VACATION ADVENTURES - (PART III)

We found our way to the Birmingham airport without any driving mishaps, however there was quite a backup that made me wonder if we would indeed, make our plane. Fortunately, we left with plenty of time to spare, and the back up began to ease after 20 minutes. We also had no long wait to get through security, always a plus!
Had a bite to eat - a brie, spinach, cranberry baguette. Rather quite tasty! And eventually, made our way to the gate.
Landed in Zurich around 9:30 pm. My darling LH said we need to get a cab to the hotel. I had thought there were shuttles but he didn't think they would run that time of night. ( I still beg to differ). We paid way too much for the cab ride (but supported a guy trying to make a living). It was very warm at that time of night - 72 degrees!!! Apparently, it had been in the 80's the past couple of days and our hotel had just gotten their air conditioner fixed!!! LH would've wanted to find another hotel had the a/c still been broken. Feel into bed and slept.
Had the most wonderful breakfast of the best croissants in the world, flakey and buttery, and airy, complete with jam, and cheese, and a hard boiled egg. It's been 5 years since I last had such a good croissant.
Took the Hotel Shuttle (free, mind you) back to the airport and got our rental car. This time it was a car not a minivan. Followed the Google directions to my cousin's place and found it without much trouble. Cool.
Got squared away in our quarters and talked with my cousin. He's one of our older cousins. It just doesn't seem we should be this old. All my memories are of 40+ years ago when we were all much younger!!!
We left for Basel and on the way with some time to kill and breakfast wearing off we stopped at an oasis over the Autobahn. Found a potted flower for my cousin, got some bottled water and some landjaeger - Swiss meat stick or actually long and rectangular. Again, it's been 5 years since having a bite of such a tasty treat. Looked in a couple stores and then we headed onward to Basel.
Now my cousin who had grown up in Basel, in a hotel there, told which street to follow to get to where we need to go. Saw the sign and followed it so well, that when the street sign showed the street veering to the left, I told LH to veer to the left, which he did, only too soon and all of sudden, there was a gate in front of us. We had landed in a parking garage!!! It was the Parking Garage of Hotel California - you check in but you can't check it!!
We followed the exit signs which lead us around and down one level, two levels, three levels and then brought us back up again. I thought we were going to be stuck in that parking garage for the remainder of our lives. Finally, the exit dumped us onto the street we were following to begin with. Whew!
Found my other cousin's house okay after that. My sister and BIL joined us as well and we had a lovely evening of warm Brie and grilled beef and horsemeat. No, I did not try the horsemeat. I just couldn't. I've eaten lots of stuff but horsemeat and dogmeat, I can't. LH did try it though. The salad was also very good and the Tiramisu for dessert was wonderful.
It was nearly 10 pm when we dropped my sister and BIL off at the Basel train station and we headed back to Zurich.
On Sunday, we headed to the cousin who's a year younger than I, and who just turned 50. She lives in Germany just over the border from Basel. So back to Basel we went and ventured into Germany. Fortunately, between Google directions and my memory, we found their place. Enjoyed a champagne toast, and brought some small gifts, including wild socks (every woman should have a pair of wildly colored socks at 50!!!), a pink sequined tiara, a "Look Who's 50" button, a stained glass angel, a small book, and a dichroic glass necklace. We had lunch at a wonderful place which overlooks a vineyard with views of Germany, Basel, and France! Had a very filling, delicious lunch. Since my cousin's soul mate is paralyzed from the waist down, he was tired after lunch and needed a rest. So, us two girls, sat in the backyard and chatted the afternoon away.
Too soon, it was time to leave and head back to Zurich.
On Monday, we headed into my Dad's hometown and where my Mom's mom lived and many relatives. We stopped in a couple grocery stores - LH likes a certain mustard in a tube. I was on the prowl for fresh cut flowers, but neither grocery store had any. So we made our way to the garden center/florist. Of course, they had some for a hefty price. Took one of the cheaper bouquets, still expensive.
Stopped at the Cheese store for some very fine variety of tasty, some more pungent cheeses. Then on to my Godmother's for a fine lunch of Salad, Surre Mooche, (beef cubes marinated in wine for a week) and mashed potatoes and gravy. Since she is now 77 years old, she needed a rest after lunch and her kids and grandkids and one sister who all came to lunch. They own their business and so the sons come in for lunch I would venture to say most every day. Chatted with my Godmother;s daughter who has 3 children and with whom we've stayed when in Switzerland.
Then it was on to the little flower shop where I found a lovely pot of mixed colored flowers for a good price to put on my parent's grave and a little bouquet for my greataunt. We took a moment to stop by my parent's grave so I could place the flowers and my grandma's grave. It's been 5 years since I was there last. Then we stopped to see the grave of my godmother's husband who passed away the end of March this year. I know my Godmother is very lonely in the evenings. Then it was on to visit my great aunt who was playing the Swiss National Card Game that afternoon. So, my Godmother took the very long way there and drove to my Mom's hometown which lies on a Lake and up the hill from the Lake. We stopped at a restaurant that has an outdoor terrace right by the lake so we had some 7 up and watched the swan family swim by and the mallards. It was unfortunately, just too hazy to see the alps from there. We did see the outline of a couple of them though. Then we drove further down to the end of the lake and around the other side!!!
When we arrived at the center, my greataunt was still playing cards. My God mother stepped in and took her place, and the three of us went to her apartment where she showed us pictures of her 90th Birthday party from last year. She has aged in the last 5 years, more stooped for a tall woman, using a walker and a cane and more wrinkled. Yet, she is mentally all there, still cooks a bit for herself, sounds like she always has if perhaps a bit more tired. She is the last blood link to my grandmother and mother. We kept the visit short and then headed back to my Godmother's, picked up our cheese and chocolate and headed back to Zurich.
LH was real good and patient, letting us ladies chat in Swiss.
I did fill him in on the drive back to Zurich. He can pick up a few words here and there.
What a grace and blessing to see my Godmother and my Greataunt at least one more time. They are the ones who connect me to my parents, and to the ones who no longer grace the earth but I will see again one day when my earthly life is over. I still remember them. So, wonderful to connect again with my second home, the land of my roots that still flows through me. It has been good to be back.

VACATION ADVENTURES (PART II) -

All things considered, we ate rather well in England and tried many a thing. But why on earth, anyone would want to take a perfectly good pea and make them mushy is beyond me. Leave my peas intact as God made them, thank you very much!!!
The wedding (actually renewal of vows & reception) of my nephew and wife was in a lovely, little old church. Of course, most churches in England are centuries old!!!!
The service was simple, with three hymns, a reading from Captain Corelli's Mandolin, and of course, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, renewal of vows, a short message by the vicar, my prayer for the couple, and the blessing by the vicar. I don't know what the vicar thought as I prayed that my nephew and wife's marriage be a holy adventure, ever fresh like new fallen snow (it was 83 degrees and muggy that day), willing to try new and different trails and have the ability to meet the moguls of life with determination and flexibility. The two of them are both snowboard instructors and met on the slopes of Colorado. It seemed fitting for them and and they smiled and their eyes sparkled with amusement. The vicar, I don't know, because I couldn't see her face!
The reception was held in a Marquee (big, white tent) with chandeliers, a band, and catered. Outside there was croquet with mallets that looked like they were on steroids compared to the ones we play with each summer at the Lake, and lawn bowling.
Cocktail hour was Pimm's and beer.
Dinner was a catered affair of whole roasted pig, potatoes, rolls, stuffing, green salad and salads of all kinds: rice, couscous, pasta, and broccoli. Dessert was a fresh fruit cup - with or without a meringue shell, chocolate pudding, and some cheesecake. Everyone had champagne for a toast and the wine and beer flowed freely.
The food was simply scrumptious and delicious.
The band could have played some more slower, danceable numbers, but, I suppose we are now in the "older" generation!!!
The Loos were posh! Imagine, granite countertops, hardwood floors, modern looking faucets, wainscoated with chair rail, etc. They didn't look like portable potties here - you know the utilitarian blue fiberglass pods that every town puts up for their hometown festival. There was even piped in music - like Frank Sinatra!!!!
By midnight the festivities ended and we had to park our minivan on the street as the Hotel locks its parking lot at 11 pm!!!
The morning brought another English breakfast and a parting of our ways as LH and I headed to Herefordshire and the others stayed a day longer.
It was only good directions on Google and my eagle eyes (ok, not so eagle with trifocals anymore) that got us to the lovely cottage we rented for a week smack in the middle between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye in the middle of farms and fields. The hedgerow street became narrower the closer we got to the cottage, until it went beyond 1 lane with cutouts to pull in to let another car pass, to a more gravel land that tunneled into a wood totally cannopied by trees and then the turn off to the cottage. With the hedgerows so tall and grown, you can't see what's coming like a big potatoe truck right when we pulled onto one street and had to back out!
We noticed that there are lots of pubs in England, but not all of them are open, or serve food, or are open Sunday evening or open when you think they should be. Maybe, we just didn't have good luck. We ate Italian on Sunday night as it was the only place in Hereford serving food. One night, we wanted to try a local pub a couple miles away that had such good reviews from everyone who stayed at the cottage. They were closed due to a technical difficulty (broken stove, perhaps?).
Tried to eat in Ross, but the one place was closed and directed us to another place that was serving. At two evenings, we picked up interesting frozen/refrigerated dinners and heated them in the microwave, because our lunch was larger than we expected and our appetite for dinner was less. They have wonderful frozen dinners like shepherd's pie, tandoori chicken, curried dishes, and even paella. Sure beats chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and corn!!!!
LH likes grocery stores for whatever reason. We hit every major grocery store chain in Britain - ASDA (Walmart), TESCO, MORRISONS and SAINESBURYS. Not to mention SPAR (the 7-11). It does give one a pulse of the country, culture and people by revealing what they offer, how much items cost and what folks are buying and into.
We managed to visit Stonehenge, Salisbury - mostly the Cathedral with the most intact and legible copy of the Magna Carta, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Shakespeares'sights, and lunch at the Old Thatch Pub. Hereford and its cathedral with the Mappa Mundi - a Medieval map of the world and how they saw the world, a small art exhibit, a church that was half restaurant and have church right in the sanctuary, an old tudor house musuem and lots of walking, and a trip through Wales and all of its hills and sheep, and over the Cambrian mountains to the coast of Cardigan Bay where we visited a museum, walked the bay abit, had lunch, and I found a most beautiful teal purse by a London designer.
We never went to London and just enjoyed the English countryside and smaller towns and lovely sights. It was a good week, graced and blessed and we found our way back to our cottage every evening!!! Thanks be to God!

