Eternal wellspring of Peace,
May we be drenched with the longing for peace
that we may give ourselves over
as the earth to the rain, to the dew
until peace overflows our lives
as living waters overflow the seas.
Book of Blessing p250
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Strange sightings
Out for a bike ride I am going by a pond that there are white swans residing in it. As I go by I see a mitre hat and I thought the Pope must have jumped in and lost his hat. Funny it was a swan mooning me while looking for food on the bottom.
I must get my glasses checked.
I must get my glasses checked.
Fruit Cake
I had a unique experience last week. While we were at the cannery, a family was making their annual fruitcake. I am not a fan of fruitcake but this was interesting. They mixed the mix and then put it into 15 oz cans then wrapped the tops with aluminum foil in the shape of a chimney. The cans were then put in the steamer for about 30 minutes then removed. The aluminum foil was removed and the cake that had risen above the top of the can was sliced off. The cans were then sealed and then steamed again for 30 minutes.
I had the chance to try some of it, reluctantly, and was quite surprised that it was an apple sauce, nutmeg and cinnamon flavor and was good.
My opinion of fruitcakes has been changed forever. It takes one good one to erase years of bad cakes.
I had the chance to try some of it, reluctantly, and was quite surprised that it was an apple sauce, nutmeg and cinnamon flavor and was good.
My opinion of fruitcakes has been changed forever. It takes one good one to erase years of bad cakes.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Randomness
I needed to get a good spin in and think about my day ahead. I had the Ipod on random while warming up and a song I had not listened to recently came on. I heard the words:
Though I'm many miles away
I'll forever hear you say
I am your child
Please will you love me
Won't you stay my little one
I live to change your world
I live to change your world
Oh how you've changed my world
Know the kindness of God
Will make a way
(Darlene Zschech - Change your world)
Sweat is dripping off of me, my heart rate is about 150,
I am spinning at 90rpm and all I can think is we need to change a little everyday.
Not a lot but a little.
Just keep on changing because that is what God is calling me to do.
Though I'm many miles away
I'll forever hear you say
I am your child
Please will you love me
Won't you stay my little one
I live to change your world
I live to change your world
Oh how you've changed my world
Know the kindness of God
Will make a way
(Darlene Zschech - Change your world)
Sweat is dripping off of me, my heart rate is about 150,
I am spinning at 90rpm and all I can think is we need to change a little everyday.
Not a lot but a little.
Just keep on changing because that is what God is calling me to do.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Friday Adventures
Making stew with one of my churches ended up being the most interesting Friday I have had in a long time. After a fire drill last night, today seemed more interesting. Learning the house beside the old parsonage that we had just sold burned down, they were being evicted and they thought it was my house on fire last night, I had to explain to another pastor’s spouse that we had moved into a house that actually is livable…
Going up to the cannery this morning proved interesting. I had no idea why people were going so slow until I hit my brakes and the ABS kicked in. We have ice. Black ice. The kind you can not see. I was wondering why all the school buses had pulled off the roads and were sitting there. I came to find out later that the rain we had was not expected and the temperatures were cooler than expected. My little thermometer in my car said 28 and it was raining. The cars on the road were doing about 15 and I said, they live here, they know the roads, best that I just follow. After passing two cars off I the ditches, I am thankful that the inner voice told me to be cautious.
While making stew, a worker from the school came in and told us what was going on and that the school was closed. Nothing we could do except keep on stirring.
I got home smelling like stew, showered and had 2 cats love me because I still smell. All in all, I really productive day full of blessings and grace.
Going up to the cannery this morning proved interesting. I had no idea why people were going so slow until I hit my brakes and the ABS kicked in. We have ice. Black ice. The kind you can not see. I was wondering why all the school buses had pulled off the roads and were sitting there. I came to find out later that the rain we had was not expected and the temperatures were cooler than expected. My little thermometer in my car said 28 and it was raining. The cars on the road were doing about 15 and I said, they live here, they know the roads, best that I just follow. After passing two cars off I the ditches, I am thankful that the inner voice told me to be cautious.
While making stew, a worker from the school came in and told us what was going on and that the school was closed. Nothing we could do except keep on stirring.
I got home smelling like stew, showered and had 2 cats love me because I still smell. All in all, I really productive day full of blessings and grace.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
How to look busy
During the season, the clergy I know are quite busy, but are we forgetting our focus? I think that the coming light gives hope, the coming light is a gift to us and the exchanging of gifts just is not about the latest gadget but what is in our hearts. Exchange love, give peace, look for joy, bring hope. That is my plea today.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Feelings after a Visit
I visit
There is light, barely.
Your eyes don’t have that smile I remember
You look at me or it feels like you are looking through me.
