tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40800380531029675902024-02-20T00:48:32.602-08:00So Sarah LaughedSarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-75401789268753272012014-03-20T16:26:00.004-07:002014-04-01T05:29:58.090-07:00god doesn't take, god receives<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Last summer two of my Stephen Ministers (lay church people trained to do pastoral care) helped me start a grief support group at church. If you're not in ministry this may sound weird but... it was great! We had a good group that was open to sharing, and with three leaders conversation remained thoughtful and purposeful. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Since last summer, though, attendance has declined a bit. We're down to three people, and three leaders. Honestly, I love our small group, but the size has been a bit disappointing to me, personally. Like most pastors, I get caught up with numbers. <i>"Where are all the grieving people for our grief group!?" </i>I ask myself. But then I realize how strange that sounds. <i>"The number of people at grief group is not a measure of my success as a pastor." </i>This is one of my mantras. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">In reality we've had a number of people graduate from the group, which is a good thing. It means that they are processing, and doing well. The scarier reality, though, is that I want people to need me, which is not a good thing. Granted, it's something we all do. And, I'm aware of it, which helps. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">I often find that when I get disappointed or frustrated with my work, God has infinite ways of humbling me. And I was reminded of this yesterday when our grief group met. Three leaders, only two participants. My thoughts going in, while I knew they were irrational, were, <i>"this is a waste of our time,"</i> and, <i>"what the heck am I doing here?" </i>Just keeping it real, folks. Pastors have bad thoughts, too.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">As soon as the conversation started, though, I felt the Holy Spirit moving- as She is apt to do. We started talking about how sometimes God gives us gifts that are confusing- how grief might be a gift because, in time, it allows us to be more empathetic people. Sorrow makes way for compassion, and that is how God makes goodness out of the badness in the world. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">The question came up, of course, about how sometimes it seems impossible that God could be involved in the bad things that happen, like when a child dies. "Why would God take a child?" someone asked. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">As per usual in grief group I didn't offer too much, right away. The talking continued and the question was discussed without interjection from the pastor- I like to hold back and see how the conversation unfolds. And although I wanted to hear what they all had to say, in my grumbly, self-righteous mood I was not prepared to be blown away by what they had to say. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">As if it was scripted by some famous theologian, one of the Stephen Ministers answered, "I don't think God takes. I believe that God receives."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Tears came to my eyes. What a response. How beautiful? "God doesn't take, God receives." </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">I had never heard this before, so if it does come from some theological source I'm not aware of it. And, frankly, how much more of a reminder did I need that ministry is not about me? Thankfully God doesn't keep score, because I was at a loss for words.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Sometimes we don't even need to pay attention for these moments of grace, because they hit us like a ton of bricks right on the chest. These words that just flow from people's mouths that are so wonderful they make it hard to breathe in the good news you just heard them say. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">I walked away from grief group reminded of why I love church. Where two or three are gathered, there you will find Jesus. Whether you expected to or not.</span></div>
Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-12806148971020802132014-03-04T17:16:00.001-08:002014-03-05T05:49:54.402-08:00the internet, and sharing joy with care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">We all know that Facebook is not the real world. It's a virtual world where many of us only show our best, which is, I think, a good thing. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">Facebook is a place where we can share good news, accomplishments, and joy. It's a venue to showcase our proudest moments. But, that's also what makes it a rather taxing experience, for some. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">For some people Facebook is not fun place to visit. It's a world filled with things they don't have, and probably want: the highest degree, a new job, a beautiful family, an engagement or marriage, a new baby, a great group of friends, a wonderful home, etc. etc. It can be a painful experience to see all the things everyone else has, even if you remind yourself not to compare. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">On an intellectual level, I think we all know life isn't perfect for those people who seem to have it altogether. But, it can be really difficult to remember that when you see pictures and updates of all the good things other people are getting, that you don't yet have.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">I'm not saying that we should all filter to the point of never sharing our joys with our Facebook and internet worlds. And I'm not saying we should sensor our pride for the accomplishments we've worked really hard for. I'm also not saying that you should put bad stuff on the internet to "be real" or make other people feel better. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">I have seen some really beautiful posts on Facebook about struggles and grief, and they have elicited some amazingly supportive responses. There is a place for that on Facebook, among other places on the internet, to be sure. But, for the most part, you have to wonder what is going on when someone shares their low lows on Facebook. And, you have to wonder even more when they do it consistently. Sometimes when I read one negative post after another I cringe, and say a prayer for that person to go find someone to talk to other than the internet. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">What I'm generally concerned about for myself, and for others is this: how do I remain faithful in this specific world? How do I care about people in this context?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">I recently had a baby, and it really affected my perspective on the internet. I didn't go to one extreme of never posting pictures of my child- I think Facebook is a valuable way for me to share this joy with those I love around the world. But, I also limit how much of my joy I'm putting out there. Do I post pictures of my baby every day? No. Did I brag about how easy my pregnancy and delivery was? No. There's a fine line, and everyone has to figure it out for themselves. And the line that I use is this: am I really hurting anyone, in any way, by posting this on the internet?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">Here's a re-gram. Hard to resist as a parent, right?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJylWISfoJQh9evlVu4840XzD9vIKOB1giL0f05A41U-gCyU7DcSY_xqQJ_kseb5NTYh9ZClGDv4_oskJeY6870Wt5gss3EakaSxDjrA6mK1IujFfr5tY1e0o-23ar0NIPpY3yit-tuc/s1600/IMG_1216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJylWISfoJQh9evlVu4840XzD9vIKOB1giL0f05A41U-gCyU7DcSY_xqQJ_kseb5NTYh9ZClGDv4_oskJeY6870Wt5gss3EakaSxDjrA6mK1IujFfr5tY1e0o-23ar0NIPpY3yit-tuc/s1600/IMG_1216.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">I'm not perfect. I've probably posted too many pictures for some, or bragged about something I shouldn't have that affected someone else. That's not really the point, though. The point is that I'm thinking about it, and considering the feelings of others. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">In my job I have the privilege of hearing about people's most joyful moments, and their deepest suffering. It's a gift to listen, but it also makes me hyper-aware of what others might be going through that we don't necessarily see on the outside. And that's why I try and watch what I put on the internet. I don't want to put someone who is already hurting over the edge. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">Here's the last thing I'll say: people who don't have everything aren't always envious of what we have, either. I know plenty of single, childless people making little to no money who are very happy! And they're happy for others who are married, having babies, and making money! So, we also shouldn't assume that people who don't have what we have lead unfulfilling lives, and we shouldn't' assume they're not happy for us. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">So, take this as a public service announcement of sorts, or take it as a way to be a more faithful, caring Christian on the internet. Either way, know that I love seeing what you're all up to, and I love being connected to your joys and sorrows- virtually, and in person.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-48362781822162191832014-03-02T19:11:00.001-08:002014-03-02T19:14:35.907-08:00this is what a pastor writes like<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">I am back after yet another hiatus. Maybe this will just be the norm? We'll see. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">Maybe I was doubting myself a bit with ye olde blog. I figure what do I have to say? Blogs seem kind of self indulgent, sometimes. And, aren't there enough mainline pastors out there, churning out book reviews, discussing the latest current event through their own theological lens, or trying to amp up their hipster side with a post about how Mumford and Sons will definitely preach? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">Not that there's anything wrong with that, but good to check ourselves once in awhile, no?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">So, I'm back because I was inspired last week. You see, I belong to a little group called The Young Clergywomen Project. We have a private group on Facebook where we share stories and questions, and offer one another support and ideas. It's pretty cool. And, last week, a young clergywoman, while wearing her clerical collar, was told, "you're not what I expect a pastor to look like." Or something like that. Well, SHE decided that we needed to band together and share with each other exactly what a pastor looks like.