Adventures of ElastiGirl

FINALLY

2011-12-16T13:43:00.003-06:00

The Priestly Ordination went without a hitch last Saturday!! TB2G!!

AND I am beginning a new blog with my real name attached - the most basic page layout is there with the first test post. I am sure I will move some stuff from here to there. I do still want to keep this one as anonymous as it is. This is still sacred space for me, even if I don't need it in the same way I once did - TB2G for that too.

LYMI

I'm Still Here

2011-09-30T19:07:00.002-05:00

Time is flying by faster than I can keep up with most days. The two jobs are great if overwhelming - I feel like I'm trying to sip from a water hose most days. There are some frustrations of course: the diocese is a very anxious system, I really suck at being an associate (thank you Vicar for helping me name that one), my step-mother-in-law may drive both me and my DH to drink, and the 16 yr old has already totaled his first vehicle. All of this is mostly manageable except when it all occurs in the same week. Last week was one of those weeks, but this week is better so hope reigns.
Next week I have my first ever diocesan clergy conference Monday-Wednesday, meetings Thursday and Friday, rest on Saturday, escort youth to Six Flags on Sunday after church, and then fly out later on Sunday to Manhattan with my two teen boys until late on Wednesday! I'm sooooo looking forward to this trip. The boys have never been there. We'll stay with the 25 yr old in her tiny apt and see two shows. We already have reservations at the World Trade Center site and I will take them all through St Paul's Chapel.
We have a whole family vacay scheduled for Thanksgiving week. I had to book a cruise for us before I get on another boat for BE 5 - otherwise I would have had mutiny on my hands around here. Once I counted, I realized that I took off the grand total of 2 days since my ordination in May. Some time off is sorely needed before the December 10 ordination.
I have begun a family systems class that I believe will be good for me and my self-care. When I showed up for the first class, there were 2 dear friends there besides the one I knew would be there - great blessings. It's nice to have been around long enough to run into colleagues unexpectedly.
I keep meaning to start a new blog but just have not gotten there yet time wise. I tell myself the fable that I will one day be organized enough - however I am really already organized now. So I remind myself of one of the truths I learned in CPE: good enough is good enough.

Sermon 19A - Out of the Boat

2011-08-06T13:54:00.000-05:00

I love the theme of Patriarchs Behaving Badly – we certainly have more of that this week in the Genesis reading. Israel, “Jacob,” does not see that the favoritism he shows Joseph creates some of the same problems he’s already lived through and that his own apples have not fallen far from the tree. Just as he tricked his own father, now his sons will collude to trick him – just different means and different ends. If you know the stories of Joseph and his siblings, you know that within this story there is rape, adultery, murder, mysteries… Colorful history for us!

But I’m intrigued by our Gospel today and how I see it interweaving with us here at St Martin – and within the larger diocese and Episcopal Church. We have a simple story on the surface: Jesus performs a miracle by walking on water – the disciples are afraid – then the disciples worship Him. It’s different than how Mark would have told it, right? The disciples never get who Jesus is. But this is Matthew – and only Matthew who tells this story. And poor Peter – he always the impetuous one – the one who will question and test. I’ve heard this preached many times: “if only Peter would have kept his eyes on Jesus…”

Let’s look at it differently. Jesus MADE the disciples get into the boat – he put them out to sea – He may have pushed them away from shore and waved goodbye even!! He wasn’t worried about them – he knew where to find them at dark-thirty when he was ready for their company again. Then he surprises them with the miracle – the second one they’ve seen in less than 12 hours – remember Him feeding the crowd? And Peter wants in on some of the action. He wants to try it too. It would be exciting wouldn’t it? But being merely human, Peter cannot pull off the miracle and is assisted back to the boat by Jesus – but because Jesus got to prove who He is, the others believed and worshipped.

How about us? It’s no real coincidence that there is a lot of “boat” language in the church – a lot of churches are even built to look like boats from the underside – huge hulls. We get into our boats every time we come to church – and we’re here today. All in this boat together – rocking along. Jesus knows where we are – he’s here with us – He is as a Ghost among us – a Holy Ghost – we count on that – we bank on that – we have faith in that every single week when we ask ordinary elements to become for us the body and blood – we believe He is here with us in bread and wine – in our hearts – speaking to us.

Sometimes – maybe it should happen more often – we get excited about something God is doing – a miracle we want to participate in. We can be like Peter and check it out first – “Jesus if this truly is you, call to us” – once we’ve heard the summons then maybe we’ll climb out of the boat. Scary that “out of the boat” stuff – we know Peter could swim – it was part of his vocational work – Jesus never really put his life in danger, but there was a strong wind – anything could’ve happened. Peter got a taste of the miracle before he began to sink – which allowed Jesus to save him – he was in over his head – so Jesus got the Glory. What are the miracles we see happening around us? What miracles are we called to participate in? What skills do we have that would be slightly dangerous to test – because we might get in over our heads? HOW CAN WE POINT TO JESUS AND ALLOW HIM TO GET THE GLORY OF A PROJECT THAT WE CANNOT CONTROL? How can we show others WHO He is so that they can worship Him?

Paul has some great tips today: If you’re not sent, how can you proclaim? If you don’t proclaim, how can others hear? If they don’t hear, how can they believe? Everyone will be saved if everyone proclaims by words, by deeds, by example…

The strong winds against us are overwhelming – no doubt – hurricanes, drought, famine, civil wars, national wars, Somalia, Syria, Haiti, human trafficking, diocesan lawsuits, church property disputes – we can sink quickly – we might even be afraid to try – but Jesus is there – stretching out His hand to save us – probably thinking “You of little faith, why do you doubt?”

In a bit we’ll be praying Prayer C – commemorating our ancestors who behaved badly but were redeemed – and saying: “Deliver us from the presumption of coming to this table for solace only and not for strength” – one of my favorite parts – we’re in this boat together – give us strength to step out into the strong wind – to not be afraid to check out what we want to do by asking for Jesus to call us – to give us the strength to call out for help and ultimately to let Christ be seen and glorified in all that we do!!

Remember that Peter was the only one brave enough to even try…

Amen.

Episcopal Youth Event 2011

2011-06-28T08:57:00.003-05:00

Took 10 teens to EYE - 8 from present diocese and 2 from ex-diocese. It was a fantastic experience to see how enthusiastic the teens are when allowed to worship with relevant upbeat music and engaging speakers. Our church WILL be changed but unless we push them all out, it will not die. The majority of the music was straight out of the '82 Hymnal with the tempo pushed up so that clapping and dancing could occur.

The most engaging of the speakers was Dr. Rodger Nishioka from Columbia Theological Seminary. I will admit that when I saw his bio stuff, I was afraid he would be someone who would talk about the teens, not to the teens. Wrong. He was gracious, authentic, relevant, sometimes irreverent, challenging, and inspiring. He had two other discussion sessions that were jam packed by teens and adults. His focus is teen/young adult ministry and he "gets" it. The main address is on youtube and I've linked it on my facebook.

After some time of reflection, I believe he personifies what our Evangelism professor taught us about what the next generation of Christians want. She said that they want leaders who are not afraid to tell their own stories, be excellent story tellers, be challenging. One of her main ideas was that the church was going to go through a "dark night of the soul" and emerge leaner and more authentic and radical than before. She truly believes that people want to be held to a higher standard and we, as a church, disappoint when we sugarcoat the Gospel. In my very few years of ministry now, I believe she's right - for those under 45-ish.

I'm wondering if there will be a rift that may be healthy. The 50-70 year olds seem to be holding the power and money in most congregations I know of... but the energy is with the under 45 crowd. Dr. Nishioka's scripture was Peter talking at Pentecost: "the young shall prophesy and the old shall dream dreams" - he focused on challenging the teens there to be prophets. What would happen if we challenged the older ones to support them financially in whatever they prophesy? What if the dreams and prophecies coincide?

hmmmmm....

I'm still here... a few random thoughts

2011-06-15T21:39:00.002-05:00

First time ever to work full-time as a mom - learning curve

Oldest turned 16 over the weekend

EYE June 22-26 - off to Minneapolis/St Paul

Feel VERY CONSPICUOUS wearing collar

Collar makes me a better driver so far

First hospital call on a parishioner tomorrow

Have been putting younger son in wrong (older) age group for tennis tournaments - fail

You?

My 400th post!!

2011-05-16T13:21:00.002-05:00

Wow - who knew?!

Working on the Ordination bulletin now - 9 days and counting. I want to hand it over to the church secretary tomorrow if possible. Then I only have the nitty-gritty deatils to attend. I have written DAY OFF on the 26th in huge letters in my calendar and shown it to everyone who will look.

Great diocesan picnic yesterday - acolyte games on a diocesan level were fun!

I have been lurking on a lot of blogs lately - I'm gearing up to start a new one this summer and I'm checking out all the options. Got one you really like the lay-out of? Pros/Cons?

What's up with you?

Easter 4A

2011-05-14T22:18:00.002-05:00

Do any of y’all subscribe to the feed The Episcopal Café on Facebook or Twitter? Or even just drop in on the site occasionally to see what they’re writing about? It’s a great site – they run stories about the Anglican Communion worldwide and stories about Christianity in general. They had a story yesterday that I think goes with our readings today. It’s the story about three homeless people: a chronically homeless man, a mom and her 10 yr old son who have been homeless for the last year after she lost her job at a bank. When the mom and the son became homeless, the older man began using his panhandling money everyday to pay for a hotel for the woman and her son so they could stay off the streets. He could be paying for a room for himself, but he doesn’t – he only takes what he needs from his money and donates the rest to the woman and her boy. He was quoted in the article saying that he has everything he needs – he has his faith in God – and he wanted to help this small family stay together and stay safe. That is a story of abundance.

There is an over-riding theme of abundance in today’s readings, did you notice? Maybe not in the reading from 1 Peter – I’m very troubled by that one – it could be dangerously misconstrued, in my humble opinion, so I’m going to set it aside for another day.

The Acts 2 reading shows one idea of abundance – describing the people who had sold all their possessions as having “glad and generous hearts” – and they were an attractive community – others saw their joy and joined the group!! This could not have been easy – it would have been no easier for them then than it would be for us today to sell everything and live in Intentional Community, sharing resources. No matter what century it is, this is never easy. But they saw the abundance of God’s grace and blessing even in the midst of what we know historically was a time of martyrdom and persecution for the Christians.

Psalm 23 is always the classic of the Psalms – even people who may nothing else of the Bible recognize these words. These words speak to us of the abundance of God’s love and comfort and justice and blessing and goodness and mercy. There is such an abundance of feeling cared for and cared about in this Psalm – The Lord is my Shepherd…truly beautiful words.

John carries through on the image of the Lord is my Shepherd. Jesus explains how He is the true shepherd and the one true gate to an abundant life. You know what that makes us? The smelly, wooly, sheep who are likely to bolt away at any moment – the ones who may not be the brightest on the food chain. We’re the sheep – He’s the shepherd.

There’s another way the image of shepherd is used – anyone know another person who carries around the big shepherd’s stick? I doubt if he’s ever used it to beat off a wolf or in this neck of the woods, a coyote. The bishop carries a crosier – he’ll be here later today for the picnic - he is a shepherd of sorts for us also. He has called for the entire diocese to live into the idea of abundance. Do you remember the video from convention – we also saw it at the annual meeting. It talked about living into the life of abundance – the same one Christ calls us to. How do we do that?

