Ok this is my first time writing because I have only been doing what I'll call a "challenge" for about ten days. I'm not sure exactly how to look for these surprises because I am not sure what my surprises are suppose to look like or what I am suppose to do with them (if that makes any sense at all).
Some of you might know that my dad, Bruce, died of brain cancer last April. I can't believe it's almost been a year. (PS and by the way, BIG thanks and shout outs go to all of the POP supporters)
My mom and I just got back from a amazing mother/daughter date to the movies. I have a history of constantly forcing her to listen to songs that I believe to be wicked awesome. However, tonight she decided to turn the tables and reflect the music back to me. A select few of you will remember that my dad used to sing at the 11 o'clock service in the Sonrise band. Overtime, they so intelligantly decided to record some of their talent. A year or two later my dad had made me a mix of some of my favortie songs. Tonight, my mom pulled it out to reveal to me a song she had discovered earlier on this week called Will You Love Jesus More.
This song talks about turning your eyes on Jesus even when the ones you love have gone to be with him in heaven. It's hard for me to listen to recordings of my dad... and I'm not going to lie, I didn't make it through the whole song, but this was... well... a surprise.
Thanks God... and Dad.
*Cheree Johnson
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Day 24 (Catching up on 10 days)
I’m back…it has been a full 10 days. When we left I managed to take a “good” Minnesota Cold with me which still lingers in the back of my head…cough…hack…when will it end? It is the "gift" that keeps on giving.
Lois and I spent a few days away as a couple that were fun and refueling for our relationship. We spent it with friends, which is a double whammy for us “relational junkies”. I was surprised by how much I missed Lois when she left after a couple days. When we see each other everyday we tend to take each other for granted but when away... I “see” better…if you know what I mean. It must be a bit like the way a spouse feels when the love of their life dies. There is an emptiness and loneliness that enters your life that wasn’t there before…for me I can come home to Lois but for the one who has experienced the loss of that special someone I think I might have caught a glimpse of their lonely place…grieving place. God is always teaching or shaping me even when I don’t want to be taught and shaped…
I spent the past week being taught and "caught" again. I love to learn. I love to be caught by God’s presence and power through speakers, singers, old friends and new acquaintances as we lived out a week together. Two friends were at the conference that I had not expected to see which surprised me. Tom is a pastor in Iowa that I had the privilege of preaching at his ordination some years ago. The other, “Flip”, is a long time friend and pastor who is wired to “go…go…go!!!” His energy is contagious (…so was I…hack!! I thought I would leave my cold at the conference but….) We worshiped together, took classes together…shared our family stories. It was a special surprise that was encouraging. We needed each other. We forget about the many times we hear the “negatives of life”. These are special times to share the joys and sorrows that have made us who we are…not something extra ordinary but ordinary men, husbands, fathers and pastors who are doing life together even for a short few days. I think God loves to put these serendipitous moments in our lives as “food for the journey” ahead.
Coming home I met an elderly couple from Minneapolis. They were returning after 3 weeks away and wondered if it (the weather) had improved. We were delayed for over an hour due to weather in Minneapolis…they had their answer. We could have been irritated about the delay…I admit that I was a little anxious…I wanted to get home...but they just laughed and smiled as if this was extra time to enjoy each other and those around them. I wish I was more like them, God... I coughed a bit more and relaxed as we hit the tarmac at 1:05 am in the morning…got to bed at 2:30 am…cough…hack…cough…oh well. As I laid in bed trying to get to sleep the events of the week and the “challenges” of the days ahead crept in…the more I tried to sleep, the more my mind spun. Surprise me, God...give me rest! Finally sleep.
Surprise…an extra day in the year…Leap Day!
See you in church…
(cough…hack…I hope not!)
