Christmas Eve 4

Lights extinguished, songs sung, Holy Communion served, well wishes expressed, and the Gospel proclaimed in song, sacrament and sermon- all told a new record...

1126 souls served tonight!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve 3

Some elves have been very busy around here! The staff send there special, special thanks to the elves (i.e. the Tuesday morning DISCIPLE Bible class) for bringing us dinner!

The chili, veggies, fruit, and yummy deserts were so very much appreciated! We feasted! And it was really very fun to site down together inbetween services (sitting part was nice) and eat delicious food. You made us feel loved and cared for (much better than the PBJ sandwiches that I have eaten for the past 11 Christmas Eve's!) Thank you so much!

Our luminaries may have lost their ilumination by now- but not our Christmas Spirit- we have one more service. Already we have surpassed last year's attendance. (We did that with only 3 services!)

I am hopeful that our offering was just as healthy and bountiful!

So what do we do inbetween services?

Clean up litter in the sanctuary, organize music, get bulletins ready, sweep (Jen did that for me this year), eat, prepare for the next service, and make sure we have enough ushers, greeters, candlelighters etc.

Me- I just write in my blog!

See you in a another one- real soon.

Christmas Eve 2

Best moments from 7pm worship:

• Seeing church folks back in the flock,
• Luminaries remained lite in spite of the rain,
• Watching my daughter admire her candle during Silent Night,
• Singing Carols,
• My husband finding Santa Claus on his Blackberry via Google's www.noradsanta.org,
• Sharing Communion with folks who have lost loved ones this year, recovered or battled illnesses and the smiles on their faces!
• Knowing we only have 2 more to go! :)

Christmas Eve 1

Wonderfully noisy children and their families filled our sanctuary moments ago.

Praise God for our Youth (and almuni) Glory singers, children's choirs, Praise Band for fabulous music! It was a terrific service to begin our night of festivity!

I didn't dare look at the Holy Family as they came down the aisle (see my previous Blog about Tissues Needed)... too precious!

Now, I gotta eat, pass around candles, clean up discarded bulletins, and watch the rain try to dampen our luminaries!

See you!

The Day Before, the Day Before Christmas

Happy day before the 'day before' Christmas!

We have one birthday gift left to buy and a few gifts to wrap- and we're ready for the Party! Woo hoo!

Our preschooler can barely contain her excitement... Secretly, I have sorted through her toys and boxed many up... making room for Santa's gifts as well as those from the family.

She and her Daddy are supposedly spending today (while I am at work) doing some 'elf' sorts of things. She has kept her Daddy's gift a secret- that girl can hold a confidence! And she has not told me a word about my gifts...impressive.

Expect many blogs tomorrow night- inbetween worship and what not... I'll have nothing better to do (except vaccuum) and write thank you notes as the night wears on and on and on...

Merry, merry to you all! See you in the world of blogs or worship! Either will be Merry!

Tissues Needed

When you come to worship on Christmas at the 5 o'clock service (we have 3 other services too- 7, 9 amd 11pm), please bring me a tissue. I'll need it especially at the first evening service.

Not because I am fighting a cold or have allergies to poinsettas and candlelight, but because Jesus will be there.

Don't get me wrong, I believe Jesus will be at all of our worship services because our intention is to honor and adore Him, but He will be at 5pm in special form. And that special form is what I know will move me to a few tender tears.

Our 5pm service is our family service with our children's choirs singing, lots of busy children, Holy Communion for families, and no hot wax to burn the kiddos. What also makes this service unique is that during the Gospel reading Mary, Joseph and a tiny newborn will come forward for the children to admire. They are our Holy Family.

This year's family is especially holy. Because like the Prophets Isaiah, Malachi, and Micah longed and waited for the Messiah to come- this Mom and Dad have been waiting and waiting for a child to come into their lives. They have been through too many dissappointments and failed attempts.

Last year after yet another loss and dissappointment- this couple and I prayed together. We sensed that their firstborn would be Jesus this year for our Christmas Eve worship. And she arrived early during the Thanksgiving holiday to make sure she was on time!

Her Mom, Dad and I know she isn't the Savior of the world (we already have one). She will not save us from our sins, nor can she offer us eternal life, but all of us as believers in Jesus are asked to imitate His generosity, love, compassion and peace towards in another. We are called to be Jesus for one another.

This little newborn has been longer for, waited on, hoped for, and prayed for. She was also conceived, carried and birthed in love. And she has offered her parents a tremendous opportunity to practice the art and act of love within a family.

Therefore- she is Jesus. Just as every child has been, is or will be. Just as you are. And I am.



Sigh- anybody got a tissue handy, now?!

Holiday Lunch

I just had the one of the best holiday lunches ever and it had nothing to do with the food! (Meals were okay, but the service was shaky especially when the waitress dumped my ice tea on my friend's lap.)

My shout goes out today to girlfriends! Yippee- to have girlfriends! Girls need their girlfriends to talk and chat with like guys need their guy friends to tinker on a car motor and complain about their favorite sports teams.

Life often gets in the way of my time with girlfriends so when we do get together- it is special and meaningful. My girlfriends are funny, faith-filled, and fiercely strong (especially about their children.) Hearing their life stories and how they cope (or not) with stuff makes me feel less alone and strengthened. I learn so much from them.

Thanks gals, for making my holiday season and my life better & brighter!

My prayer is that every woman or man is a friend to themself by being a friend to someone else. It is the gift that keeps on giving.

Here's to friendship! (Just don't knock over the ice tea!)

Pray Like Kindergarten Students?

Our kindergarten students help put life in perspective for me.

Every week we listen to their prayers of celebration or concern. (They now inform me about how many prayers they have that day.) They tell us about what hurts and who is hurting. They remind us about deceased family members (which also include dead pets). Usually I learn during intercessory prayer time who is absent from class and why they are not there.

The last two weeks during prayer time the kids have been praying about HOW many presents they want to receive. Yes, they are giving me a numerical figure.

When they are feeling generous, I have noticed, this praying student will include, "I want everyone in my class to get a hundred presents!" I've tried to talk to them about what the difference between a prayer request and a wish/hope is. But I am not sure I am communicating this well to our students.

Today, I tried a different approach. After I heard the same sort of prayer, I asked, "So, what are you going to give to someone else this Christmas?" The student didn't miss a beat, "Nothing. Its about presents." He didn't blink. And neither did his classmates.

Stubbornly, I tried again, "But Christmas is about giving AND receiving. What can you give? Can you help around the house? Give a hug? Help with your pet or younger sibling?"

This student, like all the rest of us, was stubborn right back. "I'm not doing that." he said.

Hmmm.... my experience tells me that somehow we leaders and teachers in the church are failing in our jobs. We have failed to teach about the joy of giving. We have rendered this generation faithless because they are not experiencing the deep satisfaction and wonder which comes from giving. Christmas is about giving. God gave. And we are to do our best to imitate that by giving to others.

Or maybe these squirmy bunch of kids cannot help but like getting beautifully wrapped packages from a mysterious jolly guy in a fuzzy red suit- and that is enough. Or is it?

Christmas Blues- already

I've got the Christmas blues for my blue devils....(can't you hear Elvis singing his song in the back ground of this blog?!) ...they lost last night to a group of Big Ten Badgers. How pathetic- badgers?!

First time in a decade that the ACC lost the ACC/Big Ten Challenge! Wow- a Christmas miracle came early for the Big Ten!

How rough is that?! I could barely stomach watching the first half of the game...Coach Bob Knight's commentary; especially on the refs, was the best part of the experience.

Sigh. And don't ask me about my Steelers, they too need more than a Christmas miracle for their season.

Good thing I can lose myself and my sorrow while baking dozens of Christmas cookies.

Bringing in Christmas

How to have fun while waiting in the cold dark night for the Monument Circle giant Christmas tree to be lit:

1. Need a great spot to tailgate.
2. Need lots of jackets, mittens, and blankets.
3. Need silly entertainment like your spouses' Blackberry so that you can keep up with the Duke-UConn game stats while waiting.
4. Need to not drink too much because there are no bathrooms on top of the parking garage where you wait.
5. Need family to snuggle up with in the back of your SUV.

All that adds up to great family fun while bringing in the Advent/Christmas season!

Epilogue to Turkey Day

We made it! No one got sick from bad turkey (it was still frozen at 6:30am Thanksgiving morning. My husband promptly fired me, but four hours later I was re-hired after all came out well. It was the juicist bird ever!)

All of my To Do list was accomplished. Thanks be to the grace of God and a wonderful husband who took a day off work to help me clean.

The only piece of wisdom I can share from the last two weeks is that you know you are stressed when you have an ocular migraine in the middle of Wal-Mart while shopping for the thanksgiving feast.

Whew- now it's on for Advent and Christmas! :)

New - Turkey Olympic Event

Saturday my little family shopped for our turkey. Kid was in the race car shopping cart with Daddy driving her too fast down the aisles. My husband when he spied the HUGE freezer full of turkeys- fell in love.

It was as if soft music played, he ran to the turkey, embraced her, cradled her like Baby Diana, and then with tears in his eyes, "Honey, this is the one! It is as if God saved this turkey for us!"

Mind you, ten minutes before I was on the butterball.com website trying to determine portions sizes to feed our gathering. (Since we purchased the bird three more people are coming!) I knew we needed between 18-20 pound turkey.

My husband's new frozen hunk of love weighs a whopping 23 pounds.

Ever try to U-Scan a frozen turkey at the grocery check out?

Our youth group did turkey bowling last year... this is more difficult.

I recommend that U-scanning a frozen 23 pound turkey be an Winter Olympic event. It is hard to do! (Especially when your husband is drooling on the blessed bird!)

