unto texas i go. i go to texas because the general assembly of my church is there this week. i go because i need a break. i go because my good friends go. i go because i need good worship. i go because i need the 2 yr renewal of my covenant with my church-denomination. i go because i need to hear again why i do what i do. i go to be with others who are ask the same questions and also need a break and will challenge me in this ministry. i go because i have always gone. i go because i look forward to it for 24 months. i go because if there ever was a place where i feel my life and vocation are at one --at home, it is among them.
so i go, remembering all the great times of assemblies past, the hilarious roommates, the late nights and early mornings, the banter, the avoiding people we didn't want to see, the hauling around of free stuff, and of course the being with my best friends. there will be some really great friends that are doing the family thing in these years and are not able to go. i will miss them. so, to them i will offer a toast at a dinner gathering... and of course make sure to take their share of the free pens.
ps: as i am writing this, ironically enough, my good friend Lee called. she and i have always shared & loved the hilarious and varied journey of the assembly. she is about to birth and cannot go. i will miss her. until indy in '09, Lee...
20 July 2007
12 July 2007
LBJ has died.
LBJ. Interesting that her initials were the same. Lady Bird Johnson seemed to out last them all. She was 94. I watched some video clips on my yahoo page about her... not having known much. What I found was a graceful woman with a great old-time Texas accent. We don't see or hear them like that anymore, and surely not from the White House.
09 July 2007
vacation & the ass
it is difficult vacationing as a single person. one has to find friends to go with, that are fun & easy travel companions, or travel with one's parents, or travel alone, or not at all. so in this vein i traveled with a new friend.
note to self: when going on vacation, only go with those individuals you have been in relationship/known for over 5 years. make sure they are hilarious...very hilarious, easy going, low on control issues, good drivers, lack road rage, are not passive aggressive, and generally go-with-the-flow types.
i vacationed last week with what was becoming a "significant other" only to find out that this person did not have any of the above "vacation worthy" qualities. ie: an ass. and now the only things of "significance is that 'it' is over!" thanks be to GOD!
however, i highly recomend the shore of lake michigan. the beaches, towns, restaurants, inns, art, shopping, entertainment, weather... all perfect. it is wonderful in so many ways, one just needs to be with the right people.
so, if anyone reading this falls into a worthy vacation friend status i am always ready to go!
and in a related matter... (be ready the following vent uses "ass" rather liberally)
well it is ass hot outside. just standing in the afternoon sun makes my inner t-shirt soaked in about 5 minutes... and after 10 minutes, sweat begins running down my ass. nice.
the parsonage a/c is running its ass off. i hope it doesn't crap on me this week......it must be more than 35 years old. at least. well i mean least is looks older than me, if that means anything. Ha! i am sure it was the first a/c put into thisorginial to this 50s ranch. every morning i go out and have little talk with it. a pep talk really. sometimes, like today, i even offer a little prayer.
okay. so we are in the throws of summer. the mississippi is the only think that is cooling off this preacher this week. so i am hold up in the parsonage... waiting for the evening when people get out again. tonight is happy hour poolside with my friend mary. perfect...
note to self: when going on vacation, only go with those individuals you have been in relationship/known for over 5 years. make sure they are hilarious...very hilarious, easy going, low on control issues, good drivers, lack road rage, are not passive aggressive, and generally go-with-the-flow types.
i vacationed last week with what was becoming a "significant other" only to find out that this person did not have any of the above "vacation worthy" qualities. ie: an ass. and now the only things of "significance is that 'it' is over!" thanks be to GOD!
however, i highly recomend the shore of lake michigan. the beaches, towns, restaurants, inns, art, shopping, entertainment, weather... all perfect. it is wonderful in so many ways, one just needs to be with the right people.
so, if anyone reading this falls into a worthy vacation friend status i am always ready to go!
and in a related matter... (be ready the following vent uses "ass" rather liberally)
well it is ass hot outside. just standing in the afternoon sun makes my inner t-shirt soaked in about 5 minutes... and after 10 minutes, sweat begins running down my ass. nice.
the parsonage a/c is running its ass off. i hope it doesn't crap on me this week......it must be more than 35 years old. at least. well i mean least is looks older than me, if that means anything. Ha! i am sure it was the first a/c put into thisorginial to this 50s ranch. every morning i go out and have little talk with it. a pep talk really. sometimes, like today, i even offer a little prayer.
okay. so we are in the throws of summer. the mississippi is the only think that is cooling off this preacher this week. so i am hold up in the parsonage... waiting for the evening when people get out again. tonight is happy hour poolside with my friend mary. perfect...
26 June 2007
finally back
overheard at confession this week: "dear friends, i know it has been more than 24 days since my last blog. forgive me."
so here is it in a nut shell:
the mission trip was awesome. great kids, work, weather, adults, location, fun, laughs, safe, we were to build one ramp but we built two!, --probably the best mission trip yet. i really do have some great kids here.
otherwise i have been maintaining the course around here. fundraisers for community things, summer social engagements, river time, church work too.
this weekend i hosted here at the parsonage our annual "Lawn Party & Cookout." 50 or so church members for the evening on the lawn. we had croquet, umbrellas, lots of food and of course the usual great fun we always have upon gathering. the folks at FCC really do that well.
but lord it took all week to get ready for the party. the quafing of the yard, the cleaning of the house the transport of patio furniture, tables and chairs from all over town... but all good.
today has a been a recoup day. and more movement of tables and chairs. we are finally getting the fellowship hall et al floors stripped and waxed. so of course no one thought about moving all the tables, chairs, piano, etc off the floor... so guess who got to. alas...destined to the ministry of tables and chairs. i have a soap box about that very thing. but that will have to wait for another time. because...
tomorrow i am at it again with a 7:30 a.m. departure with the youth group for the annual Canoe Float Trip. two have cancelled already....ugh. i hope they know they are paying anyway! but float trips are always fun and this group is hilarious... especially in canoes!
okay. i have come back to the blog... thanks for checking in even in days where it just hadn't moved a bit.
also noteworthy: it is 12:40 and i am still drying clothes.
so here is it in a nut shell:
the mission trip was awesome. great kids, work, weather, adults, location, fun, laughs, safe, we were to build one ramp but we built two!, --probably the best mission trip yet. i really do have some great kids here.
otherwise i have been maintaining the course around here. fundraisers for community things, summer social engagements, river time, church work too.
this weekend i hosted here at the parsonage our annual "Lawn Party & Cookout." 50 or so church members for the evening on the lawn. we had croquet, umbrellas, lots of food and of course the usual great fun we always have upon gathering. the folks at FCC really do that well.
but lord it took all week to get ready for the party. the quafing of the yard, the cleaning of the house the transport of patio furniture, tables and chairs from all over town... but all good.
today has a been a recoup day. and more movement of tables and chairs. we are finally getting the fellowship hall et al floors stripped and waxed. so of course no one thought about moving all the tables, chairs, piano, etc off the floor... so guess who got to. alas...destined to the ministry of tables and chairs. i have a soap box about that very thing. but that will have to wait for another time. because...
tomorrow i am at it again with a 7:30 a.m. departure with the youth group for the annual Canoe Float Trip. two have cancelled already....ugh. i hope they know they are paying anyway! but float trips are always fun and this group is hilarious... especially in canoes!
okay. i have come back to the blog... thanks for checking in even in days where it just hadn't moved a bit.
also noteworthy: it is 12:40 and i am still drying clothes.
02 June 2007
8 hours and counting...
I am headed out on the annual youth mission trip in 8 hours. In these 8 hours I need to do some major sleeping. All is packed. Rental van in driveway. I think FCC is prepped for the Sunday without me. Kids are excited. Sponsors are wonderful.
13 of us (10 youth, 2 adults) headed to Springfield MO for a week of work, fun, and spirit time.
Pray for us. Pray for me... I think I have gotten a cold in the last 48 hours. ugh...
All is good. When I think back on all the "night before mission trip"s over the years it is amazing how I have gotten better at this. AND amazing how nothing changes. ie: 12:26 am... and still drying clothes... :)
13 of us (10 youth, 2 adults) headed to Springfield MO for a week of work, fun, and spirit time.
Pray for us. Pray for me... I think I have gotten a cold in the last 48 hours. ugh...
All is good. When I think back on all the "night before mission trip"s over the years it is amazing how I have gotten better at this. AND amazing how nothing changes. ie: 12:26 am... and still drying clothes... :)
25 May 2007
Taking the Peonies to Fairview
Today I have been thinking of my grandparents. I loved all three that I knew in my life, but my Dad's parents were very close to me in many ways. My grandfather, James Jr., died when i was 10 and my grandmother died when i was 22. I was the oldest grandchild and had the opportunity to be with and know them the most. We shared some very important grandparent-grandchild moments in life for which I am most thankful.
My grandmother was the keeper of the family history and story. It was on Memorial Day weekend that she was very intentional about going to all the cemeteries here in Louisiana. We always picked out the flowers that her parents and those close to her would have liked and then head out to the Riverview and Fairview Cemeteries.
