Family Dill Blog

We all have to make decisions in our daily lives. Some decisions are easy, while others not so much.   Think about it. Everyday we have to decide what we will eat and drink. We have to pick out our clothes, and decide if it’s better to leave the bed made or unmade. We even have to decide how those decisions could affect our days or even our lives.

Sometimes the decisions we make, effect those near and far, maybe even those we don’t even know.  So how do we make these decisions?  How do we know if God is planting a seed in our heats or it’s just our own desire leading us?

I have said over the years that it would be so cool to be an author.  Not just any author but one who everyone knows. You know the one’s, Shakespeare, Earnest Hemingway, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, and many other greats.  I even heard J.K. Rowling was a poor single mother, who now no longer has financial struggles.  How do I get me some of that?

Many of us want some of that, the fame the fortune.  I don’t really want fame and fortune, Okay maybe I do, but that’s a difficult life style too.  No what I really want, would be to write a book that makes a difference in someones life. Maybe it could even bring hope to someone in need, or help confirm something for some else.

Doug and Travis both say  I should just sit down and write what I know about and go from there.  I had a great opportunity to write an article for “The Gather ” magazine.  It was well received and many people just reached out to me to just to say “hi”.  I had people commenting from the east and west coast.  The priest at the Catholic Church in town said, I should keep writing.

So as a shameless plea,  and if you read this blog, should I try to write a book or not? Would you read it?  I have no bible passage for this, just hope that somehow I will find the answer to my question.  Does God want me to write, or is it my own desire?

What Not to Wear?

I’m sure we have all heard of the program on TLC, “What Not To Ware.” The idea of the show is to have two fashion people re-dress someone, so they look good instead of looking like they are cleaning house all the time or stuck in another century.

I’m a people watcher.  I love to watch people. I love to go to public places and see how people, walk , talk, dress and act.  I would be the first to admit, I sometimes will make fun of those people or the outfits they choose silently in my mind.  Okay to be honest, I might even look at the person with me and give them the “look”, you know the “look”.  Or I might even silently whisper “did they really wear that, do that, or act like that”.  I’m human and flawed.

I’m no “fashionista” I ware what I like and what I’m comfortable in. Do to how society views clothing, I will sometimes “dress the part”, or dress in what is “accepted” by those around me.  However, let’s think about this more closely.

Why do clothes really matter?  The old saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover’, should also relate to people. I must admit I have purchased books, by its great cover and have been disappointed.  I’ve done that even with home appliances and movies.  Well it looked good right?

I already admitted that I do judge people, just as am I sure people judge me.  My point here is clothes don’t really make the person.  So who should determine “What not to wear”? I’ve met some pretty scary looking people over the years, who turned out to be the most loving loyal people I have ever met.  I’ve met some pretty scary looking people, who are just that scary looking people.

Here’s the point I’m getting at.  God meets us where we are at.  When we follow God, he doesn’t care what we wear. He doesn’t feel disrespected by your outfit you wore on Sunday.  Here’s what God cares about.  Are you living the life he asks us to live?

Do we follow God’s laws? Are we considerate to those around us, and lend our time and financial talents when we can?  That’s what God cares about.

One of the songs that I enjoy listening to is from the Christian music singer, Francesca Battistelli and her song “Free to be Me”.  Her song speaks to just that.  Here are the lyrics:

“At twenty years of age

I’m still looking for a dream

A war’s already waged for my destiny

But You’ve already won the battle

And You’ve got great plans for me

Though I can’t always see 

‘Cause I got a couple dents in my Fender

Got a couple rips in my jeans

Try to fit the pieces together

But perfection is my enemy

And on my own, I’m so clumsy

But on Your shoulders I can see

I’m free to be me

When I was just a girl

I thought I had it figured out

See my life would turn out right

And I’d make it here somehow

But things don’t always come that easy

And sometimes I would doubt, oh 

‘Cause I got a couple dents in my Fender

Got a couple rips in my jeans

Try to fit the pieces together

But perfection is my enemy

And on my own, I’m so clumsy

But on Your shoulders I can see

I’m free to be me and You’re free to be You 

Sometimes I believe that I can do anything

Yet other times I think

I’ve got nothing good to bring

But You look at my heart and You tell me

That I’ve got all You seek, oh

And it’s easy to believe even though

‘Cause I got a couple dents in my Fender

Got a couple rips in my jeans

Try to fit the pieces together

But perfection is my enemy

And on my own, I’m so clumsy

But on Your shoulders I can see 

I got a couple dents in my Fender

Got a couple rips in my jeans

Try to fit the pieces together

But perfection is my enemy

And on my own, I’m so clumsy

But on Your shoulders I can see

I’m free to be me and You’re free to be You”

To make my self perfectly clear, God loves us and not because of what we wear.

