Day 260: November 28, 2016 Please Forgive Me

November 28, 2016
Day 260

Please Forgive Me

My spirit soars over Standing Rock as I ask the changer of hearts, the only One in the universe, to change many. Please, in your name. I ask for the many mountains to be removed, the mountain of hate, the mountain of sides, the mountain of greed, the mountain of misunderstanding, the mountain of injustice. In your name, crumble.

At Standing Rock, I ask our Maker to help us see one another as loved ones. I ask for our Maker to help us reach our hands across the barbed wire fence and strive for understanding. I ask for the trauma we inflicted on the Native Americans to be healed. And it begins with my repentance.

Please forgive me. Forgive me for not pickaxing deeper into the tombs of history for the real story. Forgive me for accepting the script from hell. Please forgive me for not seeing this as abuse. Please forgive my silence. Please forgive my indifference. Please forgive me for not teaching my children differently. Please forgive me for not asking more questions in search of the truth. 

Standing Rock changes my outlook on life forever. From this day forward I endeavor to change. I endeavor to learn more about your history, Native Americans. I endeavor to learn more about the harm you suffered. I stand on the Rock, who asks me to love and to love well. May the water of life flow clean and free.

Day 259: November 27,2016 Wounded Knee - Standing Rock

November 27, 2016
Day 259

Wounded Knee - Standing Rock

Standing Rock exposes a terrible truth - racism is rampant on our land and in our hearts and there is an emperor with no clothes on (and I am not referring to the president). Humanity is capable of such hatred, ignorance, bigotry, and violence and Standing Rock epitomizes this well. The history I was fed subtracted most of the injustices committed against the Native Americans. This is bad math coming from the public school system or most curriculums for that matter. Those who displaced the Native Americans were fertilizing the land with injustices allowing seeds of racism to sprout. Hence the reason slavery had no problem growing into a invasive tangled mess. In fact racism's taproot drills down deep to the pit of hell or if it is a rhizome it spreads out wide covering the entire face of the planet.

I believe the entire electoral process we just endured: the money poured into the candidacies, the debacle of debates, the never mentioned issues, all of it, was a 21st Century sham. We procrastinate around the trivial to avoid the burden of Truth. But in doing so we forego freedom. We, especially in the United States, are being called to a higher plane. Do you hear it? Do you feel it? Do you sense it? We are not to be oppressors but rather we are to free the oppressed. And in doing so we are to repent and turn from our wicked ways. Standing Rock calls us to look deep within ourselves. It deserves our attention.

We must keep alert to what is occurring at Standing Rock. Something is astir. We must pay attention. I am internally pushed to learn more about Native Americans. This is my quest, this is my goal. I will share with you what I learn and likewise I would appreciate hearing what you are learning.

We must listen to what the Spirit is saying. I am being called into my prayer closet to seek Him. Now is the time. I must repent and be saved.

I introduce to you a Youtube titled: The Tragedy of Wounded Knee (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EdRT56WK7Q) 

Day 258: November 25, 2016 Standing Rock Slipped by Me

November 25, 2016
Day 258

Standing Rock Slipped by Me

Standing Rock has crashed into my heart and I do not think I will ever be the same, nor anyone else for that matter. The honor, privilege, and responsibility to protect our water surges past politics and enters our everyday living cycle. Standing Rock represents all of that. Water spills over boundary lines flowing to everything that communicates civilization for cities are built on waterways. Life comes from water. The Holy Spirit is streams of living water. Standing Rock represents a rolling back of time to essentials, to respect, biodiversity, water quality, honor, maintaining promises, stewardship and the Creator who loves us. However, with all that said, Standing Rock should have been on my radar, especially with my feeble attempt at helping students create significant, real life hooks.

Two weeks ago I was traipsing around with students to different stream locations as we were making connections with Chemistry and water quality. During the summer I discovered Earth Force Low-Cost Water Quality Monitoring Kit. They said "it would provide a simple, economical, nontoxic method of testing well water or naturally flowing water for 8 basic water quality parameters." Impressive to me were the parameters this little kit tested: Coliform, Temperature, Turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Nitrate, and Phosphate. I was now ready and prepared to educate these students.

Evan Corondi from Berk's Conservation had sent me the coordinates for the confluence of the Conestoga Stream and off we went. The confluence is a place I have passed over on Mill Road since 1985 and all of a sudden, for me, on that particular Tuesday, I became connected to the Bay, to greater issues, to a broader understanding. But still not to Standing Rock, right under my nose.



The students interacted with our assignment in their individual ways; some were knee deep, some were contemplative, some had clipboards (ok only one), and some were daydreaming.






