Cracked Paths

While on retreat last weekend, my feet were able to take me on a wonderful walk on a Chartres or Medieval patterned labyrinth at the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center in Beech Grove, Indiana.

Sadly, the pavement on which the labyrinth was lovingly painted has many cracks and crevices throughout as if nature was creating her own secondary version of a labyrinth.

Cracks vary in their depth and length.  It seems that some attempts at repair were made.

Throughout my walk I began to ponder the significance of 'cracks on my path'.  While the way is very clear... there can be crevices to stumbled into or trip over.  Cracks also represent the brokenness in my life... that God's grace smooths over so that I can more readily follow.

Yet, like this photo of a small tree, life can be found in the cracks and crevices.  I pray that new life, fresh opportunities, and joy can be found even in the unwanted openings in my journey.

May God use even my cracks for healing and hope in others and myself.  May it be so.

Candidacy Retreat

 Last Friday and Saturday, I was honored to retreat with 34 candidates for ministry from our state of Indiana!  Amazingly diverse group of ages, stages, ethnic backgrounds, lifestyles and gifts for ministry.  WOW!

This stained glass was on the door welcoming retreatants to worship.

 The woman at the well (from Gospel of John) goes and tells everyone she meets about Jesus, the Messiah.  Her generosity makes me consider her one of the early evangelists.

This tapestry hangs in the stairwell at the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center... notice the outpouring from her container seems endless and too much for what 'should' fit within her vessel.

This cross and the branches surrounding it was backlit with so much light that you cannot see the word: Alleluia written in gold letters on the cross.

Beautiful!  Just like these amazing servants of Christ willing and able to answer the call of God upon their lives!

Bummer Summer Number Two

Our summer has been a bummer because of that boot over there... My kiddo on the 2nd day of Vacation Bible School (officially 4th day of summer vacation) broke her growth plate in her left ankle.

Apparently, VBS is dangerous or at least hazardous to growth plates.

After our doctor visit this morning we have learned that she will be wearing this thing-a-ma-bob until the first three days of school.  Grr.

It is a bummer of a summer.  She has been unable to:

• ride her bike
• run
• skip
• jump
• swim
• walk long distances
• play in the ocean in Florida
• ride in the boat at the lake
• enjoy the hot tub

Previously there was a bummer summer between kindergarten and first grade as she recovered from mono.  I certainly hope that there is not a four-year pattern emerging.  

I am off to try and find more 'keeping-her-busy-activities' to make the time pass.

4th Parade

A week ago during the best July 4th weather in a decade our little trio of a family headed to Brownsburg for the annual July 4th Parade!

This time we went to the parade in style.  Our little red Mustang, picture to the left, participated in a local Mustang club parade entry.

We thought our 14 pounds of candy would have been enough.

HA!

We ran out (my kidlet has a terrific candy throwing arm) about 2/3 of the way through the parade.

Way too much fun and so were the hamburgers and shakes we had for lunch!  Terrific 4th Parade, then a party with family, and jazz music/fireworks with more family in the evening.  Truly one of our best 4th's as a family.

God Bless the USA!

Rest or Bust!

While on vacation (the worst one ever) I did find time to read one trashy novel and one spiritual book. Counter balance is my usual reading-vacation mode.  Quickly, I became fascinated by MaryAnn McKibbon-Dana's Sabbath in the Suburbs: A Family's Experiment with Holy Time.   To all the busy mothers out there who I know struggle for quality time and spiritual depth for themselves and their families- this is a must read!

Anyway, much of the book inspired my sermon from last week on Matthew 11:28-30... but one poem that MaryAnn borrowed from another author, I think, really sums up what Sabbath and rest are about as people of faith.  I share it here for you...

Six days you shall be a workaholic; on the seventh day, 

shall you join the serene company of human beings.

Six days shall you take orders from your boss; on the seventh day, 

shall you be master/mistress of your own life.

Six days you shall toil in the market; on the seventh day, 

shall you detach from money matters.

Six days shall you create, drive, invent, push; on the seventh day, 

you shall reflect. 

Six day you shall be the perfect success; on the seventh day, 

shall you remember that not everything is in your power. 

Six days shall you be a miserable failure; on the seventh day, 

shall you be on top of the world.

Six days shall you enjoy the blessings of work; on the seventh day, 

shall you understand that being is as important as doing.  (Blu Greenberg).

Beach Time

Beach time ebbs and flows like the waves massage the shore.

Regular home time is all hurry there and rush here. Very little pause for quiet.

My sermon text for this weekend is convicting me and I have not even delivered the sermon yet.

Sigh.

I hate it when the preacher is preached to first.

Beach time is like Sabbath time which is the nature of our message from Matthew 11:28-30.  It is a lesson I am still learning and unlearning especially as my family returned un-rested, un-renewed, un-satisfied from our vacation away.  Yet another reminder that much, too much of our soul work is in the interior of our hearts.

Ah- if there was a beach for me soul within!

Now, that would be something.

Tales of the Worst Vacation Ever!

Here we are at sunset on America's #1 Beach- Seista Key, Florida.  The sun is setting on the Gulf of Mexico like it set on our worst family vacation.

I am sure there are vacations in history that out do ours in trouble and calamity.  But for our small family of three who sought the refuge and joy of the ocean and beach; this was not the vacation we were looking to experience.

Yet, if I step back from my suitcases of dirty laundry and unanswered emails long enough to stare at this photo.... some of the best parts of our trip come and settle in my mind.