Holy Grounds

Self Help Nation

2010-06-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

I was recently at a garage sale perusing the the books - fill a bag for $1! (I really have to calm myself down at these things).

I did find some gems: Some old library books marked for discard, and a lovely vintage cookbook. I also found a great set of coffee cups and a creamer that must be from the 60's. Cream on the outside with some retro designs and then a lovely shade of avocado on the inside. (Purchased with the promise to my spouse that I would toss out 4 other mugs if I wanted to use these... sure honey.)

And one thing really struck me as I took in the book selection - almost all of the discarded books (and VHS tapes!) fall into one of these three categories:

Finding Jesus - bibles, bible-like books, devotionals and biographies of televangelists

Losing Weight - diet cook books, multi-step workout books, inspirational stories of weight loss and workout tapes,

and

Discovering Love - Fictionalized, ultra-simplified romance: especially the ones with half dressed women on the covers.

There's lots of advice and dreams written, sold and then discarded in those book bins at garage sales.
Why do we keep buying it?
Why do we think the next book will work?

Father's Day

2010-06-20T06:47:00.000-07:00

This has been a difficult date for me over the past 15 years since my father died.
I know it is a difficult day for many people as they sort through sometimes very complicated relationships with their dads.

But I found a new light, a new perspective today.
I got to celebrate, quietly, so the child would not awaken, a first father's day with my husband.
Ironically we both rose early this morning (more that we couldn't get back to sleep after the 4:30 am feeding) and talked, laughed and giggled like we hadn't in a long time.

With the sunlight streaming in, he opened his father's day cards and gifts with an enthusiasm I had not seen for some time. It was a good, good morning. Even if I had to rush later to get ready for worship.

What an honor to celebrate with a new father today.
What a joy to look in at our son, overwhelmed with love.

A little part of my broken heart mended today, as I watched the father of my son who shares his grandfather's name.

Reframing

2010-06-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Time for some new views, some new back grounds, some new frames.
That's often what we called is in our CPE and pastoral care conversations: Reframing.

It is amazing how the world view changes when new frames are applied.
But the question always is: when is the right time to reframe?

Often times I work with people who need to reframe because the old one is broken. There is no choice then, but to find a new way to look at the world.

But I think reframing can be a much better experience when we choose the time and the event. When we are able to carefully pick out the differences between the picture and the frame. And while the picture is still there, then we are able to make the frame a part of the artwork as well. For a good frame will draw the whole piece together.

So I'm working on reframing these days... in blogging templates as well.

Holy Grounds: Oh how I have missed them!

2010-06-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since my last post, long enough that I have probably lost many who were following me. But I have missed this, and I have to tell someone:

I had my first small pot of caffeinated coffee yesterday... and it was good. Very, Very Good.

I had sort of decided since I weathered all the headaches, I would just stay away from the divine brew. But interrupted night sleeps, early morning studies, full time motherhood and work, plus that welcoming cup that is there when I visit people made me decide, well, that these lovely, wonderful grounds will still be my lifeline for a while.

Now the question is: Can I get back into the pattern of drinking coffee without becoming addicted to caffeine?

Coffee and ministry have gone hand in hand for so long. I can hardly imagine not sharing stories, faith, dreams or tears without a steaming cup in front of me.

When Karl Barth stated: "one should preach with the bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other," wasn't it simply a given that there would be a cup of coffee on the table in front of him?

Holy Grounds: Inward and Inside

2009-10-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

It has been a while.
I find I don't write much during the precious warm months here- I'm not as contemplative, perhaps. I jump out of my head and put my energy into those fledgling tomatoes, the growing herbs, the laughter on the lake and the paths my hiking boots hit.

But we are closing in for winter now.
Beginning the hibernation, turning inward- inside my head more.

Part of the reason I am turning inward so much is that there is a new life growing inside me.
I cannot help but contemplate the great mystery within.
What an amazing advent this will be in the coming months.

Holy Grounds: laughter in the halls

2009-07-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

This week is VBS (Vacation Bible School) in our church.
It is a wonderful week of chaos, laughter, learning, singing, craziness and joy.

While I am not involved in the planning or execution of the program (we have an incredible group of volunteers from 3 area churches who spend months planning this), I have the privilege of leading a prayer from time to time, sitting with a young one who is nervous about her mother leaving for the morning, and checking in with parents as they drop off and pick up their children.

But my absolute favorite thing to do is play.

During VBS the highest goal of the week is to play.
And how often do I forget as I try to keep my weekly schedule in order, the importance of holy and beautiful play?

In the Good Ole Summertime

2009-06-17T12:59:00.001-07:00

This can be a crazy life, this call.
I keep phones by the bed when I sleep.
My calendar is always with me.
The only time I am truly on vacation is when I am out of the country...

However, I can be home
put my feet up
sip iced tea
and work while the sweet summer breeze blows through the house...

Today-
that is all the compromise I need.

wonders never cease

2009-05-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought I would champion these rodents?

My new Heroes! Hero Rats

Industry: Religion

2009-04-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Most of the time I love free books.

I mean, I love books, I love bookstores, I love discount books, I love borrowed books- so why wouldn't I love free books?

Well, when the free books have general titles like:
Guilty Yet?: Christian Martyrs who died for your wretched soul in full and detailed color
or
Consume More: Don't listen to accredited scientist, but ours that are funded by oil companies
or
The Antichrist is revealed: why you should be afraid of anyone who isn't white or your brand of Christian

and especially when they tell me that 300,000 copies are in circulation. Ummm... that's cause you and the oil companies are sending them out for free.

Well, I suppose the best irony is when I pull off the covers and recycle those crazy tomes -
'sides, I have precious little bookshelf space to waste!

You know you live in a small town when...

2009-04-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

Community Education at the school holds concurrent classes of yoga and firearm safety.

Holy Grouds: the silence of winter

2009-04-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

Winter is such a difficult time for me.

While I am not really silenced, it seems all my creative energies are focused on work, trying to say healthy, and focusing all my creative energies into living.

Spring is coming, and when the weather is better, it seems to lift so much of the weight of living off of my shoulders.

The silence of winter is a holy time and place, but I am ready for the noise of spring.

Holy Grounds: Baking Bread

2009-01-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

What is it about a quiet, uneventful week that makes me uneasy?

When there are few meetings and only a couple of visits, I feel the pressure I put on myself growing to do more, to meet more, to visit more, to be more.

I've never been a very good manager of time. In fact I have three different books that hold my ministry together: a bible, a calendar, and a composition book with my weekly 'to-do' notes.

Through these three the job of pastor actually seems to happen. Without them, very little does.

It's frustrating to be so absent minded. My life is so full that I cannot keep thoughts in my head for simple tasks longer than a moment... which is why I type this, waiting for the bread to bake, that I forgot on the counter, that rose longer than it should, hoping, praying for a presentable loaf to gift tomorrow.

Is this extra time stolen? Perhaps, I am sleepy and ready to crawl into my warm bead.
or
Is it a gift? Perhaps, falling asleep to the scent of fresh bread promises delicious dreams, doesn't it...

Holy Grounds: winter flurries

2008-12-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a while since I posted- thank you to those who still hold out hope that I may make an appearance in this blogging world!

It has been over a month and the initial joy at the election result has been overshadowed by much loss and grief in this little community.

We have lost pillars of this church in the past few months, and buried yet another a few weeks ago. and since that time, we have formally commended 4 more lives to God- some I knew personally, some strangers to me.

It's always a difficult place for me to be, eulogizing a person I have never met-
writing a sermon to comfort a family that has never stepped foot in the sanctuary-
collecting memories that I've gleaned from the photos on a memory board-

While the heart of the gospel never really changes, I suppose the same can be said for the heart of grief.

To that end, I pray that my words can offer some measure of hope and comfort to those who grieve.

But on the other end...
I just wish they would call some other pastor in town for the funeral...

Holy Grounds: A brave new world

2008-11-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, my candidate won.
Yes, I believe in his ability to unite this country.
Yes, He has an amazing organization already in place to effect change.

Yes, I know others are sad today.
Yes, the concession speech by the other candidate was beautiful, and perhaps more authentic than any I have heard lately from his campaign.
Yes, I know people are worried about a young black man who could change the world.

But the only thing we have to fear is fear itself (from another candidate who people doubted)
And God is still God of all principalities and powers.

And now... WE HAVE GOT SOME WORK TO DO!

Holy Grounds: A season of earth

2008-11-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon, we went for a walk. It was a beautiful day, and we were a little too far into the walk when we realized the sun would be setting a whole hour earlier than the day before.

As we walked back to the car, the early evening sun lit up the landscape as it set.

Now, I've often heard people remark on the amazing number of greens in nature and the landscape.

I found myself speechless at the number of browns.

We are in the season of brown. No longer do we have yellows, oranges or reds on our trees. They have been gone for weeks now.

But the browns... the colors of earth that you can almost smell...
The hue of the deer that has been darkening as the winter approaches
Even the water, sky and sun take on this earthy hue, as they too quiet down for winter.

Perhaps we should altar the church season colors to an array of browns to reflect this time of deepening...

Invoking Power

2008-10-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the great honor of leading the invocation at a rally in a nearby town. The guest of honor was the great senator from New York, the theme was change, and hope was in the air.