I'M BACK!

I'm back from our trip across the pond and getting over jet lag.
We arrived in Birmingham, England, but our luggage didn't! We were delayed an hour at OH airport due to bad weather in Chicago. When we arrived at O'Hare we barely had time to make our plane. I discovered that although I had been to O'Hare more times than I count while growing up, it has changed over the two plus decades. Things are not clearly marked - how is one supposed to know that the international terminal is 5? No where is it stated! I was livid that O'Hare is not better signed for travelers.
Consequently, I had to go to end of the United terminal, catch a bus to the next terminal - a minute ride across the tarmac. We were told to disembark while everyone was questioning, is this terminal E, F, or G? While the bus driver remained mute texting away. Fortunately, a security person was at the bus door indicating that we were to catch the elevated train to our proper terminal. Thanks a bunch! And what's with the texting during work and not answering people who are feeling lost?
I got the proper terminal and was heading to the gate when I saw the Swiss agent with my husband (we got separated in the long walk in the United terminal). It was 87 degrees, I'm wearing a 3/4 length sleeve sage green cotton shirt, with my LLBean healthy backpack purse (also green) carrying a green carry-on and alternating between wearing my sage green hat and carrying it (due to heat and sweating). The agent meets me and another couple from the same flight to O'Hare and whisks us to the front of the security line and we hoof it to the gate. We are the last 4 to board the plane. Whew! We made it! Too bad the air flow vents on this Airbus plane were non-existent and we were very warm throughout the flight.
After landing in Birmingham, hours later, we go to claim our 3 bags, only they aren't any where to be found. We go to the baggage service window and make a claim. I am tired, hot (it's hot in Birmingham, naturally, because we are there! It is an interesting phenonomen when we travel on vacation to cool spots and it's always hotter than normal. We are true to form there.)and upset, and say, "But I have my dress for a wedding!" The clerk thought I said wedding dress! I said it was a dress for a wedding. He scans the baggage claim tickets, gives us a computer slip with a phone number and tells us to call to check on our baggage.
LH and I, sans luggage, hit the Spar (England's 7-11) for bottled water, exchange some dollars and head for the rental cars. The car he ordered, they don't have and we get a minivan! Great. 2 people with 2 carry-ons, no luggage and a minivan!!!
LH gets acquainted with the van (this can take up to 20 minutes, sigh) And then begins, the stress of finding our way to Lincolnshire.
As always in a foreign country, the signage is different. Fortunately, you can Google your way through England and Europe!!! (before you leave!) I had my trusty Michellin map of England and off we went onto the freeway. LH is stressing over traffic, roundabouts and just driving once again on the other side. I am stressing over signs and reading the map and Google directions!!!! Nearly three hours later, hot, tired, stressed, and wearing the same clothes for two days, we arrive at the Hotel where seated at the outdoor patio, are my sister, BIL and niece having cold beers. We are happy to see them, happy to be there, all in one piece, and then we tell our tale of missing baggage. My BIL, bless his soul, runs across the street to Aldi, and buys 2 toothbrushes and toothpaste for us. We check in, carry our carry-ons to the room and go to Aldi's for deodorant and a razor for shaving face and my legs.
I hop into the shower and scrub away the travel grime and sweat. Did ever a shower feel so goood? Put on the same clothes and head downstairs. Where I am given a Pimm's that my niece ordered and LH a beer, bless her soul!
The wedding rehearsal is at 7 pm with dinner following. I mention that I didn't have to think about what to wear!!!!
The rehearsal is at the church the next town over in a small and very old church, but quaint church. The vicar is retired and filling in the installed vicar and is very lacadaisical about the whole rehearsal, merely saying this is how I'd do it, but the vicar might have other plans. Great!
I am ready to fall asleep in my fish and chips at the restaurant!
I didn't get to present my nephew and his bride their Marriage Survival Kit since it was in the luggage.
Back at the Hotel we promptly fall asleep.
Lesson one - always carry an extra pair or two of underwear in your carry- on. I'm glad I did, along with a T-shirt and a sweater.
LH and I went into Lincoln the next day for sight seeing. AFter an English breakfast, a good night's sleep, and no thought of what to wear, the same thing we arrived in and traveled in, we called the baggage service, who informed me to call back later about our 2 bags. 2 bags? There are 3. Oh, do I know the number of the third bag? I read the number and say how could the clerk not see there were three bar codes, 3 claim tickets and only scan 2? Now, not only is there the stress of what I'm going to wear to the wedding, but which bag may not make it? One of mine with the dress for the wedding or LH's with his suitcoat and tie, dress slacks and shoes?
LH buys a pack of new socks and I got foot powder and anti frizz hair gel at Boots - the CVS of England. The hotel shampoo is drying out my hair horribly. We stop at some stores but with my ample figure nothing in my size. WE enjoy a lunch and hit the department store - also nothing my size. Leave department store totally depressed and as we walk to our parked van, right next to said dept. store, is a specialty size store. Yipee!!! Most of it is casual wear. I find a black/white sleeveless dress and a white shrug. Nothing fancy, just do-able. I can't take part in the ceremony in chinos and a t-shirt. We pass a shoe store that proclaims all widths and sizes. I find a pair of black sandals long enough and able to accomodate my bunions. Poor LH. He is resigned to his chinos and one fresh shirt.
As it is nearly 86 degrees, sunny, and muggy, we forego walking up Steep Hill to the Cathedral and opt to drive and park near the Castle which is just a block or two away from Cathedral. We pull into the parking lot, and another car pulling out, points to us and rolls down his window. I'm musing that I didn't see any indication that we had pulled into the parking lot the wrong way. The guy had an all day parking ticket and as it was just 3 pm, he passed it along to us!!! What a grace after all our stresses. We walked to the Cathedral and looked it over inside and out. Architecturally, one of the most interesting and lovely Cathedral's I've ever seen. Couldn't leave without picking up a wee church imp (the devil they say!). Don't we know about imps in churches!!!!!?
We are bushed and head back to Sleaford. I call about our luggage and am informed it is enroute to the hotel, but no time can be given. Ahhh, I'll have my dress for the wedding and LH will have his duds. In the meanwhile, I wet my hair and freshen up for the open house at the Bride's Mom's house. While freshing up, the luggage arrives. Glory, Hallejuah!!!! What a beautiful sight and thing to behold - mu luggage!!!
I pull out the gift for my sister - a hankerchief, all washed and ironed and embrodiered with "Mother of the Groom". I pull out the Marriage Survival Kit - a white satin drawstring bag I made to hold all the contents. And wearing my new black and white dress with shrug and sandals, off we go to the Open House.
We are relieved, joyous and finally, able to relax and enjoy the time with family and festivities.
Travelling is always an adventure. This was the first time in all of my world traveling that our luggage didn't arrive with us.
I think next year, I'm opting for a week on a beach with nothing to do and driving with our luggage. Lots less stress!!!!
(More adventures to follow)

When Things Go Kaput -

Well, it's been a week of things going kaput!
First, the 'Fridge went out, at just 7 years old! It needed a new relay switch! Go figure - the replacement part is better than the original part!!! Thank goodness for good neighbors who have a freezer chest and room in it to put our frozen goods. LH laments the loss of his corn dogs (Yuck!). They have since been replaced!
Second, our oven is acting up. Went to bake a batch of my scrumptious brownies (as a thank you to our good neighbors) and it took over an hour to preheat to 325 degrees. I'm not sure it even reached that temperature. When I pulled the brownies out at the proper time, they hadn't risen and in the end where super gooey. Not good. Tried it the next evening to bake cottage fries at 450 degrees. It took over 40 minutes to supposedly reach that temperature. It took an hour to heat them enough. Of course, this happened on Friday evening before a three day holiday. Guess who's coming to our house today? Yup, the Serviceman who doesn't have enough to do!!!! Oh, and there was some smell of gas when the oven was on. The stove works just fine and there isn't any gas smell when the oven is off.
Third, on Thurs. evening, I charged up the battery of my 7 year old little digital camera. When I went to take a picture, I had a blank LCD screen. I charged up the other battery, and on Friday, put the other battery in and all I got were blurry purple streaks. Looks like the camera bit the dust. Course, it is 7 years old with only 3.2 pixels so its a dinosauer. But all this meant I had to get a new camera. Found a Nikon Coolpix that runs on AA Lithium Batteries and its red, cool!!!
Then I had to read up on how to use it, there's only a quick start guide. The owner's manuel is on a CD that you put into the computer. Now that's great. Say you're on a trip somewhere in the world and you don't have a computer, how do you access the info? Honestly!!! I had to run off at least one page that explained all the little icons that can appear on your screen. I may need to run off another page or two.
Mostly, I am thankful that these things went kaput now, before leaving across the pond. Could you even imagine the mess and stench of spoiled food in fridge and freezer after two weeks? Yikes!!! The oven will once again be working and I have a camera to take pictures with without hauling the big digital camera with interchangeable lenses.
Now, if I can just finish packing and try to get it in my head that 86 degrees here will not follow us over there. It will be much cooler. Hard to plan for that when one is sweating away.
I have my prayer all ready for my nephew and his wife as they renew their wedding vows with the vicar in front of family and friends. I have the Marriage Survival Kit all packed up. I have the Mother of the Groom hanky, ready for my sister. And all I need is to remember my hat for the dress. Just have to pack up a few miscellaneous items and my purse!! Then the adventure of this trip will begin...and with LH it's always an adventure!!!! How lost will we get from the airport to the Inn? From the Inn to the cottage in cow country GB? Only God knows!! I will try to keep my tongue quiet and only mention how far around the rotary to go - 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4. I am sure we will be going round them more than once.
So, I close my 400th post and pray a safe journey, filled with the goodness of being with family, celebrating a marriage, seeing sights, visiting relatives in Switzerland, having some fun, and returning safely in one piece. Be well and blessed in the meantime. And may nothing more go Kaput!!!

