Sermon Prep Day

Sermon Day ..... I love sermon day! Mondays are my study and sermon day. People seem to think that sermons are something that are plucked out thin air. But the reality is that they come as the result of prayer and study and reflection.

Every pastor has a little different routine for sermon preparation. I like to preach in series. Currently I am preaching through the Book of 1st John. So for me sermon prep begins with reading the scripture over and over again.  As I read certain lines of thoughts begin to develop. From those thoughts the sermon begins to build. Slowly until it all falls into place.

Another part of my sermon prep has been my decision to post my sermon topics on Facebook and get input from across the country. It has sometimes broadened my viewpoint and brings a freshness to thmy preaching that  I have not always had in the past.

Mondays are good and I feel very content tonight.

Just Connie

Singing

I have always loved music. In college I learned to play guitar and things just seem to grow out of that. For many years I earned my living as a Minister of Music. It brought joy to my heart to sing and play. Over the years, it seems that I go through periods of time when I do not sing and play as much. I have been in one of those periods.

Tonight I met at the church for Saturday night prayer. Normally we have a small group that prays through the entire church and then has prayer together. Tonight at the close of that time, we began to play and sing. I grabbed my guitar out of the office and we played for two hours. It was so much fun and I left still singing. It reminded me of how much I love music and how much I miss it when it is not a regular part of it.

I am glad for the reminder I got tonight. I need to make sure that I continue to lift my voice and sing.

Just Connie

Kiwanis Project

I am a proud member of the West Valley Kiwanis Club. They are very involved in the community and really focus on kids. Tonight we had a fund raiser. A community dinner at the High School. We cooked and served clam and corn chowder, rolls, and cookies. I have been cooking cookies all week. I showed up at 1:00 and began peeling pounds and pounds of potatoes. Amazingly everything got done and the dinner went well. it was a whole lot of work, but was also a lot of fun.

I got to chat with lots of people from the community and met some new faces as well. It was good exposure for the Kiwanis and we raised money for scholarships. So all in all I think it was a successful project. Now the next big one coming up is the Bingo night in a few weeks. So it will be time to hit the ground running.

I guess running will be good exercise for me .... right?

Just Connie

Horse Ranch

I spent some time on a ranch today. I had been telling them I would come and take a look at it and so I finally did. I am glad that I made the effort for several reasons. It always lightens my heart when I am around horses. It just seems to lift my spirits. To lay my head on their flanks and breath in that wonderful horsey smell .... is just a wonderful thing.

It was also good to see the program they have running on the ranch. They are operating a Saddle Club for kids and I think it has the potential to be an asset to the community. it was good to stroll around and see the scope of everything they are doing.

As I was driving home I was reflecting on how many good things are happening in the community. All kinds of groups and committees are all working to strengthen the people of Willamina. This is truly a wonderful place to live. I feel very fortunate.

Just Connie

Willamina Thoughts

It has been a busy day. It began with a breakfast meeting and ended with a meeting. And I had meetings between the meetings today. Some days just seem to be like that.

One of the things I really like about Willamina is that there is a lot of involvement  in the town activities by the town and businesses. The organizations work together and there is such a good spirit between everyone.

I am remembering all the things that I loved about growing up in a small town. I like knowing people and being known. I like to be involved in what is going on and being able to offer input on current issues.

I am looking forward to discovering even more things I like about Willamina.

Just Connie

Why?

It is Sunday and here is my sermon. I am preaching a series from 1 John. Today we are looking at 1 John 2:12-14.


Intro: Here we are told exactly why John was writing this letter. There are truths here that are still applicable for us today.

1. Because we have been forgiven.

2. Because we know Christ

3. Because we are strong
4. Because we have overcome evil

5. Because the Word of God lives in us.
Conclusion: Knowing these things, remembering these things ..... should change our lives. These scriptures were given to us so that would remember and never forget. And in that remembering is the power and grace to become the people that God created us to be.

It is time to remember and life ......

Just Connie

Dinner Friend

I had dinner with a friend tonight. It was a wonderful, relaxing evening. it was good to get away with another pastor and just talk. The good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between. All of the happenings that makes up ministry. It feels good to be with someone who really understands the ups and downs of everyday life.

What a blessing it is to have friends. To have people willing to share their lives with me.  I am grateful for these times, grateful for the joy that it brings me. I also think it helps keep me healthy and well. And for that I am grateful as well.