Recognizing that this would anger some folks in my congregation, I assumed they wouldn't be surprised.

The excitement was overwhelming, and one could literally feel the energy coursing through the room. What an amazing experience. God is on the move!

God of Grace,
We gather before you tonight filled with hope.

Hope for your children, hope for your world, hope for your creation.

You have gathered together your people, across boundaries of age and gender; Race and ethnicity; Religion and politics.

In your eyes we are your beloved, called to care for one another and the world that you made.

Restore our broken lives. Send comfort to all who grieve. Bring peace to all who suffer. Grant healing to all who walk in darkness, fear, and despair.

Guide the leaders of our communities, our towns, our state and our nation.
Give them wisdom to serve with joy and fairness, guide their hands and feet in paths of peace and justice.

Guide us, your people to the vision of your kingdom.

Help us to be agents of your good news in this world, for in each other we see you as we feed those who are hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, care for the sick, and listen to those whose voices are unheard.

For you have called us, your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, to a future unknown.

Now, give us faith to go out with good courage, not always knowing where we go, but knowing that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us:
Through Jesus Christ our Lord

Amen

The long awaited Pastoral Rant- Part 2

2008-10-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

"Good morning Pastor. Since it is pastor appreciation month, here is a list of things you are doing wrong..."

Sigh.

Pastoral Rant - Part 1 (be advised, there will be more)

2008-08-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

My congregation is just fantastic about respecting my day off. They really are.
The only calls I might receive are from my office manager (because no one ever respects her day off!) or the funeral director.

But living in a small town, there are people who either A. don't have a pastor, and call me. or B. don't go to their own pastor, and call me.

Unfortunately, they don't understand the concept of a sabbath. They call me at my home. It's gotten to the point that I don't answer the phone much on this day- yes, I admit it, I screen my calls.

For some people, they apologize for bothering me on my day off, but could I:
"do this thing that could easily have been done tomorrow, that actually could have been taken care of by the office staff, but since the office is closed, I am calling you, because I am thinking about it now."

or

"Hello, I wanted to invite you to my house today to sit with me and have tea" translation: I know you are not my pastor, but mine won't listen to me, so I am assuming you will help me under the guise of me trying to be your friend."

This latter one will translate in to rant part 2, but for now:

Why, why, why?

Thanks, I'm feeling better already!

weddings weddings everywhere...

2008-08-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

I just had lunch with a young woman whose wedding I will be officiating at next month. Normally, I admit, I don't like doing weddings. They are a lot of work, mentally, emotionally, and very, very time consuming. As many pastors will say, I'd rather do a funeral any day over a wedding.

But- when I do them outside of the church, for non-members, as is the case with this woman and her fiance, I have to say, I really enjoy officiating at them.

Perhaps it is because I am no longer "in charge" of the wedding ceremony. Of course, I still help them plan it, but I simply show up, run the rehearsal and then the ceremony.

Perhaps it is because I don't know the extended families of the bride and groom. I don't need to know the idiosyncrasies, the histories, the who is not talking to who because of what stuff.

Perhaps it is because most weddings outside are a little less formal, so the illusion of a perfect wedding is lessened, and there are few "bridezillas" or "MOB dictators" (that is, mother-of the-bride)

I am a detailed person, I like things to run smoothly and with grace. But weddings, when millions upon millions of dollars are caught up in the wedding industry, I have a hard time finding the grace necessary for marriage when people are freaking out about floral decorations.

Maybe I should just start my own church policy: "I'll be happy to do your wedding, we can have the vows right after the sermon and before communion at Sunday worship. Otherwise, I'll show up at the nearest state park, and witness your vows under the pine trees."

Think it'll catch on?

Bubble Wrap

2008-07-30T19:56:00.001-07:00

OK.
Love, Love, Love, Love this new internet stress reliever.
Love it.
Love it.

Ok, might be a little addicted to it. Just a little.

Holy Grounds: The dog days of summer

2008-07-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

I recently learned that the "dog days of summer" refer to the placement of a constellation in the summer sky. The star, Sirius in Canus Major is the brightest star in the night sky in July and Early August. (Also learned a little about Harry Potter and the aptly named Sirius Black!)

It's always fascinating how a term can be taken over by other definitions and meanings. As I write, my big dog is cashed out near the couch, trying to find some relief from the hot weather. She defines, for me the dog days of summer, as I reflect on a glorious weekend with friends, outdoor activities, and celebrations.

As I often lounge around like my dog in these fleeting days of summer, I'm hoping to get out to the night sky, find Sirius and welcome these gloriously hot days of summer, these dog days, before they all to quickly disappear.

How's your dog days treating you?

And now for something completely different...

2008-07-25T13:01:00.001-07:00

I really do like this guy, all satire aside.

He ventured forth to bring light to the world

They'll let anyone in that church

2008-07-09T20:52:00.001-07:00

I think many of us bloggers dream of the day when our ramblings could be collected into a small but endearing story book about the life and times of what ever it is we do when we are not blogging.

As a pastor, I have found that I often find material for that book. It is a helpful exercise, really, because it often allows one to rise above the actual incident as we think: "that's a good one for the book I will someday write."

Here is a recent gem:

It was said to me by a woman who rarely comes to worship because her husband requires around the clock care. When she asked a family friend to look after him while she attended Sunday service, she asked if he went often any more. He looked at her with distain and said, "They'll let anyone in that church."

To which she replied, Yes, even you are welcome!

Don't you just love it?

Can you just imagine the evangelism that could be done with that phrase? I couldn't be prouder to serve a congregation that will let anyone and everyone in!

Friday Five: Summer Reading

2008-06-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, Yes, it has been a while since the last Friday 5, but nothing like summer to start again! (That, and waiting for my Sunday supply accompanist to call so I can practice the hymns with her... sigh. I am so type A it is ridiculous!)

This week, then, a Summer Reading Friday Five.
1) Do you think of summer as a particularly good season for reading? Why or why not?
Well, summer is as good as any season for reading! I don't seem to have much more or less time to read, but often I do find winter a better reading season... less ability to sit on the porch until 10pm drinking a beverage.

2) Have you ever fallen asleep reading on the beach?
Not that I am aware of. I rarely fall asleep reading anywhere. I've been known to stay up until 3:30 am finishing a book.

3) Can you recall a favorite childhood book read in the summertime?
Any and all things Madeline L'Engle.

4) Do you have a favorite genre for light or relaxing reading?
Fantasy. I just devour these books. Literally. I can finish a lovely little book in 3 hours and feel perfectly restored!

5) What is the next book on your reading list?
The Year of Living Biblically, by A.J. Jacobs- what promises to be a hilarious account of a lapsed Jew reclaiming the literal aspects of his and Christian faith. I'm excited.

What are your favorite summer reads: past and present?

In the silence

2008-06-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks have been full of details, running, preaching, presiding, meeting, lamenting, aching, enjoying, celebrating, dancing, eating, drinking, loving and talking.

It has been a month of many, many things.

But today is a day of quietness... and my default is to fill it with activities. You know, the activities I am accused of not doing enough of... Visits, programming, devotions, meditations...

Living in the silence. Being. Enough.

How can we come to the understanding that this too, is holy and worthwhile? What a culture we could be if we could be. enough. silent

Holy Grounds: City Coffee Shops

2008-05-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Farmer's markets in the median.
Chamber music echoing from the stone and glass
Vienna beef hot dog stands
Sidewalk cafe's
Sidewalks
Bakeries
Asian take out
Concrete
Bus fumes

People of all styles,
walks
destinations
hopes
backgrounds
dreams

Sometimes it is good to be back in the city

Holy Grounds: a rainy spring day

2008-05-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Like the Psalmists, it is a healthy thing indeed to cry out--

A beautiful cup of coffee this morning, with no less than 12 species of birds at our feeders.

I'm not sure when I became a binocular holding, quick referencing the bird book, shushing people in the living room person, but I am entirely enamored with Evening Grosbeaks!

It's a bird that kind of reminds me of a superhero.
And if I ever get to choose a mascot, it will be the fighting grosbeaks!

I just wanted a beer...

2008-05-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life in rural areas can get a bit trying.
In northern rural areas, where the mud season seems to continue for months- because of alternating snow and rain, the tensions only seem to escalate.

It has been a silent blog for a while, perhaps because I was trying to hold onto the initial goal of the blog, which is welcoming this experience of small town living as a gift, always holding unexpected blessings and holy grounds.

Lately, I've only wanted to complain. ("I hate that feeling," she complains...)

So perhaps sharing some honesty about these backwoods, that they are not always the dreamy, wilderness escape, with quaint people or soul opening encounters could be helpful.

When I lived in the city, and I have live in some large metropolitan areas, I often looked at the rural life as idyllic in its simplicity. Sometimes, yes, this is the case.

But like any place there are complex webs that thrive beneath the surface, and sometimes they are knotted and treacherous. Perhaps an old family feud, a bitterness about life or work so hard it literally kills people.

And sometimes the simplicity is just that: simple. So when all I want after a busy day is a cool draft, quality beer, and the search has me driving 100 miles round trip, I wonder: can this be holy ground?

Holy Grounds: Holding on to the Mystery

2008-04-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung, but hearts are still heavy. I came across this song by Kris Kristofferson (I know, but it really isn't yaught rock, I promise!) It's a good one. And it is the sigh from my heart as I encounter so much pain in this world.

