"When You're Smilin'..."

Yesterday at work, a customer (an older gentleman) told me that every time he sees me, I’m always smiling. He said that my smile is “electrifying,” that it helps others to smile. :)

It’s rather touching to hear something like that…I must smile without even realizing it. I am thankful for this gift that I can share with others…Smiles are not meant to be kept to oneself. :)

Yes, I even use smiley faces in e-mails, text messages, status updates on Facebook, blog posts…I remember when I worked at my previous job, which wasn’t always the “happiest” of circumstances, if you will, coworkers would mention how I was smiling as I made my way from my car to the door of the building. I never did it “on purpose”…Somehow it just “happened.” And it’s still like that today.

[And, how can I NOT smile as Journey pops up on my Pandora station, “Don’t Stop Believin’?” And how can I NOT sing along at the top of my lungs? Well, I’m sitting in an office room at church, so maybe I’ll sing at the top of my lungs in my head… ;) ]

I was also told this week that I’m fun…Just like smiling, fun is meant to be shared, too…So much of life can often be spent in the doldrums. Is life happy all the time? Of course not...We do have those times where we need to travel through the valleys…Part of healing from pain is experiencing lament. But in the “everydayness” of life, we don’t have to be negative all the time.

Since Positivity is my number one strength on the Strengths Finder, it is easier for me to "be positive." I hope that this helps others to "see the positive" when it needs to be seen. I’ve also been compared to Flo from Progressive…I had to laugh at her status today on Facebook: “In the animal kingdom, smiling is a sign of aggression. I’m not welcome at the zoo. Sorry animals...” ;)

The song, “When You’re Smiling,” came to mind as I reflecting on the day…I like the Frank Sinatra version, so please take a listen via the link below:

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=I0IkR38B4as&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DI0IkR38B4as

I also found the following quote from Mother Teresa, which says a lot: “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” :)

Two blogs for the price of one today…Today is my half birthday…So, what does that mean? I’m 6 months away from my “scary age,” if you will…When I was in high school, I had imagined that my life would be different from what it is today. Is that a bad or good thing? You know, as I reflect…Everyone is on his or her own time table…Life is not a race, where the first-place finisher receives all the prizes. We all have been bestowed many gifts…Life itself is a gift, having the chance to make a difference in the world…Jesus gives us the gift of everlasting life…Wow, do we ever slow down in our busy lives, just to give thanks for all of the things that we DO have instead of what we don’t?

Oh, human nature…You always try to get us to compare ourselves to others or give us some unobtainable “norm” to strive for that actually doesn’t exist…

Instead of worrying about getting older, we need to be thankful for each day we have. So many things happen outside of our control that could take this precious gift from us. Worry is a waste of time and energy…It can affect our health in adverse ways…Besides, I think worrying causes more wrinkles instead of smiling. ;)

Ironically, I created a Frank Sinatra station on Pandora…The first song to play? “You Make Me Feel So Young.” Hmmm…When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you…And, a smiling face offers a light into a world in need of it…

Are you smiling today? At others? You just never know who may be touched by that light…God’s peace and blessings to you all, on this beautiful day and every day. :)

"Just Add Water" - Sermon from 1/20/2013

“Just Add Water”

Texts: John 2:1-11 (main focus); 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

   Dear friends in Christ, grace and peace to you from the one who is and who was and who is to come, our living Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

   How many of you have planned out everything so well, to the final detail, yet something big was overlooked or forgotten?

   2 ½ years ago, I was a bridesmaid in my friend Katy’s wedding. Katy has a gift for planning and organizing, planning everything over and over in her mind, about how things would go on the actual wedding day. Her plan was to wear her engagement ring to the ceremony, and have her future husband Jesse put her wedding band on her finger during the ceremony.

   The morning of the wedding, she placed the wedding bands in her clutch that she would be carrying to the reception, figuring it was a safe place. She did tell her mom where she put them, because she knew she had to delegate tasks to other people or else become overwhelmed.

   We were running late, as there were some issues with the dress, and it’s easy to get flustered by that. Before the ceremony, she didn't notice that her mom had taken her clutch and our bridesmaids’ purses into the church office to be locked away while the ceremony was happening.

   Time for the ceremony came, with emotions of nervousness and excitement in the air. Everything was beautiful! After walking down the aisle and as the pastor began to speak, Katy felt some relief that the “big part” was over. Everyone can relax a little, right? That was until Cody, Jesse’s brother and best man, leaned over and said something to Jesse. Then Jesse asked Katy, “Where are the rings?” Uh oh! Katy said her stomach dropped. In the hustle and bustle of everything that morning, she had forgotten one of the most important parts of the ceremony! She was so worried about the little details that she forgot one big detail.

