Day 4 greets me with a devotional thought from a book by Henry T. Blackaby, Experiencing God Day-By-Day.
Surprise! Here are a few thoughts from todays devotion...
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 09, 2008
Encounters with God
'But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. (Acts 26:16)
God was working in your life long before you began working with Him. The Lord knew you before time began, and He knew what He wanted to do with your life (Jer. 1:5; Ps. 139:13)...
Our Lord does not come to us to discover what we would like to accomplish for Him. He encounters us in order to reveal His activity and invite us to become involved in His work....When God shows us what He is doing, He invites us to join Him in the work He is doing.
Are you prepared to meet God today? Don’t seek to hear from God unless you are ready to ask, as Paul did, “What shall I do Lord?” Read the whole devotional at: http://www.blackaby.org/devarchive.asp
How appropriate as I prepare for the Council leadership retreat at church this morning. It is our first meeting as team and I always look forward to what God is doing or going to do at such a gathering. We had a great retreat and it is going to be a very strong leadership team. Again it's like we have been given a bunch of Christmas presents and now we have the privilege and honor to open each one and be blessed by what God has given us. They will be full of surprises as they and we discover how their giftedness fits into the leading of our church family.
Snow and cold....burrrrr...No Surprise! Surprise...Sunshine!! NO MATTER HOW COLD IT IS, IF THE SUN IS SHINING IT'S NOT THAT BAD...ya right.
One surprise of sorts was when I said that today was Day 4 of the journey. One of our council members said it was Day 3 for them because they didn't know about the journey until Ash Wednesday. It doesn't matter when you start or started...we are on a 30 day journey praying the 3 word prayer and making note of the surprise encounters with God at work in and around us...so no matter what day it is for you keep your eyes open and be ready for God sightings in your life. (PS...I have found that if I read the chapter of the day I am on currently...it amazes me how Terry's thoughts and reflections are surprising in light of my own as go through the journey...just a thougth)
Pastor T
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Surprise me god.
God gives me surprises almost everyday. But most days I am so busy thinking about other things that I don't really pay attention the surprises. When I wake up in the morning the first thing that I think about typically isn't "what does God have in store for me today?" But, during this lent season, that is going to be my goal. To wake up and think that. And then maybe throughout the day I can be able to see the things that God does for me and how he surprises me every singal day. So I am going to keep track of those surprises with this blog for the rest of this lent season. I encourage you to do the same.
~Kelsey Kimball
~Kelsey Kimball
From Tom Heinrich, Sat Feb 9, 2008
Well, I've been doing good with my Surprise me God prayer in the morning. The first morning (Thursday) I didn't remember until I made it downstairs for a cup of coffee. But then again, it was 4:30 in the morning! I told Connie to get me up when she got up for work (yes, she gets up at 4:00 am everyday) and so I was still wiping the sandman out of my eyes. So my prayer didn't get asked until I hit the coffee pot. "Surprise me God".
Off I trundled to work to hit the fitness center and then get an early start to the day. No surprises on the treadmill, I still struggled to get to 3 miles!
Friday I did remember my prayer before my feet hit the floor. "Surprise me God." I found myself repeating this simple little mantra several times in the day. It helped me to keep things in focus and remember that there are bigger things than the minute by minute struggles of the work day.
Saturday, with the weather going from soft gentle snow flakes to heavy wet snow to blowing heavy wet snow to bone chilling wind whipping now frozen sharp snow I think my "Surprise me God" prayer took on a bit of sarcasum, like, "Okay, what's next?" God, maybe in His answer to my smart-alecky tone, decided to do just that: the sun popped out! I thanked Him, we smiled, the day goes on. Thanks God. Tom
Off I trundled to work to hit the fitness center and then get an early start to the day. No surprises on the treadmill, I still struggled to get to 3 miles!
Friday I did remember my prayer before my feet hit the floor. "Surprise me God." I found myself repeating this simple little mantra several times in the day. It helped me to keep things in focus and remember that there are bigger things than the minute by minute struggles of the work day.
Saturday, with the weather going from soft gentle snow flakes to heavy wet snow to blowing heavy wet snow to bone chilling wind whipping now frozen sharp snow I think my "Surprise me God" prayer took on a bit of sarcasum, like, "Okay, what's next?" God, maybe in His answer to my smart-alecky tone, decided to do just that: the sun popped out! I thanked Him, we smiled, the day goes on. Thanks God. Tom
Day 2 and 3
Oh how the days fly by and we forget to notice even the very simple surprises God gives us. As I reflect back on the past two days, which seem a blurr, I remember many simple things, a smile, a warm hug and having a nice conversation with a co-worker whom I haven't had time to converse with for some time.