Holy Grounds: Snowy Spring Mornings

2008-04-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

It's April...

15 days after the beginning of spring
13 days after Easter
5 days after April Fools Day

And there is over 2 feet of heavy, wet snow on the ground.

We northerners are a hearty lot. People came in to church, trying to top each other's stories of harrowing rides into church, through slippery driveways and heavy snow drifts.

As the only church open within 50 miles, we gathered together, 40 brave souls, in the front of the sanctuary (after some coaxing) and sang Easter and Christmas songs together.

It was a good day.

Musings... perhaps a hint of holy ground

2008-03-27T15:36:00.000-07:00

I've started this post many times- only to be

A. frustrated (having the family around- all of them- requires and inordinate amount of pastoral peace keeping.

B. bored (my rule of thumb with my sermons is if I'm bored, the congregation is. Thus the rule with the blog if I'm bored, you are)

C. distracted (hmmm, I wonder what's on the food network now and can I hope to recreate Ina's fresh pea soup with mint... or would it be better with basil or...)

So, I offer to you some of the many places of the post Holy Week/Easter Sunday haze that have me circling around the deeper questions in life.

Not, what does Jesus really mean when he offers peace to the disciples, but rather, why are there never enough M&Ms in gorp?

"Maxed Out"

2008-03-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

We are in serious trouble here... serious trouble

13 years...

2008-03-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

Perhaps someday we'll stop marking this day
counting the moments we have lived without you
singing your favorite songs absent your voice:

I wish I knew how it would feel to be free
I wish I could break all the chains holding me
I wish I could say all the things that I should say
say 'em loud, say 'em clear
for the whole round world to hear.

Until then, we remember you

Calendars: containing or coping mechanisms?

2008-03-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

Alongside my calendar I have a scheduling book. It is a simple composition book, with the paper held in with a string so it is not easy to rip out a page.

It is in this book, I carry my life. I write the week at the top of the two page spread, and begin writing all my tasks for the week, bulletins to form, people to visit, confirmation to plan.

I carry this book along with my calendar- they just fit in my work bag, alongside my laptop.

My husband makes fun of me, and tells me I live by my calendar, but it isn't true. I live because of this schedule book. Every time I wake up in the middle of the night, knowing I should talk to someone, re-arrange communion or have a sermon idea... I write it down.

THEN... I can fall back asleep

The Vatican, in a new light

2008-03-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

You just gotta love the Roman Catholic Church...

Calendario Romano 2008

Free February 29!

2008-02-29T07:40:00.000-08:00

I'm of the mind frame that since my daily devotion doesn't have an option for February 29, today should be a totally free, completely wide open, entirely useless day.

There is a light fresh coat of snow on the ground, covering all the spring ugly, dirty snow. The skis are waxed, the dog is hyper, the thermometer is not in the negative numbers!

But, there are sermons to write, funerals to plan, visits to make and blogs to keep up.

So I'm starting now. In four years, we'll have a movement. Free February 29!

2008-02-18T20:03:00.000-08:00

must get off facebook
must not start new scrabulous game
must begin sermon prep- for 3 different services
must not re-watch Chocolat

"Good opinion once lost, is lost forever"

2008-02-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

What is it about curling up with a Jane Austin book or movie to provide the nicest of winter distraction?

The British airs, the veiled insults, the poignient social commentary, yet all packaged in a beautiful and polished story. All the heroines, especially Elizabeth, Ann, Elinor and Emma have the wit and wisdom I wish I could sum up at a moment's notice.

Ahh, to only have an afternoon to watch them all, especially the Sunday Masterpiece Theater specials.

2008-02-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

St. Inuksuk at Signs Along the Way tagged me for this meme, I can handle this today!

Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. (no cheating!)
Their Eyes Were Watching God
by: Zora Neale Hurston
HarperPerennial, 1990

Find page 123.
Find the first 5 sentences.
Post the next 3 sentences.
Dirt roads so rich and black that a half mile of it would have fertilized a Kansas wheat field. Wild cane on either side of the road hiding the rest of the world.
People wild too.

Tag 5 people!
Well, often when these come my way, all have been tagged- but I will offer it to any of you, but hopefully:
Primary Wonder
Pink Shoes
Sabbath Seeking
Walking Wet
Everyday Soup

Holy Grounds: Ashes to Ashes

2008-02-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

The honor and weight of imposing ashes initially came as a surprise to me. Somehow during my seminary training I never marked others with ashes myself on Ash Wednesday. Since I have been at this congregation, that duty has gone to me.

Last night the imposition of ashes was very weighty. My role as worship leader became very, very difficult. For me to hear the words is one thing: Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.

For me to give out the words and the ashes is entirely different.

To remind people of death, to mark innocent babies, hopeful youth, a new mother, a wizened grandfather... and especially the woman fighting with cancer...

Well, it was like placing a death sentence on their hopes. I don't want to mark their lives. I don't want to impose ashes.

But as we moved into communion, the ability to give the body of Christ transformed these ashes into new life. Into hope, as I marked the cross on young ones, blessing them, the cross took on new meaning again.

Dust, Ashes, Water, Wheat, Wine. Holy Ground indeed

Yes We Can

2008-02-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

1 month later...

2008-02-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

January-
the month of reports, retreats, meetings, and annual everything. My apologies for the long silence. It's like the friend you know you haven't contacted in a while, and you should, but then it's a little late for the casual conversation.... so....

Back in the swing of things, coming out from under the the mountain of work, reinvigorating the creative energies to other things than lent planning.

Until then...

Holy Ground: A January Morning

2008-01-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

I woke up tired today... the shortened hours of daylight do not help much. But at least it was slightly above zero this morning. Slightly.

It's the post Christmas slump, it's the ache of missing family and conversation I reveled in for 3 days. It's the Christmas tree starting to slump to the side.

But then I read the NYTimes Article

And I am hopeful again.

I have some education to do here, especially when the otherwise open folks here don't "want a president whose name I'm can't pronounce" (they are Finnish, have you ever tried to pronounce Finnish? Obama is nothing compared to that)

But today... this new year... I am hopeful

We here highly resolve...

2008-01-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

A wise person once told me never to start new year resolutions on the first day of the new year.
Sound advice, since this holiday is usually spent finishing up those Christmas cookies, bars and creamy things that survived the previous week and will only head to the trash and that's wasting food...

The guilt is removed if we start on January 2nd. We are ready to begin after the hangover has left.

It is important to begin a year free from guilt. Guilt has never been a good motivator for people, it is simply a fear tactic. The church has been using guilt for years and now it seems to be deteriorating from it. (it only took1600 years, but still)

But I'm starting to see lovely trends where people are no longer starting new year resolutions out of guilt or a desire to refine oneself, but rather as an opportunity to celebrate and enliven the self. However, if you want a cheap treadmill, look for it at the used places in April. Seriously.

These are the resolutions that make it. These are the ones that take root and grow. Successful resolutions from my friends:
Starting a blog, attending a show each month, learning to knit, taking belly dance lessons, cooking a new cuisine every month... the list goes on.

So my resolutions for the new year?
Read more fiction,
Fix my bicycle,
Learn (not master) the art of French cooking, and... lose 15 lbs :)

and the three mystery days...

2007-12-29T15:39:00.000-08:00

I'm too tired to create, so I'm sharing this great classic Christmas song from up north here.
It's just audio, but you can imagine the greatness!

Finally

2007-12-20T14:41:00.000-08:00

The Final Cello Countdown

Time?

2007-12-17T10:43:00.001-08:00

I think it was the Tao of Pooh that mentioned one cannot save time only spend it...

Well. It seems that there has been a landslide of time being spent... So much so, that it seems the bank is overdrawn.

So if we can't save time, only spend it; what happens when there seems to be none left?

One scenario: get sick and lose one's voice. Thus going into more time debt.

Friday Five: Preparation, preparation

2007-12-07T08:34:00.000-08:00

Prayers go out to Sally as she writes:
This has been a difficult week for me, the death of a little six year old has overshadowed our advent preparations, and made many of us here in Downham Market look differently at Christmas. With that in mind I ask whether you are the kind of person that likes everything prepared well in advance, are you a last minute crammer, or a bit of a mixture..... Here then is this weeks Friday 5:

1. You have a busy week, pushing out all time for preparing worship/ Sunday School lessons/ being ready for an important meeting ( or whatever equivalent your profession demands)- how do you cope?
Just kinda barrel on through. Although a good glass of red wine at the end of the day often helps...

2. You have unexpected visitors, and need to provide them with a meal- what do you do?
Behold, the power of cheese. We always seem to have cheese available in our household. We love the cheese, and our lovely cheese monger - who we make a pilgrimage to at least once a month- has us set up well, ready for any and all people who come to share the beauty of cheese. Oh. and wine. maybe Belgian beer as well....

3. Thinking along the lines of this weeks advent theme; repentance is an important but often neglected aspect of advent preparations.....
When I lived in Russia I was first introduced to the idea of Advent being a mini-Lent, of sorts. The orthodox priests described it as the 'short' fast. Since then I've come to appreciate colleagues and friends who take this time to return to the source, either by cutting things from their diet, or purposefully stay away from the capitalist Utopia which we call Christmas shopping. Advent is a call to return to our source.