I was always the one who would go along for the annual trapezing around the countryside in Grammy's classic Chevelle with our flowers to find the ancestors. As we would come upon the Smiths, Vasconcellos, Collins, and Readings we would always recall the names and stories of our family. The drive out Frankford Rd to Fairview (which is in my opinion the prettiest place in the country) would always mean passing the family homesteads and commenting on their stories.
Since my grandmother passed away some 11 years ago I have carried on her tradition. (I think she made me promise I would back when I was like 8.) Today is the day for my special trip to the country. I will get out Grammy's old Chevelle and head out the old road past the homesteads and when I come to the top of the cemetery and find the Smiths under the big Oak tree and Grammy & PawPaw not to far away under the Bradford Pears, I will be reminded again of the names and stories of my family.
The great-grands all get Violets this year. Great great Aunt Will Ella who I only knew until I was 10 years old, when she was in her 88-98th years, will get bright Zinnias (she had a very sad lonely life, so I always give her big & bright).
It will be Grammy's that I will go to last. I think she would have approved the selection, for she always had a thing for pink Peonies.
My grandmother was the keeper of the family history and story. It was on Memorial Day weekend that she was very intentional about going to all the cemeteries here in Louisiana. We always picked out the flowers that her parents and those close to her would have liked and then head out to the Riverview and Fairview Cemeteries.
I was always the one who would go along for the annual trapezing around the countryside in Grammy's classic Chevelle with our flowers to find the ancestors. As we would come upon the Smiths, Vasconcellos, Collins, and Readings we would always recall the names and stories of our family. The drive out Frankford Rd to Fairview (which is in my opinion the prettiest place in the country) would always mean passing the family homesteads and commenting on their stories.
Since my grandmother passed away some 11 years ago I have carried on her tradition. (I think she made me promise I would back when I was like 8.) Today is the day for my special trip to the country. I will get out Grammy's old Chevelle and head out the old road past the homesteads and when I come to the top of the cemetery and find the Smiths under the big Oak tree and Grammy & PawPaw not to far away under the Bradford Pears, I will be reminded again of the names and stories of my family.
The great-grands all get Violets this year. Great great Aunt Will Ella who I only knew until I was 10 years old, when she was in her 88-98th years, will get bright Zinnias (she had a very sad lonely life, so I always give her big & bright).
It will be Grammy's that I will go to last. I think she would have approved the selection, for she always had a thing for pink Peonies.
23 May 2007
la te da
well today was crap.
so, in the midst of a crap filled day that we aren't going to elaborate on, i will note some nice things i pondered in the last few days driving around town...
i want a house with
...light up house numbers.
...an entry way-hall.
...a dinning room.
...shade trees, none of which can be sweet gum.
so, in the midst of a crap filled day that we aren't going to elaborate on, i will note some nice things i pondered in the last few days driving around town...
i want a house with
...light up house numbers.
...an entry way-hall.
...a dinning room.
...shade trees, none of which can be sweet gum.
13 May 2007
the streak is over
well i just recently boasted to a friend that my sermons lately had been so good....easy to put together, delivered well and engaging for the congregation. good thing i stated those qualities out loud because it meant that all such luck was over. today's was crap. there i said it.
the slack sermon was only augmented by the electricty that decided to go hairwire today. we lost power to the church just about the time worship was starting. so in the hot dark we worshipped and managed pretty well, rearranging worship as we went. random craziness.
the slack sermon was only augmented by the electricty that decided to go hairwire today. we lost power to the church just about the time worship was starting. so in the hot dark we worshipped and managed pretty well, rearranging worship as we went. random craziness.
10 May 2007
ecumenism into the mississippi
after the monthly meeting of the louisiana ministerial alliance i am usually ready to shove ecumenism out into the mississippi river. oh my lord these people are picky, critical, and ALL know everything.
today i was on the verge of reminding them that "in fact we are not on staff with eachother, nor were we called by God to this place to be on staff together... so get off my back."
the way it seems to work in our small town, is that we do everything together. the list includes: baccalaureate, pentecost, palm sunday, maundy thursday, easter sunrise, national day of prayer, world day of prayer, blessing of the animals, world communion, vacation bible school, youth group, mission outreach, thanksgiving. it is all just too much.
only by the grace of God, i am president of the august body of clergy so as to keep said meetings moving. alas.
may it be noted, i find it interesting that it is not our polity that is the problem. humm...
there, i have vented. much better now.
today i was on the verge of reminding them that "in fact we are not on staff with eachother, nor were we called by God to this place to be on staff together... so get off my back."
the way it seems to work in our small town, is that we do everything together. the list includes: baccalaureate, pentecost, palm sunday, maundy thursday, easter sunrise, national day of prayer, world day of prayer, blessing of the animals, world communion, vacation bible school, youth group, mission outreach, thanksgiving. it is all just too much.
only by the grace of God, i am president of the august body of clergy so as to keep said meetings moving. alas.
may it be noted, i find it interesting that it is not our polity that is the problem. humm...
there, i have vented. much better now.
09 May 2007
breakfast alfresco
what a glorious morning. we fed the youth groupers breakfast on the Parsonage Patio this morning. there were 8 in attendance showing prom pictures, offering harassment to each other and some pretty witty banter for 7:15 a.m.
we are in just 4 weeks endeavoring upon our 4th summer mission trip together. we have a good group signed up, this amazing early-retiree couple as sponsors, and a good location. i believe it will be a good thing.
ahhh... the good air, a pleasant 70 degrees, with blue sky and sunshine. it will be a good day.
we are in just 4 weeks endeavoring upon our 4th summer mission trip together. we have a good group signed up, this amazing early-retiree couple as sponsors, and a good location. i believe it will be a good thing.
ahhh... the good air, a pleasant 70 degrees, with blue sky and sunshine. it will be a good day.
08 May 2007
being reminded of the goodness
well for the second month in a row i have not needed "spirits" after a church board meeting. i think they are getting soft. (that and several people were not in attendance :)
generally things are going well. let me elaborate...
the new office is finally complete. four and a half months later we are up and running. the church lawn looks great...we hired it out. the flowers around the place are in full bloom. people are still riding the "easter and each sunday after has been good" train. i feel like i am actually getting some things done. after five months i can now work on and mail and newsletter...which will bring the anxiety level of some waaayyyyy down. the cars are all running good and all clean. i had lunch with the family today and that was good. the love life has had some spark as of late. after five days of rain i had my yard mowed before any of the mowing fiends in my neighborhood. the summer is shaping up nicely...a mix of events and openness. general assembly is coming this summer and that is always my best time with my friends. the air conditioner at the parsonage kicked on without a hitch.
being reminded of the goodness. ---a good place to be at the end of this day.
generally things are going well. let me elaborate...
the new office is finally complete. four and a half months later we are up and running. the church lawn looks great...we hired it out. the flowers around the place are in full bloom. people are still riding the "easter and each sunday after has been good" train. i feel like i am actually getting some things done. after five months i can now work on and mail and newsletter...which will bring the anxiety level of some waaayyyyy down. the cars are all running good and all clean. i had lunch with the family today and that was good. the love life has had some spark as of late. after five days of rain i had my yard mowed before any of the mowing fiends in my neighborhood. the summer is shaping up nicely...a mix of events and openness. general assembly is coming this summer and that is always my best time with my friends. the air conditioner at the parsonage kicked on without a hitch.
being reminded of the goodness. ---a good place to be at the end of this day.
03 May 2007
cruise directing.
its seems my folk really like road trips. and this bunch of FCC Sr. Adults always have have so much fun together...
we began the day as i was lining up the cars in the church parking lot and checking each person off and getting the traveling cars full, when a few of them said "you should be a cruise director" ---to which i thought "you ain't kinding me..." and we all know how i love my old people and carting them around!
here we are post big fried chicken lunch at Pere Marquette Lodge... a wonderful old state park lodge in IL overlooking the Mississippi River. these are some of my most favorite people here in Louisiana. mom and dad went along also and are over by me on the right side of the picture. the trip also included a ferry ride and several sight seeing stops. i made everyone switch cars half way through the day (a la youth group) to keep things fresh. :)
humm... i wonder if the QE2 is looking for a young director...
02 May 2007
from the desk of...
today...
+in recovery from full day road trip with my senior adults yesterday. they are hilarious and crazy. 22 of us in 5 cars galavanting around scenic Illinios. lunch, sights, ferry rides...(details and photos are coming...)
+a rainy wednesday.
+lots of office time.
+movement of raccoons. (don't ask. my parent's have some who have broke into their attic...and trapping them at night and i am here and they are in stlouis which means i have to manage said captives..ugh...and in the rain. they are mean little s.o.b.s)
+planning our observance of the National Day of Prayer. what does one do with that!?
+in recovery from full day road trip with my senior adults yesterday. they are hilarious and crazy. 22 of us in 5 cars galavanting around scenic Illinios. lunch, sights, ferry rides...(details and photos are coming...)
+a rainy wednesday.
+lots of office time.
+movement of raccoons. (don't ask. my parent's have some who have broke into their attic...and trapping them at night and i am here and they are in stlouis which means i have to manage said captives..ugh...and in the rain. they are mean little s.o.b.s)
+planning our observance of the National Day of Prayer. what does one do with that!?
