I love Black-eyed Susan's and I liked the idea of three different types of rocks. I figure next year it'll be amazing...
The second picture is to try and stay up with the "buzz" around town....
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
What I learned when Lisa was in the hospital
This past week Lisa began experiencing pains that we thought might be kidney stones. After spending a couple of hours in the Waldo County General Hospital ER on Wednesday night (the doctors and nurses were great!) and getting some painkillers, Lisa awoke with more intense pain. We talked with our doctor who wanted us to come in for a visit because they had found something else and she didn't want to wait, knowing that we were heading out of the country in 10 days. This is where the lessons for me as a pastor began...
The first lesson was what happens when a doctor wants to move quickly. We later found out that the concern she had was that what they found might be cancer and therefore a real concern. It's amazing how one day life is going great and plans are being made for Belize and the next, a loved one's health takes far greater priority. I was reminded that we are not promised anything other than this moment but also that when I respond to someone who has just received a similar call that for them the world has stopped and what is happening now is the only thing that matters!
The second lesson was when our doctor said that she was moving fast on this because it is what she'd want. I was thinking it was a convenience for us but instead she was putting herself in our shoes as patient and caregiver and she wanted to give us what she would want. She was taking a personal interest in our situation and this brought me comfort and reminded me to serve others as I would hope to be served (maybe that should be a golden rule...).
Lisa was then admitted to the hospital, had a couple of tests, and they found a cyst that had ruptured causing all of the pain (she has stones but they weren't the problem...yet). She would need some painkillers to offset the pain but she would be much better. The cancer scare was gone. The next 24-hours were spent in room 208 at Waldo County General Hospital.
What did I learn during Lisa's time in the hospital? I knew many of these things but have a new perspective as the spouse of the patient...
A) Most folks don't like being in a hospital and I should probably stop referring to WCGH as a Maine coast vacation resort when I visit folks... Lisa and I would have loved to be anywhere else besides that room!
B) When the door of the hospital room is closed it is often because that's the only form of privacy the patient and family have. Too often it seemed like we were on display even though many folks didn't look in the room. It also can block out some of the acknowledgement of what is happening. This door needs to be respected and treated as though one is entering a person's home.
C) Nurses and Aids are definitely God's gift to the patient. The way they talk to patients, interact with the family, respond with special attention to needs can make life a lot more bearable. Late in the evening Lisa was getting hungry and so was I. I asked for some toast for Lisa and some graham crackers for myself. She asked if I wanted Peanut Butter to go with my snack...how did she know I loved PB and GC's? It was great. What can I bring special to someone in need.
D) Friends are another gift from God. Some showed up immediately, some took time off of work, some came bearing gifts, some just showed up for a few moments. Each one brought love and prayers that bolstered both of us. They didn't expect us to entertain them but rather just talked and did whatever they could to help.
E) Quiet and rest are also a good thing. Being in the hospital is more exhausting than we thought and Lisa found she needed to rest more often. We need to empower the caregivers to tell us when to leave and to honor that.
F) Prayer is a great thing for comfort. 'Nuff said!
G) The prayer chain at the Belfast UMC was great as we had calls from all over and when I encountered one of our older members at the store, she told me of the call she received and how relieved she was that Lisa was better. Using the phone as well as computer brings out all the prayer warriors and it feels great to have so many praying for us!
H) When leaving the hospital, there is nothing so wonderful as breathing the fresh air of freedom. There is great hope and possibility even if the patient doesn't feel great or the perspective is not particularly promising.
I) God is the great healer and faith in God makes all things bearable. Even the unknown can be handled when God is holding our hand...
I suppose that's it for now. Lisa is doing great, the weekend was wonderful and I'm off to finish working on a garden I built yesterday. I'll have pictures later.
The first lesson was what happens when a doctor wants to move quickly. We later found out that the concern she had was that what they found might be cancer and therefore a real concern. It's amazing how one day life is going great and plans are being made for Belize and the next, a loved one's health takes far greater priority. I was reminded that we are not promised anything other than this moment but also that when I respond to someone who has just received a similar call that for them the world has stopped and what is happening now is the only thing that matters!