4. Some of the best experiences in life occur when you simply go with the flow.....
Hmmm. Not an easy statement for us type A personalities to, uh, flow with.

5. Details are everything, attention to the small things enables a plan to roll forward smoothly...
Well, details are important, but not everything. There is enough of a rebel in me to enjoy some unexpected aspects... especially when I am reminded that I am not in charge of everything, the world does not rest on my shoulders, it's like the quote I have in the front of my calendar:
"You are not totally, personally, irrevocably responsible for everything.
That's my job.
~God"

Bonus if you dare- how well prepared are you for Christmas this year?
Ha! I laugh at the thought!
Are we really ever prepared for Emmanuel?
but
Emmanuel is ready and waiting for us

early, early morning wanderings

2007-12-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 4:07 this morning.

Actually, that was what the clock said when I finally gave up on finding a comfortable sleeping position, and turned to see how middle of the night it really was.

It has been a few weeks since I have woken up thinking (OK, obsessing) about things. Usually my tendency is to wake up around 1:30 or 2am, but 4pm, well it's just late enough in the morning, that falling back asleep will really mess with the REM cycle.

So, I got up. The worries about everything: from trying to quiet down folks during the prelude to worship, to finding money to increase staff salaries, to broaching the topic with my folks about bringing the dog with to Christmas celebrations, to getting the press release out about the concert... the list goes on.

What is it about laying (lying?) prone at 4am that starts this tidal wave of thoughts, concerns, worries and fears. Everything is amplified as I look up at the bedroom ceiling. Everything seems to rise or fall based on my ability to keep the people in pew 3 on the right from talking during the music director's prelude.

So, I rose, grabbed a notebook and started writing down everything that was swimming in my mind. Set it aside, made the coffee, prepped food for supper tonight, cleaned up clutter in the rooms of the house, and waited for the light to come.

And as it gradually got lighter, the fears and worries melted away. No beautiful sunrise, just a growing glow. No epiphany of understanding, just a steady dissipating of fear.

The light shines in the darkness. And the darkness has not overcome it.

A little early holiday spirit

2007-11-21T13:10:00.000-08:00

What Would Jesus Buy?

holy and steep ground

2007-11-21T08:48:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks have held many, many things. But this morning I get to sit, looking out of our front window at the gently falling snow, and reconnect with my writing self, my quiet self, and my warm and furry dog (the last one, a bit strange, yes, but big, hairy dogs are quite wonderful this time of year.)

Today feels somewhat like standing at the top of a huge sledding hill, looking out at the well traveled path ahead, but still learning the turns and curves that are veiled with this year's new snow.

It's a huge and steep hill, for the next months will be a fast paced ride. And in sledding one really doesn't have time to plot the course, but rather we react to what comes, and rely on our vision that we had at the top.

So as I stand at the top, looking out toward the valleys which hold the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter free falls of joy, the Advent and Lent tree-shaded difficult paths, and the Epiphany moments of bright light, I stand in wonder at this whirlwind ride that is about to begin.

It will pass in a flash of light, and when we reach the bottom, we gather up our sleds, our strewn out mittens and boots, pulling them together to begin climbing back to the top to begin our ride again next year.

So with a deep breath, a quick sign of the cross and a jump start... we're off!

I should have knocked on wood...

2007-11-13T08:23:00.000-08:00

I should not have tempted fate with my last post.

The past week was powerful, beautiful chaos. But in the midst of it, I don't feel as if I am off-set from a place of peace. This is rather unusual. Perhaps it is that I now have a few years of full time ministry under my belt, and I'm no longer scrambling to keep up with congregational and worship life.

Or perhaps it is growth.

A colleague who is new to ministry had been commenting to another who had been in ministry for 30 years, about how she had lost sight of her own spiritual discipline. His reply: 'welcome to pastoral ministry.'

Now, this is not a new phrase or comment for most of us who work in parish life in some form. Which, in and of itself, is terribly sad. But for a veteran of this call to welcome a new pastor to a rather hope-less voyage of ordained ministry...

But it does not have to be this way. This is not the path of ordained ministry I signed up for, nor will I follow it. When we are called to offer a Gospel path to the folks who asked us to serve their congregation, we are called to take care of our own spiritual lives and invite them to care for theirs as well.

Peace in chaos
Creation in stillness
Prayer in demanding times
Hope in bare, unyielding landscapes.

Holy Grounds: November Days

2007-11-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

I think November may be the quietest month of the church year.
There are no new programs beginning for the fall.
High school games are done with their regular seasons.
Most confirmation Sundays are in October or April.
The first three Sundays are pretty low in attendance due to deer hunting season.
Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter... all of them still a hopeful planning distance away.

In the north country, November doesn't bring an end to autumn, that has long since been over. There are no more colors on the trees, or in the distances. Harvest has long since been over as has all the canning activities that go with it.

So November is the stark month. There is no beautiful blanket of snow to cover the brown grass or muddy trails. There are few holiday lights decorating houses (thank God) for the first part of the month.

The landscape is bare, the air is cold, the wind carries woodsmoke, the land has gone into hibernation.

It is quiet, and it is absolutely beautiful.

Halloween = Inclement Weather

2007-10-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

I can't remember a Halloween where I have not needed:
A. rain jacket
B. hip waders
C. down jacket
D. skis

Why is it that this day always seems to hold rather terrible weather?

Perhaps it does draw back to the original understanding of All Hallows Eve. Where the spirits would wander the earth in anticipation of All Saints Day. It's like they would come early to the party, check out the guest list, and catch up before the actual formal festivities began.

I've seen enough fantasy movies that tell us the weather brings with it tidings... sometimes fearful ones, think of fog rolling in, thunder clouds suddenly gathering, and like today: snow falling.

If I was a more superstitious person... but in this line of work, who isn't at times?

Searching for meaning... picking up pieces

2007-10-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Our hearts are breaking again...

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of a young woman in southern Minnesota. Which echoes the horror felt only two months ago by another community in northern Minnesota.

Perhaps as we get older, and we just get better at picking up the pieces, and holding them out to God to reform and reshape.

The hardest part is helping those we love do the same. The woman in southern MN was a close friend of my brother's. And while he isn't a stranger to grief, my heart still breaks for him. It can be a tiring exercise... moving from funeral to funeral, saying goodbye to friend after friend.

May we all sense God's peace in this troubled world.

Friday Five: Pumpkins and Apples

2007-10-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

Singing Owl writes....

All Hallows Eve (Halloween) is near. As a child, Halloween was one of my favorite holidays. We didn’t yet worry about razor blades in apples or popcorn balls or some of the other concerns people have with Halloween these days. Halloween was a chance to be mildly scared, and better yet, to dress up and pretend to be something we really weren’t. Let’s talk about that a bit, but then let’s add in some food ideas for this year. Where I live the leaves are falling, the temperature is chilly and pumpkins are for sale everywhere, along with many kids of apples. What's more, the "Holiday Season" will soon be upon us. ACK! I could use a new idea for dessert. So, here we go…

1. How did you celebrate this time of year when you were a child?
Of the three children, we all started with the "beginner" halloween costume- which was a rather scary clown outfit. With a little of mom's eyeliner and shadow, we were set for our trick or treating adventures. After a few years, our parents would switch off- one would go out with us and the other would dress up and do a theme as they handed out candy to kids.

2. Do you and/or your family “celebrate” Halloween? Why or why not? And if you do, has it changed from what you used to do?
Since we don't have children, the dog refuses to be dressed up, and we live in a rather remote area, we don't celebrate much. But I still buy candy in hopes that we will get some brave souls... the ones that make the drive to the pastor's house.

2. Candy apples: Do you prefer red cinnamon or caramel covered? Or something else?
Definitely caramel covered. Definitely.

3. Pumpkins: Do you make Jack O’ Lanterns? Any ideas of what else to do with them?
I gotta carve at least one pumpkin a year... but I'm not the most artistic of carvers. So on Halloween sales last year, I got a carving kit with real nifty designs! Carving begins this weekend!

4. Do you decorate your home for fall or Halloween? If so, what do you do? Bonus points for pictures.
Like my sister, I am only allowed to decorate one month before the holiday. So I will often do a general fall theme of colors and candles- not as much the halloween stuff, though... see #3- no one to see it!

5. Do you like pretending to be something different? Does a costume bring our an alternate personality?
I've never been much for dressing up. Perhaps it is because now people ask to borrow MY work uniform -the collar shirt- to dress up. It's an interesting thing to now become a costume idea. I suppose it is a bit like being a superhero...

Bonus: Share your favorite recipe for an autumn food, particularly apple or pumpkin ones.
Pumpkin Soup. (For more details, email me) Take a moderate size pumpkin, clean it out, rub with veg oil, salt and pepper inside. Place in a sheet pan with lip or roasting pan. Fill 3/4 full with chicken broth and any other yummy soup-like ingredients:carrots, celery, onions, cooked chicken, rice, etc. (best to partially cook rice or grains before adding).
Then place in oven at 325-350 for at least 1 1/2 hours- or longer. Serve the soup out of the pumpkin, scraping the sides of the pumpkin to add the meat. Makes a great center piece as well as a meal!

Thursday sermon procrastination

2007-10-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

Oh the dangers of facebook and myspace... they take away valuable time from blogging...

Fear factor foods...