I suspect the idea may be easier to understand now than it was a few years ago. There may be things we would’ve taken for granted a few years ago, that we now feel thankful for. A few years ago, it seemed like everyone had a house and a job… a few years ago, it seemed like every Episcopal parish in the diocese had a building to call home… a few years ago… you can fill-in the blanks for your life. We will play hosts to the entire diocese here later today and I hope you’ll come to join the community in the breaking of the bread, in prayers and in fellowship. These events are not just for fun – the are all about helping us to realize the abundant life we already have in Community with each other.

Jesus doesn’t ever say that we’ll be given everything on a silver platter, that life will be hunky-dory. If a preacher tells you otherwise, he’s a thief or a bandit. Jesus calls us to a life rich with a sense of community – a life of thanksgiving for what we have – a life of generosity and compassion. If we listen, we can hear His voice and know that we are called into that life of abundance… we can pass through the gate without want, without fear and dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Lord is our Shepherd. Amen.

Fantasy Land

2011-04-27T22:06:00.000-05:00

I am in a hotel room all by myself.

Children's Worship Rambling Thoughts

2011-04-27T12:21:00.004-05:00

I entered seminary with one boy entering pre-K and one entering third grade. I had taught Sunday School for one year and Vacation Bible school for one year - enough of each to know THAT was not my calling. I took over the VBS Director job so that I didn't have to be trapped with those little people in small spaces.

Fast Forward 6 years: done with the classwork part of the MDiv - in the internship year. One of my first things to do was to rotate through the different Sunday offerings on campus to see what all was happening before I wrote my learning covenant. I wanted to see where I could make a difference, help the rector, streamline something, you know - use my gifts. My internship parish was truly multi-cultural: American white, American black, first and second generation Nigerian, first and second generation Sudanese, and Burmese refugees. The implications of all of those groups is a whole other post.

One of the Sundays, I braced myself for Children's Chapel. It was a regular Sunday occurrence - the children were gathered in procession, continued the procession to the special chapel built for them, then asked to sit and be still while big people told the story of the day and tried to pass about 35 minutes. I was already wary because I had been immediately invited to join the CC team before anyone ever ascertained if those were my gifts or not. I hate being pigeon-holed for Children's stuff because I'm a woman and mom. Truth is, there were a lot of children I was not too fond of! Anyway, I found much what I expected: disorganization, adults expending a lot of energy trying to get children to sit still and not go pull books off the shelves (did I mention this was also the Children's library area?), adults spending very little energy in looking at the expectations by way of the lesson much before the children got into the room. It was chaotic and noisy and frankly not a nice experience for anyone involved. we all went back into the sanctuary at the Peace exhausted and frustrated.

Imagine my surprise to find myself moved to action. I hated that that experience was the impression the children got of their loving God each week. I would never equate myself with Jesus, but I was struck by Him feeling pity on those who were like sheep without a shepherd - I got that in a whole new way. With the Rector's full support, the Associate and I overhauled the system. The Associate and I are both really nerdy about liturgy, so we set about to creating a CC in which the children did the "work of the people" - everything they could do, we enabled in age-appropriate ways. We've laughed about writing a book about it, only half-kiddingly. I don't know that it could be a universally applied system, but I do know that those children LOVED CC that year. They knew the liturgy well - and knew their parts well. I pity a priest later on who might try claim a lay part!!

I discovered that I really like children - some of the behavior I could do without, but that's natural. I love how quickly they can sum up someone new in their midst - how funny they can be - and how authentic they are and expect me to be. I am a better theologian when I can explain things to the children in a way they understand. I cannot hide behind a title or a diploma or complicated terminology because they will push until they understand to the best of their abilities. I'm amazed now that I was ever turned off by children's ministry - I do believe my own personal growth in seminary helped me to be fully myself and that translates well to working with children.

And now I am the youth minister for my parish and the diocesan youth representative for my province... still growing...

Interactive Stations of the Cross for Children

2011-04-14T11:52:00.001-05:00

Interactive Stations of the Cross for Children

Sources:
• Stations of the Cross for Children, Julianne M. Will, One Sunday Visitor Publishing, 2005.
• The Way of the Cross found in The Book of Occasional Services, Church Publishing (pages 57-73 in 2004 edition).
• Liturgy for the Whole Church, Susan K. Bock, Church Publishing, 2008, pages 93-5.

Notes:
• The sources above were the starting point. I then customized what I did based on several factors. The Stations we walked were outdoors on a sidewalk. I also gauged each activity by the “mood” of the children. Some of the Stations were longer than others. On some of the stations, everyone participated, on others I took only a few volunteers.
• I tried to keep it as simple as possible – I had stuff already at each Station if it needed an item. When we left each Station, we left it all there and I cleaned up later. Everything I used was the stuff I found easily already on campus.
• Talk about each scene and ask wondering questions from each point of view
• Once the cross was built, the children took turns carrying it over one shoulder to the appropriate Stations (up to the Twelfth Station). We left the Cross there afterwards, but a member of the Altar Guild found it there and draped it with a beautiful simple ribbon and used it for the Vigil service in the Narthex. This unexpected use of the cross was such a blessing to the children. I cannot even tell you how thrilled they were to have their cross decorated – to know that their work had been included.
• Time wise, we took about an hour to complete the Stations. I finished at Station 14, and left the Resurrection to Easter. Since I did this on Good Friday, I was OK with leaving the story untold and reminding the children that the next night (Vigil) would complete the story.
• We sang something – do not remember what – as we moved to the nest Stations – probably something Taize’ - something with a simple refrain
• I had about 8 children and one mom with me as we as walked the Stations.

Before We Began:
• Drinks of water and potty stops for all of us.
• There is a great introduction in the Stations of the Cross for Children. I read that and we prayed the Lord’s Prayer together before going to the First Station.
• Remind all that this is a solemn time together.
• Began singing as we process

First Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene – discuss Pilate washing his hands to show that he did not agree with what was happening, but that he let it happen anyway.
• All wash hands – we do not like what happened, but we are all responsible.
• Prepared at Station: large bowl of water, towels
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children
• Sing

Second Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene
• Make a cross that will be carried/dragged by various children to the next Stations
• Prepared at Station: rough lightweight wood (old fence pieces), one nail per child, hammer
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children
• Sing

Third Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene
• Talk about how to bow and kneel. Kneeling can hurt our knees. Falling down might skin our knees and hurt. Talk about how it feels when people laugh at us.
• Prepared at Station: One band-aid per child to remember “skinned knees”
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children
• Sing

Fourth Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene
• Talk about who loves us: parents, teachers, coaches, Jesus
• Prepared at Station: nothing here
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children
• Sing

Fifth Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene
• Talk about the cross being carried along – how heavy would an adult sized on be
• Prepared at Station: nothing here
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children
• Sing

Sixth Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene
• Have each child wipe the face of another – very gently – as Veronica wiped Christ’s face – remembering that the face would be cut and bruised. Discuss how refreshing or soothing that could be.
• Prepared at Station: Very soft cloth (cloth diaper or unadorned tea towel) lightly dampened
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children
• Sing

Seventh Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene
• Could bring in shepherd references – usually we think of Christ as the Shepherd – here we get Christ as Lamb; Passover language of the slaughtered lamb as appropriate for the developmental language of the children
• Prepared at Station: nothing here
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children
• Sing

Eighth Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene
• Have the children dip parsley springs in heavily salted water to taste the tears (reminiscent of a Passover dinner)
• Prepared at Station: Parsley sprigs and a small bowl of very salty water
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children
• Sing

Ninth Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene
• Talk about how we sometimes all feel very alone – maybe like God is not there. Jesus knew that this would not be the end of His story, yet even He might have felt unloved. Remind the children about God’s presence always – even when we feel very alone and afraid.
• Prepared at Station: nothing here
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children
• Sing

Tenth Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene
• Roll die to see who gets the highest number, the lowest number, etc. These topics are very heavy and the children might want to rest in simplicity of the game for a minute.
• Prepared at Station: a die
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children
• Sing

Eleventh Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene
• Read The Three Trees if you feel as though they still have the attention for it
• Prepared at Station: book – The Three Trees
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children
• Sing

Twelfth Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene – instruct the children that it is traditional to kneel in silence for a bit at this Station
• Have each child who volunteers dip a sprig of parsley in vinegar and taste it
• Prepared at Station: Sprigs of parsley and a small bowl of vinegar
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children
• Leave the cross
• Sing

Thirteenth Station:
• This Station does not work for the pattern used at the others
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene – maybe talk about how we can feel mad at God sometimes and that’s OK
• Show a picture of the Pieta by Michelangelo
• Prepared at Station: Picture of the Pieta
• Pray after: “Dear Jesus, Thank you for giving us the hope of resurrection, even after someone dies. We know that You care about our loved ones who have died and that we will see them again one day – just as we will see You in Heaven someday. Amen.”
• Sing

Fourteenth Station:
• Begin with “We adore you, O Christ…”
• Read the first paragraph of this Station of The Way of the Cross.
• Talk about the scene – discuss burial practices then and now as developmentally appropriate
• Wrap a volunteer lovingly in a very large piece of linen/cheesecloth/toilet paper
• Prepared at Station: Very large piece of linen/cheesecloth/toilet paper
• Read “Dear Jesus” prayer from Stations of the Cross for Children – use the first paragraph from Station 13, and then follow with Station 14
• Sing

Conclusion:
• Reflect on the whole experience
• Remind the children that the story continues but why we conclude here, for now
• Remind children of Easter Vigil service

Still Processing

2011-03-14T19:25:00.004-05:00

The Priestly Ordination date has moved to December 10 but is now set. I am starting on all of the details for the Diaconal Ordination - I have no contemporaries here, so I'll be the only ordination that day. I get to pick all the stuff!

I have accepted a new job that the Bishop mentioned when we met last week. I will work 1/4 time for the Diocese and 3/4 time for the parish. We solidified the details this morning and I am very excited about this new thing!! On April 1, I will begin as the Diocesan Recovery Coordinator. My first priority is to find all the people who would like to remain Episcopalians even though their local church is now Southern Cone. Several people have been gathering this data, and it will be my job to consolidate the info and make contact with the people. I have been charged with using my pastoral care skills to initiate and maintain relationships with them.

I am also looking at the different Blog options as I plot starting a named blog. Lots of stuff going on - and sermonating this week. How about you? What's happening in your world?

Mark Your Calendars!

2011-03-08T13:26:00.002-06:00

Diaconal Ordination: May 25 - feast day of Bede the Venerable

Priestly Ordination: tentatively December 3

is it weird that I feel like I need to go cry for a while?