The second lesson was when our doctor said that she was moving fast on this because it is what she'd want. I was thinking it was a convenience for us but instead she was putting herself in our shoes as patient and caregiver and she wanted to give us what she would want. She was taking a personal interest in our situation and this brought me comfort and reminded me to serve others as I would hope to be served (maybe that should be a golden rule...).
Lisa was then admitted to the hospital, had a couple of tests, and they found a cyst that had ruptured causing all of the pain (she has stones but they weren't the problem...yet). She would need some painkillers to offset the pain but she would be much better. The cancer scare was gone. The next 24-hours were spent in room 208 at Waldo County General Hospital.
What did I learn during Lisa's time in the hospital? I knew many of these things but have a new perspective as the spouse of the patient...
A) Most folks don't like being in a hospital and I should probably stop referring to WCGH as a Maine coast vacation resort when I visit folks... Lisa and I would have loved to be anywhere else besides that room!
B) When the door of the hospital room is closed it is often because that's the only form of privacy the patient and family have. Too often it seemed like we were on display even though many folks didn't look in the room. It also can block out some of the acknowledgement of what is happening. This door needs to be respected and treated as though one is entering a person's home.
C) Nurses and Aids are definitely God's gift to the patient. The way they talk to patients, interact with the family, respond with special attention to needs can make life a lot more bearable. Late in the evening Lisa was getting hungry and so was I. I asked for some toast for Lisa and some graham crackers for myself. She asked if I wanted Peanut Butter to go with my snack...how did she know I loved PB and GC's? It was great. What can I bring special to someone in need.
D) Friends are another gift from God. Some showed up immediately, some took time off of work, some came bearing gifts, some just showed up for a few moments. Each one brought love and prayers that bolstered both of us. They didn't expect us to entertain them but rather just talked and did whatever they could to help.
E) Quiet and rest are also a good thing. Being in the hospital is more exhausting than we thought and Lisa found she needed to rest more often. We need to empower the caregivers to tell us when to leave and to honor that.
F) Prayer is a great thing for comfort. 'Nuff said!
G) The prayer chain at the Belfast UMC was great as we had calls from all over and when I encountered one of our older members at the store, she told me of the call she received and how relieved she was that Lisa was better. Using the phone as well as computer brings out all the prayer warriors and it feels great to have so many praying for us!
H) When leaving the hospital, there is nothing so wonderful as breathing the fresh air of freedom. There is great hope and possibility even if the patient doesn't feel great or the perspective is not particularly promising.
I) God is the great healer and faith in God makes all things bearable. Even the unknown can be handled when God is holding our hand...
I suppose that's it for now. Lisa is doing great, the weekend was wonderful and I'm off to finish working on a garden I built yesterday. I'll have pictures later.
This doesn't quite do it!
My son Chris' friend Courtney will not be traveling to Belize with us in a few days but she wanted to try and experience. She is a wonderful young lady who brings many gifts (including "singing like an angel") to our family. She is attending Middlebury as well and spent the summer volunteering around the Belfast area. 
I have her permission to put this picture on my blog...
I have her permission to put this picture on my blog...Saturday, August 4, 2007
Harry Potter and my imagination...
I had been moving through the 759 pages of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" this past week and today I decided to commit myself to getting through a major portion of it. I've read the previous six and have enjoyed them for a variety of different reasons. I've watched the books move from playful and adventurous to downright frightening and very dark indeed. I am not a fanatic by any stretch but I made sure that those who had read the book didn't tell me anything as I wanted to experience it for myself. A true confession is that I don't read books like I should (see it's not only blogging that I have trouble with!) but when I get into it, I love being able to imagine what is happening. It's so easy to sit down in front of the television and allow someone to show me what should be happening in a certain scene but I believe in doing so we don't use a wonderful gift that God has given to us, creativity and imagination. As for the Harry Potter series, I've seen the movies and now have faces and images for a variety of the people and places but that doesn't stop my imagination from getting into gear as I move from page to page and scene to scene. What does Godric Hollow really look like? What was the view as Harry and Hermoine moved around a local church on Christmas eve? What did Hogwarts look like as all gathered waiting for the final showdown? Do you see what I mean? I know that when the movie comes out they will tell me all about these things but until then, I can only imagine and I really like that freedom.