Pre-Thanksgiving Panic

Before almost a dozen people descend upon my house for a full meal deal of Thanksgiving yummies- I have to tell you about my pre-holiday panic. My hunch is that the day of this blessed event will go much smoother and more wonderfully than these days leading up to the turkey and fixin's!

Here is my abbreviated list of stuff to accomplish in the next six days or less:

• write a sermon
• give the same sermon
• teach a couple of classes
• finish a book
• organize a syllabus for a ministerial intern
• get Advent stuff prepared (i.e. announcements, devotions, candlelighting families)
• shop for the turkey, food and desert necessaties
• clean the house
• prepare the guest bedroom for our overnight visitor (Hi, Uncle Mike!)
• contain my daughter's mounting enthusiasm that Christmas decorating is fast approaching
• cook the turkey, bake the pies, and other stuff
• find enough card tables, folding chairs, and tableclothes for this crew (are they in the garage or attic?)
• stock the beer fridge
• get the latest kid photos ready for all the grandparents
• help my daughter's preschool class celebrate their thanksgiving (a Charlie Brown cartoon-special-feast)
• stop and be grateful I have the ability, energy, and opportunity to do all this stuff!

Whew- there are a few more odds and ends- but that basically covers it. Nuts- aren't I?

Next year don't be surprised if you read in my blog that the Knight family ordered Chinese food or pizza on Thanksgiving.

Goddaughter

My goddaughter likes to color. In fact, she is quite good at it for being only 3 years old. Stays within the lines, varies her color choices, and is very committed to finishing a picture before starting another one.

Last week while she spent the day with my five year old daughter and I, this little artist followed me around the house. She made a nest of her crayons and coloring books in each room as I dusted, cleaned, and scrubbed. Her presence was a gift of companionship.

But, what is most remarkable about my goddaughter is her life. A year before her birth my goddaughter's parents had exhausted all possibilities for fertility and carrying a baby full term. Don't ask how many miscarriages they went through. Just know it was too many. They began the process of application to adopt a child.

Wouldn't you know- months into the adoption process- God does indeed still favor couples who are barren! Grace's conception and healthy delivery were a gift just as her name implies. She is an undeserved and unearned present from God to not only her parents and my family, but a reminder to all peoples that God does indeed go before us.

So, if you see me bopping around town with two little blond girls- one brown eyed and the other blue eyed- now you'll know the story behind my other girl.

Lamenting the Fort Hood Massacre

Coincidence, I heard once, is God's way of trying to remain anonymous.

If that is true, I believe that it was no coincidence yesterday that our DISCIPLE Bible study class read and discussed the Book of Lamentations while a Memorial Service was being held at Fort Hood, Texas.

The older I get and the more I pray through/with/for news reports the more I am in awe of the wisdom and gift Lamentations provides God believers. For such a little book (only five chapters long) tucked in between such amazing prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Lamentation packs a terrific punch of the profound. (Please, after you read my blog- go read Lamentations for yourself. It won't take long.)

The poetic rendering of ancient Jerusalem's destruction and the exile of the Jewish people into Babylon in 586/587 B.C.E. models for all of us how to grieve well. Grief done well tells the details of pain and sorrow's story. Grief done well laments and articulates the loss one or a group of people experience together. Grief done well assumes and presumes God's loving steady presence. This is what we as a nation, our military family, and communities of faith are about today as we remember the betrayal and loss of life at Fort Hood last week.

Grieving done well also presupposes that sorrow itself will come to an end, mourning will turn to dancing, and God's mercies are fresh every day. My favorite scripture is tucked into the middle of this lament. See 3:22-23. In fact, my notes (for my husband and families' future reference) includes this reading for my funeral and the singing of a great hymn based upon these words, Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

God provides for us- even in times of great sorrow and loss. That hope and promise is what allows, I believe, deep healing to take place. May it be so for the families and those injured at Fort Hood and may it be so for all who grieve and mourn today.

With ONE Heart Testimony

Last weekend my husband and I gave our testimony as a part of the With ONE Heart

Capital Campaign here at Calvary. Below is our testimony.

Eric: Hi, I am Eric. Many of you may not have yet met me because I prefer to not be in the spotlight. And my work with the Indy Racing League, 8 months of the year keeps me away from weekend worship.

Michelle: Hi, I am Michelle, Eric’s wife, the Mrs. Reverend Knight. We want to share with you our story of living generously.

Eric: After getting married, Michelle insisted that we give to the church. My idea of giving was putting a $20 bill in the plate when I did go to church... And when I didn't go to church, I thought I was off the hook for that week. I had debt.A lot of debt, and that was my priority.

Michelle: Our giving wasn’t what God asks of us because we had this thing called ‘debt’. We had credit card debt, car debt, student loan debt, and our mortgage. All totaled at the time it was $ 71,564. Throughout these years we struggled to discern how to live God’s way. We knew our debt was holding us back from living generously. We also were beginning to realize that our spending habits and lifestyle were negatively impacting our ability to honor all the blessings God has placed in our lives. God has blessed us tremendously- we each have unique abilities and contributions to share in our community. We are blessed with education, family, health, and wonderful Christian friends.

Eric: Now, well before we had started with Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, we had already started our debt reduction plan. When we started Dave's class, we had already paid off all of our credit cards and car loans, and it only took 7 years and 2 months to do it. However, we still had the remainder of my student loan, and at that time, it had a balance of almost $30,000 remaining.

Michelle: Eric and I were s-l-o-w-l-y becoming united in our goals and finances. Bill paying nights were filled with arguments, anxiety, frustration, and agitation. Our vision of being debt free except for a house payment seemed like a far off distance place we’d never get to. We fussed and squabbled with each other and continued to wrestle with what God’s portion of our income needed to be. It took doing the Financial Peace University class together, reading the materials, and hammering out a working family budget that we both agreed to in order for our financial life to grow.

Eric: One of our first decisions in the budget planning was about our giving to Calvary. It is listed first before we set anything else. And even though for the last 18 months, we have been crazy intense about paying off our debt, giving to Calvary has remained #1. Not because Michelle is a pastor, but because we have learned the blessing of living generously. God expects us to honor him. Our money and our assets isn't ours anyway. It's all God's anyway.

Michelle: Since we started FPU class in January of 2008, we have paid off $29,248. As of September of this year, we are now totally debt free (with the exception of our house.) We have no credit cards, we live within our means. Our families and friends think we are weird. We do not go out to eat (but every two months). We have not had a family vacation since 2005 (our trips in 2006 were paid for by the Lilly Renewal Grant). We have used cars (they are paid for). We do not have cable. We shop for deals and every budget category has an envelope. Nothing is bought on credit because we do no worship at the altar of a FICA score anymore. We honor God for what God has placed into our hands.

Eric: We're debt free, and THAT is a great feeling. We are no longer beholden to man. At anytime, if I feel my work compromises my morals, I can walk away and not worry about how we can make ends meet. That is a powerful feeling. It gives you confidence in ways you never
imagined. I'm proud that we accomplished this debt reduction while giving
generously to our church. Now, our tithe to Calvary is a full tithe. We do 10% of our GROSS income. In the last year, I have been hounded by this voice in my head to give of our first fruits. If I can give more than 20% of my gross income to the government and all that Change, I can certainly feel good about giving 10% to the church.

Michelle: Next weekend you will be asked to give your pledge to our capital campaign called With One Heart. Eric and I have already prayed and talked about our gift. We are now praying for you. If you are struggling in your family finances- remember we will have another FPU class this January. There are lots of tools around to help you learn how to manage the blessing of income God has given you.

Eric: On November 22 we will be asked to give our First Fruits offering towards the With One Heart campaign. Michelle and I have our gift ready. Our only request because of our experience with debt is that our gift be used towards reducing the debt of our church mortgage. We want our church family to know what financial freedom is all about.

Michelle: Imagine what we could do as a church if we had no debt. Out $20,000 month mortgage could go to missions, ministry- you name it. Imagine the financial freedom we would have With ONE Heart!

Thankful Season

Every night we, Knights, have a bedtime ritual. Structure, order, and a routine are important in my house. One of the pieces of our ritual time at bed is for everyone to share "something they are grateful for" that happened or did not happen during the day. These are called our "thankful things".

Following our conversations around our thankful things- then we pray together about them and our other concerns/celebrations.

You can appreciate, I hope, how diverse our thankful things can be with a preschool student and her wacky parents. Here is a sample list of our thankful things in the past week or so:

• teeth
• my caterpillar
• got my work done today
• Daddy's job
• Nana sent a box
• Mommy and Daddy, but not Duke dog
• Daddy's patient help so that Mommy could write
• halloween candy
• naps

What are you thankful for?

My Grandma's Charge Conference

Earlier this fall an invitation arrived in the mail for me and others to attend, "This Ain't Your Grandma's Charge Conference!" My interest was tweaked.

What is a Grandma's charge conference, really?!

I am just young enough that my grandmother still lives. In fact she attends my congregation so this could be 'her charge conference' as well as mine. But I know that my attendance at our charge conference on Sunday did bring the average age down to only about 61.

Charge conference for grandmothers could be a group of blue hair'd ladies sipping tea and flashing one another grandkid photos on their iphones. That might be fun for some.

Or it could be a meeting where you vote on stuff no one has read nor will read about stuff no one really cares about while sitting on uncomfortable folding chairs in a small room with too many people. That wasn't as much fun.

The only thing worse than Charge Conference (my grandmother's or this year's) is Check Day when we do the same sort of things- numbers on papers that no one uses or reads.

Provocative, informative, life-changing, kingdom-building, exciting, and enjoyable- these are the things charge conference ain't.

