I love to travel and see new places.  so naturally I was very pleased to see this Firday Five from the RevGalBlogPals.  So without further delay, here is the Grand Tour Friday Five.

Name five places that fall into the following categories:

1) Favorite Destination — someplace you’ve visited once or often and would gladly go again

My favorite place to visit is the mountains of western North Carolina.  Each year my wife and I try to get away for a few days in the mountains by ourselves, but the kids usually protest.  So darn it, we simply have to go twice, once with them, once without.  Of course our absolute favorite place in the mountains is a small town in the far western reaches of NC called Highlands.  We love it there and try to go every November to see some snow fall and drink some fresh spiced cider.  As Andy Griffith would say, “UmmmmmmmmmBoy!”

2) Unfavorite Destination — someplace you wish you had never been (and why)

There really isn’t anyplace that I wished I hadn’t been to.  Every trip has its value in one shape or another.  But the place that is lowest on my list has got to be a place we visited while I was in the Navy.  Al Jubayl in Saudi Arabia had absolutely nothing for a bunch of sailors, who had been at sea for six weeks to do.  The closest recreation was at a military base about 40 miles away, and all they had was a six lane bowling alley.  No phone, no lights no motor cars…..not a single luxury!  It is the only port we visited where the crew actually asked the captain if we could go back out to sea.

3) Fantasy Destination — someplace to visit if cost and/or time did not matter

Angela and I are still planning our much looked forward to, but often canceled trip to the Holy Lands.  One day we will make it, but the timing thus far hasn’t been right.

4) Fictional Destination — someplace from a book or movie or other art or media form you would love to visit, although it exists only in imagination.

My favorite painting of all time is The Yellow House by Vincent Van Gogh.  I would love to visit this little town and see the house up close, perhaps even be there as the artist painted the picture.  A cup of espresso and some fresh fruit would serve as our snack as Angela and I watched Vincent create this timeless piece.

5) Funny Destination — the funniest place name you’ve ever visited or want to visit

We will travel to England to visit some of Angela’s cousins one day, and when we do I would love to drive to Wales and visit the town of LLANFAIRPWLLGWYNGYLLGOGERYCHWYRNDROBWLLLLANTYSILIOGOGOGOCH.  It is a real place, and I would love to send some letters to friends and on the return address put this town’s name on the envelope.

mountains travel Van Gogh Holy Lands Friday Five

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?   Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”  Matthew 6:25-26

For the last couple of days, I have been intently watching a pair of birds as they construct a nest in the holly bush right outside my window.  They have been going at it now for two or three days, virtually non-stop.  The more I watch them, the more I have to resist the temptation to go out there and take a peek at what they have accomplished.  Their nest is no more than five feet away from the window, and I can see each bird as it flies into the bush, yet I cannot see the nest.

This is the same holly bush that was covered in red berries about a week or so ago.  As I finished my final papers for seminary, I watched birds by the dozens come and pick it clean.  One by one, berry by berry the birds took what they needed and flew off to feed their young.  Once the berries were gone I figured that the bush had served its purpose as far as the birds are concerned, but now it has been transformed from a bird feeder into a bird breeder.

Our yard, for all intents and purposes, is somewhat of a bird sanctuary.  We have plenty of trees and large bushes for them to nest in, and we also have put several bird feeders in the back yard.  For some cool water the birds will come to our goldfish pond and drink.  They also bathe in the water droplets that splash from the little fountain that circulates the water for the fish.  All in all, the birds in and around our yard have all they need provided for them.

We humans can learn plenty from watching the birds.  In this vast world of ours, God has given all that we need to live life abundantly.  There really is plenty of food that we can share amongst ourselves, an abundance of water to keep us satisfied, and plenty of other resources that we can use to provide shelter for those who have no place to lay their head.  The problem is that, unlike the birds that only use what they need, we humans over consume using all that we can.