Matthew 6:26The Voice (VOICE)

This will not be a normal blog post, but it has been weighing on my mind for some time now.

When I started this blog site, I knew it would really be an open diary. This diary would show my walk of faith, and maybe, if I’m lucky, help someone else along the way.

Some of the posts have been good and some not so good. That’s okay too, as I’m not a writer and I’m not paid to write on my personal blog. I also realize some people may or may not like what I have to say.  That too, is okay.  It is their right.

What I don’t like, is when someone goes around me and tells another person that my husband should be talked to about my blog.

My husband was advised that my blog is too real, and that if I continued to write it, it would hurt his prospects of being called to a church.

Okay, so let get something straight, this is MY blog.  Yes, he does follow my blog, and if I’m conflicted about a post I will run it by him first.  Secondly, I have never written anything that isn’t true to MY feelings, and MY search in finding GOD throughout my daily life. Thirdly, I have never written anything that accused someone or some organization of anything. Fourthly (is that even a word?), If a congregation is hiring me, than can chose to not hire me due to MY blog.   However, churches are not hiring me!

I could totally understand if I was a “hell-raiser”, or Slamming GOD every chance I get.  I could totally understand if I was saying hurtful mean things about our past, current or future churches or the people.  I have never done that, nor will I.

Do I post my frustration with processes, ideas, life and expectations? Yes, I am human after all.  However, in each of my post, I try to find GOD in the midst of whatever I’m going through.  So I ask how that would affect my husband from being called to a Church.

If I cannot be real, than I’m a hypocrite, and maybe a church isn’t ready for me to admit I’m a sinner. After all they would then have to admit that they are sinners too.

So, now, with all that being said, Love the blog or not.  I will not apologize for writing it.  I thank each of you for reading it and for your opinions and comments.  I thank GOD most of all for giving me the courage to continue to write, and to seek his guidance.  I will always be a sinner, but it is by GOD’s grace that I’m forgiven.

1 John 1:9 NIV

9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Rubber Gloves and a Sponge

I had the opportunity to attend a clergy spouses retreat. I didn’t know what to expect really.  I have been to Synod retreats and I found those to be “boring”. But then again that’s to go over Synod business. Now a spouse will not have the same “business”. However, Spouses do have stress from the “business”.

When I think of retreats, I think of mini vacations.  I think of it as sightseeing, getting a message, going shopping, and eating out at great restaurant; in general just playing for the weekend. No phone, no internet service, just a big playground.

Okay some of that took place, but not all of it. This weekend was a time of spiritual renewal, networking with others and yes to relax. The food was provided by the hotel I was staying at.

Friday night was check-in.  We had dinner and a meeting time. During this time introductions were made, stories were shared and encouragement provided. There was a sense of grounding, a sense of understanding that we all share the same story; some good, some bad and some downright maddening.

Saturday was more of the same until the afternoon. After lunch we had free time.  I sat with some ladies, learning to cross stich again.  I laugh as I love to do crafts, but I’m not really good at any one craft. HAHAHA.  Maybe I should just pick one and perfect it. Sorry for the derail.

On Friday we were told every spouse should carry rubber gloves and a sponge, in the metaphorical sense.  I was glad to hear that after the mess I had to clean up in my current home.  Whoops so sorry for that squirrel moment.

Rubber gloves are to help the bad things bounce off you.  The sponge is to soak up those few and far between moments when all is right in the world and you feel overwhelming love.  What a cool idea.

I don’t know what I expected when Doug chose this path to become a pastor. I guess all the spouse I have met, seemed normal and had outside careers.  Now I totally understand why they have outside careers.  I am now more thankful than ever to have my own job.  No it’s not just for the money either.  My goodness, the spouse of the pastor is much harder than I ever expected. I now have stock in rubber gloves and sponges.

Many churches think you’re a packaged deal.  When you hire the pastor you get a music director, a choir leader, a Sunday school teacher, bible study leader, and much more.  I know your slapping your head thinking “what?”. The stories that were shared were unbelievable.  Some of these ladies have been a pastor spouse’s for over 30 years, some were retired now and shared their story.

Here’s what I learned at the retreat:  Carry rubber gloves and a sponge always. I am not alone, ever.  God is with me and I have so much support from those spouses who have gone before me.  Although I maybe having a rough time, I am not the first nor will I be the last to experience the “pastors” spouses life.  I hope one day people can see the spouse as an individual, not a buy one get one free deal.  No, not all churches feel that way, but even 1 is too many.

Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

“Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase!
Hakuna Matata! Ain’t no passing craze
It means no worries for the rest of your days
It’s our problem-free philosophy Hakuna Matata!” (Movie: “The Lion King”)

Ah the magic of Disney. Walt Disney had a little mouse and big dreams. I watched a documentary recently that his life was not all wine and roses. In fact, “Snow White” caused him to almost have a nervous breakdown. If that movie didn’t pan out, he would have lost it all. Maybe he could have benefited from “Hakuna Matata”?

