our school). We are grieving together (we know that we lost 3 US missionaries... and we're waiting to hear about our Haitian brothers and sisters). We are sending aid and teams into that area targeted for specific jobs.

I'm glad I'm part of the Free Methodist family...

Life is Precious

2010-01-19T11:54:00.002-06:00

I was reminded of the wonder and the fragility of life over and over again this past week. Scenes and stories from Haiti continue to remind us all. In addition, while we were visiting with family in Florida, 4 of us were in a car accident (we're all fine... but it could have been much worse)... and then a couple of days later, my brother and sister-in-laws car window was smashed as we were in a movie matinee (all to steal a GPS! I'm thankful we were safe in the movie theater while the thieves were busy). While we were in Florida, we got a couple of phone calls... one from my uncle to tell us that my aunt was in the hospital. Another from my brother-in-law to tell us that his brother-in-law had passed away (much too young!) from cancer.

Life IS precious. And we really have no idea what the next few minutes, days, weeks, or years hold.
Thankfully, there is a God who not only knows what the future holds for each of us, but who cares deeply what happens to each one of us. Today, thank Him for this precious gift of life. And choose to make each moment count for eternity.

Haiti

2010-01-13T11:44:00.002-06:00

If you, like me, are watching the stories of heartache and tragedy coming out of Haiti, and are wanting to DO something, I'd encourage two things:

First, pray. Pray for rescue workers. Pray for people working on getting emergency supplies in. And pray for God's people... that His Spirit would be working in them and through them as they work, grieve, struggle, reach out.

Second, give. Find some good organization that really does help. If you aren't connected to one, I have a recommendation. Our denomination (Free Methodist) has many churches in Haiti. We have something called the "Bishop's Famine Relief Fund" which wires 100% of the money received to the places that need it, to trustworthy people in church who can immediately use it or distribute it. Send it to: Board of Bishops P.O. Box 535002 Indianapolis, IN 46253 (more info at: http://www.freemethodistchurch.org/sections/leadership/bishops/bfrf/home.shtml).

Lord Jesus, hear our prayer. Bring strength, comfort, power, healing, wisdom, resources. May Your people respond to the needs of the world...

Snow... in Florida?

2010-01-10T09:49:00.002-06:00

It snowed again yesterday. But this is a bit different... I'm in Florida for meetings! And yes, I saw a few flakes on the windshield. Could it be me? Does the cold and snow follow me? Perhaps the answer to 'global warming' is simply for me to do more traveling to warm climates!

Listen...

2010-01-06T14:18:00.003-06:00

I just sent out a reading challenge to one of our Loop Teams, and I'll send it out to you blog readers, as well (including some of you "blog lurkers" who confessed your lurking to me in Christmas cards!). This week or next, read through the Bible book of Mark. Read a few chapters at a time, or sit down and read it all at once (try The Message version... it reads well!). Then simply ask: What most gets your attention? And what might God be trying to say to you through that? Let me know...

2010

2010-01-04T18:34:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!

Today has been one of those days when I've been catching up (on the holiday email that got overlooked), as well as making plans for the future. (And some plans are really quite fun!).

I'm one of those people who love looking ahead to all the possibilities that God may have in store... for me, for my family, for The Loop. I've been thinking about concrete prayers and goals for the coming weeks, month, and year. I still have alot more to think and pray about, but the process has begun.

I think 2010 is gonna be a great year...

Heaven Singing

2009-12-24T12:17:00.001-06:00

The celebration of our Savior's birth. From heaven's perspective, armies of angels singing. Wild celebration. The Savior is here!

From earth's perspective, dirt, hay, animals, and the dung of a barn. A young girl in labor. A questionable birth.

God's perspective is so much different... and better.... than ours.

Planting a church that does not have a building (or any plans for one), or a central worship "event" (Sunday morning) requires, for me, a consistent commitment to searching for heaven's, not earth's, perspective.

Thank you to those of you who that you have joined with us in this journey, as you have faithfully prayed for us this past year. True prayer is something that requires us to seek out heaven's perspective... and I am so grateful for your partnership! Your prayers have resulted in heaven singing as people are coming to learn of the Savior.

May your Christmas be blessed with glimpses from heaven, the wild celebration of heaven instead of earth.

