Ok, so maybe we'll stick with Nick and Kelli. But, I realized yesterday who should be our current Biblical models: Abraham and Sarah. (See Genesis 12) Their journey from place to place in the desert connects with our story as a couple and today's younger adults in general. Movement between jobs and cities is more than commonplace. It is almost the story of my generation.
Nick and I realized recently that since we met at the end November 2006, that one or both of us have been unemployed, underemployed and/or seeking a place. Nick was in law school, graduated, searched for employment then worked a government job that was terrible, worked an attorney doc review job (which if you know anything about that...ugh!), and finally found stable employment as an attorney with a firm that does employment law and insurance defense. (His two year mark there is this summer.) I, on the other hand, was working at Community Christian as a part of a two-year program, left there with intentions to start a church, worked last season for the IRS, did some temp work, and finally was offered a wonderful part-time position with Hillside Christian Church doing mostly administrative stuff.
In that time, counting my move from Texas, we have moved 6 times between the two of us, just in Kansas City! (I personally have lived in 3 places: Louisiana, Texas and Missouri. Nick has lived in 6: Oklahoma, Kansas, Scotland, Australia, South Carolina, and Missouri.) Movement and flux seems to be part of our identity. Our place or home became each other. And, that, my friends has been my constant and my truth since we first fell in love.
Although I am the one of us who was given a "call" to serve in ministry. We are in this journey of life and living faith together. We've certainly seen the desert and known moving from place to place. I also know that we have left altars to what God has given us in each of the places we have been. The friendships, experiences, and journeys we have made together and before we met each hold a spiritual ebenezer (altar, it's just a way more fun word to use), lifted up to God in thankfulness. I look forward to where we will next build up those stones of hope.
So, call us Abraham and Sarah if you like. But, I am pretty sure you won't find Nick pretending I'm his sister. : )
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Angry and Incredible
This morning a very sweet little old lady reminded me of the tension between a being a fully female human and a fully called pastor. If I am honest with you and me, I am not angry at her. My pastoral identity is way past asking the question, “Can I be a women and a pastor?” Yes, yes I can. Get over it world. A pastor can have boobs.
Now, for the meat of what I am really angry about -- this question: what is God doing with me?*
Since the moment I left my last full-time ministry position I have been asking that question. For a great deal of time, I thought that was starting a new church. Obviously, that isn’t exactly what I think is happening. (Read my last post to get some perspective on that.) I no longer know what my pastoral identity specifically is, or where my place is. Undoubtedly, I am a pastor. My passion is being with people and reminding them or introducing them to a God who loves them without fail. The question is with whom and where that should happen next? I am trying to pray my way through this, but there is an underlying angst that is eating away at me in negative ways. It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself if you live in a vacuum. I don’t. So Nick keeps me honest and patient along the way. And, conversations with most younger adults finds other people saying, “yeah, this is not exactly where I thought I’d be right now.”
So, for those of us who are “on fire for the answer”, covering ourselves with “the sweat I sweat in battles with myself” I ask you to “stop inviting these walls into wide open spaces” because “even at your worst” (even at my worst, even at our worst) “you are …incredible.” (Listen to the poem below by Buddy Wakefield to get the full effect of those quotes. Be forewarned there are some expletives.) We are incredible people, made in the image of God, meant to find our calling (whether pastoral or not), our calling’s places, and the incredible people who will walk our journey with us.
* For those of you who have screwed up understanding of anger... Anger is the emotion we have when something we value is threatened. What is that I feel has been threatened? My knowledge of place. This process of finding place will make me stronger and better. But as far as those who think anger is a bad thing...you need some good counseling and an unwinding of bad theology that keeps you from being all that God has made you to be. It's not the anger that's bad; it's our actions that come forth. Just like it's not sex that is bad; it's how we use it.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Change, Oh Change
The past few months have been filled with change: some amazing, some heartbreaking. We'll start with the amazing.