Holding it together for Shrove Tuesday

Letters of Agreement

2011-02-04T11:33:00.003-06:00

We have had really odd weather - for here anyway - in the last five days. Last Saturday was almost 80* but by Tuesday morning, there was more than an inch of ice on everything. We do not have snow plows in this part of the world, so when this happens, we hunker down and stay inside til it melts, plus there were rolling blackouts. Day one was reading and relaxing. Day two was baking and reading. I am really having to limit myself to one chapter at a time of Reframing Hope... otherwise I would consume it ravenously. Day three consisted of treadmill, and big discussions with Mr Incredible about LoA stuff. It occurred to me that he has an MBA that I supported him through - he could be helpful, plus he was bored. And, as I am putting stuff in the LoA that affects family time and income, he might want some input! We had really good discussions yesterday about our expectations for our family for the next six years or so. I also read the Called to Serve document and feel totally boring as a typical female in the cleric mix. Today is Day four. Overnight, we gained about 5 inches of snow. Crazy!! In most years we worry about whether one night of a hard freeze is enough to kill ticks and fleas for the summer - now we've been below freezing for about 115 hours. Mr Incredible had to go into the hospital so he's out and about for a while.

So today I think I'll start putting together a skeleton doc of a LoA. I'm trying to grasp the housing allowance part though. We paid off our house about 10 years ago. I have been told that I can total our living expenses (utilities, household, newspapers, internet, etc) and use that as my housing allowance but something about claiming tax free income feels illegal to me - is it just me? I didn't know about any of this stuff. I do know there are priests whose housing allowance is the vast majority of their income so it must be OK, right? Is this the norm across the US or a southern thing that is a remnant of bygone days?

Asking for Help Yet Again!!

2011-01-25T11:28:00.002-06:00

I am adrift in the Employment Contract Negotiation pool. The Diocese has no standard employment contract or curacy program, so I will need to negotiate a contract on my own. Does your diocese have a great "basic" contract? Anything you wish you would've included in yours (or wish you wouldn't have included)?

Still no word on an ordination date yet...but the news has been such that I reminded of being the small fish in this big pond.

March 7th??

2011-01-18T19:32:00.001-06:00

Perpetua and Felicity may be two of my new favorites! We have submitted March 7 as a possible ordination date - waiting to hear from the Bishop. The BE 4 would be my pre-ordination retreat - cannot think of a better group with whom to spend that time!

The Bishop Had a great move to Make

2011-01-12T20:26:00.001-06:00

I met with the Standing Committee - They asked hard and appropriate questions in a friendly and caring way. They asked me to step out for a minute - they voted - and I met with the Bishop who declared me the first Candidate of the continuing diocese!! Now all we have to do is negotiate ordination dates... THANKS BE TO GOD!!! And thank you all for your prayers!!

New Development

2011-01-10T17:06:00.003-06:00

I got a call today inviting me to the next Standing Committee meeting - Wednesday at 4:30 pm... apparently the Bishop is getting antsy to "make a move" but cannot "make a move" until the Standing Committee meets with me. This is where my journey ended last time, so I'm actually a little nervous now - even though this has been a whole different process in this diocese. I beg your prayers once again.

All is Well

2010-12-16T10:12:00.002-06:00

The interviews went well last Thursday. I will now wait for the next letter once recommendations have been made to the Bishop. I truly hope it will not take another 4 months to get the letter (:

After that, I'll wait and see which way the process will go. My letter of support from the parish was not submitted until April of 2010 (there was no COM to send it to until then). The canons seem to state that a person cannot be ordained to the vocational diaconate or the priesthood until 18 months past the date of the letter; transitional diaconate is not clear. The COM and the rector are thinking I can be ordained fairly quickly to the transitional diaconate and then wait out the rest of the time to be ordained to the priesthood. I hope the Bishop agrees....

Candidacy Interview

2010-12-03T10:06:00.001-06:00

Next Thursday evening at 6:20. Any and all prayers appreciated!!

Crazy Times!!

2010-11-29T23:08:00.002-06:00

Alright - I am beginning to think I'm on Candid Camera. Today I received via email the application from the COM to apply for ordination to the transitional diaconate. The signatures from the vestry for candidacy have been procured. The head of the COM is hoping to get me on the December agenda, after which (if all goes well) he wants that application in hand for the next conversation to happen asap. Happy Dancin' here!! I hope that light at the end of the tunnel that I'm glimpsing is not a train!!

Lesson Learned the Hard Way

2010-11-23T15:31:00.002-06:00

Poured WAY too much wine in the chalice I was bearing for the 8:30 service. Consumed it when appropriate. Made it really foggy in my head for the sermon at the 10:30 service. Say it with me: "The piscina is an appropriate place to deposit consecrated wine."

Lesson learned - and a really good nap later on...

Let's Do the Time Warp Again!!

2010-11-20T20:54:00.004-06:00

Today at convention the head of the COM told me he's sending forms to me asap to fill-out for candidacy - b/c apparently my six months of postulancy are almost done... my head is spinning with the passage of time!!

And I get to write Ember Day letters again - I wonder if they can cycle every three years - I could pull out the one from December 2007 and fluff it up!! {jk}

Guess who

2010-11-17T19:19:00.000-06:00

is now a postulant as of 6-15-10?

Acolyte Games

2010-11-14T20:01:00.002-06:00

Teams of 4-6 people per team - designated Captain for each team to assign players in each challenge.

Processional Course Drill: need three brooms (one marked with a cross) - these are the cross and two torches, 1 long sock stuffed with two tennis balls knotted into the toe - this is the thurible, and a judge to call the contest; other team members may walk behind in procession of they wish; each team walks in a procession formation paying attn to torch height, walking side-by-side - all the things an acolyte master cares about; the judge or another person calls out commands, such as "right turn," "left turn," "stop," "slow down," "speed up" etc. May need a walk-off to determine a winner.

Alms Toss into Offering plates: need pennies and frisbees; place the frisbees at varying distances and assign them points accordingly (closest gets one point, furthest gets five points); each team has two throwers behind a line who each throw ten pennies; points tallied and winner determined.

Candle Relay: need two candle stands that are above eye height (two boards screwed together like a capital T each with six dixie cups duct-taped to the top - hollow out the bottom of the cups) sunk into the ground, two stools, six ping pong balls per team and six dixie cups per team; relay race to "light" the candles by placing the balls on the stands using the dixie cups (not hands) - and then extinguish by removing the balls with the cups. Winning teams continue to play until a winner is determined.

Cincture Race: need as many albs, cinctures, and crosses as there are players per team (6 of each if there are six players per team); timed race for each team to be appropriately dressed - neatness counts. Shortest time determines the winner.

Scavenger hunt: need one cell phone with camera per team and one scavenger hunt list per team; assign points per item - easiest = five points each, hardest = ten points each. List includes: Sanctus Bell, Christus Rex, BCP, Hymnal, Kneeler, Narthex, Cruet, Lavabo towel, Chalice, Bulletin, Candle Lighter, Font, Altar Rail, Nametag, Altar Missal, Flagon, Chapel, Piscina, Purificator, Pyx, Doxology in the hymn book. Each team has five minutes to find the items and take picture with cell phone - points earned determine the winner.

Need prizes for teams - need stopwatches or stopwatch app for Cincture race and Scavenger Hunt. Lots of fun!

What I Said Last Sunday

2010-10-20T23:49:00.004-05:00

I have not been writing out my sermons, so this is a rough approximation of what was preached:

Thank goodness! Finally we have a parable that tells us exactly what it's about: the need to pray persistently. I think Jesus is actually teaching two things in this Gospel though. Yes he is obviously teaching about the need to pray persistently, but he's also teaching us about the nature of God. Do you hear echoes of the Sermon on the Mount here also? This gospel has no parallel - Luke is the only one who saw fit to tell this one, but it sounds a lot like "what parent if his child asks for an egg would give him a scorpion? If you then who are evil are able to give good gifts to your children, how much greater then is God?" Can you hear it? It's a similar teaching. You see, Jesus clearly knows that prayer does not change the nature of God - instead it changes the nature of us. When we learn to pray persistently, our nature is changed to more align with the nature of God - to see God more clearly - to hear God better.

As I prepared to preach this week, I wondered who our widows are. Who are the ones subject to our whims of what is just or not? Who does not have a voice in our society? While I was wondering, a few things began to blip on my radar: a story I heard, a meeting I attended, and a project on YouTube. Teenagers are not old enough to vote yet - to have a voice - maybe they are the widows. Maybe this is the way I went because I'm the youth minister, maybe because I'm the mom of two boys - one teen and one who will be too soon.

Bullying has certainly been blipping on my radar. We had a conversation about it at a Sunday School teacher meeting a few weeks ago and I told them this story. I have a friend whose daughter was bullied so badly that she had to change schools. As a 14 yr old freshman on the drill team, she actually admitted to some of the older girls that she was still a virgin. The bullying was relentless and got really ugly. Thank goodness though that she knew she could confide in her mom. She knew her youth minister and her friends from church camp would have her back. She had a safety net.

Lately there has been an alarming number of teen suicides of teens who either self-identified as gay or were believed by the bullies to be gay. They obviously didn't think they had a safety net. How would their parents react? Would they be thrown out? Their church might not have stood behind them. They could see no way out beyond suicide.

There is a project on Youtube - search for "It Gets Better." It was started by a gay partnered man who wanted so badly to tell these teens that if they can just survive their teen years and the bullies, that it gets better. You may have heard about it because on of the local city councilmen made a video at their meeting this last week. If you are any way involved in the life of a teenager, I encourage you to go watch these videos - I've asked my teens to go watch as well. Some of the language is rough, but I would rather have that conversation with my boys than with a funeral director or a police officer.

We have to look at our own culpability in this bullying. We have celebrated bullying in the public discourse - I guarantee that on this Sunday morning there are political people yelling at each other on TV - basically saying that if you don't agree with me than you are lower than worm dirt and don't deserve to be heard. Our kids are watching us and them - they do not see good examples of civil discourse - they see bullying as the way to communicate. We as a church - not this building or church alone - but as a church universal have told people for centuries that they were an abomination to God. Our children have been listening. Little pitchers have big ears. If there are people that are an abomination to God then we can treat them as less than - as other. We can pick on them and bully them. Our teens were listening too - if they self-identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender that they are less than - damaged - lower than worm dirt. As adults we have to Stop. I cannot believe that God would tell anyone that they are an abomination. Do you remember that graphic from the 70's "God don't make no trash?" God doesn't consider any of us to be an abomination - we are all the most beloved child of God - but I'm the favorite! We need to be telling everyone that so they they can say it and believe it too.

So what if we are the unjust judges in this story? And what if maybe, just maybe, God is the persistent widow begging us for justice?

WAY too long to be gone...

2010-10-01T21:28:00.003-05:00

Things have been wild and woolly, but it's beginning to seem more manageable. So much so that I signed on the Big Event!! Yay!! I've also signed up for one of Doug Pagitt's Social Media Boot Camps.

The Incredible Father-in-Law has made great progress now that someone is monitoring his meds and he is getting regular physical and speech therapy. It is encouraging to see him doing much better. He's been to all of the specialists now except for the dentist - that's in two weeks. Now we get to go back for the regular visits, but those are more spread out.

The Boyz are doing well. The teen is in a Harry Potter parody over Halloween - something about the HP characters singing different Broadway tunes - I picture it as HP does Glee. The tween is all over the tennis right now. He loves it and plays for hours each week. School is going well for both of them.