Pastor T
Lois and I spent a few days away as a couple that were fun and refueling for our relationship. We spent it with friends, which is a double whammy for us “relational junkies”. I was surprised by how much I missed Lois when she left after a couple days. When we see each other everyday we tend to take each other for granted but when away... I “see” better…if you know what I mean. It must be a bit like the way a spouse feels when the love of their life dies. There is an emptiness and loneliness that enters your life that wasn’t there before…for me I can come home to Lois but for the one who has experienced the loss of that special someone I think I might have caught a glimpse of their lonely place…grieving place. God is always teaching or shaping me even when I don’t want to be taught and shaped…
I spent the past week being taught and "caught" again. I love to learn. I love to be caught by God’s presence and power through speakers, singers, old friends and new acquaintances as we lived out a week together. Two friends were at the conference that I had not expected to see which surprised me. Tom is a pastor in Iowa that I had the privilege of preaching at his ordination some years ago. The other, “Flip”, is a long time friend and pastor who is wired to “go…go…go!!!” His energy is contagious (…so was I…hack!! I thought I would leave my cold at the conference but….) We worshiped together, took classes together…shared our family stories. It was a special surprise that was encouraging. We needed each other. We forget about the many times we hear the “negatives of life”. These are special times to share the joys and sorrows that have made us who we are…not something extra ordinary but ordinary men, husbands, fathers and pastors who are doing life together even for a short few days. I think God loves to put these serendipitous moments in our lives as “food for the journey” ahead.
Coming home I met an elderly couple from Minneapolis. They were returning after 3 weeks away and wondered if it (the weather) had improved. We were delayed for over an hour due to weather in Minneapolis…they had their answer. We could have been irritated about the delay…I admit that I was a little anxious…I wanted to get home...but they just laughed and smiled as if this was extra time to enjoy each other and those around them. I wish I was more like them, God... I coughed a bit more and relaxed as we hit the tarmac at 1:05 am in the morning…got to bed at 2:30 am…cough…hack…cough…oh well. As I laid in bed trying to get to sleep the events of the week and the “challenges” of the days ahead crept in…the more I tried to sleep, the more my mind spun. Surprise me, God...give me rest! Finally sleep.
Surprise…an extra day in the year…Leap Day!
See you in church…
(cough…hack…I hope not!)
Pastor T
Big Ol' Slap In the Face
So, I finally got what I had been hoping for.
Its kind of ironic, really.
I had been hoping for a big surprise because I wasn't really noticing the little things.
And it turned out to be what seems a big old irony filled slap in the face from God. Like ha, you thought that I would actually let things work out for you.
I'd go into it, but I really can't.
But at current, I can't get over this. Its all I can think about and it SUCKS!!
Yeah, thanks a bunch God...
I feel guilty for sounding so bitter and resentful towards God, but that's how I really feel.
Anyways, until next time,
Jackie Winters
Its kind of ironic, really.
I had been hoping for a big surprise because I wasn't really noticing the little things.
And it turned out to be what seems a big old irony filled slap in the face from God. Like ha, you thought that I would actually let things work out for you.
I'd go into it, but I really can't.
But at current, I can't get over this. Its all I can think about and it SUCKS!!
Yeah, thanks a bunch God...
I feel guilty for sounding so bitter and resentful towards God, but that's how I really feel.
Anyways, until next time,
Jackie Winters
Friday, February 29, 2008
To my surprise
The last few days has been a challenge. By continueing to say the prayer, surprise me God, I felt as if everything God was going to do was great, as usual. Well...SURPRISE.....just when you think all is going good, a curve ball comes your way, and you are forced to search inside for patience and guidance, that only God can give. I ask if this is why God surprises us not only with all the great things and people in my life, but with the many things that keep me grounded and focused, to know truly what is important, and that is Gods unconditional love for me.
There have also been so many people who have surprised me by talking about their faith and the difficulty they have had in their lives...while having their teeth cleaned......God only knows how we touch on these subjects. And yes I do understand most of what people say even while cleaning thier teeth. It is truly a language of its own. :) I will continue to trust that God will not surprise me with anything I can't handle.....To God be the glory! Peace Sue
There have also been so many people who have surprised me by talking about their faith and the difficulty they have had in their lives...while having their teeth cleaned......God only knows how we touch on these subjects. And yes I do understand most of what people say even while cleaning thier teeth. It is truly a language of its own. :) I will continue to trust that God will not surprise me with anything I can't handle.....To God be the glory! Peace Sue
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Why senior high kids are cool
Last night my surprise was more of a proud mom moment than an actual surprise. We had our usual lent service, and two of my senior high students had roles. Steph Manthey gave her "surprise me moment" of the week and did a great job. Up until 30 minutes before the service I didn't have anyone to do the moment, and not only stepped up to the plate, but hit it out of the ballpark. Nice work Steph!
Then, the proud mom moment #2, when Val Krych got up to sing her solo during the offering. Not only did she do a great job, but 13 (actual count, thanks Mary) of our senior high students took a break from cleaning the kitchen from the supper to come and stand in the back of the sanctuary to hear her sing. I have never been involved in a group that is so supportive of each other, in good times and in bad times.
