One big breath

(Please take this in the best bit of love.) One crew gone and another on the way!

It was so good to have Christa, Emily, and Sarah here since Thanksgiving! There was lots of rollerblading, a bunch of energy expended, and lots of conversations. Thank you for your sacrifice of time, driving, and sleep:) I think Gloria was more fussy than normal in the Afternoon, because after having finally accepted Christa... Christa was gone!

And now they will give a high five to my parents as they pass on the road. We are expecting them here this evening. May everyone have safety as they travel. I have a feeling the activities will be slightly different:) Less rollerblading, maybe more crafts.

We sure appreciate peoples willingness to cover @1,000 miles to see us.

Welcome Home

What life-giving words! Can you believe it?
This picture greeted me as I logged into my computer. The greater greeting was the hugs and kisses at the door. It is so good to be home with our loved ones.

Yet, many are not able to experience this for various reasons: imprisonment, war, work, death, hospitalization, nursing homes, abductions, choice. And some have no loved ones. That should not be. Where is the church? The body of Christ? To be loved in this life, and to be loved into the next life. Join Jesus.

Nebraska!

I am home again. It is snowing, gently.

Life; precious

Life is so precious!

Yesterday was Suzanne and Courtney's birthdays. My life is enriched by their love, creativity, and humor:)
After a tiring party with 11 girls, I took some rest by participating in a CPR class. I am struck by the simplicity and delicacy of life that can be boiled down to getting breathes and blood flow.
My grandma Nolt died today. May she, and all who love her, rest in Christ's peace.
Friday is Veteran's Day. We remember the loss of life, and those who have lost loved ones.
Celebrate life today!

Slow reading

You may notice to the right ---->
of what you are currently reading, is a list of books that I am reading for personal enrichment, someday:) Yeah! The list hasn't changed in a little while. But that's okay! I've been reading a lot of other stuff too. The Mennonite, Mennonite Weekly Review, Leader, Equipping, Scattered Seeds, and a bunch of blog posts.
I am over half way through The Pastor: A Memoir. A good book on calling, and following, and leading, and getting out of the way. All things that are helpful for me to experience.

Well, keep reading, and writing, and loving, and growing.

Be (dis)content

Have you lost your way? Is a sippy cup your only source of nourishment? Wondering what a cornstalk would taste like? Why are these children smiling?
Are you satisfied in all situations? Do you have a peace that goes beyond your circumstances?
Contentment is a tough goal. It can be a moving target at times. You get more and then just a little more would be great.
Have you gotten good at what you do? Have you hit your groove? Maybe it's time to be discontent again. How about "holy discontent"? It can be a disturbing, yet energizing force in our lives. It has moved me beyond complacency. It has lead to us being in Nebraska, pastoring, growing in the image of Christ.
It has stirred the hope and imagination of oppressed people. It has questioned what is and lead to what should be. It has the power to move the followers of Christ to take on the heart and mind of Christ. It has challenged the church to be the flesh and blood; the body of Christ in this hurting world.

BE

Discontent

Teach your children well

Did you know that you as a parent are the number 1 influence on your children? There are patterns of behavior that we live in that we learned from our parents (and they learned from their parents, etc). 
A couple years ago in a class, we looked at our genograms (family trees), and looked for patterns of behavior. It was unsettling for some to find negative traits carried through multiple generations.
And there is hope here to! If there wasn't I wouldn't be a pastor. Positive traits and experiences can also be passed on from generation to generation. If we are aware and willing, we can reshape our families and bring glory to God! You're not trapped. There is a way forward.

A post about not posting

A silly thing really. How many times have you called someone to tell them that you haven't called them in a while. Or wrote a letter just to tell them you haven't written in a while. Or bought a billboard to let everybody know that you haven't put anything on a billboard in a while.
Well... I haven't posted in a while. If you haven't prayed for me yet today, here is your reminder:)

Looking back, moving forward

I am so appreciative of my upbringing; Christian parents, Christian relatives, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Church, Christian Schools (5-12th grade), Christian College, Pastors, Teachers, Elders, Friends. These have all shaped and influenced who I have become.

In Philippians 3:4-6, Paul lists his credentials or reasons for boasting. Then he says, "I consider them garbage, so that I may gain Christ and be found in Him..."

No offence meant to those who have poured your lives into mine, but garbage, compared to the righteousness that comes through Christ! Is it possible that as we find our identity in Christ, that we begin to separate ourselves from our past (even if it was a good past), and look only to the present and future hope of the Kingdom of God?

Pastor Dave's Doodles: Being With God in Silence

A time of silence

Follow the link below to experience what I have experienced similar to my friend Dave. I believe each of us, who claim a relationship with God, needs to practice a similar discipline. If you disagree, then leave a comment on how you communion with God.

Pastor Dave's Doodles: Being With God in Silence: Yesterday I spent my spiritual retreat day in silence at St. Benedict Center in Schuyler. Silence is an amazing thing - mostly scary and unc...