Sunday, August 1, 2010
Are we worthy to wear their coats?
So we went to a very Adventist event yesterday: William Miller annual campmeeting. It was a really nice service. Normally the sermon consists of a recap of the events during William Miller's era, but the sermon had a grander focus this time. The question was: are we worthy to where the coats of those pioneers? The speaker recapped on the fact that every 20 years or so, the pioneers would consider the question, "What now God?" They would with prayer and bible study evaluate whether the methods they'd been using were working for the society of that day; whether holding onto religious traditions were hindering their greater purpose of evangelism. It was a very thought provoking sermon. This has always been the scariest question for me to ask of God. What do you want from me right now? Scary because I don't know the answer to it. Scary because it will probably take me out of my comfort zone. But I also know the times I have trusted God in answering this questions and followed where He led have been the happiest and most exciting of my life. Can you imagine how different our churches might be if we all were collectively asking, "What now God?" Might we not just be warming pews every Sabbath, but reaching out to the hungry, thirsty, and sick in our community. I really think God wants to do something big with our church. I'm praying He'll bring me to the place in my walk with Him that I am willing to go wherever He leads.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Catching Up: thoughts on life.
It shouldn't be a surprise to any of you by now, or even to myself, that several months have gone by since I visited this lovely place of putting down my thoughts. There just comes a time when a facebook status can't fulfill the need in me to write things down. No, I'm not talking about reports on the state of our damaged environment, or the challenges of healthcare. God knows I've been doing plenty of those on a regular basis. No, sometimes my mind needs to let out things other than schoolwork.
I've had a lot of thoughts on my mind lately. Some concerning the trials God allows us to go through in order to strengthen our faith. Others to do with trials He allows to show us our faults. Both types I've experienced in the past month. Its such good news to me that God is actively working in my life. No, I certainly don't have it all together, but the fact that God is taking the time to address the small issues in my life reminds me that He thinks I'm worth something.
God also blessed Adam and I by bring us to our first wedding anniversary on Monday. Its seems crazy to think that its been over a year now since we said "I do." Time flies. It just seems like life was always this way: waking up next to each other, eating breakfast together, enjoying hobbies together, and taking care of the many aspects of "home." Our garden survived this year and is producing wildly! Ever meal we cook at home now consists of garden veggies, otherwise it would grow out of control! I say 'every night we eat home' because two nights a week we have dinner with our parents, one with Adam's, one with mine. This didn't begin until a couple months ago, but it has become a weekly tradition we love and cherish; one of the many joys of being only children and living close by to parents.
The end of my schooling is also in site...Hurray!!! I will most likely finish in April of next, but graduation won't be until August. Each term I finish now has me counting down the number of classes I have left. God really has been so good to us in allowing me to continue schooling and paying my way through now that we're married. So many little gifts from above have blessed us financially and spiritually. I'm reminded continually that God has a sincere interest in His children.
One last thought I'll stick in here was an experience I had on our anniversary this week. I was downstairs doing laundry when I heard a knock on the door. I went up to see who it was, and it was Jim (Adam's Dad). He had a bag of sweet corn in his arms, which he gave me, and said "If there was a ever a day worth celebrating, I think it should be today." He then gave me a hug, and when he pulled away there were tears in his eyes, and an expression so deep it was hard for me to handle. I can be emotional, but it takes some arousing. Seeing his intense emotion just over happiness of us being together was unnerving to me. It made me wonder if that is what God experiences when he is proud or happy with his children. Funny thing was, that same expression seems like what God might have when he sees His children wandering astray. It was a combination of deep love and intense passion. I think God was there through his eyes saying "Happy Anniversary my children. I love you with a love too deep to understand; one strong enough to hold you through the pleasant and unpleasant times. Continue to live in My love."
I've had a lot of thoughts on my mind lately. Some concerning the trials God allows us to go through in order to strengthen our faith. Others to do with trials He allows to show us our faults. Both types I've experienced in the past month. Its such good news to me that God is actively working in my life. No, I certainly don't have it all together, but the fact that God is taking the time to address the small issues in my life reminds me that He thinks I'm worth something.