Dumb Things Continued - Feeling Naked

Yes, my streak for the year continues. No, I didn't throw out my Trinity Sunday sermon!!! I left my Bible at a nursing home yesterday and will have to take the long way home to retrieve it as I don't want to lose it or not get it back. And because I'm making that trip across the pond next week. And because I feel so naked without it!! Naked without my travel Bible, the one always with me in the car and that accompanies me on all my visits to homes, nursing homes, & hospitals. IT's not my study bible, but it travels with me everywhere in the van and the comfort of its presence I did not really notice until, alas, I reached for it and it was not there.
Dare I even wonder at the next dumb thing I'll be doing!!!???

HAVE YOU EVER -

Last week I mentioned not being able to find one of my Pentecost sermons. I have now solved the mystery. I threw it out. By mistake, of course. I was cleaning some papers off my desk and noticed I had two red and white Pentecost offering brochures from our denomination. I didn't need two and thought I pitched one. Only it turned out that it was my sermon inside a red and white Pentecost Offering bulletin cover. This sermon was typed on a word processor (obviously its an older one!!!) and I never saved it to floppy disk or flash drive. I've been mourning the loss of this small part of me that is forever in a landfill until it disintegrates into pulp.
One of the dumbest things I've ever done.
Can you top it?

WORD FROM GOD FOR TODAY -

Trust Him when dark doubts assail thee,

Trust Him when thy strength is small,

Trust Him when to simply trust Him

Seems the hardest thing of all.

Trust Him, He is ever faithful,

Trust Him, for his will is best,

Trust Him, for the heart of Jesus

Is the only place of rest.

(source unknown)

SUMMER'S HERE!!

Just as Spring arrived early, so now, has Summer arrived early, it being only the end of May! I am hoping that I can survive the heat with three fans in the upper room I am renting. It does get very warm up there.
It is wonderful that it is not raining after a week of rain.
My Siberian Iris are blooming, as is the yarrow, baby's breath, and very soon the poppies. I've a poppy bush with 19 buds on it!!!! But wonder of wonders, my butterfly managed to survive the winter and is coming back!!!
Now if my tomatoes would grow as good as the chamomile, it would be fantastic!!
So there are moments of brightness, things in which to rejoice even in the midst of a dark night. I try not to think about a month or even three months from now. This dark night is teaching me to live in the moment, in the eternal now, otherwise, despair will overwhelm me. I am one who likes to have some inkling of the year ahead, to have some idea of what to plan for, and simply cannot in this dark night. With neither of us employed or serving come fall, what will we do for healthcare and paying the bills? I am and have been praying that God would make a way for us in this vast, undending wilderness, but I haven't as yet stumbled upon it. I am praying that as the summer unfolds, so will something for LH and the next thing for myself.
For now, I will appreciate and savor the beauty of God's creation, I will hold onto the promise I've witnessed in the butterfly bush which has come back from the dead. I trust the promise of Christ and his power to bring to life, the lifeless and dead. It is all that I can do.

The rhododendrons are blooming with a riotuous color of fushia all over the place.
Full, thick blooms which remind me of God's lavishness, abundance, and generosity. Such a profusion of big, bushy colorful blooms, only God could dream up the rhododendron to reflect the abandon of God's grace in our lives, in the life of the world.
I think that I cannot look upon a rhododendron without sensing and knowing God's abundant, lavish generosity. Thank you, God, for rhododendrons and for reminding me of you.

ALL I WANT -

All I want to do today is sleep. Just so tired. And the grey rainy days aren't helping. To sleep, perchance to dream.....

Revgalblopals' Friday Five - Family Trees

Playing along late as usual!

1. Do you have any interest in geneaology?
Yes, I do. My uncle did a lot of work on our geneaoloy. Too bad it
was all hand written (hard to decipher) and in German.

2. Which countries did your ancestors come from?
Switzerland. That's it, pretty much. Land of alps, watches, cheese
and the best chocolate on earth!

3. Who is the farthest back ancestor whose name you know?
From around the time of Napoleon, on my Dad's side. This ancestor
was the headgroomsmen for a local Count whose castle is still
standing, quaint as ever with a moat in the neighboring town from
where both my parents were born. I've been to the castle a few
times and obviously, with present cousins in the horse business,
training, schooling and been in the Olympics, obviously that branch
of the family has had an affinity for horses!

4. Any favorite saints or sinners in the group?
I'm sure there must be some. Probably more sinners. A grandfather
whose business went bust, who liked to ride the trains and enjoy wine
and cigars and meeting people. A grandmother who raised a brood of eight
with her savings. This grandma was adopted and only in the last 20 years did
it come out that her "godmother" was really her birthmother. (I am sure it
was a young unmarried woman who was the birthmom) A grandmother who raised her child as a widow with nary
much income.

5. What would you want your descendants to remember about you?
There won't be any direct descendants to remember me, as we have no children.
On LH's side none had children either and there branch will die out with
the death of LH and siblings.
I doubt I will be remembered much by anyone (perhaps, my niece & nephew will
think fondly of me.)
I guess to be remembered for having loved God, loved as well as she
could, served as faithfully as she was able, delighted in creation,
knew the joy of her salvation, and loved her greys.

Bonus: a song, prayer, or poem that speaks of family--blood or chosen--to you.

WHAT I DID -

What I did when I went home was a marathon of activities:
- returned home later after a committee meeting
Friday -
- got up at 6:30 am to let the dogs out and give them breakfast.
I also made breakfast, as LH was up and getting groomed for Synod
Assembly
- had my shower
- went to the bank, dry cleaners, two grocery stores
- unloaded groceries at home, fed the boys lunch, ate lunch also
- drove 20 minutes to shopping area to pick up a bronze metallic
rubber duckie for marriage survival kit I'm preparing for nephew's
wedding celebration. I got two for $.67 - such a deal. Stopped at
a dept. store, afterall, I was already in the neighborhood. Found
two t-shirts.
- stopped at discount dept. store, looking for an old fashioned
egg timer. Not to be found - they are all digital and $10.00-
$19.00. Did find a kitchen scale with pounds and grams for partial
wedding gift (I have a recipe box and have written out many recipes,
a recipe card holder, extra recipe cards and plastic sleeves, an
apron she can sew, etc.) Since many of my Swiss recipes are in grams
I thought my nephew's wife could use a kitchen scale with a good
sized bowl to measure off in pounds and grams.
- stopped at office supply store and found special paper on which to
write and print off all the items in the marriage survival kit.
- stopped at grocery store to pick up something frozen for dinner, which
I forgot earlier
- got home, started my laundry
- let the boys out
- planted my tomatoes and basil
- mnade hummingbird food, filled feeder and put outside
- returned a call and now have a funeral service to do, on Tuesday, for
someone I don't know as I am covering for a neighboring pastor out of town.
- reinforced buttons on shirt jacket and capri's
- ironed said linen shirt jacket & a dress
- unloaded the dishwasher
- made the boys dinner
- made my dinner
- still doing laundry
- pulled weeds
- watched some TV
- went to bed, exhausted
Saturday -
- LH up at 6 am, I am up at 6:30 am
- let the boys out
- feed them breakfast
- change into grubbies, hair is wild-looking
- fertilize the front and back yards
- eat breakfast
- shower
- go to town center Herb & Craft Fair, find a couple little things
stop in hardware/gift shop, find an old fashioned egg timer!!
- go home, get grubby again
- finish laundry
- scrub shower stall
- make lunch for the boys and me
- make cole slaw salad for the church potluck brunch Sunday
- pack up clean laundry
- check e-mail
- gather up some books to take with
- load up clothes in the van
- prepare and eat dinner, ok so LH grilled the meat, I did the rest
- did the dishes
- load up the groceries
- drive an hour
- unload the van
- sermon and service preparation for Sunday
- fall into bed exhausted

It was a non-stop weekend, plus with the concern over the funeral hanging over me.
Met with the family yesterday. The son is an episcopalian priest and graduate of Yale Divinity School. Ya, like that's no pressure whatsoever!!! Fortunately, he wants to speak about his Dad and also do the prayer of commendation and benediction.
So, OK, but I still have to do a message. I pray what I offer brings some comfort and peace to him and the family.
Things will just be hectic for the time being. Next Friday afternoon, I will be wheel-less as the van has to go in for service and I need to complete the marriage survival kit (MSK), type everything up, get the SS Teacher's stuff in bags, and the choir director's items in a gift bag. Then, I have to scroll up the graduates' advice list for next Sunday.
Tonight is the funeral service and tomorrow I have a committee meeting at 6 pm and Session at 7 pm.
I've lost my Pentecost sermon and will have to go home to find it. I will leave Thurs at 1 pm, to make up for time two weeks ago and this week and to retype that lost sermon.
I am so ready for a vacation, but that will be stressful too. At least the first couple days, with the wedding and all.
i would look forward to some time off after this interim ends, but LH's comes to an end this month and that means less income and I'm carrying health insurance. Once, my interim is done, I can only pray that LH will have found a position by then or else we will be up a creek. But, I will not concern myself with that yet. First, getting through the next couple weeks, then the trip and the wedding.

