I was asked to give a message at one of the evening worships at our Time For God Big Conference last week. I didn’t hesitate in saying yes; after all, I just spent a ton of money (sum not to be disclosed) on a Communication/Religion degree from Capital. Might as well apply my abilities to communicate religion! I received a generous and motivating response from my peers at the conference. Here it is for my fans at home. Especially Rev. William B. Diehm…this one’s for you!!
My dad is a fisherman by hobby and a Lutheran pastor by occupation. Faith as it relates to fish has been a big part of my Christian life. I always knew the biblical fish stories well. I’m also pretty familiar with fish trinkets suitable for fishing pastors on the Christian bookstore market. I’ve experienced being in church when I’d rather not be AND being out on the lake in my dad’s boat when I’d rather not be. I secretly enjoyed the latter so much I became quite the daddy’s little fish skinner/cleaner.
I’ve always paid most attention to the idea of being “fishers of men.” It was always such a crazy thing to imagine as a kid….casting off, feeling a huge bite, and reeling in a human. I now can acknowledge and appreciate my dad as the amazing fisher of men he is; an inviting and compelling pastor who has amazing gifts and talents in ministering to people. At this stage in my life, another part of today’s text stood out to me.
In Matthew it says that, “the disciples left the boat and their father and followed him.”
I actually became teary-eyed when I read this text. I cried because I am a naturally emotional person but also because this image is a very significant part of my year. Through this experience, I am fairly certain of one thing….
This TFG year is about me leaving my boat.
My “boat” is all the things I leave behind this year. I am leaving behind family, friends, my accomplishments, my American culture, my daily routine, expectations, other possible plans and much, much, more.
As I consider what it might mean for each of you to make the commitment to be a TFG volunteer I ask you- What are the "boats” you are leaving behind to follow God and say “yes” to this year?
Relationships with others are a large part of what I leave behind. I also have made another discovery about this year. One particular “boat” in my life is my university education. I worked hard for 4 years and I graduated last May. I am proud of my achievements, and my education remains important but it doesn’t really matter to the young people that come to SPEC.
The teenagers I work with at SPEC care more about my abilities to listen, laugh, play games, stay up late, enjoy their company…all things I can do. Oh and they also like my American accent!
Through it all, we must be reminded that leaving our boats behind is a commitment much larger than ourselves. A commitment that is worth it. No matter how challenging, scary, frustrating, or lonely it is to leave our homes behind. No matter how much you might want to curl up on the floor and cry at times….
There is no situation, struggle, joy, place (or placement) that is beyond the loving reach of God. Just as the first disciples hesitated, saying “yes” might still continue to feel difficult at times through this year and throughout our lives. I hope the commitment you made this year is fulfilling. I pray we all can find the light of Christ in a variety of ways this year, both expected and unexpected. Know that the love and grace of God will be with you as we all continue the journey and say “yes” to the call. May you find it was well worth leaving your boats for!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Some Mail and Some Games
I am about to fuse together two completely different trains of thought. Consider it a 2 for 1 deal after my lack of blogging over the past month or so. Everyone loves a Twofer!!
First off. I’d like to share a little story of my week. My pigeon hole (mailbox) at SPEC has 2 primary functions. It serves as a place where Mags (our office lady) puts mail addressed to me. It also serves as a general storage area for random junk. (I work in the main SPEC building but live in another one next door.)
I’ll be honest in saying that the latter of those two functions is the more popular. Beyond the monthly bank statement or an occasional note from a fellow volunteer, mail I receive is pretty few and far between……until January hit. This rush of mail SHOULD have hit in December. Why I am just NOW receiving a letter Stefan addressed the 14th of December is beyond me. But I don’t care. Between my mom, Gretchen, Stefan, Nikki, and the Zauggs, I think I got a total of 7 birthday/Christmas cards!! (most arriving when I got back in January by no fault of my loving relatives). How awesome is that!
On to my story of this week---- my birthday card from Stefan arrived this week. As I tore it open and found that he included a Sheetz magnet, I began to cry. A lot. I don’t think I EVER have gotten a birthday card from my brother. And just like reading my other cards, there is something special about my family’s handwriting. Its script I don’t see that often, and its surprisingly comforting. All my cards (including ones from Connie P. and Stephani!) are now hung proudly on my wall. Thanks to those who bombarded me with cards this season. I am thankful…through my tears!
TOPIC CHANGE!!
I’d just like to give another shout out to Sue A. Diehm. There is no doubt in my mind that Sue Diehm (and her Outdoor Recreation Bachelors degree…haha) instilled in me a love of games that remains central in my life. I bring this up because I was reminded of a very simple fact this weekend on retreat. Board games, card games, outdoor games, puzzles etc. have a way of bringing people together. Maybe my love for gaming makes me a little biased- but I really think its true. Even if sitting down and playing a board game wouldn’t be your dream Friday evening, most people at least have enough of a competitive nature to get sucked into playing. This weekend I brought out SET and Bananagrams (speed scrabble) and rounded up a nice little congregation of 13 yr olds who really enjoyed playing. We had so much fun!! (I finally found a really good way to explain SET!!) It felt like a Sunday or Friday evening at Camp Luther.
