Dad's Surgery

Two weeks ago,

As a result of a scheduled scan,

My dad learned that he had a large

Aortic aneurysm

That would need surgery.

 

His surgery is scheduled for tomorrow.

 

If all goes well,

The procedure will be laparoscopic,

He will only be in the hospital for one night,

And the recovery process will be a few weeks.

 

We are praying that all goes well,

But we are aware how precarious surgery is at 82.5 years old. 

 

To say that things have been tense around the house is an understatement. 

As much faith as he has,

As much as he’s certain of eternity, 

As much as he believes in and trusts his doctors, 

My dad is still stressed, 

Being able to do nothing to fix himself

In the waiting, 

Worrying about what is to come, 

Not because of doubt in God 

But because he’s human and 

This is a big deal and 

Being put to sleep for surgery 

Causes one to face one’s own mortality. 

 

We have no idea how long he has had the aneurysm. 

It has evidently been getting larger for quite some time. 

Without knowing it,

My dad has been walking around with a ticking time bomb that could have exploded within the year.  

So we are thankful that one thing led to another led to another that led to this diagnosis. 

And we are thankful that it can be repaired. 

 

But we are rightfully anxious and 

Open to all the warm thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes that we receive. 

 

I don’t know how prayer works. 

But something about knowing

That a community of people, 

Focused on something greater than self, 

Is coming together in common thought and desire 

Is a powerful thing. 

 

So here’s to hoping for a successful surgery and recovery

And that my dad comes out of what he has compared to going to the repair shop 

As good as new. 

 

Amen. 

  

One Letter

 

A few months ago,

I saw a friend’s Facebook post about an interest meeting for a mission trip to Belize.

Something stirred within me and

I found myself at the meeting the next day.

After listening to the trip leader talk passionately about the work he’s been doing in the area for well over a decade,

And after asking quite a few questions to make sure the trip did not conflict with my theological beliefs,

I found myself agreeing to go on the trip.

 

We will be a team of four,

Traveling in July,

I will be the only female,

And we will be doing construction work,

Which is odd for me,

Because I’m not known for my construction prowess,

Although I have become pretty good with a hammer!

 

For months,

I didn’t hear anything about the trip.

I was becoming anxious knowing so little and wondering so much,

So I finally wrote my friend to check in and ask for information.

“Have you not been getting the team lead’s e-mails?” he asked.

“No.” I responded. “I’ve heard nothing.”

“Ahhhhhh,” he said. “No wonder you haven’t responded.”

 

The team lead had the wrong e-mail address.

 

Instead of dldeaton, he had dideaton.

 

A seemingly minor mistake,

But a huge error when it comes to vital communication.

 

My inbox now has a handful of messages from the team lead.

I know how much I owe ($1500) and I know how to make it through customs.

I have my medical form to fill out and I see which shots I need to take.

Now…

I wait…

And I pray…

And I ask you to pray with me, too.

For a great trip,

A safe trip,

Smooth travels,

Funding,

Safety on the work sight,

Good health,

No sickness or injury,

Good fellowship that transcends language barriers,

Comfortable weather,

Clean water,

Non-infectious mosquitoes,

And God’s love to be seen and felt through word, deed, and action.

 

Amen.

Pivot

 

Due to an unexpected death in her family,

The person who was supposed to lead the movement portion of our retreat last weekend was unable to attend. 

While she felt comfortable doing creative movement and liturgical dance,

Neither Jes, Heidi (Not The Librarian), or I did. 

 

Sometimes you have to pivot. 

 

On our way down to SC, 

Jes and I consulted YouTube videos and ChatGPT 

To find an activity that we thought would be appropriate for the weekend. 

With the help of the Holy Spirit, 

We were able to pull together a gentle movement meditation

That resonated with a lot of women.

 

Maybe it will resonate with you too.

 

Feel free to use this in your own personal quiet time

Or with a group.

The link to the stretches is at the bottom of this note. 

The pivoted meditation is here for you now. 

