Washington, D.C. Part 2

 Now that our family was together again, we could all go back to our comfortable roles. Thank goodness! Because I had been carefully researching where I thought we'd all like to go in Washington and now I just needed someone to get us there. 

Our first order of business was to head to the home where we'd be staying. We had planned on getting a hotel in the area but it just wasn't working out. We decided to contact the area pastors to see if they had someone in their congregations who would be willing to host us. The week before we left, we were contacted that there was a couple who agreed to host us. The connection was loose - she was in Wayne's brother's wedding and roomed with my sister-in-law at DMLC. But that's good enough in the WELS and they graciously opened their doors to us! Yay! 

By the time we arrived, it was already well into the day. After meeting our hosts, moving in our stuff and following some sage advice from Jules (our hostess with the mostess), we decided to drive into the city and check things out. 

I'm going to quickly gloss over this first night of adventure because it was a flop. In a nutshell, the traffic was HORRIBLE, it was impossible to find a legal parking space, it was hotter than Hades, and I was hungry. All this added up to foreseeable disaster. I had hoped we would: a. find a parking space and b. take a monuments tour that evening. The parking space ended up being in a very expensive parking garage and the monuments tour didn't happen. But if I was to focus on the positive, they would be: a. we didn't get into an accident in all that crazy traffic and b. we ate dinner in air-conditioning. 

The rest of our Washington adventure was far more successful. 

The next day we went back into the city - this time with Jules driving us and dropping us off at the Air and Space Museum. Yep - she was more than a concierge - this was first rate niceness. We spent the morning learning all about spaceships, airplanes and air travel. For lunch, we skipped next door to the Museum of the American Indian for lunch because I had read they had an awesome cafeteria. Which they did. Then we wrapped up the Air and Space and moved onto the Museum of American History.

I was in heaven because I love American history! Where else could you see George Washington's uniform and Dorothy's red slippers? 

The President and First Lady exhibits were amazing. I could have spent more time here but it was time to move on.

The evening was capped off by our hosts, Dwayne and Jules, picking us up and giving us their personal tour of the monuments. See? And there you have it, it all worked out even better than I hoped! 

With with Einstein

Thomas Jefferson

Selfie with Jules and Roosevelt's dog

Abe

It was the Depression ...

This fun-filled day was followed by another fun-filled day. This one started on the subway. 

We drove to the station and took the train in. We spent a good portion of this day at the International Spy Museum. This one was for Will, mainly. It was a lot of fun and makes me want to watch my episodes of Alias. We all ended up enjoying the tour. Afterwards, we went across the street to the art gallery so we could see the Portrait Gallery of Presidents. This was really cool, too, and we all enjoyed it.

007

Zanna with her hero

We took the subway over to the area of the National Zoo. Man, was it hot. I was glad we had brought plenty of water bottles along and I was also glad I had brought my backpack on the trip and I was thrilled that the guys took turns carrying the backpack. 

Anyway, upon arrival at the zoo we headed over to the panda area and there were no pandas. We stopped at other exhibits along the way and 20 minutes into our visit we had yet to see an animal at the zoo. I was starting to wonder if this was some joke - no animals to see at the free National Zoo. Maybe we were supposed to be the ones on display and the animals were somewhere hiding and watching us. As it turned out, it was not that big of a conspiracy theory. It was just so hot that many of the animals were inside somewhere. What a terrific idea!

We gave up after seeing a cat and some elephants and headed to a restaurant nearby that had been recommended to us - Hot 'n Juicy. It was a crawfish place and we were all up for the adventure! It was one of those places that give you a bib to wear, a roll of paper towels and a bucket. Then they bring out a bag of food - in our case it was crawfish, shrimp, andouille sausage and a couple potatoes and ears of corn - all in a very messy sauce. And then you have at it. We were a mess, but a happy mess! Wayne took some pictures but frankly, they're embarrassing!

We headed back to the subway station to ride back to the suburbs found at the end of the line. At the same time we were ending our day, so were others that had been attending a "Rainbow Festival" and also others that had enjoyed an afternoon of "Brew Fest".  Ah, public transit, a window into humanity at it's most interesting ....

We were lucky enough to share the ride with one very inebriated man who was having some trouble keeping his liquor down. Hence, the look on my face below ...