What does this have to do with anything you ask? Well, recently I re-connected with a friend. In our conversation she asked if I could help mentor her, in building her relationship with GOD.

My first thought was “Um no”. Who in their right mind would ask me, to help them build their relationship with GOD? I’m the biggest struggler of them all, I think.

But then I thought about it some more. Didn’t GOD use the least likely to help spread the good news? GOD chose the broken, the sinners, the lire’s and cheaters. What makes me think, I don’t fit in that category.

Upon further reflection, what better way to build my relationship with GOD? So we decided since we do not live near each other, we would read a devotional reading from a book we both have, and share our reflections via messenger.

Can I just say the one’s we are currently sharing are perfect for this moment in-time? Each devotional has spoken about looking for GOD in the hurtful times, seeking GODS face in difficult times, and keeping my thoughts on GODS promises. Not to mention I should be seeking GOD in the good times too. One particular verse slapped me right upside the head.

Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
“Hakuna Matata!”

I think this will be my new go to phrase, to remind me to stop and seek GOD in all things. I waste too much time worrying about the past and present, rather than living in the moment.
“Hakuna Matata!”

Happy New Year 2016
Time really flies. I remember my mother once telling me, “Once you have kids, time goes so fast”. It’s funny really. We all have the same 24 hours in a day or 1440 minutes. Some days seem to fly by, while others seem to drag on forever.

As I reflect over my own life, I would agree it seems time is just flying by. My kids are adults now, and when I look in the mirror I see the gray hair and wrinkles appearing in my face. I love it when someone asks me the ages of my kids, I tell them, and the response I get typically is “you’re kidding right?” Or “I never would have guessed.” I guess they are either being nice, or don’t see the same things I see.

It doesn’t matter really. I started thinking about all the times I’ve made New Year Resolutions, and how they failed. Then I just stop making them, learning that when I did, I only set myself up for failure. Sometime it happened faster than others, but the fact remains I have never met a New Year Goal I placed on myself.  But thinking more about this goal setting idea, I do have one goal this year. I need complete a scarf I started two years ago. I think I can handle that.

It was rather refreshing to not hear anyone else set up New Year Resolutions either. Maybe we are coming to understand, we are who we are. Can we make better choices, can we change our lives? Sure we can! But I think we need to take things slowly.  

I myself have been trying to make my decision with more thought, sometime it works, other times it doesn’t. I try to look to each minute rather than say “within this year I will, insert whatever here”.  

The bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3 : For everything that happens in life—there is a season……..

My personal favorite; 2 Peter 3:8: 8 Don’t imagine, dear friends, that God’s timetable is the same as ours; as the psalm says, for with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day.

So time may appear to be flying, but it is God’s time. So If I have to make a New Year Resolution, I would have to say, I will try and not take time for grante, and finish my scarf project.  Time is a gift from God, to use it appropriately. We are human and we will make mistakes with our time. Embrace that, and know God is with us, through the gray hair, the weight gain and all the happy times!  

Happy New Year!

Philippians 4:13The Voice (VOICE)13 I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength.

Serving God is not easy. Just because you choose to serve him, doesn’t mean your life is going to be wine and roses. It doesn’t mean you will drive a fancy car, live in a fancy house and be loved by everyone.

In fact serving God means you will be challenged daily in your life. Sometimes the outcome is favorable, while other times, not so much. Just when you think things are coming together, you’re slapped in the face and spun in another direction.

I have heard many say and I have said, God is with us through everything. God cries with us and laughs with us. I will also be the first on to say, “why can I not find God now?”.

God can use whatever our circumstances is in some way later on, but we must go through it first. I will also be the one to ask, “why must we go through it?”. It is during these times where I feel very alone. I don’t know or understand why, these trails are before me, but I guess that’s what faith is all about isn’t it. We have to believe that whatever we are going through can only strength the bonds with God and know HIS will, will prevail in the end, regardless of how you get there.

Recently I learned somethings were said about me and our family that is completely un-true. I don’t understand why this person wishes to attack us, from what I can tell, we have done nothing wrong. If I did, I sure wish I knew what it was so I can apologize for it and learn from it. I guess all I can do is offer the other cheek, and Pray for that person. I believe God asks us to pray for our enemy even while under attack.

Matthew 5:44The Voice (VOICE)

44 But I tell you this: love your enemies. Pray for those who torment you and persecute you—

For those who are reading this, I ask for prayers for our enemy and our family.

