Unfortunately not all surprises are good. On Thursday I was surprised with a small cough, which eventually turned into a sinus infection last night. Ugh! Oh well, maybe with this sinus infection, God is trying to tell me something.
~Haley
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Day 15-16
Tonight we are spending time with some long-time dear friends (that doesn't mean that they are old!) in a time-share that they recently purchased. It is their first time in their new time-share and they wanted to share it with Lois and me. Terry E. wrote that many if not all of his surprises were around relationships...God or people. How true...Surprise. These dear friends surprised us with this wonderful time away with them. On top of it all I became aware that they had WiFi...it is little mystical like God...it's there even if you don't see it...Surprise...all you do is open the connection and bingo...you are in touch. Reminds me of this 3-word prayer and God surprises.
On the way here we had a few moments with 3 businessmen from Florida. They had been in MN to set up 85 new Firehouse Sub Stores...they had come to the airport early to try to catch an earlier flight. But only two of the three could go and so two of them started down the ramp to the plane as the third headed back to wait for their original flight later in the pm. When the other two got half way down the ramp they turned around to re-join their friend. They just could leave him by himself. I was surprised how open they were about their decision. They were truly good friends who cared for one another not just good businessmen who worked together. I was reminded of how God just could not leave us alone so he sent Jesus and later the Holy Spirit to be with us. In a few moments we had made new friends and knew more about them than most others we rub shoulders with each day...surprise. Spending time with those around us is so important and it is the place where most of our God sightings take place...so again tomorrow morning I will pray...Surprise Me, God...and keep my eyes, ears and heart open for God's hand in my life.
Pastor T
On the way here we had a few moments with 3 businessmen from Florida. They had been in MN to set up 85 new Firehouse Sub Stores...they had come to the airport early to try to catch an earlier flight. But only two of the three could go and so two of them started down the ramp to the plane as the third headed back to wait for their original flight later in the pm. When the other two got half way down the ramp they turned around to re-join their friend. They just could leave him by himself. I was surprised how open they were about their decision. They were truly good friends who cared for one another not just good businessmen who worked together. I was reminded of how God just could not leave us alone so he sent Jesus and later the Holy Spirit to be with us. In a few moments we had made new friends and knew more about them than most others we rub shoulders with each day...surprise. Spending time with those around us is so important and it is the place where most of our God sightings take place...so again tomorrow morning I will pray...Surprise Me, God...and keep my eyes, ears and heart open for God's hand in my life.
Pastor T
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Surprises Surprises...
So I realized today that I haven't blogged in a while. I've been crazy busy, and doing the prayer every morning is a lot harder to remember then I thought it would be. Still, every now and then I realize my surprise for the day. As far as I can tell, most of mine are still coming through through relationships. Steph, Jenna, and I went out for my birthday. Sam, Eddy, and I are all hanging out, and I'm getting back in touch with people I had lost it with.
My bad surprise:
When my honors chemistry teacher passed around a grade sheet I was bombarded with a whopping 63%. I've never been failing, anything, ever, in my whole life, so that was like my wake - up call that I can't check out of the school year yet and I really need to buckle down. So, its "hell week" for the musical because it starts this Friday and we have rehearsal every night. With that, I'm trying to stay on top of my classes and chemistry is really hard. I suppose there was a glimmer of light through the F though because I'm getting back into academic shape mentally (lols).
Well that's about it I think.
Plus I really need to start my homework before rehearsal starts.
Always ready,
Surprise me God.
Jackie Winters
My bad surprise:
When my honors chemistry teacher passed around a grade sheet I was bombarded with a whopping 63%. I've never been failing, anything, ever, in my whole life, so that was like my wake - up call that I can't check out of the school year yet and I really need to buckle down. So, its "hell week" for the musical because it starts this Friday and we have rehearsal every night. With that, I'm trying to stay on top of my classes and chemistry is really hard. I suppose there was a glimmer of light through the F though because I'm getting back into academic shape mentally (lols).
Well that's about it I think.
Plus I really need to start my homework before rehearsal starts.
Always ready,
Surprise me God.