We somehow ended up at Dairy Queen before calling it quits for the night. When asked by Jules the next morning what her favourite thing we did the day before was, this DQ stop was what my dear daughter referenced. Seriously? After everything else we did, this is what you say?!! Oh, brother! 

So by now you can well imagine how utterly exhausted we were. Thankfully it was now Sunday. A day of rest. Thank you, Lord! We attended church with Dwayne and Jules in the morning. For lunch, we were invited to a friend of Will's from LPS that lived in the area. We enjoyed a lovely meal in their home and made new friends we'll enjoy seeing in the future as our paths cross at Prep. We relaxed the rest of the day, did some loads of laundry and chatted with our host family. By this time in our stay, we had reached the point of familiarity to put our feet up and help ourselves to a glass of wine. It was lovely!

Monday was our last day:( We drove to Mount Vernon and immersed ourselves in everything George Washington. It was amazing and very well done. It was blazing hot but there was enough indoor and air-conditioned things here to balance the time spent out of doors. 

Zanna is a huge GW fan mainly due to her obsession with the Liberty Kids cartoons. I had purchased the series years ago for Will to watch during our study of US history. Zanna's been watching it ever since and never seems to get sick of it. She knows all things George and has a bit of animosity toward the British which we try and keep on the down low. She was devastated by this recent conversation I had with her:

Zanna: We should have a 4th of July party and invite only Americans.

Me: If we did that, then you and Dad wouldn't be allowed at your own party.

Zanna: You mean I'm not an American? insert incredulous gasp

Me: It's on my to-do list.

Anyway, Mount Vernon was fantastic! And for those that are a little rusty in their American history, they provide little films to "catch you up".  One theatre even provided snow and vibrating seats to mimic the Battle at Valley Forge! 

We headed back to Dwayne and Jules to pack our stuff up and visit with our hosts one last night. We had a delicious dinner of salmon fillet followed by a hot and sweaty walk "to the crack and back" which is about as far as you could possibly stand to be outside in the summer heat of Virginia. 

We were truly blessed in many ways by this trip - God is good! We had safe travels, good health and nice weather. We spent time together and explored new things. We made good memories and even learned a thing or two along the way! We were blessed by others as they welcomed us into their home, extended hospitality and gave of themselves generously. We made new friends and reconnected with old ones. 

And as always - as much fun as we have being away, it's always great to come home again:)

Washington, D.C. Part 1

 We have been trying to do a trip to DC for awhile now and it finally happened! Yay!

Wayne had a conference in Maryland so the kids and I tagged along for the road trip. 9 hours of traveling is nothing compared to what we're used to. What we were not used to was being south of the Mason/Dixon line in the summer. Instantly the temperature rose and we all started to melt. For the first couple of mornings, my teenager kept putting pants on. Maybe I should have let him suffer the consequences of such a foolish choice, but the mother hen in me wanted to spare him from embarrassing chafing. So he heard me say a few times, "We are in the south! It is HOT! Put your shorts on!"

While Wayne was attending his Summer quarter pastor's conference, the kids and I had a few days alone.

Now, I've been feeling a little sensitive lately in regards to maintaining some independence. I have a great husband and we've fallen into each of our roles pretty easily. He drives, I work the entertainment and snacks. He navigates, I point out the restaurants. He fills the car with gas, I go to the bathroom. He pays for stuff, I lead the group in a hearty, Thanks, Dad!. All that being said, I also realize that I'm at risk of getting a little ... lazy. I could maybe challenge myself to step outside of my comfort zone every now and again and gain some self confidence in areas I don't usually pay attention to. And so it began ...

My credit card wasn't working. It must have been flagged for being out of the country. So in the middle of Trader Joe's, I called my bank. And I called them again from Olive Garden when it still wasn't working. I was pretty proud of myself for being persistent and fixing the problem. I even texted my husband so he would know there was a problem and hey - I took care of it.

After a night in a hotel by myself with the kids, we packed up and headed farther south to Richmond, Virginia. This required me to drive through the Washington, D.C. area by myself. If you've ever heard how awful the traffic is in this area, it is all true. So with my GPS programmed and my hands firmly clutching the stirring wheel at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock, we were off. At some point I some how managed to find myself on some Express Lane that required a special pass that I obviously didn't have but the GPS made me do it.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

We were heading to Richmond to visit friends from college. I couldn't wait to see them again and meet their kids after all these years! I managed to be ahead of schedule and didn't want to show up on Cara too early, so I stopped for gas. It was then that I realized that the credit card that I had spent numerous phone calls on the day before was left at Olive Garden. 

