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