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Monday, September 30, 2019

Enduring Word Bible- Sermon Notes

Enduring Word Bible- -#56
Genesis 12:1-9
Sometimes Bible Journaling-
Bible Marginalia
 is simply study notes or 
sermon notes.
Here are the sermon notes
 from a Worship Service 
that also celebrated the 50th Anniversary
 of Ministry for Rev. David Betzner.
Bible Journaling is like shining a light
 on a section of Scripture 
that gives a "mini-billboard" illustration.
It helps me to remember.
It changes the lens of the view.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Baptism of Hadley Grace


The Baptism Day story 
for Hadley Grace.
 Pastor Gabe Kasper of 
University Lutheran Chapel
 officiated for the Baptism
 of Hadley Grace Schumacher 
on September 1, 2019.
 Rev. John Denninger-
 "Papa" was blessed to do the baptism.
Sponsors were Rachel and Kyle Thoms
 and Sara and Joshua Wilson.
The immediate and extended family
 of Laura Denninger Schumacher.
The Denninger clan 
with spouses and the littles.
The extended family of Joshua Schumacher 
- the Decker side.
Great Grandma Decker with the 
Schu family.
   Hadley and her godmother- Rachel
Sponsors - Rachel and Kyle
Miss Hadley Grace 
sporting some of her head gear.
Part of the celebrations of the day.
Aunt Lois Nord brought cherry rolls.
A beautiful baptism cake added to the festivities.
What a blessing to have family 
and friends for such a wonderful celebration.

Micah and Aunt Lois Nord came from Iowa 
and had no trouble finding babies to hold.
 Helpers for gift opening
 Gathering of the littles
The Three Sisters and their youngest

 And the troops?     
 This is our best effort of the 
7 little boys and 1 little girl.


Jonah and Hadley- the 2 littlest.
And we just put them
 both in the same swing.
 Think they liked that.
And big brother Griffin in awe.
So So MUCH
to be thankful for.....

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Worship into the Week-Generosity

Worship into the Week--Generosity
Luke 16: 1-15
The Parable of the Dishonest Manager

This manager is also called "shrewd"
 and that doesn't have the same negative
 connotation as dishonest.
But the bottom line here for me
 is the issue of generosity.
I need to seek to have a sharing heart
 with the little I have, 
or how could God entrust me with more? 
Too often we follow the worldly framework
 that I could give more if I had more.
That's not the question.
 It is my trustworthiness.
In all things may I be held
 responsible and honest.
That my dealings would bless those
here and now and into the streams of eternity.

Supplies:
Visual Church Year
childrens-bulletin-luke-16:10
Colored pencils
Washi tape
Junk mail
Magazine cutouts 

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Fall Gatherings- #dengardens

 We have had pretty warm days 
and very little rain for September.
We are at .11 inches of rain this month. 
This is the least amount for September since 2005.
Bright sunlight days and time 
to gather fall plant sightings.
 I love the pinks and purples yet of this month.
 It has been a begonia love this year.
Wish I had space to dig them up 
and bring them in the house of the winter.
 Just a few more images with the Insta Toon app.

It makes them look like paintings.
Very fun.
Give it a try!!

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Bible Journaling- Faithful

Sally Beck's work for Luke 16:10
 from the Sally Beck library 
at Visual Faith Ministry.
Time reflecting about the Shrewd manager
 and the framework of faithfulness.
How do we mark how we manage
 what the Lord blesses us with?
Are we generous when we have little?
Are we generous when we have a bit more?
Somehow we think we will be generous
 when we have- 
LOTS MORE.
A thoughtful start for worship into the week.

Supplies:
Sally Beck Resource-
Watercolor
Regular Sharpie Marker
Fine-point Sharpie pen
Magazine cut out
Assorted Die-cuts

Friday, September 20, 2019

Worship into the Week- Found

Worship into the Week
Luke 15:1-10
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
The Parable of the Lost Coin

The Lost found.
The Amazing Grace of a 
relentless God who pursues us.
Even when sin blots my every day,
He has declared that I am worthy
 of mercy for life.
I rejoice over small things
 and great things.
 Oh the joy in heaven 
when one sinner repents.
Oh the sweet sound of rejoicing
 in heaven.
There is joy before the angels of God 
over one sinner who repents.
Thank you Lord, for such great mercy.

Supplies:
Visual Church Year Printable
childrens-bulletin-luke-15-1-10
Colored Pencils
Watercolors 
Washi tape
Magazine cutouts
Junk mail





Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Enduring Word Bible-His Steadfast Love

Enduring Word Bible - #55
Psalm 136:1-3

Today I just needed to read 
this section of Scripture.
His steadfast love.
His steadfast love that endures forever.
For He is good.
So that I may GIVE THANKS-
to the Lord.

It is good and right to give thanks everyday-
 not just on Thanksgiving.

Supplies:
 Napkin
Mod Podge- Matte Medium
Colored pencils
Fine-point Sharpie pen


Monday, September 16, 2019

Enduring Word Bible- A New Commandment

Enduring Word Bible-#54
A New Commandment
John 13:31-35

This section of Scripture follows Jesus
 washing the disciples feet,
 the sharing of the supper of remembrance,
and the announcement of the betrayal.
Then Jesus tried to pull together
 the future plan for his disciples.
A new Commandment is the challenge.
"A New commandment I give to you
 that you love one another;
 just s I have loved you, 
you also are to love one another. 
By this all people will know
 that you are my disciples,
 if you have love for one another."

