faith

Eshet Chayil

This past weekend I was saddened by the loss of Christian author Rachel Held Evans. Also known as RHE in the media world, her sudden death was brought on by what seemed only the flu and infection. Needless to say, it shocked a flock of people who followed her writing.

Even though I wasn’t always in complete ideological fellowship with Rachel, I still counted myself as one of her many fans. I’m of the conviction that no person, denomination or culture, no matter how learned, has all the answers on the Bible. None of us has the omniscience to fully understand the mind and workings of God, especially me.

Given that conviction, here are three of the many reasons I admired Rachel.

Doubts

“If your faith is so fragile it cannot handle questions, doubts, and honest inquiry, if it is so threatened by the full engagement of your heart & mind it runs from potential challenges, that’s not faith; it’s fear.” 
― Rachel Held Evans, Twitter

Everyone has questioned the Bible or their faith at one time or another (if you haven’t, you’re deceiving yourself and the truth is not within you:-). When writing of her faith journey, Rachel openly admitted her doubts, whether they were in God or in how people acted about God.

Knowing they’re not alone with their questions, and knowing there’s someone out there that doesn’t condemn them for their questions, has been inspiration for a lot of people. As one Amazon reviewer said in response to Faith Unraveled: How a Girl Who Knew All the Answers Learned to Ask Questions, “This book brought me the hope to keep searching, to keep seeking God in the jungle of my doubts.”

Inclusiveness

“But the gospel doesn’t need a coalition devoted to keeping the wrong people out. It needs a family of sinners, saved by grace, committed to tearing down the walls, throwing open the doors, and shouting, ‘Welcome! There’s bread and wine. Come eat with us and talk.’ This isn’t a kingdom for the worthy; it’s a kingdom for the hungry.”
― Rachel Held Evans, Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church

Perhaps Rachel’s most beloved attribute was her adamant insistence of God’s love for all people. She reminded us how those we often deem as unworthy have been made worthy by God’s grace.

Rachel refused to shy away from this conversation of inclusiveness. Even when those who opposed her became openly hostile, she carried on with graciousness and respect. Wow, what if the whole online community demonstrated such faith-based love!

Eshet Chayil (Woman of Valor)

“One of my goals after completing my year of biblical womanhood was to “take back” Proverbs 31 as a blessing, not a to-do list, by identifying and celebrating women of valor: women who are changing the world through daily acts of faithfulness, both in my life and around the world.”
― Rachel Held Evans, Blog

The Bible shares many accounts of women who were fierce and fearless, not only in the way they lived but also in their faith. Many people overlook these women in favor of more masculine heroes, but not Rachel. She promoted them as Women of Valor.

Rachel explained the cultural context behind Proverbs 31 and she encouraged today’s women with an enthusiastic “Eshet Chayil,” which is a traditional blessing of praise in the Jewish community based on these Proverbial verses.

Eshet Chayil. Isn’t this beautiful? I love it.

Eshet Chayil, Rachel Held Evans. Rest in the peace of God’s salvation!



Giving Tuesday: The Easiest Way to Put Christ Back in Christmas!

giving

Last week I was stopped at a Madison intersection along side this gentleman. “Homeless,” his sign read. “Anything helps.” I gave him some money, wished him God’s blessings and moved on with the green light.

Homeless. Jobless. Sick child. Hungry dog. These are the signs of street beggars. They populate our cities and evoke a complexity of consciousness. Most of us, myself included, waver between sympathetic tugs of the heart and hardened, self-righteous judgements. We wonder if giving money will help the homeless get out of the cold for the night. Or, we presumptuously assume we’re funding a “fix” for their addiction.

What are we as Christians to do?

Fortunately, God makes it a no-brainer. Throughout the Bible he repeatedly gives three instructions 1) Give to the Poor, 2) Do not judge, and 3) Spread Christ’s love. Since today is Giving Tuesday, I’ve come up with a quick and easy way to do all three.

givingtuesday2

Here you go!

It’s the DIY Giving Envelope for your earthly and spiritual giving. Sized to fit your wallet, it’s ready to grab whenever you’re on the go. It handily showcases encouraging Bible passages without hiding the gift inside.

givingtuesday3

I designed the DIY Giving Envelope with easy-to-read fonts for mega-quick scanning. Oh, I know, a homeless person might easily take the money and throw the envelope aside. But someone’s got to pick it up, right? Who knows what God has planned for this fibrous voice of optimism?

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The envelope opens wide so you can write the contact info of a welcoming organization on the inside. Best of all, this is a DIY that’s super easy to make!

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DIY Giving Envelope

  1. Click here for the full size PDF template.
  2. Print, fold in half on horizontal dotted line, and cut out around the solid line.
  3. Fold on the vertical dotted line to create an end for the envelope.
  4. Put in some money, keep in a handy place.
  5. You’re done! An easy five minutes, tops.

Finally, I understand some people conscientiously do not feel comfortable giving money to the homeless. You feel more responsible donating to a charitable organization. A heartfelt kudos to you. Perhaps you’d rather brighten someone’s day by leaving this DYI Giving Envelope in a returned library book or doctor’s office magazine. No matter how you give or to whom, know you’re offering a touch of God’s love. Do so with a prayer for the recipient!

Happy Giving Tuesday!

November Means Working Together (Pro-Bono)

sandhill cranes in the distance

Here it is November and we still have sandhill cranes. If you look closely in this zoomed-to-the-max iPhone shot, you see two of them enhancing the otherwise desolate cornfield. They caught my attention a few mornings ago as they gaggled away in response to another pair far in the distance. This weekend we’re supposed to get several inches of snow so these snowbirds will likely say to heck with this and take off for warmer temps.