Much love,
Pam Braman

Blessed

2009-12-22T22:36:00.002-06:00

The past few days I have keenly aware of how blessed I am. On Sunday, as I worshipped at a church with Marsh, Jenn, Heather & Eric and their kids (part of The Loop), I was overwhelmed with a thankfulness of how God is at work in all of our lives. And then yesterday I was "playing Santa" for a family that I know of in need. And today, I "bought" some "animals" that will be "given" as "gifts" for some children... animals that will not go to these children, but will instead be "shared"... and will go to Cambodia, Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, to families in need in a way that I will probably never know. (http://www.childcareministries.org/donate/animal.php).

I do not understand why God has placed me in a place of abundance... but I do know that I need to stay abundantly thankful. Thank you, Lord!

Birthday Party for Jesus

2009-12-18T23:47:00.001-06:00

We just finished our “Birthday Party for Jesus” with one of our Loop Teams. Somehow having birthday cake for Jesus makes so much more sense than many of our other Christmas traditions! And seeing it through a kids eyes makes it all the more fun...

Playland

2009-12-18T08:59:00.003-06:00

Our Loop Team #1 (the one with kids) has decided that after our December festivities die down (tonight we have a "Birthday Party for Jesus") that we'll try yet one more location... McDonald's Playland. We tried it one night in November... and other than being a bit noisy (which parents seem to be used to) it seemed to work. The kids had a safe place to play. Now we just need to figure out which local McDonald's gives us the best set up. Any suggestions?
I'm praying for two things: That we'll make some new connections at McDonald's, and at the same time we'll finally figure out a good location for a small group with kids.

A Year In Review

2009-12-08T14:42:00.001-06:00

It’s time to put together our annual Christmas letter. What's happened in 2009? To refresh my memory, I look through my calendar and read a year's worth of blog entries. As I look back, it seems to me that that this blog is like a photo album... capturing individual moments in time... not a documentary telling the story of our year. What's been left out?
In many ways, Marsh and I are a bit tired right now. Both of us have been doing alot of traveling for work (and therefore we've done too little traveling together!). And Marsh's folks have had a tough year with health and accidents (mine, thankfully, are doing very well). While both of us feel we are “right where God want us” we’re wishing things were a bit easier...

Even as I write that, I chuckle to myself. I know that walking with God isn’t about things being easier, but better. After all, if ease was crucial, then Jesus-God-in-the-flesh would have sat up in heaven, and not ventured to come down to this world. But come He did, in a not-easy way... born to a young girl, brought into this life in the dust and dung of a barn, hunted by the powers-that-be when He was just a toddler. Living a life where He experienced joy and sorrow, gladness and pain, love and grief. Was His life easy? Not a chance. Especially with the the death He faced! But was it good? Oh, yes, it was good. Not only “good” in the sense of living a moral life, but good in the sense that He did something with His life that no one else could do... He spiritually rescues us so that we can now be in right and full relationship with the God of the universe. I guess I’m glad that God never chose the “easy” over the good.

Slowing

2009-12-02T10:07:00.002-06:00

If you, like me, are purposefully "slowing" for advent (or taking time out to slow down), ponder this poem by Pierre Teilhard De Chardin:

Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
WE are quite naturally impatient in everything
to reach the end without delay.
We would like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something
unknown, something new.
And yet it is the law of all progress
that it is made by passing through
some stages of instability --
and that it may take a very long time.
And so I think it is with you;
your ideas mature gradually -- let them grow,
let them shape themselves without undue haste.
Don't try to force them on,
as though you could be today what time
(that is to say, grace and circumstances
acting on your own good will)
will make of you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit
gradually forming within you will be.
Give our Lord the benefit of believing
that His hand is leading you.
And accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
in suspense and incomplete.

Advent

2009-12-01T23:10:00.003-06:00

A few years ago, I made an advent wreath and began the practice of lighting the advent candle each morning, reading a passage of the Bible, and taking a few quiet moments. At first I felt a little silly, sitting there lighting a candle by myself. But it's now become an important part of my Christmas season. Somehow, intentionally taking the time to slow down and focus on Jesus each day in these days leading up to Christmas, makes the season... so much better.
Try it... light that candle, read a passage, say a prayer, and breathe deep. See if the season doesn't take on new meaning.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T17:52:00.003-06:00

On this Thanksgiving weekend, I give thanks for...
-A husband who I love & who loves me (and lets me know it), and who brings joy to my life (he knows that part of his "job" is to make me laugh... and he does!)
-Family & friends near and far that I love, and love me
-People who pray for me on a regular basis (wow! what a gift!)
-Opportunities to share the love and life of Jesus (lots & lots of opportunities this past year!)
-A warm home, warm clothes, food, a car... enough & plenty!
-Greater purpose!
-An awesome church
-Sunshine, colors, creativity, birds at the feeder outside the window, music on the radio, a nice-smelling candle burning... so much...
I hope this Thanksgiving weekend finds you thankful to the God who provides in creative and abundant ways.