30 April 2007
what the heck!
after watching late this evening, the well done 'Independent Lens' program on PBS which covered the long past Enron scandal... "what the heck!"
after hearing on NPR on the early sunday morning news that some $800 million dollars was given to the USA for Katrina relief and we didn't take it... "what the heck!"
after considering all the ways the story of Dorcas found in Act 9 inspired a damn good sermon today... "what the heck!"
those are my thoughts.
after hearing on NPR on the early sunday morning news that some $800 million dollars was given to the USA for Katrina relief and we didn't take it... "what the heck!"
after considering all the ways the story of Dorcas found in Act 9 inspired a damn good sermon today... "what the heck!"
those are my thoughts.
25 April 2007
the need for hooky
sometimes it is all i can do to sit in the church office. i have a new office with great air, light and space... however i just want to do something else.
it is a funny thing about church work. to say "do a funeral, sermon, wedding, hospital call, visit, bulletin, youth program, cwf devotion, etc etc.." means that one does that very thing. but the rest of the time what do we do? it is amazing how we are out here to fill our time and get so much done without really knowing what that is or how to do it.
in this small rural church i am the only staff person. there is no one to report to, find accountability with, nor check in... and with SO much to be done, for the list is long, it is hard to know what to do first. especially when it will not get done before one has to run off to do something else more pressing.
okay, i have procrastinated bible study prep long enough.
and what does one say tonight to the high school seniors at their National Honor Society stole ceremony? i just don't know. how does one know?
today is a day of the confusion to say the least. i would play hooky but it is raining.
it is a funny thing about church work. to say "do a funeral, sermon, wedding, hospital call, visit, bulletin, youth program, cwf devotion, etc etc.." means that one does that very thing. but the rest of the time what do we do? it is amazing how we are out here to fill our time and get so much done without really knowing what that is or how to do it.
in this small rural church i am the only staff person. there is no one to report to, find accountability with, nor check in... and with SO much to be done, for the list is long, it is hard to know what to do first. especially when it will not get done before one has to run off to do something else more pressing.
okay, i have procrastinated bible study prep long enough.
and what does one say tonight to the high school seniors at their National Honor Society stole ceremony? i just don't know. how does one know?
today is a day of the confusion to say the least. i would play hooky but it is raining.
16 April 2007
a day for chrome
well sunday afternoon was glorious here in my fair city. i opted to not eat out after church so as to leave town, but then when it was really to late to do so, got started in on some projects. i was able to finally do some detailing to the outside of the new car --- specifically the chrome. i don't think it had ever been polished and thus needed some "wax on, wax off."
then i borrowed a digital camera from neighbor/church member friend and now can share with the world the glory of my big car. oh my i do love it.
it was also a good afternoon for the neighborhood. i think i visited with at least 5 who who out and about doing stuff in the good weather. all in all, a good sunday afternoon. i need more like it!
11 April 2007
yes. i do wear bowties.
my friend Laura in kentucky emailed me recently about the blog and asked if i still wore bow ties. well sure i do! i just don't seem to have the occassion very often. i can't wear them on Sunday as they look funky with the robe. but i do try to wear them when i attend weddings, ordinations, anniversary parties, and other hob-knobing social functions. i will sport one to Rotary every now and then.
they really are fun, cause some comment, and don't get into your food.
the only pic i have of such frivolity is from a few years back at my friend Kara's ordination, pictured also with April. it was a good day for a
bow tie.
they really are fun, cause some comment, and don't get into your food.
the only pic i have of such frivolity is from a few years back at my friend Kara's ordination, pictured also with April. it was a good day for a
bow tie.
10 April 2007
part 2 of 2: the mandate
well i haven't blogged in quite some time. i just didn't have a damn thing to say.
call it depression. call it pre-easter work. call it just being to tired at night be thoughful, creative or funny. but i think those top 3 reasons are over.
i was talking to my minister friend April on monday, and as we talked about our easters, i told her "well we have our mandate."
it is true. easter kind of gives us our mandate. it is like we have this year's contract signed and ready to go. we (clergy et al.) have some reason to now do what we do.
frankly i was just being crass, but maybe there is some truth to the crass.
so on this 10th of april, i now can get back to work...mandated.
now if the resurrected jesus would just stop by my 2nd tuesday church board meetings, all would be good in the world.
call it depression. call it pre-easter work. call it just being to tired at night be thoughful, creative or funny. but i think those top 3 reasons are over.
i was talking to my minister friend April on monday, and as we talked about our easters, i told her "well we have our mandate."
it is true. easter kind of gives us our mandate. it is like we have this year's contract signed and ready to go. we (clergy et al.) have some reason to now do what we do.
frankly i was just being crass, but maybe there is some truth to the crass.
so on this 10th of april, i now can get back to work...mandated.
now if the resurrected jesus would just stop by my 2nd tuesday church board meetings, all would be good in the world.
post 1 of 2
(yes i realize it has been close to a month... well frankly there was just nothing to blog. enough said.....please see next post for other thoughts on this)
well Boston Legal was on again tonight... and the 2 lawyers were again on the balcony with coctails at the end...
and since the theme of the show was love, the question on the balcony, william shatner to the other... "when was the last time you were in love?"
damn good question.
and thus my thoughts center around this question: "when was the last time you were in love?"
i just don't know the answer. well, maybe i do.
have i ever been? i don't think so.
oh sure i have had a few crushes. a few 2-4 month flings where crush moved to like-"like." but that is about it. but never love.
and the greater question "when will i be?"
noting the old #33 is fast...very fast approaching, and as i "plan" my life i notice that this question is gaining some promience in my thought. as a result, my thoughts continue to focus on a future time and place that will open some options in that department.
so if i move in the night. you will know i either fell in love or just decided to drive till i found it.
well Boston Legal was on again tonight... and the 2 lawyers were again on the balcony with coctails at the end...
and since the theme of the show was love, the question on the balcony, william shatner to the other... "when was the last time you were in love?"
damn good question.
and thus my thoughts center around this question: "when was the last time you were in love?"
i just don't know the answer. well, maybe i do.
have i ever been? i don't think so.
oh sure i have had a few crushes. a few 2-4 month flings where crush moved to like-"like." but that is about it. but never love.
and the greater question "when will i be?"
noting the old #33 is fast...very fast approaching, and as i "plan" my life i notice that this question is gaining some promience in my thought. as a result, my thoughts continue to focus on a future time and place that will open some options in that department.
so if i move in the night. you will know i either fell in love or just decided to drive till i found it.
15 March 2007
in a related story...
"Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself... 'How did I get through all of that?'"
...when i was in Louisville last week for some R&R with old seminary friends, this quote was part of a worship experience i attended at my friend laura's new church start. as this thought 'came into my view' i read it over several times, and could not help be moved. i don't know who said it, and i doubt it will win any awards for being 'most profound', but moved i was nonetheless.
perhaps it is this present time in my life, perhaps it was the being with good friends, perhaps it was some much needed call/soul searching that only seems to get done when i am away...
but i believe these words will be with me for a while.
...when i was in Louisville last week for some R&R with old seminary friends, this quote was part of a worship experience i attended at my friend laura's new church start. as this thought 'came into my view' i read it over several times, and could not help be moved. i don't know who said it, and i doubt it will win any awards for being 'most profound', but moved i was nonetheless.
perhaps it is this present time in my life, perhaps it was the being with good friends, perhaps it was some much needed call/soul searching that only seems to get done when i am away...
but i believe these words will be with me for a while.
13 March 2007
with a scotch and a smoke...
getting home from monthly church board meetings at 9:00 at night usually means drinking.
tonight, however, i am not. it was a decent meeting. no major anxiety or horrid accusations or defenses. and so i sit down at 9:55 to turn on the tv and have some 'down time."
Boston Legal is a show i have just watched a few times and never in its entirety. tonight was no exception finding just the last 5 minutes... but what i noted, at the very end of the show is the point in this long prelude...
okay... side note... all that is on at 10:15 is Sex in the City... and one of the girls dogs is named Elizabeth Taylor. i think that is hilarious. end side note.
...the two main male characters, perhaps at the end of each show...i don't know, but they seem to do it often... at the end of the day, after the office is closed, sit on the balcony with a scotch and a stogie. and they are glad for their friendship and the kind of conversations that are between friends after hours with a scotch and a stogie.
and what i realized is that i have that very thing in my life. in recent weeks i have become more aware of that which has always been so present, and life-saving. i can't begin to list the times and places where i have been with friends and found... well... the time i needed.
the time i needed to vent, to share, to question, to be witty, to be crass, to be sad, to be crazy, to know what to do, to tell someone else what to do, to be silent, to be loving, to pontificate, to listen, and most importantly to laugh and laugh some more.
the time i needed,
just at the right time.
i hope those who fall into this category will always know how i thankful i am.
tonight, however, i am not. it was a decent meeting. no major anxiety or horrid accusations or defenses. and so i sit down at 9:55 to turn on the tv and have some 'down time."
Boston Legal is a show i have just watched a few times and never in its entirety. tonight was no exception finding just the last 5 minutes... but what i noted, at the very end of the show is the point in this long prelude...
okay... side note... all that is on at 10:15 is Sex in the City... and one of the girls dogs is named Elizabeth Taylor. i think that is hilarious. end side note.