God also blessed Adam and I by bring us to our first wedding anniversary on Monday. Its seems crazy to think that its been over a year now since we said "I do." Time flies. It just seems like life was always this way: waking up next to each other, eating breakfast together, enjoying hobbies together, and taking care of the many aspects of "home." Our garden survived this year and is producing wildly! Ever meal we cook at home now consists of garden veggies, otherwise it would grow out of control! I say 'every night we eat home' because two nights a week we have dinner with our parents, one with Adam's, one with mine. This didn't begin until a couple months ago, but it has become a weekly tradition we love and cherish; one of the many joys of being only children and living close by to parents.
The end of my schooling is also in site...Hurray!!! I will most likely finish in April of next, but graduation won't be until August. Each term I finish now has me counting down the number of classes I have left. God really has been so good to us in allowing me to continue schooling and paying my way through now that we're married. So many little gifts from above have blessed us financially and spiritually. I'm reminded continually that God has a sincere interest in His children.
One last thought I'll stick in here was an experience I had on our anniversary this week. I was downstairs doing laundry when I heard a knock on the door. I went up to see who it was, and it was Jim (Adam's Dad). He had a bag of sweet corn in his arms, which he gave me, and said "If there was a ever a day worth celebrating, I think it should be today." He then gave me a hug, and when he pulled away there were tears in his eyes, and an expression so deep it was hard for me to handle. I can be emotional, but it takes some arousing. Seeing his intense emotion just over happiness of us being together was unnerving to me. It made me wonder if that is what God experiences when he is proud or happy with his children. Funny thing was, that same expression seems like what God might have when he sees His children wandering astray. It was a combination of deep love and intense passion. I think God was there through his eyes saying "Happy Anniversary my children. I love you with a love too deep to understand; one strong enough to hold you through the pleasant and unpleasant times. Continue to live in My love."
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Vacation = restoration, shopping, guilt, renewed love for learning
Breaks from Kaplan are always welcome, and generally rejuvenating. Such was this one, though I greatly wished I could have escaped to some warm, tropical area of the world that too me completely away from my obligations and responsibilities, but life doesn't often allow such fantasies to come true, so in VT I remain, with snow in the forecast every day this week. On the upside, a gained a little bit extra needed sleep this weekend, which was a blessing. Even more gratifying was my shopping trip with Mom and Sunday. We don't go shopping often, as a mother + daughter shopping = lots of fun, but too much $'s spent! Lots of good deals were found though, a shoppers reward :) I felt guilty afterwards, as I always do when I spend more money on myself than I do over the course of a couple months, but that is why its a treat, and it doesn't happen very often! Ok, I'll stop trying to justify it. It was fun though :)
Its amazing how a mere week off from school stress, and a new set of textbooks can renew my passion for learning. Up until last week I was so crazy from school I was pleading that graduation would come sooner than next year. Now, with Public Health and Abnormal Psychology books in hand, I am ready to start a new 10 weeks with Kaplan tomorrow. I have even read through the first chapters in each book! Dad thinks its a waste of vacation. I think its pretty interesting, mostly because at this point I "want to," not "have to." That will all change in a matter of days..... Here we go!
Its amazing how a mere week off from school stress, and a new set of textbooks can renew my passion for learning. Up until last week I was so crazy from school I was pleading that graduation would come sooner than next year. Now, with Public Health and Abnormal Psychology books in hand, I am ready to start a new 10 weeks with Kaplan tomorrow. I have even read through the first chapters in each book! Dad thinks its a waste of vacation. I think its pretty interesting, mostly because at this point I "want to," not "have to." That will all change in a matter of days..... Here we go!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Week Break and Valentine's Banquet Result
Last night completed the most taxing of Kaplan terms yet. Epidemiology really pushed my limits, as it had me writing papers for it every week, along with the the other projects from my religions class, working full time, and planning the Valentine's Banquet or our youth group (which went really well!!!). Unfortunately I was not able to see my grade after completing the exam, but thanks to the Professor, if I am "average," that means a ranked among the rest of his normal students with a 50%! Talk about a way to scare your students before taking an exam! Oh well. I figured out that even if I did get a 50%, I would still have an A in the class, so I guess it all works out.
As for our Valentine's Banquet, it was awesome! We arrived at the church at noon on Sunday, and began decorating, as our amazing cook/help (Gail and Lorraine) worked in the kitchen. We all got so much done before people started arriving at 5:00. The youth group was a little disappointed that not many people form the community came, but we have great church support, and several people from neighboring churches. It was a hit! And the best part of all was that they helped us to raise $350 for ADRA to go to Haiti relief! Thanks to everyone who helped, came, and made this all happen and be a success!!!
