Time, from Ephesians 5:15-17

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

Ephesians 5:15-17

Time -- a gift from God --

Begin each day with the Lord;

Submit to His Will.

Irreversible,

Be careful to live your days

As stewards of time.

Do not be foolish;

We each are accountable

For the use of time.

Understand God's Will;

Align all activities

To God's purposes.

Seek guidance from God,

Invest in eternity,

Live each day for Him.

The Mind of Christ

Devotion:

Toward wholesome thinking

Second Peter 3, verse 1,

Was written for us.

God designed in love

To provide the mind of Christ:

To think as He does,

To view life events

From His divine perspective,

Aligned to His Word.

To experience life

Abundantly, as God wants,

Replace wrongful thoughts

With the mind of Christ.

Our lives will then be transformed;

We'll glorify God.

God will give to us

A clear mind controlled by Him;

He will guard our thoughts.

Bible Readings:  2 Peter 3:1; Romans 8:5,6

Prayer:

Dear Father, cleanse my mind from all impurities. Replace my wrongful, impure thoughts with the mind of Christ. Guard my mind, and transform my life into the likeness of Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.

GUIDANCE FOR MY DAY

 

Morning has broken;

It's time to be in the Word;

God's Word brings me peace.

His Word fills my soul –

I follow its instruction;

God will bless my day.

E’en though I’m busy

I’ll not neglect His compass

Lest I miss His gifts.

Love and faithfulness

Will be written on my heart

As I follow Christ.

I trust in the Lord

And acknowledge Him each day;

He will guide my path.

Kathy Graumann

June 6, 2011

SUMMER GRANDPARENTING

Full-time grandmother:

Six grandchildren this summer –

My days are quite full!

Supervising them,

Providing activities,

Keeping them involved;

Potty training one,

A teen, ‘tween, and six- year-old

Make for a full house!

Meeting children’s needs,

Cooking, cleaning, and laundry,

Leave no time for Wayne.

Neglecting husband,

While devoting self to kids,

Is surely not good.

I have little time

For reading, writing, study,

And correspondence.

I cannot fit in

Relaxing, exercise, and

Deep cleaning my home.

Help me, Lord, avoid

Depression and self-pity;

Let me count my gifts.

I shall make a plan

To take care of Wayne and self

To maintain good health.

I want to thank God

For the opportunity

To influence kids.

May God give me grace

To offer love and nurture,

Serving all with joy.

n  A Haiku Poem by Kathy Graumann

n  June 5, 2011

Seminary President Election Process

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS, WAYNE GRAUMANN,
LEADS SEMINARY PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PROCESS

In his role as Chairman of the Board of Regents, Wayne was responsible for the entire transition process at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The responsibilities included coordinating activities with the synodical president, synod's Board of Directors, the seminary's Board of Regents, the candidates, and President and Mrs. Wenthe. Wayne directed the entire process that involved the candidate interviews, the election, reporting the election decision to all the candidates, and announcing the decision to the entire church body. Wayne and I met with our dear friends, President and Mrs. Wenthe, to bid them farewell and place closure on his wonderful presidency of fifteen years. Wayne also choreographed the farewell banquet to the Wenthe's, gift to the Wenthe's from us, and retirement package to President Wenthe from the Regents. Following the announcement to the synod of the election results, Wayne then met with the new seminary president to strategically plan into the seminary's future. We also met with the new president and his wife to congratulate them on the new position and encourage them in their new roles. It was a tremendously busy week, very fulfilling and gratifying.

I was moved to write the haiku poem below after Wayne made the announcement to the synod and we were inundated with overwhelming words of kindness and gratitude that touched us deeply:

"Wayne's magnificent!"
Synod's president told me;
"Best process ever!"

"Wayne's fair, kind, and wise . . .
Leads with grace, humor, and skill --
Charity prevails."

The Regents spoke praise:
"Never been in a process
So capably led!"

"Incomparable
Honor and integrity
Mark his leadership."

Grateful thanks come from
The candidates and spouses
Who felt uplifted;

Regents, who applaud
His outstanding leadership,
Work effectively.

Thank You, God, for Wayne;
Koininia thrives through him --
A gift to the church.

Kathy Graumann
May 21, 2011

To Ronda Mayfield

TO RONDA MAYFIELD

A Haiku Poem from Kathy Graumann

As You Leave S.L.S. May 2011

Farewell, dear Ronda!

Our years with you have been grand . . .

Awesome memories!

We’ll surely miss you –

None can ever take your place;

You’ve been a blessing!

Professional gal,

You have served with distinction;

Department is sound.

With love for children,

And service to parents, too . . .

Unique ministry.

Special ed.’s secure,

The department is better

Because you’ve been here.

As you journey on

May joy and success follow;

God will go with you.

To Kari Penrose

TO KARI PENROSE

A Haiku Poem as You Leave S.L.S.

May 2011

Farewell, dear Kari;

How thankful we are for you!

You have blessed Salem.

Among the students

Your excellence is noted;

Parents are grateful.

Your colleagues join me:

You are appreciated;

We all will miss you.

May God go with you

And bless your family, too,

As you journey on.

From Wayne and Kathy Graumann