Leading With My Heart Again

So, I finally got back to doing something that I love to do....taking photos. Yes, on this blog, you can see lots of photographs. But a long time ago, I use to do photography as a hobby in sports, landscape, etc. My "old" canon rebel (the film version) broke down a while back and I could not afford a new one.

Well, recently, after a lot of saving and building up my reserve, I got the new SLR Canon Rebel EOS Xs - yippee! Digital and back behind the camera. And what a wonderful escape as well. In the midst of all the "stuff" going on around here, I have been extremely busy and staying at work a lot. This hobby has taken me back to some creative juices that have allowed me to escape from the day to day gring and go out to see the world, well Boston.

Here are a couple of links to photos that I have taken:

Harvard Arboretum
http://picasaweb.google.com/educatemoore/Arboretum?authkey=Gv1sRgCKSBkMWryMGKlgE&feat=directlink

Around Boston: Memorial Day 2009 Newton Cemetery and Downtown Boston
http://picasaweb.google.com/educatemoore/MemorialDay2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCMCk2_jfk7G3Uw&feat=directlink

So, if you have not been able to do something that you truly enjoy doing, maybe it's time to look at why. Because it sure does feel good inside and out when you go back to leading with your heart.....and filling your soul.

Finally - An Update and the Reason Why

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Hey Friends and Family,
Yes, I am still alive but have been extremely busy. I apologize for not checking in, minus the photos. I have been working very hard (harder than normal).
Remember before March, there was a lot going on that I was not allowed to talk about? Well, I can talk about it now. Our Senior Minister, my friend and colleague, announced his resignation from the church and will be going to another one. His last day is this coming Sunday. I have known about it for some time, but could not say anything. The church found out in March.
Since then, I have been working in various capacities, most importantly, helping the church through the grieving process and incoming transition. For a long time, I wondered, what in the world is God calling me to this church for? now I know. To help them through the transition. Many of you will remember that while I was at my previous church, they too went through an interim process and i was a part of it. Now, here I am again. I wonder if it's me that's making the pastor's leave?? haha
I have been having a funny conversation with God. God is determined to shake my limbs just when I am feeling comfortable with my life. God says, "yeah Linda. Don't get too comfortable. I am not done with you yet." I am going to be filling in as Sr. Minister and my "normal" Associate Minister position for a couple of months, until an interim is in place. I am working with the church to begin the process of understanding this change, getting an interim in place, and going through the tough questions of "who we are...what type of church we are supposed to be...what is good...what do we need to work on?" I wonder if us humans, families, friends, etc... should go through those same questions and shake up our lives to see what new things we can do?
So, I ask for prayers please. I am out of my comfort zone, being challenged to do things that I have not done. I am going to be leading this church for the next few months. I am going to have to step up my skills and face conflict, confrontation, and some hard questions, while at the same time comforting those who are grieving and extremely anxious about change and looking deep within themselves to find something even better. Who isn't afraid to do that?
Personally, I am losing a dear friend who I won't be able to see on a regular basis. This colleague and I have become close friends and I will be missing him and his family terribly. I have had my own grieving to go through as well.
I also ask for forgiveness. If I don't call as much, or write as much...it's just because I am so tired by the time I get home, I crash. It has been an emotionally draining, yet fulfilling time for me to try and do both jobs, do new things, and reach new levels. I am pleased with how things are going for me professionally, but tired. So forgive me. Selfishly, I will say that I LOVE to get mail that does not have a computer attached to it, nor a statement, nor a bill, etc...Feel free to send cards, notes, etc.. haha.
Take care. The photos are from a beautiful day I spent in Scituate, Mass at the lighthouse. A rare day that I was able to go away.

My First Baptism on Easter Sunday

So, I did my first baptism on Easter Sunday! I was so excited and humbled at the same time. one of our youth asked that I do her baptism. So here are a couple of photos from the day.