Hunting Season

2009-11-23T13:08:00.002-06:00

Marsh is away this week doing one of his very favorite things in the world: deer hunting. He'll come home for Thanksgiving, then go back to the woods again. He keeps hoping that one day I'll take up hunting... but I know that would be a bad idea. He'd shoot Bambi, I'd cry and spoil his moment.

I'm glad he's got the week off. His job has been crazy the past few months... lots of long hours, traveling (last week: Salt Lake City), and stress. But we're thankful he has a good job that he loves (on most days)!

I know a week in the woods will revive his soul. And venison sausage isn't bad either... (sorry, Bambi).

Tulip bulbs in late November

2009-11-18T16:25:00.002-06:00

It's a warm (for here - in the 50s), sunny day. The ground hasn't frozen yet, so I decided that I'd plant some tulip bulbs. One problem: Finding them. (Home Depot informed me that they'd thrown out the whole display yesterday! The place I finally found them: Sam's Club). Obviously, I'm planting late.

But I know something that perhaps the stores don't know: As long as you can get them in the ground, tulips don't mind being planted late in the season. And so... this afternoon I took about an hour, and planted 60 bulbs.

It was good to be back digging in the dirt, especially this late in the season. It was good to be out in the sunshine. And it was good to think about these bright red tulips popping up all over the place in the spring (just when you've decided that winter will never end!). Planting for springtime possibilities makes me smile.

That deep love of planting for springtime possibilities keeps me going with The Loop, as well. It makes me smile as I lead the Alpha group and answer questions (last time, the question was: why shouldn't I believe the scientologists belief that it's aliens from out-of-space that keep us from achieving our potential?). And yes, it makes me smile as I put in yet another pan of lasagna. (See Oct 7 blog).

It seems that lasagna, Alpha, and tulip bulbs have alot in common.

Discerning

2009-11-12T10:42:00.002-06:00

Last Sunday we had a great discussion with our Loop Team #1. We're studying the book of Acts, learning about how the Holy Spirit empowers and guides us. One of our group members (new to the faith) had been on a business trip to a large city, and had encountered a number of homeless people asking for money. How do you know when to help and when not to?
Of course there is no "easy" answer.... but we talked about various Bible passages that can guide us, and then the process of trying to listen to and follow God. And this conversation led us to ask: How does God want us to help the poor in our community? Our discussion continues, and we hope to have some practical ideas that we put into practice soon...

God in the Details

2009-11-04T07:35:00.002-06:00

You may know that I teach a Humanities course at a local college. I love interacting with the students, and teaching on lots of topics that I enjoy (music, art, theater... and religion!). This fall semester, there was a scheduling mix-up, and they didn't schedule me to teach a class. I was disappointed. One of the reasons I was disappointed was I kind of had it in my head that I'd get to teach every day student at this school (Humanities is a required General Education requirement)... and in teaching them all, I'd get to explain Christianity to them, in an intelligent, clear, understandable way. But because of the scheduling mix-up, I'd miss this class.

Last week, I got an email from the guy who is teaching the class this semester. He needs a substitute for one day (tomorrow). I figured that I'd be filling in on art or literature. But you know what? They're in the midst of discussing religion and morality. I'm going to come into the class to lead a discussion on belief systems, starting with a review of major religions.

Yup. I'd say that God is in the details. Pray for me as I teach, would you?

The Woman at the Well

2009-10-28T21:27:00.002-05:00

I've been asked to contribute to a devotional book, specifically writing on John 4 (the woman at the well). Thought I'd blog what I'm sending in, so you can get a "sneak peek"... (and hey, this is draft one, so if you see something that needs editing, let me know!)

DEVOTIONAL ON JOHN 4:27-42

“We’re hungry. We need to get food.”

  It’s a simple request of Jesus’ followers. So Jesus sends them to the village to find a meal. Why does He stay behind? Perhaps to rest and take a quiet moment to think about the past week... upending tables in the Temple... the secret conversation with a member of the Jewish ruling counsel... seeing many people come to believe as He performed miracles. Perhaps to take a few minutes to think about what is to come.