2007-10-23T09:16:00.001-07:00

I was reminded this weekend that I did try one of the more disgusting things in this world -

A little over a year ago, a group of us were traveling in Peru where we tried the local delicacies of cuy and chicha: Guinea pig and a fermented corn beverage.
The guinea pig was a little tough and not too remarkable.

I nearly gagged when I learned that the fermentation process involved old women spitting, yes spitting, into the great big vat of liquid as they prepare it.

I still shudder a bit at this... but am somewhat proud of myself for trying it. I can handle anything, right?

Friday Five: Homage to the Top Chef!

2007-10-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

This Fall Rev Hrod's family has been energetically watching Top Chef on the Bravo channel.

The winner for this season was Hung. Not the fan favorite, but he won fair and square. In his bio, he says if he were a food "I would be spicy chili - it takes a while to get used to, but once you eat it you always come back for more!" With that in mind, here is this week’s Friday Five

1. If you were a food, what would you be?
Hmmm... this is kind of a tough one. I think there should be online test for this... but if I had to be a special secret ingredient for Iron Chef, I would probably say: the avocado. While I don't believe i am the world's most perfect me, I think the avocado is the world's most perfect food. It is great for protein, vitamins, minerals, good by itself or mixed up in things. Plus, where else do you get to each such beautiful shades of green?

2. What is one of the most memorable meals you ever had? And where?
After months of living in Russia, we left the country to renew our visas in Estonia. Tallinn is an ridiculously charming city. In the town square, we sat down to a lovely meal of fresh greens, a good red wine, and a beautifully prepared steak topped with roasted pears and Gorgonzola cheese. Might have been the fact that the waiter actually wanted to speak English with us, that we were welcomed as foreigners or that fresh greens and pears were actually available and affordable. We still talk about that meal...

3. What is your favorite comfort food from childhood?
Rolled out shortbread Christmas cookies. They are fabulous. 3 ingredients: butter, sugar and flower. Mix together, roll out, make crazy cookie cutter shapes, put on pan and douse with various colored sugar crystals. The whole house smells like butter for days. And they literally melt in your mouth. Cookie making was an all day affair at our home growing up, and I loved the family effort it encouraged.

4. When going to a church potluck, what one recipe from your kitchen is sure to be a hit?
Wild Rice salad. It's not as dowdy as it sounds... but the key: hand picked, hand parched wild rice. Seriously. It's worth the cost. Nothing is as good. Toss the cooked rice with lots of freshly chopped vegetables like bell peppers, roma tomatoes, red onion, carrots, etc. and some good balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Yummm (plus it can sit out for a while without too many fears....)

5. What's the strangest thing you ever willingly ate?
At an Armenian restaurant with my sister and brother, we ordered an appetizer plate (we had no idea what was on it... it was in Armenian!) Set before us was a beautiful mix of pates and spiced meats. We all enjoyed the thinly sliced meat and onion dish on flat bread until my sister exclaimed... "I know what this is: It's tongue! I can see the taste buds!"
Needless to say, we didn't eat much of it after that...

Bonus question: What’s your favorite drink to order when looking forward to a great meal?
A really, really good glass of red wine. Either a bordeaux, pinot noir, or malbec (these days, anyway)

Is love all we really need?

2007-10-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today I had a visit that just knocked me out. I am still wondering so many things about pastoral care, about my role as pastor and spiritual guide. And I am, in essence sad.

For this evening, I counseled a woman to leave the marriage I blessed not even a year ago.

She feels like a failure. Her husband feels like a failure. They both are squeezing so tightly and looking in such different directions that I wonder how I didn't recognize this during the pre-marital counseling.

So, in essence, I feel like I have failed both of them.

I couldn't, in good faith, counsel the woman to stay in this marriage that keeps her bitter, angry and tormented.

But a small voice has me wondering if I should attempt to preserve the institution of marriage as much as possible. Is that my call?

Holy Grounds: Rainy Sundays

2007-10-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have left a mark- so it wasn't a surprise that I woke up at 3am this morning worrying about the worship service where:
A. we were trying something different, again. (would people walk out again?)
B. We have started another "low attendance season" aka. The hunting seasons begin...
and
C. the vocal complainers would be present and looking for their "suggestions" to be implemented.

Yeah, I worried about that for about an hour or so. Climbed back into bed, put my cold feet on my husband (he's still pretty good about that, maybe after 5 more years of marriage though..) and proceed to have scary dreams about the service.

Really scary.
Like showing up naked and forgetting the sermon - scary. (which is worse? Hard to say)

After a swift make-up job to mask those eye bags, I was off to church- adrenaline flowing.

And...

It all went well. No one walked out. (of course certain people didn't show either... their loss) A couple of duck hunters actually arrived (promises of good food in the freezer!) and complainers were (for the most part) satisfied.

But the thing that still constantly amazes me is how I always love my job during and after worship. The people, the hugs, the prayers, the songs, the conversations, the children, the grandparents. All of them served me today in reminding me that God is still calling me to this life of mine.

What you didn't learn in seminary could fill a library...

2007-10-06T02:27:00.000-07:00

This job can really get to a person.

It is a ridiculous notion that 1 person is expected to fill the needs and expectations of a multitude of individuals, each with a differing priority agenda, and fill them now.

I know pastors encounter this regularly, but it still doesn't seem fair. They never trained us for this in seminary. If they did, would we still go out to these calls, bright eyed and filled with hope and Gospel? Maybe...

Through all this, I have found colleagues that often find themselves in the same predicament in this little community. This has been good. And many of them, my congregation members, so it deepens our understanding of ministry.

Jobs I now empathize with: school principals, hospital administrators, funeral home directors, and union leaders. (this is a short list, but it is a small town, after all)

The problem arises then, when even through our mutual experiences of unreasonable expectation and entitlement, suddenly, the collegiality and friendship is taken advantage of. The exact same behavior we lament over together is used against a colleague and it forms a wedge between community leaders.

And the whole community feels it- and is paralyzed to do much about it.

Sometimes I wish we had a support group for this. Perhaps a leaders anonymous. LA. A 12 step program which helps us understand the power we have in this community, how to manage it, how to understand our abuse of it, and ultimately realize that it is not ours to control.

How can we find Grace in positions of power if we are so weary from the onslaught of raw human need and unreasonable entitlement?

Preparing for a Holiday

2007-09-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

We are going on Holiday... this was a term I first came across when I lived in Europe. The diverse community of expats and residents in that country always referred to time away as "going on holiday."

In the US - we call it vacation. It does have a very different tone: vacation- to vacate a place - or to go on holiday- to go to holy days- to find holiness.

As I prepare to vacate this town and this work (which, never really is vacated) for a week - the days leading up to the holiday are pressured. It is almost as if the world is telling me that I cannot leave, I can't vacate. There is too much to do. To many fires to put out. To much brokenness to help mend. Too many problems to solve.

And I grow weary. Because now, I can't vacate. These things will come with me. They will be in my computer, in my calendar, in my ever-list making head...

How then, do we not attempt to vacate, but instead honor the holy days ahead?

Guard the Mondays!

2007-09-17T15:45:00.001-07:00

It really is amazing how quickly a day off can be taken away.

Now, for pastors, notable exceptions may be funerals and emergencies that involve hospital visits, family care and general loving care in the name of our God.

But it all starts when a meeting is scheduled for a day-off night- in this case, a Monday, and then it is easy to be coerced into more...

Well, Pastor, since you'll be there for x meeting (did I say I was going to be there? I must have) the can we meet about y as well, it will only take 20 minutes or so. And since you will be there for x and y we should meet about z. (How long is z?) well, we just need to meet for a bit about z.

Sigh. Getting cornered after worship on Sundays, when I'm flying high on coffee looking forward only to a nap... I'll agree to anything to get out of the church door I guess.

It is, indeed, a slippery slope. Now it's off to church for the evening! Yipee!

Friday Five: Meetings, Meetings

2007-09-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

In honor of a couple of marathon meetings Reverend mother attended this week:

1. What's your view of meetings? Choose one or more, or make up your own:
a) When they're good, they're good. I love the feeling of people working well together on a common goal.
b) I don't seek them out, but I recognize them as a necessary part of life.
c) The only good meeting is a canceled meeting.

I'd have to go with a). And I might clarify: when they are run well, facilitated well, and there is a spirit of hope and mission. Since I am not a particularly creative individual, I am happy to put energy and hope into process: administration can be a great gift!

2. Do you like some amount of community building or conversation, or are you all business?

If we are only all business, then nothing to do with community and conversation will ever be developed. I had a new member of our staff relate a comment she made to her spouse: "we don't get anything done at staff meetings! I mean we pray, we check in, we read devotions and go through the calendar, but there are no lists to check off!"

3. How do you feel about leading meetings? Share any particular strengths or weaknesses you have in this area.

To be honest, I'd rather lead a meeting, if for no other reason then the fact that I know how. Meetings need to be facilitated well with a clear leader who keeps us on task, respects every person and the time that is given to the meeting. Time for discussions and airing of grievances is better after the meeting perhaps one to one.

4. Have you ever participated in a virtual meeting? (conference call, IM, chat, etc.) What do you think of this format?

Not as big of a fan. Soooo much can be learned from facial expressions and body language. So much- it's almost as important as the topic itself.