Post Script: I don't think my grandmother has attended a charge conference for four decades.

Last of October

This will probably be my last blog of October unless I am inspired in the next two days. I really do not plan on being inspired because I am tuckered out.

My blog has not been updated recently because I have been writing a sermon (for last week's worship) and finishing my draft of a book Todd and I are writing. This afternoon around 2pm I got 'er done! (Until Todd reads it with his big red pen and I must do re-writes!)

Before that happens though I can go home and clean the house, find the dog under all the clean clothes that have not been folded in a week, catch up on some TV watching, and try to remember the names of the people I live with. And I am going to get on the scales today because I swear I just lost weight during my final edit.

Perhaps my expectations are too high- I'll just pretend and go do yoga anyway!

Number 9

Eggs are not sold in nines. Neither are undershirts, socks or pantyhose. Why be a nine when ten is so close by?!

Not too many sports teams use nine players with the exception of baseball. Nine irons can be handy when you get stuck in a sand trap on the back nine holes.

The most use the number nine gets is at the end of a price to make us feel like we're getting a bargain. $.99 etc.

Today is a Number 9 for my husband and I- nine years of marriage. It isn't our first year and it isn't our tenth year. It is number 9. A website I found tells readers that for this anniversary you either by pottery or leather. What kind of wacky suggestion is that?

I'd rather have dinner, a movie, and flowers or a nice card.

'bye Bye Garden

Our family garden project has truly been one of the best family projects of 2009! We couldn't have asked for more fun and adventure in our own backyard! And inexpensive too!

Last night, after our mornings of severe frost, we pulled up the frostbitten plants and cleaned out the entire garden area. Sad to say goodbye, but our daughter has already made a list of what she wants to grow next year! (This includes strawberries, more carrots, BIG tomatoes, and green beans.)

In case you missed our garden journey this year here are a few highlights for the memory treasure box:

• Our kiddo screaming with her arms in the air- full of victory- "We've got food!"
• Yelling at hot pepper plants does indeed make them mad enough to turn colors. And they do become hot enough to make my husband's face turn colors too!
• Sometimes seeds don't grow despite good intentions, water, sunlight etc. (we had one sunflower seed that never germinated this year.)
• Our dog likes to eat green tomatoes, but they don't stay green by the time they come out the other end. Yuck.
• Pea pods have zippers! How cool is that?!
• Planting carrot seeds too close together makes them grow all weird and twisty.
• Watching things grow like our garden, my daughter, my dog, and my family- is one of the best things ever in my life.
• Eating the fruit or veggies of your labor makes you appreciate the taste all the more!

Bye bye garden- see you next spring. We have plans for you...!

Feedback

Have you ever wanted to know - how to tell if you're making an impact in the world?! I think I have found the answer.

Often the answer to 'how we're doing' comes in the form and kind of feedback we receive from others around us. Over the past year I have been the recipient of a variety of feedback as a leader, pastor, woman, wife, mother, and friend etc. Written notes, comments, conversations, emails, and discussion groups have been the various modes of communication. I have learned even more about myself and set different growth goals as a result.

I like to hear from folks about what they perceive as my gifts, strengths, and weaknesses. Criticism and rebuke are never fun experiences, but it can be a growing opportunity if I can get myself out of the way in order to grow. In short, we are all sinners in need of grace and as a Wesleyan I believe that I am still "...growing into the perfect will of God for my life" (i.e. sanctification).

Sometimes, though, a leader receives feedback that makes one go ..."uh?".

A couple of comments this past year have stood out among the crowd. I have been accused of being anti-feminist, unsupportive of women, and against women's roles of leadership in the church etc. Now, before you jump to conclusions, you need to realize that at the same time I was also accused of being feminist, promoting women's minstry beyond what the Bible tells us, and therefore expanding the role of woman too far from traditional and proper gender roles.

"Uh?" was my first response too.

Realistically, how can I promote and accomplish the exact opposite stance on one issue at the same time? That makes no sense whatsoever. I am not ambivalent on the role of women as well as men to be leaders in our community as well as church. My presence and gender speak to that lack of ambivalence.

What does make sense to me though is this... I must be doing something to make an impact in the world if I can cause opposite ends of the theological and social spectrum to be mad, frustrated, disgusted, and angry with me at the same time. I can stir the 'pot' as they say on both ends. What a great untapped vocational skill! Should I add that to my resume?

Therefore, I have come to view these two pieces of feedback as a compliment. They were never intended as that, but as opposite bookends of viewpoints about my leadership they must be. I believe they must be indications that I am doing something to further the discussion regarding the role of women and men in the church because somewhere inbetween these two comments lives the truth and reality.

I just had no idea until recently that I was so controversial. Hmm.

My Dog has Blog Fans

Okay, I've heard your requests for more Dukie pup stories.

Gosh- he gets fan mail and I get credit cards applications?! So,

here's the latest on our #1 pooch...

We have a tall queen sized bed and if you've met Duke you know he is a big & tall dog. Dukie in no way can climb up onto our bed (he is afraid of stairs). But, what he does do is drop his 50 pound head (he weighs 83 pounds total, he just has a stubborn thick head) onto the edge of the mattress at 5:50am to wake me up. Thud, goes his head on the bed. And while his head presses down the sheets he breathes in through his nose making a huge racket- sniff!

Thud and sniff. That is his early morning routine when Eric travels and I am in charge of his early morning activities (outside and food). Thud and sniff. His nose is wet. It is cold. It sniffs me out under the blankets when I try to hide from him.

He does not bark. He just breathes. Sometimes he drools on my sheets. Attractive and pleasant this is not. My dog makes more laundry than the people in my house.

And then Duke stares at me. In the darkness of morning he thuds his head, sniffs for me, and stares at me.

If I play like I am asleep, he really knows that I am not. He can tell, you know. If I pretend to sleep and he knows I am awake, then he does this other thing. He windshield wipers the carpet with his long otter tail making this swishing sound. And he only swishes in this peculiar sort of rhythm. (That in itself tells you how often I have heard this sound if I can duplicate the rhythmic pattern?!)

Thud, sniff, stare, swish-swish, swish.

Thud, sniff, stare, swish-swish, swish.
Thud, sniff, stare, swish-swish, swish.

"Enough, already!" As I get up and take care of him.

In retrospect I could have used an alarm clock like him in college.

Writing Exercise

The writer down the hall from me (aka Todd "the writer") is a maniac! We're working on this book together and he is so far ahead of me it isn't even funny. (He probably regrets signing this deal because I am such a slow poke.) We will make this deadline- at least I will make his deadline to get my stuff to him.

It isn't my typing that is slow. Although I could have used more years of piano lessons to help me. My editing isn't that bad either although I dread editing. I have learned a few new things to make editing quicker.

Mostly, I have to sit with these Bible characters and wait on them to talk to me. I know it sounds like I'm having a mental health-reality breakdown, but I am really not. Just gathering the Muse and hoping she will talk to me and tell me what is interesting, fascinating, and engaging to help grown ups get a kick out of their Bible reading. I want Bible reading to be fun and exciting. That is not asking much, is it? I want to help create conversations that will aid folks in understanding themselves and our lives under God's plan better.

Lofty and lovely goals, but would the muse happen already. Ack! Rainy days and busy schedules with my husband out of town are not helping this process move quicker.

I gotta go write more! No breaks. No stopping. Housework, feeding the kid, taking the dog out to go to the bathroom, paying the bills- they'll have to wait. (Although I cannot pull an over- nighter like my mentor Todd. Gave that up with breastfeeding years ago.) I gotta write so I'll quit dreaming about these Old Testament characters...

Smiles

Given all the stuff going on in our world (and when isn't there stuff happening?!), I have begun to appreciate what makes me stop and smile...here's my list:

• my daughter asks me how big butterfly poop is.
• God answers prayer by healing and encouraging my mother-in-law.
• my pup's entire back-end wiggles to greet me at the door when I come home.
• eating the Bread of Life with the world this weekend.
• my husband does the dishes without asking him to.
• purple-red-pink sunrises on cool autumn mornings.
• meaningful, passionate worship with my faith family.
• smell of bread baking.
• color of cheerful yellow mums in front of people's houses.

What makes you smile, in spite of your difficulties?

The Hunt for October

October for many folks is all about autumn, football, marching band competitions, raking leaves, and preparing complex Halloween costumes. Not us. We have more.

Perhaps I mentioned this in the past, but our October is packed full of birthdays and anniversaries. I just spent way too much money on greeting cards today for the entire month! I'll need two books of stamps to go with them all.

My hunt this October is for the perfect wedding anniversary AND birthday gifts for my spouse. Have I ever told you that he is very particular? What to buy him is tough. He is the kind of man who loves to hunt for a bargain and get a great deal. So sometimes I think maybe he'd have more fun searching for his present than I have time or patience to do.

What challenges me is that he has already gotten me the best anniversary present ever. He has planned, arranged, reserved and done all the details (including childcare) for us to have a romantic getaway weekend. (Tough act to follow, I know.) But isn't that the sweetest thing ever?! Sigh. I've got a great guy. You would agree with me that I just don't deserve him.

Now, if only I can think up something spectacular as a gift! Undershirts at this juncture seem like a bad option, don't you think?

Laughter on the Labyrinth

Last Tuesday in our afternoon group of kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students- I shared the labyrinth. It was a hoot!

At first the kids all told me that the large canvas spread on the fellowship hall floor was a maze. Not so, I told them. Mazes want you to get lost. They are a game to play. Labyrinths are not a game. They are a tool for prayer. A labyrinth will never ever get you lost because there is only one path into the center and the same path back out. Ah- these kids were now intrigued.