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">We all took selfies of what we were doing at that moment with the hashtag #thisiswhatapastorlookslike, and uploaded them to our group. And all of a sudden there were probably 100 photos uploaded of beautiful, smart, funny, brave, faithful women sharing photos of EXACTLY what a pastor looks like. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">I uploaded mine- actually, I was one of the first. I added the hashtag #runrevrun.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjB0pXc0-RN_BwVtTK48uR_Hr8VmCRVcjMA0Cei7YjeXz2iN0bFF9_O5hP5SG-ian7EpvxOOeg6ewi2ma4D204ErIclJDeH6NckmkcJfLohKOq7p3QKN82MYfcS-_U6VuZAnbnTxlugtk/s1600/IMG_1261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjB0pXc0-RN_BwVtTK48uR_Hr8VmCRVcjMA0Cei7YjeXz2iN0bFF9_O5hP5SG-ian7EpvxOOeg6ewi2ma4D204ErIclJDeH6NckmkcJfLohKOq7p3QKN82MYfcS-_U6VuZAnbnTxlugtk/s1600/IMG_1261.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">I decided to come back to blog because my audience isn't just other pastors. I write as ministry. I write to support other women (especially young women). I write as a spiritual practice. I write because I'm a pastor with a congregation who might want to know what I have to say. I write because the internet is a magical world where we can all be published. I write because I am called, and faithful, and I have truth to share. I write because #thisiswhatapastorwriteslike.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">Just had to get that out. Onward and upward!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-86483071882828859252013-04-23T20:15:00.001-07:002014-03-02T13:03:39.682-08:00Easter Relief<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">I’ve been hungry lately. Not physically, of course, but spiritually. Maybe it’s an after effect of Lent- I’ve been trying to empty myself, so naturally I might feel a few pangs. Lent isn’t the easiest time, but I’ve been reminding myself that some of the most growing spiritual times in our lives come after, or through, a period of wilderness. </span></div>
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">During an early season practice of cross country one year (this was awhile ago!), I expressed to my friend during a run that ‘this isn’t as easy as some of my runs this summer.’ She quickly reminded me that, ‘it’s not supposed to be easy.’ Good friends tell you the truth. </span></div>
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I’ve been thinking, though, that Lent might have been harder for me this year because I made an effort to reflect. Usually it’s easier <i>not</i> to think about our lives- it tends to get messy and difficult when we ask ourselves hard questions (kind of like when you have a coach pushing you to run harder than you did during the off season). But I did it this year. And one of the things I think I discovered was this: I’m not always sure what I need. I can’t always pinpoint where my hunger lies. </span></div>
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Some of my friends who work in churches that are financially struggling, or in more urban settings, often have a very obvious sense of where the hunger is- they can see it right in front of their faces and it tells them how to get to work. But for those of us who have everything, we often feel empty and don’t know why. How could we feel empty when we have so much?</span></div>
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Barbara Brown Taylor hits the nail on the head with the same struggle: <i>“Perhaps there is no proof a famine exists except the fact that people are hungry. In the land of plenty, the sourse of that hunger can be difficult to diagnose. It is often not until we have tried to ease it with everything else we know that we discover by process of elimination our hunger for God.” </i></span></div>
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I often do try to assuage my hunger with other things besides God. Food helps for about a minute. Shopping tends to make me feel good a little longer. But the hunger always comes back.</span></div>
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Thankfully, like a magic bullet of pure light, Easter came this year with it’s warm, sunny weather and in-laws bringing me Easter brunch to eat after a long morning of services. And now that Spring has (finally) arrived I’ve started to feel some fullness. Maybe the weather is a coincidence- to be celebrated at the same time as the resurrection. </span></div>
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I did a graveside service on Good Friday, which seemed most appropriate. Jesus had been dying in front of me for all of Lent, this year, but I was reminded that, as we buried her, he never left my side. </span></div>
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">And then, as it always does, Easter came. Jesus (finally) rose. I was fed. And I had this sense that that was all I needed. Jesus- imagine that. He was what I was hungry for. I just had to die with him a bit to realize it. Christ is risen, indeed.</span></div>
Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-19714500330573925862013-01-14T16:39:00.000-08:002013-01-14T16:53:40.035-08:00the e-word<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is my most recent letter in the church newsletter. It generated a little commotion... which means it actually got peoples' blood pumping! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Here you go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the rare occasion my whole family is together we almost inevitably
end up talking about church. We’re a
churchy family. We are SO COOL in my
family (note sarcasm, here). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing is, church isn’t cool anymore. No one my age goes to church. In fact, most people of most ages don’t go to
church- it’s just not the thing to do.
Granted, most folks in this country believe in something, but you can
get that thing in nature (apparently, I’m more of an indoor girl, myself). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I’m not here to barrage you with woes about church attendance.
I want to offer a few ideas,
though, on how to get your friends to church.
It’s called… wait for it… evangelism.
And the most important thing about evangelism is building relationships.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Like I said, though, church isn’t cool anymore. And frankly, relationships are hard. People spend all their time dealing with
relationships elsewhere, and they’re sick of doing it come Sunday. They deal with relationships in business, with
family, friends, children, colleagues, and they don’t want to do more of it in
a place that isn’t going to move them, change them, transform them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here’s our dilemma: no one’s coming to church because
church isn’t cool, but, those of us who are here, who are not cool, are called
to evangelize. Evangelism, I think, is
best done in relationships with others.
But, who wants to be friends with uncool people? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s what I think: I think people are craving community-
real, authentic community with folks who care about them, and show them the
Gospel. But, they don’t have time to
figure us out. They think we’re weird
with our rituals, our stories and our judgmental stuff, and they can’t see past
all that muckity muck to the heart of the Christian life. People don’t and won’t know what we are all about
and how wonderful it is unless we build relationships with them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a few people in this church who are darn good at
relationships. They remember your name,
they call you up and ask you to lunch, invite you to sit with them in church,
they ask about your kids, and, they even do the follow-up work- they tell you
how good it was to see you there the other week. They make you feel welcome, even when you
only get here once in a while. And they
do it in a supremely uncool way- they do it because they love Jesus, so they
love you, so that you can love Jesus and begin to know and love this
community. It’s beautiful. It’s church. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are some downsides to this process, though. As an uncool person, you can tend to feel
rejection easily. I get it, but trust
me, it’s not personal. People do get
busy. They won’t come to stuff. But, I beg you, please don’t write these people
off. Show them some grace. They’ll come around eventually. Trust that God is working on them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Evangelism through relationships is hard work. But knowing that you were responsible for showing them the beauty of
being in community and finding Christ?
That’s reward enough right there.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, go out you uncool church people! Go pursue those people on the margins- write
them emails, Facebook them, call them, tell them you want to SEE them, and do
it in Jesus’ name. They’ll think you’re
weird, but they’ll love you (and Jesus) for it in the end.</div>
<br />Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-12696328369555763332012-12-24T08:15:00.003-08:002012-12-24T08:53:43.342-08:00christmas letter<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, friends, we’re finally doing a Christmas letter. And while we are not going to grace your
mailboxes with a paper card with pictures of us and our beloved dog, you can
rest assured that a tree will be saved.
We’re going green over here- check us out on Facebook!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where to begin? The last
few years have been absolute insanity.
We made the big move from <st1:city w:st="on">Minneapolis</st1:city> to <st1:city w:st="on">Indianapolis</st1:city> in 2009. I spent two years as a pastoral resident at
Second Presbyterian Church, and Ben received his Masters in Public and
Environmental Affairs from Indiana University (60 miles each way, about 5 days
week!). We loved Indy and all the people
from church and school who made it feel like home. Plus, <st1:city w:st="on">Butler</st1:city>
made it a pretty exciting time to be a Hoo-Hoo-Hoosier!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the Spring of 2011 we were faced with the big decision of
where to go next. It was truly daunting,
but we were geographically open. After
interviewing and meeting with the people at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church in
<st1:city w:st="on">St. Louis</st1:city> (the <st1:place w:st="on">Midwest</st1:place>!!)
we felt like that was where God wanted us.