As for our Valentine's Banquet, it was awesome! We arrived at the church at noon on Sunday, and began decorating, as our amazing cook/help (Gail and Lorraine) worked in the kitchen. We all got so much done before people started arriving at 5:00. The youth group was a little disappointed that not many people form the community came, but we have great church support, and several people from neighboring churches. It was a hit! And the best part of all was that they helped us to raise $350 for ADRA to go to Haiti relief! Thanks to everyone who helped, came, and made this all happen and be a success!!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Seeing God's Children No Matter Where They Go To Church
God has been teaching me an ongoing lesson over the past couple years. Almost two years ago, I was first asked to play for a church other than my own. It was the Federated Church in East Arlington. It is a combination of both people of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church. It was a challenge for me, because it meant spending a lot more time preparing to play for church than I normally do for my own (as I know the hymnbook pretty well, as well as our layout). It was also a challenge to step outside my comfort zone into another church. As time went on, I filled in for them now and then (they paid me each time), and I got to know the people. I was blessed to meet other people from Arlington, as many of them are customers of my Dad's. I struggled with spiritual/mental challenge of being there several Sundays in a row. I knew it was "work," as I was getting paid, but it felt strange to be in church both Sabbath and Sunday. I felt like a heretic for a while, before my loving fiance' (now husband) reminded me that it was a job, and nothing more, if that was what I needed to think of it as in order to maintain my trueness to my own faith.
I worked well with this theory, and still do, but God had a bigger concept for me to grasp. I was also asked to play for the Episcopal Church in town. This was a much bigger stretch of my Christian/Adventist understanding of truth. Being brought up in the Adventist church can do a number on one's psyche. I grew up knowing the truth, but that knowledge also created a fear of those outside of the "remnant." An even greater fear lurked about the Catholic Church. As the Episcopal Church resembles the Catholic Church in many traditions, I was a bit scared to play for them. Some part of me felt like I was stepping on dangerous ground, placing myself amongst people who might lead me astray. I think many Adventists are programmed with this concept, which I learned is false. I am not saying that I would be going to their church if I was not working for them, but my point I will explain....
I have played for them many times now, and in doing so have gained some curiosities. Each week they have communion. Our church only does it once a quarter. All participants during the service wear some type of robe and/or other garment(s). Many prescribed readings accompany the service, along with a hose of other traditions much different than the Adventist Church. The culmination of this lesson God has been teaching me happened tonight.
I had the choice for this term to either take a Religions and Cultures class or some other history. I chose the Religions class, as I wanted to gain my understanding of other religions in order to understand people better. My final project required me to attend a service of a church other than my own, observe, and speak to one of the believers. Since I was playing for the Christmas Eve service anyway, I used this as my event. I email the Reverend of the church this past week, and he just sent me his reply today. God bless him for putting so much time into it. I asked him a lot of questions, and he gave me so much background information that it made me understand so much better. I am a full believer that God wants us to have knowledge about other churches. We are not to live in our Adventist shells, holding our knowledge to ourselves, criticizing everyone who isn't "in the know." Knowledge is power. It dispels fear. Also, I finally realized that the people in both of these churches I play for are just that: People. They aren't weird. Not different. Just people. More than that: They are God's Children. He died for them, just as He died for you and me. Just because they go to a different church doesn't mean we need to be afraid of them, or even disassociate from them. They are people we come in contact every day, whether we know it or not. The real question is, will we act like Jesus did when He was here, with love and kindness, even when we don't know who's watching? I hope the answer is yes.
I worked well with this theory, and still do, but God had a bigger concept for me to grasp. I was also asked to play for the Episcopal Church in town. This was a much bigger stretch of my Christian/Adventist understanding of truth. Being brought up in the Adventist church can do a number on one's psyche. I grew up knowing the truth, but that knowledge also created a fear of those outside of the "remnant." An even greater fear lurked about the Catholic Church. As the Episcopal Church resembles the Catholic Church in many traditions, I was a bit scared to play for them. Some part of me felt like I was stepping on dangerous ground, placing myself amongst people who might lead me astray. I think many Adventists are programmed with this concept, which I learned is false. I am not saying that I would be going to their church if I was not working for them, but my point I will explain....