Mr Incredible is also good - he has been learning a lot about life balance over the last two months. The first month, he went to visit his dad every single day and exhausted himself (he routinely works from 530am-630pm). He has come to realize that his dad has my company, other family members, therapists and other residents. He has now gotten into an every-other day routine during the week and each day of the weekend.

As for me, I quit the surgery center as of September 1, so I can spend time as a caregiver. I visit my FIL on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - take him to appts, offer basic grooming assistance, and take him out to shop or eat. He is a good man so he's good company. I have not yet heard anything on the ordination front. I am the liturgical coordinator for a diocesan picnic in two weeks, so I've been working on that - music, bulletin, etc. I am also now the Diocesan Youth Coordinator, which means I get to gather a group of teens to go to the Episcopal Youth Event next June. Apparently, I may be the only youth minister in the diocese. My own youth group is doing well - we painted the youth room last week - and we now have the youth room up to date with technology. These are major achievements. The teens and tweens are great - lots of energy and full of enthusiasm.

So how are you doing?? I will now spend some time reading and catching up on blogs - I feel very out of touch.

Thanks be to God!!

2010-08-11T21:42:00.002-05:00

I have a focus and function for the sermon this weekend!! In the midst of everything else this is indeed a blessing. Of course Jesus talking about division in families is something that intersects my life right now - I can certainly preach it!!

Juggling, tap dancing and humming a circus theme

2010-08-09T21:47:00.003-05:00

The vacation was really great! We sat on the deck in the mornings watching the birds, squirrels, and occasional car. We played Mexican Train in the evenings - sometimes until the wee hours of the morn. We rented a boat and took the kids tubing and knee-boarding. It was restful and relaxing and balm for the soul.

While we were there Grandfather Incredible was making some new decisions about his life. he decided to move from home with wife to assisted living center near eldest son (Mr Incredible). He is in the later stages of Parkinson's and needs more care than he was getting. We were kept apprised of the situation but were ordered to stay put on vacay by very wise, elder friends and family.

It has been 8 days since we returned and I am very grateful for the lazy days we had. The first day back, I flew to his home city, gathered some paperwork, his vehicle (bc he was stressed without it and the wife would not pick it up from where it was *sigh*), and drove back - got a speeding ticket. Went to work the next day. Went and purchased furniture and essentials for new apartment in the asst living center the next day. Then another work day - and watched a train hit a semi on the way home. Then a day of accepting furniture and making the apt look homey. Got the kids ready for camp. Took them to camp yesterday. Back to work today to give 2 week notice. School's starting, I am the logical and practical choice to escort FIL to dr appts and outings. I will not miss the surgery center but I will miss my friends there.

I now know what is meant by feeling sandwiched between the generations. Mr Incredible is feeling it all ten-fold since it is his dad. I do believe it is harder for two oldest children to be married to each other - Friedman didn't like it, but he also didn't like clergy-types and doctors to be married either, so whatever. I really don't know how all of this fits together but I'm throwing it all out there for digestion and pondering.

I am re-reading this and feeling very whiny. Big changes throw me off my game. I realize I am lucky that we can afford for me to quit the higher paying job. I feel guilty that we cannot accomodate FIL here - no downstairs bedroom. Sorry for the whining - it's who I am tonite.

VACATION!!

2010-07-25T20:15:00.002-05:00

We're on the road tomorrow to the state to the North and a very big lake. We are planning to rent a boat for a time, rent jet skis, ride horses, swim, and hike. Mostly though, I'm sure we'll stay up way too late playing dominoes, Mexican Train to be exact... have you played it?? I cannot figure out where the name came from - I don't perceive it to be derogatory, or I would have re-named it by now. Maybe it originated in Mexico... either way - it's addictive and great fun with 4-12 people from ages 5-105. See ya on the flip side of next week!!

Update from Tuesday

2010-07-21T19:49:00.002-05:00

I did not come from the meeting on Tuesday with what I wanted or what my rector wanted. No idea on timeline at all yet. Someone read the national canons and decided this diocese needs a letter from the old diocese about why I was denied candidacy before I can be offered postulancy. I knew they needed that letter.
Sometimes I feel like I am falling through the cracks.

So where was I??

2010-07-19T00:36:00.003-05:00

Oh yeah... it's been a while now. I've been reading blogs, but not posting much. Let's catch-up!

Went on a mission trip with son's high school EYC group to Pagosa Springs, CO. We built the last 6 1/2 rings of a 12-ring stone labyrinth. Hard work and great fun! Good otj training for me to see the logistics of a mission trip.
Back to work - still working on the office - will be awhile before it's done.
Actually replaced the default calendar on my blackberry with my new Google calendar - not difficult once I found the right commands. Now Mr Incredible has the family calendar on his Iphone too! I am loving the google calendar - very user-friendly. It even emails me a daily agenda and I have printed out my weekly schedule for a quick reference - I used to write one out by hand every Sunday afternoon.
Preached all three services this weekend. All is well there. Actually had someone want to talk in depth with me afterwards - first time for that. We used the chairs in my office - comfy.
Met final time with psychologist last week on psych tests. All good - no surprises: slight OCD, slight manic. That's me.
Meet on Tuesday at 10:30 am with Bishop. My rector is expecting an ordination date for transitional diaconate to come out of the meeting. I am trying to not get my hopes up - I would like an idea of where we are on the timetable. Please pray with me: God's will be done.

The New Desk

2010-06-30T20:19:00.006-05:00

I found the grooviest new desk on Craig's list a few weeks ago. The church offices have a '70's feel so I wanted something that goes with the "vibe" of the place. I looked all over in lots of thrift stores and could not find anything that really fit the bill. I found this set for $100 cash - it is solid wood (and the chair seats are 100% Naugahyde*). I love it - the rattan desk front and chair backs are in perfect condition. The drawer lock even works.

Mr Incredible told me I need a picture of the Brady Bunch to put on this desk!!

*Which reminds me of a Garfield comic strip once when Jon tried to put a "genuine Naugahyde collar" on Garfield, and Garfield replies "Do you know how many Naugas had to die to make this?"

It's A Girl!!

2010-06-29T19:33:00.002-05:00

The Acer I inherited finally bit the dust the other night - his name was Festus - because I love to name high tech stuff using old-fashioned low tech names. RIP Festus.

Today I got the FedEx from Toshiba - a glossy black netbook - very sleek and petite - 10" corner to corner. Her name is Nettie Belle. I love her already!! Now maybe I'll be on more often again since I will not have to do CPR each and every time I wanna log on and check on my buddies!!

Now if I can get the Blackberry up to speed, I will feel plugged in indeed.

Explain please...

2010-06-28T15:23:00.001-05:00

The joke was all about waiting until the very last moment possible to "write" the sermon...

I'm Still Standin'

2010-06-20T14:27:00.002-05:00

So far so good on the two part-time job stuff. I am tired this week, but mostly because I have not had a complete day away from both jobs for two weeks now. I work as a Youth Minister on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and as an RN on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of presenting ten people to the Bishop for Confirmation/Receptions. It was great fun! Then this week was VBS, and I preached the sermons this weekend based on the daily themes from the VBS curriculum. It all went well. We had a funeral yesterday at 1pm which I assisted with, so I sat in my office to finish the sermon between the funeral and the 5pm regular Saturday service. A few people dropped in to chat - great fun! I heard a great joke once they realized what I was working on:

A Baptist preacher, a Presbyterian minister and an Episcopal priest were
having coffee and discussing their sermon-writing disciplines. The Baptist
reported that he began his sermon prep two weeks out by reading and exegeting
the text. The Presbyterian related that she began her sermons the Tuesday
before by reading them and then translating them from their original language
before beginning to write. The Episcopal priest replied, "So I'm thinking
y'all don't have a sequence hymn?"

Breathing In and Out

2010-05-17T16:59:00.002-05:00

There have been times in my life when I've used the mantra, "All I have to do is breathe in and out and this day shall pass." In the last two and a half weeks, I keep waiting to have time to breathe consciously. Up until two days ago, I was really tired - hence the lack of communication. I am still working at the surgery center - this week only two days - and starting to figure out the Director of Youth Ministry stuff. In the meantime, the COM for the Diocese summoned me for my first interview. Whew!

I have been feeling very ambivalent about the RN job in the midst of the new church job. I spoke with my boss about doing two days a week and that's how we'll schedule June. I have never tried to work two part-time jobs before, so we'll see how it goes. I speculated with my Spiritual Director that I liked the RN money, and my One-ness liked the possibility of perfection because I can be perfect in the OR. She pointed out that Ones like to have a back door in their lives. That has given me much to chew on and ponder.

I feel as though my interview with the COM went well. Of course they asked about my experience in the Old Diocese. I was forthright and honest with the information I know. I am truthfully and thankfully able to say that I hold no anger toward that system or any of those people anymore. I do not know when I will hear any news, but today I got a text from Fr. Rector asking in behalf of the COM about when my first Sunday in the New Diocese was - could be an encouraging sign, or they may just be curious. Psych evals and Physical to follow in the next month.

The New Diocese held a Diocesan picnic yesterday. A girlfriend and fellow refugee from the Old Diocese - now a priest in the New Diocese after a tour in the Upper NW - asked me to acolyte when someone didn't show up. It was fun. Even better was sitting and eating with a long-time priest in the Diocese, listening to his stories. There is much to learn and gather in this new frontier.

Filed as: Be Careful What You Pray For

2010-04-26T15:09:00.002-05:00

Oh My, how things change! Yesterday I was asked to become the part-time Youth Minister of the church. I said Yes. I am actually excited about being asked to be in the office two days per week. I have no youth ministry experience - just children and adults - and the pay is at intern level, but it's a beginning. Any prayers, resources, fun stories you can share will be greatly appreciated.

AND my official paperwork is at the Diocesan offices. Fr. Rector is planning for me to stay on board "after the ordination to the diaconate and priesthood." Sounds promising!!

Maybe my One-ness gets in the Way?

2010-04-19T19:21:00.003-05:00

I am a One on the Enneagram. Maybe that self-critical voice gets in the way of me feeling confident. Here's an email I got this morning after preaching this weekend:

Just have to tell you that once again your sermon was filled with good food for thought. I enjoy it so much when you preach and look forward to that third Sunday of the month when your turn comes around. You not only have an easy, natural delivery style...you always have something to say that merits saying and gives me something to chew on when I leave. Thanks for sharing yourself with us!

The funny thing is - I never got around to writing out the sermon. I did my exegetical work on Monday and Tuesday with every intention of writing on Wednesday. Didn't happen. Thursday was an overlong workday, Friday was recovery and socializing. Saturday was massage, shopping, dead car battery and then 8 minutes to get ready to leave for the church. I composed the basic outline in my head n the way there and preached it. It worked and went OK - Thanks be to God.

Pondering the Re-Fueling

2010-04-14T14:21:00.002-05:00

I have no daily connection to the church in which I preach and worship. It is taking a toll on my preaching creativity and energy. Since I'm still so new to all of this, I'm wondering is this is a normal feeling after being away from seminary for almost a full year now.

How do you re-fuel? My job as an RN has sapped some of my learning energy since I've had to refresh my knowledge on drugs, side effects, therapeutic stuff, etc... I realize that aspect is starting to taper off some, so now I have time to ponder the ministry stuff.

Happy Monday!