Nick and I bought our first home! One day, we stumbled on a HUD listing for a huge multi-family home in Columbus Park, a historic neighborhood basically in downtown KC. It started us thinking and dreaming. After looking around the neighborhood more, we ended up getting connected with an awesome realtor, Amy Antrim. She walked us through the process, helped us discern our priorities, and made the experience positive. We knew we wanted to be in the urban core in an old home. We looked inside about a dozen houses and I cannot say how many I drove by or looked at online. We ended up in Hyde Park South. Our house is near the Nelson Atkin art museum and not too far from where we lived before our stint downtown. The house is a fantastic 100 year-old, two bedroom bungalow with a full, use-able (dry) basement. The square footage is not much more than the loft, but with the basement we have all the room we need. My office will be down there. The stone walls remind me of old monastery which is good because I have a lot of discerning to do. (That's the next part of this post, though.)Did I mention we have a yard? I thought we should open a bottle of champagne the first time all we had to do was open the door to let the dogs out. We are across the street from a big park too! Those silly bird dogs of ours have plenty room to run and many squirrels to chase!
So far, we've built and upholstered a headboard, painted our bedroom and the bathroom, got the guest bedroom set up and even had one guest! In the bathroom, we replaced the original pedestal sink. Nick is 6'3" and that sink was made for use mainly by children. :) We found a cottage-style vanity and sink combo replacement that looks great! Now we are functional as well as quaint in the bathroom. We have plans to tile the tub surround and one day gut the kitchen. It works just fine, but the cabinets are at least from the 50's and lost their luster many decades ago. Suffice it to say, we are making that to-do list and checking stuff off, becoming the proverbial "weekend warriors."
A couple weekends ago, Amy threw us a housewarming party. On one of the coldest days yet we had over 20 people come check out the new place, eat bbq, and share in our joy! Thanks to Amy for hosting and to everyone who came.
Nick and I learned a great deal in the process of finding a home. First, find a realtor who is awesome. He or she can help you figure out what you want. Second, the stupid financial decisions you've made in the past will come out. (This really didn't apply to Nick, just me.) Be prepared to put your big-girl pants on and deal with it. Third, it really is a chance to get to know your partner better if you are buying with someone else. Nick and I came out stronger and more deeply connected. Finally, if you can help it at all, try not to have other crazy things going on like a car repair fiasco that you could make a short film about. If you haven't heard me rage about it in person, just trust that it was 2 months of bad luck and bad timing.
It's a good thing that we are grounded and strong. The other change that has been coming is the ending (for now) of my efforts to start a church in downtown Kansas City. I spent nearly two years trying to gather a critical mass of people and support for the project called The River. We had a prayer group that met regularly for 9 months. Just before launch, the place where we were going to worship closed unexpectedly. Since that time, the momentum and support fell apart. I take responsibility for that and hope one day reorganize with the full range of support needed to launch something new. The region has been amazingly supportive of the project. However, the congregations who are best able support with "missionaries" have been reluctant at best and dismissive at worst. I am not pointing fingers, but noting a problem with our ability as a denomination to share vision among churches. Sometimes our independence as congregations is a good thing. Sometimes it creates a myopic view of church. The reality is that maybe I am not the one called to this, or called to this planting right now. Whatever the situation may truly be, my heart is cracked but my call to ministry is not frazzled. It is strengthened. I know that I was made to be a minister. We shall see where and how that will be next. God only knows for sure.
In this process, Nick is constantly my biggest advocate and truest confidant. No one could ask for a better partner in life, love and ministry. That basement office with its stone walls will be a place of discernment for now as well as every other place I am. God has use for this pastor and my heart is open to hear what is next. We are ready and praying, o Lord!
Nick and I bought our first home! One day, we stumbled on a HUD listing for a huge multi-family home in Columbus Park, a historic neighborhood basically in downtown KC. It started us thinking and dreaming. After looking around the neighborhood more, we ended up getting connected with an awesome realtor, Amy Antrim. She walked us through the process, helped us discern our priorities, and made the experience positive. We knew we wanted to be in the urban core in an old home. We looked inside about a dozen houses and I cannot say how many I drove by or looked at online. We ended up in Hyde Park South. Our house is near the Nelson Atkin art museum and not too far from where we lived before our stint downtown. The house is a fantastic 100 year-old, two bedroom bungalow with a full, use-able (dry) basement. The square footage is not much more than the loft, but with the basement we have all the room we need. My office will be down there. The stone walls remind me of old monastery which is good because I have a lot of discerning to do. (That's the next part of this post, though.)Did I mention we have a yard? I thought we should open a bottle of champagne the first time all we had to do was open the door to let the dogs out. We are across the street from a big park too! Those silly bird dogs of ours have plenty room to run and many squirrels to chase!