I have played for them many times now, and in doing so have gained some curiosities. Each week they have communion. Our church only does it once a quarter. All participants during the service wear some type of robe and/or other garment(s). Many prescribed readings accompany the service, along with a hose of other traditions much different than the Adventist Church. The culmination of this lesson God has been teaching me happened tonight.
I had the choice for this term to either take a Religions and Cultures class or some other history. I chose the Religions class, as I wanted to gain my understanding of other religions in order to understand people better. My final project required me to attend a service of a church other than my own, observe, and speak to one of the believers. Since I was playing for the Christmas Eve service anyway, I used this as my event. I email the Reverend of the church this past week, and he just sent me his reply today. God bless him for putting so much time into it. I asked him a lot of questions, and he gave me so much background information that it made me understand so much better. I am a full believer that God wants us to have knowledge about other churches. We are not to live in our Adventist shells, holding our knowledge to ourselves, criticizing everyone who isn't "in the know." Knowledge is power. It dispels fear. Also, I finally realized that the people in both of these churches I play for are just that: People. They aren't weird. Not different. Just people. More than that: They are God's Children. He died for them, just as He died for you and me. Just because they go to a different church doesn't mean we need to be afraid of them, or even disassociate from them. They are people we come in contact every day, whether we know it or not. The real question is, will we act like Jesus did when He was here, with love and kindness, even when we don't know who's watching? I hope the answer is yes.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Valentine's Banquet and other busyness
Most people who read this are also on facebook, so this will not be new to you guys, but our youth group is planning a Valentine's Banquet to raise money for Haiti. We are having it at our church on Sunday, February 14, from 5-7p.m. We, the youth group members, will be serving people, and we are asking for $10/person or $15/couple. (It is love day so we wanted to give a discount for couples) :) An extra donation is asked for children. All proceeds will be donated to ADRA, for their efforts in Haiti.
In doing some research to update my event on facebook, I came across a number of pictures displaying what has happened in Haiti. It is is so sad, and even more than that, disturbing. So much pain and destruction. All that I can say is that I hope Jesus comes back soon. I have been thinking a lot lately about how wonderful that will be, and especially the time we have in heaven when the books we be gone over. There are so many things I would love to know the whole story about. Background details and interesting facts. Oh for the day when pain and suffering will be no more!
So this week is going to be pretty busy. Youth group meeting tonight and Wednesday for extra planning for the banquet. Tuesday is my Dad's birthday, so I am making supper for him, and he's coming down to our house for it. Then before youth group on Wednesday is a personal ministries meeting that I have to go to. I think Adam had some shopping he wanted to do on Thursday, so that pretty much books the week! Wow! At least I had time yesterday to write my big Epidemiology paper of the week, so that won't be prying for my attention today. I thank God that I enjoy the things that will be keeping me busy this week!
In doing some research to update my event on facebook, I came across a number of pictures displaying what has happened in Haiti. It is is so sad, and even more than that, disturbing. So much pain and destruction. All that I can say is that I hope Jesus comes back soon. I have been thinking a lot lately about how wonderful that will be, and especially the time we have in heaven when the books we be gone over. There are so many things I would love to know the whole story about. Background details and interesting facts. Oh for the day when pain and suffering will be no more!
So this week is going to be pretty busy. Youth group meeting tonight and Wednesday for extra planning for the banquet. Tuesday is my Dad's birthday, so I am making supper for him, and he's coming down to our house for it. Then before youth group on Wednesday is a personal ministries meeting that I have to go to. I think Adam had some shopping he wanted to do on Thursday, so that pretty much books the week! Wow! At least I had time yesterday to write my big Epidemiology paper of the week, so that won't be prying for my attention today. I thank God that I enjoy the things that will be keeping me busy this week!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
VT Weather and School Update
So apparently we are taking a small break from winter, as everyday this week is supposed to get above freezing!!! No complaints here folks! It is snowing today though, so winter's still makings its appearance.
I'm thanking God after another one of His amazing feats of giving me the time I needed to get my schoolwork done before my deadline! I am a bit of a procrastinatory by heart, so He's very familiar with my frantic needs. ;) "Thanks Jesus!"