But we all knew why we were there and we were all talking about water quality. And sometimes that is simply good enough. I reveled in this fact on that beautiful fall day.

They noticed the extensive erosion all along the Conestoga River which runs 22 miles long and eventually ends in the Chesapeake Bay. They understood at a basic level that this poses a problem and a threat to the Bay which is also one of the largest estuaries (thanks Mike Ponsell for educating me) out of the hundred that are in the United States.

What about estuaries? Let me quote from the Chesapeake Bay - "Estuaries are among the most productive environments on earth, creating more organic matter each year than similarly sized forests and agricultural areas. Estuaries also provide diverse habitats for wildlife and aquatic life, protect our communities against flooding, reduce pollution to waterways, and support local economies through commercial and recreational activities."

An Estuary is a place most of us do not take time to consider, reflect upon or even know about. (guilty - why do I continue to air my dirty list of topics on which I need more conviction?! arrggghhh!)

The students also noticed what others think is natural, bucolic (I've never heard them use that word though) and that is, livestock with easy access to the water using it as their septic and drinking system. This is what the coliform test measures, the fecal content. In the areas that we sampled for coliform all three tested positive. Fecal matter is not necessarily pathogenic but an indicator. This was not good news to the students. One of the streams has been a place they have innocently entered and played in at their learning group picnics. This will not be so tempting at the next picnic.

All of this water moves relentlessly and continuously to the Chesapeake Bay. And, therefore, water quality has been significantly discussed for an entire quarter. However never once did we mention the situation in the Dakotas through which the Keystone pipeline snakes. Though our next class on Tuesday will be baking bread noting the chemical fermentation process, we will begin to process the impact a leaking pipeline will have on the major waterways as we continue to plan and prepare a Water Quality presentation. For water is indeed life and it levels the playing field. For everyone needs and must have water. And I must pay better attention! Standing Rock, no one knows what the outcome will be. I do believe it is a situation in need of prayer and much.

Day 257: November 20, 2016 My BODY

November 20, 2016
Day 257

My BODY

I am the church.

I am the BODY of Christ.

I must take full responsibility for my BODY. The moment I tell you I had no idea why my foot just kicked you I lose your trust and gain your disfavor.

The need for unity is imperative, essential, and most critical.

My BODY is united with a bond the strength of the universe; the bond of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

My BODY has been created by the Death of the Son. His blood allowed us to be part of His BODY.

The Trinity has not asked us to unite on convictions. Or denominations. Or race. Or politics. Or preferences.

The Trinity has asked us to unite on a person. And He, Jesus, loves well. He loves clean. He loves free. He loves deep. He loves continually. He loves YOU!

My BODY must focus on Jesus, and Jesus alone.
Jesus loves past all convictions, even allows them.
Jesus knows it is only about HIM, and HIM ALONE.


My BODY asks you to forgive me for all that you have seen and felt and heard and not experienced that has caused you pain, harm, and confusion. Please forgive My BODY for focusing on all the wrong issues. It is shameful that My BODY has not lead you to Jesus, our leader.

Would you please forgive me?

Because, Jesus loves you, and this I know!

Day 256: November 16, 2016 Melting Pot - I Don't Think So

November 16, 2016
Day 256

Melting Pot - I Don't Think So

The true melting pot is Christianity. Though no one melts. The pot is a heterogeneous mixture of individuals not a homogeneous solution. Differences are honored. Therefore, social clubs and Christianity do not mix. Though, the way we act you might have a tough time proving this.

Who joins the stew, we never know. It has nothing to do with us. Christianity is based on the Holy Spirit's roundup. For we do not know where the Spirit comes from nor do we know where He is going. Only He is the collector of the weary, needy souls, the down and outers, the losers, those who lack, the weak, the lame, the oppressed and me. But do you want it? Then you're in! For there is no nail biting on the sidelines.


The pot is filled not by THINKING our way into Christianity. This is impossible. But rather by ACCEPTING HIS way into brilliance beyond galactic proportions of brilliance. And even then, upon arrival, the acquisition of knowledge is our choice. Here, we are free to learn the absolutes of ancient truths repackaged for understanding. But we are also free to remain status quo. We are never forced.

Folks from every level of intellect, socioeconomic status, countries, cultures, and mindsets collect based on only one sameness - Jesus Christ. He loves our differences, our uniqueness. For diversity is a reflection of Him. The pot is full of non melting identities, individuals who are there because of Him. This is our distinction with every other religion, worldview. No one melts. And those who focus on the contents of the pot will often leave. Unlike the mafia, we are never forced to stay.

Day 255: November 12, 2016 Newly Elected President

November 12, 2016
Day 255

Newly Elected President

The newly elected president has caused me to worry about a few things.