I wonder if we've lost that freedom when it comes to being the local church and more specifically followers of Jesus Christ. Think about it...who taught us what Jesus looked like, what the church should and shouldn't do, and how we are to act as reconciled children of God? Did they say that we had to act a certain way or else? Did they tell us that Jesus was white skinned with pretty brown hair and a nice beard? When was the first time we saw a picture of Jesus laughing?
Why is it that we've decided to limit worship to just one hour or maybe 90 minutes if we've got a special event going on - but no more than once a month or so...I believe we need to remember the gift of imagination and creativity as the church and as followers of Jesus Christ. I believe that if we've not seen something done before as a style of worship, we should try it as long as it glorifies God and invites others, and us, to grow in our relationship with Jesus. Many of our "mainline" churches today have a thought process of how church should be and we tend to stay with it. We don't step out of the box except on occasion because it's new and unchartered territory to explore.
Wait a minute! That's it! When the disciples walked with Jesus, they didn't have it all laid out for them and still they followed. When Jesus died, was raised, and went to sit at the right hand of God, they moved forward, not always with comfort and certainly uncertain of many things, but still they went along. They made church as it was revealed to them. They adjusted, they were creative (somewhat anyway...) and they were church!
Reading Harry Potter reminded me of how important our imagination is to me and as you can see, it set me off on thinking about how importaint that imagination is when we are the church in worshipful ministry to all the world in the name of Christ and presence of the Holy Spirit. What do you think???
Coming soon...my thoughts on Harry Potter and the last book...
Thursday, August 2, 2007
A Day at the Lobster Festival in Rockland, Maine
There are times when things are so close that we don't pay attention to them. Take for instance the Lobster Festival in Rockland, Maine. It's only 40 minutes down Route 1 but in our 11 years in Belfast, we've never made the journey. Today was the opening day and it was free admission (as opposed to $6-7 a person) for any and all neighbors - I like that price! 
While still trying to break my "church thinking" mode, we headed south on a very warm day. We entered through a small gate and immediately fell into the midway with almost un-winnable games and rides. How amazing it was to watch young families with their tickets for each ride and realizing that for some it required saving up for a few weeks and for others no price was enough to bring a little joy to their children. I didn't check on prices but I am sure it was easy to spend megabucks in a very few minutes!
We moved through the food trailers....oooh I loved the smell of the dough boys! We walked through a couple of different tents with a variety of items for sale, and then found a couple of other tents with some local stuff. It was nice but I felt that the "professional" fair folks outnumbered the local folks and took away some of the hometown feeling for me.
Did I mention that the Lobster Festival is located beside the harbor? Looking out at the harbor was truly a highlight with all of the boats - many different sizes and shapes including sailboats, yachts, and I believe a US Navy aircraft carrier, the brilliant blue sky, and the beautiful water. As we stood looking out we saw a boat that serves as a restaurant and bar when tied to the dock but we didn't go on board. Might be fun to come back another time.
Turning away from the water we came to Jesse Seafood's display of fish that had been caught in the area and to be honest, some were very ugly! I think one was a wolf fish or something like that. I believe they were eatable but after seeing what they looked like, I think I'll pass.
While still trying to break my "church thinking" mode, we headed south on a very warm day. We entered through a small gate and immediately fell into the midway with almost un-winnable games and rides. How amazing it was to watch young families with their tickets for each ride and realizing that for some it required saving up for a few weeks and for others no price was enough to bring a little joy to their children. I didn't check on prices but I am sure it was easy to spend megabucks in a very few minutes!
We moved through the food trailers....oooh I loved the smell of the dough boys! We walked through a couple of different tents with a variety of items for sale, and then found a couple of other tents with some local stuff. It was nice but I felt that the "professional" fair folks outnumbered the local folks and took away some of the hometown feeling for me.
Did I mention that the Lobster Festival is located beside the harbor? Looking out at the harbor was truly a highlight with all of the boats - many different sizes and shapes including sailboats, yachts, and I believe a US Navy aircraft carrier, the brilliant blue sky, and the beautiful water. As we stood looking out we saw a boat that serves as a restaurant and bar when tied to the dock but we didn't go on board. Might be fun to come back another time.