So far, we've built and upholstered a headboard, painted our bedroom and the bathroom, got the guest bedroom set up and even had one guest! In the bathroom, we replaced the original pedestal sink. Nick is 6'3" and that sink was made for use mainly by children. :) We found a cottage-style vanity and sink combo replacement that looks great! Now we are functional as well as quaint in the bathroom. We have plans to tile the tub surround and one day gut the kitchen. It works just fine, but the cabinets are at least from the 50's and lost their luster many decades ago. Suffice it to say, we are making that to-do list and checking stuff off, becoming the proverbial "weekend warriors."
A couple weekends ago, Amy threw us a housewarming party. On one of the coldest days yet we had over 20 people come check out the new place, eat bbq, and share in our joy! Thanks to Amy for hosting and to everyone who came.
Nick and I learned a great deal in the process of finding a home. First, find a realtor who is awesome. He or she can help you figure out what you want. Second, the stupid financial decisions you've made in the past will come out. (This really didn't apply to Nick, just me.) Be prepared to put your big-girl pants on and deal with it. Third, it really is a chance to get to know your partner better if you are buying with someone else. Nick and I came out stronger and more deeply connected. Finally, if you can help it at all, try not to have other crazy things going on like a car repair fiasco that you could make a short film about. If you haven't heard me rage about it in person, just trust that it was 2 months of bad luck and bad timing.
It's a good thing that we are grounded and strong. The other change that has been coming is the ending (for now) of my efforts to start a church in downtown Kansas City. I spent nearly two years trying to gather a critical mass of people and support for the project called The River. We had a prayer group that met regularly for 9 months. Just before launch, the place where we were going to worship closed unexpectedly. Since that time, the momentum and support fell apart. I take responsibility for that and hope one day reorganize with the full range of support needed to launch something new. The region has been amazingly supportive of the project. However, the congregations who are best able support with "missionaries" have been reluctant at best and dismissive at worst. I am not pointing fingers, but noting a problem with our ability as a denomination to share vision among churches. Sometimes our independence as congregations is a good thing. Sometimes it creates a myopic view of church. The reality is that maybe I am not the one called to this, or called to this planting right now. Whatever the situation may truly be, my heart is cracked but my call to ministry is not frazzled. It is strengthened. I know that I was made to be a minister. We shall see where and how that will be next. God only knows for sure.
In this process, Nick is constantly my biggest advocate and truest confidant. No one could ask for a better partner in life, love and ministry. That basement office with its stone walls will be a place of discernment for now as well as every other place I am. God has use for this pastor and my heart is open to hear what is next. We are ready and praying, o Lord!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thank you to House.
Thank you House. Yes, thank you to the show House. To the writers, the actors, the producers, the directors, everyone involved from the sound guy to the costumer, I say thank you.
The season opening episode dealt seriously, frankly, and openly about depression and mental illness in general. It was set in the silly, crazy elements of House, the main character of the show, dealing with his drug addiction and depression.
As someone whose dealt with depression (undiagnosed and diagnosed) my whole life, I want to say thank you for more than a brush over mentioning of a side character’s illness. An honest conversation about mental health is necessary for more and more people to get the help they need. Thanks again.
The season opening episode dealt seriously, frankly, and openly about depression and mental illness in general. It was set in the silly, crazy elements of House, the main character of the show, dealing with his drug addiction and depression.
