Why Maundy Thursday is a favorite of mine....

I just love Maundy Thursday.  It is not a very well known or much celebrated day, but for us Lutherans, it is always a part of the Easter Season.  It was the celebration of the Last Supper - a way to remember the beginning of our Communion services - the time when Jesus and his disciples celebrated Passover together.  It was also the night that Jesus was betrayed and arrested.  This was all enough for me to appreciate those church services on Maundy Thursday.  For me it was a time to feel especially close to those first disciples, and to Jesus. 

Then about 20 years ago, I had two experiences that changed everything for me about Maundy Thursday.  The first was a presentation by a man from "Jews for Jesus".  He celebrated a Passover Seder with us and revealed Jesus in the celebration.  It was really an eye opening time with the realization of the connection between this Jewish festival and our Communion.  The second experience was the Maundy Thursday just a few days after that Passover meal, that included everyone sitting at tables and eating a meal together.  Then the Pastors washed the feet of each of us
Later in that service, everyone was called to come up and join together as we took Communion together, all standing around the altar (which was truly a "Communion Table").  The words in the Bible describing the Last Supper became real to me that night.  I have longed for that experience again on each Maundy Thursday since then. 

Maundy Thursday came this year.  It was particularly special because Zeke had decided to take his First Communion at that service. 

Gwen and Tim's church is a wonderful mix of things that make it Lutheran, yet relevant and attractive to young and old alike.  They do Maundy Thursday beginning with everyone sitting at tables, with bread and wine, grapes and juice as the center.  Those who have decided to make this their first Communion are called to the front and asked to share why they have made this choice.  I loved the variety of testimonies shared.  One young man shared that he wanted to make this HIS faith rather than just his parents.  Another shared the desire to be closer to Jesus.  One girl talked about getting strength from Communion.  Among other things, Zeke shared that he wanted to be a disciple of Jesus.  So many personal reasons, shared publicly with their church family.  

The Pastor told the story of the Last Supper and talked about the fellowship that happened that night around that table.    Psalm 51 was shared. There was time for prayer.  Then the oldest person at each table - and that was clearly me - passed the bread and the wine (juice) to everyone at the table.  Really a wonderful way to remember why Communion is such an important part of our faith - something that has been celebrated for centuries.  It was for me, a reminder of that service long ago.

I am so thankful that I got to be a part of such an important event for Zeke.  Gwen and Tim have done a wonderful job of making their faith real everyday.  That has translated well for their children.  I love seeing these important milestones being passed down to the next generation.  Most of all, I am so thankful that my grandchildren will grow up knowing and experiencing what Maundy Thursday is really all about, and knowing Jesus personally.  

Jesus, thank you for leaving us this life-giving meal.  Holy Spirit remind us that fellowship, eating together and caring for each other are all part of God's plan.  Give us the courage to slow down and take the time to sit and talk and share with others.  Thank you for Fellowship of Faith church and the messages that are shared.  Jesus, bless these young people who boldly shared their faith, with your presence and power.  Thank you Lord for family.  Amen

Doesn't seem possible that it was 34 years ago.....

I can tell you exactly where I was 34 years ago today, and exactly what I was doing.  It was one of my first days back at my full time job and as a manager, I was meeting with all of my workers to catch up on all the new developments around the office.  I had missed VERY MUCH work over the previous 6 months - spending most of my time away from work in the hospital with Doug.  Just before his third birthday he had a kidney removed (February 15) and then both Gwen and Doug had gotten Chicken Pox.   Ken and I had used up most of our vacation time.  Thankfully, both of our employers had been gracious about the amount of time off we had needed to use.  The 19th was a Thursday that year and I had been off the beginning of the week to travel to Minnesota to see my Dad, who had been very sick for many months.  I remember getting off of the phone with my mom the week before, and she had simply said, "you need to come now to see Dad".  So I took off  MORE time from work.  I am so thankful that I did. I had a chance to see my dad and say good bye.  I got to hug my mom and see my siblings. It was necessary.  Three days later,  on this day, during that meeting, I got a phone call from my mom telling me that my dad had just died.  While it was not unexpected, nothing can really prepare you for that news.  I remember that I just immediately went into the mode of trying to figure out all the logistics to get my family to Minnesota to be with my mom. 

This picture was taken at the funeral home on the evening of the visitation.  Doug was just 3 years old and Gwen was just shy of 6 years old.  I was only 30.  At the time, I did not understand just how much I would miss my dad. My dad had a special relationship with Ken and I know that Ken also felt the loss of my dad.  Sadly, neither Gwen or Doug has many memories of my dad.  Our life was so caught up in Doug's health issues and my dad had so many health issues during those same years.  It was not uncommon for my mom and I to have phone conversations from one hospital in Illinois to another hospital in Minnesota.  So we really didn't see them enough to make memories with the kids.  