Jackie Winters
Missed opportunities
It's a surprise that this is my first ever blog.
It's not a surprise that I have procrastinated and waited 2 weeks.
It's a surprise that I run my life so much for my own agenda and schedule that I'm missing opportunities. But why should I be surprised, this is normal for me.
Earlier this week at work, I took my usual mid day walk up and down the halls of our large campus. I saw a woman leaving our building very slowly and in obvious pain. She was carrying a large and heavy back pack. So did I offer to help her? No. Why? Well I was too busy walking, and talking on my cell phone of course! C'mon, I'm a busy person, right? Too busy? Does that sound familiar? Disconnected from the world around us with our electronics, does that sound familiar? I went on my way and then realized what an opportunity that I had just missed. An opportunity for a small act of kindness, set before me by God. A "hello, can I help you?" or "Here, let me carry that for you, it looks like you could use a little help." Perhaps followed by a "God Bless you and have a great day!" But no, I had to finish my walk & my cell phone conversation. Selfish? You, bet. I'm the Pharisee and the Levite that passed by on the other side of the road. We can't physically see God, right? Wrong! Jesus tells us that we see him, whenever we feed the hungry or help the poor. Or help our fellow human beings and all of God's creation in any way. Maybe just a kind word will change somebody's day. Missed opportunities. Wow. Thank you, Jesus for the wake up call.
Jeff
It's not a surprise that I have procrastinated and waited 2 weeks.
It's a surprise that I run my life so much for my own agenda and schedule that I'm missing opportunities. But why should I be surprised, this is normal for me.
Earlier this week at work, I took my usual mid day walk up and down the halls of our large campus. I saw a woman leaving our building very slowly and in obvious pain. She was carrying a large and heavy back pack. So did I offer to help her? No. Why? Well I was too busy walking, and talking on my cell phone of course! C'mon, I'm a busy person, right? Too busy? Does that sound familiar? Disconnected from the world around us with our electronics, does that sound familiar? I went on my way and then realized what an opportunity that I had just missed. An opportunity for a small act of kindness, set before me by God. A "hello, can I help you?" or "Here, let me carry that for you, it looks like you could use a little help." Perhaps followed by a "God Bless you and have a great day!" But no, I had to finish my walk & my cell phone conversation. Selfish? You, bet. I'm the Pharisee and the Levite that passed by on the other side of the road. We can't physically see God, right? Wrong! Jesus tells us that we see him, whenever we feed the hungry or help the poor. Or help our fellow human beings and all of God's creation in any way. Maybe just a kind word will change somebody's day. Missed opportunities. Wow. Thank you, Jesus for the wake up call.
Jeff
Catch up Time
Where do I begin......The last few days has been a blurr but great. Enjoying special time with my husband on Monday, furniture shopping....but just the two of us with no schedule, no expectations of time, time to keep connected. Then off to ALPHA. Jim and I were both sceptical of this bible study... 10 weeks? Every Monday? but the draw for Jim at first, was the fact that our friend Luke would be providing the food.....that was the first decieding factor. The surprise of all of this, yes, the food is great, but we have really enjoyed Alpha. Our small group has been so great. We have non members, new faces and very familiar faces,and adults of all ages. I am so touched by the warmth and love that has been created with in this group. We all feel so comportable with each other, even though we bring different ideas and thoughts to the table. We have cried with each other and laughed also sat in silence as we ponder what God is trying to tell us. I am so thanksful to the Alpha team for making this possible. Jim and I have been in the same small group and it has been great to spend time in the word with him. Even though the concept of Alpha is to get back to the simple topics, who is Jesus...how do we pray?.....every person should experience this. It has helped me to simplify my journey with Jesus. The simple fact that he loves ME....he died for ME.....he continues to forgive ME.... he keep surprising ME..... WOW....keep asking, surprise me God.... Peace Sue
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Day 14
The morning was interrupted by phone calls to Medicare to help resolve a reimbursement problem for my Father. I anticipated long wait times and less than helpful service reps when I started the process. I made 2 calls, one to Deb and another to Christina. Both could not have been more helpful or understanding. I was humbled and surprised that this process didn't take all morning. In fact when I requested that a certain process be terminated in the billing cycles for my Father, Christina said she would be able to correct it. Low and behold she said the following, "I appears that the crossover has been terminated on 2/12/08." Say what? Yes, it's all taken care of...Surprise. Now I don't know where Deb and Christina are in their lives but they were wonderful servant hearted people ready to help solve our problem. I strive to live in that way but find myself coming up short many times. It was a gentle reminder of how we should work together to make this a better world for others. God’s working on me all the time.