As someone whose dealt with depression (undiagnosed and diagnosed) my whole life, I want to say thank you for more than a brush over mentioning of a side character’s illness. An honest conversation about mental health is necessary for more and more people to get the help they need. Thanks again.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Welcome Morning
I've never been a morning person or a bird person. I like to sleep in late and could do without the "gifts" birds leave behind on our cars, sidewalks, etc. Since moving downtown I have found birds more and more tolerable, even enjoyable! My bird dogs have countlessly brought them to my attention. I've started learning the difference between and finch, dove, and pigeon. Oddly enough, white pigeons are some of the most beautiful birds I've ever seen. Besides the interest in birds, I have started coming out of my morning-hating to find that the calm of a morning can center a day beautifully.
For the past week, I have seen a bird outside my fifth floor window. Her song brought her to my attention. I was in our bedroom and heard what I thought was a pigeon fight. Upon looking at the living room window, I found an unfamiliar (to me) bird who slowed it's song into something beautiful. It's almost like she was calling me to come!
Everyday since then, she's greeted me. She's sung to me. Today, she turned around and looked at me. And I discovered what she is. A Starling. So, here's to the morning and a bird to greet you too.
For the past week, I have seen a bird outside my fifth floor window. Her song brought her to my attention. I was in our bedroom and heard what I thought was a pigeon fight. Upon looking at the living room window, I found an unfamiliar (to me) bird who slowed it's song into something beautiful. It's almost like she was calling me to come!
Everyday since then, she's greeted me. She's sung to me. Today, she turned around and looked at me. And I discovered what she is. A Starling. So, here's to the morning and a bird to greet you too.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Learning to Trust
"You are still afraid."
One tear comes to the
edge of my right eye.
"You are still afraid to
trust me with your feelings."
"Yes." The tear drops.
"You can tell me what
you are feeling. It will make
things easier if you tell me."
For feeling of love for those in my childhood I won't go into detail of how my trust issues started. For the feeling of embarrasement that I allowed it to happen, I won't go into my adult-born issues around trust. What is clear to me that God gave Nick (through a variety of ways) the ability to completely trust me and that he is teaching me how to completely trust him. The fears of rejection of my feelings or rejection of me should have ended when a ring went on my finger. Old habits fade slowly.
God made us with an unending source of love and trust. As the wounds heal, the scars block a place in us that should never be difficult to open. Life lived in trust of someone, someone who deserves and gives and shares trust too, is a gift. I am not afraid of being hurt. I am not afraid of loving too hard. I am not afraid. My scars will not keep me from jumping, falling, and flying.
One tear comes to the
edge of my right eye.
"You are still afraid to
trust me with your feelings."
"Yes." The tear drops.
"You can tell me what
you are feeling. It will make
things easier if you tell me."
For feeling of love for those in my childhood I won't go into detail of how my trust issues started. For the feeling of embarrasement that I allowed it to happen, I won't go into my adult-born issues around trust. What is clear to me that God gave Nick (through a variety of ways) the ability to completely trust me and that he is teaching me how to completely trust him. The fears of rejection of my feelings or rejection of me should have ended when a ring went on my finger. Old habits fade slowly.
God made us with an unending source of love and trust. As the wounds heal, the scars block a place in us that should never be difficult to open. Life lived in trust of someone, someone who deserves and gives and shares trust too, is a gift. I am not afraid of being hurt. I am not afraid of loving too hard. I am not afraid. My scars will not keep me from jumping, falling, and flying.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
How life with Chaco, Lucy and Lily informs everything else...
When I first found Chaco, or he found me actually, there was a lot of work to do. He was afraid of men in particular, people in general, hungry, and quite thin. Over the next few years, Chaco learned how to trust people, love attention, and to trick me and others into second breakfasts and third dinners. It has been difficult since he died to remember all the work we did together to get to that happy place. I keep yearning for that happy dog that didn’t need a leash and waited patiently by the treat bin until he got his treat from coming inside.
With the introduction of Lily into our lives, I am, however, experiencing again all that work of rehabilitating a dog who was neglected, beaten, and who knows what else. She is making great strides and cannot get enough of cuddle time with Nick and me. One of her favorite places to be is on the back of the couch, like a cat, with her head hanging over my shoulder. I anticipate the day where she makes the kind of improvements that Chaco did. It will take time, patience, and love. Nick and I are ready for it.