Some more photos from York, Maine

a retreat in York, Maine

So I went on a couple of days of R&R. I went to York, Maine and spent some time on the beach. Oddly enough, it snowed 4 inches on Monday while I was there. Love the irony! I actually loved the time away and did not want to come home. Sunday was 60 degrees. Monday was 4 inches of snow and Tuesday was 45 degrees. I found a store that sells nothing but LIGHTHOUSE STUFF!! It was wonderful but you would be proud of me because I maintained control and stayed in budget.
I got to visit with a lighthouse. I stayed in a beautiful bed and breakfast (although the breakfast could have used some work - it did have a wonderful jacuzzi!) I have posted a few photos. It is the Cape Neddick Lighthouse on the three different days. It was pretty neat to see the extreme differences.
I will also post my favorite photo of the bunch, the lighthouse at dusk with a pretty moon over top. I am also posting a pretty snow photo with a cool looking red house too. Some neat stuff. Do you like my terminology and extensive vocabulary?

Happy Birthday to Me!

Hey Dad! Hope you are doing well. I am going to have a good day today. Busy but fun too.
Miss you.

Hey there - dodgeball and prayers :-)

So, not much has been going on here - haha. Too much really, but I can't say right now. It is February and like I said, the workload is increasing and so is the stress. That is ok. It comes with the job as minister. I can now say that I am insane. Teachers and ministers I think have the hardest and most unappreciated jobs in the world and I have done both. But as I was reminded recently, if you are loved and admired all the time in your job as minister, then you are not doing your job. oh boy. What does that mean? You have to do your job with dignity and integrity and if you do, then you are going to be challenged and people are going to push back. They may even say bad things about you. They may stomp their feet and whine too.

So, how do I relieve that stress?? I signed up for an adult dodgeball league!! That is right - I am now playing my favorite childhood game with a bunch of adults. I am having a blast. The first night we played, I hit a guy in the face, but I really didn't mean to. We all just laughed about it. The balls are made of foam anyway.

I want to share a link with you. I have decided to do another blog. I know. I can barely keep up with this one. haha This new blog is more focused on the "professional" side of my life. A devotion of sorts - not sure how else to describe the random thoughts that occur in my daily encounters with ministry. So I have put them in a blog. http://educatemoore.wordpress.com/
Don't worry. I will still keep up with this blog for my home folk! I do want to share two things with you and ask for your prayer.
First, we have some challenging things happening soon here and I am being challenged to come out of my comfort zone. I will be able to tell you more at a later date, but pray that I get the rest and eased mind that I need. I have absolutely no problem with being able to handle whatever comes my way. God is there to help me through it and pick me up when I need. Just the added prayer helps. God and I are having an interesting conversation now that God doesn't want to stop challenging my growth and development as a minister and I am having my own whining and stomping of the feet (gotta love the humor in that!!)

Second, February is such a great month because we have so many family birthdays to celebrate - it's Christmas all over again. But February is always a hard month for me. Most of you know that Dad died on my birthday and I have never been the same since (neither has my birthday) and being up here, not being able to visit Dad, makes it harder. So I go and visit him when I visit a lighthouse, the Boston Harbor and the local fishing hole. Please pray that I will be able to celebrate my birthday in the way it was meant to be, knowing that my dad is right there with me.

I do have some WONDERFUL news to report. The educational debt that I collected while being in seminary is finally paid off!!! We have the Massachusetts Baptist Charitable Society that provides yearly grants to help ministers pay back their educational loans/debts. They saw how hard I had been working on paying mine down and decided to help. I received a check the other day to pay off the remaining $6000. YEP - you read it right! How wonderfully blessed is that??

Ok - I gotta get back to work and actually do what I should be doing. Thank you for checking in, for your prayers and for the cheers.