In the face of thousands upon thousands of homeless and hungry people, much of the world is preoccupied with getting its fair share at the best possible price.  We run our heating and air units so we can be comfortable, and we enjoy grabbing a snack out of our pantries and refrigerators that are seemingly well stocked.  We live in a world corrupted by greed and the powers of self indulgence, and we protest against high fuel prices and the rising cost of groceries.  All the while, many who live in abundance neglect those who need the most, but have the least.

I do realize that there are many people who do share what they have with those in need, and no, this is not meant to throw a guilt trip on anyone for I am just as guilty as the next person.  No guilt trip, not unless you feel so inclined to be moved by guilt and read this post in such a light.  Still, through the simple act of watching two birds build their nest, we can be reminded that we are called to be stewards of all God has created.  Christians need not worry about the things we need to live life abundantly, God has already provided everything.  Living with this assurance, we should; however, recognize the freedom that comes with such abundance, and joyfully give of ourselves and our possessions so that those who are in greater need will realize the abundance of life with our Heavenly Father.

Gracious and generous God, just as you provided manna for the children of Israel so long ago, we know that you provide for your children today.  Guide us in the way of being good stewards of all you have entrusted into our care.  Empower and enable us to feed the hungry, clothe the poor and provide shelter for the homeless.  Especially guide and direct the hearts of the church as we come to aid those affected by recent disasters, so that by our efforts, you are glorified.  We pray for this and all that you see we need in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

homeless hunger stewardship Sermon on the Mount prayer birds

One of the things that we learn in seminary is that waiting is a good thing.  While we wait, we wander in the wilderness of our lives and faithfully discern those things which God would have us do, and the places where God would have us go.  Sometimes those places and things are not always what we want, and they don’t always happen according to our preferred timing.  So we wait.  We wait and we listen for the still small voice that calls us out of the wilderness and into ministry.

During the final year of seminary instruction, candidates for ordained ministry have the added burden of anticipation of their first call.  To imagine being pastor for a congregation is a vision that seems both far off, and immanent.  Far off in the sense that we began filling out paperwork as far back as last autumn in hopes of connecting with the right congregation.  Immanent in the sense that, now that many of us have interviewed with congregations, we are waiting for the phone call that could come at any time.

During the month or two since our synod assignments, we have attended seminars, workshops and lectures all geared to making our transition from seminarian to pastor as seamless as possible.  We have learned the basics of filling out parochial reports, keeping parish records, church administration and many of the other nuts and bolts of day to day parish life.  All of these things have made the waiting just a little easier.  But now here we are, here I am, a week removed from the classroom and not used to being idle.

There is much to do in and around the house.  There are things that I have let go for four years and others that have been otherwise neglected.  I have begun making a dent in the honey-do list and I have already read two books from the “want to read” list.  I don’t have much trouble filling up time, but I also know that there is something else on the horizon.

Now that I have completed seminary, I am looking forward with even greater anticipation to the completion of the call process and beginning my first call as pastor.  Lately, not much has happened on that front.  I am still awaiting word from the congregation I interviewed with as to how we are to proceed.  A few weeks ago the call committee came to my home congregation where I led worship and gave the sermon, and by all indications on that day, things seemed to go well.  Now it has been a little while without much news and of course the questions begin to pop into my mind.

I am excited about the opportunity and the possibilities of ministry with these folks, and so is my family.  There is plenty to build on and the people whom I met seem eager to rekindle their ministries in and around the community.  Their’s is a small but lively congregation, committed to welcoming all people, caring for the oppressed and marginalized, and working to spread the gospel.  God willing, this will be a good fit for us and for them, as we journey together through this call process.

Yet, in the meantime I will wait, wander and pray.  I wonder if God has “call” waiting?

pastor ministry honey do list church graduation seminary

Come Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of Your Love. Amen.