We had Council tonight and dealt with the on going ministry of leadership of our church family. I was impressed with the heart of these women and men for their church family and the world around us. They are going to be a very good leadership team. God was working in the group as we discussed issues and made plans for the future. They are sincere and faithful Christ followers wanting the best for the whole family. I sensed that they didn't want to leave anyone out of the realm of the ministry we offer. They problem solved by getting on the solution side quickly. I was blessed by the whole night even though it was hard work. God is working in and through each of the team and we will be well served in 2008.
Pastor T
We had Council tonight and dealt with the on going ministry of leadership of our church family. I was impressed with the heart of these women and men for their church family and the world around us. They are going to be a very good leadership team. God was working in the group as we discussed issues and made plans for the future. They are sincere and faithful Christ followers wanting the best for the whole family. I sensed that they didn't want to leave anyone out of the realm of the ministry we offer. They problem solved by getting on the solution side quickly. I was blessed by the whole night even though it was hard work. God is working in and through each of the team and we will be well served in 2008.
Pastor T
Persistent Surprise
This has been one crappy Lent, in case that hasn't come across in my pessimistic blogs. I am constantly overwhelmed with classes and I haven't even finished two weeks of this new semester, I am running worse in track than I did my first year in high school, and I now have the stomach flu. But that doesn't matter to God, cause lets face it in the grand scheme of things what does it matter if I lose a few hours of sleep or lose a few lunches (I won't go into any more detail - don't worry). And in this grand scheme of things God doesn't care that I am a blip, a speck, a nothing in this immense eternity, He cares about me and He has been very persistent throughout this crappy Lent to show me, how much He cares. Today was Tuesday and therefore we had Proclaim, the student led worship service, and Chaplin Brian spoke and gave communion. That could have been the surprise, but I guess I needed more. Before communion we got into groups and held hands and prayed the Lord's prayer. I got out "Our Father" when I realized I hadn't said the Lord's prayer in over two months, then I realized that I hadn't had communion in over two months, then I realized how hungry I was. The Lord's prayer has never been so hard to say, and has never seemed so heavy. Every word had weight, every word had meaning, had a promise, had a consequence. I was taken aback by this because I know the Lord's prayer, I've been saying it since Sunday school and two months, two months were what I needed to realize its power. Two months of questioning and feeling lost to realize that the bread, the body, the wine, and the blood are what I need to survive. So this maybe the crappiest Lent I've ever been through, maybe it will be the crappiest Lent of my life, but that doesn't stop God. He's darn persistent, and He won't stop showing me all the ways I need Him, not even when this Lent is over, not even when I stop asking for surprises because God is consistently and persistently a surprise.
-Kate
-Kate
TEST!!!!
In science, we are learning about the periodic table and all the elements. We also have to know all the elements and their symbols(not all at once, but in three different "stages.") Our last test of 34 elements was probably the hardest of them all. Even though I felt prepared, I did not feel prepared enough. But, "SURPRISE!" I did a lot better than I thought I did.
~Haley
~Haley
Monday, February 18, 2008
Day 13
The day started out going to a medical appointment to see a new doc who seems to be the "gentle healer" we were waiting on. Peace about where we will go next was a great gift. God's in this one.
Later I had the privilege of spending an hour with one of our leaders who has "God working all over him"...what a gift. We so fortunate to have such Christ centered leaders around us! Even in the stress of leadership we get glimpses of God's hand pushing or pulling on others to be all that they can be in Christ. What surprises they bring to us as they follow the call to follow and serve.