Aren’t the migratory habits of birds amazing?

For example, for several months in autumn the sandhills gather in wetlands before heading south. These are called staging areas and here in Wisconsin there are several where thousands of cranes assemble at a time. I like to imagine this is a time of preparation and joining together of forces for the arduous journey ahead.

You probably knew migrating birds fly in the V-Formation, officially known as the echelon formation. They do this for its aerodynamic advantage, obviously. But did you know birds take turns flying the front helm of this V, a very strenuous task? And did you know the mortality rate for birds is six times higher during the migration season? Given this, isn’t it interesting that even though survival favors the selfish—those that promote their own well-being before that of others—the God-given nature of birds is to selflessly share the responsibility?

This author makes a good point when he says, “If migrating birds work together, the flock has a greater chance of having all of its feathered brethren make the long trip to their destination.”

Working together. For the good of all.

With this caring concept in mind and because November is the month of giving, let me announce it’s my season for pro-bono applications. Each year Adunate accepts two pro-bono projects for greatly reduced or no cost. These are projects I strongly support and believe will positively impact God’s creation, his people, or his ministry.

My interests include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Architecture
  • Arts
  • Children
  • Faith
  • History
  • Humanity
  • Natural Food & Living
  • Nature & Animals
  • Preservation & Sustainability

If your organization needs creative assistance in the upcoming year, click here for an application. Then, to guarantee your project’s success, be sure to click here!

Deadline for submissions is December 31, 2015. I will let applicants know of my decision in January.

Wednesday Webs: Changing Seasons

Giardiniera

Believe it or not, I’m still canning garden produce. This tasty Giardiniera has been fermenting for a few weeks and is now ready to be sealed in jars. It will be my last batch and as I pack away the kettles, I’ll say adiós and gracias for a bountiful year!

So, winter, bring it on! I’m ready and waiting!

Fiesta Risen Savior

Fiesta Risen Savior, Milwaukee

Each year Adunate does pro-bono work for projects especially meaningful to my heart. Recently, I was honored to do promotional pieces for Fiesta Risen Savior, a fundraising celebration of the Hispanic Ministry by Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. What a fun project for such a meaningful event!

First, let me share a bit about the ministry.

According to this Journal Sentinel article, Risen Savior Lutheran Church and School is a spiritual haven for northwest Milwaukee’s growing Hispanic population. The church has services in both English and Spanish, and its school enrolls 250 students, with 45 percent being African American, 45 percent Hispanic, and the rest Nigerian, Caucasian, Asian and others.

The flags of Risen Savior's Ministry, Milwaukee, WI

When I met with Risen Savior’s committee, I assumed their Hispanic Ministry was attended specifically by Mexicans (as is ours at St. Mark’s Lutheran in the much smaller community of Watertown). Pastor Luis Acosta quickly pointed out they are currently represented by a wonderfully diverse group of nationalities, including Mexican, Puerto Rican, Columbian and Venezuelan.

As the Bible says, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Artwork by students of Risen Savior Lutheran School, Milwaukee, WIDon’t you just love this artwork? Risen Savior School displays pieces done by the students throughout the school…

Artwork on display at Risen Savior Lutheran School, Milwaukee, WI

…as well as work done by other artists…

Artwork of John August Swanson on display at Risen Savior Lutheran School, Milwaukee, WI

Artwork of John August Swanson on display at Risen Savior Lutheran School, Milwaukee, WI

…depicting diverse peoples, inspiration…

Artwork displayed by Risen Savior Lutheran School, Milwaukee, WI

…and God’s saving grace.

Risen Savior Lutheran School, Milwaukee, WI

My friend Anna serves as assistant principal for Risen Savior School. I’m super proud of the work she and her coworkers do for this special ministry. Risen Savior is blessed through them.

So what about the fiesta?

Now in its eighth year, Fiesta Risen Savior is the congregation’s annual fundraising event for its Hispanic Ministry. Delicious food. Great entertainment. This year members will provide a vibrant celebration of their many heritages.

Interested in offering support? To learn more about the event and ministry, click here.

 

Does your organization need help visually communicating its message? Beginning in October, Adunate will accept applications for its 2016 pro-bono season. In the meantime, check out the application form here. And then, to guarantee success for your pro-bono project, be sure to click here.

 

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Eggs!

Can I just say how good the air feels around here? Spring has sprung! I’ve been busy wrapping up a few special projects—more on those to come. And, I’ve got a houseful of guests coming for Easter dinner. The air here is filled with joy and excitement!

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26.

Yes, I do!

New Life in March Madness

Maple sugar tapping in Wisconsin

March Madness goes well beyond the basketball court here in Wisconsin. These days there’s new life everywhere, from the euphoria of shedding our heavy coats to the excitement of spotting that first robin. We recently came upon this grove of maple trees alive with syrup taps. Isn’t this a fascinating tradition?

Of course, like every other Midwestern state, Wisconsin brackets itself in rounds of spring chaos. In 2012 we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with unseasonable, near 80-degree temperatures. The next year we agonized over prolonged winter storms. Two days ago I saw people in shorts jogging along a Madison lakeshore while others were ice fishing out on the lake. Gotta love it, just because.

Here’s something else to love about spring. Today is 3/16 and all over the web people are posting the Bible passage of John 3:16. Such cherished words, they’re the truth and greatness of God’s grace woven concisely together in a single verse.

God gives us new life in spring. He gives us eternal life in Him.

John 3:16