-

RAINY DAYS

It will rain again today as it has most of the week. We are fortunate that we have not flooded here as in TN nor have had any tornadoes as destructive as the ones in OK. Prayers are with the suffering folks in both places.
Had a frost the other night. I was so tempted to plant my tomatoes and basil this past weekend, but knew there might be a frost. Sure enuf! LH is learning to tend to this tender, young plants. He will learn to water the geraniums in the flower boxes and the herbs in the garden. He will learn to refill the hummingbird feeder that I will put out this weekend. He is tending to the boys, and making sure Jett gets his antibiotic twice a day after a mishap with Jazz and Jett at the Vet's last Friday.
All the things I used to tend and see to, now falls on LH's shoulders and he is learning. Perhaps, that is not such a bad thing. Maybe there will be a greater appreciation of all I've done and of me, period. I do miss tending to these things, in the evening after supper, to deadhead the geraniums, to water what needs watering, to pull some weeds, to refill the hummingbird feeder and the finch feeder, to mend, to resew or reinforce a button, or shorten a pair of pants, to give the Boys their cookies, and yes, dare I admit, even to clean some things in the way they should be cleaned. Haven't yet fertilized the lawn - either too rainy and once way too hot. Haven't washed the windows yet either. And the wedding is drawing nearer.
First things, first. The windows can always be washed. If I miss the spring fertilizer, I'll do the summer grub control. And the fall one. The wedding stuff, that has to happen now. One day at a time, one week at a time...somehow I will manage and so will LH.
In between the rain drops and tear drops, we do what we can and leave the rest in God's capable hands, trusting God, for all things.

National Day of Prayer -

This evening I will be taking part in a Narional Day of Prayer Service. Although, my contemplative nature would have me think of this as a Prayer service and to be reflective of the 7 areas of concern that need our prayers, it seems that the clergy here have other ideas and it will be 1 1/2 hour worship service complete with a sermon (I'll be timing the length), praise choir, and a laying on of hands for folks who need prayer, (although this is not a healing service per se). This was a bit more than I had expected. My prayers for the media will not be overly long. I'd like to pray that God's Spirit would give us the good sense to switch channels if something inane or distasteful is being shown and for the freedom to not see certain movies, even if they are popular, because of violence, etc. I will pray for freedom and discerning spirits. It will be an overly long service on a school night and I, know there will be some long-winded clergy.
(Sigh) It's been a week since I've been home, and after the service, I will have an hour long ride. I hope to home by 10 pm and see my Boys before heading off to bed.
Is there an extra jewel for my crown in heaven?
All these clergymen live at home and will be home within 5 minutes of leaving the church.
One of clergymen, at our meeting, brought up foul language he's heard amongst teens out in public. He has found a town ordinance that forbids it and is garnering support to take these kids to court. Then he brought up the books they read in school.
Oh no...don't ever tell me not to read a certain book! I read Catcher In the Rye, and I didn't go off spouting foul language because I read it in that book! I have a mind and a discerning spirit. Kids should be exposed to a variety of literature, and guided in ways to be reflective and think for themselves. We are not creating mindless robots nor can we insulate kids from everything in the world. WE are to give them firm foundations and deep roots and then give them wings to explore, discern, think through things, reflect and distinquish the between what is good, and truthful and advances the betterment of ourselves and others and the world, and what is merely trash and not worth wasting time and energy on.
There is a Seminary in this regional area that doesn't allow students to read certain commentaries. I think if I were told that in Sem, I would have left the Seminary. Allow me to read, digest, reflect, discern and be stretched by various views on a text or issue.
I have read most banned books!!!!
But, I digress. Do we really need to take kids to court for using foul language or can we just tell them that we find their language offensive and that civil behavior dictates not offending others in public places. (I suppose I would just get laughed at). What does it say about a church that we will take you to court? That's a way to reach young people? Or shall we reach out to them and show them a better way to be in the world? And understanding that sometimes the use of foul language is part of growing up, rebellion, etc. Not that I advocate the use of foul language, mind you. But, there was a time as a teen, when I would pepper my language with friends from time to time.
It's going to be a long day and a long night. Pray for me to hold my tongue and my temper. Pray that the service is shorter rather than longer.
Thanks.

NOT TRUSTING INTERIMS -

I get that from time to time. Especially when it's about funerals. The family doesn't trust the interim and finds some clergy who knew their parent when...
True, when you come in as interim, you don't have a history with the congregation. But you do get to know them fairly quickly and their families. And you pick up things from parishioners, and family themselves.
The only interim who really sucked at a funeral was the one who officiated at LH's mom's funeral in a tiny, central IL town. I really felt so bad for Lh and all his siblings.
By the grace of God, I haven't up to this point, ever screwed up a funeral or didn't share relevant things about the deceased and the hope of our faith in Jesus Christ.
However, I have not been trusted on several occasions and been passed over. It has happened again. Just because I didn't know the person "when" doesn't mean that with the help of family (sharing stories) that I can't do a very meaningful service.
It's the not being trusted that grates on me.
The first year as an installed pastor, I ran into that as well, and shared the service with a pastor from out of state, long retired for two funerals. Honestly!
When I am retired, I doubt I will perform any funerals at past places I have served. It should be between the pastor, interim or installed, to officiate. I don't feel I have a need to intervene, or not be able to say, "No". I may attend a funeral, but hopefully, we will be far away from places we've served to make it not a possibility.
I won't linger long over this as I am grateful, to be spared one funeral in a very long week. I wasn't able to go home last Sunday and will not get home 'til at least 9 pm Thursday because of the National Day of Prayer Service in our town. So, I am somewhat relieved.
However, for the future, interims can be trusted to officiate well, and good, and meaningfully.

RGBPS' FRIDAY FIVE - FRIENDSHIP

Many of us have friendships - past and present - with these same qualities. And so today we will celebrate Friday with friendship:

1) Do you remember your first best friend? What did you do together? Are they still in your life?
Depends how far back. Had one best friend, Denise, further up the block from us up until first grade when we moved two blocks away and we got split into different class groups - fast, medium and slow. i was in fast and she in slow. Played games outside, all kinds of tag, and with stuff in each other's homes.

2) Did you ever have to move away or have your best friend move away from you?
Yes, after HS, my best friend got married and moved to Kansas. After several years, three marriages, we lost contact.
3) Are there people in your life now that you can call 'friend'?
My best friend from Seminary who lives on the East Coast so we don't see each other very often, although we talk on the phone frequently. Also, my Seminary roommate, who lives on the West Coast and talk infrequently but send email.
My BFF is my sister.

4) What are some of your favorite things to do with your friends?
Visit them. Can't do much when you live so far apart. I miss that. A lot.
Shopping, lunch, just hanging out.

5) What is a gift friendship has given you?
Support, encouragement, understanding, strength, joy. I do miss
my friends. Pretty tough in ministry when so much time and energy is spent
with parishioners. Doesn't leave much time for cultivating and keeping
friendship in the "normal" sense. Far from families and friends, full days
and weeks with only one day off, is it any wonder, clergy are lonely people.

LOOKING AHEAD -

I am staring at a very full week next week. Sunday worship, committee meeting, and Mother/Daughter/Sister/Friend banquet Sunday evening. ( I won't be able to go home Sunday) There will be the clergy lunch on Wed. There will most likely be a funeral. On Thursday at 7 pm, is the National Day of Prayer Service and I am responsible for praying for The Media, and fill a 3 minute slot. I won't be getting home til after 9 pm.
So, today, I will leave early afternoon and have some extra time with my boys and just be home. I miss home so much. My own bed, my own space, the ability to pull weeds after supper, to do a load of laundry, to mend, to tend. At the end of the day, at the end of my week, I just want to be home with LH and the greys.
Sometimes this exile feels like punishment. Even though I have confessed my sins and even things I for which I was not at fault. I cannot help but feel this sense of punishment. As if serving in ministry is not difficult enough, I am without my support, without what nourishes my spirit and calms my soul.
Does anyone really know, what we give up when serving God's people? For the most part, church folk and others simply have no clue. It all appears done so effortlessly, with such love and grace while inside one's soul weeps for home, for a little "normalcy", for one's own bed, for one's family. The sacrifice, we clergy make is great, especially when it comes to family.
Hold your loved ones a bit tighter, amoment longer this week, savor sleeping in your bed and with your own pillow, be thankful for being able to do laundry whenever you need, to sit on your porch or patio, to pet your dog or cat. Do it for yourself, for love of your family. Do it for me and for all who are far from the home and family they love.

WHAT WILL THEY BE SINGING? -
So, last week, the church I'm serving hosted a banquet for the volunteers and board members of the local Meals-On-Wheels-type program here. Our church is the home base for the cooking and delivering of meals to the homebound.
The dinner was very tasty - roast beef and potatoes, plus the obligatory jello with fine chopped lettuce or slaw and shredded carrots,(this is afterall a church hosted dinner) roll and cole slaw.
The amazing thing is that no government money supports this program. It's all locally funded by donations from churches and groups. Sometimes, they will write a grant for something specific.
There were 70 people at this banquet - from cooks, to helpers to drivers.
The entertainment was a grandson and his wife of a board member. The grandson played piano and his wife sang. They did a couple short operatic type songs and then a couple of oldies like "When You're Smiling", etc.
As they performed the oldies, I looked over the group gathered in the downstairs social room and noted all the silver hair and balding heads. The performers and myself (no spring chicken anymore) were the youngest there. I could also see this performing duo going to nursing homes for gigs.
Which got me thinking about the young people of today and what will happen when they turn old, hitting their 70's & 80's and land in nursing home themselves. What will the performers play for them? What sing-along music is there from this young generation that have grown-up with hip hop and rap?
Can you even begin to imagine performers coming into their nursing homes singing the old, golden classics like: "Who let the dogs out? Who, who?" and "Let me tell you what I want, what I really, really want..."
Can you even picture it?!!!? (Ok you can stop laughing now!)
I don't think they will be singing to those long forgotten, lusterless tunes that aren't even singable and whose words nobody can even remember. It is funny and sad in a way, that the oldies we'll be singing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", etc. can be sung, danced to and remembered. The hip hop and rap stuff is trendy: here today, gone tomorrow and a generation who will have little to sing in their old age.

To all the RGBPs on BE 3 -
Wishing you a wonderful time cruising. Relax, enjoy, be refreshed and renewed.
Wish I could be with you. God bless you with a safe journey and peace be with you all.

PACK YOUR BAG - RGBP'S FRIDAY FIVE

With the BE 3 taking place, here are five questions about packing to go on a trip.

