Delighting in the Little Things

I have been traveling so much lately that even my little gypsy spirit is longing for a sense of home.  In seasons like this in my life I try to remember that God brings delight in little things.  Lately for me, I have been taking great delight in flowers.  I get up and work out at 5:45am most Fridays and often do my grocery shopping at 7:00am after the gym.  Most Fridays at that time, they are clearing out their week stash of flowers making their displays ready for the weekends.  And guess what my local grocery store does with them?  Give them away!  I love it.  They almost always give me a thing of flowers with my purchases and I have come to love and look forward these bright additions to my Friday mornings.

Some of my recent flowers:

And I love that I get to use my vase.   I made this vase with two of my favorite young kids at paint your own pottery.  We surrounded it with the word love around the top and each of us made a flower with our thumbprints. 

 Love it! 

Open Eyes

I have been a bit negligent in posting my sermons from this summer! Sorry ;) Here is one for our sermon series at CTK. We are reading through the book of Nehemiah—that is in the Old Testament.  We are looking at the ways that Nehemiah lived open, allowing God to use him in mighty ways in the midst of risk to change a community. 

This sermon looks at Nehemiah 1&2 in which he is called to be apart of the restoration of Jerusalem.  The sermon is entitled “Open Eyes”

When I was a little girl I wanted glasses so badly.  I used to lie to the eye doctor. I would like to my teachers and say I couldn’t see the board so they would write a note to my parents encouraging them to take me to the doctors.  When I was in college, I even purchased fake glasses so that I would look smarter in class.  Each time I was given the same reply, you can see absolutely fine.  There is no need for glasses.  Several years later, my vision had worsened slightly and I now need glasses to see a far distance and for driving at night.  I joyfully picked out the long awaited pair knowing that I was finally going to see clearly—and look intelligent and trendy while doing it! 

Despite my obsession in my younger, and not so younger days, with physical sight and glasses, I know understand a much deeper reality to sight.  Many of us walk around each day seeing things.  We walk around aware that we are surrounded by trees and houses.  Some of us see colleagues daily, other see our kids as we drive them to and fro, others of us see never ending to-do lists—but how many of us see more than just the surface?  How often do you walk around a notice more than just the fact that a tree is there but see the deep ecology of our natural world and the overwhelming handiwork of God?  How often do look and see a people—not stories or children of God or potential—but people in our way, making us uncomfortable, challenging our way of life.  How often do we see only us and our scarcity instead of we and the abundance of God? The human answer is: Far too often. 

Far too often our eyes are seeing only the surface—and people of God—today and every day, God is calling us to look at the world with God’s eyes.  To see more than just people, trees and us and instead see God’s creative and redeeming work in the world. 

Throughout the next four weeks, as a congregation, we will be reading through the book of Nehemiah together.  Yes, it is a departure from our usual use of a lesson from each part of scripture.  Yet, Nehemiah only comes around once in our cycle of lessons and when it does, only one chapter is used.  Nehemiah holds such rich instruction for our life in community, especially our giving life.  Today, we explore how Nehemiah saw—and saw more than just his physical reality but saw God’s vision for him and his people. 

The book of Nehemiah is one that recalls the time of the Jewish people towards the end of exile.  For a variety of reasons, namely their own pride and hard heartedness, God allowed the Jewish people to be conquered by a foreign enemy and to be scattered.  They were sent far from their homeland, their buildings and temple were destroyed.  The very fabric of their life was torn apart, their earthly well-being now in the hands of bigger, bitter enemy.  Many of the Jewish people were taken and made slaves.  Nehemiah is no different. He has been separated from his people and made cup bearer to the king in the Persian province of Susa.  While serving in this role, he was visited by several men including Hananai.  Nehemiah asked about the state of Jerusalem.  The report was not good.  Things were laid bare, destroyed, beyond redemption.  Now Nehemiah hears this report with open ears and begins to see the situation with his spiritual eyes.   And he is better than most of us.  When we ask how things are going with people, we are often polite enough to listen to the answer, but not engaged enough to be bothered with it.  We nod, “sure, yes, I see.”  But do we allow the answers to such questions dwell deeper?  Do we only engage the world on the surface? 

