Christ the Lord has risen today…Alleluia!

This year Easter has special meaning to me. I feel the depth and breadth of the present renewal. I feel more cognizant of the promise found in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Spring is a time of new life and Easter further accentuates the refreshing of my spirit.

Today I went to church with my Grandparents. The church where my mother and father went with their families, participated in youth group activities, met and were married. As I walked into the sanctuary childhood memories of worshipping there flooded back. I turned and gazed at the choir loft where seven craved, wooden plaques designed by my Grandfather hung.

I kneeled at the rail receiving Holy Communion. The light from the stained glass streamed in over the flowers and reflected off the three steel crosses hanging on the wall. I felt at peace with the world, with myself, and in the promise that Christ will lead and guide me. The promise I was given at my baptism, in this church 24 years ago, came full circle as I took the bread and wine.

This Easter I am celebrating second chances, renewal, the glorious mysteries of life and the grace and salvation given to me by God. Life is hard and everyday I have to remind myself to trust in God for I often forget. However, this year there are so many things to be thankful for. For the first time I feel I actually believe that. I must remember to live day by day, to be fully alive, and put my worries into God’s hands.

Thanks be to God!

Lost in Thought

I'm trying to decide whether or not this is a good thing, but sometimes as I read for class my mind wanders. Now it often wanders to things unrelated to theology; however, many times a different theological topic enters my mind. Somehow it relates to whatever it was I was reading to begin with, but usually distantly. Maybe since it all relates to the struggle to live as a Christian it all relates close enough.

Today was one of those days. I've spent the majority of my day researching and reading about other topics unrelated to what I need to get done for class. What I have looked up and read has interested me though, and it has helped me learn more about God's Word. I also enjoy the ability to consult my priest friend whenever I need him. Yes, I know he is Catholic and I am Lutheran, but his counsel is important nonetheless.

I think I am going to go to bed, pray, and ask God to continue to direct me in this life. Since it is clear I can't figure it out on my own.

The Future Belongs to the Lord

Llamas, Deep-Fried Guinea Pig, and Indigenous Spectator Sports. Those words are scattered around my coffee mug along with pictures from South America. Photographs of tropical rainforests, ancient ruins and beautiful children remind me of my adventures in Latin America and the excitement that went along with them. I'm ready for adventure, I'm ready to get up and move, I'm ready for whatever life holds in store (As long as its good of course, which I guess doesn't offer too much flexibility if I limit myself to happy things, but whatever, its my life!).

I was talking to a friend last night and we discussed how when God finally says,"Okay now you may have ____," we wonder why we were so worried to begin with. The unknown aspects of the future are full of mystery. That mystery both annoys us to death and fills us with eager anticipation.

But I have to remind myself that my life "Consists in being drawn, at God’s pace and in God’s way, to the place where God wants [me] to be."-Evelyn Underhill That is often difficult for me. It is something I struggle with daily so please continue to remind me "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matthew 6:34