Yes - Linda is Alive

ok - i got a gentle reminder today that i have not updated my blog. And you are right. I have not. Sorry about that. i went on a little hiatus for a wee bit. As always, my life is not very boring when it comes to my work here in Boston. I am working on actually having a life that does not involve a church building. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do and I am challenged every single day to step out of my comfort zone and many days I actually do. But imagine if you will working at your job all day and as well as many evenings, wondering if you are doing it right because nobody is responding - until you are doing something wrong. Wouldn't you try to find a life outside of your job where you are not responsible for anything at all but hanging out, having a drink, and hanging with people that you aren't trying to impress?
Well, that is what I am trying to do. I signed up for an adult dodgeball league but I won't know for a couple of weeks if I am in or not.
January is usually pretty quiet for me. With the exception of two feet of snow sitting in front of my home, a car that is quickly breaking down, a mouse getting into my house, and getting those daily challenges at work, things aren't too bad. I have preached a couple of times. Once while I was in Richmond, at my home church and once since I have been back. I even got podcasted and my sermon in Richmond is on the internet. How cool is that? haha Google me and the word sermon.
I have seen a couple of movies on my day off. I now call Mondays "Movie Mondays" and when I get a chance I go to a matinee. Two oscar contenders: Slumdog Millionaire and Milk. Go and see them!!! Slumdog is different than anything I have seen before: well written with an unknown cast that makes it more intriguing, and inspiring children who were actually brought out from the slums. Be careful with the first 5 minutes and if you have a heart for children, it will be painful in a few scenes, but worth the strain. Milk, with the quintensential Sean Penn, continues to reach new heights. Very inspiring and a reminder that you shouldn't give up, no matter how many times people tell you that you are wrong.
Do you know that I actually bought myself an "extravagant" Christmas present this year? Whenever I get cash as a gift, I put it towards bills. This year, I decided to get a toy and I purchased a Nintendo DS. Along with it, I bought two brain type games to attempt to enhance the skills that are in desperate need of repair. Well, they are still in need. Got a lot of work ahead. haha
Jelly Bean is doing well. She got a toy to play with in that mouse. First time she has seen once since living with me. The funny thing is that she woke me up at 4:00 am Sunday morning (the day I preached here) and was playing with the little rodent. She never hurt the thing, just played with it. The mouse was so scared, that it was hiding in my shoe when I found it. Kinda funny, until I put it in a tupperware container and put the container in the snow while I went to work.

I will try to update regularly again. My workload is going to increase as we head into February and lent, along with a few other things but I will do my best. Thank you for checking in.

Merry Christmas to All

Luke 2:10-14
¹⁰But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: ¹¹to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ¹⁴‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

before and "after" the snow and of me in church

Some "after" shots

ok, here are some after shots....with the understanding that the snow is not done yet. We already have 12 inches and more will be on the way tomorrow. ugh...And GUESS WHAT? I saw some CrAzY people today. I had to go pick up something and there were people jogging...jogging in the snow! oh my....

Before the Storm

So if you are watching any sort of news, you know that New England is in the middle of a snow storm on Friday evening, with one to follow on Sunday. I have posted a couple of "before" pictures. I will try and get "after" pictures when I am able because, it's not done yet.

I almost made it without snow. I can't help but laugh since last year we had 22 inches of snow before Christmas. And we have been threatened that we will get that much in the next 48 hours. I am just grateful that I do not have the sinus infection that I did last year. (knocking on wood)

I can't help but laugh that this is not Richmond and the panic that comes with the anticipated flurry, however there were many people at the grocery store, including me. I was only there because I have friends coming over tomorrow night for dinner and I needed some wine. Wait - did I say that?

Church work and ministry are very trying at times. You are trying to minister to so many different people, who have so many different opinions on how you should be doing things. In the midst of the Advent season, you schedule your most busy time of year, even though, you are supposed to be "waiting" and "anticipating" the coming of the Christ child.