If we are surface dwellers, our story would diverge from Nehemiah after a mere three verses.  If we are surface dwellers and see-ers, we would have quickly moved onto another topic that would make us more comfortable.  If we are surface dwellers, we would have turned off the difficult story on the news opting for a sitcom that makes us laugh and allows us to escape the harshness of deeply seeing. 

Yet, Nehemiah wasn’t a surface dweller.  He hears the report from Hanani and instead of embracing the easy of surface dwelling, he allows the news of what is happening in Jerusalem to dwell deeply.  And he takes it to God in prayer. 

Nehemiah is reminded in pray of God’s word to bring the Jewish people back together.  At this point, God’s spirit is working to open eyes and give him a vision for what is next. 

And that is what spiritual sight, deep seeing does…it gives us a vision that we can put into action.  For Nehemiah, we learn that the vision God gives him is to rebuild the city.  If we are honest, this moving to action part is why many of us don’t want to open our eyes to God in world—because God might just call us to do something.  We don’t want to hear about another teen bullied in the schools because we might just have to get involved with the bully.  We don’t want to hear about the most severe drought ever in the Horn of Africa that is leading to 3,000 people becoming refugees a day, because we might then have to examine our own family food intake and realize that we are hording.  We might just feel called to give up one dinner out a month and instead opt for leftovers so a donation can be made to ELCA disaster relief.  We don’t want to hear about our elderly population being abused because it might just move us to make space in our homes or busy schedules to care for our elderly. 

The reality is that if we are seeing the world with God’s eyes, it will be quickly followed by a vision and a call to action.  And our human nature is to trade the possible transformation for the comfort of being surface dwellers. 

Spoiler alert.  If we aren’t like Nehemiah and willing to see deeply, recognize need and allow God’s spirit to give us vision and action for a need, we will never see walls rebuilt, a city restore or people renewed as it was with Nehemiah. 

For our conversation about giving this fall, we chose the theme open.  It was deliberate because far too often we choose to close our eyes, our hands, our hearts and our wallets.  Closed living is comfortable. It requires no risk nor vision.  We don’t need to see deeply because we feel no need to be part of something more than the status quo.  Yet, when we are living open.  When we declare to God that we want to see more deeply, we are proclaiming to the world that despite the risk or the energy required, we want to be part of something greater than ourselves. 

And this is what Nehemiah does—he takes a risk—a big one that involved asking the king for protection and later for supplies because he knows that to be apart of what God is doing is what makes for a great life.  A great life is not marked by how cleanly and neatly we have protected ourselves but marked by how deeply we see the world around us, how clearly we see the spark of God in each person, how faithfully we live our God’s vision.

So where are you this morning? 

Are you sitting here thinking, “Yep. She nailed it. I have my eyes closed to the world around me, to where God could be working.”  Are you a surface dweller?  If you are in this category, you must ask God to move you.  Ask God to open your eyes.  Ask God to place you in situations that you can’t ignore the depth beyond.  But be prepared. If this becomes your prayer, God will move your heart towards something beyond yourself…yet, know as your are bold, you are not alone. 

Maybe you want to move beyond surface dwelling but have not had a Hanani moment, a moment where you have encountered someone or a message that has broken your heart like the news of Jerusalem has Nehemiah.  If this is you, make it your goal to be fully present this week.  When people share with you listen to them and engage their response.  Pray with the newspaper nearby.  Allow the stories to not merely be commentaries on the terrible condition of our world but ready each story asking God, “Where might your possibility take flight?” 

For those of you with concerns deep in your heart, don’t be afraid to begin the steps to realize the vision.  Talk to people of influence that can support you.  Inspect what needs to be done as Nehemiah did with the wall.  And continually be in conversation with God and reminded that it is not your vision but God’s.

And if you are currently living our God’s vision in an area of the world, keep at it.  God takes great delight in your faithfulness. 

So let us be a community that sees, a community that explores beyond the surface and allows the creative and redeeming work of God to work in such a way that all the world is touched by the rare, relentless love of God.   And people of God, let me tell you.  You don’t need to wait 28 years for glasses to see deeply.  God will give you all the vision you need. 

Another Weekend in Appalachia

Earlier in the month I had the privilege of traveling with members and friends of CTK to Guyan Valley, West Virginia to work on making homes warmer, safer and drier.  We worked with Appalachia Service Project (www.asphome.org).   