5. Share a story of a memorable meeting you attended.

Are you ready? Drum roll please: The council meeting that was under an hour.

Holy Ground: 6 years of Ministry

2007-09-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that we have been revenging for 6 years now.

So much has happened since then. The day the attack happened, I had just started seminary. Strange to think that my entire training and ministry has taken place during a time of war.

As I read, studied, communed, learned, preached, and witnessed it was always in a context of a war; of a time of revenge; in a time of getting back at the bad guys... whoever they may be, because they seem to change often based on whether or not they have what we want.

So after 6 years of a weight that has overtly and silently sat on my and the whole world's shoulders, I can't help but wonder:

What is it like to preach the gospel in a time of peace?

The simple life

2007-09-01T07:26:00.001-07:00

I've always found it interesting the number of books that are written about people's adventures to quaint, country lifestyles and simple basics. I came across the latest of these in a magazine, where an author decided to learn about raising goats by traveling across 43 states.

Now.
I may be way off but it seems to me that the only way to really learn about raising goats is to sell your city cabin, move to the country, buy a farm and some goats.
Subletting your condo, and traveling with the book advance isn't quite the same thing.

There are many folks that try this- whether they sample different religions, try to eat local food for 2 summer months or sample country living by leasing a fully renovated farm house with no plumbing problems or mice infestations.

A recent report tells us that now over half of the US population is no longer rural. And it seems that some kind of romanticism has popped up about the good life in small farms. But it is simply another form of tourism.

If life in rural areas was really encouraged to continue, the Farm bill wouldn't be helping corporate agribusinesses, but family farming practices and health agriculture practices.

People would know that canning vegetables is a full time and tricky business- and in February, your are either out of dill beans or really, really sick of them.

An author would learn that raising stubborn goats for milk is a dirty, messy, financially strapped, and sometimes very lonely job.

How can we simplify our lives if we can't give things up?

2007-08-31T09:32:00.000-07:00

Please pray for our small broken community.

How long, O Lord?
Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I bear pain in my soul,
and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God!
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
and my enemy will say, "I have prevailed"
my foes will rejoice because I am shaken

But I trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

~Psalm 13

Friday Five: Seasons Change

2007-08-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

It's Labor Day weekend here in the United States, also known as Summer's Last Hurrah. So let's say goodbye to summer and hello to the autumn.

1. Share a highlight from this summer.
I love our little town fair. Actually I love any and all town fairs, street festivals and music gatherings where folks gather together, support local fundraisers, enjoy music and each other. In small towns we don't have neighborhood night outs, but we do have great little festivals.

2. Are you glad to see this summer end? Why or why not?
Yes and no. Summers are quite busy in the north land - all of your folk that leave the city take up temporary residence here, so we enjoy a vibrant congregation for these 3 months. And with that comes busier times, that just translate to different busy-ness the rest of the year.

3. Name one or two things you're looking forward to this fall.
or more... I love this season: Football games, long walks, warm sweaters and venison sausage.

4. Do you have any special preparations or activities to mark the transition from one season to another?
I know the summer is coming to a close after a visit to the state fair. The last great summer "get together." Filled with fried food and a lot of dairy products, we begin the autumn diet.

5. I'll know that fall is really here when:
Well, it's actually here already in the north country. It's been here for a few weeks now. I'll know that winter is here when I pull out the tubs of sweaters and pack away the tank tops and sundresses.

A little grace for Miss South Carolina

2007-08-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

So perhaps, yes, I was a bit harsh in the last post. Based on a number of blogs and news shows (not to mention the judges who voted this candidate in 3rd place...) maybe I was quick to judge this young, uh, scholarship candidate.

But really, where did South Africa and maps come in? Someone please, explain this to me.

Hmmm....

2007-08-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

It's great to know that beauty pageants have not defied the stereotype... yet...

August Sabbath

2007-08-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

The quiet has arrived

The sermon is finished
The wedding has been celebrated
The gatherings have happened
The sun has set
The sauna is hot
The meal is prepared

The sabbath begins...

Friday Five: Word Association, Redux

2007-08-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

This one is patterned off an old Friday Fivewritten by Songbird, our Friday Five Creator Emerita:
Below you will find five words. Tell us the first thing you think of on reading each one. Your response might be simply another word, or it might be a sentence, a poem or a story.

1. vineyard
The economic system of the ancient near east. Whenever it is used in text, I like to think it is a model for the whole world. Wine was as important to trade then as oil is to us. It defines us, uses us, helps us and feeds us. Yup, I'm in academic social science mode today.

2. root
What I find myself talking to alot of parents about these days. Especially those who are sending children off to college for the first time. The importance of giving people roots and wings.

3. rescue
What I need when I'm drowning in administrative crap like people who complain to people who complain to people about staff members who overstep their job descriptions and need to be needed for their own self-worth. Yikes, it has been a full week.

4. perseverance
God's church will survive, and even thrive.

5. divided
It will be a good sermon this Sunday- tying in some of number 3 and the division within the congregation and those that threaten the larger church. All will be honored in the power of gathering together around a common table.

What comes to mind for you?

Holy Grounds

2007-08-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Three separate gatherings today
Three separate cups of coffee

holy grounds ~ planning a wedding service with a young couple

holy grounds ~ praying for healing in a hospital room

holy grounds ~ beginning plans for a memorial service for a woman with terminal cancer

Some days I am so overwhelmed by this work.

Sunday afternoon musings

2007-08-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

Rarely do I dare to post on Sunday afternoons... at the risk of draining an already low well of vocabulary and coherent thoughts. But today something happened, something rather extraordinary.

Now, I'm sure it's not the first time this has happened, but it was the first time I noticed it. And a few things had to happen in succession...

1. I gave a truly uninspiring sermon (due in some part to the very misplaced popular culture reference... know thy audience... it seemed like a great illustration)

2. the music was jumbled, too fast or too slow. The musicians only had time to practice just before the service.

3. The pastor (me) was tired- and that Sunday adrenaline rush never quite managed to kick in.

and

4. People still left filled, happy, commissioned, active and hopeful.

I'm so glad that this whole church thing is not about me.

2007-08-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

There are weeks when my sermon is written by Wednesday afternoon...

And sometimes those sermons must be rewritten:

"vanity of vanities... all is vanity"

~Ecclesiastes 1:2

http://www.startribune.com

Even the fridge is hot

2007-07-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

Which came first? The oppressive heat or the need for air conditioning in the oppressive heat which gives off greenhouse gases which heat up the earth and cause more oppressive heat?

I've read countless articles, poems and stories about surviving winter. You know, the stark beauty, the dark, cold land, blah blah. Winter is great.

Now seriously how about surviving summer?

Humid and heavy air, swarming, biting black flies, distant loved ones (don't touch me- your feet are hot!)

Where are the poets for this stuff?

Another great YouTube video...

2007-07-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

It's totally worth 8 minutes of your time:

Draft the College Republicans

Back from even more backwoods

2007-07-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

I am back to the land of wireless after being in a different kind of wireless place. That place was wireless, toliet-less, running water-less, and comfy bed-less.

But it was:

beauty-full, grace-full, clean air-full, God-full, and hope-full.

8 days with kids and adults out of our comfort zones and ordinary patterns. It was wonderful, frustrating, inspiring and trying. All the things that come with good adventures.

Now, it's back to the lists and tasks. But- also back to beds and showers!

Friday Five: Wocher, Harry!

2007-07-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

As you may have seen in this Rev Gal's Wednesday's Festival, Pottermainia has hit the RevGals--though not all of them. So today's Friday Five is a Choose your Own Adventure: that is, another version of the quiz is available at RevGals for the muggles...

Accio Friday Five!

1. Which Harry Potter book is your favorite and why?
hmmm... this is a tough one. Because I tend to like to have all my options in front of me and I need to read 7! But in many ways I'm still loving the very first one, because it introduced me to the beauty, wonder and imagination of the characters and the world of Harry Potter.

2. Which character do you most resemble? Which character would you most like to get to know?
Well, most quizzes tell me I'm like Hermione, which I probably was a bit like when I was younger- kind of a intellectual nut, but I do admire her fierce loyalty and intelligence.
And I think a dive into the psyche of Firenze, the new divination prof would be a fascinating time!

3. How careful are you about spoilers?
a) bring 'em on--even if I know the destination, the journey's still good
b) eh, I'd rather not know what happens, but I'm not going to commit Avada Kedavra if someone makes a slip
c) I will sequester myself in a geodesic dome to avoid finding anything out

I'm pretty cool about this stuff- Goodness knows I've been reading enough blogs about it, so I'm probably a "B" but I will be out in the woods next weekend so I'm not too worried about the spoiler- in any case, it will still be a great book!

4. Make one prediction/share one hope about book 7.
Like other bloggers, I still hold out hope that Snape is on the side of good, not evil.

5. Rowling has said she's not planning any prequels or sequels, but are there characters or story lines (past or future) that you would like to see pursued?
Again, I can't say for certain, not knowing what the next book will hold and the paths it will lead, but I love following the lives of Fred and George- I sort of live vicariously through them- throwing caution to the wind and living it up!

What's shape is your Pottermania taking?

Expectations of the Office: Growing Edge

2007-07-12T08:59:00.001-07:00

Well, he didn't show. I can't say I'm terribly surprised, but I am torn between relief and a bit of sadness.