   Miraculously Jesse was able to get Katy’s mom’s attention. She left the sanctuary and retrieved the rings, handing them to Katy’s maid of honor Nicole, who was sitting in the pew in front of her. Nicole hadn’t realized what happened but quickly figured it out.

   From that point on, everything went smoothly, and we can all laugh about this story now! At the time, though, shock and a bit of panic occurred for those who knew about it.

   So, from that wedding in Hastings, MN to the wedding in Cana…It seems that an important detail has been forgotten: there wasn’t enough wine. During Jesus’ time, running out of wine or having wine of poor quality at a wedding was a social blunder. Not just inconvenient but a social disaster and disgrace. The family would possibly live with the shame of it for quite some time; the bride and groom might see it as bringing bad luck to their married life; the steward who was in charge of the needs of the wedding guests might be in trouble? Oops. And they couldn’t just jump in the car and drive over the border to Hudson on a Sunday.

   Mary shares the issue with Jesus...Did she have unconditional confidence and trust in Jesus’ abilities? Unfortunately, we don’t have access to “Jesus: The Missing Years” in our Bibles, so we don’t know if Mary herself had witnessed signs of this nature before at home. His response doesn’t curtail her belief that he can do something about it. And, he does. He listens to his mom.

   Jesus sees a need and deals with it in unexpected ways. Did he have to do this? He says, “My hour has not yet come.” Why does he? Not sure. But how can we be Christ’s hands and feet today, seeing needs of others and dealing with them in unexpected ways?

   Only John’s Gospel includes this event, the first of the seven “signs” in John’s Gospel. The term “sign” is used instead of “miracle,” because a “sign” points to some truth about Jesus beyond this event. In this sign, not only was there an abundance of wine (6 stone jars, each holding 20-30 gallons…Let’s see, carry the 1…120-180 gallons!), but it was THE best-tasting wine! Something new has appeared in the old jars. Life wouldn’t be the same. God was doing a new thing. Jesus’ glory was revealed. This good wine was a sign of God’s presence in the world. God in flesh has come. His first sign was not a healing from sickness but turning water into wine, an extravagant gift. What a wedding gift that Jesus brings!

   Jesus gives this gift of grace and abundance; the question to ask ourselves today is, What are we doing with this gift?

   The joyous celebration was able to continue due to the abundance and graciousness of Jesus’ gift. We, too, can celebrate this gift. We are loved so abundantly and graciously that Jesus would give his life for us. Words cannot even begin to describe how awesome that is! Just as the best wine was saved for last, Jesus saves the best for last: after his death, he rose again. Death has been conquered! We, too, can have this joyous new wine, this everlasting life. Just as Jesus saved the married couple, the family, and the steward, Jesus saves us: from death, ourselves, our mistakes. And, we’re free to receive extraordinary gifts that this sign offers.

   What is Jesus’ solution? “Just add water.” He says, “Fill the jars with water.” At Wednesday morning’s Bible study, Corrine Petersen mentioned a new commercial, which is actually for Target’s Everyday Collection. There’s a woman with a fire hose, and the only words are, “Just Add Water,” as it’s for oatmeal. Water is such a life-giving element. Our bodies are made up mostly of water, as is the earth. Helen Lind thought of me with the following cartoon on Facebook this week: “Water is the most essential element of life, because without water, you can’t make coffee.” And it’s true! “Just add water…”

   Last week, Pastor Dan talked about baptism…Water and the Word. Together. We are washed anew. We are adopted into God’s family. We’re family. Transformation occurred in those jars, water and the Word, water and Jesus. When we are baptized, we are transformed. Martin Luther writes in the Small Catechism, “Water by itself is only water, but with the Word of God it is a life-giving water which by grace gives the new birth through the Holy Spirit.” God’s Word through the work of the Holy Spirit creates faith and trust in us. “Just add water…”

   Water turning into wine…Wine being a part of Holy Communion, which we will receive and share in just a little bit. We are assured we receive forgiveness of sins. Our faith that comes from the Holy Spirit is nurtured. We are called into action as a partner in the work of God. Called and sent into a world in need of good news, light, grace, and abundance.

   Jesus gives this gift of grace and abundance; What are we doing with this gift? Have we tried to return the gift? Maybe you don’t want any part of it. With all of the hurt in the world, you wonder how things like this are allowed to happen. Please know that God also hurts. When we don’t get along or try to hurt one another, God grieves for all His children. ALL. God walks with us, comforts us. The beauty of the gift is that it’s always extended, ready for you. God loves you so much and wants you to have it. Receive it. It’s free. 100% guarantee.

   Are we allowing the gift to sit on a shelf somewhere, hiding under dust bunnies? If it’s not used, it may rust or cease to work due to inactivity. It may spoil or go bad, losing its freshness. Then, what good is it? Like a muscle that’s not used, it gets weaker. When used, it stays strong.