Our team was assigned to a house in need of a wheelchair ramp.  The father in the family has been recovering from several illnesses and is currently in rehab.  He cannot be released from rehab until the wheelchair is working.  So, we set to building the ramp.  I like to think that I was the trip’s manual labor.  Cameron, my old roommate went with, he was the brains.  Cam and another team member laid out the ramp—measuring, leveling, re-measuring.  Me? I dug holes.  We had to dig about sixteen holes to build the ramp and were able to dig them all in one day!  I did have to dig one hole that we didn’t use—we just called that my practice hole.  (I sound more chipper about this practice hole now, I didn't think it was so funny then).  The trip was an amazing experience and again, I am so thankful for the ways that God is using people to reach out and be tangible representations of God’s love in the world.

Teammates Pat and Maria cutting wood for the ramp. 

Jimmy leveling 

The ramp (note all the posts that needed holes!)

The ramp getting decking 

Our fearless leader Cameron 

We had to move the steps to the other side of the porch. 

 We wanted to make sure the ramp worked so Pat gave it a whirl.  

  

Making Room

Over the last six weeks, I have seen my best friend only from inside the walls of her room at UNC hospital.  After a difficult start to her pregnancy, we had hoped she was turning a corner.  Yet at 24 weeks, her baby girl named Lucy began acting up.  Lucy has been up to lots of shenanigans for the last six weeks that have kept my dear friend on bed rest.  I am not sure I ever understand how fully bed rest changes life.  It doesn’t mean just slowing down, it means stop.  Stop moving, stop making yourself a priority—simply rest so that your child will grow.  And my dear friend has done this with grace. 

I have always seen pregnancy as a beautiful journey of making room.  Expectant parents make room for their new child in their home often painting and preparing a nursery.  The woman’s body makes room as it expands to accommodate the child inside.  Despite its contrary appearance, bed rest is a room making practice as well. You aren’t doing anything, how can you make room? 

I have seen my dear friend make room in her schedule which was previously packed with long days and evening meetings to simply lay around.  My dear friend has made room on her priority list.  It is no longer dominated by her career-related vocational call but her new vocational call to be a parent.  Laying in bed, my dear friend has become so aware of her daughter’s movement.  She has made room in her own feelings to feel kicks of discomfort from the inside, to feel anxious heartbeats that are ready to meet the world now. 

Perhaps most significantly, I have seen my dear friend expand her capacity to choose another above herself.  We are a selfish people.  It is human nature.  We want comfort, ease and peacefulness.  This is often achieved at the cost of sacrificing someone else so that we can experience these fully.  Yet, on this journey of bed rest, I have seen my dear friend refuse to allow her selfishness win.  She has allowed medicine into her veins that will strengthen Lucy’s growing brain while it feels like molten lava moving through her body.  She has chosen to truly lay in bed and allow others to care for her so that she might care for Lucy.  I have seen what it looks like to sacrifice in action. 

And I am inspired.  I am inspired to make room in my own ways.  Even though I am not an expectant parent, we all are part of God’s new birth in creation each day.  Each day, God is bringing about new possibility, birthing new life.  So how are we making room?  How are we allowing God’s new life to be nourished and flourish in our lives?  Are we making room in our home, our schedules, our priority lists for God’s possibility to be birthed?  Are we willing to sacrifice our own notions of success, comfort and ease for the birth of something greater than ourselves?

I know full well that bed rest isn’t all roses, in fact, it is an ongoing collection of difficult moments. Yet, in this room-making practice, my dear friend is expanding in heart, mind (and her belly).  And because of the great love of her parents and their willingness to make Lucy a priority, soon and very soon, our community will welcome a beautiful baby girl into our lives. 

May our hearts continually make room for God’s new life.

danielle kathryn

A Moment at Camp with Middle School Boys

I have to admit. I don’t like Middle School boys. I feel like they are a foreign species that I just don’t get.  You will rarely find me volunteering to spend time with them and even less often seeking out opportunities for conversation with them.  This past Saturday, I traveled out to Camp Agape to hang out with out Middle Schoolers.  In my slightly changed position at Christ the King, I now am responsible for this lovely age group.  And so I set out to get to know them better.  And the boys didn’t surprise me.  They were laughing often to the side when instructions were given, they were playing with sticks and roughhousing. 

