The last few weeks the melody of the old spiritual “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?” has been echoing in my mind and heart. Its words haunt me. My emotions this Lenten season verge closer to solemn sadness when I ponder how much Jesus suffered. I realized how often I want to jump over these verses of the Bible and rush into the celebration of Easter morning.  I missed the lessons in the whip, the crown of thorns, the ridicule, the horror of the cross and the silence of Holy Saturday. So I trudge through Bible verses I normally skim. I pause and listen to their rawness. I sit amazed at his forgiveness and defeat of death and sin. My answer to the question - Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? – is, well at least I am closer now than before. This hymn originates from the African-American slaves in the early 1800s. The lyrics reflect the terrors the slaves endured. Full of emotion I think we all “tremble” as we sing it and realize the reality of … [Read more...]

The hymn, Holy, Holy, Holy grabbed my attention this week, Last Sunday I led the liturgy and shared the children’s sermon. As the service began, to be honest I was preoccupied. If God called to me, He would have gotten a busy signal. “Sorry the party you are trying to reach is unavailable." Not quite the way to enter worship, is it? But then we sang. Our opening song was the traditional hymn, Holy, Holy, Holy.I was fiddling with the wireless mic, so just mouthed the first set of lyrics. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
 Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
 Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
 God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

 Second verse same as the first (yes Herman Hermits fans - some of you will understand that little joke) Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
 Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
 Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
 Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

  The … [Read more...]

Ever hear of Gerhard Tersteegen?  Me neither. I read a quote from him the other day that struck me and made me curious abut him. Who was he? Here is the quote: “God is essentially present with us in a manner that is incomprehensive to us.   He fills heaven an earth; in him we live, move and have our being.   He is also near our most secret thoughts, inclinations, desires and intentions.” Edward Hays in his “Book of Wonders”  pondered this quote and gives God the name, “My Easily Forgotten Companion.”  Now that is something to think about. That isn’t what I call God, but in reality how I treat Him. I conveniently forget God. I ignore His urges and commandments. I turn my attention away from His Presence that never leaves my side. Tersteegen later wrote: “You must withdraw into yourself a little and keep quiet before the face of God, then look gently and perfectly frankly at God who is so near to us, to let Him see … [Read more...]

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day, Their old familiar carols play...” The words linger and the melody sticks in your mind. I sang these words this morning celebrating Christmas with my family. I woke up with Christmas joy, thanking God for sending us His son. This song has been loitering in my spirit for several weeks. I know of others who woke up this morning, not to joy, but deep sorrow. Christmas can be a cruel stabbing season following the loss of a loved one, a life threatening illness or the wrong choices made by others. I hummed this tune of" I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" a few weeks ago grieving with the rest of the nation for innocent lost lives. I remembered one melancholy verse: And in despair I bowed my head
 'There is no peace on earth,' I said, 
'For hate is strong and mocks the song
 Of peace on earth, good will to men.' Sounds like this song could have been written during this frightening time of terrorism, but Henry … [Read more...]

Wonder and wander are two of my favorite words. Wonder - to marvel, astonishment, awe, to ponder with curiosity     To live each day with a vision of wonder opens up grand possibilities. Wander - to meander, stroll, to take one direction without intention or control    I wandered the world, paying attention to the beauty God alone created. I have wondered and wandered through Advent this year. Wondered at its varied dimensions, like studying the facets of a priceless diamond. Wandered open to the lessons God chose for me or invited me to explore. No wonder I wandered into remembering the Christmas song, I Wonder as I Wander. I wondered about its story. (Ok I over did it with that sentence but it was just too tempting....sorry) I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
  How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.
  For poor on'ry people like you and like I...
  I wonder as I wander out under the sky.   When Mary birthed … [Read more...]

Last Sunday I was blessed.I attend a church that still sings the classic hymns. Though we loosen up occasionally and partake in some modern upbeat praise music, we usually stick to the regular songs in our hymnals.If you are Lutheran I know the question on your mind. Not which hymn, but which hymnal. The cranberry one- Lutherans will understand. But I digress.My daughter, son-in-law and three perfect grandchildren sit with church with us each Sunday.  Now there is a blessing, though noisy at times. Kyla is three and the boys (yes twins) are perpetual motion 14 month olds. More on Kyla and this song later.How Great Thou Art:I love this song and it draws me into worship every time I sing it. Powerful words:O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made...Ready for its story?How Great Thou Artbegins with Carl Gustaf Boberg (1859-1940). He was a Swedish pastor, editor, and member of the Swedish parliament. Boberg was enjoying a nice walk when a … [Read more...]