Mom called with concerns about a letter from one of the health care providers and was wondering what should she do. After sorting out the details of what it said I assured that I would take care of it in the morning and she did not have to worry. It takes a lot of time but to hear the peace in her voice at the end is satisfying. We were cared for by them many years ago and now the roles change. A quick prayer for patience in order to help her....and God shows up again to bless us both.
Keeping the eyes and ears of my heart open for more God Surprises...
Pastor T
Later I had the privilege of spending an hour with one of our leaders who has "God working all over him"...what a gift. We so fortunate to have such Christ centered leaders around us! Even in the stress of leadership we get glimpses of God's hand pushing or pulling on others to be all that they can be in Christ. What surprises they bring to us as they follow the call to follow and serve.
Mom called with concerns about a letter from one of the health care providers and was wondering what should she do. After sorting out the details of what it said I assured that I would take care of it in the morning and she did not have to worry. It takes a lot of time but to hear the peace in her voice at the end is satisfying. We were cared for by them many years ago and now the roles change. A quick prayer for patience in order to help her....and God shows up again to bless us both.
Keeping the eyes and ears of my heart open for more God Surprises...
Pastor T
Subzero surprises
Today was our Skiing Adventure at Afton Alps... and boy was it cold!!! But it was a great day and - SURPRISE!! - no one broke anything. We had 34 students, mostly junior high boys, and managed to make it through 7 hours of skiing and snowboarding with not one injury. Amazing.
After Afton I met Pr Jim at a restaurant for a board meeting of a group called HMCHA (said him-cha, stands for holistic ministry for children in the horn of Africa). Yeah, it's a mouthful, but boy is it an amazing organization. I feel like a HUGE surprise me moment came from this meeting... they are based in Ethiopia, which is where Sam's dad is from. Sam and I have wanted to find a connection for Ethiopia for awhile, and it has been crazy how this organization has sort of fallen out of nowhere into my focus. It could be no one but God that put it there. I hope that not only Sam and I become sponsors of this organization, but in my dream world and what I think God is calling me to - is to bring HMCHA and POP together to bring clean water and education and basic needs to the people of Ethiopia. I get so excited just thinking about what we could do in Africa and I can hardly stand still.... eeeeee!!! I know this connection was brought by God - and I only hope that I can do this surprise justice by responding the way God is asking me to respond.
Stay warm!
Natalia
After Afton I met Pr Jim at a restaurant for a board meeting of a group called HMCHA (said him-cha, stands for holistic ministry for children in the horn of Africa). Yeah, it's a mouthful, but boy is it an amazing organization. I feel like a HUGE surprise me moment came from this meeting... they are based in Ethiopia, which is where Sam's dad is from. Sam and I have wanted to find a connection for Ethiopia for awhile, and it has been crazy how this organization has sort of fallen out of nowhere into my focus. It could be no one but God that put it there. I hope that not only Sam and I become sponsors of this organization, but in my dream world and what I think God is calling me to - is to bring HMCHA and POP together to bring clean water and education and basic needs to the people of Ethiopia. I get so excited just thinking about what we could do in Africa and I can hardly stand still.... eeeeee!!! I know this connection was brought by God - and I only hope that I can do this surprise justice by responding the way God is asking me to respond.
Stay warm!
Natalia
Sunday, February 17, 2008
February 17th 2008
When doing some reading today I came across a daily devotion that inspired me...written by Billy Graham.
Those who sumbit to the will of God do not fight back at life. They learn the secret of yieding-of relinquishing and abandoning-their own lives and wills to Christ. And then He gives back to them a life that is far richer and fuller than anything they could ever have imagined.!
This reading really struck me as relevant to the experiment " Surprise me God", because I feel that by asking God to surprise me everyday, I give him the will to shape and mold my life, as he sees fit. By being surprised and aware of all the things happening to me, it is so fulfilling to know that God continues to surround me and sends goodness and surprises in to my life. Some of the surprises aren't as greatly appreciated.....but understood. Some of the surprises...are simple and touch my heart.