2010-03-29T14:59:00.003-05:00

I've put in a full day at work - home now.
Waiting for kids to get out of school. The Brown-eyed Boy bikes home, but I pick up Blue-eyes when I'm off work in time.
Baseball has begun - my favorite of all the sports played by Brown-eyes.
Still have not fixed computer - I actually think it's dead & I may not replace it. Now that I no longer need one for school or work, I may try to live without my very own computer. Have not decided yet though.
Leaving Thursday for ski trip. Looking forward to trying the ski blades again this year, but not looking forward to the 17 hour drive to get there (and then 17 hours back home later).
Have discovered Phyllis Tickle's Divine Hours for Spring at recommendation of Spiritual Director - LOVE it. Was stalled on morning prayer - too complicated at 4 am - and then feeling empty - this fills that gap in a very nice way!!
How are you?

Computer Trouble!!

2010-03-18T20:15:00.002-05:00

I can access the web only through my smartphone and by outwitting the laptop. Until I solve this mystery and/or get the computer repaired, posts will be lean. How can the computer state that it is on the internet yet not open any of the pages? uuuggghhh

Finally healthy again

2010-03-01T18:55:00.002-06:00

I was so behind after last week! I preached this weekend and began facilitating a Confirmation class. The sermon proved the point I was trying to make - God can redeem anything - including a scatter-shot sermon held together by a two-bit liturgical device. God is good all the time.

Verged the ordination of a girlfriend in the old diocese. The Teen was an acolyte. It was a great celebration, but I made the mistake of having a glass of wine at the reception. The wine and the meds combined broke down my stiff upper lip and I cried all the way home. It truly is OK - and good for me to acknowledge the grief.

I continue to be thankful for where I have landed. It is a good place to dwell.

Your Opinion?

2010-02-20T13:05:00.002-06:00

Hi All. Question for the masses that visit here. I woke up this morning with my semi-annual case of Strep throat. According to Doc in the Box, it is contagious until 24 hours after I start the antibiotic, which will be about noonish tomorrow. I am scheduled to preach tonight at 5, tomorrow at 830 and 1030. I have sent a message to the rector giving him the out if he wants to take it, but have not yet heard back. I will go and preach the already written sermon if I do not hear.

Here's the question -how do you handle such things? It's not fair to expect someone else to have a sermon on tap and ready to go. It's not good modeling to be there sick and contagious. This is one of the real-life issues they didn't cover in seminary.

Olympic Spirit

2010-02-15T09:59:00.001-06:00

The only New Year's resolution I made is to finish my needlepoint Christmas Stocking. I ripped out all of the old thread and started again with floss I like better. I'm already farther along than I was before. So in the spirit of the Knitting Olympics, I'm working on it every time I sit to watch. Unfortunately, the naps keep sneaking in!!

Thankfulness!!

2010-02-10T18:46:00.002-06:00

Steel Cut Oatmeal in the Crock Pot overnight - YUM
Steel Cut Oatmeal only $.79 per pound at Sprouts
Small Crock Pot with High/Low Setting $10.88 at Wal-Mart
Teen actually having a hot breakfast every morning - YAY
Now to convince the Non Teen to eat it
Saved Cookie Tin is perfect size for Orowheat Sandwich Thin PB&J
Back in the Operating Room - lots of fun
Hearing from Fr. Rector that people are looking for ways to streamline my process
It's a fairly simple life right now - I'm content

Looking More Like My Alter-Ego Again

2010-02-05T18:01:00.010-06:00

See me, there on the front row? That was my hair length in March of 2008. It has only grown since then.

I was thinking of growing it out to donate to Locks of Love. I visited the website & the verbage sounds as though they really value children donating for children and honestly, the pictures are a bit creepy. Seriously, whoever decides which pics make the website should re-evaluate the criteria.

Mindy is doing her Pantipalooza again this year. In the past, I have donated panties in my size after being inspired by her thought that somewhere there might be a woman just like me who needs fresh clean panties. The Good Lord knows that there were times in my life that I would have felt blessed by them.

This last week I got to thinking that maybe there is a 42-year old woman with strawberry blonde hair who needs a wig made for whatever reason. So in the spirit of Pantipalooza - and another Elastigirl out there somewhere, I am ready to make my donation. It got cut this afternoon and will be mailed tomorrow to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths Program for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments. They require at least 8 inches and I am sending 11 inches of ponytail to them. Thanks for the inspiration Mindy!!

The Merging

2010-01-31T22:03:00.003-06:00

This week I will attempt to merge. It's Minister's Week at the seminary and I work on Monday & Tuesday, which means I can get to the lectures a bit late & miss a couple but not too many. Now the questions: will I make the drive from one to the other, or will I throw up my hands & declare it not do-able? Will I be able to live in both worlds this week? Will my penchant for compartments keep me from doing both? Actually it's all the same question, isn't it? I also have a part in the worship service at the seminary this week - reflections on the Iona/Northumbria trip with my fellow pilgrims - that will be fun!! That's my stream of consciousness tonight... thanks for listening.

Not Much to Report

2010-01-23T16:49:00.001-06:00

Job going very well - God has given me a great love for humanity
Sermon went well last week
Two women in old diocese were approved for priestly ordination
Teen in 12 hour rehearsal for upcoming Fiddler on the Roof
Non-Teen on camping trip with best buddies & their dads
Quiet here - very nice indeed!!

It's a New Beginning

2010-01-12T19:14:00.002-06:00

The past Bishop of our Continuing Diocese was VERY enthusiastic when we met the one time last March. He assured me that I would be ordained in that Diocese - the sooner the better.

The new Provisional Bishop is more reserved. He is interested in learning more about me and my history. He has actually started a file on me now, which had not been done yet. He asked me to have an official transcript sent to the Diocesan offices for that file. He does not know what the national canons have to offer to someone in my situation, but he is thinking I will need to begin again from the beginning once a COM is in working order.

I feel as though the meeting went well. Thank you for your prayers for me and my girlfriends in the old diocese. They each passed with flying colors and can now set dates for their priestly ordinations.

By request....

2010-01-10T19:48:00.003-06:00

Here's my method of black-eyed pea prep - same as Lady Cream Pea prep (my faves)

Start with fresh peas - my mom uses dried peas & soaks them, but I've never tried that
Put the peas in a pot bring enough to add water to cover them and the ham chunk or ham hock that you will also add if you're not vegetarian
BTW - in the South, you have to specify vegetarian black-eyed peas
Once the ham parts and water are added, start the burner on medium heat
They simmer for about four hours - while they cook, stir occasionally & add water as necessary
They should be kinda thick and soupy, so once they are getting tender don't add too much more water
Somewhere around the third hour, add salt and pepper to taste
Serve with some of the ham - good eatin'
A couple of good condiments to go along are Tabasco sauce, or sweet jalapeno relish, or spicy chow chow
Cornbread is also a great side - especially if it's cooked in butter and a cast iron skillet

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T14:42:00.001-06:00

Had black-eyed peas on the 1st with neighbors
Still enjoying work - apparently I have lost my touch with starting IVs - I hope it comes back
Meeting with the Bishop January 12 at 10 am - I really hope I come away from that meeting with some solid information
Other women (now deacons) have meetings in old diocese on same day - they will need our prayers

Best Ordination Sermon

2009-12-28T20:18:00.001-06:00

This is the best ordination sermon I have ever witnessed - perfect for the time and place and person.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-27T21:45:00.003-06:00

It was 75 degrees (according to my car) on the 23rd. Went to a Gingerbread House decorating party - great holiday fun!!
We had snow fall on Christmas Eve - enough that I did not go to preach - with the Rector's blessing. Getting there would have been tough, getting home would have been the real trick. We just are not equipped for snow and ice on the roads.
If you don't like the weather in these parts, just wait a day & it'll change!
Quiet weekend - very nice.
Spent the morning in church reflecting on the faces I could see from my pew - babies and altar party - they are the only ones facing the people... seemed appropriate to imagine the Hope for the Future in the baby's faces. All of us embody God in some way - whether young or old.
Do you eat black-eyed peas to celebrate the new year? How do you like them best?

Still haven't put up the tree...

2009-12-19T14:11:00.000-06:00

The interview lasted 10 minutes - I began the next day for a 13 hour surgery day
Next week I work Mon-Wed, and the next Tues-Wed
I preach all three services this weekend - that sermon is done
I preach at the two late services on Christmas eve - have not begun that sermon yet
Whew!

This could be the answer!

2009-12-13T19:40:00.001-06:00

I may have found the absolute perfect job for my situation right now: an ophthalmic surgery center that is open Monday-Thursday; great hours; really good pay...

I also have two sermons to get written - one for the three services this coming weekend, and one for the two late Christmas Eve services...

Advent is progressing nicely here!

I'm still standing!

2009-12-07T22:50:00.004-06:00

The Season of Sight went very well - of course it was organized to the gills - that's the way I roll. We saw 60 people who desperately needed eye care. A few were referred out for surgeries - most were prescribed new glasses - a few were so happy they cried. The last one of the day was really fulfilling: a 22 year old mom with school-age daughter in tow - who works and is going to college herself... it was a good day!
The Ordination was spectacular! One of the very best sermons I've ever heard - so appropriate for the time and place. Included in the service was a renewal of Baptismal vows for everyone - simple and beautiful.
I was highly complimented on my verging skills - by people whose opinions matter dearly to me. Upon reflection, I realized I was trained by the man who has become the Head Verger at the National Cathedral, so I guess I soaked it up!
Mr Incredible's team won their big game - we were there to watch. I was hoarse the next day - I have never seen that many 3rd downs in a football game.
This week: get serious about the job search...
btw - have I ever mentioned that I abhor putting up a Christmas tree in my house? We're doing the family debate over this now for this year... didn't last year... I usually go for every other year so that I don't feel like a bad mom... I do miss the ornaments though

From lolling to busy in no time at all

2009-11-29T19:38:00.005-06:00

Season of Sight is this Wednesday - a 12 hour day! Monday I will call and confirm all 102 appointments, Tuesday we set it up, and by 7 pm on Wednesday it will be done
Then I move into liturgical mode on Thursday - I get to verge for the ordination service of a seminary girlfriend. She will be the second woman ordained in the diocese. Thursday we'll hammer out the liturgical details, Friday evening we will rehearse, and Saturday will be the big day. The Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Olympia will be here to ordain her.
This week will test both skill sets that I possess - will it be stressful? Will I love getting to use all parts of myself this week? hhhmmm.....
I consider it all ministry so I'm actually curious to see how the week unfolds
Did I mention that the Teen starts rehearsals for Fiddler on the Roof this week also?!
No calls on the jobs applications yet - I'm not feeling discouraged yet though. I figure that anyone with any seniority took last week off. Maybe I'll get legit calls this week.
AND the swap deadline is this week!! I love these!!

Job Apps Done

2009-11-23T21:25:00.001-06:00

Now I wait -and apparently field phone calls and emails from head-hunter types - yuck! My phone rang off the hook today & the email was full of junk. I had to post my resume through one of the online job sites for one specific job posting & this is what happens. I'll have to get back on & see if there is some way to stem that tide!

