Summer Reading

Now that my sunburn is healing and my dog is no longer eating rocks, I am onto other projects. Mulching flower beds, sorting leftover items from the garage sale, and reading through my summer stack of books.

At conference a couple of weeks ago a book about Benedictine monks/sisters caught my eye. I've been reading a chapter in the afternoons since that time. Thoughts on humility made me squirm and words about obedience made me cringe. Because I've had such a reaction to the book, I think it's been a good one to spiritually stretch me this summer.

Four other books wait their turn to be read as soon as I stop shuttering from St. Benedict's challenging expectations for the Christian life. I wonder if No Man Is An Island, My Soul Waits, Helping Our Children Grow In Faith, and Embracing Parents: How your Congregation Can Strengthen Families will cause me to bristle too.

I'll let you know how the reading goes.

Summer Sun!

Last Saturday night I learned a lesson in a rather painful way. Note to self for future reference- always spread and apply sun screen in an even and smooth manner. Never clump or miss any areas.

Because of my failure to follow the above directions, I now have a very weird shaped sunburn!

I love the summer sun, don't you?!

Best Things of VBS

One of the best things about VBS is... well the volunteers. I am amazed at the youth and adults we have sharing their time and their faith with God's youngest disciples! The young adult helping group is awesome- looking out for the little ones and offering encouragement.

Another great thing about VBS is... snack time! We need a little sugar boost to get us through our busy morning!

The best thing about VBS is... worshipping God with over 150 children. Children leading in praise. Children praying. Children singing. Children honoring God in their dance and happy movements! That is the part of VBS that inspires me and moves me deeply... children worshipping.

Whta moves you about Vacation Bible School?

Thoughts Overheard at Conference

The following are thoughts I overheard this past week at Conference. Some of these thoughts inspired me and others led me to quiet reflection.

• State of Indiana is #2 in the nation for being addicted to gambling.
• The United Methodist church in Bande Aceh (Indonesia) lost 53 of their 100 members douring the 2004 severe weather. Hoosier United Methodists sent $200,000 to help rebuild that church. Today in a Muslim nation they have over 300 in worship on a Sunday!
• A homeless man who has received assistance from Fletcher Place Community Center was beaten and set on fire last week in Indianapolis.
• John Wesley's 3 Simple Rules: Do no harm, Do Good, and Stay in love with God.
• "We are praying and envisioning a Christ-healed Africa," Dr. Peter Storey, former UM bishop of South Africa
• Natanga Conference UM pastors in the Congo eat every other day after they choose to stay in ministry while their nation fights a Civil War.
• Calvary UMC in Brownsburg is in the top 5 for growth this past year in South Indiana.
• "Most important thing to remember and do is support each other," retiring Pastor
• #1 job of Hoosier United Methodists is evangelism
• Indianapolis West District where calvary is located has over 7,000 Native Americans who are not part of a church community- yet!
• 5 practices of a Fruitful congregation are radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission & giving, and extragent generosity

Leaving for Annual Conference

Tomorrow is the day I leave early for a drive down to Bloomington for our Annual Conference gathering of South Indiana United Methodists. Lot's of presentations, decisions, and conversations take place at this gathering. Everyone stops to chat with everyone else because we rarely get to visit one another.

I am not sure what to expect this year. Hot humid weather will be in season. Checking out the book table will be a must see. Catching up with people will be fun.

The BIG DEAL this year is the vote to merge or not merge with our North Indiana United Methodists. That and the budget will be big stuff.

I do especially enjoy hearing about our Mission efforts here in the US and abroad.

So, we shall see what the next three days will be like!

Listening

My husband offered me some soul time yesterday evening. I didn't have to make dinner, clean up after anyone, entertain a preschooler- just be me. It was heavenly. But the best part was not doing the normal demands of life, but getting quiet enough to listen.

Stillness so I could hear my breath. Solitude so I could hear my thoughts. And after those thoughts tumbled out into my prayer journal, I put the pen down and listened... it isn't exactly a form of the breath prayer or a centering prayer, but rather a contemplative posture of inner stillness so that I could hear God.

I didn't receive any dramatic messages, but I did receive the blessing of profound presence in the silence and solitude. The experience made me hunger for more... but I simply had a few blessed hours... then the husband, kid, and dog came back in with their noisy needs.

I hope to listen again soon...

Vacation Highlights!

Last week turned out to be a terrific vacation at home week! Here are a few highlights of the past eight days! Hope you are well too!

• Sold so much stuff in the garage sale, that I had to close it a day early
• Picked up rocks in my backyard because of you-know-who's-eating habits
• Met Slash, Florence Henderson, Jim Neighbors, Julianne Hough, Christy Yamaguichi (spelling??) while standing in line for the restroom on the Indy 500's race day
• Got to see my husband for more than 1 hour (I had to go to his workplace)
• Moved a double bed mattress and box spring by myself
• Watched The Little Mermaid five times in a row!
• Allergies and now a sinus infection have made my nose Rudulf red

Needless to say, it was a great week, although I am back at work more tired than when I left.

Whew- good to be back! I can rest now.