Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Final Countdown to Fall...

You know summer is winding up when crayons, paper, and backpacks appear in all the local stores. Sigh. There is still more fun to be had like ... pools to swim in, garden veggies to grow, hammock naps to enjoy, and BB Q's to eat!

So much to do and so little time... Good news is we've already made our annual 14 loaves of chocolate zuccihini bread. Bad news is we're still behind in our summer reading program. About 35 books to go for my kiddo and over 700 pages left for me to read.

There is obviously more summer to enjoy! But while we do that there is the gentle approach of autumn busyness... for example, believe it or not we'll be planning Advent and Confirmation 2011 next week in our staff retreat. Ugh.

Better go and ride my bike... see yah!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Special Bible

I know something must be up because rarely does my Spiritual Director give me homework. You can imagine my surprise last week when she handed me material as I left her new office!!

My quest is to explore the upcoming exhibit of the Saint John's Bible her monastery is hosting during the month of August. Visio divinia, lectures, workshops and tours are all a part of this fascinating event.

Here is the website were you can learn more about this http://www.saintjohnsbible.org/ hand calligraphy and illuminated manuscript of the NRSV Bible. It is gorgeous! First one done this way since the invention of the printing press. Here is more information on the exhibit
http://www.benedictinn.org/benedictinn.org/The_Saint_Johns_Bible_Exhibit.html

I am intrigued by this group of monks who are attempting to remind all believers that our Scripture is alive and full of life. So, I hope you may join me in my quest to be a student of the word as it is presented in such an amazing manner!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Prayer Creed

"if God's language is silence, then the language of God's people is praise."

I believe in prayer.
Because I believe that the Someone who is listening loves me more than anything.
And wants to hear me talk and is thrilled when I shut up long enough to listen.

I believe that prayer isn't always polite, neat and tidy.
Life isn't tidy.

Sometimes or most often, my best prayers are loud, long, angry, whiny and raw.

I trust that God wants and in facts demands my honesty in prayer.

There is nothing no ugliness, no sin, and no pain that can stop me from praying.
God has heard me before vent my anger towards Godself and not struck me down.

God loves me enough to like my open mind and chatty, potty mouth.

Prayer deepens our rapport with one another... even when I don't hear anything back or when I have to wait for an answer.... the act of praying usually brings me back into focus if the answer to prayer does not.

And that's what I believe about prayer.

What do you believe?




Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Mentor Summer

Because we're past the half way mark of summer (i.e. July 4th) and sliding down into fall activities and the start of school, I've come to the awareness that my summer has two main themes ... 1) transition for our family around my husband's job change, and 2) mentoring.

For some reason unbeknown'st to me I've been asked to serve as a Candidacy Mentor for three different women who are entering ordained ministry in our denomination. Three. (My buddy down the office hallway is mentoring, get this, four!)

Why so many and all at once? I don't know. Are there not enough mentors around the state of Indiana or am I decent at this sort of thing? It could mean I cannot say 'no' very well?!

Whatever the reason, three very different, very smart, and very dynamic women (all attending different seminaries) share God's call upon their lives with me.

I like things that come in threes. Like the Trinity, good sci-fi films (i.e. Star Wars has a pair of trilogies) and triple chocolate layers on cake. My family has three people in it. School House Rock sings a song entitled, Three is a Magic Number! Yes, it is. Yes, it is.

My time is being spent this summer deep in conversations with these ladies. I hope to aid God's grooming and growth in these future leaders, preachers, teachers, justice workers, pastoral care givers, prophets, and shepherds.

Please help me pray for these women. Jesus told us that the harvest is huge and the laborers are few. Yet here are three ready to labor for Him.

Jesus' church needs all the best help we can get...may these women discover the best in themselves as they follow God's direction for their lives.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Reading....

Half way there! We are halfway to our goal to beat last year's reading record of 180 books. My kiddo and I are signed up for the Bookworm Summer Reading program at our local library. But we have less time to get it finished...so, read, read, read....is how this week will go. Must read more picture books. More Seuss. More Scooby-Doo.

This summer I signed myself up to read as well. Last year my efforts were pitiful. (no use telling you what I got read...terrible.) But this summer I have already beat my page number goal... over 800 pages done. A good murder mystery put me over the edge thus far. :)

There is a stack of books by my bed, at my desk, and in my office ready and willing.

So, if you need me you won't be able to find me... we'll be reading. see you in the stacks.

Playdates and Parks!