   We are to share this gift with others. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, we are given faith, and as it says in our 1 Corinthians reading, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (verse 7). ALL of us, brothers and sisters, in faith. The Spirit works in and through us, and we can serve here at church and in the world.

   Now, a whole other sermon could be done on the spiritual gifts themselves. What we need to realize is that we all have THE main gift, but we all have different gifts. “For one is given this, and to another that…” NO ONE has ALL the gifts. This is why we all need each other. One person cannot do ALL the work of ministry by oneself. In a sense, we’re ALL ministers. God even exists in Three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Community. Together.

   These gifts are not to divide us. No gift is better than the other. We are to work together. “Activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses” (verse 11). The calling comes from God and not us.

   Do we know what our gifts are? Are we using them? One way to find out is to get involved in an area of ministry that may peak your interest. Try something! Singer and actress Reba McEntire is on the cover of the latest AARP magazine. No, I don’t have a subscription to AARP. I may have a couple of gray hairs that I cover with hair dye. My parents receive it. Anyway, in the article, Reba says this about her appearance in Broadway's “Annie Get Your Gun” in 2001, “People said, ‘Weren't you scared you were going to fail?’ I'm not afraid of failure. I just want to try things. If they don't work out, I'll do something else.” Try something…After all, how do you discover something if you don’t explore? Maybe it’s being involved in visiting our homebound members, for which we’re having a training session for this Tuesday night; or leading a Bible study, like Lynn Johnson’s on Jonah; or music, worship coordinator, council, altar guild. Now, someone who doesn’t like children probably shouldn’t try teaching Sunday school or help in the nursery. But, there is a place for that person. There is a place for each one of you.

   We also take our gifts into a world in need…Tomorrow is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dr. King stood against injustice. Here is a quote from him in 1961: “As long as there is poverty in the world I can never be rich, even if I possess a billion dollars. As long as millions of people are inflicted with debilitating diseases and cannot expect to live more than 35 years, I can never be totally healthy even if I receive a perfect bill of health from Mayo Clinic. Strangely enough, I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be…and you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the way the world is made. I didn’t make it that way. You didn’t make it that way…All this is simply to say that all life is interrelated. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality; tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” We need to stand up for one another.

   I want to leave you with a story…Michael Garcia is a waiter at Laurenzo’s Restaurant in Houston, Texas. His regular customers are like family to him, especially 5-year-old Milo Castillo and his parents. Milo was born with Down Syndrome.

   On Wednesday, another diner moved his family away from Milo’s table and said that “special needs children need to be special somewhere else.” Garcia then confronted the diner and told him that he wouldn’t be able to serve him. The diner threatened to leave. Garcia responded, “How could you say that about a beautiful 5-year-old angel?” The man and his family left.

   Milo’s parents didn’t know anything about the incident until another waiter told them. His mother Kim was really impressed that Michael would stand up for Milo. She said, “He doesn’t really know us…he stood up for Milo just because it was the right thing to do.” She was afraid that he might lose his job, but the restaurant stood behind his decision.

   We need to stand up and stand together. Or are we overlooking the biggest detail? At the wedding in Cana, throughout his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus gives this gift of grace and abundance; What are we doing with this gift? Are we sharing it with others? Just like the water in those old jars, once encountering Jesus, our lives are never the same. Are we living that? Are we like water into the finest wine? Savored? Or are we stale, stagnant water ready to be dumped?

   And now may the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Caroline Harthun

House of Prayer Lutheran Church

8:30am and 10:45am

Sunday, January 20, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Children’s Message: All for One, and One for All

Good morning, guys! How are you this morning? Great!

Today I brought with me different types of shoes that I own. Do you guys have different pairs of shoes that you wear at different times? For example, right now I am wearing these boots, because it’s a little cold outside, huh? Brrr! Although, it looks like I could use a new pair, huh? I will be accepting donations later.

I also have a pair of sneakers that I wear for work, because I stand on my feet for about 6-to-7 hours. I also have a pair of running shoes that I strictly wear for running. This is a pair of dressier shoes. And I have a pair of sandals that I wear in the summertime.

Now, what would happen if I wore my dressy shoes to work? My feet would hurt, wouldn’t they? What if I wore these boots when I went running? That would also hurt my feet, and I wouldn’t run very fast, would I? What if I wore my sandals outside today after church, without socks on, as socks are not meant to be worn with sandals? My feet would freeze, exactly!

Even though these are all different types of shoes, what do they have in common? They are all shoes, exactly! And they all belong to me, right?

In our reading from 1 Corinthians, we’re going to hear about different gifts that God gives each of us. ALL of the gifts come from God, and they are all different, but they are ALL gifts! One is not better than the other, and each one serves a special purpose. To serve God and help others.