1) Some fold, some roll and some simply fling into the bag. What's your technique for packing clothes?
I do some folding, some rolling, and some laying flat that makes something less
bulky. I always take too much with!

2) The tight regulations about carrying liquids on planes makes packing complicated. What might we find in your quart-size bag? Ever lose a liquid that was too big?
I always check my luggage, because I have to take so much with!!! Never lost a
liquid as I packed them in my suitcase. Have lost tweezers and manicure scissors
on a flight to the Yukon. I forgot to move them from carry on to suitcase.
When we landed in Whitehorse, and rented the car, we drove from the airport into
town. On the way, we passed a Wmart and we stopped so that I could replace my
tweezers and scissors.

3) What's something you can't imagine leaving at home?
Underwear, nightgown, shoes, tweezers, books, camera, diary, pens, & umbrella.

4) Do you have a bag with wheels?
Yup, how did I survive without them back in the days of yore?!!?

5) What's your favorite reading material for a non-driving trip (plane, train, bus, ship)?
Something enjoyable, I've done the Mitford series and will be reading the last
2 Ladies' No. 1 Detective Agency books for our trip across the pond.

WHY MY DAD WAS A HERO -

I was just about 5 or 6 yrs old at the time. It was a Saturday morning and I went with my Dad to pick up doughnuts. Dad often got doughnuts on Saturday morning, usually a dozen or two for the "guys in the shop" - diesel mechanics for a CAT dealer. Sometimes, we got a half dozen for us at home to enjoy.
It was a spring morning, sunny, warmish. The parking spots were angled off the street on a bit of an incline. We had pulled in, and Dad noticed that the car next to ours had a small boy of about 4 years of age moving around in the car with no adult in sight.
This was in the early 60's, before there were car seats, use of seat belts and safety feature of not being able to put the car in reverse without a foot on the brake. Both cars were long, wide, 4 door sedans, that mimiced oceanliners.
Dad seemed to have a sense of what was about to happen. He told me to stay in the car and he jumped out just as the car next to ours was slowly backing down into the street. Dad opened the car door, sat in, pulled the car up, put it in park and turned off the engine.
At once a fellow came running out of the doughnut shop with box of doughnut in hand. My Dad was standing next to his car, and I'm sure he told him it wasn't wise to leave the car running with a curious little boy inside. The man with the doughnuts began yelling at my father who had done nothing, but saved his child from an awful accident and spared the man's car from injury.
He huffed, got in his car and pulled away.
Dad and I went into the doughnut shop and picked up our doughnuts for the day. It bothered me it did, that my Dad got yelled at for doing the right thing. No matter that Dad was white and the father of the little boy was black.
Dad said he would've done it all over again, even with the same outcome. The right thing is the right thing no matter what.
I'll never forget that morning, the near miss of an accident with an unattended child playing with a the knobs, levers and steering wheel of a running car, how quick my Dad noticed and acted, loud, angry un deserved words spoken, and the sweet smell of doughnuts and the lesson of doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do.
I admired my Dad for that. I admired my Dad for caring about a small child no matter what color or race or ethnicity they were. I admired my Dad for the doing the right thing because it was the right thing to do, even if you were misunderstood, or kicked in the pants for it.
My Dad will always be my hero. Thanks, Dad. It's been 5 years and a month and I still miss you so much.

The church lawn is being mowed for a second time - first time last week and now again this week. It's only the 12th of April! I can't remember when mowing started this early in the season. Trees are budding and the Bradford pears that line our street lawn are in full bloom making for a showy white drive down our street.
I've already weeded some, pulled dandelions, planted my marjoram, sage, thyme and rosemary. I'm holding off on the basil and parsley knowing they are more sensitive to frost. If this warm weather keeps up, I'll have to plant the basil and tomatoes soon!!!
We could use more rain though. It's been a fairly dry April. Whatever happened to April showers bring May flowers? My wee grape hyacinths are blooming, the bee balm is arising and the poppy is looking like a small bush!!! I so look forward to things blooming in the garden.
I long for things to bloom in my life. This limbo, dark night, has taken its toll on my spirit. I long for my energy, zest, passion, delight and joy to return, to
blossom again in my soul. God's vast, great silence continues. I keep listening. I keep hoping something will come up for LH and always, come up mostly empty.
This dark night colors my world and what should be joyful is lacking much luster. I so want to celebrate my nephew's marriage and should be happy, thrilled, excited, etc. and I want to happy, thrilled and excited, but am not. Well, maybe there is some joy, but not what should or could be there under other circumstances. Maybe, once the time gets closer, there will be more happiness and joy.
In the meanwhile, as I've said before, I keep praying to the Great Silence that is God with the hope that one day, the silence will melt away and I will be reunited with God.

Something Girly - Part 3

Mission accomplished! I have drawn and cut out 153 fish for worship next Sunday!
It only took 4 tries to get the fish shape the way I envisioned. I wish I had been created with more artistic talent.
Then the challenge was to get construction paper, masking tape, scissors and batteries for the TV remote that died the night before. So, I made a stop at DDM, which carries a little of everything that is quite astounding indeed! I fingered a pair of cheaper scissors, but they didn't move easily enough. I picked up the 7.99 pair, the kind I have on my craft table at home and know move and cut well. I just didn't want to spend that much. So, from the office supply aisle, I wandered over and picked up a bottle of Merlot, then drifted to hardware and found masking tape.
I ventured another aisle over where they had sewing supplies and lo, and behold, they had some other scissors. Cool ones, with blue handles and blue striped blades, and a pair with pink handles and pink and purple polka dots on the outer blades!! What fun! And just 2.99. They moved easily and well and the blades matched up fine.
Now, I own a pair of very girly pink polka dotted scissors!!!!! And cut so well, (my hand didn't hardly get all that sore from the cutting), that I now have 153 cut out fish!!
Here I am, over 50, and am getting more girly. Who knows what more girly things are yet to come?!!?

JOY SUNDAY -

In the interest of celebrating Joy or Bright Sunday, with this, my 380th post, I will prime the pump with a few of my favorites. Enjoy and share with utter abandon and may the joy of Christ's resurrection be something we share with the world.

A 92 year old man went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw the man walking down the street with a gorgeous young lady on his arm. A couple of weeks later, when the elderly gent had an appointment with the doctor again, the doc said, "You're really doing great, aren't you?"
The old man replied, "Just doing what you said Doc. 'Get a hot momma and be cheerful.'"
The doctor said, "I didn't say that. I said you got a heart murmur. Be careful!"

A very dirty little fellow came in from playing in the yard and asked his mom, "Who am I?" Ready to play the game, she said, "I don't know! Who are you?"
"Wow!" cried the child, "Mrs. Johnson was right! She said I was so dirty my own mother wouldn't recognize me!"

Did you hear about the turtle that got mugged by three snails? When asked by the police to give a description of what happened, the turtle replies, "I don't know, it all happened so fast!"

A boy was constantly wandering in and out of the house leaving the front or back door wide open.
"Once and for all, will you please close that!" the exasperated mom pleaded one day. "Were you born in a barn?"
"No, I was born in a hospital," he replied, smirking, "With automatic doors."

What do you get when you cross a librarian with a lawyer?
All the information you want, except you can't understand it.

One gentleman recalls that when his back seized up, he called the doctor's office, explaining that he was a minister and was in too much pain to deliver his sermon. Could they help?
The woman on the other end asked him to hold. The next thing he heard was a loud voice announcing, "I have a minister on the phone who can't stand to preach!"

A young boy was lost in the mall. He ran over to a police officer. "I've lost my dad!, he said.
"What's he like?" the cop asked.
"Baseball and beer."

Exist or Not to Exist -

Interestingly enough, we have yet to receive a census form in the mail. All this time and we haven't received anything. It's as though we've disappeared from the face of our country. Odd, we file and pay our taxes faithfully, though not really joyfully, every year. We own our home - well, the bank owns some, too.
So, what happened? And why are we still waiting for our form?
I have a feeling someone screwed up and in the end, they will be sending someone to our door. Hopefully, one of us will be home (more likely LH) when they come knocking. I'm thinking Jett and Jazz won't be too forthcoming with information to any census worker. They'll just wag their tails and jump all over them. What a waste of people power and taxpayer money to have to send someone to a home in a subdivision full of homes because someone neglected to send The Form.
Someone LH spoke with the next town over, mentioned that they had received a notification letter saying that their census form was coming. Wow! Another waste of time and tax payer expense. Just send The Form and follow up with those who haven't repsonded. How simple can that be? Duh!
Maybe we can slip under the radar. Maybe we don't really exist. I'll bet if we failed to file and pay our taxes we would be missed and tracked down to prove we exist! How do all the Congress people and workers get by without paying their taxes, anyway? Did they get The Form? Maybe they don't really exist either. Hmmm...just something to ponder.
Not really existential - to exist or not to exist - just an error on the part of wonderful government.

EASTER MONDAY - THE MORNING AFTER!

As I gaze out the window, the bushes and some trees in the woods on the hillside are showing signs of fresh green baby leaves!!! The grass is as green as green can be, the daffodils are blooming yellow. Yesterday, I saw a magnolia in full bloom on my way home. Spring is bustin' out all over - just as Christ busted forth in new life!
We had a wonderful Easter service, although it ran nearly an hour and a half long. We enjoyed a brass octet who played a short musical introit. The choir anthem was moving and with the sihouetted picture of a triumpant, risen Christ on the screen as they sang an anthem with the words, "He Lives" (not the hymn one), I was so moved and felt a stirring of Easter in my spirit and heart. My sermon was not overly long, but we had communion (which adds about 15 mins. to the service) and the octet offertory lasted nearly 10 mins., an original arrrangement composed by the father of our choir director who plays trombone and trumpet and is a band director. The kids had fun singing "Halle, Halle, Halleljuah" and the Easter Egg Hunt following worship.
All in all, a wonderful celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord.
This week I'm putting the finishing touches on our Joy Sunday for this coming Sunday. They'll be balloons, an open mic for joke telling, and the kids will provide special effects for the song "Jesus' Love is a Bubblin' Over" - they'll be blowing bubbles!!!! In the end, everyone leaves happier, healthier, and lighter in spirit!!!
I even ordered, Jack Jewell's "The Risen Christ by the Sea" bulletin covers, so that everyone can reflect on the joy Christ must've felt after the resurrection and see a joyous depiction of Jesus!
So, I am dancing even in this dark post-resurrection night!