Turning away from the water we came to Jesse Seafood's display of fish that had been caught in the area and to be honest, some were very ugly! I think one was a wolf fish or something like that. I believe they were eatable but after seeing what they looked like, I think I'll pass.We stopped for a drink and a view overlooking the festival and the folks before ending our adventure. As I sat watching folks moving about completely unaware that we were watching them I reflected on the fact that God watches over us and we don't think that God sees us or we forget that God is ever present in our lives. Interesting perspective...would we do things differently if we could see God looking down on us? By that I mean would we try to get away with less and give away more of what God has given to us?
On a side note, I started the final Harry Potter book and to date it's been interesting...
On a side note, I started the final Harry Potter book and to date it's been interesting...
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
In John's Gospel Jesus meets a woman at the well and speaks to her about the water that springs eternal within her, that being the loving grace of God through faith in Christ. The picture I've included in this entry is the fountain found at the cancer center where my dad is receiving his chemo treatments. He goes every three weeks, gets a host of powerful drugs and hopefully it will put his cancer into remission again. As we walked into the new center there was great light and a feeling of openness. As we moved into the area where he would receive treatment I saw folks who looked like they were just starting their treatments as well as folks who looked quite worn out by the treatments and having to live each day with cancer. Dad and I talked about a variety of things going on in the world...no we didn't solve any of the world's problems but did each weigh in on the Kevin Garnett trade to the Boston Celtics. The nurse who took care of dad was very friendly and caring. As I reflected on her vocation I realized just how much of a call it has to be to work with folks living with cancer. You pray that there will be great success against the disease but they also know that a certain number of folks are not going to win the battle against the cancer. The amazing gifts that God has given each of these folks! Thank you so much!
After the treatment, dad and I went to the cafeteria, they only serve healthy food, go figure! We ordered our food and went out outside and sat at a table to enjoy the beauty of a Maine day. I saw the fountain, heard the water as it raced in and out of the pond through the power of a pump, and realized that each falling drop brought oxygen into the pond (I think I've got my science right...). It then hit me...the water that Jesus offers to each of us brings life, movement, and beauty to all around us. It doesn't mean that we'll always be in places of great joy and happiness but that doesn't mean that we can't bring hope and enjoyment into such situations as we bring new life into what could otherwise be stagnant situations.
The rest of the day was spent still adjusting to not thinking about church but with a new awareness of the heroes in our world who battle diseases with hope and determination and those who care for these folks. I guess the reality is that we are all invited to be members of the priesthood of all believers by drinking from the water the springs eternal within us and heroes by living out God's call in our lives as we strive to bring the kingdom of God near for any all through our words, actions, attitudes, and thoughts.
After the treatment, dad and I went to the cafeteria, they only serve healthy food, go figure! We ordered our food and went out outside and sat at a table to enjoy the beauty of a Maine day. I saw the fountain, heard the water as it raced in and out of the pond through the power of a pump, and realized that each falling drop brought oxygen into the pond (I think I've got my science right...). It then hit me...the water that Jesus offers to each of us brings life, movement, and beauty to all around us. It doesn't mean that we'll always be in places of great joy and happiness but that doesn't mean that we can't bring hope and enjoyment into such situations as we bring new life into what could otherwise be stagnant situations.
The rest of the day was spent still adjusting to not thinking about church but with a new awareness of the heroes in our world who battle diseases with hope and determination and those who care for these folks. I guess the reality is that we are all invited to be members of the priesthood of all believers by drinking from the water the springs eternal within us and heroes by living out God's call in our lives as we strive to bring the kingdom of God near for any all through our words, actions, attitudes, and thoughts.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Temple Ruins in Tikal, Guatemala
A little different perspective of Tikal. Thanks to Jeremy for showing us how to climb down the stairs!
Tikal Guatemala (MM-1)
Though the text and verbal are in French, there are some great images of Tikal - Mayan ruins we'll visit during our time in Belize.
My renewal leave begins!