To those of you that watched extreme home makeover on Sunday night, I was so taken by the family they helped. They have a 19 year old son, who is completely blind and in a wheelchair, but very talented musically and vocally. He said I do not want people to look at my disabilities, I want them to look at my abilities instead. This courage and bravery when faced with such challenges.....WOW....this is a God sighting. I was surprised how emotional I became while watching this story. God touches our hearts by teaching us how difficult life can get, but also showing us how to over come adversity and trust! Peace Sue
Those who sumbit to the will of God do not fight back at life. They learn the secret of yieding-of relinquishing and abandoning-their own lives and wills to Christ. And then He gives back to them a life that is far richer and fuller than anything they could ever have imagined.!
This reading really struck me as relevant to the experiment " Surprise me God", because I feel that by asking God to surprise me everyday, I give him the will to shape and mold my life, as he sees fit. By being surprised and aware of all the things happening to me, it is so fulfilling to know that God continues to surround me and sends goodness and surprises in to my life. Some of the surprises aren't as greatly appreciated.....but understood. Some of the surprises...are simple and touch my heart.
To those of you that watched extreme home makeover on Sunday night, I was so taken by the family they helped. They have a 19 year old son, who is completely blind and in a wheelchair, but very talented musically and vocally. He said I do not want people to look at my disabilities, I want them to look at my abilities instead. This courage and bravery when faced with such challenges.....WOW....this is a God sighting. I was surprised how emotional I became while watching this story. God touches our hearts by teaching us how difficult life can get, but also showing us how to over come adversity and trust! Peace Sue
feb.17
as we were leaveing it was hard to say good-bye until the next time we meet again all because of how well we bonded together like a family which surprised me cause i usally don't feel that
-brian willms
-brian willms
feb.16
as my group and i join another group i bonded so quickly to my surprise that it felt like i've known them for several years
-brian willms
-brian willms
Days 11-12
I worshiped in multiple settings and churches this week/weekend. I am again surprised how different they all are; yet how similar they are. When Jesus is the center of worship it all holds together to Surprise us with His presence. Surprised how left out I felt when I was not invited to commune on Sat. night...was I to go away hungry?
Lord, let us not send folks away hungering for your presence.
Surprised by grace again today in morning worship. Surprised by being reminded of the truth of God loving us enough to say "No"... tonight. Blessed and Surprised when Luke said something like this tonight at Selah, "Change is inevitable...Change is always a surprise."....oh how true.
How true. Whether we like it or not, "Change Happens". I can approach it as an interruption or an opportunity. My first reflexive reaction is to resist it. I am so Scandinavian...uff da! My wife will attest to this truth...Surprise!
It has been a series of days that seem to blending together in a blur. Yet God has held me during this time. I am grateful for God's presence and strength when my own is spent. I am surprised how after a huge week and weekend how drained I am. How can this be? So many good things were experienced through God working in and around the days? "How can this be?" (I am so "opened up" ..."laid open" by this question from the Mary and Nicodemus' stories)...Surprise me God!
Surprise, again... you are human. Get some rest and tomorrow remember to pray...Surprise me, God...even if it is not on my schedule for the day. Give me strength for Your tomorrow.
Pastor T
Lord, let us not send folks away hungering for your presence.
Surprised by grace again today in morning worship. Surprised by being reminded of the truth of God loving us enough to say "No"... tonight. Blessed and Surprised when Luke said something like this tonight at Selah, "Change is inevitable...Change is always a surprise."....oh how true.
How true. Whether we like it or not, "Change Happens". I can approach it as an interruption or an opportunity. My first reflexive reaction is to resist it. I am so Scandinavian...uff da! My wife will attest to this truth...Surprise!
It has been a series of days that seem to blending together in a blur. Yet God has held me during this time. I am grateful for God's presence and strength when my own is spent. I am surprised how after a huge week and weekend how drained I am. How can this be? So many good things were experienced through God working in and around the days? "How can this be?" (I am so "opened up" ..."laid open" by this question from the Mary and Nicodemus' stories)...Surprise me God!
Surprise, again... you are human. Get some rest and tomorrow remember to pray...Surprise me, God...even if it is not on my schedule for the day. Give me strength for Your tomorrow.