I am not sure whether it was Doug's illness or my dad's illness and death that was the trigger.  But I am so thankful that these events stirred in me a desire to draw closer to Jesus.  It was shortly after this  that I began going to a Prayer Group offered at my church.  And then I joined a Sunday morning Bible Study.   Because of those groups, my entire outlook changed and all of the Sunday school lessons and sermons I had heard, suddenly became real to me.  Jesus became real to me.  Within a few years, I found a way to only work during school hours so that I could spend more time with my kids.  I left a career that was cut-throat and actually stressful, and even got fired from the last position I had in the field, BECAUSE I was a Christian! (There is a long story with this that will need to be told in another future blog).  Following that, I became a church secretary.  Something I did for the next 19 years!  So it is safe to say, my dad's death had a profound effect on my life.  

It is fitting that today is Good Friday.  It is a day that is marked with the separation of God the Father from Jesus his Son.  And because of that sacrifice - that time of darkness, we all are no longer kept away from God.  What a great gift we were given at the cross.  We all can come to God because of what Jesus did on the cross for us.  Even when we so far away in our sins, Jesus died for us.  Because of Good Friday, I can celebrate knowing that I will see my dad again one day in heaven.  

It is so easy to tell people to realize the importance of family and making memories together.  But on a day like today, I can't help but urge you again to put aside anything that might be causing conflict in your family.  Life is so short!  Time is so valuable.  Don't miss out on today, because tomorrow is not promised to any one of us.   Make this Easter season a time of reconciliation.  A time of forgiveness and joy.  Hug someone close to you and tell them how important they are to you.  And celebrate that Jesus is alive!

Thank you Jesus for your great sacrifice on the cross for us.  Holy Spirit, come near to those who have doubts that God cares for them.  Bring the message of Easter alive to those who might be hearing it for the first time.  Give us all ears to hear you speaking to us Jesus.  And give us courage and boldness to break down the walls that might be keeping us from family and friends.  Thank you for being with us in times of illness, death and grief.  Amen

National Sibling Day.....

I have seen so many posts today about National Sibling Day and I was trying to figure out exactly what I wanted to share about my siblings!  I decided to share this photo since it clearly shows the wide age spacing of my siblings.  This was Christmas 1955 and I am that little 15 month old sitting on the stool.  This photo was also taken at a house that the rest of my siblings would say was their "childhood" home.  I, on the other hand, really don't have any memories of this house since we moved when I was just 3 years old.  The house, in Watertown, South Dakota, is now gone and the lot is the current Post Office.   I never got to visit that house to try to recall memories, but I am thankful for the many stories shared by my mom and siblings.  So I feel as if I "know" that house. 

If I had to list first "childhood memories" of my siblings it might look something like this....

Karen - my first real memories of Karen are preparing for her wedding.  I was in Kindergarten and it seemed very exciting to me.  She had moved back home from college and she had lots of really amazing jewelry. 

Jerry -  my first memory of Jerry is his Ham radio set up in the basement of our home when I was 6 years old. He had post cards around a world map from people he had talked to all over the world. 

Julie -  I remember her "room" in an upstairs hallway when I was 4 years old.  She had pictures of horses all over the wall.  And she had a special doll that I was not allowed to touch!

Greg -  He was a cub scout and my mom was the pack leader.  I went with on many trips to the hobby store and also on the many field trips they took.  I remember the blue and gold banquet when I was 4.

I was thinking about the last time that we spent any time together. It was in 2005....

and it was for mom's 90th birthday.  It is really a shame, that as adults we did not purpose to spend more time together.  I often only saw my siblings while visiting my mom!  Being busy with our own families, living far away from each other seem like just silly excuses now.  Sadly, my sister Karen died in 2007.   And truthfully, I haven't seen my brother Greg since mom's funeral in 2011 and I last saw Jerry in 2011 at Doug and Susie's wedding. I also saw my sister Karen's husband, Roy, at their wedding.   I saw Julie at the wedding of one of her granddaughters in 2015.  So there you have it.... weddings and funerals.  The only time that we have managed to get together. 