This Surprise me God idea is awesome. It has given me a sense of inner peace, after I say my small prayer in the morning, I smile. I am again amazed how God lifts us up each day even after such a simple request. I am constantly learning how God carries me through each and every day, with out me even noticing. So now with this small daily prayer I am starting to become uniquely aware of the simple things, and saying thanks. I ask why do we think that a suprise has to be grand.....?
One more nice surprise was attending the Preachers in sneakers game last night after the Timberwolves game.....Luke is a great player! Gods peace Sue
This Surprise me God idea is awesome. It has given me a sense of inner peace, after I say my small prayer in the morning, I smile. I am again amazed how God lifts us up each day even after such a simple request. I am constantly learning how God carries me through each and every day, with out me even noticing. So now with this small daily prayer I am starting to become uniquely aware of the simple things, and saying thanks. I ask why do we think that a suprise has to be grand.....?
One more nice surprise was attending the Preachers in sneakers game last night after the Timberwolves game.....Luke is a great player! Gods peace Sue
On Thursday, my father was admitted to Hospice. During his admittal, we found out he has melanoma skin cancer that has spread through his body. This was shocking news for all of us and we were stunned by how quickly he was detiorating.
I had a hard time finding God's suprise on Thursday. I'm confident he will forgive me for being blind for a day.
Friday I said my prayer again. I snuck in a quick "make it better than yesterday, OK?". Yes, I realize this is NOT what the program is about, but I was feeling a little cynical.
I went to the hospital, expecting the worst. Instead, I found my father sitting up and he smiled when I walked in the door. He can no longer speak, but is communicating periodically with facial expressions: huge eyes when offered ice cream or tapioca pudding; puckered face when offered diced mushrooms; the stink eye when his four children started a fight after it was suggested that someone had cheated during a game of cribbage.
As I left the hospital, I thought about how wonderful it was to see some life in my father today but still felt this immense sadness over the challenge of the coming days. The elevator then stopped on floor three (the baby floor!). A man stepped on and said "We're a big group". Three women, two babies, four children and three teenagers stepped on, every one of them laughing and giggling with joy. One of the boys turned to me and exclaimed "We just had a baby!!!". Everyone laughed with excitement and started chatting.
As I got in the car, I realized my heart felt light. I had been surprised with a great day with my father. I had time with my siblings that I do not normally get. I was reminded that families will stick together through all things, both sadness and joy.
My day was full of great surprises. I can't wait to see what today brings.
Jill Schuerman
I had a hard time finding God's suprise on Thursday. I'm confident he will forgive me for being blind for a day.
Friday I said my prayer again. I snuck in a quick "make it better than yesterday, OK?". Yes, I realize this is NOT what the program is about, but I was feeling a little cynical.
I went to the hospital, expecting the worst. Instead, I found my father sitting up and he smiled when I walked in the door. He can no longer speak, but is communicating periodically with facial expressions: huge eyes when offered ice cream or tapioca pudding; puckered face when offered diced mushrooms; the stink eye when his four children started a fight after it was suggested that someone had cheated during a game of cribbage.
As I left the hospital, I thought about how wonderful it was to see some life in my father today but still felt this immense sadness over the challenge of the coming days. The elevator then stopped on floor three (the baby floor!). A man stepped on and said "We're a big group". Three women, two babies, four children and three teenagers stepped on, every one of them laughing and giggling with joy. One of the boys turned to me and exclaimed "We just had a baby!!!". Everyone laughed with excitement and started chatting.
As I got in the car, I realized my heart felt light. I had been surprised with a great day with my father. I had time with my siblings that I do not normally get. I was reminded that families will stick together through all things, both sadness and joy.
My day was full of great surprises. I can't wait to see what today brings.
Jill Schuerman
Friday, February 8, 2008
Day 3 Phone Call Day
It has been a good day full of phone calls.
First Call: Don't forget to watch Nicholas on the Today Show! I baptized Nicholas and it was such joy to see him walk upright and just about run on to the set where Matt L. was sitting with Nicholas' family. What a surprise...God can use a terrible disease that disfigures a little body from birth to put tears in my eyes again at 8 am in the morning. I was moved deeply by Nicholas' spirit and humor. God is going to surprise us all with what Nicholas is going to do in the years to come. His great grandmother and great grandfather were missionaries in the Lutheran church. He comes from a faith filled family and his strength comes from Jesus' Spirit in him. Surprise 'em all Nicholas!
Mid-morning phone call: Matt and Andrea are getting married today in Estes Park, CO...what a surprise...didn't expect it but happy for them. It is a second marriage for both and they are a great match. We've been praying for them for some time and guess God has answered our prayers with a surprise.
