Change is challenging.

One year ago, today, we moved into our new home, in a new community, serving a new church. Here were new people to meet, new schedules to learn, and new vision to develop. The routines that brought comfort in our former setting were upended like a child dumping a box of toys on the floor.

The change brought some interesting challenges. Much of the technology I depended on was no longer available, my cell phone reception went from five bars to one, and the nearest, good coffee shop was 25 minutes away. The last one was a big challenge! Of course, there were other surprises and disruptions, but that is the nature of change.

When we enter new seasons of life, or experience significant transitions, this is where we often stop, creating a list of everything that is different or challenging. It is easy, looking at the obstacles, to become discouraged and disheartened. Sometimes, we want to retreat into the past and dig in, resisting the potential for any more change, but if we give into such emotional responses, we miss the excitement and adventure that awaits us.

In times of change, everything is new. That can seem intimidating, but it can also be celebrated. New means fresh and full of opportunity. It is rich with the excitement of discovery, and blessings abound in what we unearth. Most importantly, as people of faith, we trust that the God of all comfort, and creativity, is with us. That means we can journey through transitions with the One who makes all things new.

Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for good to give to you a future and a hope.” Now, I know these words were written for the nation of Israel during a difficult season of separation and transition, but does that mean that God does not have good plans for our future as well? Of course not. The heart of that promise is true for all of us. God has good plans for each one of us, and for all of us together. In seasons of change, we can have faith that God is at work, creating and guiding us into a hope-filled future.

Sitting on my front porch this morning, one year after we moved in, I am savoring the beauty of this place as I type. I am reflecting on the wonderful new friendships that developed, as I drink my coffee (It turns out you can make it at home). I am celebrating all of the miraculous moments I witnessed and experienced this year. There are far too many blessings to list. Fresh vision and joy in shared ministry fill my spirit, and I wake up every morning thankful to be where I am.

Change is challenging, but God is always present in the change. That knowledge helps our fears give way to faith, and turns the adjustment into an adventure. So, as you enter this day, have faith, have hope, and embrace the exciting adventure God is creating in your life.

The post It’s an Adventure appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

Snow and frigid temperatures make staying indoors very tempting right now. Navigating roads and sidewalks is difficult, if not dangerous, and the windchill makes your skin hurt. There is nothing inviting about these times. The stark cold and snow, along with overcast skies, can be discouraging and depressing. Curling up and waiting for it all to pass seems like a natural thing to do.

Looking out my windows, I can see that most of the neighborhood is enjoying time at home. Schools are closed, traffic is significantly reduced, and chimneys belch out smoke and exhaust from fireplaces and furnaces. Staying safely warm seems to be the order of the day, except for one lone squirrel.

Apparently, my little friend did not get the memo. Instead of holing up somewhere, he is out enjoying the adventure, climbing the snow drifts, making art with his tracks on the pristine snow, and sitting on the tree limbs watching over his domain. He is clearly making the most of this snow day.

The world can seem cold and hostile. At the very least this feels uninviting, and often it seems equally discouraging and depressing. Our spirits weaken, our passion fades, and we feel like locking ourselves away to await better days. Putting in the effort to engage the harsh reality around us seems like too much work, while staying isolated in our own comfort is a great temptation.

Yet, somewhere in the midst of it all, there is a voice calling us to venture forth into the hostile environment and seize the day. There is a nagging awareness in the back of our minds that adventures are waiting that only the brave will experience. Tempted to retreat, our child-like selves keep reminding us of the passion we once had for days like this, times when we needed parents to remind us of the severity of the cold, and protect us from our passion to embrace it all with joy.

Of course, there is wisdom in assessing the risk, and we need to protect ourselves from the dangers around us. Yet, the neighborhood squirrel reminds me that our desire for safety can easily eclipse our passion for adventure. Maybe, instead of frequently retreating from the harsh reality that surrounds us, we ought to embrace the possibilities as we go out to leave the imprint of our lives on the world.

Most of our town will never see the tracks through my yard. They will likely be covered over by the blowing snow very soon. Still, I saw them; maybe someone else did too, and the squirrel knows they are there, because he was there.

Safety and security are valuable, but measured risk yields a reward. Stepping into places others are wary to go gives us experiences others never have, and leaves the mark of our lives in places that would otherwise be empty. We need those experiences, and the world does too. We are people with a purpose. We have a mission that is bigger that the confines of our comfort and safe space. It will not be easy. It will not be safe. Oh, but it will be exciting, meaningful, and worthwhile.