I joined our five MS boys at camp for an activity.  We were lined up along one-side a sand volley-ball court.  The court had been filled with small balls that were imaginary landmines.  There were blindfolds and the goal was to get across without stepping on a mine.  Me and this motley crew of MS boys took to the task.  They began to work together, to help each other across.  I am sad to report that I was the only that ran one of the kids into a landmine (Sorry, Stuart!).  I even allowed one of the 6^th grade boys to give me instructions across the court as I was blindfolded.  The activity continued fairly calmly and was well executed by these boys. 

After finishing the challenge, the boys gathered on picnic tables and a discussion began.  The counselor asked, “How does this resemble life?”  The boys didn’t hesitate, “You learn who you can trust and whose voice to follow.”  “Landmines are part of life, you have to have people help you navigate them.”  Then the counselor asked, “What does this have to do with our relationship with God?”  And it is here I had my moment with MS boys.  First, one of the boys compared it to Avatar. I couldn’t follow the comparison because I am not well-versed in Avatar lingo.  The boys began to excitedly agree.  The another sixth grade boy added, “It is like faith. We don’t have proof that God exists.  We just have to trust.  We have to trust that God is hoping for us to cross our path—even with landmines in the way—that is what faith it, isn’t it?” 

And so I owe an apology to all the MS boys out there.  In the midst of my doubts, you showed me that God just as active in the mind of a MS boy as in this 29-year old minister.   I am not ready to sign-up to a lead a MS retreat yet but I am certainly looking forward to more play and conversation. 

God’s love and mine,

danielle kathrym 

Consecration Anniversary

Today is the two year anniversary of my consecration as a Diaconal Minister in the ELCA.

Many things from that day stick in my mind like my dad almost winning the lottery! (He was one number off.  To this day, if you ask him what he remembers it is that). 

My pastor from Washington, DC made the journey to Cary to remind me that God calls us to live out Micah 6:8 to love mercy, do justice and walk humbly with God everyday (regardless of whether or not we are professional ministers or not!) 

On my consecration day, my parents gifted me with a towel.  The symbol for diaconal ministers is a basin and towel. The towel I was given was used at my baptism.  In that moment, when God claimed me as God’s child, I was wrapped in that towel and prayers were offered that I would live into my calling as a child of God faithfully and with boldness.  On my consecration day, my parents gave me the towel and said this, “Danielle, in the waters of Baptism, you were claimed by God and marked with the cross of Christ forever. You were baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and then wrapped in this towel.  You were handed back to us as we promised to raise you in the faith.  We present you your baptismal towel as a reminder of your baptism and symbol of your unfolding life in Christ.  May you use this towel to dry feet, to dry tears and reflect the goodness of God in this world.”

Then Bishop Bolick and partners in ministry from around the state (and DC!) gathered around, laid on hands and gave me a charge:

Danielle Kathryn Kosanovich serve the needy, care for the sick, comfort the distressed, and, through words and actions, witness faithfully to God's love for all people. Cross every barrier that stands between the church and its ministry in the world. Seek out those places where the gospel of Jesus Christ meets the world's need. Empower, equip, and support all the baptized in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Lead us all in proclaiming the gospel in witness and service. And be of good courage, for God has called you, and your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

This was the image used on the front of the
bulletin cover at my consecration

Each day, I remember I strive to live into this calling, this purpose that is greater than me and one that cannot be accomplished on my own.  This calling is odd, wondrous and beautiful.  Thank you for all who have supported me and continue to support me on my journey!  And so begins another year! 

Saying Goodbye to Cheryl

Last night I enjoyed the a meal in downtown at Gravy.  The food was great and the decor complete with large wooden spoon (see the photo).   Cheryl, I hope that you have a great move to Florida and rock it in graduate school!  Who am I going to watch football and hockey with? I am going to miss you! 

Remembering Walt

I spent most of the last two days working on a booklet and planning guide for members of our congregation to use when talking about end-of-life decisions and funerals/memorial services. I will post it when it is available as it is a conversation that we all need to have with our families.  People always ask if our focus on death is depressing.  For me, its not.  Helping people die well is one of the church’s greatest ministries.  In our culture many die alone and in sterile environments.  Deemed useless by the world years ago, these precious children are reminded as the church approaches death alongside them that they are vauled and truly the beloved of God. 