I was called to Ladue Chapel, and, after a few months of networking, Ben
landed, first, a short term job at the Regional Chamber and Growth Association
where he wrote a project called “Greenprint St. Louis”, and next, a position at
Lockheed Martin in energy efficiency (if he was writing this letter, he MIGHT
be able to explain what that means!). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ben and I are, miraculously, doing what we went to school
for (!), and doing what we love. Needless
to say, we are very grateful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other big piece of news here is that we bought a house
this spring. It’s over one hundred years
old in a historic neighborhood in <st1:city w:st="on">University
City</st1:city>. We are
minutes from <st1:placename w:st="on">Washington</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype>, <st1:city w:st="on">Forest Park</st1:city>,
The Delmar Loop, the <st1:place w:st="on">Central West End</st1:place>, and so
much more. Ben has been doing project after
project, and I have been hitting up estate sales. It’s fun.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is pretty good these days, but if we had one thing to
complain about it would be that we do miss family and friends. We are constantly aware that the experiences
we’re getting by living in different places are invaluable, but we miss getting
together with people on the weekend, or seeing family without planning
travel. We miss y’all!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite all the change, transition, and distance, we have
found a home here. God is good. We have dental insurance. What more could you ask for? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our prayer always is and continues to be that God’s grace
and peace will find you. And, may you
find joy in 2013! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With love, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sarah (and Ben!)</div>
</div>
Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-24803466649552192862012-12-03T19:28:00.001-08:002014-03-02T13:04:13.020-08:00listen, friends.<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div itemprop="articleBody" style="line-height: 1.467em; margin-bottom: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Advent is here, and it’s great- my favorite season in the church
year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last night we had our annual Watcher’s Eve event, which includes a
casual worship service in the afternoon, bell-ringing, dinner, and a “Hanging
of the Greens.” It’s such a wonderful way
to usher in Advent. Watcher’s Eve,
though, is loud and chaotic- it’s a family event and should be that way! Kids are crafting and adults are chatting,
and much merriment is made. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had a new member come up to me toward the end and tell me that she
never really knew about Advent, before.
She has been Baptist her whole life until recently, and they didn’t
observe Advent in her church. She
commented at how much she appreciated this event, to kick-off the in-between
time of Advent, when we watch, and wait, and listen, anticipating the birth of
Jesus. She marveled at the tradition of
it, and the significance it brought to her heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Needless to say, I was elated.
Someone got it. Someone NEW got
it. There IS joy and wonder in this season
of hope. Job well done, Sarah (ahem, I
mean Holy Spirit).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I read an article in the New York Times recently about
listening. It’s a lost art, apparently,
though I don’t think I needed the newspaper to tell me. Listening makes up a large part of what I do,
but I don’t think that’s true for a lot of professions (it doesn’t earn you the
big bucks). Nevertheless, it reminded me
of Advent and what we’re supposed to be doing in this season, and other
liturgical times of year (like Lent, Easter, Pentecost, etc.). They’re helpful reminders to practice things that
aren’t quite natural to us, in order to remind ourselves of what’s important-
in this case it’s that Jesus came, and promises to come again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the end of the article the author writes this: “‘You never
listen’ is not just the complaint of a problematic relationship, it has also
become an epidemic in a world that is exchanging convenience for content, speed
for meaning. The richness of life doesn’t lie in the loudness and the beat, but
in the timbres and the variations that you can discern if you simply pay
attention.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It seems simple, but it’s true.
As a culture we’re not good listeners.
In <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Stephen</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Ministry</st1:placename></st1:place> we talk about
how, when you’re actively trying to listen to someone, if you catch yourself
thinking of a personal story that relates, you’ve already stopped
listening. Think about how often that
happens. Maybe the more interesting
point isn’t that we can’t listen, but that we think too much about ourselves?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, this time of year always clues me into a different rhythm. Through watching and waiting and listening, I’m
reminded that it’s not all about me.
Like the author said, if you listen, you come to new realizations. If you pay attention you give up the speed of
life for something that could be much more meaningful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In John 18 Jesus says, “<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Everyone who belongs
to the truth listens to my voice.</span>”
It’s almost as if Jesus is saying (to Pilate, and to us) that you can’t
just stop and listen here and there, at random.
To belong to truth you must practice it.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: inherit;">Advent is a good
reminder that to belong to the truth, to really hear Jesus, we must listen for
his voice- wherever we are. His words
are a call, a commandment, and a prophecy.
He must have known where we would be some 2000 years later, deafened by
the sounds of our divided attention during the craziness of this season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: inherit;">So, I’d say this: start
practicing this Advent. Begin listening,
even in the noisiest of places. If you
do, at some point, you’ll hear the truth, which is in Christ. And, you’ll find yourself in the most
beautiful of places- awake to the wonder and awe and anticipation of
Advent. Maybe it’ll even stick with you-
MAYBE you’ll make it your New Year’s resolution (though, disclaimer: that is
not a liturgical season). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: inherit;">If it happens, make
sure you tell me about it. ’Cause dang,
I think news like that could get me through this whole year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll be waiting, and
listening. Amen.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<nyt_author_id><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px;"></span></nyt_author_id><br />
<div class="authorIdentification" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 2.8em;">
</div>
Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-53615568476511628412012-10-24T06:34:00.003-07:002014-03-02T13:11:16.493-08:00happy?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">I recently watched this documentary. You can see the trailer here, the entire thing if you get netflix.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/YDkv6Mi8JrI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
In this documentary called Happy, researchers make a case that you can, in fact, measure happiness much like you can diagnose depression. The movie follows people from around the world and touches on a few main factors for "happiness".</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
Being that I'm in a job where I run into people all the time who are experiencing the happiest of happy days- like weddings- or, the saddest of sad days- like funerals- I was interested in what this filmmaker had to say.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
The most fascinating things about the findings were probably the simplest, too. Happy people practice what this researcher calls "flow". Flow is usually exercise or something you do where you get in the grove and derive energy and satisfaction that is felt deeply. It can probably be compared to a runner's high, or the peace one feels after practicing yoga. I think it's also possible to achieve it from making art or writing- if that's what you love. The movie makers spoke with a surfer, who had basically lived a very simple life in order to be able to surf everyday. He loved it, and felt totally fulfilled.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
Another thing the documentary described was proximity to family and/or close friends. Those who had people around them who they trusted, and loved, were ultimately more happy. I'm sorry to say that I live far away from family, and it does get to me sometimes- probably when I don't even realize it. However, I think the researchers also described the importance of deep and meaningful relationships, which I believe I get to have in my job. One woman, in particular, a Danish woman, who was recently divorced, moved herself and her children into a community living situation. She described it as the best thing she had ever done- to live and commune, cook and share with a closely-knit network of people.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
One more thing the movie said. Happy people tend to love what they do, but they don't do it too much. Hah. I think this is probably the thing Americans get after the most- people in the United States confuse vocation with money and success, and it does not make them happy. The documentary "confirmed" that this was the case, as well. And, apparently, it's true in Japan, too. They even have a word for it over there- karoushi- and it alludes to the idea of working so much for something you think you want, and it ultimately leads to death. Yikes. </span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