Whatever made him stop in to ask for help, maybe the desperation, maybe the 5 beers he had on his breath... the bravado must have left or the immediate situation got better- so he didn't feel he needed to talk to someone anymore. I am saddened, because it sounded like he really could have used a listening ear.

I am relieved as well, an a bit ashamed of this, because I tend to have little patience with people who demand things from me. I was worried about my reaction to his need. I guess this is a big place for me to grow pastorally: patience and grace.

So, I continue to lift him in prayer and others who are in similar places in life. And maybe, he will stop by again, hopefully looking toward the future rather than buried in the past.

Expectations of the Office

2007-07-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

It's always interesting to encounter people who feel they are "owed" something from the church.

The man came in one afternoon, demanded to see the pastor, (me) who was out visiting parishioners. The office staff (who did not recognize him) refused to give him my home phone number or the parsonage address (God bless level headed office ministry staff!) but he finally left with the assurance I would call him.

Saturday morning I did. The phone was answered with some anger over how long it took me to call him, "a member" (who never attends worship, is not on our roster, nor recognized by 15 year veteran staff) because he needs to meet with me because he is depressed but refuses to see a counselor.

Hmmm....

Sometimes its hard to love people through difficult times when they show little respect for others. I agreed to one pastoral counseling meeting, which will occur tomorrow. But it is difficult not to approach it with a bit of a chip on my own shoulder. God help me to be present to this person!

Friday Five: Hasty Edition

2007-07-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Reverend Mother tells us of her family-induced haze these few days, with the July 4 holiday and taking time off while relatives are visiting. The haze is, indeed smoky and a bit sticky. So she encouraged us with an oldie: Today, what are you:

1. Wearing
Since I didn't get my morning workout-hoping to transfer it to the early afternoon- I am pretty comfortable in capri khaki microfiber pants, a Merlefest T-shirt of the light green variety and my dusty hiking boots I am attempting to break in some more.

2. Reading
Trying to catch up on the mountain of theology journals that are weighing down my desk. the big question is do I wade through them by group title or just by chronology...

3. Eating
Special K for breakfast... (prep for that hiking trip), yummy Mexican stew for lunch, and hopefully some grilled chicken for dinner, using some of our lovely herbs and adding home grown tomatoes with the meal.

4. Doing
Procrastinating. That is, not working on: my sermon for Sunday, the article for the local paper, my sermon for the wedding I'm performing this weekend, the article for the online 'zine, and the autobiographical statement for a program application. Oh, and not exercising yet either!

5. Pondering
Whatever moves people get up at 4am to wait in line for garage sales?

Industry: Religion

2007-06-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

I just received another packet of, well, let's call it what it is... crap... through the mail.

Encompassed in a large plastic sleeve which must be thrown away, 5 "magazines" of religious product news fall out. Under the guise of articles, various companies are writing to promote their products which range from clerical shirts to church playground equipments to sound system offers.

How does this fit into the message of the gospel?

Well, at least I can recycle the sleek pictures of a 7,000 seat sanctuary...

5 Things I Dig About Jesus Meme

2007-06-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by St. Inuksuk for this, my very first meme: Yeah!

1. I dig that Jesus was all about being human - life, friends, food, drink, etc.

2. I dig that Jesus saw through all the gunk that has us drawing lines and putting up walls: he walked through lines of gender, class, race, ability, sex... he crossed them all.

3. I dig that he was really with people - in all aspects of their lives. He was there in their passion, their hurt, their joy, their frustration, their hope, their fear... and our's too.

4. I dig that Jesus loved the world so much he became a part of all of us to live on in each of us.

5. I dig that Jesus didn't ask for membership cards, faith statements, documents, creeds or proof that people deserved love and healing.

Passing along the great love of our buddy Jesus, I tag:
Amused, Walking Wet, Pastor Peters, JJ

But if you haven't been tagged- tell us what you dig about the great JC!

Rules for this meme:
a)Those tagged will share "Five Things They Dig About Jesus".
b)Those tagged will tag 5 people. (if they can find someone untagged!)
c) Those tagged will leave a link to their meme in the comments section of the
blog of the person who tagged them (meaning this post) so that everyone can
keep track of what's being posted.

Backwoods Living

2007-06-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

Living in the north woods, we have found there are some tools, machines and other doo-dads that everyone owns and just assumes everyone else owns. For example, almost everyone has some form of a:
fishing boat with at least two kinds of motors
a 4 wheeler or ATV
a snow machine (snowmobile to us urbanites)
an ice auger
a wood burning something or other
and....
wait for it...
the ultimate show of backwoods manly man-and woman-ness....

The chainsaw.

We don't own a chainsaw up here in logging country... but I think my big city, urban loving husband is in deep chainsaw envy. As we had parishioners help with the downed trees in our yard, he stared longingly at the 3 - count them 3 for the 1 downed tree- chainsaws that were roaring away as he sadly pushed the lowly wheelbarrow of branches.

Of the list above, we actually have 3 - but the ice auger is a hand crank, and completely, I am told by those in the know, outdated, but hey, at least their pastor and her husband are slowly adjusting to rural backwoods living.

cliffs notes for bookclubs?

2007-06-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

Since reading time is hard to come by these days... I am rather picky about the books I read.
I want to know that I will like the book, because I am jealous of my time and want to be entertained.

In order to counter this tendency, I began a book club at the church. Our goal was not so much to read Christian literature but to read book whose authors have a story to tell that can enhance our lives as Christians.

This has been really a good experiment, but the one drawback to book clubs is when I really don't like the book, when I really can't finish it, (or I am drawn to re-read the 5th Harry Potter book in anticipation of the movie release) I feel really, really guilty. Like I've skipped a test.

(yes, oldest child syndrome is kicking in; yes, I am anal-retentive; yes, I turned in all my assignments on time)

And I am really, really bored by the current book.

I can't get past page 57.

I am leading a discussion on it Saturday. Sigh.

Friday 5: books, books everywhere... and even more to read!

2007-06-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

RevGal Sally just returned from a meeting in Cambridge and I took the opportunity of a free afternoon in Cambridge's wonderful book shops. Showing much restraint, she only bought a few- and on sale at that! So with a head full of books we begin:

1. Fiction what kind, detective novels, historical stuff, thrillers, romance????
Fiction? What's that? Oh the kind of books I devour in one sitting and drink in like a thirsty traveler. When I have the luxury of fiction I love: Fantasy and Sci-Fi like: Tolkien, L'Engle, the Harry Potter books and the less lineage, but big dragon fight sort of D&D stuff. Great epic novels like Michener. Sometimes a trashy romance (because really, is there any less no-brain entertainment). and Most often the everyday- not a particular genre novel by Sue Monk Kidd, Barbara Kingsolver, or Lorna Landvik.

2. When you get a really good book do you read it all in one chunk or savour it slowly?
Sadly, my books end too quickly. They are inhaled- and sometimes I'll go back and read a good one again, a little more slowly. I think this comes from the fact that I don't get to read as much fiction as I used to.

3. Is there a book you keep returning to and why?
I have found that certain books are great to read every 5-10 years because new and beautiful thing appear. Some examples: A Wrinkle in Time, The Alchemist, Dakota, Teaching a Stone to Talk.

4. Apart from the Bible which non-fiction book(s) has influenced you the most?
Dakota by Kathleen Norris, Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Freire, Mere Christianity by Lewis

5. Describe a perfect place to read. ( could be anywhere!!!)
Well, pretty much anywhere I can grab some space. A couch, a chair, a bed, a comfy floor. Any uninterrupted place. When I lived in Moscow, the Metro was the best place to read- especially on the 30 minute commutes.

What books influenced and keep on influencing you?

Holy Grounds: Human Touch

2007-06-14T12:32:00.001-07:00

Just when I am so overwhelmed by darkness in the world, God sends a friend, who sends me to this link - and I can't help but smile through the tears.

The Free Hugs Campaign

Thanks Amy- I watch this when I need to remember that God so loved the world that he sent himself to live, breath, and embrace humanity.

Ecumenical Relations

2007-06-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

Our small town clergy gathering is always an interesting one. As the only female and the youngest by about 20 years - the dynamic is very strange.

In make up we have a rather varied group with three conservative protestants: varying in conservatism and congregation size, two mainline protestants and a RC priest. Let's just say the group is diverse. I am the newest member of the group: 2 years I've been here now, and I have found myself in the role of: secretary, announcer, convener, copier, coordinator, press releas-er, facilitator and general light the fire under the guys' asses -er.

Yet I still don't have my name on the emergency fund checkbook. WTF?

Guess I keep hitting that small town glass ceiling. Words of widom? Anyone?

Are we there yet?

2007-06-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

After way to much thinking, hrrmphing, changing our minds and other distracting and energy sapping activities, we finally decided to indeed make our way to the big city.

You might think this is a small thing, but one does not take a 8 hour round trip drive lightly. Especially when petrol is still at $3 a gallon.

But it was a great trip- even if we had to get there in two vehicles because of conferences and meetings in various locals. It involved fantastic Neapolitan pizza, yummy breakfast corn pancakes, amazing Thai curry (noticing a food pattern here...)