What are things that you like to do? Or that you’re good at? Wonderful…God places these gifts in each of us. No one has ALL the gifts. That’s why we need each other and to work together.

Just like my shoes, they are different types, but they’re ALL shoes! May we use our gifts today to serve God and help others. Let us pray:

Dear God, thank you for the gifts that you have given each one of us. Show us what our gifts are and help us to use these gifts to reflect you and to help any person who is in need of help. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Someone’s Always Watching

Someone’s Always Watching

   “Every breath you take / Every move you make…I’ll be watching you.” This classic from Sting and The Police popped into my head with the idea that “someone’s always watching.” For example…

   Monday at work, a customer asked me, “So, how did you do in the Polar Dash?” I must’ve had a confused look on my face. I was thinking, How does this gentleman know that I ran in the Polar Dash? I never told him…We’re not friends on Facebook…

   He went on to explain: he had seen me and my friends when we stopped at the Caribou Coffee on 35E and Hwy. 96. It’s tradition for me and my running friends to get some coffee or tea after a race…And, besides the Caribou I work at, I like this store…And, the manager at this location is pretty awesome. :)

   Anyways, this customer was there! He saw us in our “penguin attire” and put 2 & 2 together. He had also run in the race. I never saw him that day at Caribou, but then, how often do we pay attention to who might be sitting in a Caribou or a restaurant when we walk in? We go about our business, and then go about our day.

   I read the “Coffee with Jesus” cartoons that Radio Free Babylon posts on Facebook…Ironically (or, maybe not-so ironically), this one posted yesterday:

 

   So, someone is always watching…How do we act if we know we are being watched versus not being watched? If we are Christians, do our mouth and actions reflect one another? Are we “walking the talk,” so to speak? Are we loving our neighbors as ourselves? Are we most focused on us than on God? Others? Yes, we do need to take care of ourselves, but as one of my textbooks for the new semester says, “humans are created for development, relationship, and integration” (Carla Dahl, Becoming Whole and Holy: An Integrative Conversation about Christian Formation, page 4).

   And, are we noticing “the other,” as we walk into the world? We carry the light of Christ into a world in need. Maybe we do need to take a “closer look”…People have been posting lately about a story that I used in a devotion at a church meeting a few months ago…Here goes:

“A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that 1,100 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by, and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace, and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping, and continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally, the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money, but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most talented musicians in the world. He had just played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?"

   What are we missing? Do we realize when we are being watched by others? Are we watching out for others? May we all remember the words from Isaiah (43:1-2, 4, NRSV), God offering words of comfort and assurance to us:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you…

Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you…”

   Look what love can do…God loves us, encourages us, is with us in ALL times…May we do that for one another today. Thanks be to God. :)

Cinderella, Goldilocks, and Finding the One that’s “Just Right”

Cinderella, Goldilocks, and Finding the One that’s “Just Right”

   Yesterday I went running shoe shopping with my fellow running friend, Katy. I have never bought a pair of shoes specifically for running before. I have been using my New Balance sneakers (that I now wear for work) or a pair of red Brooks sneakers that were given to me by Katy.

   Every shoe can tell a story of where it has been. My New Balance shoes are special to me, because I wore them running the Disney Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World in February. I wore the Brooks sneakers on September 1^st while running the Women Rock! Half Marathon.

   Just as every shoe can tell a story, so does each one of our lives. I love hearing the stories of others. Everything that has happened has brought us to this point right now. We can’t change the past, and we’re not guaranteed tomorrow, so let’s make the most of the moment we have been given right now.

   We went to TriFitness in White Bear Lake. People watch you stand, lunge, walk, and run, determining which shoes will work best for you. There is no “one size fits all” solution. Life is like that, too. Pastor Renita mentioned that in her sermon this morning at church, which was a beautiful service on this first Sunday of Epiphany. It was great to see her this morning. :) Name your darkness. Light a candle. Arise. Shine. Your light has come. :)

 

 

   It turns out that I needed some stability shoes, because my left ankle rotates or turns in. So, it was time to try on three pairs of shoes. I have a very transparent face, so you can tell if something is bothering me or not. Or if I like something. Like shoes.

   The first pair…Something didn’t feel right…They were “too big.”

   The second pair…Again, something was amiss…They were “too tight,” “too heavy,” “too clunky.”

   I was hesitant to try on the third pair, because…Well, they looked “weird.” But, never judge a book by its cover. Wouldn’t you know it…I tried them on, and they were “just right.” They were light on my feet. And “bouncy”…I kind of felt like Tigger from “Winnie the Pooh.” I was ready to go out for a run!

