Claimed, gathered and sent

Yesterday we began the cruise of Summer Greek, our prof's analogy for this intensive two week course. We even have an activities director! Not only will we work together, but we will also pray and play together. We worshiped in chapel, had a picnic last night (which Abby particularly enjoyed), worship Sunday, miniature golf next Saturday, etc. Despite our fear and trepidation of a quiz on the first day of class, we all survived and even had some fun. The first session was introductory, the quiz, and work. After the break, we met in a large room in a circle to introduce ourselves in 4 minutes to our classmates and others. We each had to give our name, tell where we were from, what church/denomination, how God got us, and why we were at Gettysburg. Everyone's story was different, yet there were recurring themes that resonated with each of us: a sense of God's leading, circumstances, "It just felt right." We are of various ages, from varied locations and backgrounds...

Though the space was smaller, it was just about this bad in our apartment until Saturday night. We found ourselves moving boxes from one place to another, then back to their original location just to make a path. Much of the chaos dissipated with the unpacking of my books. The difference is so dramatic that it reminds me of this song. Just substitute "boxes" for "rain." Chaos is becoming order, which is a good thing since Summer Greek starts Friday. Flickr picture.

We are grateful to family, friends, and Garmin for a successful move from RI to G ettysburg. The packing and preparing for the trip were a nightmare. If it wasn't for our family, we wouldn't have gotten on the road on time. We didn't have everything done when the movers arrived!!!!! Talk about stress. There is nothing like the love of good friends to help you along the way. We were totally spent last Friday night and were privileged to spend it with some special friends. They made us sit down and relax and wonderfully took care of us. That was the first night I slept well in a very long time. After a few errands, we were on the road Saturday, Aug. 2, which was our 5th wedding anniversary. Due to Garmin, the gps system, the trip was relaxing. She told us where, when, and onto which roads to turn. I could concentrate more on driving than looking for the next turn. It was a relaxing drive to our halfway point. After checking in to the hotel, we went out for a nice dinner. Sund...

Psalm 121:7-8 (Today's New International Version) 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Tomorrow the moving van arrives between 8 and 9 in the morning. I will say good-bye to the apartment that has been my home for the last 5 years. We will spend the night with friends so we can be rested for the drive to Gettysburg. Consequently, I will be away from the computer for the next few days as we travel and get settled. There is still a lot of packing to be done, but once we're on the road, I will relax. Our faithful God has brought us this far. Even 6 years ago, I could not have imagined this as the next scenario in my faith journey. Now, within a couple of short weeks my seminary career will begin with Summer Greek . I am in awe of God's grace and care for us. As Martin Luther wrote in his Small Catechism : I believe that I cannot by my own understanding ...

Emotions have been running high for the last week as we say good-bye to so many dear friends. It all started last Tuesday evening at a picnic with a small prayer group we have been a part of for some time. Dessert included well wishes, gifts, and prayers. It was overwhelming. Saturday evening was spent at dinner with long time friends of Ray's and the above process was repeated. By then I couldn't even read the card out loud through the tears. Sunday was the culminating event of the group good-byes, our last Sunday at Emanuel Lutheran Church , our spiritual home for the last five years; since my arrival in RI. The good folks there have encouraged me in the call to ministry and the journey that entails. Before the dismissal, our pastor called us forward so everyone could pray for us. We were presented with a lovely gift box of cards, letters, and gifts from our faith community, followed by a coffee hour in our honor. Again we were owerwhelmed. We had been concerned about finance...

Singing Owl, one of the Revgals asks this for the Friday Five: what are the five things you simply must have when you are away from home? And why? Any history or goofy things, or stories? We travel pretty light for road trips, as much as possible. Most have been trips to Rochester to see my daughter, granddaughter, and friends. However, next week at this time, the moving van will be here loading up everything for the biggest and most life altering road trip we've had in our five years of marriage--the trip to the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. One of the best parts of this particular trip is that it will begin on our 5th wedding annivarsary. So much for background. Five things I simply must have when away from home: 1. Clothes--the why is pretty obvious. 2. Toiletries--deodorant, shampoo etc.--again an obvious why--who'd want to be around me? 3. A place to stay halfway through the trip. From our current home to Rochester we always broke the trip in Albany. I ...

Yesterday's gospel abo ut the wheat and the weeds and letting both grow up together until the end lent itself to several interesting applications of the Lutheran understanding of faith. First there is the similarity in appearance of wheat and tares or weeds. They are nearly indistinguishable. The good and the bad, those following Christ and those who aren't, saints and sinners can be difficult to distinguish from each other. Luther spoke of Christians as being simultaneously saints and sinners. Ahhh how very Lutheran this illustration is. We often like to pigeonh ole people as Christian or not, in or out of God's kingdom. There are various varieties of the true litmus test. Only God knows the depth of one's heart. Today's sinner may be tomorrow's saint. This parable demonstrates that it is God who will be the judge of one's faith and commitment or lack thereof. Each of us falls and gets back up in our Christian walk. There are times when I am grateful th...