I am always kind of envious when I hear my friends talk about being together with their siblings.  As a matter of fact, one of my good friends and her sister are part of my small group!  It would be nice to be able to have an impromptu gathering that included my siblings.  I am most sad that my siblings really don't know my children or grandchildren very well.  They have only spent a limited amount of time with them.  And it makes me sad to think that Lia and Ellie can not learn how to make Lefse from Karen.  Or that Doug never got to talk with Jerry about Ham radio. (Doug actually had his Ham license when he was in middle school!)  If Julie lived closer, she might be able to help Ellie learn how to sew.  Zeke has the potential to be some kind of engineer and I know he would love talking with Greg and Jerry or Roy.   And I am sad that I never had the chance to be really close with any of my nieces (no nephews- Doug was the only Grandson) and their children.  Certainly a hazard of the times.

So when people ask me if I am "close" with my siblings, I have to say no.... not really.  I am glad that Julie and I keep in touch via facebook and phone.  But again, I miss having her just across town. Or even in the same state!   I am feeling  blessed that I spent many hours listening to my mom share her stories of each of my siblings. I am also thankful that I did spend some time with each of them as an adult. 

So on National Sibling Day, I am feeling blessed to be a part of the family that God gave me.  While my situation may seem very different than yours, I know that there is a plan and purpose for the exact family that I have.  While I may not have a traditionally close relationship with my siblings, I know that there is a common heritage in each of us.  Our lives may look very different, we may live in different states and have very different likes and dislikes, but we are connected to each other.  Our shared ancestry and the heritage and spiritual legacy that has been sown into our family, continue into the future. 

Jesus, thank you for my siblings and my mom and dad.  You had a plan for me that included the exact family I am in.  Holy Spirit, bring comfort to anyone that is missing their siblings.  Give us all those reminders to connect or reconnect with anyone that is distant from us.  Jesus help us to remember that each day may be our last chance to make amends or share love with someone.  Your plan was always for families to be an expression of your love for us.  Thank you for that great love.  Amen

A timeless instrument or two... a musical heritage

Yesterday I had one of those "moments" watching Grace sit at the organ, playing her own "song".  I just happened to glance up from my spot across the room, and suddenly I was remembering  pictures I have of that same instrument, from many years ago.

This picture is from 1976, just after Ken's dad purchased that organ.  I love that you can see a dulcimer hanging on the wall behind the organ in BOTH pictures!  Doug actually asked for the organ when Ken's dad was moving to Florida.  It has been in Doug and Susie's house, ever since. And the dulcimer hanging in Doug's house is one of the dulcimers that his Grandpa built.  

And then I was remembering this picture.  We actually have similar pictures over the years, of Doug sitting at that organ...

It is easy to see why that organ brings back so many memories for me.  Both of my kids looked forward to playing it when we visited Ken's mom and dad. 

Of course thinking about these pictures also took me down another thought path.  April is one of those months for me, that almost every day seems to hold a memory of the death of a special person.  My mom and dad and Ken's mom and dad, all died in April.  My sister died in April.  Two of my four grandparents died in April.  But today I was thinking about the wonderful heritage all of those people have sown into my family tree.  Ken's dad loved music and I know that he would be so pleased to see Grace enjoying his organ.  In his later years, he often told Ken and I how much he loved that both of our kids were involved in music.  My dad was also a musician and he would love that Gwen and Doug both play instruments and sing.  Some of my best memories of my dad are the (few) times that I witnessed him sitting at a piano playing and singing or playing some other instrument.  It is interesting that I am the only one of my siblings that did NOT ever play an instrument or sing in the choir.  I am very thankful that my kids from an early age, had musical talents.  I love that I am seeing that passed along with my grandkids.  Lia and Ellie are both playing the piano.  Zeke has expressed how much he wants to learn guitar (and drums).  Anna loves music and so does Grace.  Even though this "musical heritage" seemed to pass me by, I am thankful that it didn't stop with me!

For the rest of this month, I plan to find the wonderful heritage that each of these special people have left for me and for future generations.  I love that there is so much we can learn from our ancestors when we find their connections to our present life.  Sometimes you just have to stop and look for those ties that bring generations together. 

Suddenly April doesn't seem so dark and gloomy for me.  Even though it is the month of rain and more rain along with the reminder of lost loved ones.  I am going to use this time to find even more wonderful connections to my ancestors that will bring new revelations for our family..  I am very thankful that Grace decided she just had to play the organ.  I guess I needed that memory jog to start on this new adventure.  I can't wait to see what new things Jesus shows me as this month goes on. 

Jesus, thank you for opening my eyes to this connection between Grace, Doug and Ken's dad.  I love that Holy Spirit brings this reminders to us so that we can understand your plans for us that began with our ancestors.  Thank you for music and the joy and peace that settles our spirits as we play and listen and dance.   Amen