Hunger, victories in the past, difficulties in the future could easily have distracted Jesus from the woman who came for water. An enemy woman, who Jesus knew had a questionable moral past. Certainly ignoring her would have been the easy thing to do.

But Jesus sees the hand of His Father at work all around Him. Here is a woman in spiritual need, as well as a woman who can be greatly used by God. He begins to talk to her...

Meanwhile, the disciples return from the village. They have met their goal - getting food - and the meal is what consumes their thoughts. Seeing Jesus talking to the woman, they are surprised, shocked, amazed. Why is Jesus talking to HER? But as soon as she leaves, it’s back to the important business at hand. EAT!

In their focus on the food, the disciples miss God at work, changing a woman’s life. A woman who, in turn, would become an evangelist to her village, seeing many of them come to Jesus. It all happens right in front of their eyes, this business of transformation, but somehow they miss it. They focus on the wrong thing.

“Open your eyes!” Jesus says. God is at work. Today. Here and now. “Open your eyes!” Don’t miss the invitation or the miracles.

REFLECTION QUESTION:
What’s in your “plans” for today? What is your “food” that might distract you from God-at-work? Where might God meet you, call you, give you an unexpected invitation? Who might surprise you with a need for Living Water?

PRAYER:
“Lord, may I live life with my eyes open to your work and invitation, taking the opportunities you give me. May I offer Living Water to the spiritually thirsty, and may I know your satisfying food of the soul.”

3Ds

2009-10-22T09:59:00.004-05:00

I'm now an "assistant superintendent" within our denomination. I have to confess, it wasn't the first thing on my "list of things I want to do in my life" (okay, it didn't even make the list). But somehow it seemed that God wanted me to do it, so I agreed.
One of the first orders of business as asst. supt., was figuring out a new name for the district I oversee (the old name was S. MN / N Iowa / SD district). We came up with the "3D District." Three... because we cover 3 states, and we've just set up "prayer trios." And what do the Ds stand for? Dream, Discern, Do. That simple name change has given me a clearer understanding of what God is calling me to do as the asst. supt.... help pastors dream about how God could use them and their church to transform their community. Then discern... what's the next step? Then do... move on out!
Dream, Discern, Do. What God-inspired, God-led dreams do you have? Are you in a prayer process to discern the next step in pursuing this dream? And what are you doing about it?

Birthday "cake" for starving kids

2009-10-15T16:28:00.002-05:00

Today is my birthday. And I'm at an age where I'm not going to tell you hold old I am!
Last night Marsh took me out for a wonderful celebration... dinner and a movie. Tonight, dinner will be a bit less leisurely. Why? Because we're signed up to go pack food at Feed My Starving Children.
I know some people will think this is a crazy thing to do on a birthday. But... Thursdays are when we usually go, this "fit" on the schedule... and somehow, I can't think of a better way of celebrating another year of life... helping a kid who otherwise might literally starve, reach yet one more birthday. (And let's face it, birthdays are more fun when you're a kid!).
SO... in my head, I'm going to light a "birthday candle" for every kid that we pack meals for tonight.
Celebrating one more year of life... together.

Lasagna leftovers

2009-10-09T13:30:00.003-05:00

Good news: We had three college students show up. Two had come last time. One was new. One that came last time still wants to attend, but had to work. One more sent her regrets but still wants to come. More than half of the lasagna was eaten by 5 of us (add Marshal and I to the 3).
The challenge: I want to see more and more of that lasagna (or pizza, or chicken, or whatever) disappear every time we gather. Will you pray with me that each time we meet we'll get one new person (like we did this last time) AND that those who have come before would make it?
I'd love to be having to put in a couple of pans of lasagna in the future...

The Faith of Lasagna

2009-10-07T16:08:00.002-05:00

Today my faith is taking the shape of a large pan of lasagna.
Tonight we have our second "Alpha" class for college age. One person has replied that she is coming with 4 friends (she hopes). Two others... might come. That's alot of "maybes" and "hope so." Still... I went to Sam's, bought the lasagna that feeds 12, and just put it in the oven. Putting that pan in the oven is a concrete act of faith... faith that God is drawing people, faith that God will bring people out tonight, faith that if the turn-out is less than I'd like, that God is still at work, and we're still doing what He wants.
What does your faith look like today?
Mine looks like a pan of lasagna.