I told them to help me find the 'cross' in the labyrinth and we did. Then we found the rose in the center and the lunations around the edges.

Finally it was time to 'let them loose' on the path. And we did- they laughed and giggled the whole way! Some decided it was time to pretend to be a car and they 'drove around'. Others hopped, skipped and jumped through the twists and turns.

When they were all done walking in and back out again (after awhile it was hard to tell what they were doing), I had the students sit on their favorite spot on the labyrinth.

I asked them what they liked most about the labyrinth (because it was obvious that these 5 and 6 year olds were having fun!). Their most common answer is the complete opposite of what most adults tell me. They liked the turns and twists. Most adults get frustrated with the turns and twists and like the longer straighter paths. Hmm... what does that say about where we've been in life and where we're going?!?!

Have you laughed on a labyrinth this week? If not, come visit and we'll take off our shoes for a 'drive.'

Weird Does Me Good

Weird day. Ever had such a odd collection of moments in one day that all you could say was, "That was weird?!" That is my today.

Meetings, conversations, writing, Fish Fry preparations, weather, Pumpkin Patch arrival, salary planning for 2010, emails, correspondence, worship planning, casserole deliveries, helping folks with their rent, watching a great movie on Africa, and prayer my mother in law's chemotherapy start- these are just a few of the moments in my day. And that doesn't even touch the housework that awaits me at home tonight!

Actually, at the moment I am taking a break from pounding the keyboard for words and banging my brain for more ideas on the book Todd and I are writing together. Whew. It is one thing to write for pleasure- and another thing for an editorial audience. Yikes. If you see me at Walmart dazed and confused, now you know the reason why. I shall get my chapters done, Todd, I promise!

But the most important thing is- fish! Right?!

Friday's Labyrinth Walk

the following is a brief reflection on my labyrinth walk with Shirley (retreat leader) prior to the retreat beginning last Friday.

Scattered everywhere
what a mess!
crunch, rustle under my feet

tiny strips of something
are you feathers?
could be twigs,
no, must be little bits of leaves.

don't you know you're in the way!?

oh, why do you stay
and stick to my shoes
as I walk this path?

there are more here,
less there.
you clump together, don't you?

winds of spirit blew you here
from somewhere else
sprinkled like seasonings on my path

Labyrinth Count Down

Less than 24 hours from now I will be walking on one of my favorite labyrinths! Yippee!

For those of you not into labyrinths- this is very exciting for me. And it means a terrific opportunity for prayer, reflection, quiet time etc. Yeah. And I need this time/space.

24 hours and counting down...cannot wait to walk the path!

A Pastor's Report

Every year our annual conference of the UMC asks pastors to reveiw the past year of ministry and file this report as a part of our Charge Conference gathering. Because I don't think anyone has ever read my report and it will fill someone else's file cabinet- I thought I would share it with my faithful blog readers. **warning: content may make you sleepy**

This year I join a small, but mighty group of United Methodist pastors who have served one church for ten or more years. I am stunned by the acknowledgement of this accomplishment as well as humbled by this vocational experience. This marks new territory for myself professionally as well as a new era for the congregation in which I serve (I am only the third pastor in Calvary's history to obtain this goal.)

My gratitude remains as we move into this tenth year of service together. I am grateful for the terrific collegial support and encouragement that I receive daily from Todd. What a trooper to put up with me all the time! Our staff and lay leadership continues to offer me their confidence and support in ministry and leadership. Thank you to all!

Longevity in ministry can afford a leader/prophet/preacher with a variety of pitfalls as well as perks. Perks come in knowing the stories of people and living life with them for ten years plus. We have history together! Perks come therefore in the arena of trust, intimacy, familiarity, and knowledge. It is a perk to have enough long term knowledge of the insides of an institution that I can witness her change, move, and have her being in the midst of our culture and world transitions.

Pitfalls are numerous. I can no longer blame mistakes on being a ‘newbie’ in ministry nor even on the people themselves. Their foibles as a church now reflect the weakness and vulnerabilities within my own leadership/psyche/personality. This confession is a tough one to swallow and one that invites me ever more to prayer, confession, and repentance. “How do I make myself new by the Holy Spirit in this place?” I ask.

Enough rambling of a want-to-be-mystic in churchy plainclothes!

We’ve grown in every category numerically (worship attendance, small groups, youth, confirmation classes, number of profession by faiths, missionaries, folks intending on vocations in ministry, etc), but one. We are attracting lots of previously lukewarm, never churched before Christians in training. It is exciting and challenging!!

The one area of non-growth, but even backwards movement is finance. We are not growing givers (i.e. want to be tithers). Our income is slim. And our budget is lean. Calvary is over worked, understaffed, and underfinanced for the size and quality of ministry that we provide our community. And frankly, I am not sure how best to attack, solve, wrestle, and improve this spiritual problem. Ideas are welcome.

Retreat Re-paired

Sometimes during the week prior to our annual women's retreat I feel like I am preparing to be re-paired. As if I can take all my brokenness, problems, situations, wounds, and worries to one place at one location and leave them there for repair. Good definition for a retreat, huh?!

Sometimes going to a different location, being with different people, changing the routine, and mixing all that up with prayer, scripture, worship and song does indeed make a difference.

My cry becomes, "Fix me, Jesus. Fix me." Repair my wounded heart. Heal me of my brokenness. Soothe my worries.

Great thing is that I know God will meet me or I will meet God- then the fixing will begin. See you at the repair shop.

Remembering

Remembering holds us together. Remembering keeps us watchful and mindful. Remembering honors lives lived and lost as well as lives that are yet to be.

Remembering links the past into the present. Remembering gives us wisdom for our future.

Today is a good day to remember...New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC and the place/moment you were in when you heard/saw the events of September 11, 2001. Never forget.

Remembering is vital to shaping where and how we go from here.

How To Celebrate a 5th Birthday

You will need:

• your favorite foods for dinner
• lots of presents: one of them being a new movie and another a new tent
• loving parents
• cookies-n-cream ice cream

Now, put the tent up in the middle of the living room. Gather all the pillows, blankets you can find and put them in the tent.

Grab your portable DVD player and your new movie. Pop in the movie so that you can watch it from within your tent.

Get spoons to eat your cookies-n-cream ice cream while you view your favorite film. Sigh.

Lean back and relax and enjoy the show! That's a great birthday!

Hallmark Got It Right

On a quick errand to finish shopping for my daughter's upcoming birthday- I ran into our local Hallmark store. I got for her what I needed- then my eye caught a new section of greeting cards.

First thing you need to know about me- I am a sucker for greeting cards. I love to send cards and I love to get cards. I send cards all the time. I am the only one in our house who uses stamps. My love language is words! I am a writer, don't you know?!

These new greeting cards I found were awesome. I read every one they had and literally sat in the store's aisle and cried. Each card said better and more eloquently than I can say what I want to say to my mother in law about her cancer/upcoming treatments.

You can guess what happened next; I bought a whole bunch. Tear strained and way over my shopping budget I made it to the check out counter. I complimented the store owner on these cards. She knowingly smiled and handed me a tissue with my change. Sigh.

Sermons, Spirit and Circumstances

For those of you who 'sat in' on the sermon I gave this weekend and have sent your comments email or in person- thank you.

I thought it would be important to blog and clarify one point. That is- I didn't write the sermon. And I didn't plagiarize it either. For the past two weeks the Holy Spirit has been whispering to me about the James 1:17-27 passage. And because of circumstances last week, I was in no condition to go through my normal hours of reading, preparation, writing and editing process. The sermon was written in little over an hour last Friday afternoon. A rare occurance and a new record. (That's why I cannot take the credit.)

Today I feel like a Muppet after Jim Henson has left the building. The hand that was working through me and has left me empty, tired and depleted- another indication that I wasn't really in charge of what took place this weekend.

And it is a gift because on Monday while my husband flew home from California we received the biopsy results that confirmed that my mother in law's stage four breast cancer from 2001 has returned. Her doctor calls this 'incurable breats cancer' because it will always come back. Chemotherapy treatments will help us run ahead of it for as long as she has life, but that is about it. And the chemo will either do the job or it will not.

After he got home we talked late into the night about our grief, our sadness, our loss and how to help our daughter through this experience at such a young age.

On Wednesday my husband and I took long lunches to visit Mom, take her a care package, Holy Communion, and some food. When we got there her breathing was so severely compromised (because the lymph nodes are so swollen with cancer cells and are pushing on the larynx and sternum) that we rushed her to the hospital. She passed out and her heart stopped beating. Before medical intervention could be initiated, her heart resumed beating.

She then was given radiation treatments and will have ten more before starting the chemo. The radiation along with a few other things has given her some relief for her breathing.

By Friday I was in no condition to write a sermon and thanks be to God- God's Spirit did the work and then helped me give a sermon with great passion and conviction. A sermon that I needed preached to me as much as our congregation needed to hear it.

So, don't thank me if you were moved- thank the Spirit.

Dollhouse

**warning this blog contains nostalgic material.

you will either become weapy or nauseous.**

• My grandfather built my dollhouse, my grandmother painted and wallpapered it, and my dad did all of the electrical wiring. Hours of imaginative play then followed.

• My daughter has a dollhouse now too. For the past ten months the family that came with it has lived there. But now likes lots of other Americans they have been evicted from their house. I don't know why because it is paid for, but they now live in a shopping bag on my daughter's shelf.

• The new family that moved in, is well, a bit weirdly eclectic.