The world may be cold, but warmed by the Spirit, we can go forth to make meaningful marks along the way, while we savor the joy of the adventure. Unknown to him, my new friend, the squirrel, taught me a lot about embracing the life God gives me and offering my unique presence to those around me. Maybe, he has something to say to you today, as well.

The post Lessons from a Squirrel appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

There is nothing quite like knowing you are on your way! There is a sense of excitement and joy that comes from each new beginning in our lives. We feel things begin to tremble as we begin to launch and we know that we are underway, something amazing is about to begin. The anticipation is tangible. Even facing some fear and the unknowns, we know the adventure is starting.

Last week, I had the pleasure and privilege of officiating the wedding of a very dear friend and her fiancé. Standing before them as they shared their vows and exchanged rings, it was easy to see the joy on their faces, and everyone felt their anticipation for the new life that they were embarking on in that moment.

I always share a few words with each couple I bless in marriage, and I make sure to mention that not every day ahead will be as utopic as their wedding day. Challenges will certainly come, and there is no way to predict what awaits in the future. What is sure is that they are joining their lives together with each other and with God, and they will, through the strength of those relationships, be able to face whatever comes their way.

Such significant moments come with joyful expectancy, and a healthy dose of respect for the unknowns of the future. It can be a wedding, the birth of a child, a new vocation, or a new calling. These, and other similar moments, become launching pads into God’s future, and when we embrace them in their fullness, there is much to celebrate.

In the Book of Revelation, God says, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5) In the very text that epitomizes God’s future for humanity, there is the promise that God is making everything new. When we walk in faith, we are assured that God is working to re-create us, and our circumstances. Not only is this a promise of hope, but it is a definition of life. Day-by-day, God’s new life for us is being revealed and created.

To say we soar with Christ is an excellent description of what our life of faith is truly like. We continue to climb higher with him, and we experience greater vistas of beauty and wonder. What was once our ceiling, now becomes the floor for the next step of the journey. What once seemed difficult is now commonplace, and what was only a dream becomes reality. With each stage and step, our ability to see more and dream bigger dreams increases.

It would be easy during the shaking and rattling of lift off to back out or change our mind. The immediate experience of that moment can be intimidating, but it is only a short season that is leading to something far more beautiful that we ever expected. Soaring with Christ is a wonderful thing.

When I was younger, I took lessons toward gaining a private pilot’s license. I still remember the day my instructor got out of the plane after we landed and said, “You are ready to solo. Take her up yourself.” My stomach was in my throat. My heart was beating fast, and it was hard to breathe. The thought of my lift off was very intimidating. There were many hours of theory and practice behind me, but this was the real thing.

Sitting at the end of the runway, I pushed the throttle forward and the plane began to move, slowly at first, but rapidly picking up speed. About halfway down the runway, I felt the wheels leave the ground. I was far from steady, but I was flying. In moments I was hundreds of feet above the earth and enjoying an experience I will never forget. Soaring around the airport was amazing. The view was beautiful, and I felt so alive. It wasn’t long before it felt normal to climb into the cockpit and take off by myself.

Soaring with Christ comes with the same intimidating fears, but the reward is worth facing those fears. Nothing we experience compares with the wonder and amazement that comes from the choice to say, “Yes!” Lift off is worth it. We are meant for it.

Whatever God is calling you into today, say, “Yes!” Soaring in faith is an exciting experience. May God’s blessing be yours for the journey!

The post Lift off! appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

One such search in my life was for a journal that met my needs. As a writer, observer, and life-long learner, I find journals a valuable aid to capturing the important, and the mundane, for future reference. As a person of faith and a pastor, I find journaling a tremendous tool for spiritual growth. Such a significant tool should meet my utilitarian needs, and prompt my creativity.

I’ve gone through a lot of journals. Leather and cardboard covers, hard and soft bound, ruled and blank, I used a bit of everything. I have a few favorites and, while many were enjoyable, I never found “the one,” until last week.

My wife mentioned a journal she thought I would like a few months ago. She saw it while searching for some planner options and thought I would like it. Called the Midori Traveler’s Notebook, it was a mid-sized leather journal with customizable refills and a number of accessories. She was very impressed. I was not. It had to be special ordered, seemed similar to what I already had, and after 30 years of searching, I expected it would be just one more journal for my shelves.

I was wrong. When I finally took a good look, I began to believe it might be exactly what I wanted. I took the risk, made the order, and received what I desired for years.

My first journal entry read, “After decades of searching for a journal that would truly inspire me, I found it! I cannot believe I did not see it for what it is when my wife first described it to me. Now, filled and ready, it awaits my stories, reflections, and insights. Poems, observations, and revelations from God are on their way. The adventure begins.”