...the two main male characters, perhaps at the end of each show...i don't know, but they seem to do it often... at the end of the day, after the office is closed, sit on the balcony with a scotch and a stogie. and they are glad for their friendship and the kind of conversations that are between friends after hours with a scotch and a stogie.
and what i realized is that i have that very thing in my life. in recent weeks i have become more aware of that which has always been so present, and life-saving. i can't begin to list the times and places where i have been with friends and found... well... the time i needed.
the time i needed to vent, to share, to question, to be witty, to be crass, to be sad, to be crazy, to know what to do, to tell someone else what to do, to be silent, to be loving, to pontificate, to listen, and most importantly to laugh and laugh some more.
the time i needed,
just at the right time.
i hope those who fall into this category will always know how i thankful i am.
04 March 2007
would jesus have started any earlier?
well it was bound to happen. a church member at lunch today said "someone said today they were going to bring it up at the board meeting....about church not starting on time."
well when i got my eggs benedict swallowed, i started in... practicing for said board meeting, where the person will ask someone else to bring it up rather than be bold and direct.
(the context: we never start right at 10:45. there really is no way we could. but nonetheless, we never start after 10:52.)
1. perhaps that extra time could moments of personal reflection, mediation, prayer.... mark your hymns, chat it up with someone, take a nap. hell. if someone would give me an extra 4-5 minutes to just sit i would love it.
2. it all really starts at 10:25..... at which time i am trying to wind up sunday school. we get downstairs....doing some greeting, some last "setting of things" ....get caught by someone.....
then make sure the choir members and organist have moved from coffee hour to choir practice. throw in a few late choir members, and a slow organist, and wa-la it is 10:40.
the choir song through once, plus working out a tricky measure for the bass section.... then we are back to moving...
my much needed bathroom pit-stop and robing happens as the choir works their way to the sanctuary..... a double check to find that no one has turned the sound system on and wa-la it is 10:47 or later....
frankly i think we are pretty streamed lined for getting 15 people snacked, moved, robed, practiced, and moved again in 15 minutes.
3. perhaps this church member thought it just revolved around their schedule or watch.
4. perhaps this church member did not realize that there are still 10 people in the narthex, who apparently aren't as concerned about timing... when Jimmy starts the welcome.
or maybe this is one of those people. most likely so.
5. or maybe this person is passive agressive and discontented with the big sanctuary clock being taken down for painting and not replaced yet. (hell if i am putting that damn thing back up)
it will all remain to be seen.
i am just ever super glad to know that my people care about the big picture. :)
thanks be to God.
well when i got my eggs benedict swallowed, i started in... practicing for said board meeting, where the person will ask someone else to bring it up rather than be bold and direct.
(the context: we never start right at 10:45. there really is no way we could. but nonetheless, we never start after 10:52.)
1. perhaps that extra time could moments of personal reflection, mediation, prayer.... mark your hymns, chat it up with someone, take a nap. hell. if someone would give me an extra 4-5 minutes to just sit i would love it.
2. it all really starts at 10:25..... at which time i am trying to wind up sunday school. we get downstairs....doing some greeting, some last "setting of things" ....get caught by someone.....
then make sure the choir members and organist have moved from coffee hour to choir practice. throw in a few late choir members, and a slow organist, and wa-la it is 10:40.
the choir song through once, plus working out a tricky measure for the bass section.... then we are back to moving...
my much needed bathroom pit-stop and robing happens as the choir works their way to the sanctuary..... a double check to find that no one has turned the sound system on and wa-la it is 10:47 or later....
frankly i think we are pretty streamed lined for getting 15 people snacked, moved, robed, practiced, and moved again in 15 minutes.
3. perhaps this church member thought it just revolved around their schedule or watch.
4. perhaps this church member did not realize that there are still 10 people in the narthex, who apparently aren't as concerned about timing... when Jimmy starts the welcome.
or maybe this is one of those people. most likely so.
5. or maybe this person is passive agressive and discontented with the big sanctuary clock being taken down for painting and not replaced yet. (hell if i am putting that damn thing back up)
it will all remain to be seen.
i am just ever super glad to know that my people care about the big picture. :)
thanks be to God.
03 March 2007
you know you are in deep...
when in the same week, two different church members tell you where their secret house key is hidden... "just in case something should happen, and you would need to get in"
28 February 2007
wednesdays are full of it.
okay bear with me as we review.
some people are theological in their blogs. some are introspective. others are funny or sad.
mine for today is more of a reflection on how a day full of random crap can cause one to say "what the heck!"
6:45 a.m.: a major ice shower lasting the one hour kids were coming and going from the parsonage a la youth breakfast. (biscuits and gravy was a major hit....thanks to a gracious church lady.)
got to church finding that i did not have my house/church key set. $%#*!
(i have 'building keys' and 5 separate sets of keys, one for each car...for a total of 6. confusing most of the time.)
back home.
searched and searched. no keys.
went ahead to hannibal for disciple clergy cluster gathering.
generally worthless meeting. these people just don't like each other, nor do they have any desire to talk, relate, commiserate, or generally laugh. thanks be to God for our new area minister who tried to bring life to a group that should not be a group.
found keys in car seat in a spot i had searched twice. (this is a pattern, having lost them last wednesday night at church....finding them on my desk that had been searched twice.)
back to church to work feverishly for two hours prepping a bible study no one showed up for.
took advantage of said situation to do more prep for youth group. good showing. having major problem getting high schoolers....as in the girls who bring life to the deal. what to do. what to do. this combined with the high energy of 5 middle school boys, a church with no real gym or play space. wow.
okay, so now everyone has some perspective on their happy lives.....
serious notes: when one is out of ideas and doesn't seem to have the time ('seem' being the problematic term) or support to implement new ideas that would bring greater success to a ministry....what does this mean?....what does one do?
ps: i did laugh a whole lot at a book i have of cartoons from the comic strip "GET FUZZY"
hilarious cat et al. crazy in fact. i suggest checking it out asap.
some people are theological in their blogs. some are introspective. others are funny or sad.
mine for today is more of a reflection on how a day full of random crap can cause one to say "what the heck!"
6:45 a.m.: a major ice shower lasting the one hour kids were coming and going from the parsonage a la youth breakfast. (biscuits and gravy was a major hit....thanks to a gracious church lady.)
got to church finding that i did not have my house/church key set. $%#*!
(i have 'building keys' and 5 separate sets of keys, one for each car...for a total of 6. confusing most of the time.)
back home.
searched and searched. no keys.
went ahead to hannibal for disciple clergy cluster gathering.
generally worthless meeting. these people just don't like each other, nor do they have any desire to talk, relate, commiserate, or generally laugh. thanks be to God for our new area minister who tried to bring life to a group that should not be a group.
found keys in car seat in a spot i had searched twice. (this is a pattern, having lost them last wednesday night at church....finding them on my desk that had been searched twice.)
back to church to work feverishly for two hours prepping a bible study no one showed up for.
took advantage of said situation to do more prep for youth group. good showing. having major problem getting high schoolers....as in the girls who bring life to the deal. what to do. what to do. this combined with the high energy of 5 middle school boys, a church with no real gym or play space. wow.
okay, so now everyone has some perspective on their happy lives.....
serious notes: when one is out of ideas and doesn't seem to have the time ('seem' being the problematic term) or support to implement new ideas that would bring greater success to a ministry....what does this mean?....what does one do?
ps: i did laugh a whole lot at a book i have of cartoons from the comic strip "GET FUZZY"
hilarious cat et al. crazy in fact. i suggest checking it out asap.
25 February 2007
why i buy cars
every now and then i have to "rationalize" why i have so darn many cars.
well first of all, i am a car fanatic, freak, buff, and general lover.
second of all, i don't have pets or children.
third of all, they all have a "purpose" (or at least some of them do) in my life.
fourth of all, i believe that in the midst of all my good friends buying homes, having children, being in love, buying new cars etc... i too have a (subconscious) need to add to the family---get something new---etc.
and for me, that something new in these past 10 years has been cars that i love, adore, and have always had a thing for.
i realize this will not always be the case, (hoping to have all of the above too someday) but for now that is the way it is. furthermore, i know that no matter how many homes, children, and loves i have i will always have a few to many cars.
the cars:
my 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu two door hardtop, 307 V8, powder blue..... was my grandmother's car. i was the oldest and most attentive of the grandchildren and the only one who cared for her car with great passion. and so, upon her death she gave it to me. and i will forever be thankful. not only is it a great old car in great shape but also a part of life with my grandparents that i will always have. the Malibu is always kept in the garage, has not seen snow or salt since the first Bush administration and rarely even sees a raindrop. the historical plates read 'jimmy4' and it starts every time... never fail.
the Cadillacs. frankly i just love them. Lincolns too for that matter. but for now i am a Cadillac man. the history: in 1996 the family's Cadillac Sedan Deville was passed down to me to take to seminary... then i had a Lincoln Continental, then another Lincoln Continental Mark VI... then back to another Sedan Deville, then another (present one) and now the addition of the Fleetwood. i love the classic lines, the chrome, the leather, the feel, the ride, the power... it is just me.