Mid-afternoon call: It was Mary S. and Ms "B" reporting that Steven Chase was crowned Snow King! What a neat call...way to go, Steven!!
Moments later another call: Craig and Katie R are homeowners!!! We prayed hard since Wednesday when it looked like the wheels were coming off the cart...God surprised us again...
I have often wondered that when we pray and God's answer is favorable...why are we surprised...we did pray...we did ask. If the answer is not favorable in our perception...why are we are not surprised and say well prayer doesn't make any difference...why pray?
I am in awe of how God is working all the time in our midst and it only takes a few minutes a day to recall all the events of the day, in light of God's presence, to recognize a possible God Sighting.
Thank you Jesus for this day of many happenings. Give me eyes to see so I may not miss a one.
Pastor T
First Call: Don't forget to watch Nicholas on the Today Show! I baptized Nicholas and it was such joy to see him walk upright and just about run on to the set where Matt L. was sitting with Nicholas' family. What a surprise...God can use a terrible disease that disfigures a little body from birth to put tears in my eyes again at 8 am in the morning. I was moved deeply by Nicholas' spirit and humor. God is going to surprise us all with what Nicholas is going to do in the years to come. His great grandmother and great grandfather were missionaries in the Lutheran church. He comes from a faith filled family and his strength comes from Jesus' Spirit in him. Surprise 'em all Nicholas!
Mid-morning phone call: Matt and Andrea are getting married today in Estes Park, CO...what a surprise...didn't expect it but happy for them. It is a second marriage for both and they are a great match. We've been praying for them for some time and guess God has answered our prayers with a surprise.
Mid-afternoon call: It was Mary S. and Ms "B" reporting that Steven Chase was crowned Snow King! What a neat call...way to go, Steven!!
Moments later another call: Craig and Katie R are homeowners!!! We prayed hard since Wednesday when it looked like the wheels were coming off the cart...God surprised us again...
I have often wondered that when we pray and God's answer is favorable...why are we surprised...we did pray...we did ask. If the answer is not favorable in our perception...why are we are not surprised and say well prayer doesn't make any difference...why pray?
I am in awe of how God is working all the time in our midst and it only takes a few minutes a day to recall all the events of the day, in light of God's presence, to recognize a possible God Sighting.
Thank you Jesus for this day of many happenings. Give me eyes to see so I may not miss a one.
Pastor T
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Big and Little
My first day of the experiment started yesterday.
I woke up and as an appology my mom had made me breakfast. That was a nice start to my day, but then SUPRISE, I started fighting with my brother.
I got an A on two of my tests. That was a pleasant suprise.
The day was starting to wear down, and as I was contemplating what my suprises of the day were I got a text from one of my friends. This lead to a phone call, and it was a really personal, great conversation. Getting this close and honest with someone was deffinately my suprise for the day. It really brought our relationship a lot closer together.
Then today. I overslept and had five minutes to get ready. Now I'm not a high maintenence girl, but wow, that was a stretch. Its just been a long, stressful day full of family issues are arguments. Maybe I'm just not realizing it yet, or maybe my suprise will come later.
If nothing else, I have faith to assume God is prodding me along.
But I think that we get suprises on different levels. One day it might be subtle things that you take for granted. The next you might acknowledge some of them, but they are really no big deal. Then, there's the big things. Those slap you in the face suprises, and even just writing this I've kind of realized they may not all be good, but that's another leap of faith I have to take. I have to assume that everything will turn out.
So I'm ready God. Surprise me.
Jackie Winters
I woke up and as an appology my mom had made me breakfast. That was a nice start to my day, but then SUPRISE, I started fighting with my brother.
I got an A on two of my tests. That was a pleasant suprise.
The day was starting to wear down, and as I was contemplating what my suprises of the day were I got a text from one of my friends. This lead to a phone call, and it was a really personal, great conversation. Getting this close and honest with someone was deffinately my suprise for the day. It really brought our relationship a lot closer together.
Then today. I overslept and had five minutes to get ready. Now I'm not a high maintenence girl, but wow, that was a stretch. Its just been a long, stressful day full of family issues are arguments. Maybe I'm just not realizing it yet, or maybe my suprise will come later.
If nothing else, I have faith to assume God is prodding me along.
But I think that we get suprises on different levels. One day it might be subtle things that you take for granted. The next you might acknowledge some of them, but they are really no big deal. Then, there's the big things. Those slap you in the face suprises, and even just writing this I've kind of realized they may not all be good, but that's another leap of faith I have to take. I have to assume that everything will turn out.
So I'm ready God. Surprise me.
Jackie Winters
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