 

 

   It’s amazing how motivated or energized we are when something fits “just right.” Trying on the shoes reminded me of Cinderella and the glass slipper…As well as Goldilocks, trying the chair, porridge, and bed…The same could be said when we use the gifts that God has given us for ministry. When we match our gifts and talents with areas of ministry that we are drawn to, it’s like a hand fitting in a glove…Or a foot in a stabilizing running shoe. :)

 

 

   Is darkness trying to eclipse the light? Maybe you feel that you don’t have gifts? You don’t know what they are? Maybe you feel that you’re not good enough? But, God deems us as good, as we are deemed worthy in Christ, and takes our brokenness and gives us His goodness. Instead of “I’m not good enough,” talk back to the darkness by lighting the candle that says, “I’m good. Enough.”

   We sang “In the Bleak Midwinter” this morning (hymn #294), and after we were all done lighting candles, naming the darkness in our lives and placing it at the cross, we sang the last verse, “What can I give him, poor as I am?...yet what I can I give him—give my heart.” :)

   Like the running shoes, we try on many different things in life…But, know this: You are a beautiful child of God. Your Creator has given you wonderful gifts. Sometimes we may not know right away what those gifts are, but they are there. God has a wonderful place for you in this grand story. A unique purpose for unique you. We may find our fit on the first try, or it may take about fifty tries. God has a place for you; are you willing to let go of the darkness and flip the light switch? God’s already there…The electricity is just waiting for you to flip the switch…Will you allow God by the power of the Holy Spirit to fill you today? :)

   Thanks be to God…Amen. :)

“What Sound Does a Penguin Make, Anyway?”

“What Sound Does a Penguin Make, Anyway?”

   Tuesday, on New Year’s Day, was the Polar Dash, an event in which over 4,000 people participated. I was one of them. Three of my friends (Katy, Mechelle, and Carrie) and I ran in the 5K. There was also a 10K and Half-Marathon. Last week, when I was sick, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be up for participating in this event.

   But, with proper rest, I was determined to give it a shot, get the New Year started on the right foot…And the left, moving in a jogging fashion. :) I figured that if I had to, I could just walk it. 3 miles. Done.

   Then, I heard the weather forecasts: “It will be the coldest morning since last winter…” Yes, it turns out that at race time (11:13am), it was -8 degrees. I know people think we were crazy for doing this…But, what do you do when it’s cold? Dress in layers. Simple as that.

   Tuesday morning…Thinking that I was running late to meet my running friends at 8:40am, I text messaged Katy to let her know…She then informed me that I was early…We were meeting at 9:40am…Oops. :) Better to be an hour early than an hour late, right? :) A matter of perspective…To go from thinking I was way behind to having more than enough time…

   But, it would have been best for me to take the extra time, to make sure that I had everything I needed. I thought I was set: Running shoes, two pairs of pants, weather-appropriate socks, protective face-covering, tank top, long-sleeved T-shirt, jacket, fleece, mittens, and the ensemble was complete with penguin hat. :)

   By the way: What sound does a penguin make, anyway? That’s a question that was raised on Tuesday…Still no answer… :)

   I thought I had everything I needed…Until I met Katy at 9:40am, and she mentioned her bib and chip. OH NO! Here I was so prepared that I forgot about my bib and chip! My number and timer for the race! I’m so used to picking them up at the race site that I forgot that I had them ahead of time this time!

   Do I have time to run back home? Would I be able to find my friends at the site? How could I do such a stupid thing? A few of the thoughts that ran through my head…

   What if they wouldn’t let me race without those items? I was ready to conquer this event, as I am a freeze baby and hate cold weather. After being sick, I was NOT going out of the race this way!    

   Why is it that we can be so prepared, or think that we are, but we miss the basic, most important necessity?

   The basic, most important necessity…As people, I believe we were created to love and be loved. God loves us; we love God AND we are called to love one another. But, why is it SO hard? Instead of communicating, genuine listening and talking over things with one another, we have to complicate it? Instead of seeing the face of someone we disagree with or the face of a stranger, do we ever take the second to imagine the face of Christ?

   Responsibility is one of my top-five strengths on the Strengths Finder, and I couldn’t believe I could do something so irresponsible. Way to start the New Year…

   As fear and worry tried to attack, Carrie made the comment, “It’s only a 5K.” Ah, once again, perspective…I could probably still run…It may not be timed, but I could still participate.

   One of the quotes of the day was from Katy to me and Mechelle, “You two are just a complete mess today!” :) There are days, whether it’s forgotten bibs or missing Diet Coke bottles…In the mess, there is a message…Beauty comes from the messiness…We all need each other. The organized and not-so organized…The one who sees the positive and the one who sees the need for improvement can work together to celebrate accomplishments and encourage what needs to be worked on. We don’t give up on each other. We spur each one onward, like iron sharpens iron. It happens in community.

   I LOVE these running events, because there is such a great sense of community among people. We cheer each other on. You can strike up a conversation with a random person. One gentleman we asked to take our picture (below) started chatting and joking. He was getting ready to retire as a drug and alcohol counselor. He used to run. Laughter and smiles were all around.