But then, after much research, study and walking up and down staircases: a long awaited addition to my gear geeky-ness:

Ain't she purty? This is my new best friend all ready for me to take her out west this summer! And the best part, I still get to add more geeky stuff like hydration tubes and stuff- you know, backpacking stuff. Everybody's doing it: Titanium silverware and neon orange bear boxes.

Now: Since I'll carry an extra 35 lbs when we backpack... I just need to lose 35 before we go. Right? right.

Friday Five: Getaway Island Edition

2007-06-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

A lucky Rev Gal snitched a bit of time on an quiet island nearby this week. It was a last minute plan, escaping with a minimal amount of preparation. One must have essentials that make it a relaxing time. Perhaps you have had this opportunity to escape, or maybe it's only been a thought to get away. However, suppose you were told to pack some essentials for a trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Describe your location, in general or specific terms and....
Living in the middle of a continent and far from the city: I want a city cabin. Most people retreat to where I live, but I want to retreat to anonymity, to alive, busting marketplaces, to coffee shops full of people and art museums filled with seekers.

1) What book(s) will you bring?
Ahh... books... To be honest, I'd grab the first few that are lining my "to read" shelf behind my desk. They include: God of the Oppressed- Cone, A Generous Orthodoxy- McLaren, Our Endangered Values-Carter, Real Sex-Winner, Drinking from a Dry Well- Green... just to name a very few.

2) What music accompanies you?
A new album from Carrie Rodriguez, Beatles- real and covers, Girl power driving music like Indigo Girls and Dixie Chicks. But- planning to catch as much live music as possible while I am there!

3) What essentials of everyday living must you take (as in the health and beauty aids aisle variety)?
Soap. Shampoo. Hair gel stuff. Toothpaste and brush. light makeup. Hip outfits with accompanying shoes.

4) What technological gadgets if any, will you take with you or do you leave it all behind?
The laptop- while it has been a giant leap for our human technology, has managed to worm it's way into my psyche and I will not go far without it- especially in wireless territory where I will download live music schedules.

5) What culinary delights will you partake in while there?
Oh My. Everything. Everything Ethnic: more the question: what won't I eat? Burgers, fish fry, limp pizza and broasted chicken.

As a bonus question, what makes for a perfect day on vacation for you?
A wonderful mix of engagement with the world and an observance of the world. That is, listening to a lecture, meeting friends for breakfast, and then sitting in the lobby of a museum or a downtown park. Yin and Yang.

Where will you take yourself: physically or mentally?

Holy Ground... stormy weather

2007-06-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been filled with weather adventures.

Almost every day has carried brilliant sunshine, loud thunder, torrential rain, muggy sunsets and cool breeze. One does not leave the house without layers or rain jackets.

As I am preparing for my sermon this Sunday, texts I have been wrestling with all week, I am watching the afternoon storm slowly roll in. Today it is a gradual darkening of the sky. The lights in my office become more and more important, because the natural light is dimming.

I know it is coming, the darkness. The sudden noise. The fierce pounding of water. Water that is life giving, but can also be life taking- in drowned flower beds, rushing rivers and flooded homes.

But I can also trust, as the past few weeks have shone, that the sun will reveal itself again on the other side of the storm. We will all slowly emerge from homes, basements, and shelters to shake out the wet clothes, bail out our flower beds and splash in puddles.

Perhaps this is the way we can understand the joy of the psalmist:
You have turned my mourning into dancing;
you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
so that my soul may praise you and no be silent.

It is after the storm, when we emerge from our shelters we have build to hide and protect ourselves from the storms of life, it is then that we dance in the revealed sunlight.

Summer is here...

2007-06-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

The birds are singing, the thunderstorms crashing, the lawn is growing, the fish are jumping and... the puppy stinks.

Last year she had an, ahem... aroma rising from her back end and it's back again. Our wonderful vet claims he can teach me to "squeeze the glands" to rid her of this unpleasantness. Right.

Well. I saw the look on her face last year, and I am confident that the vet can do a better job. 75lbs of unhappy puppy is not something I wish to wrestle with. Can you imagine accidentally squeezing some of the stuff onto your eyebrows? Shudder.

But, I cannot claim exemption from this summer phenomenon:

What is it about having polyester clerical shirts, anyway? They don't breathe! Plus, they usually look terrible without a sweater or jacket over them. As we move into summer months, I forgo the robe and heavy vestments- no need for the pastor to faint during the Eucharist- but then there is the issue of the collar shirt and sweat stained attire.

Alas, I need to remember this complaint when I am wearing 17 layers of clothing in January...

Holy Ground: Lilacs

2007-05-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

With his arms swinging, he flagged down our car as we drove past his house.

"You need some lilacs" he said. My husband and I looked at each other- we were already a bit late for another engagement. "They are beautiful," we said, "but we don't need any- we can't cut them anyway"

"Oh, don't worry. I've got a branch cutter all set for you."

C is about 85 years old, and a retired carpenter. He comes to church faithfully every Sunday, sits 3 rows back from the pulpit on the right side, and loves, LOVES to belt out old gospel hymns like "the Old Rugged Cross." Every Sunday as he leaves the sanctuary, he shakes my hand and says "now have a good rest of the day"

So we pulled over, got out of the car and started clipping lilacs. the back seat was filled. And as we cut, C told us of moving the bushes from his father's farm out to the lake. Planting them lovingly, and now his yard was filled with lilacs.

As we drove away, the car was filled with their lovely scent.

I think we'll plant lilac bushes this year. And maybe ask C for some advice...

2007-05-24T16:32:00.001-07:00

As I listed to news commentators talk about how long this war has gone one- longer than WWII, for so many months now I realized...

For my entire married life, my country has been waging war. I have never known what it means to be married and to not be worried, angry, frustrated, fearful, enraged, sorrowful and despairing over this war and this world.

While neither my husband or I serve in the military, we have friends and family members who do. How many relationships are affected by this. Even indirectly, we all suffer the weight of the violence that is happening in the world, and we absorb it into our day to day interactions with each other.

How long O Lord? How long?

visions of the kingdom...

2007-05-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I took part in the coolest pastor installation service I have ever witnessed. (never mind that I can probably count the number of installation services I've attended on one hand...)

My friend and colleague is at a small and very rural congregation that has left the mainline denomination- so... there was no official representative there to officiate. While he used the traditional service, his approach was novel and wonderful.

He invited each pastor in the town ministerial to attend and asked them to take part in the service. We ranged from catholic priests to retired ordained pastors to self appointed preachers.

As we all gathered around the small altar to lay on hands and pray for our new colleague the spirit was moving. (for some, moving in tongues... this skeptical Lutheran just marveled at that one)

And then we all shared the peace with one another afterward- even the uber-conservative- women-should-never-be-preaching-to-men guy shared peace with me.

It was pretty amazing. And my friend celebrated his call from God, his love for his new congregation and his affirmation of his community colleagues.

I can't imagine another way to begin serving as a pastor in a community. For a brief moment, we caught a glimpse of the kingdom of God.

Ah marriage...

2007-05-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

I love my husband.

Tonight over the dinner table, he looks up at me and says:

"Sh#@! I was going to bring you flowers!"

I guess even the thought still makes me a little fuzzy romantic... how that changes after some years of marriage...

Friday Five: Big Event Edition

2007-05-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

Getting Bloggers together! Peace on Earth! Te Planning Committee is formed!
In that spirit, Songbird presents the Big Event Friday Five.

1. What would the meeting be like? (Continuing Ed? Retreat? Outside Speakers? Interest Groups? Workshops? Hot Stone Massages? Pedicures? Glorified Slumber Party?)
A little bit of this, a little bit of that: my biggest dream for continuing education is that we actually do self care rather than receive lectures and books on the subject. My CE is at my discretion (thankfully) and this would be a good use for it.

2. When in 2008 might you be able to attend? January? Shortly after Easter? Summer? Fall? Some other time?
After Christmas- before Lent. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day. And the weeks preceding Advent. And if it's not already stated- midweek is MUCH better than trying to use a precious Sunday vacation.

3. Where would your dream meeting location be? (Urban Hotel? Rural Retreat Center? New England Camp? Southwestern Fantasy Hotel? Far away from civilization? Nearby Outlets or Really Great Thrift Stores?)
Dreams are different than, what I think should be reality (yes, yes, I am constantly the parade rain-er- but a good realist) somewhere near a major airport. Folks from all over this great world will need to get there, and no matter how we try, our carbon footprint will be big for this. So I'm sayin': Vegas Baby! Everyone flies there cheap!

4. Who would make a great keynote speaker? (That's if #1 leads us in that direction.)
Hmmm, now I am in the dreaming stage... a gathering of women who were among the first to be ordained in their traditions. Great preachers like Barbara Brown Taylor. Activists, Yoga practitioners, Academics, Superstars... all would be great.

5. Did I leave out something you want to suggest?
if it is a big slumber party, is someone bringing the silly string?

Other big thoughts out there?

WWJD?

2007-05-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

After all the ranting about the downsides of the internet, here is an amazing way the internet is being used to connect people, to speak truth, to build solidarity and courage.

Ava Lowery is a 16 year old peace activist from Alabama, and her skill and talent with media has her making amazing videos that she posts on her website peacetakescourage.com

One of her videos is WWJD? which is one of the most powerful things I've seen in a while.

May we all find our voice to speak out against destruction, violence, hatred and war.