There are four jobs in which I am interested: two working with developmentally delayed adults, one hospice, and one in a post-anesthesia care unit (used to be called recovery room). I submitted all of the requested info over the weekend, so I'll wait & see what happens.

Got the dining room ready for company - all of the scrapbooking stuff got neatly packed away again. We were going to travel to put flowers on my brother's grave today, but it did not happen. Mom wants to go before the holiday season is done, so I'm sure we'll get there.

The boyz are out of school this week, so we're lolling about & taking life easy. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!!

Be at Peace

2009-11-20T22:32:00.002-06:00

I have posted this prayer here before- it is in my top five prayers. Until last Saturday, I had never heard it prayed aloud in community although I have prayed it a kajillion times over the last decade... our new Bishop prayed this to end convention... and I felt truly and rightly at home.

Be at peace --
Do not fear the changes of life --
rather look to them with full hope as they arise.

God, whose very own you are,
will deliver you from out of them.
He has kept you hitherto,
and He will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it,
God will bury you in His arms.

Do not be afraid of what may happen tomorrow;
the same everlasting Father who cares for you today
will take care of you then and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering,
or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace --
and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

St. Francis de Sales

YAY - Thankful List

2009-11-16T20:10:00.000-06:00

The sermon went well
"You are a priest without a stole"
Diocesan Convention was cooperative, collegial, healthy
The Ordination of the First Female Priest was beautiful

Sermon writing

2009-11-13T12:00:00.002-06:00

After a glance at the Tuesday Lectionary Leanings I am feeling like I am the only one preaching Mark 13:14-23 this weekend. My church will switch to the RCL at Advent, so we're still on BCP lectionary. It's a challenging text - false prophets, false messiahs. It fits my musings about the church lately but I'm not sure I'm brave enough to approach any of that from the pulpit in my second sermon there. I am pondering the 2004 tsunami and tying it with Jesus' instructions to flee. It seems to me that Jesus is saying that sometimes fleeing is the better action.

In the 2004 tsunami there were a few of the indigenous tribes who knew the ancient stories about what to do when the water receded - they ran for higher round and survived. There is a story that one schoolgirl also knew that story and saved her family.

The people with whom we stayed in Scotland and England in May value their ancient stories. We had story-telling evenings which will stay with me for as long as I have memory. It was special, dare I say sacred, time together in community.

Jesus is telling us an ancient story - the commentaries suggest that there is a code in the passage for information too dangerous to spell out - about how to know when to flee. Do we know our stories well enough? The last line suggests that if we immerse ourselves in those stories, we will - "But be alert, I have already told you everything."

Just my thoughts so far... not preaching Saturday - we have Diocesan convention, but preaching twice on Sunday. Sunday at 5, the first female will be ordained to the priesthood in my diocese. Thanks be to God! It will be followed with another on December 5th. We also get a new Bishop this weekend, so I am ever hopeful that one day soon I will learn my timetable.

Clarifications are in order...

2009-11-09T19:15:00.002-06:00

Let me begin by stating that my sacramental theology is way too high to ever get me to leave the Episcopal Church. I believe to the very core of my being that something special and mysterious happens when we gather as a community, and one set apart and ordained blesses, and we participate in the sacrament.

That said, however, the visitors I had last week have committed their lives to living in neo-monastic Christian communities. When they return to England, they will live in a house with others who minister every day to the needs of the homeless in the area. They will feed, clothe, and employ a few of the homeless people through the income of a thrift store. The community members each also work part-time outside of the community for income for the ministry. Their existence appeals to me as a community and as an expression of Christ among the homeless. I admire the tenacity and self-sacrifice they exhibit in their Christian walk.

While they do uphold a daily prayer rhythm, they do not attend any church. In having them here, I was with them when they met another young man from a neo-monastic community in Germany who also states that he does not attend church. Here are the criticisms they offered:

why do we work so hard to maintain a building/grounds that may only be in use 4-6 hours per week? is that good stewardship of resources?
what is the church doing to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, etc? they see churches that are much more inwardly focused on the needs and concerns of the members with no time left over to minister to the world - chaplains for those already there.
all of the time, energy, and resources spent on politics could be better used being the hands and feet of Christ to a broken and hurting world.

These are all valid criticisms in my book. Maybe because I'm kind of on the outside, looking in, I can see from where they speak. I'm not leaving, but I am looking in with eyes better opened.

The House is Quiet

2009-11-06T22:13:00.002-06:00

The visitors have traveled on to Colorado, which will be their last stop in the US before heading back to Britain. It was really fun having them here. I haven't been out that late in a LONG time! And I've spent more time in pubs over the last week than I have since Iona. It was all good. Oh! I finally ordered an Airer for my laundry room with the help of the visitors - or at least the kit to make one. This one was more than $150, but the parts on Ebay (with shipping) was $48.61 - I'll add the wooden slats once it gets here. I will be saving tons of energy and $$ by cutting down my use of the tumble dryer.

Having them here to constantly discuss and debate issues made me realize how much I am missing the seminary discussions of abolishing the death penalty, fair trade issues, etc. Pondering that... I am also pondering just how tenuous my hold is on staying in a church. Don't get me wrong, I really like the new place... and I truly would not swap allegiances or churches. Being around those involved in the New Monastic Community movement is challenging, in a good way. It has me imagining other ways of being Christian, and they are not either/or.

Got all my RN stuff done - now I can tentatively start the job search. I believe that I will begin by contacting my CPE supervisor. She is wise - I look forward to her counsel on how this hybrid can look. When I was lamenting my trouble merging roles with my Spiritual Director, I said, "I feel as though I am neither fish nor fowl" to which she challenged me to imagine a merging with more beautiful imagery. I just cannot imagine it yet; so off to the mentor I go.

Still no decision on the name for the eye clinic. The Pear Butter is resting peacefully on the counter, just waiting for the decision!

Visitors from Another World...

2009-10-27T22:27:00.001-05:00

YAY!! I get to have visitors from "across the pond" next week. They were living at the Northumbria Community House when our group was there in May, and now they have traveled to the US. They remembered my offer of hospitality and sent me a FB message yesterday. They get here Friday evening and will be here for a week. You all are welcome to come and have tea with us!! Those of y'all who know me irl know that I truly do love to hostess, so I am really looking forward to next week... I hope they are up for touristy stuff in the Big City!

This week I am finishing up my mandatory hours at the Clinic, but I love volunteering there, so I know I'll stick around. Still working on the contest, don't lose hope!! I'll take the entries to the Director tomorrow!

Special Eye Clinic

2009-10-22T23:07:00.000-05:00

that's the working title, and it sucks! Sounds like it should be riding the short bus... "look dear, that eye is so special"

please help this poor campaign succeed...

I need your talent!!

2009-10-20T22:18:00.006-05:00

One of my True Talents has bubbled to the top yet again. The clinic director has caught onto my organizational skills and I now get to organize a complete eye clinic day AWAY from the clinic. The volunteer optometrist saw the waiting list for the twice monthly clinic he does & very graciously decided to open his own office and staff (much more efficient & better equipped) for one 12 hour day to the clinic patients. He should be able to see about 90 of the 116 patients on the waiting list that day. Since I used to work for one of the most well-known and busy ophthalmic surgery centers in the Big City (yeah, they've been the magazine's choice for best eye surgeon several years running now), this is right up my alley! Now I get to put it all together. YAY! I love projects like this - makes me happy and energized.

But it needs a name - a December Eye Clinic for those without health insurance or Medicare - it is a Christian organization so it could be religious:

Eye'll Be Home for Christmas
Visions of Sugarplums
Here's Spit in your Eye
I was Myopic and You gave me Glasses

Obviously this is not one of my true talents - and it probably needs more seriousness than these! I'm sweetening the deal: I'll send whoever sends the best suggestion a jar of homemade Caramel Pear Butter. Let the naming begin!

Sunday Afternoon

2009-10-18T16:24:00.002-05:00

The Holy Nap is complete
Boys breaking old watermelons for the seeds in the backyard - on the trampoline
Making another batch of caramel pear butter - the pears must be much sweeter this year b/c the first batch was way too sweet
Smells vaguely of boy sweat and pears simmering
It's a Good Day

Here it is... I'm a bit rusty but I think this is passable

2009-10-17T22:30:00.002-05:00

“What is it you want me to do for you?”

Sermon - Proper 24B

For those of us who have been in the Episcopal Church for a while, these readings may seem out of season. Did you hear the echoes of another season? Some of what was read today is from Lent, Good Friday, Stations of the Cross – out of season?? What might help to know is that there is a section of Mark skipped in the lectionary – the section just previous to today’s Gospel was Jesus’ third and final Passion prediction in Mark. Remember the other two? After the first one, Peter rebukes Jesus and then Jesus rebukes Peter. After the second one, all 12 of the disciples get into a discussion about who is the greatest… a discussion… I am the mother of boys… I know how those discussions go! So it was Peter first, now James & John – the Inner circle… The ones chosen to go up on the mountain for the Transfiguration – the ones who will be with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Another foreshadowing… and they’re on the move… from Galilee up to Jerusalem… we know where this is going.

This reading is full of interesting contrasts… not this, but that. Not the standards of this world, but the standards of that world – the kingdom. “What is it you want me to do for you?” Not this – not this inappropriate request of James and John. But this: next week we’ll get the very next reading in Mark – the appropriate request – from Bartimeus – a blind man. Is Mark pointing out to all of us that the disciples are the blind ones?? The blind one next week will see better than these guys. Not the blind ambition but the faith of one who sees. Not those who get power, honor and glory from authority, but those who earn authority from service. Not authority that is over and against others, but authority that is on behalf of others. I once heard the difference explained between the good works of this world and Kingdom work: a lawyer passing out food at a shelter is doing good work, no doubt. But a lawyer working on the case of someone illegally evicted from their apartment is Kingdom work.

The author of Mark wants us to feel like insiders – and we are. We know that even Jesus will pray for the cup to be removed. We know that the disciples will flee at the crucifixion. We know who will be on the left and right of Jesus. We know how this story will play out.

So what does this have to do with us today? Hmmm… is there any need for this? Are there cases of CEOs, COOs, CFOs abusing power in our modern world? Is there another way? The UMC had ads last summer about making church matter all 7 days of the week… it is what we strive toward. There is a great book, The Servant Leader. Wanna know how to be a servant leader? I recommend it.

Our Good News today is that we all get more then one chance to show our faithfulness to God – to Kingdom work. We know that Peter and James were eventually martyred for their faith – so even if they were nowhere to be found at the crucifixion, they died as the ultimate test of faith. We are not all called to martyrdom – for us it may simply be self-denial of the rules of this world. We are all blind, but as we live into the Kingdom, we can see, maybe as through a mirror darkly.

Jesus states his entire purpose in today’s Gospel: to serve, to doe, and to set free. We are free to live by the rules of the Kingdom. Are we able to drink from the cup and be baptized by the same baptism? Because we are free, because of Jesus, we are with God’s help. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Why is it...

2009-10-15T13:58:00.000-05:00

that the sermon idea that seemed like just the thing to hold it all together as I was falling asleep last night, is looking pretty flimsy by the cold cruel light of day?? Do you all dream about your sermons, or I am I the weird one out?

All Things in Good Order...