I really, really hope you all get a chance to hang out with them sometime. They are really amazing people... and I am lucky to know each one of them.
Then, the proud mom moment #2, when Val Krych got up to sing her solo during the offering. Not only did she do a great job, but 13 (actual count, thanks Mary) of our senior high students took a break from cleaning the kitchen from the supper to come and stand in the back of the sanctuary to hear her sing. I have never been involved in a group that is so supportive of each other, in good times and in bad times.
I really, really hope you all get a chance to hang out with them sometime. They are really amazing people... and I am lucky to know each one of them.
Soo....
Its been a lot harder to remember to say it every morning that I had expected.
I've started to let the idea of everyday surprises slip away amidst my busy life.
I feel like I'm losing my drive and commitment to this.
None the less, there have still been everyday ups and downs.
Please God, help me pay more attention. That's my goal for now, and to appreciate the small surprises.
That's all for now.
Jackie Winters
I've started to let the idea of everyday surprises slip away amidst my busy life.
I feel like I'm losing my drive and commitment to this.
None the less, there have still been everyday ups and downs.
Please God, help me pay more attention. That's my goal for now, and to appreciate the small surprises.
That's all for now.
Jackie Winters
Monday, February 25, 2008
4 surprises to start week 4
It's been awhile since I've blogged, and there were a lot of surprises that I should have been blogging about ... good and bad, big and small... so I start out with an apology for not being better this weekend.
Surprise 1: I'm still sick. I think that the theme of my Lent this year is sickness. I've literally been sick for a little over three weeks, and I went back to the doctor on Friday and not only did my sinus infection not get better at all, it turned into the beginnings of bronchitus and and an ear infection. I can't wait until God surprises me with hearing in my right ear... it's been weeks! I guess God is trying to tell me something, like, um, I don't know... SLOW DOWN. So I tried to do just that this weekend. Except I cleaned the house on Saturday, and made dinner for four, and hosted a small gathering on Sunday night. I am NOT good at this whole taking it easy thing.
Surprise 2: Mark. Some of you students might know him as uncle mark. He's one of my husband's best friends, and he was visiting this weekend. I hope that when he moves back, some of you get the chance to meet him. He is one of the most thoughtful and kind and wonderful people I know and I always feel lucky to have been in his presence, even if it's only for a day or two. He lives in WI, serving at a Boy's Ranch ... a last resort rehab center for rough and tumble guys before they go to jail or juvie. It's a rough mission and he's about ready to take a break and I think he is going to move back to MN!! Lucky for me and Sam, we have this house that is all empty and now mark can help us fill it!! YEY.
Surprise 3: Bruce, Matt and Laura. I got an email Saturday morning letting me know that Laura Jaeger (wife of Bruce, mom of 9th grader Matthew) died after a long struggle with illness. This surprise was a little tougher to take - and I am struggling with how to comfort yet another student who has lost a parent this year. It never seems good, right or fair to see a student grieve the loss of a parent who died too soon, and too young, and this time is no different. I trust that God is present for the Jaegers, but I pray that God will surprise them with an abundance of grace, comfort and love in the days and weeks and months to come. Please keep them all in your prayers.
Surprise 4. Lespers. My husband and his friends have done their version of "vespers" (a big time worship done at Bethel College on Sunday nights) for a long time... they have less people, less instruments, etc, so they call it "lespers." Most of this crew has long since moved away to WI or other places, and it's been tougher to bring them all back together, but last night was a start. People arrived late, from all over (even hours away) and we lit candles and pulled out shakers and four guitars and ten voices and worshipped together for almost two hours. It was exactly what I needed after being sick so long, and always being a part of the planning for worship... it's tough when you lead worship, so much of your worship is caught up in making sure others can worship... it was much needed to just sit and sing, rock out the egg shaker, and praise our amazing and wonderful God of constant surprises.
With eyes open,
Natalia
Surprise 1: I'm still sick. I think that the theme of my Lent this year is sickness. I've literally been sick for a little over three weeks, and I went back to the doctor on Friday and not only did my sinus infection not get better at all, it turned into the beginnings of bronchitus and and an ear infection. I can't wait until God surprises me with hearing in my right ear... it's been weeks! I guess God is trying to tell me something, like, um, I don't know... SLOW DOWN. So I tried to do just that this weekend. Except I cleaned the house on Saturday, and made dinner for four, and hosted a small gathering on Sunday night. I am NOT good at this whole taking it easy thing.