It's Monday morning and I am in the first day of my renewal leave that will last through November 3, 2007. The renewal leave is a result of a Lilly Foundation Grant (http://www.lillyendowment.org/religion_ncr.html) that I received in 2006. Working with the Belfast UMC, we applied for the grant that will allow me to follow a couple of dreams and allow the church to grow through Bible Study and lay leadership before, during, and after the three months that I am away. When I awoke yesterday morning, I couldn't believe that the day had finally arrived after more than 14 months of waiting. I was very excited as a young family had asked to be baptized at the 8am service. It was a truly powerful experience as first the parents and me laid hands on each of the three girls for prayer after they were baptized. It was even more amazing when the parents knelt to be baptized and the three girls said, "come on, we've got to lay hands on mom and dad."
The second service was filled with folks and the energy was in that place. It was a different sermon from the first service as we talked about the priesthood of all believers. As I looked out at the many folks with whom God has blessed my life, I was very thankful and in awe. There were even some good friends from NJ and LA who were on their vacations and it had timed with the last Sunday before the renewal leave. Lisa and me helped to serve Communion and then in a very special moment we served each other which for me was a great symbol of the love God has for us and that we have for each other. It was one of the highlights of the day for me!
The meal afterward was great (really liked the cole slaw!) and then we moved into the sanctuary for a sending off service. I was reminded of who the Davidettes (from the church office - Evelyn, Betty, and Val) were and how talented they were in writing new words to "Don't worry, be happy" and then leading everyone in singing the words. I'll never sing the chorus with the "do, do, do...." again without smiling. When wearing the hat and sunglasses that we received as "parting" gifts, I was told that we looked like elfs...I wonder if there is a place for us at the North Pole???
As I look back on the day, emotionally God gave me the strength to not break down too much but rather to enjoy fully the love that was shared with our family. Physically, my voice did great and I was able to belt out the songs I so love. Mentally, I am already wondering what I'm going to do when I can't think "church" for three months. Spiritually, I know that God loves me and that God's hand was at work in this leave and in the ending of my wife's work at the same time so that we have three full months together so I pray that I can live these next few months to the fullest for God's glory!
That's it for now. As I write this I can't help it as I am feeling like I should be going to work, saying hello to the crew, thanking them for the great memories of the day, and then planning for worship next week. But I do not and it's time to reestablish those boundaries of sabbath and renewal that God has given to each of us. May God bless your day and I'll write more as time goes by. It may be daily, hourly, but I will write. I may even include pictures as well...
The second service was filled with folks and the energy was in that place. It was a different sermon from the first service as we talked about the priesthood of all believers. As I looked out at the many folks with whom God has blessed my life, I was very thankful and in awe. There were even some good friends from NJ and LA who were on their vacations and it had timed with the last Sunday before the renewal leave. Lisa and me helped to serve Communion and then in a very special moment we served each other which for me was a great symbol of the love God has for us and that we have for each other. It was one of the highlights of the day for me!
The meal afterward was great (really liked the cole slaw!) and then we moved into the sanctuary for a sending off service. I was reminded of who the Davidettes (from the church office - Evelyn, Betty, and Val) were and how talented they were in writing new words to "Don't worry, be happy" and then leading everyone in singing the words. I'll never sing the chorus with the "do, do, do...." again without smiling. When wearing the hat and sunglasses that we received as "parting" gifts, I was told that we looked like elfs...I wonder if there is a place for us at the North Pole???
As I look back on the day, emotionally God gave me the strength to not break down too much but rather to enjoy fully the love that was shared with our family. Physically, my voice did great and I was able to belt out the songs I so love. Mentally, I am already wondering what I'm going to do when I can't think "church" for three months. Spiritually, I know that God loves me and that God's hand was at work in this leave and in the ending of my wife's work at the same time so that we have three full months together so I pray that I can live these next few months to the fullest for God's glory!
That's it for now. As I write this I can't help it as I am feeling like I should be going to work, saying hello to the crew, thanking them for the great memories of the day, and then planning for worship next week. But I do not and it's time to reestablish those boundaries of sabbath and renewal that God has given to each of us. May God bless your day and I'll write more as time goes by. It may be daily, hourly, but I will write. I may even include pictures as well...
Monday, May 7, 2007
Where has the time gone? I don't remember...