I am not selling journals now, though some of you might find this an answer to your search as well. I am struck, however, by the significance of not giving up the quest. Jesus told his disciples, “seek, and you shall find.” He was focused on much deeper matters, but the similarities are interesting.

Sometimes, we settle for second best, or we give up on our search for what really matters. We often try a myriad of things along the way only to realize we still haven’t found the right way. Occasionally, someone comes along and points us in the right direction, but we let our past experiences keep us from seeing the truth.

Life is a journey, an adventure. There is so much to be enjoyed along the way, even our wrong choices can position us for something better. We need the voices of others, and of the Spirit, to guide us along the way, and most importantly, we must never give up!

There are already some significant spiritual reflections and discoveries in my new journal, but I keep celebrating how such a simple thing, can be a symbol of so much more. I can’t wait to see what I discover next!

May you be blessed upon your journey. May you be excited by the possibilities that lie ahead, and may you savor every moment of your adventure!

The post I Found It! appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

I already indicated my desire to stay where I was and the church shared their hope that I would remain their pastor. We were comfortable with each other and enjoying ministry together, then God stepped in with another opportunity to follow into something new.

Most of us enjoy being comfortable. We like the familiar and the predictable. There is a sense of peace that comes from knowing what to expect and where we fit in. In short, we don’t like to change, yet change is a given and can be one of God’s exciting blessings.

The church I serve, and the one I will be serving, are both facing a myriad of questions as we enter this transition. Likewise, I have questions of my own. In the past few days, as I began my advance planning, I realized I have little idea what my new worship services look like. I do not know what my weekly schedule will be, nor all of the expectations that will be awaiting me. I have only begun to become acquainted with the community and region and will have a list of questions when I arrive. My friends, my family, and everything I’ve known since I began my ministry will be hours away. My life is going to change.

It would be easy to be intimidated by all of the unknowns, but it is equally possible to be excited and energized by all of the changes. There will be new people to meet and minister with, new treasures to discover, new opportunities to share my gifts and to grow, and new encounters with God. The familiar will give way to the fascinating, and the comfortable to the creative. It will not easy, but it will be good, fun, and life-giving because God is at the center.

Too often we run from the blessing of being with God on the journey, by entrenching ourselves in what we already know and have. When we open our lives to God’s ideas and plans, the possibilities are endless.

Two scriptures have been on my mind though this transition. The first has carried me though from the beginning, “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good to give to you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) the second, is also a favorite, “Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

With the truth of these two wonderful promises at work, and placing all of my hope in God, how can the future be anything other than amazing?

The post Moving Faith appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

Twenty-seven years ago, I awoke in a Pittsburgh hotel a married man. The previous day was a flurry of activity leading up to our wedding, and after celebrating with family and friends, and making time to visit a few of our relatives who could not come to the ceremony, my wife and I set off to begin our honeymoon and our new life together. We did not know all that was ahead of us, but we knew that God brought us together, that we loved each other and that we were committed to sharing the journey as one.

The days and years since have been an amazing adventure. We went to college together, traveled through the ordination process, served in ministry, became parents and now grandparents. There were times of sickness and health, times that were better and worse, and certainly lean times as well as prosperous times. Just as our vows declared, there were challenges and celebrations, but through it all, we had each other and we had God.

I know some people are called to singleness, and that sometimes relationships break, but I also know, that following God’s plan leads to the blessings that really matter. When the author of the proverb says that the one who, “finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” I can say that it is undeniably true in my life. Looking back, I cannot imagine traveling this path without the woman God chose for me. I know that the hard times were made better because of her presence and good times were all the sweeter because they were shared with her. There is no question I receive God’s favor through my relationship with her.

Relationships can be challenging, but they are also the source of great blessing. Too often, I meet with couples who have lost sight of the blessing of God found in each other. The challenges and obstacles of life slowly drained the joy from them and instead of joining hands and hearts together; facing those challenges with love, commitment and the power of God, they allowed them to come between them. Then, wounded from without and within, the life of their relationship slowly faded. We too, have been through the valleys. We felt the pains of life, and we wounded each other, but we never completely lost sight of the blessing of God found in each other.

The places of God’s blessing are like that. They will be tested and tried, and it takes great effort to remain committed to overcome the temptation to walk, and even run away. It is easy to lose sight of how blessed we are, and in the midst of pain, we can even feel like the source of our blessing is the source of our pain. If we remain committed to God and to God’s work in our lives, and if we will keep the faith even when it is hard, we will be able to look back and see the provision and blessing of God, and we will walk into the future with greater strength and promise. When my wife counsel other couples, we tell them that marriage is a tough job, but worth all of the effort. Walking with God is like that. It is not always easy, but it is definitely worth it. The richness of my life found in my relationship with God and with my wife is worth so much more than the investment I have made. I look forward to the joy of the next 27 years together and beyond.

