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.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Holy Grounds: The dog days of summer
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?
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?
Friday, July 25, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
They'll let anyone in that church
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!
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, June 27, 2008
Friday Five: Summer Reading
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?
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?
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
In the silence
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
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
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Holy Grounds: City Coffee Shops
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
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
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Holy Grounds: a rainy spring day
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!
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!
Monday, May 12, 2008
I just wanted a beer...
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?
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?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Holy Grounds: Holding on to the Mystery
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.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Holy Grounds: Snowy Spring Mornings
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.
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.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Musings... perhaps a hint of holy ground
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?
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?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
13 years...
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
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
Friday, March 14, 2008
Calendars: containing or coping mechanisms?
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
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
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Free February 29!
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!
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!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
"Good opinion once lost, is lost forever"
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.
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.
Monday, February 11, 2008
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
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
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