• Cinderella is the mother. She has the best wardrobe and accessories of anyone in the home. Sid and Diego from Ice Age are her oldest boys. A teenage girl with long blond hair is the sister. She really was a Happy Meal prize in 2008 (a mini-Barbie fashion doll with a London T-shirt). And the baby of the family is a green haired little troll doll.

• If that isn't strange enough- they have a lot of pets! And all of the pets (i.e. the stuffed animals in my daughter's room) are having their babies in this home. Caterpillars, dogs, birds, chickens, cats, ostrichs, and bears, oh my! I don't know where they get the money for all the pet food.

• And then there is the pinta-like Christmas tree that hangs in the living room. (which really is a green star with shiny beads wrapped around it as lights/ornaments). It seems that in this home it is always almost Christmas.

I've heard of creative imaginations but this stuff is off the charts! I hope you are finding creative play in your life... it is good for all of us, kids at heart.

Garden Harvest

Our daughter's garden has offered it's produce. We reaped 8 corn cobs. Half of each cob fully developed kernels. So really we have 4 corn on the cobs to share at dinner tonight!

All three sunflowers have now bloomed. Tallest one reached the tip of the roof line before it drooped with weight.

Hot peppers are still producing because we keep yelling at them.

Cherry tomato plants have overrun everything. Both neighbors on either side of us- no such luck with tomatoes this year!

And well- we got out our shovels and dug up some carrots because... well, we like to dig! And they are the coolest ever!

Now we get to eat them!

An Interesting yet, little known fact...

Did you know that besides NFL players, NCAA college logos and Spongebob Squarepants that you can purchase a life size Fathead of Barak Obama to put on any wall of your home? Yep- tis true.

While cruising the Fathead. com website for Steelers stuff- my husband and I found a lifesize Fathead of President Obama. This Presidental peel and stick decal is only $99.99.

No other political figures are available. Not even dead presidents. Only cartoon superheros, NASCAR drivers etc.

I laughed so hard I cried. (I am sure now someone will send this blog to the White House. And I shall end up on some list...)

Summer's Conclusion

The one good thing about summer coming to a conclusion is that- we know it will be back next year! :) I just don't believe that climate change will affect the seasons in this part of the hemisphere. Don't buy it.

I do have lots of things to finish buying stuff. I've got my To Do List of items to complete before my daughter starts preschool next week. Slowly, we are marking things off and getting things done. Because once school begins, ministry gets more hectic for me too.

I must confess as much as I'll miss summer- autumn is an awesome season. Cool, yet warm. Gorgeous fall foilage. Football starts. (Go Steelers!) Two of my favorite people were born in autumn (so we have birthdays to celebrate) and my wedding anniversary is in fall. Great season- it really is.

And the added bonus for you Financial Peace University/Dave Ramsey's fans- is that next month we will be calling Dave's live show on a Friday. And you know what that means- yep our debt free call is next month. Oh, man it is so exciting being this close. I can almost taste it. I've been practicing my call to Dave for the past 9 months. (But I'll probably pee my pants with excitement so I'll have to write some notes down to tell him.)

Yep- we are reaping a lovely harvest in our summer garden (will add some more photos next time) and we will reap a harvest of hard work/effort/gazelle-ness too. Both are sweet end-of-the-summer treats!

August Vacation

This is a priceless work of art- our daughter's depiction of happiness and joy made with sand and driftwood! She made it on the beach in the last couple of days as we relaxed at my aunt's lake house. It is a perfect portrayal of how my entire family responds to the lake water, fishing, boating, swimming, trees and hills. Big Smiles!

We came back renewed and refreshed as well as sunburnt! Thanks, Auntie!

One more week and two-thirds of our family resumes our normal schedule. No more summer laid back schedule. So, we'll try to squeeze in a few more good times before the busyness begins.

But for now- we'll just smile!

My Dislike for Cancer

For a while now I've been fussing and fuming over cancer. I've seen way too much and pain and suffering to ignore this menance. And presided over too many funerals.

Last week I was muttering and whining to my husband about cancer: why it exists, why does it seem more prevalent; when will it end etc. Well, his response back stopped me in my tracks (and got me to shut up) when he said, "Michelle, you realize we are all born with cancer. Dysfunctional cells are always dormant in our bodies and it is just a matter of something activating them."

That got me to thinking. Thinking theologically that is. Cancer is a part of the human condition just as sin, death and disease are. It came into our lives somewhere during Chapter 3 of Genesis. Because that is when it entered this fallen world... it is waiting to be redeemed by the final victory of Jesus.

And I guess, even though I am not sure the BIG END is tomorrow, I have new hope that cancer will have an end because God's ending to time will finish if off better than chemo treatments and radiation therapy. I just wish it was in the lifetimes of those who I love and care about... because they deserve more than the suffering they experience.... and yet God never promised our lives would be void of suffering, only that God would not leave us alone in our suffering.

We Did It!

Our summer seading challenge ended yesterday. And we beat our previous record. The bar is now high for next summer. 180 books read! Wow!

Whew- I can tell you a lot about children's literature now...

Family Reunions

Everybody has them. (I hope.) We all have our favorite stories from these freak events in our lives when relatives you barely send Christmas cards to descend upon a park, restaurant or someone's home for hours of talking, talking, and more talking.

My family had one today. Our preschooler survived three hours of relatives in a dimply lit BBQ restaurant... then she had to go!! (Don't blame her- there wasn't much for her to get out of the experience and no playground to play on.)

We were 6 months old, Quinn, to 89 years & 11 months old, Wayne. There were four generations of us. And only three left from the oldest generation- the greatest generation. These precious ones were as honored as the littlest one who was passed around and around and around.

We represent the families and descendents of four brothers who came from a God fearing, earth toiling Hoosier couple. Their farm is here in Hendricks County. And now we are spread across at least four states.

I've been attending this reunion for my entire life and I am still baffled. Why do we get together? What is the point? Only my portion of this family do I see more often than this once-a-year-event. Long ago I thought I would understand this event when I got older. Now I am older and I still don't get it. What am I missing?

The whole thing remains a mystery to me and yet I continue to go... why? Somebody tell me why?

Excited-squared!

It is in the mail. The big IT has to be in the mail now by December 1, 2009. And so the clock has begun to tick...

The 'BIG It' I am referring to is the book that Todd (the mustache-less man of mayhem) and I are co writing. (the little it was the book contract.)

Yes- I am the one he referred to several blogs back. He convinced me to sign on to a book proposal and now- well- we are writing buddies or co-authors or something. Can't help myself. I have always wanted to venture into writing and publishing. This is another item on my bucket list after all- writing a book or two and getting them published.

Alphabetically- my name should go first on the cover, don't you think? hee hee.

Ya'll will be hearing more about the joys and woes of writing and deadlines soon enough, but for this moment in time, as the contract is off in the mail and the deadline seems light years away, - let's PARTY! Woo hoo! I am so excited!

Thanks be to God for all things especially a publisher who said, "Yes." (and thanks for the dude down the hall for helping out a rookie writer!)

Denial about the End of Summer Vacation

It cannot be August already! Where did the summer go? I haven't accomplished all of my to-do list. We've barely had any heat/humid/hot weather. ACK!

My daughter and I have beat last year's goal of picture book reading. We're at 167 books read as of today (contest ends on Friday). I didn't do so well in my adult reading- only about 800 or so pages this summer (I couldn't count all those magazine articles).

So, I am putting my family on notice that we are going to 'hurry up and have more fun' before the fall hectic schedule begins for myself and our daughter. So watch out- we'll be making our way through town!

15 Minutes Well Spent

While the media is glued to the Beer Summit this week- our family focus was intrigued and captived by something more interesing- caterpillars. While playing in the backyard after lunch we discovered a furry caterpillar on his way to a grove of trees in the corner of our lot.

We watched him for the entirety of his 5 minute trip to the tree line. He was so cute and the world seemed so big to his little eyes. But he took an unexpected turn (and no, the dog didn't eat him) towards the fence. He decided to leave the paradise of our yard for the open pastures of our southern neighbors.

Sticks and leaves stuck through the fence to coax him back were no good. He left us. Sigh.

But the world brightened as we turn back towards the trees- another little fellow was there waiting for us to follow him around for another 15 minutes.

Mother Nature is so interesting! How have you spent your time today?

Grumpies

Grumpies are now living amongst us. They have taken over my precious, sweet kid and turned her into a permanent frowning, stomping, whinning, & wimpering mess with two legs and a great suntan.

Is it time for school to start? Is she bored? Is she growing and tired? Is she an alein?

Whatever the reason- make it stop.

Top Ten Reasons to Keep Duke Pup a little longer or until he dies of something he ate

10. Because every Blue Devil fan needs a light blue colored poop bucket with a University of North Carolina sticker on it.

9. Because he annoys our daughter like a younger sibling would and that brings cheap entertainment to her parents.

8. Because we're greeted with a tail wagging, happy, wet nose, drippy mouth'd friend when we come home.

7. Because watching the infamous "poop dance" is so funny!

6. Because yelling "Duke, Duke, Duke" all the time in the direction of our UNC fan neighbor's house is too fun.

5. Because my husband is assured that this big brute of a pooch will protect us while he is traveling with work.

4. Because I want more work to do; cleaning, washing, feeding, walking: I just do NOT have enough to do.

3. Because he is a great excuse for family exercise together!

2. Because well- he is too cute and I cannot help myself- I'm a sucker for the cuteness.

1. Because you wouldn't be reading my blogs- they would be way too boring.

So, thanks Dukie buddy for all that you offer in our lives. Keep it coming, man, cause I need the material.

Why Keep Him?

Last Saturday night lying in bed, darkness covering us, my husband gently whispers-
"So, tell me again, why do we keep him?"