(It may not be fair to compare human interaction with my experience of rehabilitating Chaco and Lily. But, it’s my strongest frame of reference. So, here I go.)
On any given Sunday, there are lots of people who believe in God or wonder about faith and do not make it to a worship service. Many church folks make judgments about why these people don’t come: they’re lazy, they don’t have the right priorities, they just don’t care. In fact, most of my life, I’ve heard these things repeated at different churches. What I have come to realize lately is that the majority of people who don’t come to church even though they might want to have really good reasons: a week long of working a job that sucks the life out of you can keep you from doing the very things that give life, many worship services and churches lack relevancy and then show resentment to those who only come every once in a while, and other circumstances that keep people from attending church.
One of the reasons I feel called to start this new church is because I want to create a place with others that refuses to judge others (or at least do the very best we can to resist), that understands that each person’s spiritual journey is their own journey (God is more creatively reaching out to people than conventional means), and that always encounters people with love and patience. In the same way that I am not sure what happened to Lily and Chaco (and our other rescue Lucy) before we ever saw them, I cannot know the previous experiences of those who I first meet. When my and other people’s, first reaction is assumptions, we limit all that God is doing in the moment.
One of the biggest Christian days of the year, Easter Sunday is over, but the message of that day… resurrection and renewal, are not over. God is always providing opportunity to become. I hope I continue to become the kind of person (and pastor) that always encounters people with grace and patience and love; that when someone leaves my presence –or my church—they have found a place free of pre-existent expectations or judgment. What expectations or judgments keep you from all that God is doing? How can you learn to encounter others with grace and love whether they believe like you or show up every Sunday?
And, because I am an obnoxious dog owner, here are come pics to enjoy...
Chaco (Lab/Pointer Mix) and Lucy (German Shorthaired Pointer) with Nick at Thanksgiving
Lily (Pointer) on her first day home.
The girls having a nap on the couch.
With the introduction of Lily into our lives, I am, however, experiencing again all that work of rehabilitating a dog who was neglected, beaten, and who knows what else. She is making great strides and cannot get enough of cuddle time with Nick and me. One of her favorite places to be is on the back of the couch, like a cat, with her head hanging over my shoulder. I anticipate the day where she makes the kind of improvements that Chaco did. It will take time, patience, and love. Nick and I are ready for it.
(It may not be fair to compare human interaction with my experience of rehabilitating Chaco and Lily. But, it’s my strongest frame of reference. So, here I go.)
On any given Sunday, there are lots of people who believe in God or wonder about faith and do not make it to a worship service. Many church folks make judgments about why these people don’t come: they’re lazy, they don’t have the right priorities, they just don’t care. In fact, most of my life, I’ve heard these things repeated at different churches. What I have come to realize lately is that the majority of people who don’t come to church even though they might want to have really good reasons: a week long of working a job that sucks the life out of you can keep you from doing the very things that give life, many worship services and churches lack relevancy and then show resentment to those who only come every once in a while, and other circumstances that keep people from attending church.
One of the reasons I feel called to start this new church is because I want to create a place with others that refuses to judge others (or at least do the very best we can to resist), that understands that each person’s spiritual journey is their own journey (God is more creatively reaching out to people than conventional means), and that always encounters people with love and patience. In the same way that I am not sure what happened to Lily and Chaco (and our other rescue Lucy) before we ever saw them, I cannot know the previous experiences of those who I first meet. When my and other people’s, first reaction is assumptions, we limit all that God is doing in the moment.
One of the biggest Christian days of the year, Easter Sunday is over, but the message of that day… resurrection and renewal, are not over. God is always providing opportunity to become. I hope I continue to become the kind of person (and pastor) that always encounters people with grace and patience and love; that when someone leaves my presence –or my church—they have found a place free of pre-existent expectations or judgment. What expectations or judgments keep you from all that God is doing? How can you learn to encounter others with grace and love whether they believe like you or show up every Sunday?
And, because I am an obnoxious dog owner, here are come pics to enjoy...
Chaco (Lab/Pointer Mix) and Lucy (German Shorthaired Pointer) with Nick at Thanksgiving
Lily (Pointer) on her first day home.
The girls having a nap on the couch.
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