Comments for Fill... Spill... Thrill...

Comment on “How we treat one another is entirely up to us” by Liz Wolff Cooper

Liz Wolff Cooper — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 03:07:37 +0000

This is an outstanding message from Bishop deFreese. It is clear directions of Christ’s instructions as we go about our dailys lives, and dealing persons who do not think the same way that we do. I would like to thank him for it. Liz Wolff Cooper

Comment on 2010 Christmas Message from Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson by joan berggren

joan berggren — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:12:16 +0000

Thanks, Bishop Hanson. Well put. Again, thanks for the reminder. Joan Berggren
NE Synod

Comment on What is mine to do? by Rev. Jeff Ungs

Rev. Jeff Ungs — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 20:12:54 +0000

Thank you, Bishop, for the Fall theological conference. It was truly an inspiring and life giving event. I want to especially thank you for your comment on the church focusing more on orthoproxy than orthodoxy. Is. 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
It is indeed important to remember that when we walk the talk of faith, our God reigns.
Christ’s Peace be with you and all who serve our LORD bringing the Good News of Jesus to a broken and hurting world.

Pastor Jeff Ungs

Comment on What is mine to do? by PMA Maynard Kellerman

PMA Maynard Kellerman — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:06:47 +0000

RE: Theological Conference:

Just a quick note regarding Theo. Confer. knowing that your schedule is always extremely busy.

It was a “grand slam” in terms of orginization, speakers, discussions, etc. The renewed fellowship time with friends and co-workers is really a plus too. I really need the renewned sense of purpose of our church in this day and age when it is so easy to fall into the traps of doing very little or nothing except putting out fires here and there, and how well you (we) know this. It’s not always easy to keep putting “things” and “stuff” in perspective, and trying to call it living and growing. It’s just really hard at times.

Just, thanks, ALWAYS, for your dedication, encouragement and prayers for all of God’s fallible creatures in all times and places.

PMA Maynard Kellerman

Comment on In This Time… by Debra Jenner-Billington

Debra Jenner-Billington — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:10:54 +0000

Thank you for this powerful reflection! This is so honest and so right!

Comment on In This Time… by Megan Morrow

Megan Morrow — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 02:48:20 +0000

Thanks so much for this, Bishop. So honest, helpful and centered.

Comment on Time for immigration reform by Sandra Block

Sandra Block — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:15:46 +0000

Over the years, I have had many students who have been undocumented. While still children, they had suffered thirst in the desert and deportation to strange places. Many graduated from American high schools and paid their own way to colleges, only to have doors slammed in their faces. They are true “innocents” whom Jesus would have welcomed. Why can we not do as much.

Comment on Be wise! by The Rev. David M. Frye

The Rev. David M. Frye — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:01:43 +0000

Several years ago I spent a weekend at the Benedictine Mission House in Schuyler on a retreat entitled, “Experience the Life of a Monk for a Weekend.” That’s exactly what the weekend was! And what I experienced was how peaceful and whole lives can be, not when they are cloistered, but when they strive for spiritual balance. The monks spoke about how they embrace the ancient saying of St. Benedict, “ora et labora,” meaning “prayer and work.” When the bell rang, telling them it was time to pray the Daily Office, then they would set aside the tools of their labor, and walk to the oratory for prayer. When it was time to work, they would immerse themselves in that labor. And when it was time to rest, they would commend their lives to God and relax.

This weekend changed my life! It has helped me seek and maintain balance in my ministry, and to know when I have gotten off-kilter, when a part of my life is out of balance with the rest of my life.

If you are looking for a tiny resource to help guide you in seeking and maintaining spiritual balance in your life, I’d recommend “The Rule of St. Benedict.” This way may seem daunting, but as St. Benedict writes, “What is not possible to us by nature, let us ask the Lord to supply by the help of his grace” (RB, Prologue 41).

Blessings,
Pastor David Frye

Comment on More Than Cosmetics by Pr. Pam

Pr. Pam — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:17:58 +0000

thanks for your reflections … they are an encouragement

Comment on A Tale of Two Eateries by Marla Maschmann

Marla Maschmann — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:39:18 +0000

Loved the story!!!! Reminds me of a plaque my daughter gave me that I have in my church office. “Live in such a way that those who know you but don’t know God, will come to know God because they know you.”:)