A FOOL'S MAUNDY THURSDAY

I know it's Maundy Thursday, but it just doesn't feel like it. Even the day is in rebellion - gorgeous, blue sky, sunshine, green growing grass and 70+ degrees. It looks more like Easter than Maundy Thursday.
So, why can't I feel it within me? Is it because of this extended dark night, that feels like Holy Saturday most every day? Is it because I get to go home after worship and I am so ready to be home again?
I believe it is more the former than the latter.
This past year, I was blessed, broken and gave all my love and all I had even in the midst of my leaving - like a Maundy Thursday. Met with rejection, I died yet another death in my life - like a Good Friday. I have been stuck in Holy Saturday ever since, that unsettled, unknowing, grieving, limbo type day.
I once had a Lent that lasted nearly two years. And when Easter came, it was so wonderfully glorious!!!! I recall that time and pray that Easter will come again for me.
It is an odd Maundy Thursday that falls on the Day of Fools. But perhaps, that is how those who did not know Jesus saw him as merely a fool, someone to mock, someone not quite right in the head - claiming to be a King of the Jews. Who did he think he was anyway?
And on this last night spent with his dearest companions and friends, he stooped low and washed their feet, not something any king would ever do. But He came not to be served, but to serve.
Later at table, he mentioned that one among them would betray him. What foolish is this, my Lord? Surely not I!?" Ahh, but you, will also deny me three times before the rooster crows.
Then he took bread, simple, ordinary, humble bread and said it was him, blessed, broken, shared for the life of the disciples, for the life of the world. What foolish is this, my Lord? We are here together, sharing the Passover isn't that enough?
Then he took the cup, blessed it and gave it to his beloved to drink and said, this was him poured out for the forgiveness of sins. The cup was the new relationship with God sealed in his blood.
Broken and poured out for us, foolish in the eyes of the world. Who would do such a thing for such rabble?
Only the Lord Jesus Christ. Only the very Son of God. The only One who could bear giving his life up and over in and with a love the likes of which the world has never known before or ever will again.
Out of the ordinary comes the extraordinary, in weakness there is strength, from despair arises hope, out of death comes life. Foolish things made wise in the hands of God whose love would go to a cross and yes die, for the very life of us.
And suddenly, it's not foolish any more...

LORD OF THE DANCE -

'Tis the start of Holy Week and all the many services.
Yesterday, our Palm Sunday worship with the scripture, sermon, creed and songs went very well. Our choir and our Praise Dancers did a very moving piece together which was so touching.
It wasn't until the last hymn, "I Danced in the Morning", where I really broke down. God's Spirit moved within the song and my spirit and as the song unfolded I could barely sing for the lump in my throat. And it came to me, that as our Lord danced and continued the dance for us all - I am to dance in this dark night. It is what I am doing already, but perhaps, even moreso. To dance in the dark, to dance inspite of the dark, to dance despite of the dark. It is not for me at this point to see where I am going, but just to dance in the dark, because we were born to dance. Perhaps, there are others in the dark that I will bump into who need to know that they too, can dance in the dark. God wants me to keep dancing, even in the dark, shrouded by the dark, enveloped by the dark. I pray that my dance will lead me closer to God who will lead me to dancing out of this dark night into the brilliance of a new day.
I am to dance in this dark night because I know the steps, because I have danced this dance before, because I know the Easter that follows on the heels of Good Friday, and that the dance is eternally ongoing.
There are days when I don't much feel like dancing at all. When the weight of our tenuous position - (LH is still searching for a permanent, full time position, only there isn't much available at the moment)drags me down into the depths of despair.
And now God has given me a word - Dance! Keep dancing, inspire others to dance and keep dancing, rejoin the dance that is me.
It's kinda funny in a way. I have two left feet and move rather ugly. I am not a dancer. I can chair dance, but my legs and arms and hips never move in sync. (except in the water in synchronized swim - water ballet that I could do).
Hear God's sense of humor, to the one who can't dance, doesn't dance well, God says, Dance! To the one who is in the thick of a dark night, where all is obscured, God says, Dance! To the one who succombs to hopelessness, despair and discouragement - God says, Dance!
So, dance I will! It may not be graceful, it may be more like stumbling around in the dark, it may not always be joyous, but dance away, I shall. For now, dance is the word God has given me, for now. So, I will dance into this Holy Week with my Lord of the Dance.

SIGNS OF SPRING AND RESURRECTION -
What a joy and delight to see all the crocuses blooming in my flower bed! All is still so brown with the grass just now beginning to green and to have such a splash of purple with orange centers is a sight to behold!
I am amazed that our house is one of just two on our street with crocuses blooming and filling an otherwise drab environ with brilliant color. Do not the spirits of others long and yearn for color after a long, hard, snowy winter? It's too bad they miss out on the joy and delight of seeing such beauty and wonder.
I don't know about my Siberian Iris. I separated them last fall and I don't see any new shoots. I hope I didn't kill them, but they didn't bloom as well last year and I had never separated them.
My sedum has wintered nicely with new green knobs already showing. The daffodils leaves are up with a couple buds, and the tulip leaves are showing more. The poppy leaves are growing at an amazing rate. And the butterfly plant, well, time will tell if it survived winter. It didn't last year and I had to replant a new one.
The chives are growing as is the garlic and the chamomile, along with the grass that ought not to be in the garden. I'll need to planting herbs before too long, except for the basil, which cannot take the cold.
How good it is to see new life coming forth, springing forth from the ground. How I long for that new life to be springing up within me. Alas, that time has not yet come for that. But, I maintain hope, that it will come, one day. Even though, I cannot see any evidence of it. God is in the resurrection business. I have experienced it before, seen it in the lives of others and so I cling to the promise of new life yet to come when this dark night is past.

SOMETHING GIRLY - PART 2
It's official, the sandals are too casual for the dress. Had to order a pair of dressier sandals from a catalogue. Hope they fit ok. Still have to find a purse.
Did manage to find some sparkly bling to wear with the outfit. So, except for the purse, I am pretty much ready.

SOMETHING GIRLY -

Finally found a dress for my nephew's wedding across the pond in June. I hope that it's not 80 degrees that day or I'll be way too warm and melting. It's sage green - a favorite color of mine. The dress is actually a skirt with a sparkly tank and sparkly 3/4 sleeve cardigan. The skirt will have to be shortened to tea length since it is a late afternoon garden wedding.
Actually, I found the hat first. An upturned brim with some feathery things sticking out of gathered scrunch. It was sage green! Loved the hat. Then went down to the dress dept. I tried on two sage green dresses. One was way too tight in the hip and too short for my tastes and had a blingy medallion on the side. (not me). This other has sparkly glitter and no beading of any kind.
I found a pair of pewter twisted vamp wedge sandals that I can wear and even walk in. Granted they are not a heely, dainty sandal. But I have to be able to walk with my bunions. I have a pair of ivory colored leather shoes that can work as well.
Course, I look like a marm in it all. Oh well, amply pudgy, over 50, I guess its official. I'm a marm!!!I'm sure Peacebang would have a field day with my choice.
However, the color is flattering, it is comfortable and not in any way unseemly (too low cut, slit up to thigh, or sleeveless - except for the tank which, of course, is covered with the buttonless cardigan). It'll even travel well without wrinkling too badly.
My sister is still looking for just the right dress. I'll have to send her picture and see if she thinks its too marmy.
Now, I just have to find a small purse so I'm not lugging my Bean canvas backsaver bag.
I feel relieved to have found something that works, fits, is appropriate and comfortable. Whoohoo!!! I'm ready to party!

EXILED -
Part of this dark night is the exile. Exiled from feeling God's presence, exiled from home, exiled into a soul-less existence. This is not living. It is merely existing. There are moments of grace, slices of time when my soul isn't aching for God. I function. I can laugh at a joke. I can share a joke. But the deep joy out of which I lived is but a shallow puddle. In this exile, I strain to hear anything from God. It is so quiet, too quiet. And lonely, ever so lonely.
I don't function fully or extremely well in dark nights or exile. Even the thawing around me has not relieved the deadness within me. This is a dying unto myself and I long for resurrection, for the stirrings of life, new life. This Easter will be as hollow to me as the chocolate Easter bunnies in the basket. At least, that is where I am right now. I don't think that this dark night will be over by Easter. There has been no movement in that direction. That's not to say that the longing for life, new life, having my dry bones dance and live, isn't there. On the contrary, the desire, the longing, the yearning for God to breathe life where there is none, to lead me out of the tomb of this dark night, unwrapped and alive, is with me daily. This dark night will take as long as it needs, as long as it has to. I have to settle into it and allow the Mystery of its bringing back to life to take place.
For now...I am in exile....

MONDAY MORNING -
As I work on the liturgy for this coming Sunday, I gaze out the window that overlooks the parking lot and the hill and ranch houses and between 2 ranch houses I can see 4 deer out munching in the houses' bakcyards not far from the wooded upper hillside. There are 5 deer now that I can see. There has been enough of a thaw to expose grass and they seem content to busily munch away at whatever they can after a long two months of bitter cold and snow with not much to nibble on. I am glad they survived hunting season. I haven't seen them in two months and it is such a grace to see them now. I can also be thankful that they are not munching away in my backyard or garden!!! They look gaunter than last fall and didn't so much as stop munching when a flatbed truck with a car on it drove down the side road between the parking lot and the houses. They are very hungry deer.
As Lent unfolds and winter slowly loosens its grip, for what are you hungry and hungering?