there have been Dodge Convertibles, Chevy Suburbans, Oldsmobiles, T-Birds, in the mix too...
but that is why i buy cars, and always will.
well first of all, i am a car fanatic, freak, buff, and general lover.
second of all, i don't have pets or children.
third of all, they all have a "purpose" (or at least some of them do) in my life.
fourth of all, i believe that in the midst of all my good friends buying homes, having children, being in love, buying new cars etc... i too have a (subconscious) need to add to the family---get something new---etc.
and for me, that something new in these past 10 years has been cars that i love, adore, and have always had a thing for.
i realize this will not always be the case, (hoping to have all of the above too someday) but for now that is the way it is. furthermore, i know that no matter how many homes, children, and loves i have i will always have a few to many cars.
the cars:
my 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu two door hardtop, 307 V8, powder blue..... was my grandmother's car. i was the oldest and most attentive of the grandchildren and the only one who cared for her car with great passion. and so, upon her death she gave it to me. and i will forever be thankful. not only is it a great old car in great shape but also a part of life with my grandparents that i will always have. the Malibu is always kept in the garage, has not seen snow or salt since the first Bush administration and rarely even sees a raindrop. the historical plates read 'jimmy4' and it starts every time... never fail.
the Cadillacs. frankly i just love them. Lincolns too for that matter. but for now i am a Cadillac man. the history: in 1996 the family's Cadillac Sedan Deville was passed down to me to take to seminary... then i had a Lincoln Continental, then another Lincoln Continental Mark VI... then back to another Sedan Deville, then another (present one) and now the addition of the Fleetwood. i love the classic lines, the chrome, the leather, the feel, the ride, the power... it is just me.
there have been Dodge Convertibles, Chevy Suburbans, Oldsmobiles, T-Birds, in the mix too...
but that is why i buy cars, and always will.
19 February 2007
driving miss daisy
well i have succumbed. the Fleetwood is in my carport.
it is a behemoth... fins and all. just looking at its size and knowing how it rides down the road, it will be quite the land yacht. i think the church ladies will like it. and might i say, i already feel like Hoake in the movie Driving Miss Daisy, just looking at it.
my boating friends have already harrassed me that i said was i looking for a boat. ha.
and on the 2nd day of the week, jimmy got a new caddy... and it was good.
it is a behemoth... fins and all. just looking at its size and knowing how it rides down the road, it will be quite the land yacht. i think the church ladies will like it. and might i say, i already feel like Hoake in the movie Driving Miss Daisy, just looking at it.
my boating friends have already harrassed me that i said was i looking for a boat. ha.
and on the 2nd day of the week, jimmy got a new caddy... and it was good.
17 February 2007
spending time with the Queen
alright, i have always had a thing for the British and course HRH. so i have in recent months wanted to see the movie The Queen. after my time admiring madeline albright, i began the journey home....stopping first at the mall....finding some amazing deals at Eddie Bauer.... then i made it right on time to the 5:10 showing. what a great movie. Helen Mirian (sp) is really very good. it was amazing how well all the characters were portrayed.
after some thai food with friends, a good coffee, and a late night hospital visit i headed home in yet again a late night snow storm. really. enough is enough.
glad to be home and ready for the weekend.
ps: i looked at the cadillac. of course it is wonderful. i have no idea what to do. i have till wednesday.
after some thai food with friends, a good coffee, and a late night hospital visit i headed home in yet again a late night snow storm. really. enough is enough.
glad to be home and ready for the weekend.
ps: i looked at the cadillac. of course it is wonderful. i have no idea what to do. i have till wednesday.
16 February 2007
a luncheon with the Madame Secretary
well i have made a little jaunt to St. Louis. i had a dr. appt. here so decided that a day away was in order. presently i am finishing my frontega chicken panini w/ broc. soup a la St. Louis Bread Co., or as we here call it...."the bread company".... anway, there is a woman eating across the room that looks just like Madeline Albright. i was behind her in line and had to do a double take. now, grant you, i just came from Cokesbury (church bookstore) and happened across the former madame secretary's book.....so the old girl was on my mind.
frankly, i have always had a bit of a thing for Maddy. she does "her thing" so well. little frumpy suits and helmet hair... and i might note, that the present Foreign Secretary of Great Brittan reminds me of her also for the same reasons, but with a Margaret Thatcher-esque quality....
God save the Queen.
frankly, i have always had a bit of a thing for Maddy. she does "her thing" so well. little frumpy suits and helmet hair... and i might note, that the present Foreign Secretary of Great Brittan reminds me of her also for the same reasons, but with a Margaret Thatcher-esque quality....
God save the Queen.
15 February 2007
like a hole in the head
well i need another car like i need a hole in the head. but a nice local church lady called me today and said i had first dibs on her Cadillac.
can i just say, it is the only one in town like it, and i have personally drooled over the thing many times.
i told her a few years ago i would love to buy it. and she always sees me in town or at a function and says "not yet" even without my prompt.....and then today she calls.
geez. so now what? well of course i am going to look at it tomorrow!
i might add it has really low miles, has always been garaged, and is the largest land yacht ever made. it makes my present full size Caddy look like a compact car. :)
can i just say, it is the only one in town like it, and i have personally drooled over the thing many times.
i told her a few years ago i would love to buy it. and she always sees me in town or at a function and says "not yet" even without my prompt.....and then today she calls.
geez. so now what? well of course i am going to look at it tomorrow!
i might add it has really low miles, has always been garaged, and is the largest land yacht ever made. it makes my present full size Caddy look like a compact car. :)
snow vs. the organist
so i just happened to call the organist to see if she could come in early today for choir....which is in like 1 hour....
and she says "oh i won't be in." (thanks for calling me...ugh.)
since she had not been plowed out.....
i could have sent a crew to do it....hell i would do it myself.
but 1 hour.
so now i am out to her house to probably shovel it myself and bring her in for choir so the show can go on.....
my friend april and i laugh about the difference in women and men clergy.....
she is expected to bring things to potluck....
and i am end up shoveling the organist's driveway. humf.
and she says "oh i won't be in." (thanks for calling me...ugh.)
since she had not been plowed out.....
i could have sent a crew to do it....hell i would do it myself.
but 1 hour.
so now i am out to her house to probably shovel it myself and bring her in for choir so the show can go on.....
my friend april and i laugh about the difference in women and men clergy.....
she is expected to bring things to potluck....
and i am end up shoveling the organist's driveway. humf.
the difference between 3 & 4
in case any one was unaware, my father and i have the same name. (James Edwin, III & IV, respectively.) this aspect of my life every now and then presents some hilarious misunderstandings. for example, today's experience at PCMH.
today is my day to be chaplain at our local Pike County Memorial Hosptial. as i was in visiting lucille, introducing myself etc.... the nurse on hand says "oh i thought you would be much older" and i made some nice remark. then she says "i have heard about you." (and i think "oh brother, i wonder what is is this time") and i respond with some generic humor...
but then she says something to the effect that she has heard that i believe the man is the head of the household.
oh my loving god. if there is one thing that i am sure i have never in my life said, it is that. then it occurs to me, that my rather concervative father could very well have had some coversation-- a la--the baptist church and thus brought about this thought that "jimmy ____believes."
well i told her there was some mistake and that i felt very differently about the "heads of the household....equality, God etc..." i don't know what the lady thought after i got done, but perhaps she now realizes the difference in father's & sons.
so there you have it. many things to overcome in this ministry. now if i could just get my father from being one of them. LOL..
thanks be to God for the number 4.
today is my day to be chaplain at our local Pike County Memorial Hosptial. as i was in visiting lucille, introducing myself etc.... the nurse on hand says "oh i thought you would be much older" and i made some nice remark. then she says "i have heard about you." (and i think "oh brother, i wonder what is is this time") and i respond with some generic humor...
but then she says something to the effect that she has heard that i believe the man is the head of the household.
oh my loving god. if there is one thing that i am sure i have never in my life said, it is that. then it occurs to me, that my rather concervative father could very well have had some coversation-- a la--the baptist church and thus brought about this thought that "jimmy ____believes."
well i told her there was some mistake and that i felt very differently about the "heads of the household....equality, God etc..." i don't know what the lady thought after i got done, but perhaps she now realizes the difference in father's & sons.
so there you have it. many things to overcome in this ministry. now if i could just get my father from being one of them. LOL..
thanks be to God for the number 4.