I left the credit card at Olive Garden.

After reuniting with my friend and settling into her home, I was back on the phone with the credit card company and Olive Garden trying to rectify my mistake. My husband received a semi passive aggressive text from me that read something like - 
Me: Left the credit card at the restaurant last night. Whatever. 
Him: Did you get it back?
Me: Nope. In Virginia now. Whatever.

I was feeling a little deflated by my mistake but I was determined to  move on and have a good time. And we did. We had a blast!! Our friendship picked up right where we left off. It was honey. We brought each other up to date on our lives and reminisced about the past. 

 And meanwhile, our kids got to know one another through the typical bonding of the Wii and a day spent at a museum followed by an amusement park. What more could kids ask for? We are awesome mommies. Yep.

 And I just have to explain this next photo because it was hilarious. We went to this particular museum because Cara's 2 year old was telling me about how she saw rat's playing basketball. I thought she was nuts but Cara confirmed this was true. So that's how we found ourselves at this particular museum watching fancy rat's play basketball. It was totally worth it.

Our girls totally hit it off. They bonded over American Girl dolls, clothes and the Wii. At the amusement park, they started off with the mild rides like driving the cars around and slowly built up to roller coasters I wouldn't be caught dead on.  Life was sweet as they stood in lines together, screamed bloody murder as their little bodies were jostled to and fro on crazy rides, and shared snacks and treats. Until Zanna wanted to go on the Ride of Death (that's not really what it was called - like I'd let her go on that, people!) and Livvy did NOT! And the whole Chic-fil-A fiasco. But I won't get into that.

And we ended the day a little crabbier than how we began.
 Zanna: Whatever. (I don't know where she gets this attitude!)

Happy ending! Everyone was happier once the air conditioning kicked in on the van ride home:) 

We have great memories of Cara's someone's Tervis cup addiction, Sonic cherry limeade drinks and a elementary graduation celebration! Will is still talking about how much he liked visiting with their two year old as they chatted it up on van rides. It's comforting to know that even though we change through the years, somethings never change - like her laugh you'd recognize in a crowed room or that her enjoyment of crushed ice is still there! 

After our wonderful visit with friends, it was time to hit the road and go get Dad. Part 2 of our trip was about to begin!  

Wisdom From On High

Believe it or not, homeschooling was not an easy decision for us to make. You would think then that the decision to send our child away to boarding school for high school would have been an even harder choice to make. It was, in fact, easier than you'd think. 

May's graduation service at Luther Prep School was confirmation of this, in case we needed it. 

My niece graduated this year and it's cliche to say it seems like she just started but it's true - it really does seem like that.  
And I think she'd be the first to agree that even at a Christian school, there are social challenges, academic struggles, temptations, and peer pressure. Getting through it all really is an accomplishment, especially when you're that age. As adults, we all know it's really only the beginning of a time when you are making major life decisions with a brain that is still making permanent connections. And drawing from my own experience, it's really by the grace of God that despite some poor choices and lack of wisdom, it really has all worked out - haha! 

Prep's graduation ceremony is actually a church service with a few thousand people. Just try to sing the opening hymn Praise to the Lord, the Almighty without getting goosebumps! 

Instead of a speech it's a sermon. And we didn't hear a typical graduation pep talk about making the most of your life by following your dreams and reaching for the stars and being able to do whatever makes you happy. It's not about making this world a better place or making as much money as you can. 

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1

We are his. We are tools he uses to bring glory to his name, to serve each other and not ourselves. At an overwhelming time in life when everything is changing fast, this is the message I want for my children - for everyone's children. Do not fear, he has bought us back. He calls us by name and we have value and self worth and purpose because we are his. Amen. 

And then the Prep Singers sang this song-

Go get some kleenex. You know you need it.

This wasn't just a message for high school graduates. It was a message for me and for everyone! 

Wisdom From On High. 

We also packed up Will and all his stuff. I was getting nervous the week before when he kept texting me that the was "packing". I put that word in parentheses because I really doubted that what he was doing was going to be helpful at all. It wasn't. It was a mess of things shoved into bags. He had packed school stuff to take home for no reason. All clothes stunk like  - well, you'd know if you've smelled a dorm full of teenage boys. I spent two hours at the local Watertown laundromat washing every single thing he owned that was washable. Let's be honest. I did it for me. Oh, he thanked me and everything. But he would have been just fine storing all those stinky clothes and sheets in a sweltering Rubbermaid container all summer. At least I have the peace of mind that everything will start out clean and that's something, isn't it? 