We recently lost an older gentleman in our congregation.  Lung cancer had been ravaging his body for months.  He struggled with the diagnosis and the idea of life coming to an end, and despite the best medical efforts he died. 

The week before Walt died, we had a healing service at Christ the King. This is the part of the service where we allow people to come and have their requests communally lifted up to God at prayer stations.  Others opt to simply share their prayer concerns through a card and the staff spends time praying for them over the next few weeks.  As the music was coming to a close, this gentleman walked over to me—frail and accompanied by oxygen—he came and looked at me.  He didn’t ask for a specific request. He simply laid his tired head on my shoulder, and wrapped his weaken arms around me.  We both cried as we asked that God would allow him to die with dignity, the God would provided even more meaningful time with his family.  We asked that healing would come according to God’s will—making space for healing to be in the next life to come.  We asked that God would give assurance of life everlasting and peace that passes all understanding to those who will grieve. 

A few days later, Walt was taken to the hospital.  I stopped into see him because it was his birthday.  I told him that Pastor Ray sent me to sing. I spared him the singing.  He talked about gardening and I saw him with three generations of his family gathered round with a balloon, magazines and a slice of cheesecake.  Just before leaving, he looked at me.  Something in my spirit knew it would be the last time.  He held my hand, pulled me close and kissed me gently on my cheek. He smiled and said, “Even though you didn’t. I’ll tell Pastor Ray you sang.” 

Henri Nouwen often writes that to die well is the greatest gift we can leave our loved ones.  In our culture that conditions us to choose isolation in our darkest moments, the church reminds us that we are not alone. We are gathered together in the Holy Spirit and with one another.  Let us allow the fear of death be unseated by the peace of God’s promises—forgiveness, shalom and everlasting life. 

danielle kathryn

My New Place

It’s Official.  After having rented my apartment for a month, I have finally slept in my new place for seven days (That is a good indication of how crazy this month has been). For as thankful as I am for my roommate, I love living on my own. I will admit the biggest change is the lack of cable and technology when it comes to entertainment but I suppose I will adjust (or breakdown and get cable!).  Here is a look at my new place. I could still use some end tables, desk chair, cookie sheet and a coffee table if you have any of these items to spare!   Sorry some of the pictures are the wrong direction. I uploaded them wrong and I am too tired to fix them! 

This is the view when you walk in the front door. Yes, I know I should have cleaned up before I took the picture but just roll with it!  Don’t you just love my area rug?  I think Jesus wanted me to have it because it was the exact colors I wanted and on clearance at Lowes.  (Jesus cares about my rug choice, right?) J

Here is my built-in bookcase.  Note the giant stereo.  Despite the compactness of an ipod dock, I can’t give it up!  The stereo was the first thing I bought with my own money when I went off to college over a decade ago. 

This is my little dining room.  The curtain is a Sari from Sri Lanka, the metal hangings are from Haiti, the table from my grandma and the vase I made with the kids I babysit.  If you come over for dinner, you will need to bring your own chair. I only have two J

Here’s the kitchen.  Many a chai latte will be made here. 

This is where I am planning on getting all my work done!  Will see.  Some how it feels like all I’ve done so far is stack papers.  

My room is still a work in progress, I get pictures soon!

Danielle 

Babies Galore!

I knew there would be a time in my life when babies were the thing!  Welcome to that time.  Two of the most wonderful women here in Cary as well as my sister-in-law are pregnant.  Although all of them have not had easy pregnancies (Ladies, I love how real you are about the swelling, nausea and people’s comments), but each of them are teaching me.  When I look at their lives I see hope and expectation.  I see room being made in their hearts and lives, even as they are making space in their bodies.  So for Laura, Erin and Jen, you are wonderful!  You are always in my prayers and I can’t wait to meet your little bundles of joy. 

"Loving God, thank you for the gift of life and for the hope of bringing all these new babies safely into this world. May You bless them and keep them, helping them to grow loving, strong, and healthy in Your love, now and always. Amen."