Surprise 2: Mark. Some of you students might know him as uncle mark. He's one of my husband's best friends, and he was visiting this weekend. I hope that when he moves back, some of you get the chance to meet him. He is one of the most thoughtful and kind and wonderful people I know and I always feel lucky to have been in his presence, even if it's only for a day or two. He lives in WI, serving at a Boy's Ranch ... a last resort rehab center for rough and tumble guys before they go to jail or juvie. It's a rough mission and he's about ready to take a break and I think he is going to move back to MN!! Lucky for me and Sam, we have this house that is all empty and now mark can help us fill it!! YEY.
Surprise 3: Bruce, Matt and Laura. I got an email Saturday morning letting me know that Laura Jaeger (wife of Bruce, mom of 9th grader Matthew) died after a long struggle with illness. This surprise was a little tougher to take - and I am struggling with how to comfort yet another student who has lost a parent this year. It never seems good, right or fair to see a student grieve the loss of a parent who died too soon, and too young, and this time is no different. I trust that God is present for the Jaegers, but I pray that God will surprise them with an abundance of grace, comfort and love in the days and weeks and months to come. Please keep them all in your prayers.
Surprise 4. Lespers. My husband and his friends have done their version of "vespers" (a big time worship done at Bethel College on Sunday nights) for a long time... they have less people, less instruments, etc, so they call it "lespers." Most of this crew has long since moved away to WI or other places, and it's been tougher to bring them all back together, but last night was a start. People arrived late, from all over (even hours away) and we lit candles and pulled out shakers and four guitars and ten voices and worshipped together for almost two hours. It was exactly what I needed after being sick so long, and always being a part of the planning for worship... it's tough when you lead worship, so much of your worship is caught up in making sure others can worship... it was much needed to just sit and sing, rock out the egg shaker, and praise our amazing and wonderful God of constant surprises.
With eyes open,
Natalia
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Wonderful filled days
Today I was blessed to attend church with my whole family. What a joy God has given me to continue to be part of thier lives as they venture onto new and exciting things. I must back track, to the beginning of the weekend. I forgot how busy we can be when all togehter. I was up for anything, but a lacrosse game in Stillwater, at 11:00 pm? sure.....I think so.....why not..........by 9 pm my eyes were already heavy and ready for bed. What have I done, by agreeing to go with to watch, and much less to drive...I can't even see the TV at 9pm...? So I thought I would rest for a few minutes....45 minutes later it was time to go. Splashing water on my face helped to wake me up a little. I knew something would help. SO off we went. To arrive for the 11:00 game which didn't start until 11:45......and yes they are two hour games. So I found my surprise me God moment in the patience I needed...and just took a deep breath and tried to make the most of it. Thier was no way to leave being we had to give a player a ride home. Did I mention that it was being played in a dome blowing cold air.....two hours? My bones were even cold.! God gave me the patience to know that I was their for a reason. I enjoyed the game, and yes we finally arrived home at 2:50 am. I haven't seen that time for years. I enjoyed the bonding experience with my girls....we laughed, we shivered, and we talked. God surprised me with this experience that we will talk about for years. Or at least I will....I made it! The weekend continued with lots of laughs, food and yes even a family nap.! I wasn't the only one exhausted. God has truly blessed me with this loving family, and the surprises I hope will continue to come as they experience and share with Jim and I. Peace Sue
Guatemala Surprise
I recently had a surprise much different from those I have experienced this Lent. This summer I had an opportunity to go with the P.O.P. youth group to Guatemala. It was an amazing experience that opened my eyes and my heart in more ways than one. When I was facebook stalking photos the other day I came across the photos from the Gustavus J-term trip to Guatemala a girl on my floor had been on. One of the pictures was of the mission we worked at in San Lucas Toliman. I went to her room and talked to her about what they did there. They only stayed in San Lucas two days, but they met Father Greg, and toured the women's center, the medical center, and the school the mission sponsors. She asked about the work we did there and I asked if she remembered the red stripe running around the bottom of the women's center and she did! We painted the bottom foot of the building and rooms red and it really made that building stand out as a place of change and not just a structure. I love that even though that red stripe isn't the most important thing of the building or the women's center project, it is part of something greater. It is part of a women's center that is going to help and empower countless people. I also love the fact that we were a part of that our work there is being recognized (and remembered) by others who have the opportunity to go there. It was one cool Guatemala surprise.
-kate
-kate
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