I love Mondays. I used to dread Mondays, so I find that parish ministry has given me the gift of reclaiming this day. It is, historically, the day of the moon, and in our busy western culture, the first day of the work week.
But for me, Monday is my Sabbath, a day of rest and renewal. It's my day to stay in my pjs a good portion of the morning, enjoy wonderful dark, fair trade coffee, read the news online and clear out the clutter from my head and soul.
And in many ways, isn't that what the Sabbath was created for? Yes it is a day of rest, a day dedicated to God, but God didn't encourage this for God's sake, but for our own. Sabbath time. I think that this is a good mission for the world. All the overworked people, all the frazzled parents, all the folks who work three jobs and then come home to care for children and aging parents.
How can we encourage Sabbath without making it another thing to add to the week's list?
For now, however, my energy will be giving toward the lovely coffee and the faint, yet beautiful sunlight filtering in the window. Mission: Sabbath for All! will begin tomorrow.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
In honor of all-hallows eve....
Ghoulish Friday Five
1. Do you enjoy a good fright?
Well, actually, no. I really, really dislike being scared. Especially when I return to an empty house or drive back in the woods to sleep. Even though I understand they are funny, over the top horror flicks: keep those Friday the 13th movies. I don't need them!
2. Scariest movie you've ever seen
The very first scary move I ever viewed was actually the TV miniseries of Salem's Lot. The TV version of the Stephen King Novel. As the three of us kids watched the vampire kid scratch at the window, well, we all slept in our parents room that night!
3. Bobbing for apples: choose one and discuss:
a) Nothing scary about that! Good wholesome fun.
b) Are you *kidding* me?!? The germs, the germs!
Those of you who know me, well, I do lean toward the yuckiness factor of this activity. I have no problem if you stick your face in there, but I will not be following suit. Too much snot and spit swimming around in there.
4. Real-life phobia
I still have yet to see Arachnophobia- no need to see little bugs scurry around. Especially those of the Eight leg variety. Sadly enough that is the main thing that keeps me from sleeping under the stars these days... wondering if those creatures are scurrying into places they should not.
5. Favorite "ghost story"
As per number 1, only the funny ones. The ones that end up with the old lady ghost asking for her arm returned or some crazy thing with eyeballs in soups. Although I've always loved the story of the woman who served her abusive husband up to the officers investigating his disappearance.... is that a ghost story? maybe not. But there is a slight gory factor there, right?
1. Do you enjoy a good fright?
Well, actually, no. I really, really dislike being scared. Especially when I return to an empty house or drive back in the woods to sleep. Even though I understand they are funny, over the top horror flicks: keep those Friday the 13th movies. I don't need them!
2. Scariest movie you've ever seen
The very first scary move I ever viewed was actually the TV miniseries of Salem's Lot. The TV version of the Stephen King Novel. As the three of us kids watched the vampire kid scratch at the window, well, we all slept in our parents room that night!
3. Bobbing for apples: choose one and discuss:
a) Nothing scary about that! Good wholesome fun.
b) Are you *kidding* me?!? The germs, the germs!
Those of you who know me, well, I do lean toward the yuckiness factor of this activity. I have no problem if you stick your face in there, but I will not be following suit. Too much snot and spit swimming around in there.
4. Real-life phobia
I still have yet to see Arachnophobia- no need to see little bugs scurry around. Especially those of the Eight leg variety. Sadly enough that is the main thing that keeps me from sleeping under the stars these days... wondering if those creatures are scurrying into places they should not.
5. Favorite "ghost story"
As per number 1, only the funny ones. The ones that end up with the old lady ghost asking for her arm returned or some crazy thing with eyeballs in soups. Although I've always loved the story of the woman who served her abusive husband up to the officers investigating his disappearance.... is that a ghost story? maybe not. But there is a slight gory factor there, right?