Just Connie

Doggie Thoughts

I love my dogs, I love my dogs ...... but sometimes they drive me crazy! They do doggie things which are totally beyond my understanding and comprehension.

Today there has been several issues going on. They want in, they want out, they want in , they want ... well basically they want to be where they are not. My elderly sheepdog has also decided that she wants to be where I am, I mean literally in the same space. If I am in bed she wants to be laying on top of me. Right now I am sitting on the couch and she is laying with her head on my lap. The problem with that is that my laptop computer is on my lap and two objects cannot occupy the same space. But she is happy. Me, not so much. I have a lap full of wet smelly sheepdog with my computer balanced on her head.

But I am trying to remember that is wonderful to be loved so thoroughly. They love me, they love me and I guess you can't get enough of that.

Just Connie

Recovering Thoughts

This morning I woke up and finally did not feel so sick. I am still hacking and coughing but I am feeling better. Yippee! Skippee! It has only been a week since I got sick, but it seems like such a long week.

I was in meetings all day yesterday .... in fact it was one of those 16 hour days that are necessary every once in a while.  I went meeting to meeting to meeting. I drove to Salem to meet with the church planting board in the midst of a down pour. I stopped to get my oil changed only to find out that I had a nail in my tire and my turn signal was not working. So after paying way too much for my oil change I headed to Les Schwab and got my tire fixed. Then it was off to the next round of meetings.

I got home late, tired but very satisfied. I love being part of a group that is doing something so important. I think my work in church planting could be one of the most important ministries I have been privileged to be part of. I am excited to see where it goes from here.

Good thing I am feeling better .... there is a lot to do.

Cold Bug

I have just spent the last few days as a miserable lump in the middle of my bed. I only stirred myself long enough to stoke the fire and to stagger to the medicine cabinet for more medicine. Getting sick like that reminds you how wonderful normal good health is.

So tonight I am in my jammies wrapped up in a blanket waiting for my cold meds to take the edge of my sinus headache away. But I can feel this cold/flu bug loosing it's grip on me and there is hope for tomorrow.

Thankfully ......

Just Connie

Flashback

I sat there and felt my heart begin to pound and the old panicky feeling begin to sweep over me. I forced myself to take a deep breath and to relax against the back of the chair as I listened to the presentation on domestic violence. As the presenter described abusive relationships I had a sudden vivid flashback of being choked, I could feel his hands wrapped against my throat and remembered the flood of fear that gripped me as I realized that I was in serious danger. As she continued to speak other scenes swept through my memory, cowering in fear from his anger and rage, huddling in bruised, bleeding misery in the bathroom as I sought to stifle my sobs before he could hear them. Those experiences suddenly felt so fresh, raw and new.

I made it through the presentation, but as I tried to say something to my friends and colleagues I found myself struggling to hold back the tears. I finally said, "This is a a very personal issue for me". That is probably an understatement because it is so intensely personal. The fear, the hurt, the betrayal of someone that I trusted and loved. The degradation and experiences that I have never told anyone, it is just too ugly and too .... well personal.

But out of the ashes of that hurt and despair, I know that God is creating something fresh and new. He is bringing healing and a strength that would never have been possible without those experiences. But sometimes ... sometimes the memories hurt.

Just Connie

Snow, Snow, Snow!

I saw the first few flakes as I was driving home from a meeting in Salem. By t he time I was cresting Butler Hill the world was beginning to turn white. That was about the time my mother called to tell me it was snowing in Willamina and to "GO HOME!"

Once back in Willamina I stocked up on stove fuel and headed back to the house. There I sat by the fire, worked on my sermon and watched the snow come down.

Snow is a magical experience for me. It makes the world fresh and new, imperfections are smoothed away under a sparkling, glittering blanket of magic. I find that I feel in need of that tonight and I am reveling in watching the transformation take place right in front of my eyes.

This is magic ....

Just Connie

Football

I did something tonight that I never do .... I watched a football game. I really felt compelled to since it was an Oregon team playing for the championship. I have to say that it was a very intense and close game. it came down to those final seconds that determined the winner.

The best thing about the evening was not the game, it was the company. I was invited to a neighbors house for pizza and the game. So I bundled up and headed up the hill. When I say up the hill, I mean up the hill. It is a steep climb. When I got to the door I asked for an oxygen tank. I was really huffing and puffing. But it was worth the climb. The trip down the hill was gorgeous. Crisp clear and icy, I should have brought a toboggan and I could have slid down the hill instead.