Sermon Writing

I am coming to the end of my longest run of sermon writing.  I have preached every week since mid-May and feared the amount of energy it would take to write something each week.  I was talking with a pastor who knows the demand of preaching every week.  I mentioned that I was worried and afraid I wouldn’t have anything original to say.  His response was compassionate and challenging, “You may not, but the Holy Spirit does.”  We talked about how with each sermon we have the opportunity to speak our words or God’s.  We can get on our soapbox or allow the scriptures to come alive.  I have not only learned the lessons of each sermon over the last two months, but the lesson of letting God speak and trusting that God still have things to say to God’s people—even through a vessel like me!

So join me for one of my two sermons this month.  Let us explore what Jesus means when he says, “Come to me all who are weary” in a sermon entitled “The Blessing of Being a Burden.”  God is speaking.  

Unlikely Inspiration

I found myself drawn to Bob Dylan last week.  I can remember when I went through my Bob Dylan phase. It was in 7^th grade.  I remember because I was on a class trip to Toronto, Canada and me and Mark B. listened to Bob Dylan the whole way.  I remember when Mark signed my high school year book he wrote, “Thanks for introducing me to Bob Dylan in the 7^th grade.” 

I found myself drawn to a certain song, considered one of Dylan’s last big hits.  It was written after he became a Christian.  It was acclaimed by some and critiqued by others, like Lennon, who mocked Dylan’s song calling it “embarrassing.”   The song is called “Gotta Serve Somebody.”  It got me to thinking about Christian freedom.  As theologian David Lose notes, “We are all enslaved to something, the question is not are we, but to what.”  In the words of Dylan, “But you’re gonna, have to serve somebody, yes indeed.  You’re gonna have to serve somebody.  Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord. But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.

Dylan’s song became the inspiration for June 25^th’s sermon.  Check it out at: http://www.christthekingcary.org/Home/WorshipAtimewithGod/Sermons.aspx.   

My Style

I took a quiz the other day regarding my fashion sense.  I thought this was fitting because I grew up with people telling me I lacked fashion sense and would be a good candidate for What Not to Wear.  I can’t really blame them.  I once shoed up to work with two different shoes on…and not closely related shoes (one was a magenta ballet flat and the other a black tennis shoe).  Last week, I wore flip flops to church and they ended up breaking right before service.  I had to stand up in front of the congregation and apologize for my bare feet.  I led the whole service without shoes.  I know my mother is shuddering at the thought!  Alas, I have always kinda of liked my quirky style including my bright teal sunglasses, flower headbands and bright colored sweater sets.  And the quiz confirmed it!  Here are the results:

You're playful, young at heart, and decidedly feminine. You love being a woman who enjoys girlie pleasures, but unlike the classic damsel in distress, you're independent and confident. You enjoy letting your man open the door for you -- but just as often, you'll switch things up by opening the door for him! Your signature style mixes traditionally feminine silhouettes with more modern, original pieces. You like to look pretty but want to be an individual, too.

Your wardrobe staples:

• Sweater sets in unexpected colors, like bright pink or lime green. (This must make-up about 80% of my wardrobe).
• Full, '50s-style skirts. It's a bonus if they're made of printed fabrics.
• Slim cigarette pants, cropped just above the ankle. (Okay, this one doesn’t apply.  I would look ridiculous in this!)
• Kitten heels that are low enough to run around in.  ( Have you ever seen me in anything higher than an inch—I think not!)
• Ballet flats, to wear with everything from pants to skirts.
• Glasses in bold plastic, to contrast with your feminine clothes. (LOVE THEM!) 

Celebrating My Daddio!

My wonderful dad!
Yes, we know he looks like he could be in the mafia! 

After I posted about the wonderful things I learned from my mom over the years, my dad called and said, “Where’s my post?”  Admittedly, his birthday was a week earlier than my mom’s which makes it look bad.  Alas, I promised a celebration of my Daddy on Father’s Day.  Cheers to you! 

My dad is one of those amazing people that makes you feel significant for just being you! My dad is continually encouraging me to pursue my calling and share the gifts that God has given me with the world.  I remember when I was first sensing a call to ministry.  I was afraid to share it with my parents because I just spent a ton of money on pursing an education in Political Communications.  When I worked up the courage to tell my dad, his response was merely, “I have been waiting for you to realize that!  Go for it.” 