Pastor T
feb. 15
i went to a boy scout camp and got ready to face the cold but to my surprise, before we left only 5 people from my goup including me went to the camp
WI surprises yet again!
It was my second weekend in a row being in WI and yet again I was surprised. Maybe there is something to that state after all. :)
Katie, Craig, Sam and I all went to WI to take a breather from life and the craziness of work and for me and Sam, grad school. We have our thesis papers to write in the next two months and are looking out at them looming and kind of saw this as a last hurrah before we really get down to buisness. Well there were a LOT of surprises... first - although most of you know that Katie and I are essentially the same person, we discovered that Sam and Craig are really similar as well! :) It was funny watching all four of us interact. When we got to WI it was snowing pretty hard, and we had to park the truck and load all of our gear onto two 4-wheelers and drive a little ways into the woods to the Rykal cabin. WOW. Rustic is was. There is no electricity, no running water, an outhouse, and NO HEAT. Keep in mind it was bearly 0 when we arrived, and the cabin was not much warmer. So we huddled together in front of the fireplace while it slowly heated the cabin to a balmy 40. By the time we went to bed it was 55 ... WOO HOOO!!! But when we woke in the morning, it was a toasty 70 in the house and even more lovely and sunny outside.
We slept in, hung out inside and then decided to take a 4wheel ride around the woods and trails... well that ride was a little more than we bargained for when we got stuck and had to push the atv's out of the snow, uphill, and hike part of the way. It was rough in deep snow, but eventually we got back to the groomed trails and were on our way. No matter how tired we were from pushing or hiking, there were beautiful surprises in nature everywhere we looked. What a gorgeous place they have ... quiet ... just God and us. I really felt like God was everywhere this weekend - and it was an amazing feeling. Somehow God just feels more present in the north woods than in the middle of minneapolis, and I don't know why... but I like it.
Thanks God, for the amazing weekend. And thanks for Katie and Craig and their little cabin in the woods... we are so blessed.
[
Natalia
Katie, Craig, Sam and I all went to WI to take a breather from life and the craziness of work and for me and Sam, grad school. We have our thesis papers to write in the next two months and are looking out at them looming and kind of saw this as a last hurrah before we really get down to buisness. Well there were a LOT of surprises... first - although most of you know that Katie and I are essentially the same person, we discovered that Sam and Craig are really similar as well! :) It was funny watching all four of us interact. When we got to WI it was snowing pretty hard, and we had to park the truck and load all of our gear onto two 4-wheelers and drive a little ways into the woods to the Rykal cabin. WOW. Rustic is was. There is no electricity, no running water, an outhouse, and NO HEAT. Keep in mind it was bearly 0 when we arrived, and the cabin was not much warmer. So we huddled together in front of the fireplace while it slowly heated the cabin to a balmy 40. By the time we went to bed it was 55 ... WOO HOOO!!! But when we woke in the morning, it was a toasty 70 in the house and even more lovely and sunny outside.
We slept in, hung out inside and then decided to take a 4wheel ride around the woods and trails... well that ride was a little more than we bargained for when we got stuck and had to push the atv's out of the snow, uphill, and hike part of the way. It was rough in deep snow, but eventually we got back to the groomed trails and were on our way. No matter how tired we were from pushing or hiking, there were beautiful surprises in nature everywhere we looked. What a gorgeous place they have ... quiet ... just God and us. I really felt like God was everywhere this weekend - and it was an amazing feeling. Somehow God just feels more present in the north woods than in the middle of minneapolis, and I don't know why... but I like it.
Thanks God, for the amazing weekend. And thanks for Katie and Craig and their little cabin in the woods... we are so blessed.
[
Natalia
surprise!
i wanted to write about how surprised mary must have been when the angel came to her telling her that she was going to have a son. This would be a surprise that i don't think i would handle very well. But, Mary believed the angel and was excited to be helping God. If that surprise came to me i think i would have not believed the angel. But Mary accepted the surprise as it came and did not complain. So my goal this week is to take any surprises God gives me. Good or bad, and make the best of them.
~Kelsey Kimball
~Kelsey Kimball
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