Uphill idealist

This post is published at We Talk, We Listen Blog. If you would like to see that post there visit: " Pregnancy, Mary and Me " Painting "Let it be unto me" by Pastor Tara L. Eastman As a pastor, I spend a lot of time in hospitals and nursing homes. It has been common for me when visiting an elderly person – most often women; that after communion or prayer to ask if there is anything they would like to talk about and they say with wide smile and glimmering eyes, “Oh I see that you are expecting – when is the baby due?” While there is sweetness to this statement, the truth of the matter is that truly, “I am not pregnant.” When this first happened to me, my ego and self-image took a deep dive. The defensive statements both internal and external bubble to the surface, “My children are grown!” or “Am I really that heavy?” and “Why do I keep being asked this question?” Not too long ago, I was wrapping up a visit with an elderly woman and I asked her if there...

Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.   In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel sai...

Last Advent I wrote weekly poems to go along with my sermons and this year I will be using them for the traditional Advent candle wreath lighting - being read by church members. If you are interested in using these poems for your worship setting, please credit them to myself, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman. Advent Blessings!                                            Advent Mural by Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman A Poem for the first week of Advent - HOPE Hope seems as light as a feather,  but sparks all good, deep things that are yet to come. Hope is a glimmer of light, in the darkest night.  Even in the midst of chaos, hope is new growth of a fig leaf or bud of the cactus plant;  growing slowly to remind us, that Jesus is nearby.  As the Solstice draws near, days grow darker and colder and a single candle of hope shines.  A si...

For All Saints Sunday, I shared the poem I wrote in honor of my older sister Heather, who passed away at the age of 15 due complications from a heart defect. After sharing this on Sunday morning, I've had people comment on this poem and how meaningful it was to them in the griefs they were coping with. It's my hope that the words will help you to recount and retell the stories of the loved ones that have passed on. That somehow, in grief, we can  move from silence into times of tearful but joyful conversation. For my sister, I desire that her life be remembered not for her illness, but for her gentleness – laughter – and love of God. As you read this poem written in Heather Lynn Rain's honor, think of the Saints whose stories need to be told. Share their stories... Yellow Leaf    This yellow leaf once was green with promise.  It was connected, nourished, and alive. Hints of the fall were all around: Crisp evenings, rushing winds, and shorter day...

My grandson and I have an annual tradition each fall of stringing beads on to stretchy thread and making a set of new prayer beads. We use the beads to pray for our family members, friends from school and work and to talk with God about the things we are joyful or sad about. In between each large bead is a “bumper” bead that we use to give thanks to God for something or someone. At the end of our prayer we are practicing the Lord’s Prayer together. Making and using prayer beads is a faith practice that we enjoy sharing with each other and helps us to remember that God is always with us – and always willing to hear the needs that are on our hearts. Using prayer beads is an everyday way of incorporate prayer into our lives - and so are a savvy way of using the small things and small pockets of time to draw close to God and each other. In Luke 16, Jesus tells a parable of the “shrew” (savvy) manager and tells his followers to be shrewd as the manager is shrewd.  Jesus calls us ...

There is a new app that is incredibly popular this week, the FaceApp . While there is a great deal of controversy on privacy, the source of the app, and the use of it to see what you may look like when you are "old"; I've been thinking about it and what I saw when I saw myself from a more aged perspective. In a world where there is so much emphasis on staying young, I wonder if we may have forgotten the importance of the wisdom that the advancement of years brings? Today would mark Nelson Mandela's 101's birthday, and as person of significant wisdom, he said this in regard to elders: Elders', "support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, and inspire hope where there is despair.” Courage in fear - agreement in conflict - hope where there is despair There gifts of elders: courage, peacemaking and hope; are things so needed in our homes, communities, work and world. So why is it that seeing ourselves as elder...

I’ve said before how much I appreciate the ministry of Fred Rodgers. On his television show, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” he took seriously the needs of children and used his platform to help children in any way he could. While there are so many anecdotes I could share about Fred – one that comes to  mind on this Sunday we read the lesson of the Good Samaritan, is one that addresses the topic of  differences that can arise between people because of race, religion, gender or orientation.  In Episode 1065 of Mr. Rogers neighborhood, it opens with Rogers inviting viewers to be in his neighborhood; but instead of putting on his iconic cardigan, Rogers talks about how hot the day is  and how nice it would be to put his feet in a pool of cool water.  He moves to his front year where he  fills a small plastic pool with water and begins to  soak his feet. Soon Officer Clemmons, a black  police officer in his neighborhood,  drops by ...