I did not, however, get my sense of adventure from my daddy—especially in regards to third world travel.  This has become a bit of a comical point in regards to my dad’s ashes.  My dad called one day and said, “I know who is going to get my ashes and it is not you.”  “Why?” I asked.  “I don’t want to travel to a third world country while I am alive, and I know you’ll take me to one if I give you the ashes.  With my luck, you’ll take me out and ride a camel and I’ll spill all over.”  He said, my brother is getting the ashes because he isn’t leaving Ohio. 

I do credit my daddy for my love of the NFL.  I spent the majority of my young life growing up thinking that I would either be the next head coach of the L.A. Raiders (I know they are in Oakland now)or Chris Berman by accident.  My daddy taught me about football, and even helped me convince my mom that NFL paraphernalia was completely appropriate attire for a middle school girl.  Not sure the Zooba pants were a good move, but I loved my Raiders get up nonetheless.  It is ironic that I have a job that requires a lot of Sunday hours—thank God for the DVR!  I can remember the first game he took me to.  I sat in the stadium in Cincinnati with my giant Raiders Starter jacket complete with a fur hood.  

Perhaps my favorite thing about my dad is that I know he loves me unconditionally.  My dad goes the extra mile for all of us.  He is a wonderful example of what it means to give your life for another. 

Daddio, I love you!

S'mores!

Ever wondered why the Holy Spirit is a little bit like making a S’more?  Check out this past Sunday’s sermon at http://www.christthekingcary.org/Home/WorshipAtimewithGod/Sermons.aspx

Where God is Calling

This week the church around the world will be celebrating the Holy Trinity and Jesus’ commission that all should “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and of the Holy Spirit.”  Four years after graduating from Divinity School, I figured that those words would carry me into a foreign mission field, serving on the margins with the least of these.  And somehow, I still find myself firmly rooted in Cary, NC! 

I came across a commentary when I was preparing for my sermon that struck a chord with me:

“When I was in seminary, it was the “all nations” part of the Great Commission that hit me hardest.  I thought God might be calling me to the mission field on the other side of the globe.  My new husband, also a seminarian, shared my conviction, and so we embarked on some summer mission experiences to test it.  We traveled to parts of Asia, parts of Europe, and eventually parts of Central America.  We listened hard for which of the “all nations” might hold our future; surely one of them would!  Would it be India?  Mexico? Scotland? Speak, God!—we prayed; we are listening and we are ready! 

But no definitive voice came.  The one thing we were sure of, the more we traveled, was that all nations were not necessarily supposed to be our nation; maybe our great commission was not someplace “out there” or “over there.”  Maybe it was here, at home.  Maybe the country to which God was calling us… was already our own.”   (Commentary from Anna Carter Florence).

When I read this, I couldn’t help but think of my best friend who often says to me, “Location doesn’t change things.  You can serve God right where you are.”  So true. So may we see God at work in the closest places (our homes and workplaces), our communities and neighborhoods.  May serve here and now.  May be truly live in the missionary, Jim Elliot’s words, “Wherever I am, may I be there!” 

God’s love and Mine,

danielle kathryn

This Odd and Wondrous Calling (One)

It is an odd thing to be so comfortable with death.  I have preached two funerals this week.  One for a man who leaves a lot of wounds to be healed in his family, the other a woman who loved and showed graciousness even til the very end.  Most of the families in my congregation opt for cremation.  They bring us the ashes holding them a bit awkwardly.  This week, I have been able to take those ashes and lay them on a small wooden table, cover them with a white pall with a gold cross that lays over the center of the box.  Next to the ashes, I get to light the Paschal candle as a symbol that the life of these ashes are caught up in the story of God, the story of life, death and new life.  It is so beautiful to proclaim the assurance of everlasting life.  As I hugged grieving families, prayed for the Holy Spirit to surround them, and hoped for God's love to envelope them, I remembered why I love this calling--this odd, wonderful and beautiful calling. 

Sneak Peak at Pentecost Sermon

Here is a sneak peak at my Pentecost Sermon: Sounds, Smells and Feels Like the Holy Spirit! 

"So, what do you think being filled with the Holy Spirit smells like? I know it is a weird question, but think about it for a moment.  I think it is a hint of singed.  Seriously, the Holy Spirit is often marked by fire.  And as the Holy Spirit comes upon us, the scriptures say, that it burns away the sin, the pride, the need to be in control—leaving us a bit singed. 

I am about to make a ridiculous comparision, I know, but track with me for a second. Think about it like a roasting a perfect marshmallow for s’mores."