Since joining the Revgalpals blog ring, and even before, I have enjoyed reading thre Friday five.  I know it is Saturday, but I finally have time to play the Friday five and what better week than Pentecost.  So thanks to the Revgalpals, and especially to Presbyterian Gal for this week’s topic, here is my play on the Gifts of the Spirit Friday Five. (on Saturday)

Thinking about all the gifts of the spirit and what Peter said of the “last days”……

Have you or anyone you know

1. …ever experienced a prophesy (vision or dream) that came true?

I once had a dream about the first child I would someday baptize.  Remembering this dream like it was yesterday, I was a pastor in a church “somewhere” and a young couple stood at the font with me and presented their newborn for baptism.  The church was filled with people of various ethnicities, but it seemed like we were the only ones there.  As I received the child into by arms, I looked down and the child was so small it simply filled my cupped hands.  In the dream I didn’t know the family, or the child, but we baptized the child just the same.  A year later while on CPE, I was called to the hospital NNICU where a prematurely born little girl was not going to live.  I sat with her mother, who had no husband and no one at the hospital with her, for what seemed liked days, but was only a few hours.  I asked the mother if she wanted her child baptized and she said yes.  We baptized the little girl, and her mother named her Christian.  A few moments later the child died.  In the dream I suppose the congregation of every ethnicity was the communion of saints, the father standing there at the font with the mother was our heavenly Father, who is with us always.

2. …dreamed of a stranger, then actually met them later?

I see people all the time who look so familiar, but I can’t place them.  I have also met people who seem to know me, but I don’t know them.  Those are quite freakish experiences at times.

3. …seen a wonder in heaven? (including UFO’s)

I once drove through the end of a rainbow.  I always felt that rainbows would disappear as you approached them, but this one didn’t.  I drove through it with my windows open and the air smelled so pleasant, so different.  The air seemed lighter and for that moment, everything was so peaceful.

4. …seen a “sign” on the earth?

A few years ago, when I was president of our congregation and we had no pastor, there was a “blow up” at church.  I remember driving home after one of the meetings praying the corny prayer of asking God for a sign.  When I got home there was even more tension.  Our boys found a young blue jay with new feathers that had obvious injuries.  The vet told them to keep it in a box with a blanket over it to relieve stress and bring it to him in the morning…if it survived.  The next morning as we checked on the bird, we noticed it seemed to be a bit better.  Then the phone rang, it was a person involved in the “blow up” at church.  One of our boys handed me the phone and as I answered it, the boys and Angela were on their way to the car with the bird.  The voice on the phone spoke its first words, and at that instant, the blue jay emerged from the box and took flight.  A sign?  Well you decide.

5. …experienced knowledge of another language without ever having studied it?

You could say that’s how I got through Summer Greek in seminary!  Otherwise…no.

Welcome to Saturday, May 10, 2008

Looking over some of the pictures that Angela took yesterday at our seminary graduation, I can’t help but think to my self, “I look tired.”  The fact is, I was tired.  The hotel we stayed in was a last minute choice and not the most comfortable.  That, along with the prospect of reaching the day circled on the calendar so long ago probably caused its own restlessness.  All that being said, it was a great day and I was glad there were so many folks there to share it with.  Many of our friends were there to see our class graduate, and many more will be on hand today at our home congregation as we gather for food, fun and thanksgiving to God for all the blessings of this seminary journey.

Ah, but life goes on.  When you have four children and a wife who is as busy as mine, life is anything but dull.  Putting my “moment in the sun” aside, there are also some very worthwhile items to mention about our kids.

Give a Cheer…..almost.

We had to hurry back from Columbia yesterday because Katie and Rachel both had important things scheduled.  Katie has been working all week, practicing for the high school “B” team cheerleaders.  For those who do not follow high school sports, “B” team is comprised of those 7^th and 8^th grade students who will one day attend a particular high school.  Being that Katie is a rising 7^th grader, she was able to try out for next years “B” team cheerleaders.