I worry about...
my grandchildren born to a white woman and a black man. The newly elected president does not keep his tongue in check - how will this bode for those who do not share a Caucasian look? I have been grateful to the Obama family in the White House for the sensitivity this has brought to the nation. (yes, I realize the racial tension has been stirred - I might be grateful for that as well. We can only deal with what is uncovered. A bloodletting might be in order. Many folks do not realize the racism even in their own blood.) This election begs the question, am I actively cultivating discussions regarding diversity? And if not, why not?

I worry about...
the environment. From a broad sweep the Republicans are in favor of business, seemingly, at the expense of stewardship. I have been grateful for a sense of respect for environmental issues. I admit, I lack depth in understanding the ways of the government. And I also understand that not every Republican has it out for the environment - remember I said "broad sweep." But I do know that my students in our Middle School Chemistry class just took some tests from our local streams. The coliform tested positive! (look it up) This election begs the question, am I actively cultivating environmentally sustainable practices in my home and Twin Valley Coffee business? And if not, why not?

I worry about...
the illegal immigrants. It pains me to hear those who call themselves christians speaking vehemently about this subject demanding their own american citizen rights. All I see is a lamb, silently walking to his execution for all men, demanding none of His universe rights. This election begs the question, why have I been content to not understand the entire picture of illegal immigrants? Why don't I personally know any illegal immigrants? (ok, I get it, so maybe they don't go around wearing name tags indicating such, but my friend base is devoid of any suspicious of this label) And if not, why not?

I worry about...
the transition from Obama to Trump. Will the newly elected president keep things in perspective? Will the presidency sober him as the weight of the responsibility is increasingly felt? Or will it embolden and empower him to greater heights of arrogance? Humans are poor receptors of praise. This election begs the question, am I actively praying for those placed in authority? And if not, why not?

I worry about...
those who believe our moral fiber has been reclaimed with Trump in office. I do not even know what to say to that? What comes out of our mouth indicates what is in our soul. Therefore, I was never able to support him, let alone throw him my vote for the sack of the Supreme Court. I defer to the Supreme Ruler! (there children you at least now know something of my private vote) This election begs the question, am I actively helping others in my life to understand how our moral fiber remains? And equally, do I understand what has nothing to do with our country's moral fiber? And if not, why not?

I worry about...
the economy. But honestly, my lack of knowledge regarding economics chases me to a corner of embarrassment. I do not even know what to worry about? Should it be the Federal Reserve? Stock Market? Free Trade? Or all of the above? I know, I know, all of the above. This election begs the question, do I know enough about economics? And if not, why not?

Then, it happens! The King of Kings steps into my brain space. He pulls up my chin and grins full on emanating life and light. That smile. It chases me running up and down the corridors and halls of history. "Lynne, look! Look here! See what I did there! Look over there! C'mon, look Lynne!"

As He picks me up for the continued History Run we rush past the Crusades, the Holocaust, Rwandan nightmare. I see tears, His tears. He, the Supreme Being is intimate and His emotions are moved by the choices His created ones chose. The tears and His comfort move back and forth in a dance of assurance, extreme empathy, and a desire to help.

"I allow you to chose. Your country is full of choosers. Do not forget how wonderful that is. I am in ultimate control but I give you the freedom of choice. Are you awake now? Good! Only I can and will help you make wise choices. However, you must ask me! And do not fret it leads only to evil. Keep looking to and at me."

And once again, the Supreme - Intimate - Ruler knows how to turn my worry into energized prayer. This election was the ultimate WAKE UP CALL to our family on so many levels. Rumplestiltskin and Burkholders have much in common.

Day 254: November 9, 2016 Elect For You To Live Free

November 9, 2016
Day 254

Elect For You To Live Free

You woke me with a start this afternoon as I napped in my oversized red chair. I slept little last night as it crept into morning listening to a newly elected Donald Trump. Fingers crossed for his demeanor to stay, one can only hope. But the election is the last thing on your mind. At that moment you just needed a place to vent and our home was your choice. It's safe.

To you, what election? You could care less. But I'm curious, what would you run for? What platform would you stand on? You and I both know family matters. Would it be that? We love you and crave for healing. And trust me, you will experience healing, you will. But the journey is long, painful and full of thorns. But do you see the light?

You need to know it is an honor to have you venting at our home. Your life has been turned upside down and you are desperate and we are desperate to see you and yours whole and free. If we could wiggle our noses and abracadabra all of your hurt away, we would. But you would not have learned the immeasurable lessons. You are different and it looks good on you.