 

Opening

 

Begin by standing or sitting comfortably. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Take a deep breath in… and slowly exhale. Again, breathe in deeply, filling your lungs with fresh morning air… and breathe out, releasing any tension. One more time… breathe in… and breathe out.  

 

As you move and stretch, let your heart settle into God’s presence and release your stress to God. God has given you this day, and God walks with you in it.  

 

Neck Rolls & Shoulder Stretches 

 

At shoulder rolls:

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10**  

 

Lord, in the stillness of this morning I acknowledge You. You are my refuge and strength. As I stretch, I surrender my worries and plans to You.  

 

Grinder

 

“Truly my soul finds rest in God, my salvation comes from him.” Psalm 62:1

 

God, as I step away from my work today, help me find rest in you. Release me from the burdens of my earthly tasks and let me rejoice in the freedom Of your salvation. 

 

Washing (sprinkle, twist, breathe the dirty water out)

 

After explaining the breathing out:

“Create in me a clean heart, oh God. And renew a right spirit within me.”

 

Lord, as I reflect on your grace, wash me and make me new. Cleanse me from unrighteousness and make me one with you. 

 

Side Stretches & Arm Movements 

 

Start during the overhead arm stretch

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

 

God, thank You for the strength You provide. As I move my body, help me remember that true strength comes from You.  

 

Torso Twists

 

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” – Lamentations 3:22-23**  

 

Lord, I receive Your new mercies today. Whatever happened yesterday is behind me. Today is a fresh start in Your love. Thank you. 

 

Leg Stretches

 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

 

God, guide my steps today. May I walk in Your light, moving forward in faith, peace, and purpose.  

 

Shake it out

 

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

 

Lord, thank You for this day, this body, and this breath. May I glorify You in all I do. 

 

Closing

 

Please slowly Stand, planting your feet firmly, shoulder length apart. Stand still for a moment. Take one more deep breath in… and exhale slowly.  

 

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

 

Stay in this peace, carrying God’s presence with you as you move through the day.

 

Amen. 

 

https://youtu.be/laIWV6qJWbk

 

And Yet God Was With Me

 

I had the privilege of helping lead a retreat this past weekend. 

Around 40 Lutheran women from NC gathered in Isle of Palms, SC, to talk about 

Making a Joyful Noise through Music, Worship, and Dance. 

My friends Jes, Carolyn, and Heidi (Not the Librarian) met on Wednesday nights for a couple of months, 

Logging around 75 collective hours of

Brainstorming, texting, reading, writing, making handouts, making lists, ordering supplies, practicing, and packing 

In order to be ready for the weekend. 

 

And we were ready. 

 

I was even ready to lead contemporary worship,

Which I hadn’t done in years!

 

And then I lost my voice.

 

Again.

 

This time, I went to the doctor.

I had another upper respiratory virus that had once again settled on my vocal cords. 

 

I prayed and prayed that God would heal me. 

I prayed and prayed that I would get better. 

I prayed and prayed that adrenaline would kick in and that I’d be able to sing. 

I prayed and prayed and prayed for a miracle. 

After all, I was trying to do God’s work.

 

I took Thursday off work to rest my body and voice,

I’m on high powered cough syrup, Tylenol, ibuprofen, and a steroid, 

But I’m still not completely well. 

 

And the retreat is over.

 

I don’t know why God acts when God acts 

Or why God doesn’t act when God doesn’t.

 

I don’t know why I had to experience a retreat, 

One of my favorite things in the world, 

On music and worship, 

Two of my favorite topics in the world, 

Not feeling my best and not having full voice. 

But I did. 

 

And now it’s up to me to respond.

To celebrate teamwork and compassion and sharing the load and silence and humility and movement—

All things of God that came to light and remain even in the midst of

The sadness and frustration that, 

If I’m honest,

I feel

Over not being at my best to lead.

 

God did not heal me of my upper respiratory infection in record time. 

God did not fix my voice so that I could sing.

But God was with me. 

And God, through time and medicine and rest, 

Is making me well. 

 

And God is doing the same in you too, friend.

Wherever you are, 

Whatever you’re going through,

God is with you.

And God loves you.

So very very much. 

 

Amen.