Katie worked hard.  She was the youngest girl there all week long, the only rising 7^th grader to show up.  She practiced for two hours after school with the other girls, and then for another hour at home.  Official try outs were held yesterday at 4:30PM.  The names of the girls who made the team were finally posted at 9:00PM on the gym door.

Katie and I hopped into the car and drove to the school.  Needless to say, she was both excited and nervous.  When we got there it was dark, only one other parent was there at the time when we looked at the list.  Many girls tried out, but only 12 were selected, and Katie was not one of the 12.

I’m proud of how my little girl handled the situation.  She was obviously let down, but she knows that she was not as good as the other girls who made the team.  Katie says she will try again next year, but “B” team is not the end of the world.  This morning she is able to smile and talk about the experience as a fun time and she even made some new friends.  After all, that’s what t is al about isn’t it?

Ready, Set, Splash!

While Katie was at cheerleading try outs, Rachel was doing laps in the pool as her swim team began practices this week.  Both Rachel and her sister took up swimming last year for the summer, but this year only Rachel has returned to the pool.  Katie will be traveling with her Grandmother for most of the season, so this summer Rachel will provide the splashes.

I enjoy watching Rachel in the pool.  She isn’t a serious athlete by any means, but she loves to try her best at learning the new strokes and has fun being in the water.  She is also a coach’s dream, paying attention to everything, keeping quiet when the coach is talking, and responding to the instructions she is given as she swims.  The first meet is in a couple of weeks and I can’t wait.

Today’s Verse

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Loving Father, We give thanks to you in all things, especially those opportunities when we can share in the simple joys of others.  We thank you for the smiles on our children’s faces, the laughter we share during times of fellowship, and also the compassion and support we receive when things don’t go our way.  We are especially thankful that we live in your grace and mercy.  Help us to bring those who live apart from the community of faith to come and see the wonder of your love, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for it is through his name we pray.  Amen.

Cheerleading Swimming Family Children Prayer

 Finally, after four years of study, lectures, papers and exams, my classmates and I, the class of 2008 at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary have reached the pinnacle of our seminary instruction and graduated.  Today was a very busy, hectic and emotional day for family, friends, and graduates alike. 

The festivities actually began yesterday with the annual Alumni Day and luncheon.  Members of the LTSS Class of 1958 were on hand to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of their graduation, and to welcome the newest graduating class.  I enjoyed meeting many of the alums, some from long ago, and some who graduated in just the last few years.  It is interesting and fun to catch up with those most recent grads,  some who have attended classes with me, and hear of their experiences as they made the transition from student to pastor.

 Accompanying me for the two days of events were my wife and daughters, and also my parents.  They all have waited for a long time for this day to arrive, and each has supported me in their own special ways.  What a blessing to be able to share this day with them.  Since they live in Florida, my parents have not been able to experience much of the seminary way of life, but the worship on Thursday evening in Christ Chapel was amazing and deeply moving.

Our commencement address was given by our former Professor for Homiletics, who on this day, along with two of our retiring professors and former ELCA Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson was named Professor Emeritus.  Then it was our time.  Our degrees were conferred by our seminary president.  One by one we came forward as our dean called us by name, we received our diplomas, shook hands and with that we were no longer students.

 It really hasn’t sunk in yet, I don’t know when it will.  Yet, as our class scatters about the country, I do know that I have had a wonderful opportunity to worship God, study scripture and share fellowship with a very special group of people.  Many I fear I will not see again, but there are others who will be serving close by and we will have the opportunity to meet once in a while and share our stories.

Thanks be to God for all of the blessings of these past four years.  Congratulations to the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Class of 2008!

Graduation Seminary Worship

I love the Detroit Tigers, always have…always will, but I’m sure glad I’m not a season ticket holder.  With all the hype from the off season, and the additions of Miguel Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, and Dontrell Willis, I think most Tigers fans expected a little more than what  we are seeing on the field.  Thankfully the season is young and there is time to turn it around.  Besides, it’s not like the rest of the American League Central Division is doing much better.