I suppose I knew most of this stuff already. But, it was neat to see it from a worldwide perspective. People living in what we would consider to be absolute poverty, loving their lives more than I probably do on a daily basis. But, it wasn't just this idea that material wealth does not bring happiness. The movie focused on relationships- real, lasting, honest, authentic relationships. And, I wonder if this is where I (or, the church?) can step into this world of UNhappiness.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
On Sundays, all I have to do is look around at the children playing freely in classrooms, singing songs and being loved on by their teachers. Children understand that at church relationships exists without boundaries- between them and everyone they encounter, young and old. They get that, at church, they are free to be themselves, that it doesn't matter how big their house is, or how cool their backpack is. At church, they know it doesn't matter what their parents do for a living- in fact, they enjoy sitting next to them in worship, and being around them during coffee hour. Children also get to see happiness that is created by real things, filled with grace and truth- baptisms of babies, singing that is not performance-oriented, hugs between friends in the hallway, money being freely shared for mission. And, our children sense the Spirit, they pick up on it, I know they do! They pay attention and believe.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
All this to say, I'm not sure the church is a place where happiness springs forth. In fact, I've always been taught that happiness really isn't the goal- if there is a "goal" in this life, to speak of. What we find in the community of faith, in the body of Christ, is joy. We do joy around here. Joy isn't happiness, friends. Joy can be experienced in good times and in bad. Joy comes from finding the peace of Christ that passes all understanding in the midst real of life- it's about noticing and sensing and feeling God's presence with you in gratitude, in thanksgiving, in sorrow, in fear, in anxiety, in... whatever. Joy is deep, profound trust that God does not let us go, wherever we are, whatever we are doing. And joy is knowing that there is a future for us- all of us.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
Colossians 1:11-12</span><br />
<!--StartFragment--><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">"We pray that
you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul - not the grim
strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is
strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the
Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and
beautiful that he has for us."</span><!--EndFragment-->Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-9901711706633842242012-10-07T21:21:00.001-07:002014-03-02T13:12:02.412-08:00takin' care of me.<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllld1E0agN87lTmNhp9dHOeags9Xr4Ekyo3X5OvMPBKsqHqA41nxSZ89fKtmFaj2gvP9jdJkml9X7jbE7wDGKu0ZZ6iPrTgd2X7FlUEmXA0oxiPWMIHaXXcc5vP-IRYEjN5kEyKqnKLY/s1600/il_570xN.277813130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllld1E0agN87lTmNhp9dHOeags9Xr4Ekyo3X5OvMPBKsqHqA41nxSZ89fKtmFaj2gvP9jdJkml9X7jbE7wDGKu0ZZ6iPrTgd2X7FlUEmXA0oxiPWMIHaXXcc5vP-IRYEjN5kEyKqnKLY/s320/il_570xN.277813130.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Fall is definitely here with chillier temperatures in the
50s!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can smell the crispness
in the air, leaves burning in piles, and chili bubbling in crockpots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see the leaves changing (at
least, they are just starting to here in St. Louis!), and the sunsets look just
a bit more vibrant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a great
time of year to get outside, pick a pumpkin or apple, bake a pie, and go
shopping for a few fall essentials!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know you want to…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had a pretty busy week, last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had an expected wedding rehearsal and
wedding on Friday/Saturday, with a training dinner to host on Friday
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I also had an
unexpected funeral to plan for on Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was made more difficult because I didn’t know the man, though he was
a prominent person in St. Louis- just a little more pressure, but that’s
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those things on top of usual
craziness made me ready to usher in Fall in smalls ways when I could find time
for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Little ways I’m finding “me” time:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve decided to buy an inordinate number of pumpkin candles,
because they are calming and make my office and home smell delightful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also invested in a fall plant to hang
outside until I bring it in for the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The florist assured me it would live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn’t know me, though, nor my
history with plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s hoping
it lives because it’s got a beautiful leaf that’s green-striped on the top, and
purple on the bottom!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also decided to make my version of beef bourguignon this
weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s actually Ina
Garten’s recipe, but I leave out the Cognac- tastes fine without it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s way less complex than Julia
Child’s recipe, and tastes divine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Total crowd pleaser, but not diet food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s the link to the recipe: <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/beef-bourguignon-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/beef-bourguignon-recipe/index.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I managed to clean my house, however it was in a bit of a
manic panic, because I didn’t want to spend too much time cleaning this
weekend… you can’t rationalize with crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I also woke up early to squeeze in a run on Saturday
morning around Lake Creve Coeur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Probably the most beautiful morning run I’ve had in a while, and I
didn’t even drink any water beforehand- I felt great though, and give credit to
the non-fat latte I drank beforehand, instead!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bagel afterward didn’t taste too bad, either.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, to top it all off, Saturday evening, we did have a
fire in the backyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First one of
the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It crackled and warmed
us up, which was nice since I’ve become cheap in my old age and have refused to
turn on the heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">All in all, it was an intense, yet wonderful few days around
casa Hande/Brouwer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I think
it’s because I decided to make it that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier last week I was starting to let the fact that my day
off had been overtaken by responsibilities consume me and make me angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t like when I start to feel a
taste of bitterness in my mouth about work, but it happens, sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At some point, though, this week, I
realized I did have some little moments to enjoy ushering in the fall
season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so, I took advantage
of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran, cooked, bought
plants and candles, and it reminded me of something really important.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">Sometimes the line between what I do, and who I am can get
really blurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a pastor, but
being one doesn’t define me, nor does it (gasp!) totally satisfy me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I get to share sacred moments with
people, and share their most profound joys and pains (wonderful gifts!), but
ultimately, it’s not who I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
I think most of us- not just pastors, but everybody- can get so wrapped up in
what we do that we allow it to define us, our time, and our gifts… maybe we
even allow what we do to limit our enjoyment of life, and of God, himself
(herself).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">So, what did I do this weekend?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I practiced little moments of Sabbath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buying a candle can remind you of the
light of Christ, cooking a meal can feed your stomach and your soul, and
running can definitely give you time alone with your Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">What’s more, though, is that I realized something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may BE a pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I AM a child of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this child of God needed some time
to herself this weekend to be reminded of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though my job is such a privilege, and a true vocation
in every sense of the word, it is, simply, what I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who I am, though, is something much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am known, loved, created, called on,
restored, cleansed, comforted, and made whole by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a child of God, and, I’ll tell you what- you’re one
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t forget it, and don’t
forget to make time to remember it (does that make sense?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">Take to heart, these words from
Isaiah 43:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><i>“But now thus says the Lord, he
who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have
redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.</i><i> </i><i>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.</i><i> </i><i>For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">Remember to make time for