LENTEN THURSDAY -

The sky is a blue canopy with nary a cloud and the sun is shining and casting shadows - something we haven't seen around these here parts for quite some time. IT does the soul and spirit good to see blue ski and sunshine.
Am working on funeral sermon. I've been spared one for nearly 8 weeks!
Being an interim, you join in where and as people are, without much knowledge of how it used to be or who folks were. That can be a good thing and yet, in the case of doing a funeral, it is a difficult thing for me. I wish I had known them before they were stricken ill, could no longer talk, before their bodies no longer functioned in the way they had, when they could still hear and still see. Every once in a while, I officiate at a funeral for someone I would have enjoyed knowing more and better. The funeral on Sunday afternoon, will be one of those. Interesting, fascinating, ever active woman, who no longer had a voice, but eyes that could still sparkle and a heart and spirit that knew God's love, and one who still remembered the taste of bread and wine. Her 3 daughters are beautiful and loving, grieving, remembering, crying and laughing. So healthy and so together and as unique as their mother. I pray that all I offer will the honor the life, the memory, the love of this mother and woman, I could only glimpse and never really knew, but wished I had known her.
Perhaps, at the Kingdom banquet we will meet and be known to one another in the heart of God.

Dumb and Now Even Dumber -
Ok, so I fried the disposal. LH calls last night to say that 2 long anchoring screws to the faucet fell out and were lying on the cabinet floor under the sink. We had that faucet replaced some time ago - last fall, by a plumber who took longer than he needed, to do a simple replacement. Apparently, he forgot to really screw these anchor screws in. Opps! And a bolt or washer is even missing. So, much for a job well done. (I do believe the vibrations from the disposal probably caused these not really screwed-in anchor screws to fall out completely.
Perhaps, in the frying of the disposal, the incomplete plumbling job has come to light sooner rather than later. Perhaps, I'm seeking some redemption for my ineptitude and just plain dumb thing I did!!!
In this Lent, it leads me to ponder about repentance and redemption. We, who cannot help ourselves, find redemption in the only One who can help us, forgive us and bring to life that which we cannot on our own. Not a bad lesson to be learned about disposals, faucet screws, dumb things, incompleted jobs and Lent. I'll take it!

DUMB THINGS -
Ok, so I'm not being politically correct, but I can do the dumbest, lamest things.
It is a reoccurring theme in my life of which I am none too proud, just honest.
Here's the latest Dumb Thing to Do on Your Day Off -
Put broccoli stalks that are way too large down your disposal. Run the disposal. Hear and smell the motor burn out. Doh!
We now have a brand new disposal in a box waiting to be installed. LH was none too happy.
Be it known, though it is no excuse, that said disposal was sounding a bit funny recently anyways.
Is there a patron saint for really dumb, lame things we do?

SPEAKING OF THE OLYMPICS -
Was anyone as appalled as I with our Womens' Ice Hockey team and their almost utter lack of good sportsmanship as they pouted on the medal stand?
Ok, yes, it's disappointing to lose, but for goodness sake, at least be gracious about it and be glad for the Canadian Womens' team that beat you fair and square.
Winning is not a right or an entitlement just because you have USA on your uniform.
Be happy with a silver medal. Be happy with a bronze medal. Be happy just to compete with world class athletes.
And learn and display good sportsmanship. Be gracious. Be kind. Celebrate your fellow athletes' accomplishments. Have a good time. Play well and fairly. Anything can happen. Bad calls can be made. Do your best. And congratulate heartily and smile as you share the joy of another's win. You are Americans and on display before the world. Pouting and acting like spoilt brats doesn't help our image or endear us to the world. Put on your big girl panties, deal with it, swallow hard, grow up and get over it. Second place is nothing to sneeze at!! Be proud of silver. And ladies, learn to be gracious!
Honestly, there is absolutely no excuse for that medal platform sulking display.

Friday Five: Winter Olympics Edition

It's been two weeks of snow, or not enough snow, of heartbreak before the action even began, of snowboards and skis and skates, of joy and sorrow. At our house, we've stayed up too late, and we don't even watch sports any other time!


1) Which of the Winter Olympic sports is your favorite to watch?
Most of them - skating, ski jumping, bobsled, luge, skeleton, snowboard,
freestyle ski, Super G and Slalom skiing, hockey, even some curling. I enjoy
and find the Winter Olympics far more engaging than the Summer Olympics.

2) Some of the uniforms have attracted attention this year, such as the US Snowboarders' pseudo-flannel shirts



and the Norwegian Curling team's -- ahem -- pants.


Who do you think had the best-looking uniforms?
Hard to say, there's been such variation between different sports and countries.
I kinda liked the blue with stars on the ski aerials.


3) And Curling. Really? What's up with that?
Ahhh, skill and strategy with a polished granite stone that looks like
a tea kettle!!!! Kind of bocce ball but for ice!

4) Define Nordic Combined. Don't look it up. Take a guess if you must.
Skiing off a jump, flying through air, and landing on your feet, combined with
a grueling cross country ski course!


(There will be a prize for the best answer, but be aware, this is a judged sport.)

5) If you could be a Winter Olympics Champion just by wishing for it, which sport would you choose for winning your Gold Medal?
I'm utterly fascintated with ski jumping, but couldn't deal with the height.
I'm not a skier. I can't decide if its better to go down an icy chute at
too many miles per hour head first or feet first or even in a bobsled.
I was never good at ice skating and too heavy to be lifted for pairs skating.
I have qualified in rifle shooting but the cross country would do me in for
the biatholon.
In an ideal world - ice dancing.
In this world as I am - just for watching every night and wanting to see
more than they broadcast.

Tiredness -

This Lent I am feeling tired, weary. Perhaps, I've been staying up a bit later catching the Olympics. Perhaps, it goes much deeper - back to the Dark Night - the tiredness of seeking God and failing, the tiredness of praying to the Great Silence, the tiredness of this life which is not fully alive and living, the tiredness of being away from home, the tiredness of this continued Dark Night...just plain tired.
I could just sleep an entire day, but its not possible.
I long to be close to God again, to be on the same wavelength, in sync, full and bubbling with vibrant life and joy, instead of this emptiness.
I bring to God my tiredness, me weariness, my spirit that can resist no longer - perhaps this is what God has been waiting for. Wearing me down, until I can no longer resist what God is about do, to open me more fully and completely to what God will yet bring. I am tired, Lord, oh, so tired. Do with me as you will, for I can resist no longer. Here I am, Lord. All yours. Amen.

ASH WEDNESDAY -

As I gaze out the window, the fat, juicy snowflakes continue to fall but more in earnest at the moment. Already, the van's windows are getting coated once again.
It is a very white world at present, far from the grungy, gritty, slushy, blackened snow that lined the streets just a week ago.
Yet, perhaps, it speaks of being made new, freshly clean. In the forgiveness of our sin and sins, in touching upon our mortality on this day, we are promised a new life, we are being made a new creation in Christ Jesus. On this solemn and somber day, there is a promise, a hint of something more, something new, something beyond what we now know.
I am also reminded of the traction needed to get around these snowclad roads. Not just salt but grit, ash, cinder. I need Lent to give me traction as I navigate through this dark night, enter the Lenten season and prepare for Easter. It grounds me, keeps me on track, stays me from slipping and sliding all over the place. It is a dirty, messy thing this grit, cinder and ash. But it was a dirty, messy suffering and death that Jesus underwent to save us dirty, messy folk and world stained with sin.
And so there is the grace of this fluffy, freshly falling snow even on this ashen gray and gritty Ash Wednesday. It is the grace of promise of something new, something more, something better that is buried deeply in the seed of these Lenten Days.
How is Ash Wednesday speaking to you this year?

RGBP'S FRIDAY FIVE - FAB FEB(ruary)

. When February comes along, how do you feel about the coming month?
Good. It's a short month and winter's nearly over.

2. What memories do you have about Valentine's Day? Are you doing anything to observe it this year?
It was my Mom's Birthday! Always gave her a card and sometimes Valentines I made
in school. There would be birthday cake as well.
LH and I exchange cards. This year I included a little box of "Conversation Jelly
Bellies". That's pretty much it.

3. It is interesting that Monday's "Presidents Day" is not officially called that in every state. It is a U.S. federal holiday entitled "Washington's Birthday." Which is your favorite president and why?
Probably Teddy Roosevelt. Down to earth, get it done, kinda fellow. And he enjoyed
our National Parks.
I should say Lincoln since we always had Lincoln's birthday off in Illinois,
instead of Washington's or even President's Day. I always admired Lincoln's deeply
thoughtful ways and his integrity, which is greatly lacking in our statespeople
leaders today.

4. Will you be celebrating Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras? How?
Probably not, since I'm alone in an apartment. LH used to serve a church that
had pancake suppers. Wasn't ever a big fan of pancakes for dinner.
Growing up we used to make Fasnachchuechli - very thin dough squares, stretched
over a towel over a knee and then dropped into a pot of hot oil until cooked.
Then they were taken out, dried on paper towels and when cooled dusted with
powered sugar. They were light as air and fragile but so yummy!
Haven't ever made them as an adult - no time and I don't need to add to my bulk!

5. Any other ways to celebrate in February?
Well, I celebrate my birthday! Whoohoo! Usually, phone calls from my sister,
niece and other family. Sometimes, there's a cake, but generally just a
Hostess Chocolate Cupcake with a candle in it! Just enough for two!

Bonus: A Lenten book or website you recommend.
J. Barrie Shepherd's book, The Way of the Pilgrim, or Pilgrim's Way.
I can't think of it off the top of my head.