 

   You never know who you may meet…All you need to do is be out there. There is a dark world out there, in need of light. Christ’s light. This Sunday is the beginning of Epiphany, when the church celebrates the revelation of Christ to all nations. To unlikely people. Like the wise men following the star to find Christ (Matthew 2:1-12). The wise men were pagan astrologers, and their occupation was forbidden in Jewish law. Today, they would be the equivalent of people who read and interpret horoscopes. Yet these men are welcomed, and their gifts are received.

   Imperfect people, welcomed and received. From the wise men to today…We are welcomed and received. How often, though, are we the ones ourselves preventing us to be welcomed and received? We think we need to be perfect, or we bash ourselves when we make a mistake…We’re not perfect, and we’re not going to be. Why are we always our own worst critics?

   I started reading for one of my classes that starts next week, and Professor Carla Dahl writes, “When God works in us nothing is useless, and nothing is spared” (Becoming Whole and Holy: An Integrative Conversation about Christian Formation, page 5).

   So…We arrive at the event, and we find the information tables. Mechelle had to pick up her stuff, as she was later in registering. I meekly walked up to the table to explain my plight: “I forgot my bib and chip at home. Is there anything that can be done?” The lady behind the table kindly wrote down my name and gave me a new bib number and chip. No big deal. These types of things must happen all the time…Especially with 4,000 people, right?

   I was relieved. I could run. Start and finish. Complete with finisher’s medal.

   Grace found me. Actually, grace was there the whole time. I just needed to be open to it. Let go of my mistakes. Stop allowing fear and the “what if’s” to take over. Instead of condemnation there was mercy. Welcomed and received. :)

   It was cold outside, yes. It is more taxing on the muscles to run in that type of weather. But, we were all ready to run…Katy and Mechelle ran together, achieving their best 5K time yet. My main goal was to finish this race…Or, as Katy knows my goal for every race is “to not die.” :)

   Carrie ran the race with me, which helped to spur me onward. Hopefully I did the same for her. Running with others builds each other up. We all need each other. No one gets left behind.

   In running the race of life, are we running with others, building one another up?

   It wasn’t my best time for a 5K, but it was an accomplishment…Overcoming illness, the cold weather…If you wait for perfect conditions to get something done, you’ll never accomplish anything.

   Imperfect people…Welcomed and received…Thanks be to God! :)

<3 you, my running friends! Warm fuzzies! :)

"Share the Song" ~ Sermon from 12/30/2012

Share the Song

Texts: Luke 2:21-35 (main focus); Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26

   Dear friends in Christ, grace and peace to you from the one who is and who was and who is to come, our living Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

   MERRY CHRISTMAS! So, how many of you were ready for Christmas? During Advent, we talked about “Ready or not, Christ is Coming.” And, no matter what, Christmas comes anyway, doesn’t it? It reminds me of the scene from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” when the Who’s down in Whoville come out and sing Christmas morning, even after the Grinch stole ALL of their items. The Grinch is surprised and says, “How could it be so? It came without ribbons!...it came without tags!...it came without packages, boxes, or bags!” He couldn’t figure it out, then realized that Christmas doesn’t come from a store; it means a little more. And his small heart grew three sizes that day, returning their belongings and spending Christmas with them. Hey, after all, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, right? ;)

   Now that Christmas is “over,” how many of you have your decorations and such put away? One of my friends on Facebook did so the day after Christmas. But, do you want to know a secret? IT’S STILL CHRISTMAS! J

   It feels like we rush, rush, rush to get ready for Christmas, then when it feels like it’s over, we may ask ourselves, “Now what?” Maybe we move on to the next holiday. When I worked at Target many years ago, having survived working the “day after returns,” I remember we started stocking the shelves for Valentine’s Day! What? Shelves are full of Christmas stuff in September and then the day after, we try to sweep it under the rug, like it didn’t exist? Even Christmas radio stations cut us off at the pass, going back to regular music formats the day after. It’s almost like a Christmas letdown, if you will. All this anticipation and build-up…Suddenly, it’s gone. It’s almost like the Grinch has won after all.

   Or, people are busy getting ready for next Christmas, by buying gifts on clearance. But, it’s still THIS Christmas…We’re amid the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” until next week, when Epiphany starts. I believe today is Day 6, and I’m sorry I didn’t get y’all six geese a-laying. ;)

   How can we enjoy where we are, right now in this time and place, without rushing into the next event? We can offer a peace-filled song of thanks and praise. Last week, I said how ironic it was that I had the chance to preach on a passage that had singing in it. How REALLY ironic is it that I get to do that TWO weeks in a ROW! WOO HOO! Actually, not just one but TWO readings this week mention singing, as our Colossians text references “to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God,” who has gifted us with a Savior. Thank you, Holy Spirit!