yourself, you little children of God.</span><span style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-8666965930284915042012-09-19T07:26:00.003-07:002012-09-19T12:03:10.219-07:00september is a little goofy, i mean, Goosey.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hi people. It's good to be back after a week. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let me introduce you to the Wild Goose.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBgrp1Otjjhhn-jf5AIujHoFAOoaYYCR6OaP2d2rUUKA-xVd03RmeIjVu169YQlgdZf6sZKYoX47JwQWrmJLkSH0U8J8mKCG45O3KmvqbEkkqRkfsvEgC5ObU5f6XOeYy5tv7zMw0Ru0/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBgrp1Otjjhhn-jf5AIujHoFAOoaYYCR6OaP2d2rUUKA-xVd03RmeIjVu169YQlgdZf6sZKYoX47JwQWrmJLkSH0U8J8mKCG45O3KmvqbEkkqRkfsvEgC5ObU5f6XOeYy5tv7zMw0Ru0/s400/images-1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Did you know that, in Celtic Christianity (early Christianity in what is now Ireland and Great Britain), the Wild Goose was a symbol for the Holy Spirit? Fascinating, I know. Bear with me...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBgrp1Otjjhhn-jf5AIujHoFAOoaYYCR6OaP2d2rUUKA-xVd03RmeIjVu169YQlgdZf6sZKYoX47JwQWrmJLkSH0U8J8mKCG45O3KmvqbEkkqRkfsvEgC5ObU5f6XOeYy5tv7zMw0Ru0/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqFbQ2_gPDd_H7lYLuC9KeLD1fBhysvOcjERjjRVJS-0_nW26muMydqSZ6sVJw3CV1ZSh31xvaiOKE7yr9GMrnMQvL4SvOIVXG501rvdALO6tmUJliefmTYBd_xirDELlSfzZ4flvETg/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqFbQ2_gPDd_H7lYLuC9KeLD1fBhysvOcjERjjRVJS-0_nW26muMydqSZ6sVJw3CV1ZSh31xvaiOKE7yr9GMrnMQvL4SvOIVXG501rvdALO6tmUJliefmTYBd_xirDELlSfzZ4flvETg/s400/images.jpeg" width="397" /></a></div>
<br />
As boring as this may initially sound, let me tell you: I have a revelation in store for you; it might rock your world. And it all popped into my head this week- in the midst of crazy, chaos-filled, September, back-to-school frustration!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfCDvLwLL0SSt_iSkd7INrZcD1vtaKuAFlOz0cpepjzvfk98sD5qVD1UNg5s6XLN27x7mPZAkeVd7BVXkK5vF1SBOOwVFqLCraf1BMCnmWI3xV_UH3RPlArce72O3t6X6DZvWcMuMOHQ/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfCDvLwLL0SSt_iSkd7INrZcD1vtaKuAFlOz0cpepjzvfk98sD5qVD1UNg5s6XLN27x7mPZAkeVd7BVXkK5vF1SBOOwVFqLCraf1BMCnmWI3xV_UH3RPlArce72O3t6X6DZvWcMuMOHQ/s400/images-2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Celtic Christians (we think) considered the wild goose to be a symbol of the Holy Spirit, which is interesting (yes it is!) to us, because we often associate the Spirit with a dove, or something equally as peaceful. But, the Celts were on to something with the use of this bird, because in days like these it's difficult to think the Spirit is anywhere to be found. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let me explain...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've been going bonkers at church trying to get programming off the ground. We plan things and either a bunch of people show up (wonderful!) or hardly anyone (major bummer!). We're having a hard time knowing if we're asking too much of people, or not expecting enough. We are also considering the fact that we might be offering too much, which is quite possible. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In any case, as a staff, and as individuals who are trying to transition from summer to fall, and everything that goes with it, we've been feeling a little spiritually depleted.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The image of the Wild Goose brought to mind the geese that I see on a regular basis. They're usually in some disgusting little batch of sewage water on the side of the road near a strip mall. Their natural habitat used to be there, but now it's been overtaken by the busyness of consumerism and capitalism that surrounds it. Just like the church, peoples' lives are so consumed by choices, and the ability to do other things, that the church has been pushed out of its natural habitat. We're in the world, but not of it. And, it's a weird and anxiety-ridden feeling, at times. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But, none of the craziness is going to go away. So, I thought: time to reframe. Could it be that this chaotic time of year is, in fact, the work of the Wild Goosey Spirit? Is the Spirit trying to tell us something new, push us around a bit, honk loudly at us, and tire us out as we attempt to fly in perfect formation for the upcoming program year? Maybe it's okay to be in the muck on the side of the road because it teaches us something.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm learning that in order to find joy in this life, we have to embrace a Spirit like the Wild Goose. One that is unpredictable, loud, annoying, squawking, dirty, and lacks a place in the world. I have to accept this kind of Spirit because, like the Wild Geese, we must fly together and help each other when we're tired in order to get to a better destination for the months ahead. We must be open to re-formation, to let a new goose take the lead, to trust that the wind will carry us, that our wings will not fail us, and that we've done this a whole bunch of times before. And, we have to become comfortable with the uncomfortable- our natural habitat is no longer. The church is being being forced out. And yet, seekers are still coming, if fewer in number. And there is still a stirring among us to move- maybe we just have to fly up?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Spirit is pushing me. It's challenging me to be open to newness and change. It's telling me to stop worrying about details and numbers, and focus on people who need a good word. It's asking me to stop being upset at the little things, and to start enjoying this frenetic gift of a life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Embrace the Wild, Goosey Spirit, friends. It might be trying to tell you something.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-44360547843304013742012-09-11T06:36:00.004-07:002014-03-02T13:09:03.022-08:00how God feels, today.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">As soon as I woke up this morning I saw it- the posts about 9/11 were starting to pour into peoples' status updates. I don't mind this. In fact, I think it's good to remember that day. All of us remember where we were that day, what happened, and how we felt when we saw those planes fly into the World Trade Center buildings.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">It has been 11 years, now, and those images are still fresh in our minds. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">I want to suggest, though, something that I haven't seen in too many facebook posts, at least not yet, and not among my non-clergy friends. It's a reality I think about often, but rarely suggest to others for fear of sounding pious or rude. But, I figure on a day like today it's appropriate, and so I'll put it out there. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">On a day like today, when we remember those who died as victims, those firefighters and police officers who worked tirelessly for days in the rubble, and those who served in the war(s) following, should we remember, as well, how God felt on that day? how God has felt everyday since? how God, herself, remembers today?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">This isn't a political question, or even a theological one, really. It's just a table-turning kind of question. There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that I am grateful to live in a country where many freedoms I enjoy everyday are protected. But, I guess, that's not really the point of this post.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">When inconceivable violence and evil occur in the world; when hatred evolves to such a level as terrorism; when extremist attack is followed by war; how does it make God feel? And, is it important to reflect and pray upon this very question? Would it make a difference if, in addition to remembering all the things we remember on this day, we also remember the way God felt as he saw his people- all his people- die such a horrible, tragic death? the way God felt when he saw what we could do to each other? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">My guess is that there are varying opinions out there on who God's people are, and I really don't want to get into that, here. But, what I will say is this: I don't think God pays too much attention to human-made borders. I don't think God separates his children by country, or by the governments that run them. And, for that reason, I believe on 9/11/01, and in the days after, God wept for all humanity. God knew what would happen in the days to come, and the pain that God felt, that God took onto his very self, was the pain of every human being in the entire world. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">"The Lord saw that the wickedness
of humankind was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts
of their hearts was only evil continually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Lord was sorry that he had made humankind on the
earth, and it grieved him to his heart." Genesis 6:5-6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">God grieves. And, we should remember that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">But, I'm guessing that there have been glimpses of hope that God has seen, as well. And, we should remember that, too. For God does promise a world of the future, where days like 9/11 will be a distant memory for us, and for him, as well. These words from Isaiah 2 have been a promise for centuries- let's live into them and into the Kingdom of God, for God's sake and our own.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">"There's a day coming when the
mountain of God's House Will be The Mountain - solid, towering over all
mountains. All nations will river toward it, people from all over set out for
it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They'll say, "Come, let's
climb God's Mountain, go to the House of the God of Jacob. He'll show us the
way he works so we can live the way we're made." Zion's the source of the
revelation. God's Message comes from Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He'll settle things fairly between nations. He'll make
things right between many peoples. They'll turn their swords into shovels,
their spears into hoes. No more will nation fight nation; they won't play war
anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come, family of Jacob,