Come and hear more of the ways the Holy Spirit is working! 

Most Recent Sermons

My two most recent sermons are up on the CTK website. Check out reflections on Psalm 65 and the Israelite's Journey Towards Home.  On May 29, You'll hear about Paul's visit to Athens, the fear he notices in his midst, and the admonishment to hope against hope! 


http://www.christthekingcary.org/Home/WorshipAtimewithGod/Sermons.aspx

Welcome to Our Home

I think I'm focused on the idea of home because I just signed a lease for my first place without a roommate. I can't believe after eleven years of roommates, I will be living on my own.  So excited.  The big move date is July 7th and I can't wait.  


All the being said, this Sunday I'll be preaching on Acts & 1 Peter.  Here is a sneak peak of the sermon entitled, "Welcome to Our Home." 

This past week, several of my dear friends who also serve in the ministry had lunch together.  We were talking about our sermons and the trepidation with which we preach sermons about sharing our faith.  In fact, our conversation went on to reveal the ways that we avoid sharing the hope in us…like when asked what we do, instead of sharing the hope, we say something like, “Oh, Me? I am in non-profit management.”   Our laughter soon turned into confession about fear.  What will they think? What will we say?  Will they instantly lump us in the category with Westboro Baptist Church?

If Paul and Peter had been sitting around our lunch table, I imagine they would have said to us, “You were created for so much more.  You have so much more hope in you.  Do not fear the world around you.  They can’t argue with your story, your hope…its yours.  They can’t dispute the facts or tell you God wasn’t real.  It’s your hope.  So do not fear as the world fears, and open up your mouth and let the messages of hope speak.” 

Recalculating

Don't you find our faith life a lot like a GPS?  We hear the voice but there is sometimes we don't trust it to give us the right directions and we opt for our own way...and yet there is always God offering grace saying, "Recalculating.  When possible make a u-turn."  Want to hear more? Check out my sermon from last week is online at http://www.christthekingcary.org/Home/WorshipAtimewithGod/Sermons.aspx.

Happy Birthday Day to My Momma!

My momma and my niece Eloise. 

My mom turned 60 today!

Normally I would be killed for revealing her age, but I can tell you that because it was announced all over her school today. So, it isn’t a secret, and she is beautifully embracing it…or at least trying to embrace it.   In honor her b-day, here are the top six things I have learned from my mom.

Six:  Don’t get too used to your picture on the fridge.  When grandbabies come on the scene, you don’t stand a chance of remaining on the front.  You might get moved to the side, but don’t hold your breath.  Although the fridge may run out of room for our expanding family, my mom’s heart won’t.  There is always love to give and share. 

Five:  Let your children dream.  I have wanted to be exactly four things in my life—Head Coach of the LA Raider, Chris Berman’s replacement on ESPN, a campaign manager, and minister.   My mom allowed me to explore them all trusting that one day I would “stumble into” a calling that made me delightfully happy. 

Four: Ironing is overrated.  Well, actually I learned this in reverse. My mom loves to iron and is constantly worried about my wrinkles.  She regularly says, “What will they think of the way I raised you with all those wrinkles?”  Mom, they think I’m great even though I haven’t owned or used an iron in over two years!  May your next twenty years be filled with way less ironing!

Three: Weird sayings.  I have learned since living in NC that I say things weird.  For example, since my mom runs the word next door together, I grew up thinking it was spelled nextstore.   Or for slippery, she taught me to say slippy—just learned last month that was made up. J

Two:  Grace.  My mom cares for all of us in our crazy family with grace.  She protects the dignity of those she loves even if it means sacrifice.  She makes space for redemption and offers it to us who are often so undeserving. 

One: When your baby needs you, you come.  After finding out about cancer, it was a mere 48hrs. later that my mom landed in NC to be with me as I began the healing process.  She let me cry,  and held my hand when I was terrified.  She asked hard questions that I wasn’t ready to ask, and those which I wasn’t ready to know the answer.  She removed and replaced gauze on my scarred and stitched arm.  She never let me believe, not even for one minute that I was alone.  When your baby needs you, you come.

I thank God for all the moments I have had with my mom.  She loves unconditionally and I am absolutely blessed to share in her journey and have her as a teacher and guide on mine.

Love you Momma!