14 February 2007
snow day, part deux
well here we go again.
another snow day.
and....i feel like i get one too!
snow day on a wednesday means: no 7 am youth group breakfast, evening bible study, evening youth group. ahhhh... how sweet it is. (it must be noted that i do in fact love all of the above, however a free day from them is really nice)
the weather: cold. bright sun. extra bright today given the white snow.
the plan: having slept till 8am, continue to clean out the "paper" that has overcome my table and desks. the secretary in the living room is done, and the desk is next. next project: get the chevy suburban out and make my 'free lunch' meeting at the local chemical plant (citizens advisory committee). this afternoon will bring 'snow day visits' which are always more fun.
happy hour? well you better believe it. (it must be noted that i am not an alcoholic, however this snow has brought the grand opportunity for some social drinking)
as the song says: "oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we no place to go,.....let it snow, let it snow, let is snow!"
another snow day.
and....i feel like i get one too!
snow day on a wednesday means: no 7 am youth group breakfast, evening bible study, evening youth group. ahhhh... how sweet it is. (it must be noted that i do in fact love all of the above, however a free day from them is really nice)
the weather: cold. bright sun. extra bright today given the white snow.
the plan: having slept till 8am, continue to clean out the "paper" that has overcome my table and desks. the secretary in the living room is done, and the desk is next. next project: get the chevy suburban out and make my 'free lunch' meeting at the local chemical plant (citizens advisory committee). this afternoon will bring 'snow day visits' which are always more fun.
happy hour? well you better believe it. (it must be noted that i am not an alcoholic, however this snow has brought the grand opportunity for some social drinking)
as the song says: "oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we no place to go,.....let it snow, let it snow, let is snow!"
phil of the future
one of my favorite shows is PHIL OF THE FUTURE on the disney channel. it is hilarious. phil and his sister pim are hilaroius. well actually pim is the hilarious one.
if you have never watched it....you should. good tv. funny, clean, well meaning.
reminds me of really hilarious & witty youth groupers that we have had appreciation for over the years.
if you have never watched it....you should. good tv. funny, clean, well meaning.
reminds me of really hilarious & witty youth groupers that we have had appreciation for over the years.
13 February 2007
katie couric
so i have not watched the CBS evening news in some time. i frankly miss the theme music. it had not changed in years and always reminded me of the nighty viewing at my grandparent's house. i could always close my eyes and recall Grammy's early dinner and then 5:30 with Dan Rather. but where i am going with this is to say, that since i am home bound i am watching the news... Katie looks terrible. i think she has had her face altered. she really does look freakishly scary.
an adult snow day: cocktails at 2pm
several observations as i look out upon the 10 inches of snow in the parsonage yard.
1. thanks be to God for snow days.
2. the great thing about snow days as an adult: a tall southern comfort (the house drink; as in it is in a decanter) and coke at 2:00 p.m. --how great is that.
2a. going out to lunch with teacher friends with no school.
2b. it is even better when they come in their 4wds to pick me up. pizza hut buffet was just what the dr. ordered.
3. i realize i have been a terrible blogger....having let it go for several weeks. frankly each night when i get home i am to tired to be witty or informative. thanks to all of you who are like "what the heck jimmy, you better get back to it!"
4. i am learning that i should just "note" things here rather than "write a book". i will try.
5. i will refrain from complaints on the 11 inches (we have added an inch as i write) of snow outside since the poor saps in the northeast have like 11 feet. oh my Lord Jesus.
6. update: my Winter River Festival was a success and i am now officially done with it and never going to help again!
6a. thanks for all the great feedback on the tv post from that weekend. my new corduroy flat cap got the most reviews....and is a new staple in the vicar's winter closet.
7. my friends had their baby! april & dennis had little sir mcstew or DANIEL, as we will call him, last week. he is most precious. check out april's blog "saltforthespirit" to the --> to see him. and http://www.mcstewsnews.blogspot.com/.
8. i have been here 4.5 years. what now? there are some options opening up. is it time? ugh. what to do. a change is coming, just don't know when and where. --this will have to be touched on at a later date.
9. next winter i am renting a bus and taking my senior adult church members and we are going to road trip to florida. there is no reason we need to be in missouri if winter is going to be like this.
10. (because we needed at least 10 notes) a quote from a commentary found in The Christian Century, that i used this past sunday which has been mulling in my mind as i ponder my happiness.... the writer Wendell Berry said "What I wanted had become the same as what I had." humm...
1. thanks be to God for snow days.
2. the great thing about snow days as an adult: a tall southern comfort (the house drink; as in it is in a decanter) and coke at 2:00 p.m. --how great is that.
2a. going out to lunch with teacher friends with no school.
2b. it is even better when they come in their 4wds to pick me up. pizza hut buffet was just what the dr. ordered.
3. i realize i have been a terrible blogger....having let it go for several weeks. frankly each night when i get home i am to tired to be witty or informative. thanks to all of you who are like "what the heck jimmy, you better get back to it!"
4. i am learning that i should just "note" things here rather than "write a book". i will try.
5. i will refrain from complaints on the 11 inches (we have added an inch as i write) of snow outside since the poor saps in the northeast have like 11 feet. oh my Lord Jesus.
6. update: my Winter River Festival was a success and i am now officially done with it and never going to help again!
6a. thanks for all the great feedback on the tv post from that weekend. my new corduroy flat cap got the most reviews....and is a new staple in the vicar's winter closet.
7. my friends had their baby! april & dennis had little sir mcstew or DANIEL, as we will call him, last week. he is most precious. check out april's blog "saltforthespirit" to the --> to see him. and http://www.mcstewsnews.blogspot.com/.
8. i have been here 4.5 years. what now? there are some options opening up. is it time? ugh. what to do. a change is coming, just don't know when and where. --this will have to be touched on at a later date.
9. next winter i am renting a bus and taking my senior adult church members and we are going to road trip to florida. there is no reason we need to be in missouri if winter is going to be like this.
10. (because we needed at least 10 notes) a quote from a commentary found in The Christian Century, that i used this past sunday which has been mulling in my mind as i ponder my happiness.... the writer Wendell Berry said "What I wanted had become the same as what I had." humm...
24 January 2007
puttting the hump back in humpday
my story in 3 parts: as in the days that have led me to the hump.
part one: monday.
my day off. a gathering with my clergy colleagues on the occasion of christian unity prayer week-month-decade....something of that nature. we did potluck lunch at the Catholic church. i took canned biscuits, steamed broccoli & lima beans--because in fact i can boil water.
it was a most interesting conversation: two baptist men, one methodist woman, one catholic man, one a very bright disciple. in an unrelated story, i met a friend for happy hour at our local mexican place...in the next town over. thanks be to God for single friends who can gather at the spur of the moment for much needed margaritas, laughs and commiserating.
part two: tuesday.
i should have left town. i have not been to the city in weeks due to the calendar and weather. i need it badly. however, when the phone rang at 6:30 a.m. i had the notion to say "yes" -- yes to subbing at the local high school. in a nut shell: we have some serious problems in mayberry.
these kids are rude, obnoxious, and headed for a rude awakening out in the real world. i have never been so insulted by senior girls in all my life. yes the boys have their moments, but they are mostly silly, goofy, clown-esque. we are not at kirkwood high school anymore!
and i then realized why i put so much time into our ecumenical youth group. they are great kids and need a place of positive interaction, growth and modeling in their lives! somehow they will be spared from becoming what many of our kids here have become. it is a most grave situation. each time i sub, at any grade level, i cannot begin to give enough credit to our teachers for all that they put up with.
part two/b: we had a WINTER RIVER FESTIVAL, of which i serve as chairperson, meeting in the early evening--3 days prior to said festival--to do the usual tieing up of loose ends...
to find out that a major venue, a local nightclub--which was for our daytime wine tasting, evening karaoke contest--decided not to host. what the heck. now what are we supposed to do for a large building, with setups, liquor license etc....ahhhhhh....these people drive me nuts!
we reconfigured.
part three: wednesday---the hump day.
o early 7 a.m. the youth groupers gathered for breakfast at the parsonage. all boys today. they are hilarious in the morning....semi-comatose, interesting hair, etc. some flipping between sponge-bob and CMT videos and others finishing chemistry homework.
then after some morning church work, lunch at the senior center... picking in fact tuna casserole day. ugh. following lunch, i convened a board meeting at said center and found yet a few more difficult people. i am in fact wearing thin.
i have led or been a part of 4 meetings this week that have all been tedious. wearing thin i say, wearing thin.
after a pick me up piece of apple pie, with a church lady, i was off to prep for the 2 people who showed for bible study. what has often been 10 people, has been 2 the last two weeks. again, wearing thin. but it was all everyone else's loss....it is amazing to me how bible study works in people's life, when they commence to doing it.
then after a quick clothes change, youth group commenced. 10 youth tonight. one girl...and a brave one at that! what a good group.
and finally, can i say i am tired of the cold weather. wearing thin. ...or have a said that before?
and now, by writing this LONG blog i have successfully put off the funeral that needs to be written for tomorrow, when at last i will be over the hump.
part one: monday.
my day off. a gathering with my clergy colleagues on the occasion of christian unity prayer week-month-decade....something of that nature. we did potluck lunch at the Catholic church. i took canned biscuits, steamed broccoli & lima beans--because in fact i can boil water.
it was a most interesting conversation: two baptist men, one methodist woman, one catholic man, one a very bright disciple. in an unrelated story, i met a friend for happy hour at our local mexican place...in the next town over. thanks be to God for single friends who can gather at the spur of the moment for much needed margaritas, laughs and commiserating.
part two: tuesday.
i should have left town. i have not been to the city in weeks due to the calendar and weather. i need it badly. however, when the phone rang at 6:30 a.m. i had the notion to say "yes" -- yes to subbing at the local high school. in a nut shell: we have some serious problems in mayberry.