All we have is faith, faith that God is good, that God cares, that God knows what is best, and we believe, God will move. The faith required for your situation is well, kinda big. Ok, mammoth. You need to know though, we're going there. Mammoth size faith - here we come! Though it is full of faith it is a dark walk heading to the land of light. We are going to rely on the hope, the hint of light, and believe it is enough to guide each of your steps on the narrow way.

We know the Guide and He asks us to depend completely, complicity, wholeheartedly, unwaveringly on Him. He asks you to turn your gut wrenching, heart breaking frustration and disappointment to gut wrenching, heartfelt prayer and believe that He will in fact answer. Ask Him for what to pray. Ask Him for what He wants. Ask Him for His plans.  And then, go all out, dear one, go all out.

You matter to HIM! You matter to HIM! You are worth HIS effort to heal and redeem! Ask Him to move mountains - spiritual one! For He can and He will!

Day 253: November 9, 2016 Love Unifies Beyond Candidates

November 9, 2016

Day 253

Love Unifies Beyond Candidates

Jesus asks me to love my enemies. He asks me to be kind. He asks me to be patient. He asks me to put me aside, not be arrogant. And He asks me to not be rude. He tells me to give up my insistence for my own way. He asks me to not be irritable and resentful. He tells me to not rejoice at wrongdoing and encourages me to rejoice with the truth. He asks me to bear all things. He even asks me to believe all things. He asks me to hope all things and He asks me to endure all things. And He knows I can not do it. 

It is early Wednesday morning, I should be sleeping and yet I am watching the election. The Body I am part of is united by Jesus Christ yet divided by politics. And I LOVE that He allows this. I love His Body, my Body. I love the diversity of us. We will never unite on our personal issues. But rather I love the focal point of unity, Jesus, Emmanuel. And I love the fact that the focal point has never been our political views. Can you imagine? 

Today the Body of Christ is asked to walk out from the ultimate sacrifice and allow Jesus, by His Spirit, to do the work of love. He is willing to do the hard work for us. For He is love, the greatest, beyond faith and hope. And it is faith and hope which we do, but only with the power of His resurrected Body. His death and His resurrection allow us to walk in His peace, the focus of faith and hope. What doesn't He do for us? 

It is easy to be unkind, to be impatient, to be arrogant, to be rude, to insist on my own way, to be irritable, resentful, to rejoice in wrongdoing and to basically GIVE UP.  The spiritual muscle it takes to do the hard work of love is Jesus. He is the muscle I am to use, mine has atrophied. Jesus knows no pride and asks me to hand it in. He wants and can love through me. Who knew this was possible? He did. Before the world began, He knew.

So, I am free to move aside and allow Him to substitute, to be my identification. Though it cost His life. Faith, hope and LOVE has never and will never be hard or impossible for Him.

To those of you who have left the faith, we miss you. You are important and your reasons for leaving are important. The real test of christianity is love and if you do not feel loved by the group at large or even by some significant individuals, you are not with the mature, please know that. Maturity in Christ is how well someone sacrificially loves. We are a motley group growing up into maturity and it unfortunately looks quite immature. One way to know if someone truly desires to walk in Jesus' way is if you can have an open conversation with them about why you left. The Door is always open.

My prayer is that this election will be used for good. I know many of my Body is mourning the loss while many of my Body is rejoicing the victory. We are free to do both as our unity does not depend on our views. Today let's focus on the unifier, LOVE! And then let's walk it out. We, the Body, must stay united on Jesus alone. 

Day 252: November 8, 2016 Eternal Command of Forces

November 8, 2016

Day 252

God's Eternal Command of Forces

Is God eternal? Is God in control? Is God good?

Is God eternally good while in control?

Has anything escaped His control?

In all of eternity, will anything escape His control?

In conclusion - He's got you covered. More than.

I voted and I will eternally remain

 with the 

Good God who 

has never lost control.

Can I hear an Amen?

Enough Said!

Day 251: November 7, 2016

November 7, 2016

Day 251

Twin Valley Coffee Must Be Experienced

Twin Valley Coffee is meant to be shipped every day to the sky's limit. The ports need to hold pallets upon pallets full of cases upon cases of Twin Valley Coffee beans bulging at the seams. The roast is perfect and must be shared and enjoyed by coffee lovers on every inch of the planet. To dream the impossible dream is to fill every cup with Twin Valley Coffee's dark brown liquid gold. To keep this brew to ourselves is to epitomize selfishness. We must not and we will not.

Twin Valley's Cold Brew refreshes and energies leaving one with a sense of more. As many bottles one can find must be filled with the dark goodness of our cold brew. The Nitro is another wonderful story. It is fit for every restaurant that desires to impress.

We must not and cannot withhold what we know to be excellent. This coffee simply is meant to stay with us briefly then it is time for the world. We can not be responsible for depriving the world of excellence beyond the cup.