I am grateful for times like this that connect me with other people. I find that it is a very important part of my life right now and I am very grateful for it.

Just Connie

Meeting Week

It has been a busy week filled with meetings and more meetings. But the meetings have moved things ahead and that is always good. We have a balanced budget to present at the annual meeting on Sunday. I also met with my boss the Superintendent and laid out some ideas for fundraising for the church planting initiative that will soon be starting. I met with both the Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce, both of who are working on community projects. And there were other small meetings tucked into the week.

The good news is that I do not have quite so many this coming week. Perhaps I can finally get the last of the Christmas things put away or even get my office functional. That would be a wonderful thing. I guess time will tell.

Just Connie

Suprised by Fear

I grabbed my briefcase and jacket, grabbed my keys and stepped out the back door to head to the church. I paused at the top of the stairs in the dark, as I realized there was a car in the end of the driveway blocking my way out. I froze when I realized there was someone sitting there in the car. In that instant my heart contracted in fear. I stood there fumbling for my cell phone while I tried frantically to get my key in the lock to get back into the safety of the house. All I could think was, "He's here, he's here!"

While my shaking hands were trying to get me back in the house, the car door opened and about the time I was ready to begin screaming, a total stranger got out and told me they were lost. I mumbled a reply and shakily went back into the house.

As I have reflected on that experience I have to admit that the flood of fear that gripped me ... well it surprises me. I am not a fearful person, but when I thought that Gerrald my former husband was there I was terrified and shaking. I think I probably need to pay attention to that. And to let the knowledge of fear warn and inform me. Warn me of the potential for danger where he is involved and to let that guide me to safe and healthy choices.

This was probably a good reminder ....

Just Connie

Busy Week

It has been a busy, busy week. I have had meetings, meetings and more meetings. then there has been sermon preparation, counseling sessions, phone calls, training new office staff .... well the list just seems to go on and on this week. To add to the feeling of "gotta get er done" this Sunday is the annual society meeting. I really want the annual meeting to be more than elections. I want it to be a chance for the congregation to take a look back and yet begin to dream for the future. So I have charts and graphs and letters to write.

Regardless of the pressure and the never ending list of stuff, I love doing this. I love being right where God has called me to be. It is a good feeling.

Just Connie

Cold Thoughts

It has been cold, cold, COLD! I do not think the temp gauge ever got out of the 20's today for about the 5th day in a row. Today I shivered through hours of meetings and finally gave up and went home and huddled in front of the fire with my computer for two hours. I was just beginning to warm up when it was time to get back in the car and head to Salem for my  next meeting. Where I shivered and shook for the 3 and a half hour meeting.

It is during these cold spells that I really feel the lack of central heating at my house. I do not feel like there is anywhere to get warm. Though the 40 minute drive into Salem began to get me warm around the edges. I was frozen when I woke this morning and the shower was agonizing. (Ice cold bathroom) I love my new pellet stove but I miss being warm and comfy. I guess I should toughen up a little bit.

I think instead I will go to bed and dream about summer .... where I will probably complain about being too hot.

Just Connie

Lunch Thoughts

I had lunch with my son today. even better I had lunch with my son and my grandson! It was only the 3rd time I had met this young man. He was delightful and so very, very cute.

I loved the time I spent with them and it was all too short. I am hoping that I will soon get another chance to see them. I would really like this little toddler to know me the way that I knew my grandparents. I would like to be part of his life. It has been a grief to me that I have not so far.

But I am hopeful for the future. I will do my best to try to make it happen.

Just Connie

Sunday Reflections

It has been a good but busy day. We had a good crowd at the church and I gave a salvation message. I always am lifted up when I have the opportunity to share the reality of God's grace and provision for us. It was one of those Sunday's that I could not seem to get out of the building. There were people who needed food and others that needed gas and the building needed to be locked up and things put away.

I finally headed home, threw on my work clothes and then headed back to the church to help with the de-Christmasing of the church. So for the next three hours I sorted and organized and then hauled things to the attic. By the time we were done I was beat.

So now I am home curled up on the couch, enjoying the fire and some quietness. Ahhhhh .... this is nice.

Just Connie

Lazy Day

I have lazed around all day and accomplished .... nothing at all. I need to finish taking down the Christmas decorations and I am stymied at how to get the boxes out of the attic. I guess I will have to ask for help. Why do I find that sooooo hard?

So tomorrow is worship, I have gone over my sermon notes and I  think I am ready to hit the ground running in the morning. Sundays are always good.

Just Connie