2009-10-09T21:46:00.002-05:00

Got 15 hours of the 80 hours done this week
I am constantly surprised at how much I love people - weird for an introvert I think, but I love to learn their stories
I will now be doing Children's Chapel on the first Sunday of every month - my first Sunday with them was last week & it went well
I will also be preaching the third weekend of every month (Saturday evening & 2 Sunday services)
I feel as though I have two lives right now that have a lot of overlap such as caring for people, but a lot that doesn't such as the language to speak in each place - integration is challenging
My office is CLEAN - better than it has been in a very long time - RN stuff in one space, seminary books on the shelves, ordination stuff in another space... all in the same room yet compartmentalized - integration is challenging here also!
I really love wearing scrubs again! Only in scrubs am I a secure "medium" - you know what I'm sayin'...
"Trust" issues came up in my Spiritual Direction today - pondering that now

All Dressed Up & No Place To Go

2009-10-05T09:32:00.003-05:00

Put on my scrubs for the first day of my clinicals this morning - when I got there, they asked if I would come back on Wednesday. Seems to be the story of my life! So today I have big other plans:

Beginning the sermon I will preach over the 17-18th weekend
Cleaning out my office - I need to separate out the RN stuff from the Ordination stuff from the seminary stuff - I cannot find anything
Hemming the scrubs - I used double stick fabric tape this morning

I also need to make an appt with a chiropractor, I think. I've never been to one before, but I have a lower back issue that began over the summer when I would sit on my bed with the laptop. My mom, one of her buddies, and Mrs Swizzle all suggested the same chiropractor, so I'll give him a call today.

A Fun Joke

2009-09-29T16:54:00.002-05:00

Wait Upon the Lord

After starting a new diet I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery. I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning, and as I approached, there in the windows were a host of goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed . "Lord, it's up to you, if you want me to have any of those delicious goodies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery." And sure enough,

On the eighth time around the block, there it was!

God is so Good!"

The Mystery Meeting

2009-09-27T22:16:00.002-05:00

This morning as I was getting ready for church, I was mentally reviewing my life. It has been a roller coaster of a weekend. A friend's son got married - very happy occasion. Great couple & they seem very grounded and happy with one another. The sad part was that my friend, the groom's mom died a few years ago from cancer. As I witnessed the wedding, the reception, the first dance, I couldn't help but be sad that she wasn't there. Two other girlfriends and I sat on her bed the night she died and promised her that we would look out for her family. First, the beloved daughter graduated from college last year. Then the wedding this weekend. It's a double-edged sword really - if she were still with us, I might not pay as close attention - but since she isn't I feel honored to just be present in her absence - like she can see it all through my eyes. Silly, I know, but I feel like I'm honoring the promise by paying attention.

Anyway, back to this morning. I was doubting everything this morning. Life is too short to be beating my head against the walls of the church. Going back to nursing has been so easy. I have not actively looked for a job yet, but there are plenty out there. I was seriously talking to myself about just stepping out of whatever process I may or may not be in now - going back to the old church, being a committed lay person. It would make life so simple.

Then - in the midst of the Eucharistic Prayer, the Spirit whispered to me yet again. It feels so right to be there - to be in the midst of the community. When I am there, I cannot imagine any other place feeling so right. It's what I yearn to embody - where I yearn to make a difference. I was met right where I was, doubts & grief and all... and called yet again to God's work in the church. Thanks be to God.

Hangin' Out

2009-09-22T22:11:00.002-05:00

Enjoying the fall weather - love 70 degrees!!

Reading the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series with the boyz.

What's up with you?!

Survivor

2009-09-18T16:36:00.002-05:00

I survived the RN refresher course didactic sessions. The instructor was truly a non-anxious presence as she walked up through math and jurisprudence and med administration, etc. Amazingly, I remember a lot of it - more than I thought I would. It was also great being in a whole room full of nurses again... talk about a group of women that can hold the world together with a bobby pin! I love the empowerment and earthiness of nurses... it was fun and informative!

In about ten days, I'll get my temporary license, then I get to do 80 hours of clinicals. Once those are done, I'll apply for my permanent active license again & begin looking for a job!

To Do

2009-09-12T15:38:00.002-05:00

Study for Healthcare Provider CPR course on Monday
Drag my math skills out of the very back corner of my brain for the RN Refresher course Tuesday-Friday
Bake (maybe buy) cookies for Meeting Tuesday evening
Volunteer at Drama production at the High School with the Teen (who has been SO sweet this week & has actually enjoyed the bus)
Ministry Discernment event in the new Diocese next Saturday

I may not be here much this next week - we'll see how the week goes! You remember how I had such a hard time integrating my RN brain with seminary learning?? Now I get to go at it backwards!!

Random Thoughts

2009-09-10T19:47:00.003-05:00

I am trying to link together some random thoughts from the last four years. I remember that when I was doing CPE there was a lot of buzz about the "culture of fear" that seemed to be cultivated by those in power at the time - and I am not specifying the Commander in Chief, although that was one of the authorities noted in the discussion. There were articles in magazines, and discussions happening in person and online.

In tying that together with what I remember/understand of Freeman's Systems theory, it makes perfect sense that the system that had grown to know "fear" as the underlying motivation and status quo would have a very hard time giving it up, even if the Authority was the same. The Authority has in fact changed though, which places additional stress on the system so that it works harder to get back to what it considers its equilibrium... hence the over-reactions we have seen in may different venues.

Can fear be changed into hope?

The Teen is Causing Me Anghst

2009-09-07T23:12:00.004-05:00

Yes, I know it is supposed to come with the territory. Last Friday, he seemed to think I was a taxi service, so he now has a week of bus riding to & from school. Saturday, he and a friend threw a water balloon at a moving car & got the police called on them (which I think is justified) - so now he's on lock-down with a short leash - no electronics of any sort. I hate this.

Is this the slippery road to Trouble? Mischievousness? I worry.

I've been scrap booking again - am now through December 1997 - he was such a cute baby & is such a good kid, most of the time. Some days though, I liked him better at two than at 14.

Productive Day

2009-09-03T16:08:00.003-05:00

Phone calls and questions answered in am
Lunch with mom & grandmother (every Thursday) & fun friend
Groceries bought
Registered for RN refresher course week after next
Now for a good book?

I might just need to make this sometime soon... too cute & endlessly practical!!

Changing Seasons

2009-09-01T12:05:00.003-05:00

I'm messin' with the Blog today - I went through lots of suggestions and added some bloggers to the "like to meet" column on the left. Changed the template - I really wish Blogger had some really fun ones, but I've learned my lesson about going outside of Blogger for them.

Still waiting for a call from the Canon. He was off yesterday so it could be a few days. Once I talk with him, I'll have a better idea about my next few months. editted to add: Talked with Canon to the Ordinary - he has no Diocesan jobs to offer & whole-heartedly supports me finding work as an RN in the interim. Once again he assured me that I will be ordained ASAP - or ASANCTIU (as soon as national canon time is up). I will call Board of Nurses tomorrow to inquire about license & go from there.

Quiet house today - Mr Incredible is back at work today, boyz are at school... it's a beautiful day!!

Books I read over the Summer:

2009-08-31T11:32:00.003-05:00

All of the Chronicles of Narnia - love that I now can actually enter into conversation about them!! I read these while Mr Incredible was home recovering... easy to read with deep meanings to ponder. Now I wonder about Susan...
Things Seen and Unseen - Nora Gallagher - loved it & was not ready for it to end. It was refreshing to see read the words so near and dear to my heart in a different format than the Book of Common Prayer.

Thanks MB

2009-08-30T11:49:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was an odd day for me and I felt a bit flat. I had my first forays into New Church meetings for altar party and Sunday School teachers - great meetings - very productive. I have a VERY low threshold for non-productive meetings. Got home, pottered about & then went back to NC for 5pm service, then to 40th b-day party of Girlfriend. Fun Party!

This morning, I realize why I may have been feeling a bit flat: my body remembers dates better than my brain does. MB reminded me that yesterday was the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Like everyone else in this part of the world, our family was affected. CPE for me had ended on the 19th, and my new semester began on the 24th. The days in between were spent in Extreme South/Hot City seeing Shamu and the Alamo... btw not the best choice for an August get-away... but a fun family vacay. I began the semester still raw from CPE and not prepared on the homefront: stressed.

SIL and BIL had moved out of New Orleans the year before. He was working in Mobile as Trauma Surgeon, she was maintaining her practice in NO as a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doc. They split the difference in distance and moved to Diamondhead, MS. They moved into Mobile with a colleague before Katrina. It was three days before we knew that they were OK - those days taught me how to text. BIL was needed in Mobile, but SIL's practice was literally washed away with the first levy failure. They had no info at all on the house, but they and the dogs were safe. SIL decided to travel to us with the dogs since we had a/c, fresh food, internet access, and cell phone coverage. She sat up a work station on the Dining Room table and energetically began to "place" the Fellows under her responsibility. She called in favors from friends, colleagues, and medical programs to find them each places to live and continue their training, while consulting them and helping them with travel plans. Within 72 hours, she had them all placed. Have I ever mentioned how much I admire her?

As SIL moved about the house, she realized that we were out of the basics: toilet paper, paper towels, kleenex, trash bags - all the things I would usually make a Costco run for before a semester began. Not only did she go get those things, she actually cooked for us (ssshhh - do not tell BIL she knows how to do this - that's his household job) - and put some in the freezer to help me out. She is amazing.

After she had been with us about a week, the head of the medical school called to see how she was & ask if she had any Fellows - her department is so small, he didn't have any records for the physiologists. She was able to reassure him that all her Fellows were accounted for and that she had already relocated them.

After people were allowed back in, she went back to work in NO for 2 years. She will whole-heartedly attest to the depression and respiratory ailments of her patients - the ones she could find. There are a few I believe she will always wonder about. They have now moved to the Big City 20 miles from here. Over the summer we watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button together and I saw again the aftermath in her tears as she remembered.

They were lucky - no major damage to their house which was 29 feet above sea level. No physical damage to their bodies, but they did not survive unscathed.

Here's the Thing

2009-08-30T10:55:00.001-05:00

The Rector of the new church was not planning on a new minister in his midst. There was no warning that I was going to land on his doorstep looking for employment. Money had not been budgeted for another position. Money is as tight here as it is everywhere else right now. Will there be money in the new budget? Don't know.

I was disappointed. At some point in time, I would love it if some part of this process just fell into place... I know, I'm a dreamer.

Here's my plan... and thank you all for your input... I knew you would all be very helpful. I will contact the Canon to the Ordinary early this week & see if he has anything he needs doing. I would like to help re-organize the DoK survivors on the diocese, so I'll ask his permission to start on that. If he doesn't have any paying jobs to offer, then I will contact the state board of nursing and get my RN license re-activated. Short-term jobs are fairly easy to come by and the pay is actually good. I will wait and see what I know by the end of the week.

Life Quandries

2009-08-26T10:08:00.003-05:00

I went yesterday & met with the Rector of the New Church in the Continuing Diocese. He would love for me to put in time there, but he cannot pay me. He did not seem to know when he might be able to pay me. I feel conflicted about all of this. There is GREAT flexibility in being a volunteer... I don't know how I feel or what to think right now...

Coming Up for Air!!