Where is the curl in the corner of your lips?
I am talking to you but there is no response.
I hold your hand, it is cool to the touch.
The bed alarms are making noises.
I pray for you. I ask for blessings for you.
I say goodbye and I struggle.
Mary, Your life was once so full.
Now you just lie in bed.
Are you there?
I am I reaching you?
There is light, barely.
Your eyes don’t have that smile I remember
You look at me or it feels like you are looking through me.
Where is the curl in the corner of your lips?
I am talking to you but there is no response.
I hold your hand, it is cool to the touch.
The bed alarms are making noises.
I pray for you. I ask for blessings for you.
I say goodbye and I struggle.
Mary, Your life was once so full.
Now you just lie in bed.
Are you there?
I am I reaching you?
Thursday, November 29, 2007
1:02
I awaken to the soft, warm, furry thing in the small of my back.
I am warm to the point of perspiring.
I move away from you but you nudge back.
You seek my warmth.
I arise and seek the cooling water.
I return to the softness and warmth of the bed and you decide it is time to purr loud in my face.
What does sleep mean to you?
Am I there for heat osmosis?
After a few minutes of purring and kneading, you doze off.
So do I.
Just to awaken and find a soft, warm, furry thing in the small of my back.
I am warm to the point of perspiring.
I move away from you but you nudge back.
You seek my warmth.
I arise and seek the cooling water.
I return to the softness and warmth of the bed and you decide it is time to purr loud in my face.
What does sleep mean to you?
Am I there for heat osmosis?
After a few minutes of purring and kneading, you doze off.
So do I.
Just to awaken and find a soft, warm, furry thing in the small of my back.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Change of seasons
I have started volunteering at a local elementary school. I think a postitive influence on children may help. Neat kids. I have started weight lifting again to get my upper body stronger and more tone. Advent is upon me and I do not have anything original to offer. It is new to the persons, but not to me.
Looking out on the world seeing the change in life:
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Fall Invasions
The leaves are in full color and it is striking. Much more than I could ever imagined. Because we are in such a rural area, the temperature really drops like a rock. We have had 40 degrees swings between the morning 30 and the afternoon 70, so much different than my suburban lifestyle where the temperature moderated because of all the civilization. I can say that the frost on the ground, the frozen pond, the smell in the air makes it so much more worth it to be here right now.
I counted over 20 robins in my yard today as they migrate to wherever robins migrate. I also saw a chipmunk chasing the robins out of its acorn patch then climb a tree. I had no idea that chipmunks could climb trees .
We also have had low flying geese come through squawking as they came by. The next day we had low flying Marines. So you ask, “What are low flying Marines?”
2 legged arthropods that come in helicopters. That is correct. Martinsville has been invaded by Marines that are doing pre-deployment training. I made a comment that I really did not miss the sound of low flying aircraft that I was so accustomed too in Arlington. Now I know that I did not miss them. My usual silence was so interrupted by all this invading and storming buildings that kept me looking up instead of getting the quarter-zillion things I need to get done this week.
I counted over 20 robins in my yard today as they migrate to wherever robins migrate. I also saw a chipmunk chasing the robins out of its acorn patch then climb a tree. I had no idea that chipmunks could climb trees .
We also have had low flying geese come through squawking as they came by. The next day we had low flying Marines. So you ask, “What are low flying Marines?”
2 legged arthropods that come in helicopters. That is correct. Martinsville has been invaded by Marines that are doing pre-deployment training. I made a comment that I really did not miss the sound of low flying aircraft that I was so accustomed too in Arlington. Now I know that I did not miss them. My usual silence was so interrupted by all this invading and storming buildings that kept me looking up instead of getting the quarter-zillion things I need to get done this week.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
A Rainy day at the beach
I went to the beach for some time away and ended up doing work anyway.
Here are my thoughts as I watched the rain.
I should be studying…
Da Beach.
Rain.
It comes down and the people move in.
The flip flops are no more as shoes come out of the closet.
The beaches are empty,
The footprints washed away.
The birds stand as they wonder where the next french fry is going to come from.
Puddles are everywhere and so are the cars.
Restaurants are full as the people scramble indoors.
The clouds, dark and dreary bring needed relief.
The air is heavy, the wind is calm,
The waves gently wash onto the beach and find no footprints to cover.
A set of toes finds the surf.
It is still warm.
Ah, vacation on a rainy day.
Life turns inward.
Here are my thoughts as I watched the rain.
I should be studying…
Da Beach.
Rain.
It comes down and the people move in.
The flip flops are no more as shoes come out of the closet.
The beaches are empty,
The footprints washed away.
The birds stand as they wonder where the next french fry is going to come from.