   Last week, I talked about Mary and her song, challenging us to ask ourselves What song is my heart singing as the time of Christ approaches, ready or not? Or am I procrastinating in my singing, and why? In today’s Gospel reading, a man by the name of Simeon sings a blessing, a man who cannot help but sing after seeing God’s promise come to fulfillment in a wee baby. A peace-filled song of thanks and praise. Simeon is so moved by the Spirit, not afraid to sing in front of everyone, sharing this song. Today, let’s ask ourselves, Am I sharing the joyous Christmas song (not Nat King Cole’s classic), this peace-filled song of thanks and praise, with others? Or am I keeping the song to myself?

   First, let’s take a little closer look at our passage from Luke…Mary and Joseph follow the requirements of the Law: after eight days he was circumcised and named Jesus, the name given by the angel. Then the time came for purification after giving birth, which was instructed during the time of Moses, and they present Jesus in the Temple. All first born children were given back to God in recognition that all things come from God and belong to God. As for the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two pigeons, it was the most modest of the different sacrifices that could be offered, which suggests that Jesus’ parents were poor. Once again, God breaks all boundaries.

   Then, in walks the elderly Simeon, waiting for “the consolation of Israel.” That was a term for the restoration of the people and God’s redemptive work. The time had come with the birth of this baby. It was the beginning. Last week, we saw how the Spirit came upon Mary, John, and Elizabeth. This week, it comes upon Simeon. Simeon was guided there by the Spirit. The meeting in the Temple was no accident. This was God’s doing. The work of the Spirit in Simeon had led him to understand that God’s hand was at work in Jesus’ birth.

   The birth of a child, the fulfillment of God’s promises, the consolation of Israel, and the coming of this Savior for ALL people are all occasions for praising God. No wonder Simeon breaks into a song! Are you sharing the joyous Christmas song, this peace-filled song of thanks and praise, with others?

   What joy it is, that God remains true to God’s promises! We can have peace. According to one writer, the word “peace” occurs 14 times in Luke, where it is both the goal and the result of God’s redemptive work in Jesus. At the end of this passage, we can actually see the cross begin to loom. This child would grow up, suffer, and die. But, he would rise again. Through this child, we ALL, Israel and all people, no matter age, gender, or social status, would have everlasting life. Not only eternal life, but the life we receive from Christ includes gifts that we cannot make or purchase. If we look at our Colossians text, they are gifts like forgiveness, love, peace, and thankfulness. In baptism, like the baptism we had last week for little Paige, we drown and rise anew with Christ. This new relationship of faith restores the image of God that was lost because of sin. We put on these virtues, which are not ours to accomplish but are gifts provided by God. They are Christ’s virtues. Jesus’ life fills us with virtues rather than vices and enables us to be a blessing rather than a bane to others.

   Have you received these gifts? Open your heart and hands instead of clenching your fists. Are we allowing Christ to make us a blessing instead of a bane to others?

   Praise God that salvation does not depend on what we do but on who God is! What God has done, faithful and true to the promises. After all, how many of us remain faithful to our New Year’s resolutions? I already broke mine. Oh, wait, that doesn’t start until tomorrow night! We can sing, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come!” Are you sharing the joyous Christmas song, this peace-filled song of thanks and praise, with others?

   Or are you keeping the song to yourself? Why? What do we have to gain by keeping the song to ourselves? Are you afraid to let your voice sing? When we allow fear to take over, it can actually distort the song. When we hold back and don’t give it our all, it can make our voice do things we don’t want it to do. I can say that from experience.

   We can be our own worst stumbling block, when we are concerned about what others think. When we think that we’re not good enough. I have allowed that type of thinking to prevent me from singing. Now not every one of us is going to sound like Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Linda Ronstadt, or Rosemary Clooney. But, we all have a story. God has placed a song in each of us.

   I saw a quote on Facebook this week that said, “Never think that what you have to offer is insignificant. There will always be someone out there that needs what you have to give.” We all need each other. After all, our Colossians text says to “admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God” (verse 16). Songs conveyed some of the Bible’s greatest teachings. Great expressions of joy and thankfulness naturally flow from Christ’s story. In the Large Catechism Longer Preface, it states, “Certainly you will not release a stronger incense or other repellant against the devil than to be engaged by God’s commandments and words, and speak, sing, or think them” (10). The song MUST go on. As Martin Luther once said, “As long as we live, there is never enough singing.” Now, how ironic that I found that quote this week? I want that as my life statement. J

   Jesus frees us to go in peace. Sharing our stories, our songs, are ways for us to do that. Like Simeon. At the end of our service, we say, “Go in peace.” What do you think of when we end with those words? It is our call to action—a reminder that we are freed from sin and death and sent out to share that good news with the world. In word and action. Or are you keeping the song to yourself?