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Holy Grounds and Frosty Mornings
There is something almost magical about a morning frost. When the eastern horizen is red and purple the colors reflect off of each window, each tree branch, each deer grazing on the lawn, each blade of grass- and for one moment, there is a cold blaze of color and light.
It is breath taking. Especially if you step outside to experience it and the steam of your coffee blends with your breath.
There are days thatI struggle with living in such a remote, wilderness place. And then there are mornings like this one- where I am reminded of the beauty that resides in every created place and moment.
It is breath taking. Especially if you step outside to experience it and the steam of your coffee blends with your breath.
There are days thatI struggle with living in such a remote, wilderness place. And then there are mornings like this one- where I am reminded of the beauty that resides in every created place and moment.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Procrastination tools
A new and great sermon procrastination tool! You too can find out your
Personal Dna and have your 'True self revealed." I hope, though, for your sake that these revelations won't be entirely surprising.
I share this mostly for you to experience your own pretty colors.
Try it and perhaps you will have sermon fodder- or at least a good use of sermon prep time!
Personal Dna and have your 'True self revealed." I hope, though, for your sake that these revelations won't be entirely surprising.
I share this mostly for you to experience your own pretty colors.
Try it and perhaps you will have sermon fodder- or at least a good use of sermon prep time!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Rainy Autumn Days
Today is the first day since September 1 that I feel I have some sense of peace about this church work stuff. It's been a long month and a half. Rather than January 1 or Advent, it seems like September is the beginning of the church year- and the chaos continues through October when the first big snow settles everything down a bit.
This is my second autumn in formal parish (read: paid) ministry and sometimes I still look over my shoulder when someone asks for "the pastor." I still feel like the little kid at ministerial meetings, I am 20 years younger and way more female than pastors in my conference. One can't help but wonder... when will I feel all growed up?
No matter- today is a day of peace. The ladies' holiday "bizaare" has ended, there is no council meeting tonight, confirmation has be cancelled for tomorrow. I have some "Dead Like Me" episodes on Netflix and a beautiful bottle of red wine to bo with some southern baked chicken and grits.
The journey to winter has begun.
This is my second autumn in formal parish (read: paid) ministry and sometimes I still look over my shoulder when someone asks for "the pastor." I still feel like the little kid at ministerial meetings, I am 20 years younger and way more female than pastors in my conference. One can't help but wonder... when will I feel all growed up?
No matter- today is a day of peace. The ladies' holiday "bizaare" has ended, there is no council meeting tonight, confirmation has be cancelled for tomorrow. I have some "Dead Like Me" episodes on Netflix and a beautiful bottle of red wine to bo with some southern baked chicken and grits.
The journey to winter has begun.
Today is the first day since September 1 that I feel I have some sense of peace about this church work stuff. It's been a long month and a half. Rather than January 1 or Advent, it seems like September is the beginning of the church year- and the chaos continues through October when the first big snow settles everything down a bit.
This is my second autumn in formal parish (read: paid) ministry and sometimes I still look over my shoulder when someone asks for "the pastor." I still feel like the little kid at ministerial meetings, I am 20 years younger and way more female than pastors in my conference. One can't help but wonder... when will I feel all growed up?
No matter- today is a day of peace. The ladies' holiday "bizaare" has ended, there is no council meeting tonight, confirmation has be cancelled for tomorrow. I have some "Dead Like Me" episodes on Netflix and a beautiful bottle of red wine to bo with some southern baked chicken and grits.
The journey to winter has begun.
This is my second autumn in formal parish (read: paid) ministry and sometimes I still look over my shoulder when someone asks for "the pastor." I still feel like the little kid at ministerial meetings, I am 20 years younger and way more female than pastors in my conference. One can't help but wonder... when will I feel all growed up?
No matter- today is a day of peace. The ladies' holiday "bizaare" has ended, there is no council meeting tonight, confirmation has be cancelled for tomorrow. I have some "Dead Like Me" episodes on Netflix and a beautiful bottle of red wine to bo with some southern baked chicken and grits.
The journey to winter has begun.
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