The Heart of a Pastor

A mighty wind (and I am not talking about me)

Grown up
I don't know if this will make a lot of sense to people, but part of me feels more "grown up" now.  Allow me to explain...

...my wife is the stage manger for a musical that is being put on by a couple churches in town.  The musical is called "The First Actions Heroes".  I don't know much about the musical, but based on what my wife is doing behind the scenes, it looks like it is going to be good.  Anyway, my wife needed a prop built...a light pole.  So we started brainstorming.  I had a couple 2x4s in the garage so we thought we could use them along with a old cardboard carpet roll tube.  But one thing was missing...I didn't own a saw.  Well...I do now.  When we were at Menard's this past weekend my wife said something to me that I think most guys would love to hear, "Honey, I think you should buy a circular saw."  WHOO HOO!  Power tools!  So I bought a Black n Decker circular saw.  And for some strange reason I feel more "grown up" now.  Combine that with the fact I bought a cordless drill a couple weeks earlier...well...I really feel "grown up".  (WHOO HOO! Did I mention I have pool tools?)

Marathon update
This past Saturday I ran my longest run to date...8 miles.  Part of me was excited to see how I would last and another part of me was a little nervous.  I was a little nervous because of a nagging voice in the back of my brain that tells me to be careful of injuries.  Would my legs hold up?  They did and I felt great afterward.  Praise be to God!  This Saturday I have a 9 mile run and the following week is 10 miles.  Then I drop down for a week to rest before increasing my mileage some more.  Starting June 1 I begin the official marathon training program.  Up to then I am simply in a mileage build up program to prepare me for the longer run I will have this summer. 

Without God, there is no way I could do what I am doing.  It sounds strange to say that God is helping me train for such a grueling race, but I don't feel I am doing this alone.  Whatever God's purpose is, I am in this for the long haul...and so far I am feeling great.

Pentecost Sunday
There is a verse from Acts 2 that always makes me smile.  Maybe you know what I am referring to.  The Holy Spirit comes over the disciples and they start speaking in the various languages of the people: "Amazed and perplex, they (the crowd) asked one another, 'What does this mean?' Some, however, made fun of them (the disciples) and said, 'They have had too much wine.'  Then Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, 'Fellow Jews all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.  These men are not drunk, as you suppose.  It's only nine in the morning..."  But if it were 3 in the afternoon, then we might have a different story :)

So in that "spirit", allow me to suggest a couple possible sermon titles for this week:
(1) High on God
(2) Drunk on the Holy Spirit
(3) No whining [get it?  wine-ing]
(4) God has good breath - no breath mint needed
(5) God breaks wind [this is my favorite]
Any other suggestions?

On that note...it time to accomplish something this morning.  God bless you on this beautiful spring day and may you sense the Mighty Wind (Holy Spirit) "blowing" in your life.  Take care.

-edh-

Sunday morning prayer

Happy Sunday morning to you all...and what a beautiful day it is...finally...

...first off, I am sorry that I have been so absent these past couple weeks.  It never seems to fail, that when May rolls around things start picking up again until school is done.  Also, last Sunday we (Salem) participated in a "Thanksgiving and Retiring Rite" for the Lutheran Book of Worship.  The service went well, but things did not really set in with me until this past week when I was removing all the LBWs and WOV (With One Voice) hymnals out.  It felt a little surreal.

Today at Salem is Dedication Sunday for our NEW hymnals...the Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW/cranberry hymnals).  Today will mark a new chapter in our worship life.  It may also mark a time of new controversy as I know some people (a minority of people) are not in favor of these new books.  But my prayer is that over time, they will grow to understand that we do not worship books, but rather we worship an awesome God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  It will take some time getting used to the "new" page numbers (i.e. the Brief Order of Confession and Forgiveness is not on page 77 but on page 147).  I wonder if I will instinctively turn to pg. 77 this morning.  It will also take some time getting used to hymn numbers in the 800s.

But I also feel fortunate because I do not have to say "good bye" completely to the LBW.  Belmont Lutheran Church (the other congregation I serve) still uses the LBW.  Now I just have to stay focused; trying to keep the two worship services straight in my head (I wonder if I will ask Belmont to turn to pg 147 for the Brief Order of Confession and Forgiveness).

In any case, I am looking forward to worship this morning.  I am not sure what it will bring (but then again do I ever know).  But one thing I do know...is that my prayer will be that everything we do today (and everyday) be to the GLORY OF GOD and not to us.  And that also happens to be my sermon focus:  What does it mean to glorify God -- with the scripture reference the Gospel text from John 17:1-11.

So with that, let's pray together...
O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the world.  I can't help but think of that Psalm today, O God.  When I think of all you have created and all you have done, you are still mindful of us.  You still remember us.  You still care for us.  Within this massive creation you know our needs, you give us daily bread and you love us as if each one of us were the only person in the world.  But if that was not enough, you sent you one and only Son, Jesus Christ to die and rise from the grave so we may have life. It is for these reasons (and many more) that all praise, honor and GLORY belongs to you.  O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the world.  Amen

God's blessings to you this day and always.  Take care.
-edh-

Freedom!!!