these kids are rude, obnoxious, and headed for a rude awakening out in the real world. i have never been so insulted by senior girls in all my life. yes the boys have their moments, but they are mostly silly, goofy, clown-esque. we are not at kirkwood high school anymore!
and i then realized why i put so much time into our ecumenical youth group. they are great kids and need a place of positive interaction, growth and modeling in their lives! somehow they will be spared from becoming what many of our kids here have become. it is a most grave situation. each time i sub, at any grade level, i cannot begin to give enough credit to our teachers for all that they put up with.
part two/b: we had a WINTER RIVER FESTIVAL, of which i serve as chairperson, meeting in the early evening--3 days prior to said festival--to do the usual tieing up of loose ends...
to find out that a major venue, a local nightclub--which was for our daytime wine tasting, evening karaoke contest--decided not to host. what the heck. now what are we supposed to do for a large building, with setups, liquor license etc....ahhhhhh....these people drive me nuts!
we reconfigured.
part three: wednesday---the hump day.
o early 7 a.m. the youth groupers gathered for breakfast at the parsonage. all boys today. they are hilarious in the morning....semi-comatose, interesting hair, etc. some flipping between sponge-bob and CMT videos and others finishing chemistry homework.
then after some morning church work, lunch at the senior center... picking in fact tuna casserole day. ugh. following lunch, i convened a board meeting at said center and found yet a few more difficult people. i am in fact wearing thin.
i have led or been a part of 4 meetings this week that have all been tedious. wearing thin i say, wearing thin.
after a pick me up piece of apple pie, with a church lady, i was off to prep for the 2 people who showed for bible study. what has often been 10 people, has been 2 the last two weeks. again, wearing thin. but it was all everyone else's loss....it is amazing to me how bible study works in people's life, when they commence to doing it.
then after a quick clothes change, youth group commenced. 10 youth tonight. one girl...and a brave one at that! what a good group.
and finally, can i say i am tired of the cold weather. wearing thin. ...or have a said that before?
and now, by writing this LONG blog i have successfully put off the funeral that needs to be written for tomorrow, when at last i will be over the hump.
22 January 2007
a sunday of snow and pbs
It snowed 6-8 inches in the night.
We had 20 people in church today.
I requested they all sit up front in the first two rows.
We had to send a 4x4 for the organist.
A potluck was served. The 5 dishes fed us all.
I survived yet another Board meeting.
(If Jesus' dealings with the scribes and pharisees was anything like a church board meeting...
well I don't know what to say but that, but that the boy didn't get enough credit.)
It was then time for apple pie. I then went over to one of my dearest church ladies...98 yrs old...sharp & spry. She could not attend today, so it was a shame for her apple pie to go to waste. We had a nice visit.
The day ended with great PBS watching. Masterpiece Theater was 2 hours, the first part of "Jane Eyre" then followed by a humorous detective show from England. Both were great. I am so glad for a low key Sunday night of great television. Truely a rarity.
I just stepped outsided to set the trash cans out, and found that someone with a big plow has plowed the gravel side of my driveway. My goodness what a blessing. I wonder who it was, and why I didn't hear a plow out front. hummm....
Ironic that I just a few hours ago shoveled the pavement side.
Come on Spring!
We had 20 people in church today.
I requested they all sit up front in the first two rows.
We had to send a 4x4 for the organist.
A potluck was served. The 5 dishes fed us all.
I survived yet another Board meeting.
(If Jesus' dealings with the scribes and pharisees was anything like a church board meeting...
well I don't know what to say but that, but that the boy didn't get enough credit.)
It was then time for apple pie. I then went over to one of my dearest church ladies...98 yrs old...sharp & spry. She could not attend today, so it was a shame for her apple pie to go to waste. We had a nice visit.
The day ended with great PBS watching. Masterpiece Theater was 2 hours, the first part of "Jane Eyre" then followed by a humorous detective show from England. Both were great. I am so glad for a low key Sunday night of great television. Truely a rarity.
I just stepped outsided to set the trash cans out, and found that someone with a big plow has plowed the gravel side of my driveway. My goodness what a blessing. I wonder who it was, and why I didn't hear a plow out front. hummm....
Ironic that I just a few hours ago shoveled the pavement side.
Come on Spring!
21 January 2007
...and we'll pretend that he is Parson Brown...
I would like to settle down for a long winter's nap, however, I am searching for the luster of mid-day on the new fallen snow. It has been snowing to beat the band since 8:00 p.m. It is now after 11 and upon noticing Dude and Sarah Jane (see earlier post) were still up around 11pm I called to find out if they were up for a late night snow ball fight over the fence. The Dude suggested perhaps snow angels. We settled on a possible gathering later tomorrow night over the meat loaf that Sarah J. had made for tomorrow's church potluck.
Yes, this bloomin snow is going to mess with my potluck plans. My church folks do potlucks very well. We had all been looking forward to the first one of the year tomorrow since it has been since Thanksgiving that we gathered with our covered-dishes.
Since the whole town canceled church last Sunday I think we will be reluctant to do so tomorrow. So, this parson will be up early in the am, in his pre-church sweats, having to go down and scope out the situation...setting up for the snowy Christians that will gather.
Should they come out? no.
Will they come out despite the 6-10 inches? yes.
So, we shall go and sing and be warm together and share in a meal and be glad.
Oh bugger, I just remembered my 80 year old organist lives in the country and will surely not be in...which means no music. ugh.
This now means I will have to pick 3 hymns we can do a capella. I am thinking Amazing Grace, Pass it On, and This is the Day. Perhaps a little Let Us Break Bread Together.
I will think we should be singing "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" or even more appropriately, the hit of old, "I Will Survive."
On another note, I moved our Rotary exchange student between host families today. Since family #2 lives in a rural setting, and that their hilly lane is all ice, and that the Caddy is not 4WD, we walked in packing the Thai student's stuff literally over the river and through the wood to his new family's front door. They helped of course, but what a site to behold. Five people with suitcases, golf bag, Christmas gift bags, clothes on hangers and a bunch of fools this close to biting it on the ice. We took pictures so his family in Thailand could have a good laugh.
It was a full day but the rest of the story will have to wait... at least till I have had that nap.
May your weather be bright however deep the snow,
jes.4
Yes, this bloomin snow is going to mess with my potluck plans. My church folks do potlucks very well. We had all been looking forward to the first one of the year tomorrow since it has been since Thanksgiving that we gathered with our covered-dishes.
Since the whole town canceled church last Sunday I think we will be reluctant to do so tomorrow. So, this parson will be up early in the am, in his pre-church sweats, having to go down and scope out the situation...setting up for the snowy Christians that will gather.
Should they come out? no.
Will they come out despite the 6-10 inches? yes.
So, we shall go and sing and be warm together and share in a meal and be glad.
Oh bugger, I just remembered my 80 year old organist lives in the country and will surely not be in...which means no music. ugh.
This now means I will have to pick 3 hymns we can do a capella. I am thinking Amazing Grace, Pass it On, and This is the Day. Perhaps a little Let Us Break Bread Together.
I will think we should be singing "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" or even more appropriately, the hit of old, "I Will Survive."
On another note, I moved our Rotary exchange student between host families today. Since family #2 lives in a rural setting, and that their hilly lane is all ice, and that the Caddy is not 4WD, we walked in packing the Thai student's stuff literally over the river and through the wood to his new family's front door. They helped of course, but what a site to behold. Five people with suitcases, golf bag, Christmas gift bags, clothes on hangers and a bunch of fools this close to biting it on the ice. We took pictures so his family in Thailand could have a good laugh.
It was a full day but the rest of the story will have to wait... at least till I have had that nap.
May your weather be bright however deep the snow,
jes.4
19 January 2007
ad boy hits the road...
It is a glorious Friday here in America's Hometown. (I have claimed that name for us, you know.) The sun is out to give the bitter cold a run for its money. The day began at o'early hour with some radio time. Every now and then I pop in on our local country radio station's live morning show. Good friends are the radio personalities...so we laugh about life here and random stuff. (They are linked on this blog.)
Today we talked about the Winter River Festival that is coming up next weekend. How I got myself into the chairpersonship I have no idea. But for today that means a last ditch effort of promotion....radio, Quincy/Hannibal TV spot at noon, flyers in certain places throughout the county....which means me driving to said places and posting them. But again it is a beautiful winter day......and I have been in town now for two weeks so some busting out is in order.
So I am headed out to Bowling Green, then Hannibal, then to Quincy. Not to mention I have brand new touring tires on the Cadillac that have yet to be roadtested--most excited about this.
The festival will be great. A 5K Run, Polar Plunge, Missouri Wine Tasting, Missouri Artisans, Antique Appraising, Karoke Contest... to name a few. Not to mention watching the bald eagles along the river.
I might also add that the Mississippi River was calm and bright with sunshine reflection early this morning.......a reminder to me that I do live in a pretty place.
I will post pictures of the river soon......well, as soon as I can get some scanned.
Here's to the weekend!
(and the impending snow storm that is coming on Saturday night.....ahhhh!!!!!!!!!!)