This not so romantic conversation centered on the pooch of our house- Duke. The rock-eating, drippy drinker, and all around annoying furry companion.

My hubbie asked me this question to validate why it is that we tolerate this dog. THIS dog, who while we were at church innocently getting our family photo taken and worshipping, threw up one-fifteenth of a ton of mulch in his kennel. (Yah think- he was put out that he was not included in the family photo op?!)

Nope- his vomiting expedition came from a much dumber reason than that. He ate the mulch because it had all the remains of our grease tray from the grill. (We had cleaned the grill that afternoon) Yes- Duke dog confused mulch with real food. My husband questions the dog's intelligence.

I never said Duke had intelligence. So I am not dissappointed.

Oh- here's the rest of the story. We cleaned it up. We then went out to dinner. (2nd bad family decision of the night.) And Duke threw up again... and laid in it by the time we got home. With my husband swearing, my daughter yelling "Lordy, look what Dukie did!" and me trying to get the dog into the shower without getting vomit on my carpet- made me re-think why it is that we have a pet when a stuffed varmit, or a fish, or another Beanie Baby would suffice.

I am still thinking...

Spinning World

Now, I know how the Planet Earth feels- spinning always spinning. After two of days with severe vertigo- I am ready for all the spinning to stop. No, do not invite me on the merry-go-round. And please don't ask for me to ride any of the 4H Fairground rides. I want to stop moving. Being still and stationary (in my head that is) sounds like bliss to me!

Every day chores have taken on a new level of difficulty. Our dog has not been on a walk for two days (he is in trouble for his Saturday night double feature vomiting routine.) Making the bed is impossible because I want to lay still in it all day. Bending down to load the dishwasher causes the world to turn in on itself. Shoot- don't ask how it was to wash my hair or to shower. I about fell over twice.

And the worse part about vertigo- you cannot go anywhere... people think you're drunk at 9am in the morning when you wish something you could drink would make the spinning stop. No driving. I've had my wings clipped.

I guess this is the Spirit's way of slowing me down for a bit. Helping me to honor my health and begging me to stop my part of the spinning- earth's rotation is enough, thank you very much!

Summer Literature

My daughter and I have completed reading 108 books for her summer reading program at the local library. We need to beat last year's best fo 152 books read. I think we can surpass that before August 7th.

I've only read around 734 pages thus far and am way behind on my reading. Also, I am way behind on my writing, but two closest in the house are organized again!

This week my reading will be Bible commentaries and articles to prepare my sermon for the weekend. Not much exciting there.

I did read the back of the Special K cereal box and have six new recipes to read through this week. I wonder if those can count towards something?!

What have you been reading?

It is difficult...

...to grow corn when your dog decides to pluck stalks out of the ground, drag the remains around the yard, and leave shreds of corn stalks between the flower beds.

sigh.

Anyone want a dog?!

Home Alone: What to do about it?!

Here on this Saturday post thunder showers and worship, I find myself home alone eating leftover pizza. Yum.

Well, not completely alone, there is the large yellow Kleenex eating, bottom sniffing pooch by my side as I type this blog entry. He keeps trying to take advantage of the lack of humans to distract me by laying at my feet a pile of his toys. (He thinks I will want to throw or toss one of these with him.) Pathetic really. (Don't worry when I am done here I shall put on my walking shoes and take him for his other favorite activity- a walk around the neighborhood.) Don't take the sad look on his face as truth- he does receive attention.

But what else shall I do now that I am home alone? This happens so rarely in my house anymore I am in a quandary. I made a tentative list of items to accomplish but, cleaning out a closet, reading more books on leadership, brainstorming chapter details of a book, organizing the weekly grocery list, working on my children's stories, vacuuming and folding laundry seem, so, shall I say - lame?

If my preschooler were here we would be knee deep in baby doll clothes, Candyland, and watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. If my husband were here we would be puttering in the garage or the yard, discussing grass growth (or lack thereof in certain parts of the lawn), trimming trees, and examining the garden.

Ha ha! They're not here. Feels like I'm playing hokey from my busy, hectic life.

But I am such a goose I am not sure what to do with myself. How odd to be at loose ends....perhaps something exciting, daring, exhilarating, meaningful or profound, will come to mind after ol' slobber drinker gets his walk. Or maybe I'll just go to bed and get some sleep.

Commentary on the Jackson Memorial Service

I, like most of the zillions of inhabitants on this planet, watched the 1.4 million dollar Memorial Service for Michael Jackson. I couldn't help it. Like all my classmates in school, I bought his albums, attempted to dance like him, and followed his musical career. It was the 80's afterall.

But throughout the 3 hour service I felt a disconnect, did you? Sure, we all have our comments about the gold coffin, the pallbearers coordinated outfits, the folks who spoke, who was there and who wasn't, what was sung and what was left unsaid. But that is not the disconnect I am making reference to.

Because of my vocation I have a lot of professional experience providing leadership, direction and assistance in the presentation of memorial services and funerals. Also, I have been a granddaughter, niece, and a friend attending many services of remembrance for my loved ones who have died. Been there and done that- you could say.

My familiarity with the subject has highlighted this incongruity before, but the large scale of Jackson's event made it even more noticable.

And here it is- Memorial Services really are for the living. Elements of the Jackson service and choices that were made obviously reflected what the family wanted, needed, or desired and I am not sure that if Michael himself were around the service would have included the same choices.

Now there is nothing wrong with that- families need to grieve and the rituals around a memorial service and funeral assist with that important process.

What Tuesday's big event made me realize again- is the variety of expressions and means we all have to grieve. For me- it is my faith in Jesus that makes meaning and purpose out of life and death. The important question for you- is what assists you in letting go, saying goodbye, and moving forward?

First Fruits or Veggies for that matter

Sunday was the day for our first ripe cherry tomato. Our daughter preciously cupped her hands together, kissed the blessed veggie er fruit (what is a tomato anyway?) and proceeded to parade it around the yard! "The first tomato, Momma! The first tomato everybody!" was her cry!

Next she carried the first pick carefully into the house, washed it in her sink (without soap Momma!) and then sat at the kitchen bar staring at it. Finally, I encouraged, "You know you can eat it!" A giant 'O' formed on her face and immediately it was popped into her mouth. The oohhs and the aahhs were dramatic!

Yesterday 5 more ripe ones were placed in her favorite Princess bowl. Again, with all the pomp and circumstance that ripe food requires- kisses, washing, parading etc.

We have been gently sqeezing our pea pods (yes, we have peas in July- who knew?!) every day to see which ones are plump enough for picking. Ten lucky fellows made it into our bowl yesterday. We counted the pods in both English and Spainish for good measure.

Then, I showed Diana how Mother Nature with God's blessing put zippers on pea pods for the little peas to come out. Oh- the delight at that discovery. "Do it again, Momma!" Of our ten pods we had about 35 little green peas.

Let's just say dinner last night was a preschooler's feast (with the exception she refused to share any of her tomatoes... and that is another story entirely.)

Lights in the Dark

I am weary and angry about the violent domestice homicides that have occurred where I live especially to people I care about. I am tired of children being hungry in the US and elsewhere. I am frustrated with all the emotional and physical suffering that folks endure day after day. It is enough. My eyes are heavy with tears. When is Jesus coming again to fix all this?!!

And then a few nights ago, in the quiet of soft summer evening, my husband and daughter stole a jar from the cupboard (actually one of my favorite glass vases) and proceeded to go fire fly hunting. As dusk settled between our pine trees eight precious lights were captured and carefully stored (along with a lunch of leaves our preschooler provided).

Later, after brushing her teeth and requesting no stories that night, the three of us snuggled in her bed watching the intermitent glow of lights from the jar on her bedside table. Little lights in the darkness... too precious.

Early in the morning we practiced "the catch and release program" by letting all (but one unlucky fellow) go free. We sent light back out into the world.

Maybe that's all we need while we wait on Jesus to finish things- a little light in the darkness.

Stuff You Need at Annual Conference

Here's a collection stuff that you will definitely need when you come to an Annual Conference gathering of United Methodists:

• Sunscreen for the walking commutes between buildings.
• Large beach towels because the towels provided in the dorm are only big enough to dry your cat.
• Your own laptop, iPod, and cell phone or iPhone so you can blend into the campus wildlife.
• Either a large bladder OR depends undergarments because the line for restrooms is longer than the line to meet the author of Harry Potter books.
• Heavy doses of sugar and caffiene to both stay awake for all the meetings and to be outgoing enough so that you can meet and greet all these thousands of people!
• Good walking shoes.
• and a strong desire to hang out with a bunch of God-loving, Jesus-freaking, Spirit-sharing people called United Methodists!

So bring yourself and come on over!

Annual Conference- here we come!

We leave this week for Annual Conference- our first one on Ball State University campus as the entire state of United Methodists. It is back to the dorm for me for the week! Woopee! At least this dorm will be air conditioned as my college one was not.

Lots of meetings, lots of hugs/greetings, seeing old friends, former parishioners etc. And lots of guest speakers this year so hopefully I will learn something new or remember something old that I need to re-learn.

Anyway- I shall see you all after we get back! Blessings!

What I learned at VBS

We learned many things about following God, living on EDGE, and serving Jesus this week at Vacation Bible School. Here are a few tidbits that I learned and re-learned...

• Kids and adults alike prefer to have their feet washed rather than wash others.
• Children become hyper after snack time.
• Preschoolers tune everything out after 2 1/2 hours of VBS fun.
• No one can resist putting on a costume and acting out a part in a story.
• Children with Kool aid mustaches are even more irresistibly cute!
• Kids are naturally generous as long as you give them the means to do so.
• Our youth are especially awesome! They helped everywhere during VBS. And were terrific role models for our littlest ones.