And - perk - I meant some friendly locals while at the laundromat, checked Facebook and watched episodes of Flipper and Mr. Ed.  

One year down. Three to go! 

Change Around the House

 If it's been quiet here at my blog home, it's because I've been busy everywhere else!

 I'll try my best to fill in the gaps.

Will came home for March Break and it got kind of lost in the funeral and all that came with that. But our time together was gold and it went by too fast! It felt like old times to have my kids with me again and I soaked it up.

 *random fun fact about my kids and temperature - Zanna overdresses to the extreme. She wears a hat and earmuffs well into April. Will drastically underdresses and finds looking cool more important than being warm. To be fair, he was always a warmer kid than I realized. I was always insisting he put on a coat in winter because for crying out loud we live in Canada and what will other mothers think of me with you wandering around without a coat?!!! 

In homeschool this year, Zanna and I have been part of a homeschool co-op for the first time. It's a group of mothers coming together under a theme to share in the teaching of our kids ranging in age from junior kindergarten up to high school. Think one room schoolhouse meets Ms. Frizzle.  It's a great way to learn for the kids and a great way for moms to use their individual skills and interests to share with everyone. Each unit theme takes three mornings (once a week) to cover. The curriculum has already been written (by a mom) and then is implemented by everyone. A typical morning includes an opening, a rotation of various lessons that has a mix of hands on, experiments, crafts or games. It ends with a review and closing.

I had been asked in the winter to fill in last minute and help come up with the curriculum that had been started by another mom who was no longer part of the co-op. The theme was "China" and since I had some experience in that area, I agreed to research and write it along with another mom. It was A TON of work but it was the implementation of it in March that was so exciting to watch unfold.  The older kids made a salt dough map of China that took all three sessions to finish.  They decorated their own "Ming Plates", made stir-fried rice, learned about panda bears and dragons, built the Great Wall of China - in one morning, and learned some words to say and write in Mandarin among other things. It was awesome.

Zanna and I have also been to a performance at the National Art Centre and saw the ballet, Sleeping Beauty at another venue. We're down to the last few days of the school year now and are both looking forward to a summer break!

Around the house I've continued working on the finishing touches of the basement. We are loving it! It's hard to even remember what it used to look like down there.

Mom and Dad picked out the futon mattress they wanted back in February. It's a big one that opens into a queen size! It's nice to have that extra space to watch TV and stay cool now that it's warming up outside. On the wall, I found some really neat decals I made on Shutterfly. They stick right on - no nails!

My other home project was to give Zanna her birthday present from back in February - to redo her room. It used to look like this ...

Pink. Very pink. Which is fine and was cuter when she was little and all that. But I thought we could go more "pre-teen" and give her a room to grow into.

The walls are neutral now with one accent wall of a grey/purple colour. The banner is courtesy of her godmother's talents. Her books are easily accessible and she now has a reading light and shelf to reach her currents reads.

I was also able to incorporate a beautiful umbrella that someone had given us from China and was too pretty to actually use in the rain. And above her curtains hang some lights just like Will has above his window for "mood lighting". I also hemmed the curtains by myself, thank you very much. With peel and stick hem tape.  She's loving her new room!  #thankgoodnessforikea #ishouldhaveboughtstockinikea

Mother's Day was lovely even if it was the first one without my son:(. Wayne and Zanna went out of their way to make the day special. The weekend before was a sweet Mother's Day Tea that the Lutheran Pioneers put on. 

I woke up to singing (Happy Mother's  Day to you) on Sunday and treated to a breakfast of scrambled eggs with chopped tomatoes, basil and feta that Zanna made herself.  She also presented me with a card and craft that she made on the sly (which is challenging to do when you're at home most of the time). Lunch was on the go as we had the Quebec church to get to that afternoon for service. Dinner was grilled salmon steaks on a cedar plank made by Wayne. Yum! My son did technically contact me on Mother's Day to tell me that he'd be playing his violin in a concert that night that I could watch online. Which is thoughtful for a 14 boy. I'll take it! 