Puddles are everywhere and so are the cars.
Restaurants are full as the people scramble indoors.
The clouds, dark and dreary bring needed relief.
The air is heavy, the wind is calm,
The waves gently wash onto the beach and find no footprints to cover.
A set of toes finds the surf.
It is still warm.
Ah, vacation on a rainy day.
Life turns inward.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
12:43 AM
Light dances on the walls.
A distant rumble rolls across the room.
The light gets brighter
The rumbles get louder.
Brightness and sounds grow.
I arise and go to the sun room to watch the storm.
Goose is spooked and appears to be running,
Looking,
Searching.
The rain starts,
The lightning flashes.
The thunder booms.
The phone rings, The lightning flashes, the house shakes.
That was a close one.
Again, A flash, A ring and a boom.
The cats are agitated.
Slowly the lightning moves away,
The sounds grow fainter.
The only sound is a gentle rain.
A needed refreshment of the land
Light dances from a different direction.
Time for more sleep.
A distant rumble rolls across the room.
The light gets brighter
The rumbles get louder.
Brightness and sounds grow.
I arise and go to the sun room to watch the storm.
Goose is spooked and appears to be running,
Looking,
Searching.
The rain starts,
The lightning flashes.
The thunder booms.
The phone rings, The lightning flashes, the house shakes.
That was a close one.
Again, A flash, A ring and a boom.
The cats are agitated.
Slowly the lightning moves away,
The sounds grow fainter.
The only sound is a gentle rain.
A needed refreshment of the land
Light dances from a different direction.
Time for more sleep.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Life in a rural area:
Seeing the swallowtail butterfly all over the area is just a blessing, then to know that the tiger swallowtail butterfly is the state butterfly and it is plentiful around here is just so different that what I am used too. I have seen monarch butterflies and that was a shock to me. I am absolutely amazed at all the butterflies around here. It reminds me of a person in my life who was fond of butterflies. May she rest in peace.
I was also saw the first ruby throated hummingbird in my backyard this morning. I have been thinking about getting a hummingbird feeder but am not sure where to put it. Now that I know there are a few in my area, I am considering it more.
We have two chipmunks in our yard. Chip in the front and Munk in the back. They do a good job of cleaning up under the bird feeder but they can not be in the same area at the same time. They will jump each other and it is so funny to watch these little critters fight. It lasts about 1 second. I also think it is neat that they ignore or chase the birds on the ground. Watching this little guy standing up to a bluejay is a sight.
We have deer and rabbits in the yard but da wif seems to not see them.
I was also saw the first ruby throated hummingbird in my backyard this morning. I have been thinking about getting a hummingbird feeder but am not sure where to put it. Now that I know there are a few in my area, I am considering it more.
We have two chipmunks in our yard. Chip in the front and Munk in the back. They do a good job of cleaning up under the bird feeder but they can not be in the same area at the same time. They will jump each other and it is so funny to watch these little critters fight. It lasts about 1 second. I also think it is neat that they ignore or chase the birds on the ground. Watching this little guy standing up to a bluejay is a sight.
We have deer and rabbits in the yard but da wif seems to not see them.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Goose
I watched Goose sleeping and had these thoughts:
For Goose.
You lay on the pillow,
In the corner.
Sleeping,
Snoring,
Content.
I watch you as you dream,
An ear flick,
A paw curls,
Your tail raises
and falls.
Your leg stretches out.
What are you dreaming about?
Are you a kitten playing with your siblings?
Are you next to your mother purring and being cleaned?
Are you chasing butterflies in the meadow?
Are you admiring the birds at the feeder?
What goes on in your mind?
You are curled up and happy.
I can’t bother you.
That would not be right.
You are dreaming,
And dreaming is what you do best.
For Goose.
You lay on the pillow,
In the corner.
Sleeping,
Snoring,
Content.
I watch you as you dream,
An ear flick,
A paw curls,
Your tail raises
and falls.
Your leg stretches out.
What are you dreaming about?
Are you a kitten playing with your siblings?
Are you next to your mother purring and being cleaned?
Are you chasing butterflies in the meadow?
Are you admiring the birds at the feeder?
What goes on in your mind?
You are curled up and happy.
I can’t bother you.
That would not be right.
You are dreaming,
And dreaming is what you do best.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
New Community Adventures
Went out for my first bike ride to deliver bulletins to my churches. Ride was better than I thought it would be. I was afraid of the redneck pickup trucks but all I got was respect from everyone on the road. I even rode back along the major 4 lane highway with little or no shoulders and that went extremely well.
First thing I noticed is there are some wonderful views of the mountains from back in the hills. Also, there are some major hills back there. I had a flat on one of my bikes so I took one not meant for this type of terrain. My quads are telling me that they got a workout.
