Distance taken away

One thing I hate about being in CO is being a ways away from family and friends I love. I have learned to love skype and the ability to see people while talking to them. Thanks be to God for Skype.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Here is a view from the pulpit. I was practicing reading through the text and then about to run through my sermon to an empty worship center, but found it a sweet view and thought I would take a quick photo. It is soooo much less nerve wracking to preach to an empty worship center.

Lenten Cross

The cross that came together on Ash Wednesday and now will sit in our sanctuary through the Lenten season. People came forward and pounded in a nail into pre-made holes. The final product is pretty sweet.

Latest project: DONE

A couple of my friends recently just had a baby girl (which they knew it was a baby girl since Octoberish) and I decided to make a blanket for her. So here is the finish product. Now it is just waiting to be delivered. It turned out alright, not my favorite project I have ever done, but it was a mindless project which was good.

From Dust I was Made and to Dust I shall return.

Ash Wednesday is always an interesting start to Lent for me. It is one of those moments in life that serves as a fabulous reminder for me. This year it was a honor to be on internship and to be able to put the ashes on the gathered assembly. The most interesting one for me, that was actually a bit challenging for me was a four day old baby girl who I had just went to visit the day before. It seemed so odd to be marking her with the ash cross and stating "Remember from dust you were made and from dust you shall return." There is also great hope and power in the realization that those are the palms from Palm Sunday and all that it entails and the events that will and do follow.

Lovin From St. John's Lutheran

I received this amazing package from the folks at St. John's Lutheran Church in St. Donatus, Iowa. Talk about feeling the love. I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the love and care and support I have gotten from people all around the country.

The Missing Week.

Last week I was out on a much needed vacation to: Walt Disney World. It was a glorious combination of my dearest friend, relaxation, and fun.

Saturday: 02/13/10
I love Sorcerer Mickey & Suz!

Animal Kingdom: 02/12/10
Up close and personal with the animals.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: 02/11/10
I love all the live shows that happen around all four of the Disney Parks.

Disney's Epcot: 02/10/10
The Land: They are innovating new ways to grow plants and fishes. I was very impressed and loved the behind the scenes tour at the Land. I highly recommend it.

Disney's Magic Kingdom: 02/09/10
We were able to attend the opening of Magic Kingdom where Mickey Mouse rides in on the train and sprinkles Pixie dust all over to open the park and begin the magic.

Downtown Disney: 02/08/10
I LOVE MY SUZ!

Luke 5:1-11

This is the sweet project that our What's Happening kids (these ones primarily done by K-5th graders) made for worship this week. We cut out people and colored fish to go along with this weekend's gospel lesson and attached them to colored 'fishing nets' (or nets that are supposed to represent the real fishing nets). We then hung the seven nets all around the worship center and had two different nets that we hung over the communion rail. I love when youth are able to take leadership in worship, tomorrow morning they are also reading, ushering, greeting, and communion assisting.

Water

I am so ridiculously thankful for the abundance of clean and drinkable water. I am overwhelmed by the amount I depend upon water: to wash, to drink, to cook, and to bath in.

The common

The question may be what makes this photo great. Well it is all just common things that I have grown to appreciate over the years.
Gladys: my MacBook who has seen so much of life and allows me to communicate with many who I love as well as gives me something fun to play on and an escape when I want it. Gladys does homework, writes sermons, edits photos, sends emails, plays music, and soooo much more.
Planner: Keeps me sane to put it mildly. I think I would lose my mind attempting to figure out where I need to be when and what needs to get done by when. On top of that it also keeps track of key dates, birthdays, anniversaries and other fun. Not to mention keeps me up to date with the lectionary.
Frozen Coffee: YUM, what else does one need to say to this. I love Panera's frozen caramel coffee.
Greek NT: I have a strange love for reading the New Testament in Greek.