I had already treated myself earlier to an awesome new blender that is considered my Mother's Day, birthday and possible Christmas present. This sucker blends whatever you can feed it to a smooth consistency. I'm in heaven. I've made various smoothies, enchilada sauce, sorbet, frappe chinos, pancake batter and soup in this puppy. Sometimes I use it for every meal. I'd be happy to invite you over for a demonstration:) 

We are looking forward to picking up Will from school soon and having him home for the summer. I know the summer will fly by and we have plenty of activities planned already! 

This past school year has been a huge change for us all.  It's with a huge sigh of relief that we've almost made it through! Change can be daunting and the fear of the unknown can mess with the imagination. The reality is that God is consistent in His presence and care even when life is changing rapidly. We won't be able to share in Will's upcoming birthday with the usual festivities of the past, but the lilies-of-the-valley still came up! We'll make new traditions in celebrating his special day after the fact. Instead of having a whole day all about him, he'll get to take three final exams! Welcome to real life, son... but we still celebrate the day of your birth and we are thankful for God's promises to bless and keep you. 

Change happens but "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Appendices/The First Evangelicals and Other Churches

"My evangelical friend told me I was Arminian because I believe in free will," my Lutheran friend blurted out to me. "No, your not. You're Lutheran," I assured her.

Yes - The Lutheran Church seems almost unknown in American Christianity. Catholics, Episcopalians, Baptists, charismatics, and Calvinists are well represented in theological debates, opinion polls, and articles in Christian publications, but Lutherans - who have their own distinctive approach to everything from salvation to politics - are often theological wallflowers." (page 147)

We're like the Sue Heck in Christian circles (a reference to "The Middle". How many times has poor Sue introduced herself to those ditzy cheerleaders?!) It's like we're not even there.

To be fair, we do bring this on ourselves to a certain extent. We have our own schools (from preschool through Seminary), our own publishing house (NPH), and denominational services (Adult Discipleship, Campus Ministry, Christian Aid and Relief, Communications Services, Congregation and Ministry Support, Evangelism, Financial Services, Worship, Youth and Family Ministry, etc).  It has isolated us, in a good way, I would argue. It has kept us out of the mainstream and encouraged us to stay true to our theology.

Why bother anyway with being aware of what other denominations teach?

When I teach my children grammar, I will teach them the rules, show what that looks like and give them plenty of practise. I will expose them to well written books, carefully crafted sentences and resources that show proper usage. In short, I am laying a foundation. I want them to have a good understanding of grammar and spelling and usage by teaching them the basics through memorization, drill, and practise. I show them what this looks like in good literature so they are used to seeing it.  Only after they've mastered the foundation will I introduce examples to them that are not perfect in an effort for them to spot the wrong. It takes wisdom to know how much to do this because I don't want them to get used to seeing it wrong so often they start to think it's right. But when they are challenged to recognize a grammar mistake or mis-spelling, they are forced to recall what they know and analyze it with what is striking them as a mistake. They are applying their knowledge and growing in their understanding.

I find this as a similar analogy to understanding doctrine. We should learn the teachings of the Bible and learn them well. We should expose ourselves to daily Bible reading and classes, books, teachings, sermons and devotions that reinforce the truths we've learned. We want to get used to seeing truth so that when we inevitably come across something that includes error, our very core will react to it with, "Something's not right!" We will want to be careful to not knowingly expose ourselves to too much falsehood (even when mixed with truth) because we don't want to get used to seeing it wrong so often that we start to think it's right.  *But having the ability to spot error is an important spiritual exercise in applying our knowledge and growing in our understanding.

*Give this a try by listening to the podcast: This Week in Pop-American Christianity: A Review of Evangelical Easter Sermons  Do you hear the difference?

I never perceived this book to be an "other denomination" bashing, and I don't think it was intended as such. The focus was more on what makes Lutheranism unique not only among Christianity but all beliefs. It also wasn't meant to be a systematic examination of each doctrine. Very little Scripture was actually quoted in this book overall. I'm fine with that because that wasn't the scope of this book. He included an excellent resource section in the end for further study. Although I would add a Bible Information Class at a local WELS church to that resource list:)

What makes Lutherism so unique?
There's a reason why we have families at our church drive an hour and a half (some crossing the US border) to come. (Hint: it's not the potlucks or our program offerings) There's a reason why confessional Lutherans choose not to go to any church at all if they can't get to a confessional Lutheran church. There's a reason why referring to someone as "Lutheran" just doesn't cut it anymore. The reason is that we are confessional, conservative and orthodox.  