Now, it is time to rest, reflect and remember all we've learned.

VBS-ness

The last two days we've lived, played, sang, danced, eaten and talked with over 300 at Vacation Bible School. Whew- I was soooooooooooo tired after yesterday's session that I came home and napped. Lost my voice on day one too. (Hard to be a storyteller if you don't have a voice!)

I've got two great youth and adult helpers, though! We're having a fantastic time telling stories from the Bible. Got three more to do. I am gathering more props and what not for tomorrow's story. Drop by in the morning this week- you've just got to see what we're doing.

It is a joy to see little one and big ones- getting it. That is getting something new or deeper about who God is and what God is doing in their lives.

I wonder if the kids would be willing to follow me into a labyrinth?

Where Have I Been?

This week has been hectic. My husband was home 24 hours and then left again. When he returned I had another suitcase ready for packing!

Mid-morning today we arrived home from four stressless days and three restful nights at my aunt's lake house. We only worried about food, sleep, how much sunscreen to wear and whether the fish were biting. Say it with me, "Ah."

Fishing, napping, reading, relaxing, boating, and swimming were our amusements. I became so mellow tiny little roots started shooting out of my toes. So we had to leave before they sunk too deep.

Now, we're back and ready for a hectic and fun week of Vacation Bible School! (We shall blog more about that later.)

Guys and Grass

What is up with guys and grass? Even though we've lived in our current neighborhood for over three years, I am still baffled by the intimate and often prideful connection between men and their lawns.

Guys on our street gather on our sidewalks to compare lawn care services, techniques and the gossip around the area. They discuss the best deals on bulk mulch and rent as a group this giant contraption that puts holes in the lawn (which, I think, look like stubby worms everywhere).

The benefit of all this effort- beautiful homes and gardens. Grass, shrubs and trees are better manicured than my finger nails. It is a good thing, really.

My husband and and I were asked recently if our neighborhood was 'nice' by a prospective new neighbor. My hubbie laughed and said, "only if you're willing to work on your yard." I have heard the guys discussing which neighbors are not caring for their overgrown shrubs, shaggy grass, and awkward landscapes. Often times they offer to help out this 'slacking neighbor' (which sometimes is another excuse to use a new tool more often) and mostly about making our section of the world beautiful.

With all that said, I gotta go mow the lawn. All this rain has caused it to grown again.

Oh no- I've got it too.

Kids & Writing

I have been amazed by the variety and amount of new literature that is out there now for kids of all ages. My writing class has sent me to the library on numerous assignments to read emergent reader books, chapter books, YA, and even graphic novels (not what you think). Never really considered this whole genre of literature from this angle before.

What fun it was to re-discover old friends along the way. Like Beverly Cleary and all of her books! What a hoot! Boy- did that bring back a rush of nostalgia from grade school and middle school. Some things I had hoped to forget.

Anyway, I am off to the library for yet another assignment (i.e. considering nonfiction writing for kids). By the way- never go to the library during the first week of summer break when it's raining. Way too loud and crowded.

June Blessings

June has brought the heat! WOO HOO! I think we need to get a sprinkler. The squirt guns don't quite cut it anymore.

Spent the morning with my spiritual director today. We meet every other month for what John Wesley might call 'holy conversation.' Talking and listening with an ear towards what God's Spirit is sharing.

Sometimes I take my journal (the one book I have that no one is allowed to read). Other times we process dreams, situations, songs, prayers, and sermons. Mostly it is life stuff. And we try to discern in what ways God is active and busy in my life.

My favorite part is our closing time together. My spiritual director prays over me and for me (i.e. what we have shared and what she senses needs to be addressed before God). And for someone like me who routinely prays for others (out loud and in silence) it is such a gift and blessing to be prayed over!!

Today, I mentioned my joy over my director's prayers for me. She laughed and said, "I know the feeling. It is my favorite part when I see my director too!" I guess those of us who are busy caring for others and making it our business do indeed feel blessed, humbled and deeply appreciative when others pray for us.

So, go pray for someone today. And then if you are brave enough, ask someone to pray for you!

You'll be blessed too.

End of May's Madness

The conclusion of this month approaches us quickly and I am glad.

Our family (my side that is) has 5 five birthdays this month (that also includes our God-Daughter's). Buying cards and gifts, as well as Mother's Day stuff along with graduations, can be a budget buster unless you plan well. We go through stamps and wrapping paper like it's Christmas! So sorry, family, if you got your gift wrapped in used aluminum foil. It's all I had left.

This entire month my husband lived, slept, ate, and we went to visit him occasionally at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track. Except for those rare Monday and Tuesdays off when he moved 11 cubic yards of mulch around our yard. He thanked me so much for this experience because it made him WANT to go back to his paid work gig!

One last item helps me bid a fond farewell to May's madness- my allergies! They go nuts this month. Now that the weather has shifted, things have bloomed and grown into another part of their plant cycle... I can breathe, swallow, and not sneeze a billion times daily. Ahh.

So good bye May- I am always glad to see you because it means summer and sunshine are coming, but I am even more grateful to watch you go.

Hello June- sun burns, humid hot days, VBS, and weddings- I cannot wait! Bring it!!

Summer is Here!

Summer is here! That was our chant last Friday before the long Memorial Day/Race weekend. School's out for our little one and I begin my summer schedule (with a lovely vacation this week at home).

Summer has a new destination this year. The land of hammock. Finally, after hiding in our attic for three years we have replaced our hammock stand. We can enjoy the wonders of relaxation swinging in the breeze. Ah- already I feel the gray hairs retreating into my scalp and the deep breaths of stillness returning. 20 hammock minutes a day keeps the stress away!

You should see the silliness of three Knight's in the hammock with the dog attempting to jump on in mid swing. Tickles have a new location in the hammock with the dare of falling off into the grass. We've already found all sorts of animals in the clouds and are enjoying the new flight patterns for the Indianapolis International Airport.

Peas and carrots have sprouted and are growing like mad in the garden. Planted the sweet corn and remaining sunflower seeds yesterday evening. Summer is here! Woo hoo!

Time to buy more sunscreen because I have my first inaugural burn of the season! Summer has arrived.

Victory in the Garden

Whoopee! Our little family explored our garden area last night. My husband decided the garden needed mulch. I was worried the mulch would inhibit our little plants from shooting up. So there we were, with our tail ends in the air, digging through mulch. And oh- the delight- the glee the sheer happiness when we discovered little bits of green attempting to burst through the mulch!

Our daughter jumped up and down with her fists and arms in the air (she looked like a runner who just finished the New York marathon in record time) chanting over and over again, " Food, Mama! We've got food!"

She shouted it with such enthusiasm, zest and volume that I am sure Child Protection Services will be called because our neighbors now think we are not feeding our daughter- but making her grow her own vegetables! It was a very exciting moment! The dog wagged his entire back end with excitement. I caught a glimpse of a little grin on my husband's face.

To witness something small that you planted in a dark deep place finally break through to light! Wow- a very cool moment that I shall not forget because I laughed so hard (at my daughter's joy) I cried with happiness. "Food, Mama, we're going to have food."

She then proceeded to tell us all about how the plants will grow and what we will eat and how good they will taste. (She never mentioned our contining jobs of weeding and watering and worrying.) Our preschooler did give better play-by-play action about our garden's growth and production than most sportscasters do with an athletic event. I'd love to hear her rendition of God's creation account...now that would be a great garden story-telling.

"and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known."
C. Austin Miles, 1913 from In the Garden

Graduates

Congratulations to all those graduates out there from kindergarten, high school, college, graduate school, and so on and so forth. It is the season for caps and gowns, cake and more cake, and lots of pats on the back and "well done's"!

Moments ago I participated in our morning Calvary Learning Academy's kindergarten's graduation ceremony. Adorable graduates in their blue little caps and gowns! Some seem eager for the future, joyfully anticipating the first grade. Others seem a bit hesitant about things. The rest of the class just wanted to get to the cake and summer vacation!

For all those graduating- congrats and well done. For those still finishing what they are doing- your day will come soon. And for the rest of us still paying for college tutition, student loans etc. - my how school seems to follow you!?

Writing Adventure Begins

Tomorrow my new writing adventure begins- my summer class on writing books/stories for children starts. Whee! My daughter will be benefiting from this contining education experience, for sure!

And who knows?! Maybe all those children's sermons I do every week will improve in the process as well. If all goes really well, I may have to bag the 'infamous brown bag' children's sermons. Hmmm...

When we drove by the library this morning I did note that their summer reading program is kicking off soon. Remember all those books we read last summer (Todd- watch out Diana and I are ready to beat our record)?! And if we do- that will be simply another part of my writing research...

If I am brave enough I shall blog a story or two this summer. That is, if you promise to be gentle with your constructive criticism! I shall not be doing any illustrations as creative drawing/art is just not my thing.

Generous Generosity

Since I have been in full time ministry, rarely have I been gifted with the opportunity to preach on Stewardship Sunday. Usually that has been reserved for the lead leader (i.e. the senior pastor). It's kinda like Easter and Christmas Eve are left to the heavy/designated hitters.

What a great little quirk this year that because of a wedding- I have the opportunity tomorrow to preach to a third or so of our congregation about what I think and believe about generosity. The rest of the congregation will hear our sock-less District Superintendent's ideas on Sunday morning. He will do a fine job, no doubt.

I am actually quite glad that it has taken this long for this opportunity to arise in my vocational experience because earlier in my career I don't think I would have had much to say nor said it with the conviction I have today. Isn't God's timing- well- perfect?!