let's live in the light of God." Isaiah 2 (The Message)</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">I'll leave you with a video someone posted on Facebook this morning. I love Cantus, anyways, but this hymn in particular is perfect for today. It's called The Finlandia Hymn by Jean Sibelius. It's beautiful. Here are the lyrics: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">This
is my song, O God of all the nations,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">a
song of peace for lands afar and mine;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">this
is my home, the country where my heart is;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">here
are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">but
other hearts in other lands are beating<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">with
hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">My
country's skies are bluer than the ocean,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">and
sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">but
other lands have sunlight too, and clover,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">and
skies are everywhere as blue as mine:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">O
hear my song, thou God of all the nations,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a song of peace for their land and for mine.</span></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WDXNHPeRB0k?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">Peace, friends.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-16630028627399622552012-09-06T07:00:00.000-07:002014-03-02T13:09:55.582-08:00it's the little things.<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGPlu5iVKY9nR0M9t9WbxxrsUg1f2Ftx0Aw55cKV5H9q887aPe2Bpc1cozwJF4VP6e6NWqFFP2AUskhFIKoU8WVDSn3zuCo35-hQb3zlhlsmpZAopBotHCFME76D7X7KWEfEu0gx7EWc/s1600/242138917434834669_ig09pO6Z_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGPlu5iVKY9nR0M9t9WbxxrsUg1f2Ftx0Aw55cKV5H9q887aPe2Bpc1cozwJF4VP6e6NWqFFP2AUskhFIKoU8WVDSn3zuCo35-hQb3zlhlsmpZAopBotHCFME76D7X7KWEfEu0gx7EWc/s400/242138917434834669_ig09pO6Z_f.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">I had a meeting last night with
some folks at church who do the work that is usually thankless, goes unnoticed,
can (I’m sure) feel monotonous, at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They’re just doing their part to make the world a better place, and
they’re doing it with humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These people don’t ask for fanfare or recognition, but I try to pump
them up once in awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And maybe
that’s because I, too, need to remind myself that the task of caring for people
is ongoing, and while it is rewarding much of the time, there’s never a “job
well done” kind of feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Frankly, I think this is the reason so many people get burned out at
church- we’re not good at thinking about the small things we do as having any
kind of significance in the world, and that is entirely not true.</span></div>
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">So, I read them these words from 1
John 3:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">“This is how we've come to
understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why
we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out
for ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you see some
brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn
a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And
you made it disappear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dear
children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">Often times, I think, we get
caught up with the word about Jesus “laying his life down for us” or
“sacrificed his very life for us”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, while I think it’s important to reflect on the magnitude of what
God has done there, it’s difficult for us to relate to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does God want us to give our lives
too?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that what that means?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, maybe God doesn’t want us to die,
but do we have to spend every waking hour trying to be better, do more,
etc.?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer, clearly, is no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, what does God expect when he says
that we should live sacrificially?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">Loving one anther, or laying down
our lives for one another should 1) not be intimidating, and 2) we shouldn’t
think too hard about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The love
that we know about from Jesus doesn’t have to stay rooted in the past as some
unattainable ideal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know what
Jesus has done, and his act propels us do what we can- to love, and give the
world hope that God is still among us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In other words, if you have any inkling that your life has somehow been
transformed by the love of Christ, then you have new life- life abundant. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you can lay down that life for
anyone or everyone you meet- whether it’s through a note or a phone call, a
smile to someone on the street, or lending a helping hand when it’s needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">I loved this quote from a
professor I’ve read before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
says, “To give one's life in this way, in imitation of Jesus' own love, is more
than simply a result of believing; it is the concrete shape that belief takes
in the world, and the presence of such giving is a sign that God's love is
present and active.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we don’t
continue to act, even in the smallest ways, the love of God in Christ is not
made known to the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">So, friends, keep doing what you’re
doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actions speak louder than
words (not always true- heck, you’re reading words, now!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A</span>cting like Jesus, or “laying down your
life” isn’t so bad. Yes, sacrifice implies giving something up, or losing a little bit of yourself for the sake of another, but it can be on a small scale most of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It's these little acts that add up, these tiny ways in which we lay down our life that make all the difference. </span>In fact, with
God’s help, it’s transforming the world, bit by bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">“My dear children, let's not just
talk about love; let's practice real love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
<!--EndFragment-->
Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-90084105812249039092012-09-02T19:34:00.001-07:002012-09-02T19:36:39.689-07:00i shouldn't be left alone.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been all alone since Friday morning. Well, I mean, I've interacted with human beings, but my husband left me (!) from Friday to Monday night (okay, just for the weekend, but still?!). For an extreme extrovert this is a long time to be alone. So, I've been getting projects done... half done- I'm also a little disorganized so I "project hop" from one thing to the next (Mom, if you are reading this, you know I get this from you!). I've run, spent quality time with my dog, done a little cleaning and shopping, cooked, napped, and rested a bit. I guess it's been alright to spend some time alone, but I'll be honest and say I can't handle much more of this!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I AM grateful for Labor Day Weekend, however. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKU3iyQx6uln3AIU5ua0NbXIvjlq5wlJJjNTc_wDNKDbxXANn0BDD3ERa5FlkbkC3PAEHwGppwAjFotTFyJKVfqBBjwLjHDZJYgtQsQCBZ9t3S_Kq6Vag6A83hqbbldRQ5tO4RO7dU8GU/s640/blogger-image-1450074971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XaXYOUlibcHq0bQjjJlwENP41ecmXzp33uufbRl_u3M6rfrqccwtCf7kGRT0bvIn29cPEvWMAVbYXh5qbLUYD5usLwfec5oIfpnfhSYiHBuDxZseEj3I6K4aAlGFjzfEsqKwbcAFk_Q/s1600/photo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XaXYOUlibcHq0bQjjJlwENP41ecmXzp33uufbRl_u3M6rfrqccwtCf7kGRT0bvIn29cPEvWMAVbYXh5qbLUYD5usLwfec5oIfpnfhSYiHBuDxZseEj3I6K4aAlGFjzfEsqKwbcAFk_Q/s640/photo-4.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Timber is doing a really good job, lately, of staying on the porch while I do projects. This was in the midst of cleaning out my car, which, I'll be frank, NEEDED IT. I got that turquoise tin tub in the background there at an estate sale on Friday that was amazing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkznGFoUg4wU5KTlc-yTIGxvaLte0qbX7UwcC7nncxmSqyegXUK_cU0fr9hgi4E-GJKP5TjLt3yDASIIEoo0gjsMZWwwsGfWTJD-Q6VnDFVzlDBmsekj7CwaUCTyEBSwvasnsxPjc5HOk/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkznGFoUg4wU5KTlc-yTIGxvaLte0qbX7UwcC7nncxmSqyegXUK_cU0fr9hgi4E-GJKP5TjLt3yDASIIEoo0gjsMZWwwsGfWTJD-Q6VnDFVzlDBmsekj7CwaUCTyEBSwvasnsxPjc5HOk/s400/photo-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Timber waits for scraps in the kitchen... no success.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-O7sw4p3Tj7RyPN9yE82c-t93hnOgvD-0VDIbw6XsYB9HVbk31EuwxjNksjfN1P56Ew0KRMLSkN472N-10rT_Fzs2TlSXJgwhUxGJqZDKTijZDEL4u0GwQr85QDqo5VhZD8dG6p13fos/s1600/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWynltkImxd1ztht0_U0sRCQh5LZZPZjgOlDHoX2R5yXF4XxbGqnsmiO95054QfYE49ylIPTPC1qIobcm012nvUD7jIhXYq_6P3ReD5Wcgvf5IcOzdI1KUEheu4_6sl6xs0snvsEiFurE/s1600/photo-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWynltkImxd1ztht0_U0sRCQh5LZZPZjgOlDHoX2R5yXF4XxbGqnsmiO95054QfYE49ylIPTPC1qIobcm012nvUD7jIhXYq_6P3ReD5Wcgvf5IcOzdI1KUEheu4_6sl6xs0snvsEiFurE/s640/photo-5.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