One could argue that, "can't we all just get along and agree to disagree on unimportant matters?".  Remember the two kingdoms - heaven will not be found on earth. And, there's no such thing as "unimportant matters" for Jesus says it's all important. He makes no distinction and neither should we. So while we're on this side of heaven, we rejoice in the faith in Jesus we share with our Christian neighbours of other denominations and we look forward to heaven where we will be perfectly united!

Built on the Rock the Church shall stand. Even when steeples are falling.

Crumbled have spires in every land; Bells still are chiming and calling.

Calling the young and old to rest, But above all the soul distressed,

Longing for rest everlasting. 

Surely in temples made with hands God, the Most High, is not dwelling;

High above earth his temple stands, All earthly temples excelling.

Yet he who dwells in heav'n above Chooses to live with us in love,

And evermore, our Redeemer.

We are God's house of living stones, Built for his own habitation. 

He through baptismal grace us owns Heirs of his wondrous salvation.

Were we but two his name to tell, Yet he would deign with us to dwell

Will all his grace and his favour.

Here stands the font before our eyes, Telling how God did receive us. 

Th'altar recalls Christ's sacrifice And what the sacrament gives us.

Here sound the Scriptures that proclaim Christ yesterday, today, the same,

And evermore, our Redeemer.

Grant then, O God, your will be done, That when the church bells are ringing,

Many in saving faith may come Where Christ his message is bringing:

"I know my own; my own know me. You, not the world, my face shall see.

My peace I leave with you always." 

"Built on the Rock" - Christian Worship 529

Conclusion/Worshiping God

It's been a number of years since I read the book The Fire and the Staff *  but it was my first real eye opener and in depth look at how doctrine and practice are interwoven together.  How we worship (practice)  influences what we believe (doctrine) and likewise what we believe will guide how we worship. Having just gone through the previous chapters in this book and reviewed what it is that Lutherans believe (in a nutshell), one will see this expressed in a Lutheran worship service. Lutheran spirituality is embodied, expressed tangibly, in Lutheran worship. Law and Gospel, the saving Word and Sacraments, the vocation of the pastor, and the Real Presence of Christ animate the liturgy at every point. Every week in worship, the Christian takes part in a divine drama, a mystery, in which Christ's gifts are received. (pg 138)

This topic actually opens up a whole can of worms that he didn't touch upon or this book would have been a lot longer! He stayed focused solely on how Lutherans do worship and why. I think the big difference between our worship and other Christian denomination worship is: How we define what the purpose of worship is? What do we hope to accomplish by it? What is the mission and ministry of the church? What is the role of the pastor? It's the answer to these questions (and others) that will guide what actually happens on a Sunday morning in any given Christian church.

Lutheran worship has an objective quality about it, the sense that grace is actually operating outside of one's own perceptions, that is very different from the more subjective styles favoured by other theologies. (pg109) I really appreciate this about our worship! I don't want to need my emotions to know if God is really present because I don't trust them. I want to know, objectively, that He is present and working regardless of anything else I may perceive or not. God wants that for us too so that we have that assurance and can rest in His promises. Lutheran worship is Christ-centred, not human-centred. (pg 109) 

Our worship has such a rich heritage and is so grounded in Scripture that regardless of what's new or popular out there in the culture, there's a stark contrast to the culture of worship that speaks sacred.  This time, this space is set apart as holy and special and God is working through His means of grace.
Lutheran worship bathes the congregation in the Word of God. The readings, the liturgical responses, the great set-pieces such as the Introit and the Kyrie, are not "vain repetitions" as our critics say. They are the very words of the Bible. Lutheran hymns are not emotional effusions. They are doctrinally and article rigorous explorations of a Biblical text. The creed and the prayers are grounded in Scripture. A Lutheran sermon is never a moralistic pep talk, nor a mediation on current events or pop psychology, but the proclamation of both Law and Gospel, drawn from the appointed text in Scripture. And Holy Communion is the fulfillment of the Lord's promises as recorded in the New Testament. The Word of God permeates Lutheran worship, and the Word of God is a means of grace. (pg 110) - my favourite quote from this chapter:) 