It's something how we sometimes put off what we know we should be doing. It's still the case with this blog. I just noticed that it's been another couple of months since I last wrote. Yet it's not that I haven't written but rather all that has happened in that period of time that could have been marked. As I think about this small time period, what is there that has happened in the past year of my life, in the last decade, in the last 45 years that I haven't marked and as a result that I may have forgotten about? They say it's a great idea to journal for a number of reasons such as clearing one's head. I remember when I went on a trip to visit my aunt and uncle out in California in the 6th grade that I wrote a journal of the daily activities. I didn't much like it then but now, some 30 plus years later, I can look at those few pages and remember things long forgotten.
I carried this habit on a mission trip to Haiti and while I remember the big points of the experience, the journal allows me to remember other things as well. That's the purpose of this blog, or at least that was the intention, to recount, recall, record, and respond to things that were happening in the ministry to which God had called me in Belfast, Maine. So what's been happening you might ask since I last wrote?
1) We had a great season of Lent though I feel I fell far short on my goal of taking negativity out of my comments to others.
2) The ecumenical Good Friday service was great as it seemed that the various pastors were connected and trusting in the words that they shared. I felt fed over and over again.
3) I went to pick up my youngest Matthew from college. What a great experience of sharing time with your children. We parked in the back alley and carried things down two floors of stairs, shared lunch at a mexican restaurant, and had some great conversations on the long ride home, not to mention sharing a Portland Sea Dogs game with my parents before we unloaded the trailer at 11pm so that he could sleep late the next day! God blesses us in so many ways.
4) My wife got the lay off notice that we had been expecting but they gave her three months to close down the travel agency. The great news is that she stops working two days before I go on my renewal leave!!! We are going to spend three months together and it'll certianly be a good thing for our relationship! Belize, Turkey, and then resting at a camp...
5) I finally broke down and wrote on my blog. Nuff said on that one.
How do we remember the many blessings that God has given us? Where do we record our challenges and God's presence in their midst? We have been given a written document that was formed over many years and contains not all of the stories but some very important ones that can help us to see God's presence in all aspects of our lives. Is the Bible a blog of the early church? Is it a writing that calls us to remember, to consider, to reflect upon, to grow through? Just something to consider????
One of the ways that I record what's been happening in my life of abundant blessings is in pictures. This one helps me to remember a fun evening, a special time, a priceless gift! I don't know if we one that night but I certainly felt like I'd won!!
I carried this habit on a mission trip to Haiti and while I remember the big points of the experience, the journal allows me to remember other things as well. That's the purpose of this blog, or at least that was the intention, to recount, recall, record, and respond to things that were happening in the ministry to which God had called me in Belfast, Maine. So what's been happening you might ask since I last wrote?
1) We had a great season of Lent though I feel I fell far short on my goal of taking negativity out of my comments to others.
2) The ecumenical Good Friday service was great as it seemed that the various pastors were connected and trusting in the words that they shared. I felt fed over and over again.
3) I went to pick up my youngest Matthew from college. What a great experience of sharing time with your children. We parked in the back alley and carried things down two floors of stairs, shared lunch at a mexican restaurant, and had some great conversations on the long ride home, not to mention sharing a Portland Sea Dogs game with my parents before we unloaded the trailer at 11pm so that he could sleep late the next day! God blesses us in so many ways.
4) My wife got the lay off notice that we had been expecting but they gave her three months to close down the travel agency. The great news is that she stops working two days before I go on my renewal leave!!! We are going to spend three months together and it'll certianly be a good thing for our relationship! Belize, Turkey, and then resting at a camp...
5) I finally broke down and wrote on my blog. Nuff said on that one.
How do we remember the many blessings that God has given us? Where do we record our challenges and God's presence in their midst? We have been given a written document that was formed over many years and contains not all of the stories but some very important ones that can help us to see God's presence in all aspects of our lives. Is the Bible a blog of the early church? Is it a writing that calls us to remember, to consider, to reflect upon, to grow through? Just something to consider????
One of the ways that I record what's been happening in my life of abundant blessings is in pictures. This one helps me to remember a fun evening, a special time, a priceless gift! I don't know if we one that night but I certainly felt like I'd won!!
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