   Since it is still Christmas, I found a poem this week from Howard Thurman called, “The Mood of Christmas.” It says, “When the song of the angels is stilled, / When the star in the sky is gone, / When the kings and princes are home, / When the shepherds are back with their flock, / The work of Christmas begins: / To find the lost, / To heal the broken, / To feed the hungry, / To release the prisoner, / To rebuild the nations, / To bring peace among people, / To make music in the heart.” We aren’t saved by our works, but our works are fruit of our faith. So it begins. Let’s ask ourselves this week: “How can I allow God to use me to feed the hungry? Or release the prisoner? Find the lost? To make music?”

   Feeding the hungry…I want to leave you with a story from this week. Imagine being a new mother in a new city, not knowing any friends or neighbors and being broke and out of food for your baby on Christmas Eve. It happened to a south Minneapolis woman whose prayer was answered not by a man in a red suit, but by one in a blue uniform. (Credit to KSTP-Channel 5 News for this story.)

   Kerlyn Argueta had no money, car, or phone of her own late on Christmas Eve when she ran out of baby formula for her six month-old daughter. No stores were open. So she called police, using a neighbor's phone. In an interview on Thursday, Argueta recalls that she was scared and didn't know what to do.

   When Officer Eric Faulconer arrived at her apartment, he asked her what she needed, and after she told him, he said he would be right back. Argueta thought for sure that he wasn’t coming back. But he did come back, carrying a week's worth of formula for the baby and even milk for Argueta, paid for with his own money.

   Argueta remembers that he simply said, “Have a good night.” She said, “Thank you so much, you saved my life.” There will always be someone out there that needs what you have to give.

   The Christ child has come to us, in the muck of the manger…Love has come, God has come to dwell with us. Luke draws in readers of every stage and age of life into this picture. No matter who or where you are, this story of Jesus, from the manger in Bethlehem to the empty tomb and beyond, can become your story. Everybody has their own role in God’s plan. Everyone has a song. What a song to be sung! If the song isn’t being sung, it isn’t living out its purpose.

   Even though, yes, it is still Christmas, this is a song that is to be shared all year round. It’s more timely than, say, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Christ has come. Christ is here. Christ will come again.

   Are we sharing the joyous Christmas song, this peace-filled song of thanks and praise, with others? Or are we keeping the song to ourselves?

   And now may the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Caroline Harthun

House of Prayer Lutheran Church

9:30am

Sunday, December 30, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children’s Message: A Promise Is a Promise

   How was your guys’ Christmas? I hope it was great! Did you know that it’s still technically Christmas? How awesome is that?

   Do you know what the next holiday is we celebrate? (Put on glasses) [One child said, “4^th of July?” That was awesome. :) ]

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. Do you know what that means? It is the beginning of a New Year. Now, are you all allowed to stay up until Midnight? In New York City they drop a giant ball for the countdown…Do you get to watch that? I may try to stay up and watch it, but I’m also supposed to run a 3-mile race on New Year’s Day, so we’ll see what happens. Does anyone want to join me?

   A lot of people make fresh starts for a new year. Most people call these New Year Resolutions. Do you know what that means? Making a resolution is like making a promise to ourselves that we are going to do certain things. Usually it is a promise to do better next year than we did last year. Should we ask the people out there if they’ve made any resolutions for the New Year?

   Should we ask them how often they keep their resolutions?

   A lot of the times, people break their resolutions as quickly as they make them. A lot of the time, they make resolutions that are hard to keep, like lose 15 pounds in a day or run a marathon after having never run before. Now, if y’all want to start with a 5K, please see me after church.

   Do you guys make resolutions? What would be some good ones? Watch less TV…Be nice to other kids…We can ask God to help us with our promises. Even if we don’t keep ours, even the ones to ourselves, God is always true to God’s promises. Today’s Gospel reading is about a man named Simeon, who was very old and looked forward to seeing the Savior of the world. God had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Christ.
   Some days after Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph took him to the temple to dedicate him to God. Simeon was in the temple as he usually was. As soon as Simeon saw the baby, he knew that Jesus was the Christ and that God had kept his promise that he would not die until he had seen the Savior. Simeon took the child in his arms and praised God, singing. Simeon knew that God is faithful to his promise just as he is faithful to his promises to you and me.
   Today, as we begin a New Year, let's remember that just as God is faithful in keeping God’s promises, with God’s help, let’s be faithful in keeping our promises. Being nice to others. And give thanks to God for being so faithful!
   Let us pray: Dear God, Thank you for keeping true to your promises. Thank you for always being with us, never leaving us. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus. Just as you are faithful to keep your promises, help us to be faithful in keeping our promises, like being nice to others. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.