I think it fair to say that for most regular church going Lutherans, much of what is done on a Sunday morning might actually pass us by. I know it did for me for many years. Our practice of youth confirmation and adult instruction is quite thorough in it's study of doctrine but usually light on the explanation of the liturgy. It's a shame really because there's so much to appreciate and learn from if you know what to pay attention to and have some knowledge of the historical background. It would make for an excellent Bible study series, in my opinion. But for personal growth in this area, one can do some research and study. Having a home hymnal is really a must. You can Google any of the hymns/hymn writers and find out some back story or challenge yourself to find the Scripture that is used in the hymn itself. Your pastor might loan you his hymnal handbook too that includes some information you might find interesting. I already mentioned the Fire and the Staff. There's also the ABC's of Worship  and Church, Mission and Ministry  that are great resources. You can download the iCal Church Calendar to your Windows or Mac to raise awareness of the church year. You can download the church calendar readings (or Lectionary also found in the front of the hymnal) to know the texts coming up in worship. And, of course, Issues, etc has plenty of podcasts on the matter.

I would like to suggest a few specific podcasts to gain a better understanding of where the other side of Christianity may be coming from. I found it very enlightening and helped me better understand the meaning behind some of the conversations I've had with my Christian friends from other denominations. Understanding has also helped me to grow a better appreciation for what we Lutherans have, do and preach.
The Gospel for Former Evangelicals: The Divine Service 
The Gospel for Former Evangelicals: The Office of the Pastor *

Personally, aside from our liturgy and practice being rooted in the Word of God, I appreciate the sameness found throughout our churches. If I am traveling and visit a WELS church, we know we can expect to hear and participate in our familiar practices of worship.  We will hear a message preached that we agree with. Of course, each church is unique in it's own way, but there is a familiarity that makes one feel at home even when quite far away from home. Also, with my family being so spread out and far apart, I know they are hearing the same texts on any given Sunday morning as I am. We are connected even when far apart! And finally, Vieth touched upon this when he referenced John Kleinig's comments on the subject. When we worship in church, we are also worshiping along with the saints and the angels in heaven. (pg 141) Our worship is a reflection of what heaven will be like and we join in the worship of all the saints triumphant that have gone before us and with the angels themselves.

I have definitely grown in my appreciating of the liturgy over the years and have tried to bring it into my own home in some ways. Following the liturgy is teaching Biblical truths and why keep it just in church? Teaching Biblical truths should extend into our daily lives and homes and this is one avenue I learned from my own mother that can be very effective.

*While I suggest reading or listening to these sources only because I thought so much of them, please note that they are of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and while we have much in common with them, we are not in fellowship with them. One of the points we differ on is having to do with the "Divine Call" and "Mission and Ministry".  Just a point to be aware:) Talk with your pastor for more information!

And we pray,

Lord God, revealed to Moses in a burning bush, to Israel in a cloudy pillar, to Isaiah on a lofty throne: help us in our worship to stand before You as on holy ground, seek the company of Your grace, hear and obey the voice of Your Word. Remove from us all hindrances to proper confessions and forgiveness, to attentive hearing and obedience, to sincere praise and thanksgiving, that we may go forth with Your benediction; through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

What aspect do you most appreciate in the liturgy and why? 

The Receiving End of Love

We are a pastor's family. We both have our roles - his more clearly defined than mine. He's definitely more confident in fulfilling his vocation. I'm still trying to figure out mine most days ...

I have given my fair share of hugs to those who look like they need it. I've tried my best to clear out the cloud of my own self absorption in order to make room for the cares and concerns that our members are going through.  I try to ask questions, offer a listening ear and follow through on prayers I promise I'll make. I've made meals for new moms, those recovering from surgery or for people who are sick. I've worked alongside our women's group to make and serve food for funerals. I've been at the funeral homes and hugged the grieving family members as they struggle to come to terms with saying goodbye to their loved one. I've played my violin, however imperfect, as an accompaniment to a funeral service. I've done none of this perfectly and am fully aware that I've missed plenty of opportunities to show Christian love over the years. But this is what we do, we who are bought by the blood of the Lamb and are just so very grateful for His love and compassion that we try and show love and compassion to others as best we can.

