Everything Old is New Again!

Pentecost Greetings:

This past weekend I was at the Professional Leaders Retreat at Turkey Run Inn.

What a beautiful setting.

What gorgeous weather!

What an impressive message by our new Bishop Bill Gafkjen. 

He based part of his talk on Isaiah 43: 16 - 21.  He emphasized this portion of the Scripture:  “I am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"  He spoke of new things happening in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod and new things about to happen in the ELCA.  He encouraged us to be in conversation about, and looking for, the new things that God is doing around us.

As I drove home from Turkey Run I had plenty of time to mull things over.  I thought about how God is doing a new thing in me - like it or not.   As those close to me know, when new things are presented to me and new things begin, I generally gripe about them and try to get away from them.  Then as time goes on, those new things become fun and exciting things in my life.  My friends are never hesitant to say, "I told you so."  :-) 

On the 2 hour trip home I thought about how I used to be afraid to drive on expressways and drive more than about 30 minutes from home.  I remembered how I always had to have someone with me when I did things and never wanted to be alone.  How I was afraid to speak in public and even in small groups.  How I always felt guilty for everything under the sun (okay I’m still working on that one but it has come a long way believe it or not).  How I always sat in the back and avoided eye contact in new situations.  How shy I was and afraid of everything. 

I am a new creation.  Every day I am a new creation as are you. 

Forgiven.
Blessed. 
Loved.
Equipped by the Holy Spirit to step out in faith and be all we can be for God and because of God. 

God is with us in our newness!
Hope