Ordination day
On Saturday 10/18/2015, Doug was officially ordained into the Ministry of word and Sacrament, within the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America), At First English Lutheran Church, Platteville WI. He worked long and hard for that day, and when it finally came, it was over in the blink of an eye. This ordination felt so much like a wedding. From the prep to the celebration, it was a long day.
We left the night before and stayed the night with a friend of ours in the town. I am not one to rise early, unless it’s for work; so it was better this way. If we had waited until Saturday, it would have been a get up and get out the door by 4:00 am or sooner. Yea so not happening, unless we are talking Mall of America, than ok just pump me up with coffee/Coke and I’m on my way. I know Priorities right?
Anyway, there wasn’t much planning on my end, but Doug had a lot. The people of First English were so good to us, we wanted to give back in a small way, and the ordination seemed perfect. We had also learned that although they are internship site, they have never had an ordination. Many people will go back to their home church for ordination, but that was not an option for us. That’s how we ended up at our internship site
If you have never attended an ordination, I would highly recommend it. The service it’s self is very moving. Each Synod has their own way of doing things, and this was not my first Ordination. I have been to several over the seminary journey. Only two however really spoke to me.
When I attended an ordination over the summer, the Bishop did her sermon on Jacobs’s hip. Boy that really hit home for me. In Jacob’s story he wrestle’s a lot with God and the plans God has for him. I too, wrestle with God a lot. I fight everything instead of just having faith. I’m human and I like to control things and outcomes.
The second was Doug’s. I hear what you’re thinking. Yes Doug’s and not because I’m married to him. This was different. It started with some special music that was changed at the last minute, but was most perfect for this day. The sermon too showed me someone else’s perspective on who Doug is as a person and that this call is right for him. 
So begins the first call into the church. It is said that first calls can last anywhere from 3 years to retirement. Some never leave, while others move on when they feel they are no longer the best Sheppard for the church. What an interesting journey we are on. One I never predicated. Nor would I have guessed being a Chicago-land native to every move to Wisconsin. It was never on my radar when I ever I thought of moving. So onward and upward we go, where we stop nobody knows…
Matthew 11:28-30 The Voice (VOICE)
28 Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Put My yoke upon your shoulders—it might appear heavy at first, but it is perfectly fitted to your curves. Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. When you are yoked to Me, your weary souls will find rest. 30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.
 

Well it’s official. The Dill’s have decided to join the community of the elusive Sasquatch. What???? No we have not lost our minds. Although living in limbo can do that to a person. We hear the Northwood’s is a great place to live! So as the old tune state “we’re loading up the truck and we moving to …….Minong.” Not Beverly Hills. Admit it, you were singing the Beverly Hillbillies song weren’t you?
Doug has accepted a call at Calvary Luther Church in Minong, WI. I will be the first one to admit, I have never heard of this village. Minong has a population of 527 people; soon to be increased by the 4 of us. What does Sasquatch have to do with all this you ask, well let me tell you.  
Minong is where Jack Link Jerky Corporation was born. The company employs many of the people in town. Their mascot is Sasquatch; there is a beautiful portrait of him hanging in the front office! Maybe I should call Animal Planet and advise them we have located the big guy, so they can end “The Hunt for Bigfoot”. 
You may be thinking at this point, how the company ended up in this small town? Well several generations ago the Link family settled there. Over time the family started a business, in town which had its’ ups and downs. Eventually Jack Link Jerky was born. Much like when a big bakery is baking bread on the production line, the scent that carries back to you makes your mouth water. Well the same is true, while they are processing the jerky. Even those who are not fond of jerky would enjoy the scent that lingers in the air.

The best way for me to help you locate this area is to give you some bigger cities or towns you may know. Duluth MN is 1 hour north and Hayward WI is about 30 minutes east of Minong. This area is known for camping, fishing, hunting and winter activities. Anyone who knows me, knows, winter activities are not on my radar, unless we are talking about Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. I am confidant however; that I will be honing my quilting skills, knitting, crochet skills, and may even begin some new domesticated hobbies. I’m told canning is fun and fulfilling. So we will see how much I enjoy canning.
The church is providing us a beautiful parsonage. It’s on 10 acres of land with a private driveway. The church is across the street, yet far enough away that we still have our privacy. The house is a ranch house, with a full finished basement. As I have mentioned in the past, my work will allow me to take it with me and work from home. This new home will provide me an office of my own to close the door when the day is done. I’m so looking forward to painting that room and using the natural lighting from the two windows. I also plan to paint that room in bright colors, I’m pretty pleased with the colors I picked. I do need to reflect my personality, without overkill of course.
I am still working on getting Houdini trained and certified as a therapy dog. This may take a little longer than planned. I am now seeking a new trainer who can handle all aspects of training and certifying him. No easy feat, when you are unsure of what to look for in a trainer. Our trainer in Dubuque has given us some leads, but I still have to do the research.
We invite you to come see us in our new home. I hope to learn a lot about the area, so that we can keep you busy while you’re here. Our official move in date is 09/30/2015.
Philippians 4:13The Voice (VOICE)

13 I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength.