Today...The Roller Coaster of Life

Today was a day where I would have just loved to be able to step off the day.  And watch it spin by.  To stop being a part of this crazy combination of joy and pain of present and past.  Of sin and forgiveness.

My previous call was a challenge dear reader, to put it mildly.  If you were there with me, or knew me then, you know it took everything in my being to stay.  To put up with what I did.  To love the people and not be dragged down by the brokenness.  The broken system.

And today we find out that the system was even more broken than we knew.  Even more sin filled.  Even more in pain.  And my heart hurts for them.  For those in my past who continue to have to relive those moments of pain, of anger, of shame.

And then I ride the roller coaster up...up to the present where I walk my dog down a country road and am thankful for the peacefulness here.  Thankful for the quiet.  Thankful for these people among whom have called me and blessed me with a chance to teach, to preach, and to care for them.

And then, quick speeding down again...a confirmation class where no one seems to care, where no one comes prepared.  Where my heart and soul feel a bit trampled as kids blow this stuff off as something that doesn't matter.

And in my head, I want to yell...but it does matter, don't you see?  Because there are broken people and broken systems.  And you might not be part of it now, but you will be some day.  You might be lucky now, but evil will invade.   You might be in a protected place now, but we are fragile creatures...and don't you know that you need these tools I am offering?  Don't you know that it easier to build your faith now when life is good, then to try to pick up broken pieces when it all falls apart.

It's a roller coaster dear reader, and some days I just want to get off.  I want to get off and watch it go flying by and be thankful for a break.  But then I take a deep breath.  I pray.  I crawl back into the seat next to God, and away we go again.  Because this is the call we have been given.  To minister in the valley and on the mountain...on the prairie and on the plain.

Thanks be to God that He sits beside us.

Grace and peace,
Preaching Kate

Working Hard...with the Devil at My Heels

This week has been an interesting one to say the least for me.  Filled with challenges to my spirit, my body, and my emotions.  I still am so very thankful and blessed to be here, and I cannot help but wonder if it is when things seem to start to go well that the devil feels like he must jump in and shake things up.

I've been struggling with a flooded basement, and after having been sick for 3+ weeks, finally started to feel better, and now am struggling with energy but no appetite.

It is one of those days that I wish I had a close friend nearby to talk to, and to help me find something that sounds good to eat that wouldn't make me instantly nauseous.

But in the midst of my whining?  I am thankful.  Thankful for a sunny day and a beautiful walk with my dog.  Thankful to be called to this small town where I am pastor to the community, and feel like I am finally one of them.  Thankful that at least at this point, drama at my call has been at a minimum, and God is still at work through me here.

I pray that I can shake this feeling of the devil at my heels.  Pray that instead of looking back, knowing he will catch me, I can start looking forward, knowing I've already been caught and am being held tight.

I hope wherever this finds you, dear partner on this journey, that you can feel peace and hope, and filled with the light of Christ.

Your friend,
Preaching Kate

Back into boxes...

Well dear reader, looks like I will be moving again.  This time not to a new call, but to the town where I serve. 

I have some pretty big hesitations about moving into such a small community.  But I am hoping that God can use this leap of faith for good.  That living in the community will help them to realize that I am "buying in" to who they are, and committing to living and working among them.

But having lived in a rural community before, I know that it can be hard too.  So I am asking for your prayers dear reader...as I begin another transition, and as I let go of another address and place where I called home. 

If you have any suggestions on how to get re-settled into a SMALL community, I would welcome them.

Peace to you in this cold winter days,
Preaching Kate