Wayne, in his vocation as pastor, has served countless families and individuals over the years. He has been with his members through their highs of weddings and baptisms to the earthly lows of sickness and death. He has patiently sat with people in their homes or at their hospital bedside. He's held their hand, listened patiently as a good friend and administered the Sacrament to them when they couldn't get to church. He's brought the Word of God to them. He's comforted widows and widowers. He's sat with the dying, so that the final words they hear are the ones that offer real Comfort. He's worked with a number of different funeral homes, arranged the services and guided the families in picking out the sermon text and hymn songs. He was the one called to the hospital when the one who lay dying had no family or friends to come. He gives what's been given to him and  as a vessel that Christ uses to speak words of Truth and Love : that Christ gave of Himself as a ransom for all people. (1 Tim 2:6)

Up until recently, we have been on the giving end. We've given, not always knowing what it means to those receiving it. We've given,  because it's just the right thing to do. We've given, sometimes despite ourselves. We've given, because we've been given so much through Christ.

Recently, we've been the ones who have been on the receiving end of love. When news of my father-in-laws passing was made known, endless emails, Facebook messages and personal condolences were made. Wayne's email box was visible proof that people cared for him and were grieving his loss. Our members graciously gave him the time off he needed. Members were at my front door at 4:45am to take us to the airport. A meal was brought over in anticipation of the busyness of Holy Week around the corner. Prayers were said for our family in public worship.

When the individual families of our clan all flew in from afar to Calgary for the funeral, the love continued to pour in. All together, we make a group of 16.  We were lovingly fed and every meal we ate together was provided by someone who gave to us.  Our bodies were nourished by the very souls Jesus redeemed. Never before in my life did a meat tray and bag of buns make so much sense to me. How could home baked pies manage to be enjoyed so much? The warmth and comfort of lasagna was never appreciated more. The wild game BBQ was a treat. And the chilli brought with the announcement that it's secret ingredient was love was , we all agreed, a hit!

We arrived at the church - the same one where Wayne and I spoke our marriage vows and where two nieces and a nephew were baptized into faith - where now the earthly body of Jake would enter and leave one last time. As family and friends came and went for the visitation, another meal was served for the family in the basement. Food enough to feed an army awaited us and we enjoyed a respite from the heaviness upstairs.

Once the visitation concluded, the family and those that wanted to stay were led by the pastor in devotion. What Wayne has done for many families before was now being done for us. God is so good!! The same pastor who married us and baptized family members was now the one to bury the first of us. The same pastor who inspired my husband many years ago to go into the ministry was now ministering to us. The same pastor who went on holidays with my in-laws, spent countless Christmases and Easters together when extended family was absent was now the one to bury his friend. Through his personal grieving, his task was clear - to comfort the grieving family with the hope and assurance from Jesus Himself through the words of John in Revelation of the New Jerusalem, our eternal home in heaven. "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:1-4

Flower arrangements arrived for the funeral including one from our own congregation.  It meant so much to have their presence there in a sweet smelling way. The funeral arrangements were made with the pastor but with Wayne on the other end. The nearby funeral home had as it's long time employee a woman whom my brother-in-law had been best man in her wedding.  It was more than arrangements and business she made with the family as the connection was worthy of her own family attending the visitation. It all ran like clockwork despite the fact that we were winging it.

The funeral itself drew upwards 400 attendees. And the message spoken by the pastor had nothing to do with the life of Jake. As Jake would have wanted, it had everything to do with the life - and death - and resurrection of Christ! In a room full of people who had crossed paths with my father-in-law throughout his lifetime, the hope that we as a family have, that he had, was preached loud and clear to the crowd. "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8. 

The pastor's wife and also sister-in-Christ to our family, played the hymns on the grand piano. The pastor offered up his own offering of a verse solo as a witness to the crowd and a gift for his departed friend. Their hearts were beautiful as they gave of themselves and Christ's love met us right there in the front row. As their own hearts were grieving for a friend lost, they gave of themselves so generously.

The reception that followed afterward was not catered by a fancy-schmancy service but by the church family that shared in our loss. Once more, the amount of food was ample for the huge crowd but that it was all made as an offering of time and resources made it all the more delicious. There were no eulogies made, although I've no doubt there were plenty of stories to be told. There was my husband at the microphone, the pastor through and through, that announced to those who had expressed a desire to help in any way, that they could honour that offer by coming to church with us the next day. That's what Jake would have wanted - to offer another opportunity for people to hear what Jesus has done for them. For him. Another opportunity for any and all to hear, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope though the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5.

We are all on the receiving end of love. Out of love, God sent His Son to save us through His perfect life, death and resurrection. Out of love, God brings us to faith and changes our hearts to believe in Him. Out of love, He gives us every good and perfect gift.  He opens our hands to receive His love.