I don't feel squeamish talking about money with my church folks anymore. Thank Dave Ramsey for that. And thank my life partner, my husband, for the conviction we have about living life generously.

I am looking forward to tomorrow's worship. If you miss my thoughts- don't worry - one of these days you'll hear them. Until then, just remember to be generous... because money like manure is only any good when it's spread around to allow things to grow!

ha ha!

Gardenin'

Eight tons of mulch landed in our driveway yesterday morning. There is about 3 tons left to lay around the landscaping and deck in the backyard. (If I make typo mistakes it is because my fingers are sore and worn out!) Whew.

Once that is accomplished today- then the garden can be tilled and we shall be in the seed planting business. (By the way, in case you were wondering, did I tell you the tomatos have made a come back? Yep, calling them Lazarus tomatos now.)

Our little one is very excited about finally planting her seeds. I just hope she lets them stay buried in the dirt and doesn't try to uncover them to see what is happening.

Come on over- you can help lay down mulch! At least my husband is thankful that I haven't asked lately for a mulch made labyrinth laid in our yard! He'd lose his smile for sure.

Cookin'

Every heard of too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the somethin'? Well, I now know what that saying is about. We had about a dozen cooks in our church kitchen last night; stirring, measuring, washing, mixing, chatting, and laughing. It was noisy, hot, and busy. Bumping into each other and making such a mess.

Everyone had ideas and most of all everyone loved being helpful. It was a hoot! I've never seen 10 casseroles whipped together so fast in my life! Wow! The cooks ranged in age and cooking experience from 4 to 84.

If you or your family receive one of our Casserole Club's casseroles, please don't mind the crooked chicken casserole club sticker on the lid. The youngest cook insisted on sticking them on her way. That is crooked. Hey- every cook has her/his gimmick.

Birthday is coming...

Well, I have another birthday coming soon (it will be here in a week). Happily I share the day with several of my favorite folks here at Calvary. All of us find the number 13 very lucky and blessed.

And I am mindful that with two years left, I haven't yet accomplished some of my before-40 goals. This past Saturday I was the closest yet to achieving my hot air balloon ride goal. Our little family got up before the sun to witness the launch of 33 hot air balloons in a race to celebrate IMS' 100 years. Cold brisk morning, but awesome experience. And it got better.

Later that evening we went back to the track to see the balloon Night Glow and fireworks. (Both were big hits with our preschooler). And I got to talk with balloon pilots, look in their flight baskets, and learn all sorts of ballooning trivia. The coolest thing ever!!!!!!!!

Now about my before-40 goal of trying out for the Pace-Mate cheerleaders... that goal has a l-o-n-g way to go. I need to get myself in shape for that. sigh. May have to wait on that one for my 50th birthday! Ha!

Spring's sprung

Ready, set, let's plant! I am itchin' to start planting my flower beds and flower pots this spring... so you can guess what will get accomplished this weekend (even though it's Mother's Day).

Nothing like the feel and smell of good ol' mud! Maybe I'll get the future garden tilled. By the way our prayers have been heard because tiny new leaves are sprouting on our tomato plants! Woo hoo!

You cannot help but experience the renewing powers of God when you mess in the dirt. Blessings to you this spring!

Failed, Flat Out Flunked, and Fired

For all of my two blog followers (Todd, the-dude-down-the-hall and Jamie, my BFF) I confess to you that I have failed, falt out flunked, and have been fired from gardening even before the soil has been turned, the seeds planted, and the first weed has been pulled.

Three pathetic cherry tomato plants limp themselves along my back deck. Over watered or under watered, over fertilized or under fertilized- I do not know which only that these little specimens of vegetation are barely hanging on to life. They look awful.

Surprise of surprises, but the two hot peppers plants that my preschooler has been yelling at for the past 32 days- are thriving! Healthy green leaves, vibrant stems and stalks.

Maybe we should have been yelling at the tomatoes too... sigh. Perhaps I need to stick with what I am good at... like theology and not biology.

All Dads Must Read This

After my husband read the book in one airplane trip (which is an accomplishment for him), I read it in two nights. This is a MUST read for all DADS of Daughters out there.

In fact, I may make it required reading for parents of Confirmands, my goddaughter's father, and my niece's dad. My husband in fact wants to read it again- this from the guy who isn't usually the book nut in the house!

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Dr. Meg Meeker, MD is in paperback and a very easy quick read. Riveting, though, about the significant role dads can and need to have in their daughter's lives. Dads make a difference. A HUGE difference.

Please get yourself a copy at the library or bookstore and read!

Books, Seminars, Classes, Books again!

There is a stack of them by my bed, shelves of them in my office, and more upstairs in the bonus room. And there is an unread pile which I am eager to delve into their pages. On the finished stack are a couple of recent books that I do recommend:

• Antony Flew's There is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind
• Donald Spoto's The Hidden Jesus: A New Life

Besides all this reading, this week has been a time (post Easter & post Confirmation) for me to look ahead at my continuing education plans for the year. Part of planning was a result from attending a seminar on Tuesday for all the Indiana clergy folks. (Got even more reading ideas there.) Part of it is that I better get some things scheduled ASAP or else.

So, I am playful with my picks this year. You might notice a theme when I tell you what is on the agenda. Last Spring I had such fun in a writing course that I am going back for seconds this spring/early summer. Not sure how much the writing has improved... Writing for Children will be the focus of my efforts this year. Stories for kids keep floating around in my head.

Then, in July I am eager to attend a wonderful conference sponsored by the UMC's General Board of Global Ministries- Focus 2009: "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" A Quadrinneial Conference for all People in Ministry with Children. Indianapolis is the host city which is very appealing!

As I sign up for workshops, my stack of books beg me to read them (like my dog looks at me for a scratch, or a treat, or a walk)... these titles are a bit more eclectic than my workshops/classes. I'll let you know how they go.

• Listening to God: Spiritual Formation In Congregations by John Ackerman
• QBQ: The Question behind the Question by John G. Miller
• The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
• Do the Right Thing by Mike Huckabee

So, the only question remains, as my plans are set and I open another book today, how are you growing your self this Spring/Summer?

Comments

I received a great comment yesterday about why I blogged spelling God like G*d. The writer of the comment was concerned that I had censored God... so here is why I spelled the name of our Divine Being that way.

During the course of the confirmation class we talked about how the ancient Hebrews were uncomfortable speaking or even writing God's name in Hebrew. So they left out the vowels and we can only guess that YHWH is to be spelled and spoken as YaHWeH.

These followers of God wrote like that out of respect. They knew that to know someone's name was to have power over that person and since we, humans, cannot have power over God they were not about to write or speak God's name aloud in that way. So we have lots of names for God in the Old Testament like- El, El Shaddai, Elhoim etc.

Anyway in order to contemporize this idea for our confirmands, I often referred to our Lord as G*D when writing God's name on the board for discussion. Several of the student caught onto this idea and wrote/spelled G*d the same way in their Faith Statements.

I think they wanted to show me that they had paid attention in class. I only hope that they can repeat what I have just written explaining WHY we write God's name this way.

Proud of you!

Dear Vince, Nick, Madison, Brennan, Sydney, Madison, Joe, Andrew, Jon, Lucy, Mikayla, Alyssa, Austin, Ryan, Trevor, Evan, Phalan, Jack, Matthew, Aaron, and Joshua,

I am so proud of you! Congratulations on your achievement of completing the preparations for confirmation. Most of all I am proud of your willingness to allow God to move through your life so that you can come to today's celebrations with great joy, hope and promise!

God is proud of you and so is your church family. Welcome. We, as the Body of Christ with you, look forward to joining you in the great eternal work of saving souls for eternity.

Bless you!

Thanks for helping me re-confirmation my faith in G*d.

Confirming week...continued

Today is a perfect day to play in the creek! Sunshine, warm temperatures, small breeze and lots and lots of excited confirmands and their families!

Right after our 5pm worship service, the baptismal candidates, their families and friends, Todd and I will hike down the hill towards White Lick Creek. (I've got my creek shoes ready!) Andrew and Todd have been working on the area to clear out any extra brush and tall grass. They assure me that there is no poison ivy!

We are excited as a church family to welcome these new young believers into our midst. Tomorrow the excitment continues with 2 more baptisms and then all 21 will be confirmed in the faith of Jesus. (After that I shall be taking a needed nap!)

Go God!

Confirming Week Continues

17 finished and only 4 interviews to go! Then, it is simply the final touches. I do think at some point this week I need to write my sermon for the weekend instead of fussing on all these details. But that will come.

We've learned a lot in these interviews. Students are very honest and transparent (a lesson for our government officials). They think so uniquely and are themselves so special (a reminder for teachers everywhere).

What has been most fun is hearing their comments about their mentors. "She was AWESOME!" "He was nice." "I liked that she brought me presents." "He likes Legos too!!" "She and I had a lot in common!" "He helped me alot!!!"

Remarkable to note that none of the students have asked us to retire or fire these volunteers for next year. Each is willing to share their mentor with someone else and in fact highly recommends their grown-up.

In a culture that would try to sell us on the fact that we don't get along inter-generationally; in a world that fragments us into peer groups; and in a climate that thinks either kids are too stupid or adults don't know anything (depending on which perspective you have)... how refreshing, how exciting, how controversial, and how counter-cultural that for fifteen weeks 21 students and 21 adults LIKED being together! They learned from one another. They hung out.

You know what?!- I believe that this can only happen effectively and meaningfully within the context of Christian community. And thank God it does!

Because the truth of the matter is- we need each other in the church in order to more productively and efficiently BE the CHURCH!

Thanks be to God for our wonderful mentors and our fabulous students who have proved yet again that... the world is wrong.