I stopped at each church altar and prayed for each of the congregations. I pray that things work well for us.
Now as for the furniture.... It is supposed to be delivered today. Today is Saturday. I'm waiting.
First thing I noticed is there are some wonderful views of the mountains from back in the hills. Also, there are some major hills back there. I had a flat on one of my bikes so I took one not meant for this type of terrain. My quads are telling me that they got a workout.
I stopped at each church altar and prayed for each of the congregations. I pray that things work well for us.
Now as for the furniture.... It is supposed to be delivered today. Today is Saturday. I'm waiting.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Moving is a contact sport
At least I feel that what. My body has cuts, scrapes and bruises all over it. Moving the boxes down the stairs let me know where every corner was. Having a door fall on the back of my leg (Movers fault) hurt like you would not believe.
Being so tired from the day, my knee gave out as I started going down the stairs and I fell backwards. Nothing hurt, just awkward.
I sit in a clean house waiting for one last person so I can start the trip to my new home. This house has been my home, now it is time to be someone elses. I blessed the house and the new occupants.
Being so tired from the day, my knee gave out as I started going down the stairs and I fell backwards. Nothing hurt, just awkward.
I sit in a clean house waiting for one last person so I can start the trip to my new home. This house has been my home, now it is time to be someone elses. I blessed the house and the new occupants.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Saying Goodbye
Today is one of those days I really hate. I am saying goodbye to a friend. She and I have been through much these past three years and I am moving not knowing if I will ever see her again. I wish her well. May God bless her and her ministry.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Packing and the little things
Packing and getting the little things done. Moving is not fun, but.. I am looking forward to starting this new chapter in my life. What is different. I trust. I trust that I am not in charge. I trust that I am listening to what God would have me do.
Moving to a new town is going to be fun.
I pray that I make a difference in the world.
I pray that things work out for what I face.
Moving to a new town is going to be fun.
I pray that I make a difference in the world.
I pray that things work out for what I face.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Life snuck up on me this morning.
How things change in a minute.
I was sitting there quietly when an email arrived from someone I went to high school with.via this really annoying reunion site.
I almost deleted the email but since I could not sleep I let the link take me to the post.
It announced that my best friend from my childhood had died of a heart attack. It also said his mother was in ill health.
My heart sank.
Someone I had grown up with and lost touch with had died.
I still know his birthday and his phone number. I know his 3 brothers and 1 sister’s names. I feel awful that I could not get in touch with him all these years but I did try a few times.
I went out for my bike ride and started reminiscing the things we did together.
Going to a movie for my 10th birthday. Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The sleep overs at his house and at my house. The tornado that damaged his house when I was in the 4th grade. I remember going into the forest and seeing all the downed trees.
His family was Catholic and I attended CCD with him on more than one occasion. I was heartbroken when I received a tract from my church saying that all Catholics were going to hell. I just could not believe someone so good and pure as him was going to go to hell.
I moved away and came back 5 years later and we never resumed the relationship. I was now the product of an over-crowded school system with apathetic teachers and had fallen behind him in academic life. He was one of the brains in the school and I was just average.
I found his obituary in his local paper and find he leaves a wife and 3 children behind and was attending a Baptist church. I need to reach out to his family and let them know I will miss him. He showed me friendship and his family showed me hospitality. Somethings we all need to show to others.
I was sitting there quietly when an email arrived from someone I went to high school with.via this really annoying reunion site.
I almost deleted the email but since I could not sleep I let the link take me to the post.
It announced that my best friend from my childhood had died of a heart attack. It also said his mother was in ill health.
My heart sank.
Someone I had grown up with and lost touch with had died.
I still know his birthday and his phone number. I know his 3 brothers and 1 sister’s names. I feel awful that I could not get in touch with him all these years but I did try a few times.
I went out for my bike ride and started reminiscing the things we did together.
Going to a movie for my 10th birthday. Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The sleep overs at his house and at my house. The tornado that damaged his house when I was in the 4th grade. I remember going into the forest and seeing all the downed trees.
His family was Catholic and I attended CCD with him on more than one occasion. I was heartbroken when I received a tract from my church saying that all Catholics were going to hell. I just could not believe someone so good and pure as him was going to go to hell.
I moved away and came back 5 years later and we never resumed the relationship. I was now the product of an over-crowded school system with apathetic teachers and had fallen behind him in academic life. He was one of the brains in the school and I was just average.
I found his obituary in his local paper and find he leaves a wife and 3 children behind and was attending a Baptist church. I need to reach out to his family and let them know I will miss him. He showed me friendship and his family showed me hospitality. Somethings we all need to show to others.
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