No profound words of
wisdom for this first pastor’s column in the
Seed. Just some odds and ends of information
to introduce myself.
1. I’m from Fargo, ND,
and proud of it! Born and lived there
until age 45, working for 23 years as a
reporter, photographer and marketing
communications specialist. I love meeting
anyone from North Dakota and will
immediately try to find out if we know any
of the same people!
2. I have lots of family:
Two grown daughters: Amy Highness lives
in Minneapolis; Danielle (and Dan) Jennings
live in Columbia, MO. My husband, Terry, has
four grown children: Hannah (and Shawn)
Whitaker, just up the road from our farm
home; Rebecca (and Mike) Sommer, parents of
Abby and Ella, Bloomington, IL; Lydia (and
Todd) Ahrens, parents of Ainsley, Nathan and
Anneliese, Quincy; and Micah, Champaign.
Terry’s mom, Doris, also lives just up the
road. I have six siblings, 15 nieces and
nephews, lots of great nieces and nephews
and tons of in-laws.
3. I’ve had some life
experiences that have made me more
understanding and compassionate. Both my
parents died from terminal illnesses while
on Hospice care at home. My first marriage
ended in divorce after 22 years. He was a
kind man who battled alcoholism and, later,
throat cancer, and passed away at age 53.
Financial struggles were a big part of our
life together. I know how helpful Al-Anon
and AA can be. In November 2005, I
experienced the joy of a second marriage to
a wonderful companion and friend and learned
some new things about blending families and
about the pain of losing a spouse and a mom
to cancer.
4. I love my brothers
and sisters in Christ from all
denominations. A mixed church background
has shaped me to appreciate a variety of
expressions of faith, from traditional to
contemporary, liberal to conservative.
Raised in a devout Catholic family, I
learned to treasure the ancient liturgies of
the church and the grace received through
the Sacraments. At age 23, I experienced a
renewal of my faith through the Cursillo
movement; got involved in Young Life as a
youth outreach worker and saw firsthand how
a relationship with Jesus Christ can change
lives. I am very much at home in the
Lutheran church. But I’m happy to see anyone
attending any church where they are
challenged and inspired to grow in faith and
devotion to Christ.
5. I am a
truth-teller. I believe in facing the
truth of a situation even when it hurts,
because God is always in the truth.
6. I believe in
tithing – giving 10% of income to the
Lord’s work, including my church home as
well as organizations that spread the gospel
or care for people who are sick or in need.
It’s hard to do at first, but it’s amazing
how things work out!
7. I’m still going to
school. I am currently working toward a
graduate certificate in Spiritual Direction
through Aquinas Institute of Theology in St.
Louis. Most of the classes are on-line. This
training will help me help others to grow in
their relationship with God through one-on-
ne guidance.
8. My memory is not as
good as it once was. Sometimes I think
my brain gets to its full capacity and
nothing more will fit in there. Please be
patient with me if I forget something.
9. I have a great
capacity to concentrate on one thing, but
I’m not real good at multi-tasking. If I
happen to walk by and not acknowledge you,
I’m not purposely ignoring you. It’s just
that my brain is focused elsewhere.
10. I love being a
pastor and I’m grateful for the opportunity
to be yours! I look forward to getting
to know you, caring for your spirits, and
working with you in God’s mission.
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