A WHITE THURSDAY -

It seems to have stopped snowing for the moment even if a few flakes are still flying around. It didn't do much overnight - thankfully - except drift which made the walk from the stairs to the van an aerobic workout! There wasn't too much to brush and scrape off the van. A break from the sow would be wonderful! Although, with the cold temps on tap for the next week, the piles of snow ain't goin' anywhere anytime soon!
I've noticed that in the piles there holes and crevices and sometimes there is that bluish, aqua tint within it. Really, rather beautiful. There was also a wee, tiny snowflake on the inside of the door armrest which looked like an edelweiss, with several points round about it like a flower. Most unusual. Juat sitting with these noticings and seeing what if anything they are telling me.
The large piles of snow, remind of the blizzard of '68 in Chicago. Everything was shut down for a couple days. I remember walking with my Dad to a Mom and Pop grocery store for bread and perhaps milk 2 1/2 blocks away. ( Couldn't use the car because the roads were so bad) Only to find when we got there, that they were already out.
Somehow we made do, and Mom baked bread. There was enough snow that my sister and I built an igloo next to the garage and were able to crawl inside it, where surprisingly, it was a wee warmer than just being outside. Ahh...the insulating quality of snow. We put out a shoebox decorated with a number for a mailbox. I don't think any mail was ever delivered!!! School was closed for a couple days and we rarely ever had a snow day off.
Our next door neighbor boy dug a tunnel through his backyard so it looked like a giant mole tunneled through the yard!
We shovelled, had snowball fights with other kids in the neighborhood, drank hot cocoa, and just enjoyed some family time.
I'm thinking, everybody should get a snow day in late Jan. or early Feb. - just because we need Sabbath time, rest time, play time, a free day like that 'free' space on a Bingo card. Maybe we all need a day to be with our kids, make hot cocoa, and just breathe.
Maybe, I'll do some of that tomorrow - after the grocery shopping, errand running, tax preparation stuff. I hear the call of a Snow Day....

GOOD MORNING SNOWSHOWERS -
Thankfully, we did not get as much snow as predicted. I did have to trudge through 3 inches of new snowfall to my van. Then spend time brushing the snow off the van and scraping the icy windows so I can see enough to drive safely. I had to back up twice, in order to get out onto the street.
When I arrived at church, nothing had been shoveled and only half the parking lot had been plowed. So, I got out the shovel and spent 50 minutes shoveling three entrances and sidewalks and putting down salt. After all the psuedo Meals On Wheels were here preparing meals and the drivers would be showing up to make meal deliveries. It would not have been so bad, had I not been having tinges in my back lately - the kind that are have been the precursor of when my back gives out (tight, balled up muscles). We'll see how the back reacts.
It would have been nice for the custodian to call before I shovelled and salted everything to say she wouldn't be in til say 11 am.
As I gaze out the white window, I will have to brush off my van before driving back to the apartment for lunch. And I will have to take off my shoes, put on my boots and bundle back up. Some days, Florida gleams gold and issues forth her siren call - "Come, come away to sunny Florida!"
The kids all got snow days. I should have had one too!!!! But not tomorrow, I go home tomorrow and I don't want anything to come between me and going home.

IT HAS BEGUN...
The snow is now falling, just light, litte snowflakes that deceive you into thinking that they couldn't ever amount to much. But they do add up and this is just the start. I would think that school will cancelled tomorrow. I doubt our committee will be meeting tonight. And I pray, I won't be snowed in or if snowed in, that we don't lose power - my heat, light, ability to cook is all electric. I would much prefer being snowed in at home with my greys and LH. But I could make the best of things here. I have reading materials and some clay to prepare for Ash Wednesday.
I just don't know where an extra foot or more of snow will be piled. Or how I can shovel out my van since I don't have a shovel. At least at home, it would be in the garage and we have a blower and shovel.
Fortunately, I slipped into Shopping Mecca last evening for my eye exam and a new pair of boring, safe glasses. Yup, I've been losing my place preaching from my manuscript. I am using mid-range for far, and reading for mid-range. Started about the first of the year. Since, it's been 2 years since my last exam and new glasses, I was due. I just want to see more clearly! I will also get new lenses for my present frames since they do make more of statement and I really like them. I just couldn't give them up and be blurred and not read for a week or ten days - maybe more if we lose a day or two with the snow.
Happy Birthday to me! A new pair of glasses and a new pair of lenses. That way, I'll have a back-up pair of glasses since I'm now so dependent on my tri-focals.
According to the optometrist, from age 46-57, every year or two, your eye sight gets "more and more out of whack" (Joe Pesci from 'My Cousin Vinny'). After age 57, it sorta levels off. Great! Isn't middle age just more fun knowing that?!!?
For now, I see not as clearly as I will, and through a veil of snow.

SNOW UPDATE:
Did I say spared? Compared to the Mid-Atlantic, we were spared. 10 inches at home, 16 inches were I serve. Piles of snow are everywhere and with the sunshine and blue skies, the snow reflects even more light - a bright white. Just in time for Transfiguration Sunday!
Not enjoying my traipsing at least 4 times a day through the stomped path in the snow from car to the rickety stairs of the apartment. Good exercise though!!
Looks like we're on track to get some more snow tomorrow afternoon into Wednesday. I pray it won't be more than a couple inches.
The church parking lot was plowed but still somewhat snow packed and icy. We still had a fair attendence especially because of Scout Sunday and the Cub Scouts and their parents.
The parking lot, after two days with sunshine is pretty clear and dry pavement-wise. So was our driveway! The sun is good to help melt and dry up pavement.
It was somewhat foggy this morning and the trees and bushes were coated in ice and white - more beautiful than words can express. In places it was foggy and when the sun came through on my long drive in - there was a partial sun dog.
With all this bright whiteness around me, it sets the mood for Transfiguration Sunday.

STILL SNOWING -
Saturday morning and it is still snowing. The wind has created some deeper drifts and I am thankful for our snow blower. As soon as it abates later this morning, LH and I will be out blowing and shoveling. The greys were up to their thighs and chest in snow and they are tall dogs.
I am hoping to return to the apartment late, late this afternoon, praying that the roads will be clear by then and our allotment plowed out somewhat.
It will remain bitterly cold and snow again on Tuesday. This white landscape will be with us for awhile.
It also means that fewer people will be at worship tomorrow, which is Communion Sunday, Scout Sunday and Souper Bowl Sunday.
Not able to do much today except scrub out the shower stall and do some tax preparation.
We have been spared major snowfall all winter, until now. I pray that this will be the last of it.

OFF THE LECTIONARY -
I am going off the Lectionary this week. Infact, last Sunday, I did the calling of Simon. This week is Scout Sunday and also Souper Bowl Sunday. As is tradition here, where I am serving, on Scout Sunday, usually a story or two have been read, with a brief reflection geared to the Cub Scouts.
By sheer providence, as I perused Amazon, as I am wont to do and have to practice restraint from ordering since my budget doesn't allow for much, I had a list of a few books I and my budget would allow. When, somehow, I happened upon a book, "14 Cows For America" by Carmen Deedy based on a true story of Wilson kimeli Naiyomah about the gift of a Maasai tribe to the United States following 9/11. The artwork is really gorgeous as well, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. So, intrigued by it, I ordered it and found it true to the reviews. It will be the story I share this Sunday and offer words on compassion.
Little did I know, when I ordered the book, thinking it might work for a children's message some time ( although a bit too long for that), that I would be using it so soon. Truly, it was providence.
It is a very moving story about the gift of compassion from the Maasai to America that is little known. Hope you have a chance to check it out sometime.

BIRTH MONTH -
February is the month of my birth, a cold, short month. My birthday, more often than not, falls during Lent, which is partly the reason I have never given up chocolate for Lent, so that I can have some chocolate cake or delight on my birthday! (Well, and if truth be told, during the rest of the season of Lent as well. We, Swiss, are not about to give up our chocolate!)
I find it most intriguing, that my calendar contains this quote from John O'Donohue, "May all that is unlived in you, blossom into a future graced with love."

In this dark night of my soul, to find this quote in the month of my birth, is as though God is speaking to my very spirit and heart. I will be holding this quote close to me, contemplating it and praying with it the rest of the year. Words of invitation to examine in this dark night and to hold onto hope for what is yet to come and be that is and will be graced with love. Words of comfort to wrap myself in when overwhelmed by the not-yetness of our lives. Words of assurance that God is in this dark night with me and leading me through it to a time to come when new life and new things, unknown at present, will grow and and be. Words of strength that pull me when I stumble and fall into ditch of discouragement and despair.
Perhaps, this is God's birthday gift to me in this dark night. Something to cling to, a word of encouragement and grace to bring me through the year and this time. It isn't much and yet it is everything. A simple quote in a calendar, randomly placed as thought by most or some, yet serendipitiously there by the grace of God in my understanding. Every little piece, every tiny glimpse, every shred of connection I see and make (by God's Spirit) will hold me to God, will I welcome into my soul and being for the grace it is - mundane, or trivial. God works in all things; great and small, serious and funny, worldly and otherworldly, permeating the material with the spiritual, making it holy by infusing God's presence into it. How can I ignore that or turn from it? I can't and so, each little scrap that speaks to me and my soul, I will honor and hold gently, for in it, I hear God, I find God's presence and it is all I have in this dark night.

OFF-LINE -
Not by choice, but the church was without internet for two days! I sorely missed it, especially checking my e-mail. By late Thursday afternoon it was up and running again, only it was time for me to leave.
I did manage to pull my Ash Wednesday service together. Still have to tweak the sermon and the communion liturgy.
My day off is spent doing my banking, errands, grocery shopping, laundry, etc. and rarely have time to be on-line. This week it will include a visit to the Vet with Jett who needs his rabies vaccine. Always, something!
The church is getting primed for a discernment process that will make a good Lenten disipline and spiritual practice. So, I have been busy with that.
As often in interims, there are staff changes. To date we have - a new choir director after not having one for over a year. We hope she will be with us for at least a year.
And now a new church secretary, who is really the old church secretary who left to start another job and got downsized.
So, things are in flux and changing and moving here.
Not so in my life. We are at a standstill, waiting for God, waiting for what comes next. I had hoped to move through this dark night, but it is longer and lingering with little movement or small movements in tiny spurts. I function on the outside and the inside suffers and longs and sends out gossamer threads of hope to the Great Silence. All the while, missing the delight, the savoring, the joy that is a part of life and has been so much a part of me. I pray it will come back one day - deeper, richer and fuller as it has in the past.
As our internet was off-line, so I feel off-line from God and not by choice either. But I keep trying to make the connection, I keep praying to the Great Silence, knowing GS hears me and learning to live inside this dark night and befriend it. I have the feeling I will know this dark night very well long before it is over.