The Long and Winding Road...

Thanks be to God, we are back safely, well at least Bob and the kids are home. I am back at Camp Sumatanga for the Board of Ordained Ministry Interview Retreat. Not sure why they call it a retreat when we work all day, and late in the night. But we are interviewing the candidates for the probationary and full connection in the United Methodist Church. We got this new rating system we are doing, not sure how this will work.

I want to thank you all for your prayers and thoughts for my family as we go through our grief over our Pop. It was a great time with the family. It was interesting explaining to Kara and Zachary about Pop's body, the casket, and all. Kara almost pulled the casket down, trying to touch his body. She also almost fell into the hole, trying to look in. Now Kara and Katy have been to many a funeral, but this was the first of a family member. So I am sure they just couldn't get it. I had left my notes up in Alabama but was able to do the funeral, maybe it was good I left them. My cousin Larry got up and told some funnies about Pop, which is part of who he is. My neice had written a really sweet note that was read at the funeral. We had balloons for the kids to release at the end of the funeral so they could have a part in it too. And in honor of my Grand dad, we ate at his favorite resturaunt, Homer's buffett, he loved to eat.

Thank you again for your prayers. Would you believe it that a couple of places I did not have internet service, and I just didn't have time to post if I did. I hope to get back to reading and commenting on all my friend's blogs. It is so wonderful to be lifted up and surrounded by prayer and the arms of a loving community.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's day to all my blog pals, my revgalblogpals, my methoblog pals, my friends, and my family.

I have been contemplating what to say today, and mainly I keep coming up with I love you as God loves me and you. I am learning to love you. I am learning from God's love.

So I thought I would put on today's post what I sent out in the email Thought for the day to my church members and friends of the church and family.
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Here is the thought, scripture, and prayer for the day,

2/14/2007

Real love is not gazing into each other’s eyes. It is looking together in the same direction. Scripture for today I John 4:7 Let us love one another, for love comes from God. (NIV)

Prayer for the day,

Dear God, I don't know who wrote this, but sometimes gazing in the eyes of my love is important to me and I need it. It is so hard not to be able to gaze into your eyes, I have to imagine it. But I know what this person is saying too. At some point you got to quit the gazing and googooing to begin to make a life together, and it is not an easy task. You start seeing your differences, your weaknesses, things you may not like about each other. It is so important to have a dream, a focus together. But it is just as important to keep our eyes on you, and commit ourselves to you, and seek your guidance in how we treat each other and live out our love. I confess God, I don't always do that, my pride, my hurt, my wants get in the way. Forgive me. God empower me to keep my eyes on you in my life and in my marriage. Help us to be honest with each other, and to treat each other with love and grace in our marriages, and in our relationships. Amen

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If you don't know the story of St. Valentine, you might want to take time to read about him. There are actually several versions. But perhaps there are some things we can learn from his life instead of the "Hallmark Valentine's day" we now celebrate. (You can click on the links to the articles.)

Beliefnet has a great article on St. Valentine, including a video.

Christianity Today has a good article also on the history of St. Valentine.

History Channel.com tells some also.
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My kids gave me the neatest cards today, my husband gave me earrings and a beautiful card. I am so blessed, and grateful for their love. I gave them some gifts of bathtub fizzies, magic towels, and cards. They are certainly going to get enough candy today at school. I got a card for Bob, haven't given it to him yet. I want to give it to him without the kids around. That will be later today.

Thought for the day comes from Communication Resources
I add the prayer for the day.