This is a scene depicting 54 old car seats from a car seat clinic my wife organized.  I titled this "Freedom!!!" because these have been in our garage for some time and now I am free of these plastic shells.  Today is citywide clean-up so that is why they are sitting on the curb.

But in all seriousness, this is the second year my wife has done this.  She is a certified car seat tech and has a passion for child safety.  This scene of 54 old car seats means there are 54 more children that are riding in safe car seats now.  It is a lot of work for her (and for me for that matter), but it is all worth it.

Freedom...Yes...but safe kids...even better.

[I am hoping this makes up for the burnt wooden spoon picture :)]

-edh-

LATE ADDITION:  When I posted this earlier today I failed to mention and give some credit to my sister who came down from the cities to help with one of these clinics.  Julie is also a car seat tech.  Connie and I were both very grateful she could come.  Plus we got to spend some quality time togther (which includes time with my cute little niece).

Monday morning check in - 04/21/08

Wow...what a novel concept...me actually posting a "Monday morning check in" on Monday :)

Anywho...

It's official reprise:
I feel a little different today; after having had a couple days to let this whole marathon thing sink in.  I registered for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on Friday and then ran six miles on Saturday.  That ties my longest run since high school and you know something...I felt great.  The first couple miles were tough as my body loosened up, but after that I felt myself getting strong and stronger.  I don't know how long that feeling will last for I have no idea where my "runners wall" is (The runners wall is the point where your body runs out of energy reserves; usually around the 18 -21 mile mark.  A marathon is 26.2 miles).  I am going to be running a 18.6 mile race this summer so we'll see if I hit my wall then.  In any case, so far I am having a great time and getting more and more excited about the marathon.  My sister and mom left a comment for me at my last couple posts about running and they said they would be at the marathon cheering me on.  That meant the world to me.  Now I pray that God keeps me healthy enough to run this monster race.

WHOO HOO!!!
Our church secretary, Vicki, is back in the office.  She's not going to be here all morning, but is back getting some stuff done.  Vicki still has some more healing to do and strength to build back up again, but it is great to have her back...even if its only for a short time today.  My life feels somewhat "normal" again.  Praise God!!!

Scripture
This verse from the first lesson text for this Sunday (Easter 6) has captured my attention today:  "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously again your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." (1 Peter 3:15-16) 
Questions to consider:
(1) Is Christ set apart, in your heart, as Lord or is their another lord in your heart (i.e. success, money, athletics, etc)?
(2) Are you prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have?  Are you able to verbalize or live out this hope?
(3) Are you gentle and respectful when it comes to sharing the hope that you have?  Are you patient with others?

I believe these three questions are ones many Christians struggle with.  What do you think?

-edh-

Sunday morning prayer - 04/20/08

Great news...

...our church secretary, Vicki, is finally home and feeling much better.  There is a strong possibility we will have her back next week, at least for a little bit.  But I want to make sure she takes it slow and not rush back.  We don't want her over doing it too soon.  Thank you for the prayers.

In other news...the parishioner I talked about earlier, G, that had a massive heart attack, died on Friday.  He was all set to come home to the Jackson hospital when he developed pneumonia and had another heart attack.  That was Thursday and died by 3pm Friday.  G was all set to die and was not afraid.  His faith definitely gave him peace during this difficult time.  Thank you for the prayers.

With that being said, let's join ourselves together in a word of prayer.

Loving God, there are so many times that we just don't understand; where we throw up our hands with the psalmist and ask, "How long, O God?  How long?"  We search and search for answers.  We search and search for clarity.  But the more we search the more things become cloudy.  And in the end all we are left with is a hope through Jesus Christ.  And even that becomes cloudy in our doubts.  O God, grants us patience and help us to trust you more, knowing that your Will, will indeed be done.  And when your Will is done, may we rejoice and give you all glory.  Thank you, God, for your loving faithfulness.  In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

God bless you and take care.

-edh-

It's official...

...I hit that "registration" button at 11:08am, today, April 19.  Now I am officially registered for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon.  May God have mercy on me :)

-edh-

The point of no return

In the matter of hours I will be entering the point of no return...

...tomorrow...Friday, April 18 registration opens for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon.  This is a goal I set for myself back in August and now tomorrow, it begins to become more and more of a reality.  And as I sit here I am feeling a little nervous about it because after I register...and I am officially in...there's no turning back unless I want to throw away $95 (registration fee).  I shouldn't be nervous, but I am.

I think part of my nervousness comes from the fact that I have had to deal with two separate running injuries this year.  Back in January I developed shin splints from building up my mileage too fast.  I had to rest about 2 weeks before starting over and slowly building my mileage base back up.  Then back at the beginning of March I suffered a pulled groin muscle.  And let me tell you...that was not fun at all.  This set me back about 3 three weeks (currently I am in my second week of running since recovering from that injury).  Now, in the back of my mind, I am wondering what is next.  I can't afford any more set backs the closer I get to the race date (Sunday, Oct. 5).