On another front, The Detroit Red Wings are about to open their NHL Western Conference Finals series with the Dallas Stars.  Things are looking much better on the ice with the Wings than on the field with the Tigers.

And then there is the NBA playoffs and the Detroit Pistons.  I don’t follow the NBA much, at least not until the playoffs.  The Pistons are looking like they could make a serious run at the championship, but they have to get by Orlando and then most likely Boston.

With the success of these three teams from Detroit, we Motown fans have plenty to cheer about, and there is really only one thing left to say…FIRE MATT MILLEN!

Detroit Tigers Detroit Red Wings Detroit Pistons Detroit Lions
NHL NBA NFL

It was a strange feeling to get out of bed this morning and not have to think about attending classes.  Ok, I’ll confess, I did think about it, but not for long.  I still have that nagging feeling running in the back of my brain that there are papers to write, exams to study for and notes to read.  I’m sure that sensation will go away soon enough, especially after graduation on Friday.  But for now I still catch myself disbelieving that my time at seminary is really finished.

As I look at the stacks of books that need to go into boxes, I see some that are on the “want to read” list that have been pushed aside for quite a while.  These I will get to just as soon as I finish those that were on the “have to read” list but I didn’t quite complete.  However; there is a certain feeling of non-urgency in working through this stack.  It is my hope that they won’t be in boxes for very long, and that soon a phone call will come with some positive news concerning the call process.  I am anxious to put my newly earned degree into practice.

So now what?  For the week I will enjoy a little break from studies and get some work done around the house.  Our AC unit died two weeks ago and we have a crew coming over to replace it this afternoon.  I have to get up into our attic and move some things around so they can run the new duct work we want to add.  The job should be complete within a few hours.

I also did some yard work over the weekend, which I have been relying on kids to do for a long time.  I enjoy getting out in the yard so this will be a welcome change.  There is a hedge that needs to come out and be replaced with some new shrubbery, and also our flower beds in the front of the house are in great need of attention.  A bit of weed pulling and some mulch and they will be fine.  There is also the “honey-do” list that I have tried to avoid but have run out of excuses for.

All of this seems a bit ambitious, and some said I ought to relax for a time.  What they don’t realize is that these are forms of relaxing for me.  Counting the undergrad degree I needed before entering seminary, I have been at the books for nearly eight years without much of a break.  I’ve spent too much time sitting at desks and not enough time getting my hands dirty.  Now it’s time to play in the mud for a while.  We have a new bottle of Tide detergent and an empty laundry hamper.  I guess I’ll try to do my best Mike Rowe imitation, and see what I can do to get some clothes dirty.

Dirty Jobs Mike Rowe Honey do list yard work graduation books

Last week was the annual children’s cantata at our church.  Each spring the kids perform a cantata depicting one of the great stories from the Bible.  In recent years they have told the stories of Esther, David, and Nicodemus.  This year the cantata was the story of Daniel, and how God save him from the den of lions.  I wanted to write a post last week about the cantata, but being that last week I was knee deep in final papers I couldn’t find the energy.

This afternoon the members of our children’s choir took their show on the road and performed their cantata for a group living at the Franke Home.  Franke Home is one of the Lutheran homes for assisted and independent living, located near the beach in Mt. Pleasant, SC.  The kids were much more relaxed this week than they were while performing for our congregation, and today’s group made a big fuss over them when it was over.  There’s nothing like having a huge room filled with “grandparents” offering punch and cookies.

Sorry the pics are a bit out of focus.  The room needed more light, but I didn’t want to use a flash.  Plus, I tried to stay out of the way during the cantata.  Katie is the girl with the $ on her hat.  She played “Taxalot” the kingdom’s treasurer.  Rachel had a couple of parts; she was a town’s person and also a lion.  As you might imagine, they changed the story just a bit.

 Worship children’s choir cantata Bible stories