I love my house, I love my kitchen, I love exposed brick in my house/kitchen. And check out the little system for opening the window above the back door. Ugh, I would've hated to live in this house a hundred years ago in the summertime, when opening that window would have been necessary. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ2R5IG_pcziMoI2wdd8i3Hga7yDs_872h9Ecuk1en_P4qWPakF1H21EW5bxPYvHC40ZpZirskXOCSzde8Wig-Lo6rxKBMzUFIPq6oLHOcbq1MWOUZoQTO68PqFPPRPBbkIRx48U67-U/s1600/photo-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ2R5IG_pcziMoI2wdd8i3Hga7yDs_872h9Ecuk1en_P4qWPakF1H21EW5bxPYvHC40ZpZirskXOCSzde8Wig-Lo6rxKBMzUFIPq6oLHOcbq1MWOUZoQTO68PqFPPRPBbkIRx48U67-U/s640/photo-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made butternut squash soup. No recipe, really, but I boiled hunks of squash, poured out most of the water, added chicken boullion and italian spice, salt and pepper, and then I used my hand blender to blend it with a little sour cream at the end. Also good with some parm on top.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2i-YV6gM4H9Y1b8zSeYhBRuUSyIAwRSk4o-pLfXTj-8nnAni8yF9E67_NskWHRb7rUxCL0YPyrEs9iB6yMES4yIgMna0aubkyIYDcnXYPxYHDt0nzi9V3qORM6mEKiC0uNhQr7gNgbXQ/s640/blogger-image--483874202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2i-YV6gM4H9Y1b8zSeYhBRuUSyIAwRSk4o-pLfXTj-8nnAni8yF9E67_NskWHRb7rUxCL0YPyrEs9iB6yMES4yIgMna0aubkyIYDcnXYPxYHDt0nzi9V3qORM6mEKiC0uNhQr7gNgbXQ/s640/blogger-image--483874202.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also, I'm coloring. With markers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKU3iyQx6uln3AIU5ua0NbXIvjlq5wlJJjNTc_wDNKDbxXANn0BDD3ERa5FlkbkC3PAEHwGppwAjFotTFyJKVfqBBjwLjHDZJYgtQsQCBZ9t3S_Kq6Vag6A83hqbbldRQ5tO4RO7dU8GU/s640/blogger-image-1450074971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKU3iyQx6uln3AIU5ua0NbXIvjlq5wlJJjNTc_wDNKDbxXANn0BDD3ERa5FlkbkC3PAEHwGppwAjFotTFyJKVfqBBjwLjHDZJYgtQsQCBZ9t3S_Kq6Vag6A83hqbbldRQ5tO4RO7dU8GU/s400/blogger-image-1450074971.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, for a final confession, I mix funfetti cake mix with sugar free vanilla creamer. It's a delicious little dessert. But, it's also why I shouldn't be left alone!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-O7sw4p3Tj7RyPN9yE82c-t93hnOgvD-0VDIbw6XsYB9HVbk31EuwxjNksjfN1P56Ew0KRMLSkN472N-10rT_Fzs2TlSXJgwhUxGJqZDKTijZDEL4u0GwQr85QDqo5VhZD8dG6p13fos/s1600/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-O7sw4p3Tj7RyPN9yE82c-t93hnOgvD-0VDIbw6XsYB9HVbk31EuwxjNksjfN1P56Ew0KRMLSkN472N-10rT_Fzs2TlSXJgwhUxGJqZDKTijZDEL4u0GwQr85QDqo5VhZD8dG6p13fos/s640/photo-3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="475" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a great Labor Day, tomorrow! </div>
Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-28012812414655856152012-08-31T07:28:00.002-07:002014-03-02T13:08:10.567-08:00dog days of summer.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">The dog days of summer are here...</span></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ_L-YhUMDlTK7ay_u6gFyDl1NvIsgiFYZmQnQvoGQ5Q7ize09_BxENyPTlm-b8c-kTcbDGu_Pw0BJ1fEw_MJvMzxl25qpY2pA0SHw0mqDRx9pw068y274486JwiPplBrogxYUZEYMvs/s1600/400438_697963873045_1614233256_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ_L-YhUMDlTK7ay_u6gFyDl1NvIsgiFYZmQnQvoGQ5Q7ize09_BxENyPTlm-b8c-kTcbDGu_Pw0BJ1fEw_MJvMzxl25qpY2pA0SHw0mqDRx9pw068y274486JwiPplBrogxYUZEYMvs/s400/400438_697963873045_1614233256_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">I've been finding myself anxious for the Fall- both excited and nervous. I'm excited for the weather to change, for Fall colors, crisp air, and, let's face it, the option of wearing pants! It's too hot for pants right now. I'm also excited for everyone to come back to church in full force. It'll be fun to see choirs, kids, Sunday school, mid-week programming all back in action! But, I'm nervous, too. From September to June, it is just plain busy. Evening meetings are a source of dread for me, though I'm fine once I get there. I know I can get it all done, and I trust that it will be fruitful for me and for the people I work with, but man, the post-Labor Day rush is looming over my head.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ_L-YhUMDlTK7ay_u6gFyDl1NvIsgiFYZmQnQvoGQ5Q7ize09_BxENyPTlm-b8c-kTcbDGu_Pw0BJ1fEw_MJvMzxl25qpY2pA0SHw0mqDRx9pw068y274486JwiPplBrogxYUZEYMvs/s1600/400438_697963873045_1614233256_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf02bgQ63dOwrUNBIc2wQxWu9tBMAHLOxq8jTJ54xXUFeuo_ZTktkBhkwJgFE9LleIynrdLqwm_YNr6wEvRJ0-MFuuK-EvsTWzmaMSsJzUKdxI3mQwERSqXQkPuAHYhXqS5wtg7Jfme5w/s1600/296670_698203383065_1677065361_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf02bgQ63dOwrUNBIc2wQxWu9tBMAHLOxq8jTJ54xXUFeuo_ZTktkBhkwJgFE9LleIynrdLqwm_YNr6wEvRJ0-MFuuK-EvsTWzmaMSsJzUKdxI3mQwERSqXQkPuAHYhXqS5wtg7Jfme5w/s400/296670_698203383065_1677065361_n-1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">I took both of these pictures in the last week. A reminder to enjoy these last few slow days. The thick, humidity-filled heat actually helps you slow down, sometimes. </span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">This week got me to thinking about time- either wishing it away, or not wanting the next day to come. I'm experiencing both right now, and while it might be an inevitable feeling, I may need to be better about enjoying each day as it comes- cliche, but true. </span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">I also started considering what God might think about my concept of time. I don't know that God feels bad for me with my ramped up schedule, but there's something to be said about interpreting our busy-ness. Do we see our vocations, our busy lives, our responsibilities as a gift? as a call? Or, are they simply days filled with work until a sabbath day when we can relax and "really" do what we want?</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">Don't get me wrong, sabbath is important- it's good to do nothing, to worship, etc. Everyone needs a day off. </span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">But, more often than not, we're always thinking ahead, planning for the next thing, organizing our lives with calendars, alarms on our phone, bulletin boards and elaborate file systems (okay, I don't file). And because none of this is going away any time soon, maybe I need to reframe.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">This text from John surprised me in a way I wasn't expecting. It's sort of a scary passage, actually, because Jesus had to be careful for fear of being killed. In it he talks about time, though time for Jesus was based on one thing- when he was going to die, and what he could do between the present, and that future day, to tell people about God. This part from John 7 reads:</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="versetext" id="joh7-3" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">His brothers said, "Why don't you leave here and go up to the Feast so your disciples can get a good look at the works you do? <b> </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="versetext" id="joh7-4" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">No one who intends to be publicly known does everything behind the scenes. If you're serious about what you are doing, come out in the open and show the world." </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="versetext" id="joh7-5" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">His brothers were pushing him like this because they didn't believe in him either. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="versetext" id="joh7-6" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Jesus came back at them, "Don't crowd me. This isn't my time. It's your time - it's always your time; you have nothing to lose." </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="versetext" id="joh7-6" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">The disciples were pressuring Jesus, trying to get him to do things to convince them, and others, that he was the Son of God. They even threatened him a bit by telling him that no one who wants to get things done does it in secret! But, Jesus told them, look, it's not my time to be the center of attention, it's your time and you have nothing to lose.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">I think I need to remember not to put so much pressure on myself to be ready, or on Jesus to show up. The church year will begin whether I get everything done in time, or not. And Summer will turn into Fall whether I want it to, or not. And, Jesus will be present throughout it all whether I trust him to, or not. It's always time for me to love what I do, to enjoy the people around me, to see emails and meetings and busyness as a gift, because if I do it that way, then I have nothing to lose. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">I'm sure there's going to be crazy days ahead, as there were for the disciples, and Jesus, too. But, if I think about the precious short time they got to spend together, and think about my own life that way, I gain a whole new perspective.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">The words below are from Psalm 90, in the paraphrase of The Message. I'll use them as my prayer for the next few weeks, and maybe you will, too:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="versetext" id="ps90-10" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We live for seventy years or so (with luck we might make it to eighty), And what do we have to show for it? Trouble. Toil and trouble and a marker in the graveyard. </span><span class="versetext" id="ps90-11" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Who can make sense of such rage, such anger against the very ones who fear you? </span><span class="versetext" id="ps90-12" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well! </span><span class="versetext" id="ps90-13" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Come back, God - how long do we have to wait? - and treat your servants with kindness for a change. </span><span class="versetext" id="ps90-14" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we'll skip and dance all the day long. </span><span class="versetext" id="ps90-15" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Make up for the bad times with some good times; we've seen enough evil to last a lifetime. </span><span class="versetext" id="ps90-16" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Let your servants see what you're best at - the ways you rule and bless your children. </span><span class="versetext" id="ps90-17" style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-67649641365012542282012-08-30T07:06:00.002-07:002014-03-02T13:07:17.015-08:00dutch delft wedding.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">A little bit of a wedding recap for your enjoyment...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-p6icPWXr-iTlww4CJM2dOyt8aPGbeDm9fYMfq_CMWtnl-JwN01KMlIEvuRG6fQiY2rDWxYUOU2yNNA25ARQuNgkW6MHKy64btbWXL1iSFPR1Hp3Wf-kh67zRgQc5AtpTmH6VMQ-nN7Q/s1600/419940_10101856201663803_1786175962_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-p6icPWXr-iTlww4CJM2dOyt8aPGbeDm9fYMfq_CMWtnl-JwN01KMlIEvuRG6fQiY2rDWxYUOU2yNNA25ARQuNgkW6MHKy64btbWXL1iSFPR1Hp3Wf-kh67zRgQc5AtpTmH6VMQ-nN7Q/s640/419940_10101856201663803_1786175962_n.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-OJc18HShwFi-LF9I2L9u7MBrA1Cs9IyqooqRRA8IGOdgPL3yiY_Cs0gqlJJEn9c3r7hMOIv7B0UDbi9dOJagfT57ddnhTJB2lGzvBg9ckZVw2V1lFeoYhLbF0UWG9A5O4b0o_aObcA/s1600/420033_10101856202082963_374526940_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-OJc18HShwFi-LF9I2L9u7MBrA1Cs9IyqooqRRA8IGOdgPL3yiY_Cs0gqlJJEn9c3r7hMOIv7B0UDbi9dOJagfT57ddnhTJB2lGzvBg9ckZVw2V1lFeoYhLbF0UWG9A5O4b0o_aObcA/s640/420033_10101856202082963_374526940_n.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