Take a moment to look at the blessings of God in your life, especially in your relationships. Tend to those special places, even if it is difficult. Do not let them be overcome by life’s challenges, but find strength in them to be the one who overcomes. Make the investment in your relationships, with God and in the places created for your blessing, so that you will receive favor from the Lord and be blessed.

The post A Good, God Thing appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

About a mile into our journey, we ran into the worst fog I’ve ever seen, and certainly the most challenging I’ve ever driven in. I could barely see anything beyond the hood of the car. I could not see the road, with all of its twists and turns, there was no way to turn around, and no way to identify any traffic around us. I did not know what to do.

We ended up driving another six miles in the fog to the next available exit from our now obscured scenic drive. My wife diligently watched out the window for any sign of traffic and I, with my door open, slowly navigated the trip by following the yellow dividing line that was just to my left. It was challenging and frightening, but we made it through.

I think of that story often, because there are times when life feels like that trip along Skyline Drive. Things are not always clear. Sometimes it is difficult to know where to go, when to turn, or what to watch out for. We know that the path before us has curves and potential obstacles, but we cannot see them. With no ability to turn around, we know we must find a way to move forward in spite of our limited view and our fears.

The Psalmist wrote, “Your word is like a lamp to my feet and light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) When life is challenging and frightening, when we do not know what to do next and the path seems impossible to find, it is then that the light of God shines the brightest on our way. Through the written word of God and the living Word of Jesus Christ, we can see enough to take the next step.

Like my driving experience, we may not be able to see more than the very next step and our guide may seem like nothing more than a small yellow line by our side. Yet, we know that God is with us and that his directions will bring us safely through if we will follow his path. With the light of Christ and the light of the Scripture, we place our faith in God and take the step that we can see, and with God’s help, we do it together.

Looking back, my trip through the fog that day was one of the most challenging parts of our honeymoon, but is also one of the favorite stories of my life. Remembering, and sharing, how my wife and I faced a difficult situation and made it through together still makes me smile and reminds me of the wonderful adventure we share together.

So it is with God. As we look back, we too can tell the stories of how we overcame challenges and confusion with God’s light on our path. Our faith is strengthened by the memory of God’s provision. Our testimony is stronger as we share the story with others, and in the end, we can celebrate the awesome adventure that comes from sharing life with God.

The path is not always clear, but the journey is worth it. As we share the adventure with God, we can put our trust in the Word to light our way.

The post LIght on the Path appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

Saturday night, my love of winter was put to the test. My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful hockey game thanks to the gift of a couple of tickets to the game. When the game was over, we went out for a bite to eat, and a little more time to spend together on our date. I locked the car and made my way to the front door of the restaurant, but did not quite make it. In spite of a warm evening with no snow, there was still just enough black ice to catch me off guard and bring me to the ground. It was a hard fall. My hip, knee and back continue to attest to that.

As I gained my footing and limped my way inside, I reflected on the comments my friends made. I could hear them ask me, “How do you feel about winter now? It’s not so much fun when you are hurting, is it?”

I continued on into the restroom to check the bruising and to clean up a bit. The questions continued to revolve in my head. I looked into the mirror as I started to wash the parking lot dirt from my hands and thought, “Hurting is not fun, but ice is a reality of life where I choose to live. In spite of the fall, I still love winter.” I smiled, and gingerly walked back to the table to enjoy dinner with my wife.

Winter has ice, snow and cold in my corner of the world. However, summer has dehydration, sunburn, sun stroke. People fall on ice and many are restricted because of the weather, but people struggle to breathe in the heat and are often forced to stay in because of high levels of ozone. Winter, summer, and everything in between has the potential for pain and difficulty, but it also has the opportunity for joy and celebration.

Life is not safe. It is a truth that we work hard to avoid, but we ignore it to our detriment. When we believe that we can create a safe existence if we just work hard enough at our self-protection, we exchange freedom and joy for a false sense of comfort. More than just the struggles that come from the annual seasons, the seasons of life are filled with similar challenges and opportunities. We can choose to spend our days trying to be safe, or we can live our days experiencing life.

There is obviously room for wisdom and good choices, but that is not an excuse to hide from life. There is so much to experience and precious little time to experience it. There just isn’t enough room left to allow fear and negativity to consume our time. I am not going to venture out into the cold in shorts and a t-shirt, but I am also not going to lock myself inside and miss the crisp beauty of this time of year, and this time of my life.