I wish I could just say, "sit and wait". Wait for the hope and love that comes with the manger. Wait for the joy and peace that comes with the promised gift. But it's hard. We have a job to do. We have a message to get to the people. You are holding onto so much as a pastor and you can't find a way to find peace, hope, joy and love yourself because you are trying to remind others that we are supposed to wait. phew.

So what do you do? You pray that others find it in the midst of their waiting, like the following:

• I am worried for my aunt who is without her husband for the first Christmas in almost 50 years. Her boys, her friends, and her spirit are the rocks of her life. I hope she holds onto that this Christmas.
• I am worried about my friend Bill, who has an incurable cancer now. His faith is unshakable though. He ministers and inspires people beyond his imagination and reach.
• I am worried about transition and my friend who is unhappy with a current situation. How can I help? I can't. I can't fix it no matter how hard I think or how hard I pray. God has control over this one and I have to let go. I can only pray that peace, comfort, and patience comes before it's time.
• I am worried about a family who can't take hold of the positive change that they see in front of them. I worry about the one who takes on all their comments, looks, and reactions, with painful hurt that they will never be satisfied or say that they are proud. But then, they are not the ones whom she needs to impress. The only One is the one that is already honored to call her one of his is impressed with the call that she has answered.
  

What is wonderful though, is that Isaiah (chapter 9:2-7 - you can click this link to the text - http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=96734196 ) reminds me that in the midst of the darkness, we can look to the light of hope and promise that will come before us soon, very soon. That is what Advent is all about....finding hope in the midst of the darkness; promise in the midst of the pain; love in the midst of the storm; and peace in the blessing of a child. Picture if you will, that innocent child, wrapped in cloth, with his little fingers wrapped around yours. The love that brings us new life, new promise and a new journey that we are blessed to travel.

Before the storm - you have your shovel ready and you look outside at how deep it is getting and you wonder if you will make it through the trenches. Then you wake up in the morning to a beautiful blanket of snow and you know it is going to be ok. You are in awe of the trees trimmed in white, the children laughing as they fly down the hill, the sun that shines off the glow of the glitter of snow, and the hope that tomorrow is going to bring a brighter day. You are going to have to walk through the drifts and get the car cleared off. You may even get stuck on the road. But you know, that eventually the snow will melt and life will go on - because God has made it all possible when you look up in the midst of the storm and you see a child with a smile as bright as the Son.

Saying thank you to the one that baptized me

I just got off the phone with my first pastor, Fred Moffat. He is in his late 90s now, retired and living in Kentucky. I found out recently that his wife Jane passed away last week after suffering a bad fall and the late stages of Alzheimer’s. I had not talked to Fred and Jane in years. They moved back to Kentucky after serving at East Highland Park (which is now New Highland) for 10 years.

Fred was the pastor who baptized me at the age of 20. He was the one to answer all my questions about baptism, what baptism means, what a life with Christ means, and what that decision is about. He was basically the one who started me on the journey and after my baptism, gave me a lit candle and a dash of salt – “you are the light of the world and the salt of the earth,” he said.

Being a University of Kentucky graduate, he was also the one who started my competitive nature between Kentucky and Duke. When Kentucky beat Duke on a Saturday night, Fred wore his Kentucky tie to church on that Sunday and in the pulpit, he looked at me and just rubbed his tie. I tried to figure out how to “return the favor” when Duke and Christian Laettner beat Kentucky, but if you can picture a 6’5”white haired, Harley riding pastor standing in front of you; it’s a little intimidating. So I just smiled and moved on.

Anyway, while we were talking on the phone, I realized that he did not know that I am currently serving as a minister and that made me also realize that I never said thank you to him. I’m sure I did when he consoled me after my dad died. I am sure I did before he left our church for retirement. But I never said thank you for starting me on the journey that ultimately finds me serving a church with his witness in my foundation. So I thanked him. He smiled in a way that I was able to “see” it over the phone…and then he did something I was not expecting…he returned the favor. He gave me some wise counsel and then we said goodbye.