I am so happy to share some photos of my sister's wedding from August 11. It was such a GORGEOUS day in Holland, MI. We spent the first half of the day picking up the back of Lizzy's dress, like this.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGXRg_T_APtq_rQqFzhOscFz9-I3Ik5-z79TJ6lh-xLJkm3jCxlZGduOZIEWuqEiEurORLJeXBufeDvX-yd9BsCf99PZKgYfyclJGmOh5uMgtCaW1V1ALhwfFczKFc-HLnrF9c_SI76I/s1600/384741_10101856201863403_6571030_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGXRg_T_APtq_rQqFzhOscFz9-I3Ik5-z79TJ6lh-xLJkm3jCxlZGduOZIEWuqEiEurORLJeXBufeDvX-yd9BsCf99PZKgYfyclJGmOh5uMgtCaW1V1ALhwfFczKFc-HLnrF9c_SI76I/s640/384741_10101856201863403_6571030_n.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
See those balloons going up the railings to the Chapel doors? I LOVE THEM. They were huge, and such a fun thing to see bopping around in the wind.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtqh2sunMvKWEdkE3YIbfjHGHJpYBk4amh8WluCzISHBryDgCP7uxQxZKrc21aBBU5f24OrEz3xy0Cyib9-1Zu5Emopv__ptE0hWZOmTp64mciffou_C4a72_rQfc03Gf2vkYbGnQ15M/s1600/426717_10151005195885924_1047983372_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtqh2sunMvKWEdkE3YIbfjHGHJpYBk4amh8WluCzISHBryDgCP7uxQxZKrc21aBBU5f24OrEz3xy0Cyib9-1Zu5Emopv__ptE0hWZOmTp64mciffou_C4a72_rQfc03Gf2vkYbGnQ15M/s640/426717_10151005195885924_1047983372_n.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.brookecollierphoto.com/">Brook Collier</a> was the photographer- out of Grand Rapids, MI. She was so relaxed and nice to work with, and even put up with our idea to drive all the way down to the beach after the ceremony!</span></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguY6MWRBvsGqaq4FZMUs8sWWf__U_awjwhZia8hsR7LNGlo4gWTfQQ_m_jbLQmRaZDAZIlddWpGJQTb_nSmROB_CIVVrt8gjIm_EHJScTVOp8MrKflHl7xzyFi0GACy-7-XoFTtwNjT5c/s1600/balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguY6MWRBvsGqaq4FZMUs8sWWf__U_awjwhZia8hsR7LNGlo4gWTfQQ_m_jbLQmRaZDAZIlddWpGJQTb_nSmROB_CIVVrt8gjIm_EHJScTVOp8MrKflHl7xzyFi0GACy-7-XoFTtwNjT5c/s640/balloons.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
Love those balloons!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfQdT6iNdSuSACZHqSW044NVXIucQD95GEk6TnC0nj4fybuVJR8qQkQkKEisYKCj6RgvifUUQgsfswTmNiQXw6cUPVeQEMVblFAeyIzl4p3h0yY9A9bN5eMwcSayH8Imn61accQj1HQs/s1600/ldwedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfQdT6iNdSuSACZHqSW044NVXIucQD95GEk6TnC0nj4fybuVJR8qQkQkKEisYKCj6RgvifUUQgsfswTmNiQXw6cUPVeQEMVblFAeyIzl4p3h0yY9A9bN5eMwcSayH8Imn61accQj1HQs/s640/ldwedding.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
This is the inside of the newly redone Western Seminary Chapel, and that's my cousin- the Rev. Kate Kooyman, who is the chaplain at Hope College (right next door to Western Seminary). She officiated the wedding and did such a fabulous job.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnw7AsYDIpVeDxtbLpqel_5mkELUkZnrpnTyeDmzC0rS0oR4ckbqZ1nggAejwKIDc-GA4_hVDCqowG46FMZ5nTLYYhUrlUIsg1jWan63F4SKey1eoJVPWG-Yt9i2Z4l3V70nzjg8cnMI/s1600/mom+greg+joe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnw7AsYDIpVeDxtbLpqel_5mkELUkZnrpnTyeDmzC0rS0oR4ckbqZ1nggAejwKIDc-GA4_hVDCqowG46FMZ5nTLYYhUrlUIsg1jWan63F4SKey1eoJVPWG-Yt9i2Z4l3V70nzjg8cnMI/s640/mom+greg+joe.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">Great photo of my mom with two nephews, Joe and Greg DeYoung. They've gotten taller over the years, and did a beautiful job of ushering at the wedding.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcJHr2Yj8dGXvytPGxBtBK_cpOFTOXC7RrTrbv6TwdfE5tQD4oiJZJW-Zxc0Ro7FdVdLltfYB01I8oJJ4LS8pgihb333PAu7eWhi6xGwWoWs92tX_ls73x3-IvlMKZ1Pw5YL7gqYVCoI/s1600/480979_10151005196580924_518322246_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcJHr2Yj8dGXvytPGxBtBK_cpOFTOXC7RrTrbv6TwdfE5tQD4oiJZJW-Zxc0Ro7FdVdLltfYB01I8oJJ4LS8pgihb333PAu7eWhi6xGwWoWs92tX_ls73x3-IvlMKZ1Pw5YL7gqYVCoI/s640/480979_10151005196580924_518322246_n.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
Such a happy couple!</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
I didn't get any pictures of me with my own husband, nor did I get any of the reception venue. Hopefully those are still to come from the photographer, Brooke (I'm sure they are!). </span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">The Scripture I had the privilege to read at my sister's wedding was from Ruth, Chapter 1. It reads:<span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">Again they cried openly. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye; but Ruth embraced her and held on. Naomi said, "Look, your sister-in-law is going back home to live with her own people and gods; go with her." But Ruth said, "Don't force me to leave you; don't make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I'll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I'll die, and that's where I'll be buried, so help me <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>—not even death itself is going to come between us!" (The Message paraphrase).</span></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;">My cousin, Kate, did such a good job of talking about covenant, about God's Hesed. Here is part of what she wrote: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">"There’s a word for God’s covenant faithfulness in Hebrew. HESED. Hesed is crazy loyalty. It’s love that costs something. It’s faithfulness that makes no sense. HESED is how the God of Israel loves his people. Over and over, in spite of our failings, this God comes back to the covenant he made and renews it, strengthens it, makes good on it. There is no shadow of turning in HESED. Great is God’s HESED."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">I've done a lot of weddings myself, recently, and I am totally in agreement with what Kate was talking about. The covenant we make in marriage, the promises and vows we say to each other, are really a reflection of the covenant God has made with us, as his people. Marriage is a beautiful, wonderful, awesome, yet tricky thing, at times. But, God's love and promises are perfect, never-ending, and constantly being made known to us. We see it in Ruth, and we see it in Jesus- not even death can come between us and the love of God. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Depending on what you believe, marriage can have a greater significance on the relationship ladder, but in reality, we are constantly working on all of our relationships- whether it's our spouse we see everyday, or our best friend who lives hundreds of miles away. It's helpful, at least for me, to remember that my relationship with God will never go away, never be threatened, renegotiated, or lost. Because of Him, we know how to love others. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Love you, Lizzy and Daniel!</span></div>
Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080038053102967590.post-59056943700598962672012-08-28T20:33:00.002-07:002014-03-02T13:02:28.316-08:00laugh with me.<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, I decided to try my hand at blogging again! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
I've tried a few times before with no luck. The blog world is so big now that I figured no one would care about what I have to say. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
But, really, there's so much negative politics, a lot of bad theology, and many bloggers that perpetuate consumerism masked as "design", that I thought "certainly I can contribute something worthwhile to the wider world." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
And so, there you have it, folks, my rationale for blogging a blog that will be lifestyle meets practical theology meets art/design (hopefully). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
I also think it'll be good to discipline myself to write. Especially because writing for pleasure isn't something I do very often, and that is sad! It's such a gift to be able to create in this way. And if people read it, that's just icing on the cake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
For now, though, I'll leave you with a bit about my blog name. "So Sarah Laughed" comes from the book of Genesis, chapters 18 and 21. I won't go into the whole story- many of you know it- but I simply love these verses and try to remember them as often as I can. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Sarah and Abraham were so surprised by God's gift of a son later in life, and so filled with joy, that they named him Isaac, which in Hebrew means "He will laugh" or "God laughs". In any case, these verses remind me that there is so much surprise, not only in life, but in our vocations, as well. Life is filled with the unknown and unexpected; just when we think we're done with one transition, we're faced with the next. And if we're not careful (I'm preaching to myself here, too) we can forget to find joy where there only seems to be newness, strangeness, lostness, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
This blog is, I suppose, an effort on my part to practice gratitude, to laugh, to think, to pray, to theologize, to be prophetic (or, at least, work on it), to articulate grace, to seek beauty, to be joyful, to make an offering, and to try and laugh at myself (not a lack of situations to laugh at myself about).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
So, bear with me, friends. I'm about to embark on this vulnerable blogging journey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />Sarah Brouwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14339967366512830068noreply@blogger.com0