My husband enjoys playing the game "If I had unlimited funds- here is what I would do...". Well, after enjoying a beautiful day at a city park, Deming Park in Terre Haute, Indiana, I know what I would do with the money.

First, we need lots of land with plenty of big trees to offer shade and a place to climb. Then, we need water and not just a simple water feature but a creek, lake or small pond. (Swimming pool will be added later.)

The playground equipment is essential component to an awesome playground. A great one for the toddlers too. All of it must be handicapped accessible, with climbing things, slides, forts, and lots of swings.

Next to the playground you need a frisbee golf course, ice cream stand, train rides for the kiddies, and a long winding bike trail. ahh.... doesn't that sounds wonderful?!

Nothing beats a summer day at a park!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Going to the Show!

Jesus Christ Superstar opens this weekend at our church! We've got our tickets, how about you?

During one of my high school summers I first saw an outdoor production of this musical and fell in love with it. And can sing most of the song lyrics as a result... Nothing better than a rock opera! (Some great guitar lics and bass lines too!)

It is a dark, musical drama at its best with a mix of anguish and angst. Perfect for teenagers to portray! And I am just saying, we've got the best set of students anywhere... right here!

Our sanctuary has completely been taken over with lights, set, huge pit for the band and all the props and costumes etc. Somewhere in the back wings you'll find the altar, candles, pulpit and baptismal font. They aren't removed forever- just out of the way for the singing, acting and dancing.

One thing you cannot remove from our sanctuary is a HUGE cross which is suspended (normally over the altar), but now casts it's shadow over the entire set. Actually our cross will make a shadow on the cast and crew as they share their offering of musical and theatrical talent.

Not a small reminder to whom all of this is directed- God. And a stoiac reminder of how it is that we are able to share these gifts- because of what God through Jesus for us all. Thus, hovering above center stage (as well as within the faith of the cast and crew) will be the Presence of our Triune God.

Jesus is super- but not in ways the world would affirm. Jesus is a star- but not in ways He would want to be acknowledged.... but then you may need to see the show to help you understand that... See you there!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

America's Birthday Parade!

Happy Birthday America!

Why am I fascinated by simple joys like our local parade? Hot sun poured her heat on us as we scrambled into the street collecting tootsie rolls and suckers. My little family had a terrific time! The event was not very complicated, nor fancy. In fact, we knew lots of folks in the parade itself.

Local businesses, churches (including our own), the High School band, political candidates, scouts, American Legion veterans & their families, clowns, corvettes, tractors, old cars, and of course the local fire department, police department & town management complete the over 75 minute Americana festival via Brownsburg, Indiana style.

Maybe I am just a sucker for a parade, I guess. I cry through the Rose Parade (which is on my Bucket List to attend before I die) every year from my leather living room couch. My hubby sacrificed his warmth and sleep so that I had a great spot on the 2006 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route.

Marching in them during High School was about blisters and dehydration. Attending them with two preschoolers is about candy, candy and more candy! What is not to love about that! ha ha!

Today's parade was special- first time our family attended it together. Diana had the chance to show her Daddy something, not often that happens.

Maybe I like this parade because it is down home local goodness... makes you feel all warm and fuzzy like we actually do live together in a community!

Or it could be the sugar high.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Kiddos on the Labyrinth!

Our play date complete with pool and Popsicles today finished off with a labyrinth walk by my 5 and 1/2 year old (half a year is now significant to her) and her buddy. They walked on his mother's grass Medieval labyrinth on their family's property.

Dripping in their swimming suits and either barefoot or in flip flops they walked together or at least tried to walk together. We mothers witnessed this metaphor in the making with laughter, tears and understanding.

The ongoing commentary between my long legged girl and her lean, mean (as in tough because he had a noticeable swagger) male companion was something to overhear...

"Hey, that's not the way."

"Slow down, you're supposed to walk..."

"You don't know where you're going, I'll lead."

"I am faster than you."

"(sigh) When are we going to get to the center."

"Hey wait, I gotta take my Mom these flowers."

"I know how to do this..."

"Race you!"

"Finally, we're here!"

She would lead when he stopped to look into snake holes or pick flowers for his mom. He would insist on leading because "he knew the way". They tried to walk together at one point each within a different 'ring' but discovered it just wouldn't work that way!

By the time they finally reached the center (we never did figure out how they made it because they changed their trajectory too many times), they busted out and over the path only because popsicles awaited them!

Delightful, just delightful to witness young souls practicing the art of walking the path!