Today we talked about the Winter River Festival that is coming up next weekend. How I got myself into the chairpersonship I have no idea. But for today that means a last ditch effort of promotion....radio, Quincy/Hannibal TV spot at noon, flyers in certain places throughout the county....which means me driving to said places and posting them. But again it is a beautiful winter day......and I have been in town now for two weeks so some busting out is in order.
So I am headed out to Bowling Green, then Hannibal, then to Quincy. Not to mention I have brand new touring tires on the Cadillac that have yet to be roadtested--most excited about this.
The festival will be great. A 5K Run, Polar Plunge, Missouri Wine Tasting, Missouri Artisans, Antique Appraising, Karoke Contest... to name a few. Not to mention watching the bald eagles along the river.
I might also add that the Mississippi River was calm and bright with sunshine reflection early this morning.......a reminder to me that I do live in a pretty place.
I will post pictures of the river soon......well, as soon as I can get some scanned.
Here's to the weekend!
(and the impending snow storm that is coming on Saturday night.....ahhhh!!!!!!!!!!)
17 January 2007
looking back at the dome
Well it is 12:45 a.m. and I am up way to late. The youth group is coming at o'early 7:00 a.m. to my house for our weekly-wednesday-breakfast. I should be in bed! But no, I am online and for some reason found myself about an hour ago linking to my last church's website. FCC Tulsa. I had not looked at it in a long while.
Interesting. Interesting how time changes some things, but yet preserves so many others.
Interesting to see that the website, youth group, rooms at the church, and practically the entire staff have all changed. It was neat to see a few of my old Chi-Rho'ers who are now like 16-17 years old. And to link to their 'myspace'es... and see what they are up to. Wow. Time flies for them. They are so old. Of course lots of thoughts and memories come to mind...
I also was able to link into the 'myspace'es of a few of my least favorite sr. highers during those years... finding that not much has changed at all...even now as they are 23 years old. I suspect it is the same story but a different day.
I find myself hopeful that the kids who really were invested back then... the ones who apparently are still around FCC-T... are doing well. I hope that our days at Chi-Rho camp and the adventures we had set them up to be great youth groupers and college bound kids.
As I sometimes have a chance to reflect on the times gone by... ie: previous youth leading... I wonder if I was a dork. If I was, then I wonder if it was to prepare me for now -- that I could be a non-dork...if that makes sense.
These days I lead an ecumenical youth group of about 15-25 kids. Doing youth group here really is great. I think it has something to do with the volunteer nature on all our parts. And, that the kids come with no expecations. I look forward to the 10-12 who will get up extra early tomorrow and come for breakfast and then show back up at church in the evening for some craziness...and who 3 years ago said "yea, I could go on a mission trip." Which led to another and another. Each better than the last.
And so I come full circle. Thanks blogger for that.
...now if only I could recoup the last 2 hours of sleep.
Interesting. Interesting how time changes some things, but yet preserves so many others.
Interesting to see that the website, youth group, rooms at the church, and practically the entire staff have all changed. It was neat to see a few of my old Chi-Rho'ers who are now like 16-17 years old. And to link to their 'myspace'es... and see what they are up to. Wow. Time flies for them. They are so old. Of course lots of thoughts and memories come to mind...
I also was able to link into the 'myspace'es of a few of my least favorite sr. highers during those years... finding that not much has changed at all...even now as they are 23 years old. I suspect it is the same story but a different day.
I find myself hopeful that the kids who really were invested back then... the ones who apparently are still around FCC-T... are doing well. I hope that our days at Chi-Rho camp and the adventures we had set them up to be great youth groupers and college bound kids.
As I sometimes have a chance to reflect on the times gone by... ie: previous youth leading... I wonder if I was a dork. If I was, then I wonder if it was to prepare me for now -- that I could be a non-dork...if that makes sense.
These days I lead an ecumenical youth group of about 15-25 kids. Doing youth group here really is great. I think it has something to do with the volunteer nature on all our parts. And, that the kids come with no expecations. I look forward to the 10-12 who will get up extra early tomorrow and come for breakfast and then show back up at church in the evening for some craziness...and who 3 years ago said "yea, I could go on a mission trip." Which led to another and another. Each better than the last.
And so I come full circle. Thanks blogger for that.
...now if only I could recoup the last 2 hours of sleep.
16 January 2007
hanging out with the DUDE
My parsonage is in a great neighborhood. I am the only neighbor under 50, and most are over 70. My backyard is rather large with a white rail fence surrounding it. The fence then has spawned over the last 40 years more white fence in every direction. Tonight I went over the fence for a fun evening with Dude and Sarah Jane.
Dude and Sarah Jane are my most hilarious-church member-back yard-neighbors. Yes, his name is Dude... and has the wit & personality to match. He often leaves messages "Preacher Man, this is the Dude..." ...not to mention their Ultra Sporty Honda Acccord license plate is DUDE. And then there is Sarah Jane. She is just lovely. Always hip and styish, and can play the piano like no other. She always makes our choir shine!
Tonight we had cocktails, conversations, laughs, a great dinner, songs at the baby grand, and then a little Bailey's after dinner drink. They entertained me and I them with stories of our town and all the funny people within it from back in the day and just yesterday. I am so very lucky to have such friends. When faced with living in a parsonage and having older church members as neighbors, one could become rather fearful. However, I lucked out. We not only share a fence but a love of life and laughter. They are stylish, graceful, hilarious and always hospitable. From this I have learned so much, and for this I am always glad.
Dude and Sarah Jane are my most hilarious-church member-back yard-neighbors. Yes, his name is Dude... and has the wit & personality to match. He often leaves messages "Preacher Man, this is the Dude..." ...not to mention their Ultra Sporty Honda Acccord license plate is DUDE. And then there is Sarah Jane. She is just lovely. Always hip and styish, and can play the piano like no other. She always makes our choir shine!
Tonight we had cocktails, conversations, laughs, a great dinner, songs at the baby grand, and then a little Bailey's after dinner drink. They entertained me and I them with stories of our town and all the funny people within it from back in the day and just yesterday. I am so very lucky to have such friends. When faced with living in a parsonage and having older church members as neighbors, one could become rather fearful. However, I lucked out. We not only share a fence but a love of life and laughter. They are stylish, graceful, hilarious and always hospitable. From this I have learned so much, and for this I am always glad.
oh my gosh what have i gotten myself into
okay so now the pressure is on. to blog the next day...
it was a quiet weekend here in lake wobegon....aka louisiana. the ice storm commenced on friday and has been with us for some 3 days. a little thaw, a little rain, more ice, more cold...etc.
frankly, it is freaking cold. like between 10-20 degrees. ice is everywhere. people are trapped.
but we shall maintain!
the weekend consisted of me visiting folk and hanging out. what a great reason to hangout with folks when the snow comes.... good meals, card games, cocktails....
my senior adult church member fun cool as hell neighbors haven't been out yet.....so a pastoral visit around happy hour tonight is in store. we shall become warm!
i believe the church office was hovering around 55 degrees. geez that building is cold.
new offices are on the way with new ways of heating and cooling this vicar. thanks be to God.
i could only work in the afternoon....luckily my cords, smart looking sweater and cool scarf kept the frost bite at bay.
okay, so blog #2 was about as thrilling as watching ice melt....so thanks for reading. i hope to gain some more wit in the coming days.
and that is the news from louisiana, where all the men, women, and children are just about frozen. :)
it was a quiet weekend here in lake wobegon....aka louisiana. the ice storm commenced on friday and has been with us for some 3 days. a little thaw, a little rain, more ice, more cold...etc.
frankly, it is freaking cold. like between 10-20 degrees. ice is everywhere. people are trapped.
but we shall maintain!
the weekend consisted of me visiting folk and hanging out. what a great reason to hangout with folks when the snow comes.... good meals, card games, cocktails....
my senior adult church member fun cool as hell neighbors haven't been out yet.....so a pastoral visit around happy hour tonight is in store. we shall become warm!
i believe the church office was hovering around 55 degrees. geez that building is cold.
new offices are on the way with new ways of heating and cooling this vicar. thanks be to God.
i could only work in the afternoon....luckily my cords, smart looking sweater and cool scarf kept the frost bite at bay.
okay, so blog #2 was about as thrilling as watching ice melt....so thanks for reading. i hope to gain some more wit in the coming days.
and that is the news from louisiana, where all the men, women, and children are just about frozen. :)
15 January 2007
thus, i concede.
so thus, i concede to creating a blog.
in recent months i have been blessed by the blogs of friends and strangers both and feel as though i must join in sharing the news of this joy filled life.
in exodus 17, when moses is leading GOD's people, he needs help holding his arms up.
a metaphor for my life? perhaps.
a metaphor for my ministry? perhaps.
a randomness that yields itself to blogworthyness? absolutely.
thanks for playing.
in recent months i have been blessed by the blogs of friends and strangers both and feel as though i must join in sharing the news of this joy filled life.
in exodus 17, when moses is leading GOD's people, he needs help holding his arms up.
a metaphor for my life? perhaps.
a metaphor for my ministry? perhaps.
a randomness that yields itself to blogworthyness? absolutely.
thanks for playing.
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