4 Ls

2009-10-04T20:52:00.003-05:00

I'm working on creating a Bible Study for our "original" Loop Team on the Book of Acts. Why am I creating a new study, when I could go to the bookstore and get something off the shelf?
Over the years of doing ministry, I've come to realize something. Most "bible studies" get you learning with your head. That's good. But there's so much more to Christian growth! Jesus didn't tell His followers to love God with only their minds. Jesus told his followers that the "greatest commandment' was to love God with your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
And so... I'm working on a study that gets people responding to God in all of these ways... with our hearts, souls, minds, and energy. I call it the 4 Ls of reading a Bible passage... Learn (head), Listen (soul), Love (heart), and Live (strength / energy). I'll let you know how it goes...

Bonfires and Alpha

2009-09-26T13:02:00.002-05:00

I just sent an evite for our next Alpha meeting (Wednesday nights, dinner, Alpha video, bonfire). This is the same format we used last time, except that last time it was a warm night, and even though we did the bonfire, it was really too warm! But now... the weather has truly turned, and a bonfire sounds so... nice!
Perhaps we'll keep the bonfire at the end of each session... which would put us still doing bonfires in December!
Hmmm... I feel a new slogan coming on: "Alpha... warming up your fall and winter..."
I'm praying that Alpha will do more than warm our fingers, toes, and a few marshmallows. I'm praying that it warms up hearts as well, as people begin to get to know Jesus...

New Alpha Group

2009-09-18T23:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight we launched a new Alpha class... 3 college students came, with 2 more coming for a bonfire afterwards. A good start!

Women ministers

2009-09-11T14:11:00.003-05:00

Once in awhile I'll hear someone say that women ministers are a "result" of the women's movement of the '70s. Hmmm... wonder what those same people think of this verse that popped out at me from the pages of the Bible yesterday:

Exodus 38:8 They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women who ministered at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Yes... there were "women who ministered" at the Tent of Meeting (the forerunner to the Temple, for the Israelites when they were in the wilderness). Do we know how they ministered? No. But God made sure that this tantalizing verse made it's way into the pages of Scripture, even in a heavily patriarchal culture.

I'd say that the time of Moses (about 1500 BC) is just a bit before the women's movement of the '70s...

Spring Weeding in September

2009-09-02T15:45:00.002-05:00

That wonderful fall crispness is in the air (a bit early, but I love it anyhow!). The temptation is great to ignore the weeds in the garden at this point... the flowers are blooming, and way too soon frost will kill everything anyway. So why weed? Because I don't want to deal with more weeds than I have to in spring!

Yes, some weeds are annuals. Once frost hits, they are gone. But the perennial weeds won't magically go away (even when the snow flies)... and even the annual weeds are having a fine time leaving seeds for spring. So... I weed.

Alot of things in life that are like this. The temptation is to ignore it, hope it goes away (like extra weight, or a bad habit)... but if you want to prepare for the future.... you need to weed.

Summer

2009-08-26T17:21:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's been awhile since I blogged. But... I'm back to teaching, things have picked up with ministry commitments, and in the moments when I'm not busy with either of those two things, I've been enjoying summer! Last weekend, Marshal and I went up to Gull Lake for a getaway. The weather was perfect! It was good to get away...

When we returned we had a harvest of tomatoes... and we started to pick our apples... and we might even get a pepper or two that the deer haven't eaten. I love harvest time!

And I'm praying for a harvest time in ministry this fall. It looks like we're going to be offering an Alpha class for a group of college students. I'm looking forward to the conversation and interaction. Pray with me that our "harvest season" will go long into the winter and spring and beyond...

The Room Matters

2009-08-11T13:39:00.002-05:00

I just came from my new class of students at the local college. It's a good sized class - 26 - but it's in the wrong room... an "early childhood education" room with large round tables, kid's paintings on the walls, and toys all around (this is a Humanities class!). I wish we were in a different setting... but now those round tables have got me re-thinking how I'm teaching. The room really does matter!

And this makes me think about the use of space for The Loop. If the room really does matter... what should it be saying for us?

colors

2009-08-03T15:18:00.003-05:00

I've learned that colors really do affect my mood. Last week I "color-washed" our kitchen. It's been off-white, and I added a pale yellow/gold wash over the white. I love it, and every time I walk into the kitchen now I smile. The color really does make the difference... TO ME. To Marsh? The day I finished, he came home and after standing in the kitchen for awhile, I asked: "Do you like the color?" He said: "I thought you'd only gotten the taping done (to prepare to paint)!" I laughed... color is obviously not a big deal to him!

Maybe colors is why I like gardening... and art... and working with many, many different types of people in life and ministry.

I pray that The Loop would be a color-filled place!