This is certainly a lot to think
 about and process for one day.
Now is the task to consider-
What does this mean?
Love one another.

Supplies:
Printable- Katie Heimreich
Visual Faith Ministry
as-i-have-loved-you-project-by-katie-helmreich
Scrapbook paper
Colored pencils




Friday, September 13, 2019

Worship into the Week- the Cost

Worship into the Week-
The Cost of Discipleship
Luke 14: 25-35

Great crowds gathered and followed Jesus.
This section of Scripture probably
 didn't get into the
 "Greatest Sermons of Jesus" section
 in the weekly news.
I think I would have had 
to think about these words.
Mull them over,
wonder if there was a different way.
What does half-way look like?
Even now, I feel that often, 
my response is remiss in follow through.
I get distracted, 
and always have a boatload of excuses.
Following is easy when the road is smooth.
Challenging when fingers are pointing,
 or whispers get louder.
When we know we are not pleasing people.
But, this is pretty plainly laid out.
It is an all or nothing commitment.

Lord, help me to not swerve
 in the road spots, 
or as the world draws or calls.
I am meant for life of MORE.
 Help me to understand 
that I am a disciple for Life-
 making other disciples for LIFE.
Amen.

Supplies:
Visual Church Year Project
childrens-bulletin-luke-14-27 
Watercolors
 Colored Pencils
Magazine cutouts
Junk mail
Washi tape
 Fine-point Sharpie pen

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

9/11 Light

9/11 Reflections at Dusk

How the Light still shines 
on the red, white and blue.
That when deep darkness reigned to wipe out hope-
 there was the terror of the unknown.
But the preserving trait in all of the days
 that followed were the unity and solidarity.
The deep, deep thankfulness to live where I do,
and not take these amazing gifts
 of freedom for granted.
Such sadness covered this day-
eighteen years ago.
And seeped into the days that followed.
But, we step back and trust in this God of HOPE,
even on the dark days.
For this gracious gift, 
I see how ordinary days are really never-
just ordinary.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace 
in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit 
you may abound in hope.



Monday, September 9, 2019

The Work behind the Scene

We have a hard time seeing sunsets 
with the way our house is positioned on the lot.
And all the trees.
But a few nights ago,
 I saw an odd glow in the back yard.
Sunset time-
but that is my clue to go look out
 on the other side of the house.
We don't really have a window
 with a great sunset view.
But, once in awhile, 
I catch the signal 
to go running out the front door.
I couldn't help but think about that
 is the way God works in my life too.
He is always working in the background,
 in places I can't even see.
And once in awhile I catch a glimpse.
How good is the Master-
 as He brings to completion 
the good work begun in Me.


And I am sure of this, that he who 
began a good work in you 
will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Worship into the Week-Be Humble

Worship into the Week
 Luke 14: 7-11
The Parable of the Wedding Feast
That humble part?
We can identify it pretty easily 
when it isn't working for another person.
A bit more challenging to see
 the markers for ourselves.
There is such a human tendency
 for "top dog" behaviors.
Jesus saw the need for reminding his followers
 about the character trait.
And he could speak to the issue.
He traveled by lowly methods, without fanfare,
 and kept 
his eyes looking toward Jerusalem.
How easily it would have been to begin
 to love the adulation of the crowds.
Dear Lord,
When my efforts go unnoticed, 
and without acclaim,
help me to rest in the transformation 
of the work of the Holy Spirit
 to make me humble- like Jesus.
May I live in peace knowing that in God's time,
God deals out the equality measures.
Help me to only compare myself to Jesus.
Amen.

Supplies:
Visual Church Year Resource
childrens-bulletin-luke-1020 
Watercolors
Magazine cutout
Junk mail
Washi tape
Colored pencils
Fine-point Sharpie pen





Thursday, September 5, 2019

#Bestrong

A prayer for all families
 in transition for the new school year.
 New routines.
 New teachers.
 New students.
 New classrooms.
Old habits.
Old joys
Old blessings.
Old memories.
It really is a mixed pot.
Just don't try to do it all on your own strength.
Got to do some leaning,
 and a whole lot of praying.

"Be strong and of good courage,
be not afraid,
neither be thou dismayed,
for the Lord Thy God is with
thee whithersoever thou goest."
Joshua 1:9
Sometimes it is good to pray 
this the way I learned it growing up.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Living Fierce

Just returned from time in Michigan celebrating
 the birth of the first granddaughter- Hadley Grace.
That makes 6 fierce older warriors 
with super powers 
and two littles with heart-melting abilities.
May you all be fierce in loving others,
seeking those in the margins,
looking for how to serve.
And leading your lives following Jesus.
Our prayer for all of you.
Loved my time all around.
Gigi is tired and gonna rest a bit.
But, more of the story to come!
Blessed beyond measure.
Thank you, Lord.
#dengrandloves

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Scripture Doodles- August



Scripture Doodles for the month of August.
Following along with the Portals of Prayer.
One word or phrase a month,
 Four colored pencils.
Calendar by Concordia Publishing House.
Available in the FILES at 
Visual Faith Ministry Facebook groups.

The August Devotions were written by
Tanya Laabs Johnson from Appleton, Wisconsin.