We may not all like winter’s ice, or summer’s heat, but we can all love life, love our lives. We can face the days we are given, not with fear and avoidance, but with joy and celebration. Here, in the midst of the season where we celebrate the great love of God given to transform the world; a season where we remember Mary and Joseph who faced great adversity and the infant Christ who surrendered safety for something greater, may we find the joy, the wonder and the power of life. We may limp, tender from our falls, but we will limp joyfully forward into the future God continues to create for us.

The post Limp Joyfully appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

In a season this busy, it is easy to lose sight of the true meaning of the celebration. Television Christmas specials, Christmas carols on the radio and the push to help us spend more and more on decorations and presents can easily ease out the deeper, more significant reality of this holy season. Much more than a chance to go to parties, eat special food and share a multitude of presents, Christmas is our opportunity to celebrate to gift of Jesus’ presence in our lives and in the world.

All around us people will be busy shopping and rushing as they fill their lives with activity. Much like that evening in Bethlehem, the chaos of the crowds remains a reality even in our time. People still pass by each other so caught up in their own concerns that the easily miss the needs of those around them, and even more easily miss the presence of the King of kings in their lives.

While the temptation will be for us to enter into the crazy pace of the holidays, a great opportunity exists for us to encounter the wonder of the Savior, and to share the joy of His presence with others. You and I can make the most of this season to pause to thank God for Christ’s presence in our lives and to share the story of God’s love with the world around us.

I remember growing up with Charles Shultz’s “Charlie Brown Christmas.” In the television special, Charlie Brown is being drawn into all of the typical holiday drama by Lucy and her friends. The harder he looks for the true meaning of Christmas, the more it seems to elude him. However, at a pivotal point in the 30 minute special, Linus takes center stage and as the spotlight falls upon him, he begins to tell the story from Luke Chapter 2, “And there were in that same country, shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night….” In just two minutes, he tells the Gospel story of how God loved the world so much that he sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to be born into that world to reveal God’s love.

Like Linus, you and I have a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves of the true meaning of Christmas and then to declare the wonder of God’s amazing love to the world. We too, can find the opportune moments when we can tell the story and show people what Christmas is really about.

This year, remember… Jesus is the reason for Christmas, and the reason we can declare the wondrous love of God. As we journey through this season together, let us boldly declare, “Here is our King!”

May your Advent and Christmas be greatly blessed!

The post Here is Our King appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

“Frequently when I come to a certain part of ‘Our Father’ or to a petition, I land in such rich thoughts that I leave behind all set prayers. When such rich, good thoughts arrive, then one should leave the other commandments aside and offer room to those thoughts and listen in stillness and for all the world not put up obstructions… I have learned more from one such prayer than I could have received from much reading and writing” – Martin Luther

It is so easy to get so caught up in our routine that we miss the new creative moments that God is forming in our midst. Our comfort with the well-worn methods and paths makes it difficult to see new adventures awaiting us if we would only chart a new course.

As a pastor, I know that some of the scariest words I hear are, “We’ve never done that before,” or their partners, “We’ve always done it this way.” I know some others who shiver at them as well, because they are a verbal expression of spiritual eyes partly, or completely closed to new things, even those that God is doing. The scariest times are when those words come from my own mouth.

In the 43rd chapter of Isaiah, God tells the prophet, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (NIV) God makes clear the divine desire to do something new; something that will bless the world and glorify God. The image of a clear path in a barren land and flowing water in the arid wasteland are beautiful and amazing.

Can you picture lost people, parched with thirst hearing those words? Can you imagine the hope that they stir?

We can envision the comfort and sense of relief the promises of the Creator bring to those in such need, and we can see how we too, crave the promise of similar blessings in our own lives. Maybe we are safely in our homes, with plenty to drink, but we know times of being spiritually and emotionally lost – times when our hearts and spirits seem dry and empty. What grace it is to hear that in those difficult times, God is doing a new thing that will show us the way and water our souls.

Martin Luther was right. Sometimes, we have to lay aside the prescribed activities, even if they are spiritual, to open ourselves to the precious moment with God that is before us. We may need to let go of what we held onto in the past, to take hold of the blessing God has for our future. It may be time to change our words of concern into words of hope declaring, “Thank God! We have never done it this way before! Now is our opportunity to embrace God’s new way and walk in it. God’s blessing lies down the path the he is revealing even now. We’ve always done it our way, now we can do it God’s way!”

Can we forget the past, not dwelling on the former things and envision a future designed and blessed by God? If so, then the adventure is just beginning and the refreshing waters of the Spirit are just ahead. May God’s blessing be ours for the journey.

The post Taking Your Time appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.