Overnight Camping Trip

My Tent and Walking Stick
I snuck away and went camping overnight. Here are some photos of the trip.




Hope Puppy Enjoying Everything

 I had a wonderful time. I did a lot of reading, a little napping and even got a couple of hikes in.

All in all it was a wonderful trip and I am very glad I made the effort to get away.

My Son's Dog Exploring Underwater Life

Citizen of the Year

I beat a fast retreat from my conference and headed to my next commitment. It was time for our annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner and this year we were meeting at a local farm for barbeque. I gathered up the dishes I had cooked the night before and joined my fellow Chamber members.

The sun was trying to peak out from behind the clouds that had delivered rain all day as I loaded my plate with food. As I looked around I realized how these people had become friends over the past three years. I had worked alongside them, laughed with them and been challenged by them.

The Chamber President and Treasurer stood and called us to order. It was time for our annual Chamber Awards given to those who have excelled in the community during the past year. I listened and applauded as our local Restaurant Coyote Joes was given "Restaurant of the year" award. I enthusiastically applauded in agreement as Mary Jane Hollinger was given the Volunteer of the year award. Then it was time for the Citizen of the Year award given to someone who has excelled in serving the community and promoting community events and activities. I listened as they began to list the qualities they saw evidenced in the award winner and I could not imagine who this paragon was. It was in complete disbelief that I finally realized they were calling my name.

Embarrassed and in disbelief I stumbled forward and managed to stammer my thanks. I am still in a state of shock. I really do not feel that I have done anything outstanding. I have just done what I have wanted to. I still do not think I deserve it .... but I am so very grateful for their good wishes.

I want my life to make a difference and maybe just maybe .... I am doing something right.
Just Connie

Another Year

I waited with anticipation to hear my name called. I was with about 300 people at our Annual Conference. After some inspiring messages and reports it was finally time to hear the appointments called for the coming year. I stood as my name was called ... assigned for another year to the Willamina Free Methodist Church.

As I look back over the past 4 years I am filled with such a sense of awe and gratitude. God has restored my life in ways that I could never have even been brave enough to dream. To be in pastoral ministry is all I have ever wanted to do. I truly am living the dream.

I never want to take ministry for granted. I want to continue to see it as a precious gift and an incredible privilege. I believe that I have the best job in the world. I have a chance to make a difference and that is in incredible  way to live.

My prayer is that as I step into another year of ministry that I will never lose sight of the joy and the certainty of the call. There are good things ahead ...

Just Connie

Sermon Day Thoughts

Sermon Day ... I love my study and sermon day. I always have this vision of how it should be. Soft music playing in the background, prayer and reflection, quiet meditation on God's Word. However, reality seldom fits that wonderful picture in my mind.

Today began with a wonderful walk around the pond with Hope Puppy and the ladies. Feeling refreshed I headed back to the church to study and reflect. And that is about the time the first visitor came. And I have to say that the rest of the day seemed to go that way.

It was busy, eclectic and yet still God spoke to me and little by little the sermon began to take shape. It is always an amazing process to me as a sense of rightness begins to resonate in the words. By 4:00 the sermon was e-mailed to the sound people, the web guy and the office staff.

Now I will be able to reflect on it throughout the week and prepare for Sunday ... I love Mondays.

Just Connie

Glad for Sundays

There are those Sunday's that stand out from the others. Today was like that for me. Of course some of it might have been because I had been gone the last two weeks. But even given that, today was amazing.

First of all the Superintendent was there today and his preaching was inspiring and challenging. I am so blessed by the godly man that he is. He has been supportive and accepted me as I am. He has helped to walk me through some very dark days. I am grateful not just for all the things he has done for me, but for the man he is.

Secondly, we officially installed the former pastor of the congregation as Pastor Emeritus. That was a wonderful opportunity to recognize not only the years of ministry he has given to the church but to recognize the continued call of God in his life.

Thirdly, I was able to introduce my ministerial candidate to the superintendent. I am so excited to see what God is going to be doing in his life in the months and days ahead. It is exciting to walk with him as he continues to explore his call to the ministry.

Fourthly, the music and worship today was wonderful. I am so very grateful for all of our talented musicians that help to usher our hearts to the throne of God every Sunday.

It is so good to be back and today prepares me for the rest of the week. How glad I am for Sundays!

Just Connie

Old Friends

There is something so wonderful about being with people who have known you for years. The shared history seems to  infuse the conversation with joy and  anticipation. Yesterday I got to spend a few hours with some people who have known me for a long time.

We laughed and teased and it was just all so very comfortable to be together. It is good to know people who remember the good times and have walked you through the bad times. Being with them was a balm to my heart.

I came away from my time with them energized and blessed. It was a good reminder of how important friends are and how important it is for me to carve out the time to be with them.

I need to do this again soon ....

Just Connie