But I still believe I can do this.  Some people think I am crazy, and maybe I am, but for some strange reason I have always wanted to be able to call myself a marathon runner.  No...I didn't fall on my head or anything, but to be able to complete one of the ultimate tests of human endurance is something I want to achieve.  I know it is going to be difficult and there will be times when I will feel like quitting, but I think that will make achieving this goal all the more satisfying.

So when tomorrow morning rolls around, I will be on-line registering for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon (not that I am worried about chickening out if I wait)...crossing the point of no return.  But even though I am still a little nervous about hitting that registration button, I am also excited.  I'm excited because I will be one small step closer to completing a goal I have always wanted to complete. 

[And having the "point of no return" hanging over my head will definitely help with the motivation]

So...here I go...nerves and all.

-edh-

Amazing God

Two weeks in a row I have missed my Monday Morning Check-in post.  I still do plan to continue with Monday Morning Check-in but with Vicki still out of the office, my whole routine has been thrown into the air.

First an update:  I talked with Vicki today and she is still in the hospital.  There is still no word on when she will be coming home, so I'm on my own for bulletins this week again.  We are hoping that Vicki will be back to do the May newsletter, but we're not holding our breath.  I am currently getting volunteers in place to help me with that task in case Vicki can't.  So please continue to pray for Vicki.  This has been really hard on her.  She just wants to get better and get home.  It has been over a month and this is getting really old for her.  Her job will always be safe here (I keep assuring her of that since she keeps worrying about it), but we still miss her and look forward to having her home soon.

Now for the main reason I am writing today:  GOD IS AMAZING!!!

Last Thursday a 93 year old parishioner of mine had a "massive" (that was the doctor's word...a word you never want to hear) heart attack.  He was placed on life support after receiving three stints.  When I was at the hospital on Friday, doctors did not give G much hope to survive this heart attack.  Part of me fully expected to be preparing for a funeral this week.

But yesterday (Tuesday) I found out all life support has been pulled and G was doing great.  I went to see him on Tuesday and he was sitting up in bed and conversing with me.  I gave him communion before PT came to pick him up.

WOW...GOD IS AMAZING AND AWESOME.  This man has survived a couple strokes in the last few years plus this heart attack...all the while living alone in his own apartment and still active; driving himself to where he needs to go.

Yet another example of how God's time and plans are not always in line with ours.  We need to be patient and let God take care of things; for God is always faithful.

We have an AMAZING GOD!  AMEN!

-edh-

Continuing education

Greetings all!  I am still among the living...I haven't dropped off the face of the earth.

My week of vacation last week was very relaxing and restful.  My time was jammed pack with a whole lot of nothing.  Of course my wife just rolls her eyes at me when I review my schedule with her.  Then she rolls her eyes some more at me when I try to explain why I am so "tired" and ready for a nap after a long day of doing nothing.  Oh well...at least I am feeling more and more refreshed as time goes by.

Now I am at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN (the seminary I graduated from) for a week of continuing education.  The title of the course I am taking is "Tending Large Life Transitions:  Preaching and Counseling in Weddings, Divorce and Death".  The course is a series of three classes during the week:  Finishing Well: Dying, Death and Continuing Care; Marriage and Divorce Reconsidered; and Preaching Weddings and Funerals.  It is going to be a week packed full of information that will be very useful in my ministry.  And let me tell you...it is so nice to just sit back and be fed for once.

And...in the midst of my relaxing and continuing education, we are being socked with a HEAVY SNOW WARNING.  They are predicting up to 8 inches here.  Wow...winter really needs to let go.

Anyway...that's my update.  I look forward to sharing some of what I am learning here.  I am already gleaning a lot of good resources.  In the mean time, take care and God bless...

...and I'll "see" you later.
-edh-

"Vacation"

I am on vacation...

...but not really.  As Christians we are never really on vacation, but as for pastoral duties I am on vacation...

...well...not really.  I went down to my favorite coffee shop to enjoy some time away from my cell phone and visited with a group of ladies (one of which is from Salem).  One of the ladies in that group is recovering from back surgery and is still in some pain.  I guess some pastoral care was taking place.

After that group left I made my way over to another group of ladies to say "Hi".  They had just finished a Bible study at their church.  They noticed a saying on my shirt that had a Bible verse attached to it and wanted to know what it meant.  I couldn't remember so one lady pulled out a Bible and I looked up the verse.  I guess a mini bible study took place.

On vacation?  I guess that is a very subjective word because Christians should never be on "vacation". 

And what will tomorrow hold for me...on my "busy" vacation?  I will be looking forward to spending some more "vacation" time down at the coffee shop.

Take care and God bless!
-edh-