On other school news, with a little help from my advisor, and a lot of thinking from Adam and myself, we finally figured out I should be done with school in the spring of next year. Graduation is not until August, and its in Chicago. Haven't been there since I was a kid visiting Uncle Jerry and Aunt Diane. Maybe I'll actually get to go to raved "Connie's Pizza," that my parents have set on a pedestal. Supposedly I went there with them once, but since I was only a year old, I don't really remember. I will just be happy to be done with school. I had fleeting thoughts about going back to do something more, but I'm pretty sure that is going to stay just that for quite a while. My brain and out bank account demand it! I truly do have an amazing husband though! He is so good about letting me have the time I need to do school, helping out when I am overloaded, and putting up with our small funds as all of my get drained away to Kaplan. Someday I'll be done, and now I can say that someday will be next year! What a happy day that will be!
I'm thanking God after another one of His amazing feats of giving me the time I needed to get my schoolwork done before my deadline! I am a bit of a procrastinatory by heart, so He's very familiar with my frantic needs. ;) "Thanks Jesus!"
On other school news, with a little help from my advisor, and a lot of thinking from Adam and myself, we finally figured out I should be done with school in the spring of next year. Graduation is not until August, and its in Chicago. Haven't been there since I was a kid visiting Uncle Jerry and Aunt Diane. Maybe I'll actually get to go to raved "Connie's Pizza," that my parents have set on a pedestal. Supposedly I went there with them once, but since I was only a year old, I don't really remember. I will just be happy to be done with school. I had fleeting thoughts about going back to do something more, but I'm pretty sure that is going to stay just that for quite a while. My brain and out bank account demand it! I truly do have an amazing husband though! He is so good about letting me have the time I need to do school, helping out when I am overloaded, and putting up with our small funds as all of my get drained away to Kaplan. Someday I'll be done, and now I can say that someday will be next year! What a happy day that will be!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A Few Christmas Pics
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Long Overdue!
Well all, so much for my grand desire to be better about this whole blogging thing! Looks like it has been a couple months since my last post! The recap is that Thanksgiving and Christmas both went well. Had the family over for both holidays, which was really wonderful. Our house has come together, and now feels like a wonderful home. We were able to have a beautiful Christmas tree in our kitchen (Adam didn't want it on the hard wood in the living room for fear that water might damage the new floor). The lights shone out through the window, hopefully delighting passers by. December also brought about the beginning of a youth group in our church. The starting of the youth Sabbath School class has now branched out into a youth group, and it is such a blessing, to the kids and to myself! The youth are such a great part of my heart, and it is wonderful to be able to work with them! Sadly, I am losing one of the members (Katy) to CVA this Sunday, but she will be back on breaks and for the summer. ;) I know God has great plans for our church in Bennington, and I believe that starting this youth group is one way in which He can reach out to our community. We created a motto which we need to put on a banner and put up in our room. I will write it out in a later post.
Other than that, one of the other highlights for Adam and I was having Joe and Megan stay with us for couple days during Christmas break. Adam had the week after Christmas off, so we were able to spend those days completely with them, which was great! Megan and I did a LOT of shopping, and Joe and Adam rode themselves out of style in snowmobiles (figure our speech). :) We joined them on the sleds Saturday, and finished up our last evening with them by having pizza, ice cream, and watching movies. :)
During almost the whole time they were here, we were having that grand snow storm the northeast was hit with over Christmas break. It lasted through the time they had to leave for Philadelphia. We tried to convince them to stay an extra day, but Megan had a full day of class on Monday, so she wanted to be there for them. So said our goodbyes, and prayed for them on their trip back. Turns out, Philly barely had a dusting of snow when they got back!
I think that is the gist of what has been going on the past couple months. :) I'll post some pictures a little later. :)
Other than that, one of the other highlights for Adam and I was having Joe and Megan stay with us for couple days during Christmas break. Adam had the week after Christmas off, so we were able to spend those days completely with them, which was great! Megan and I did a LOT of shopping, and Joe and Adam rode themselves out of style in snowmobiles (figure our speech). :) We joined them on the sleds Saturday, and finished up our last evening with them by having pizza, ice cream, and watching movies. :)
During almost the whole time they were here, we were having that grand snow storm the northeast was hit with over Christmas break. It lasted through the time they had to leave for Philadelphia. We tried to convince them to stay an extra day, but Megan had a full day of class on Monday, so she wanted to be there for them. So said our goodbyes, and prayed for them on their trip back. Turns out, Philly barely had a dusting of snow when they got back!
I think that is the gist of what has been going on the past couple months. :) I'll post some pictures a little later. :)
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