2009-08-21T16:55:00.002-05:00

Mr Incredible & I decided that once he was done with bed rest, an inpatient physical rehab would be very beneficial to getting him up and around again. We were correct. He has spent the last three weeks inpatient & has had great results. He is now back home. YAY. My instincts about how hard it would have been for him to be inpatient for the bedrest period were right on target. It is hard to manage the household, the kids and a spouse inpatient 40 minutes away. The boys and I are SO happy to have him back home now. He is planning a return to work on September 1, the boys start school on Monday, and I may just collapse for a couple of days & read books. It has been do-able, but with no extra cushion of time of energy anywhere.

I'll catch up more later... l8r, g8rs!!

Happy Day - Mr Incredible Update!!

2009-07-27T16:26:00.002-05:00

Mr I gets to sit up for 15 minutes twice a day today!! He can stand up as much as he wants... YAY!! If all goes well with the sitting today, then he gets to sit for 30 minutes twice tomorrow... and so on.

The boyz are gone to camp again - they were home all week last week & I was reminded why I made alternate plans for them this summer. When they are home, I feel torn between spending time with them & spending time with Mr Incredible... like I am either not being a good mom or a good wife. Ugghh. Much easier with them gone - I actually get some time to myself. Selfish or self-care? Hard to know.

Summertime... and the livin' is easy

2009-07-18T12:07:00.001-05:00

It began as a quiet day - went out in the backyard & watered the new trees, picked four pods/heads? of okra - decided to straighten out the dining room. Looked out the window to see toilet paper - lots of it - hanging from the trees. 15 rolls is what I eventually gathered. Now I'll go try the dining room again. And the dogs are fired. And the teen wasn't even here to witness (or to help clean-up).

Another Day...

2009-07-16T09:19:00.002-05:00

The In-Laws are here - it's nice to have some company for Mr Incredible. Although I appreciate the senses of humor of the Sportscenter guys in the mornings, it's nice to have his dad sharing those moments with him for today.

The boyz are staying with my dad this week. They'll be fishing, golfing, swimming, and riding the motorcycle. I sent them off with their clubs, life jackets, and full-face helmets - looked like they were going to extreme-sports camp!! I hope the boyz take advantage of spending time with my great-uncle - a veteran of WWII stationed at Pearl Harbor. I cannot wait to hear the stories they will tell next week.

Saw HP at midnight with Mrs. Swizzle - the theatre has this whole system of making it VERY easy to do the midnight show with no lines - great time! I need to re-read the book though before I take the boyz...

As you were...

Obsess Much?!

2009-07-14T10:58:00.000-05:00

I just used Windex & a scotch brite scrubber for the tops of my washer & dryer...

Mr Incredible Update

2009-07-12T15:55:00.002-05:00

All is healing well here - half the staples were removed on Friday, the other half will be removed tomorrow. He is working very hard to be pleasant and patient. His parents may come into town this week to visit which would be a fun distraction.

My sister ruptured her Achilles tendon last week just as we were beginning to dig the six holes in the backyard. She goes to the dr. tomorrow & should have surgery to repair it this week. I worry that something like this might push her and her husband back into their previous lifestyle, but only time will tell. I pray for them often.

Blondie (my 14.5 yr old niece) enjoyed Camp Incredible last week. My two boyz & her brother were all gone to camp, so she decided to camp here. We went to see My Sister's Keeper and The Proposal in the afternoons. Her mom (my sis) and my mom joined us for Girlie Time all week, so it was great fun.

We spent one of the afternoons picking out new stuff for the backyard (hence the need for six holes). I bought three crepe myrtles, two vitex, and a purple hyacinth to add to the landscape. Our backyard is green with grass, but no other color, so I decided to add some purples. Hopefully they will all survive the planting!

Oh - and I have tix for HP Tuesday night at midnight with Mrs. Swizzle - WOOHOO!!

Reflections in Boring Everyday Stuff

2009-07-08T11:13:00.003-05:00

I have now dusted the tops of all my kitchen cabinets. It is amazing how much dust accumulated over my 6 years of seminary. I am conquering closet messes one at a time & accumulating a formidable pile of stuff for a garage sale. My dining room is a mess b/c that's where the gs stuff is now.

On my trip to Scotland, I noticed that in every flat we visited, the people used the "good" china - everyday, all the time, mismatched sets - just get whichever plate is on top. It made an impact on me. I have a completely matched set of china that in 17 years of marriage, has been used maybe 20 times. Before I left on the trip, I had been checking out Corelle patterns, but could not bring myself to buy it. Now I know why - although I'm sure there are people who love their Corelle stuff, it does not meet my need for beauty. It does not feed my soul. Real china is substantial and lovely. It makes everyday ingredients a treat - and I'm trying not to get too sacramental here, but it feeds my body & soul to incorporate it into my life.

True confession now: I'm not using my "good" china yet - instead, I had three boxes of Mr. Incredible's mom's and grandmother's china in the garage (I know, I am ashamed to have had it there for 5 years). There are two patterns which do not match at all - and I love them both! I checked them out on Replacements just to be sure they weren't extremely valuable financially. And they are now our everyday dishes. I have to take a bit more care with them, but it is worth it to me to use them in the way they were meant to be used. I love reaching into the cabinet & wondering which pattern is on top. I love that mealtime has this added dimension now.

If something gets broken now, at least it's been used... isn't that the point? If I keep all the valuables on the top shelf, that's bad stewardship... of china... maybe things will get broken. But at least they had a part in life. You can see how easily I can work this into my life/ministry situation...

'Nother Day in Paradise

2009-06-30T21:59:00.003-05:00

Found the medical supplies I need for Mr I today - will have them in hand by tomorrow
Put Shine Treatment on my hair - quit coloring it years ago when I finally got old enough to appreciate my natural color
Put highlights in my sister's hair - and gave thanks to God for her and her sobriety so that we could share such a fun sister evening
The Non-teen & Nephew actually completed an 84-song set on Rock Band over 24 hours (yes they did sleep/eat/play other games also)
Mr I is trying very hard to be a good patient
Lunch tomorrow with a girlfriend
It's important to leave the house at least once/day
Turned in my last paper yesterday - all requirements for degree now complete
Watching first season of 30 Rock on DVD - I am so out of the pop culture loop!
Post some funny stories for me to share with Mr I, pleeeeeeze!

New Church

2009-06-28T22:02:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday was my first Sunday there - got to see two friends from home church connections!!
Today I finally met a person with whom I have exchanged emails in the past - a connection through SocialWorker and DogBlogger!!
Thanks be to God for connections at the new place!!
Mr I is recovering well & not too bored at home - doctors do not generally make good patients, but so far he's doing well
The paper is more than half finished & I hope to finish tonight so I can go turn it in tomorrow - I would email it, but I have to turn in my journal and fill out a course evaluation also
The Teen is in New Orleans with the sr. high group from the home church
The Non-teen is staying over at a friend's house - there's a pool there - another good reason to not get a pool?!
I'm pleasantly sore from a massage yesterday - a graduation gift from Mrs. Brit & another good friend - a new tradition: we celebrate each other's milestones by all of us going for a massage!! So far we are enjoying the special days and the time spent with each other - encourages us all to practice self-care
Should be a quiet week - once the paper is finished and turned in, the summer should settle into a nice routine for Mr I's recovery *knocking on wood*

Update: Mr Incredible 2

2009-06-25T12:08:00.002-05:00

All is good here!! Mr I has actually been released to our home with a special bed (quality tested by the boyz yesterday afternoon). He gets to recover here in the midst of the everyday mayhem and madness which he was sorely missing in the hospital. Thanks to you all for your prayers and good thoughts - this has all gone as well as could be expected!!

Now I gotta tackle the 10 page paper due on the Scotland trip. I have it all outlined & it should not be difficult to write. It's due next week, but I am hoping to knock it out today and tomorrow. I was waiting for the hours in the rehab hospital to work on it, but now I get to write at home... so much better - although now I feel silly for not having it done yet. Oh well, best laid plans & all that!

Update: Mr Incredible

2009-06-19T23:20:00.002-05:00

The surgery went quicker than expected & all is well. Mr Incredible is settled in on the special bed that will be his cocoon for the next 6 weeks. It kind of reminds me of a hammock-like structure set into a bed frame. I hope he is able to sleep over the air noises of the bed.

I am home alone - the Teen is going bass fishing with Uncle tomorrow. The non-Teen is at a sleepover. I'm going to grab my novel and go read in bed!! It is something I NEVER get to do since Mr Incredible goes to bed at 9 pm every night (he gets up at 4 am).

Good night dear friends - thank you all for your prayers - I certainly felt surrounded by comfort today.

This is the day that the Lord has made

2009-06-17T20:19:00.003-05:00

I will rejoice and be glad.

Today is a new day. Today I have a new home parish that will sponsor me in my new diocese - Sunday will be my first day there. Today I have assurances from the Canon to the Ordinary that I will be ordained in 18 months, or sooner if they can find any shortcuts in the national canons. Today I am no longer beholden to any authority of the old yucky guy in the hat who gives really petty excuses for not following through. Today I am set free to begin again in a setting where the powers that be truly believe in my call and my sense of ministry. Thanks be to God who is good and gracious all the time.

Friday Mr. Incredible will have surgery and be hospitalized for the next six weeks. That's enough to keep me occupied until August or so.

Today I also thank God for the wonderful support of many friends close by and far away. You all are a blessing to me.

Gotta Cigarette?

2009-06-16T05:19:00.002-05:00

I just do not know what to think. The guy in the big hat does not want me yet will not release me either... At the very least I'll be in the Diocese next door as a worshipper - I cannot go back to any church in his. Not right now at least. And that's the least of my worries right now.

Still Waiting!!

2009-06-13T09:36:00.002-05:00

The Netflix queue is updated and ready for the summer
The Teen turned 14 on Thursday & will begin high school this August
Had coffee with Social Worker yesterday - she is a blessing
The Non-Teen has too many parties to attend!
Mr Incredible may not have surgery next Friday - we'll find out Monday - this would be GOOD
I get a Girl Day with SIL next Tuesday - YAY
I'm kind of hibernating while I wait to find out what happens next

One meeting went well!!

2009-06-10T23:01:00.002-05:00

The meeting in which I participated today went very well. I met with a potential emloying rector at a church in the new diocese. We talked about that church being a good fit for me once we know what my ordination time line will be.

I do not know when I will hear about the other meeting that happened today... waiting is not my strong suit!!

Back Again - Let the Games begin!!

2009-06-06T22:33:00.002-05:00

Actually they started already - the non-teen has had 7 baseball games in the last week with the potential for three more tomorrow - and this is rec league!!

I'll have to save the posts about the trip for a bit later. DB - We met with John Bell on Iona and at his flat in Glasgow :) I was humming The Summons a lot while there!!

On Monday, I am to call a priest in the new diocese to talk about a job with him - and on Wednesday, the two Bishops involved will have a sit down face-to-face about a lot of things. One of the topics of discussion will be me and another female in a similar setting. If we can be released, then the new diocese is ready to move ahead quickly with the ordinations - please pray if you are so inclined!! If I am not released, then I have to wait 18 months for ordination... God's will be done. This is it, folks!!