So it begs the question, have you thanked the one who baptized you? You just might find an unexpected gift – someone who understands.

Happy Thanksgiving from Boston

Happy Thanksgiving to my friends and family. We are thanking God today and every other day for each of you.

Love, Jelly Bean and Linda

Tribute to My Dad

So last Thursday, a group of us from church participated in Habitat for Humanity. We worked on a two family home in Newton. I "mudded" throughout the inside of the house and got more on me than the actual wall. I know. I know. what do you expect? I was inside a small electrical closet and then underneath some steps. It was going to happen!! (anyway, the photos make me look cleaner than I actually was)

However, it's what we did outside that brought back some wonderful memories.

We "poured a patio". That's what Dad would have called it. We worked together to lay down a patio for the front of the house. I remembered helping Dad do his side jobs on Saturdays and taking part on the concrete mixing and pouring. That is what we did and I realized that I had not done that since the last time I went out with Dad.

During lunch, we even went to a place that sells southern food - specifically, North Carolina pulled pork BBQ! Dad would have loved this place. I found a Virginia license plate with a nod to the "Mor" family as well. Ok, I am pushing that part a bit...humor me.

So last Thursday, was a little tribute to Dad. I know he was smiling down on me and loving every minute....and probably laughing too.

God Bless OUR America

So, it has happened. The people have spoken and have done so in an overwhelmingly fashion, including my Ol' Dominion! We have been provided the opportunity to gain our respect back in our neighborhood and in our world.

President Elect Barack Obama is the one that has been chosen to make that happen...BUT, here is the thing. he cannot do it by himself and it would be so unfair to think he can. He needs the ENTIRE country to come together and take responsibility and ownership for our parts, individually and corporately. This is not the time to gloat or to put down our brothers and sisters. This is not the time to be arrogant winners or sore losers...in a country that needs humility, healing, and hope.

We have an extremely deep valley in which to climb out of, however it can be done! It can be done when we reach out our hands and pull one another up to climb the mountain. I commend and am truly grateful for what John McCain said in his gracious and eloquent moment last night, "I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering OUR next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together.." Thank you Senator.

How can we do that? 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says this, "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, 2for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity." We are called to pray first for our leaders, providing thanksgiving and supplications. If there is a way to rebuild this country's trust, hope, honor and respect - this is where we can start. Can we do it? God Bless OUR America - because Yes WE can...and yes WE WILL!

A Nice Day Off - with no thinking

So, I got a much needed day off yesterday (if you couldn't tell from my previous post - i needed a little break). I also have a bonus day today and I am looking forward to that too.
Monday was such a "beautimus" day (my own special word) to express how great something is. I went to Salem, Massachusetts to share the day with the witches. Salem, each year in October, celebrates Halloween like no other place in the world. I toured the town, walked around quite a bit, including into the next town, enjoyed some crazy colored leaves and even enjoyed some peace in the quiet of a cemetery. I know that sounds strange, but it brought a little comfort to sit among the people who watch over us today. Also, as you will see in the photos, you can see why I enjoyed it as much as I did.
I was reminded of something interesting - that the salem witch trials and being in ministry are connected...hmmmm...haha...I'm just sayin'
The great part about the day came in the form of no thinking at all on my part. I just relaxed, listened to music, drove a little bit, and just walked where my feet took me. Even though I did have a map of Salem, but outside of that bit of direction, I did no thinking at all. It was a day to simply relax, enjoy the autumn, enjoy the people, and just enjoy the day.

And today - it is raining, so what can I do on a rainy day? Sleep is a good thing and I did that. In fact, missed two phone calls from my landlord right above me because I was asleep. haha. But before my nap, I did a cool thing and went to a pottery store to paint a piece of pottery. How cool is that? I had not done that before and I spent a couple of hours at the store just enjoying the time, the focus being on the piece and listening to some cool music.

It has been a good couple of days to "refresh" my mind, heart, and spirit.