I like to think that the stakes are a lot less when playing a card/board game compared to a sport. People are not as likely to turn beat red with embarrassment or not try for fear of failure. Of course, that is coming from a gal with little to no athletic bones in her body…but with a gaming-spirit that was fostered from a young age! I’ve come a long way from Racko, Disney Yahtzee, Labyrinth, and Discovery Toys games. I’m taking my love-of-games international- with flourishing results!
(I’d like to conclude by saying that if you are my friend and get married in the next few
years, your wedding gift may or may not include 2 wooden-boxed classic board games.
You’re welcome.)
My 23rd Birthday scene. Complete with Bananagrams.
First off. I’d like to share a little story of my week. My pigeon hole (mailbox) at SPEC has 2 primary functions. It serves as a place where Mags (our office lady) puts mail addressed to me. It also serves as a general storage area for random junk. (I work in the main SPEC building but live in another one next door.)
I’ll be honest in saying that the latter of those two functions is the more popular. Beyond the monthly bank statement or an occasional note from a fellow volunteer, mail I receive is pretty few and far between……until January hit. This rush of mail SHOULD have hit in December. Why I am just NOW receiving a letter Stefan addressed the 14th of December is beyond me. But I don’t care. Between my mom, Gretchen, Stefan, Nikki, and the Zauggs, I think I got a total of 7 birthday/Christmas cards!! (most arriving when I got back in January by no fault of my loving relatives). How awesome is that!
On to my story of this week---- my birthday card from Stefan arrived this week. As I tore it open and found that he included a Sheetz magnet, I began to cry. A lot. I don’t think I EVER have gotten a birthday card from my brother. And just like reading my other cards, there is something special about my family’s handwriting. Its script I don’t see that often, and its surprisingly comforting. All my cards (including ones from Connie P. and Stephani!) are now hung proudly on my wall. Thanks to those who bombarded me with cards this season. I am thankful…through my tears!
TOPIC CHANGE!!
I’d just like to give another shout out to Sue A. Diehm. There is no doubt in my mind that Sue Diehm (and her Outdoor Recreation Bachelors degree…haha) instilled in me a love of games that remains central in my life. I bring this up because I was reminded of a very simple fact this weekend on retreat. Board games, card games, outdoor games, puzzles etc. have a way of bringing people together. Maybe my love for gaming makes me a little biased- but I really think its true. Even if sitting down and playing a board game wouldn’t be your dream Friday evening, most people at least have enough of a competitive nature to get sucked into playing. This weekend I brought out SET and Bananagrams (speed scrabble) and rounded up a nice little congregation of 13 yr olds who really enjoyed playing. We had so much fun!! (I finally found a really good way to explain SET!!) It felt like a Sunday or Friday evening at Camp Luther.
I like to think that the stakes are a lot less when playing a card/board game compared to a sport. People are not as likely to turn beat red with embarrassment or not try for fear of failure. Of course, that is coming from a gal with little to no athletic bones in her body…but with a gaming-spirit that was fostered from a young age! I’ve come a long way from Racko, Disney Yahtzee, Labyrinth, and Discovery Toys games. I’m taking my love-of-games international- with flourishing results!
(I’d like to conclude by saying that if you are my friend and get married in the next few
years, your wedding gift may or may not include 2 wooden-boxed classic board games.
You’re welcome.)
My 23rd Birthday scene. Complete with Bananagrams.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Recruitment Season!
My reasons behind sharing this information are threefold:
1. I believe in this program!
2. This is my first January in 3 years I won't be recruiting girls for Pi Phi Epsilon. My recruitment skills would become rusty if I didn't do this!
3. I forgot to add this little blurb in my January newsletter!
If you know any ELCA Lutheran between the age of 19-29 currently scratching their head, looking dumbfounded, or freaking out about what to do with their lives next...might I suggest this little 'ole program for which I'm a current participant?
http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Global-Mission/Engage-in-Global-Mission/Global-Service/Basics-of-Global-Service/Young-Adults.aspx
That's a lot of the information you need to know. I got started with the initial application process right around this time last year. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or be a YAGM mentor to anyone you know who might consider applying.
I will conclude in saying that I have always considered myself in amazing hands with the Global Mission program. Everything from the application process, Discernment weekend, raising funds, orientation, paperwork--- I don't think you'll find a better abroad-service-year organization out there!
That's all from me now. If you are one of few folks who read this blog but aren't currently on my monthly newsletter list, please send me your email and you'll be a subscriber!
Shining my light,
Marta
1. I believe in this program!
2. This is my first January in 3 years I won't be recruiting girls for Pi Phi Epsilon. My recruitment skills would become rusty if I didn't do this!
3. I forgot to add this little blurb in my January newsletter!
If you know any ELCA Lutheran between the age of 19-29 currently scratching their head, looking dumbfounded, or freaking out about what to do with their lives next...might I suggest this little 'ole program for which I'm a current participant?
http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Global-Mission/Engage-in-Global-Mission/Global-Service/Basics-of-Global-Service/Young-Adults.aspx
That's a lot of the information you need to know. I got started with the initial application process right around this time last year. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or be a YAGM mentor to anyone you know who might consider applying.
I will conclude in saying that I have always considered myself in amazing hands with the Global Mission program. Everything from the application process, Discernment weekend, raising funds, orientation, paperwork--- I don't think you'll find a better abroad-service-year organization out there!
That's all from me now. If you are one of few folks who read this blog but aren't currently on my monthly newsletter list, please send me your email and you'll be a subscriber!
Shining my light,
Marta
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