Friday Five The Dreaded Dental Edition

revgalblogpals: Friday Five

Reverend mother says that; Cheesehead and I are both laid up this week with various tooth maladies. This one's in honor of us:

1. Are you a regular patron of dentists' offices? Yes. Or, do you go
a) faithfully, as long as you have insurance, or
b) every few years or so, whether you need it or not, orc) dentist?
what is this "dentist" thing you speak of?

2. Whatever became of your wisdom teeth? They removed when I was in my 20’s, along with them went my wisdom also. ( I knew there was something wrong with me.)

3. Favorite thing to eat that's BAAAAAD for your teeth. I-C-E

4. Ever had oral surgery? Commiserate with me. MMM no, that’s why I go to the Dentist regularly to avoid the oral surgery. I can commiserate with you having broke my front tooth as a little kid and having to the see the Dentist about that several times. I hated the shots worse of all. I would pay any time for laughing gas.

5. "I'd rather have a root canal than _________________." Having never had one, I really don’t know the answer to this, but maybe its gum surgery.

Bonus: Does your dentist recommend Trident? Nope. Flossing yes.

Cartoon link

Imus in the morning, booboos big time.

I have been looking around the Christian world of internet, to see if anybody besides Rev. Sharpton is saying anything about this? And guess what, no. Why? I am bamboozled. I decided I would say something. How in the world is he just getting 2 weeks suspension? How have we become so bawdy and crass so freely over the airwaves? Doesn't anybody care? Are we afraid of being shot down for standing up for this? I know that racism still exists, its all around me. I hate it. And yet the monster rears its ugly head in me sometimes too. Its in our churches; and in lots of ways, even though it isn't spoken out loud its spoken silently and nonverbally. Its there.
Mr. Imus said out loud what probably a lot of people think. But that doesn't make it right. It is absolutely sad and maddening that it happened. I feel for the girls on the Rutgers Basketball team that were on the receiving end of the remark.

Idol Chatter at Belief Net says this about Mr. Imus.

Well now some of the advertisers have pulled their advertising from his show, As they say money talks, and may bring about more power than any other thing can.

Imus "has stolen a moment of pure grace from us," the captain of the Rutgers women's basketball team said Tuesday, responding to the uproar over the radio host's comments. The media is saying the team is handling it with class and dignity. But the effects are there.

Perhaps Mr. Imus brought out what is still alive in our country that needs to be confronted with God's grace and love. After all isn't this part of the Resurrection story and the story of the gospel? Lord heal our prejudices in this country. Help us to stop the name calling. Help us heal the division in our country. Help us to heal the division in our world.

If you don't know what Imus said, you can read it here.
Here is Imus on MSNBC

Post Holy Week/Easter Sunday Grunge Day

For some reason, I don't remember last year wearing me out like this. But maybe it did and I don't remember. Maybe it was the all day Sunday headache? I just know that Monday I grunged all day. I did take Zachary to speech therapy and picked up the girls at school. I tried to read a book while waiting for Zach, but couldn't get the words to stop traveling on the page. Instead, I just flipped through a magazine looking at the pictures. We went to Zach's ball game Monday evening. Other than that I was in slow motion all day.
How about you?
I am counting the days down until we go on Spring Break vacation.
4 days and counting.
It will come Abi, be patient, it will come.
Anybody else on a Post Holy Week/Easter Holiday?

What I did Easter Sunday

• Got up at 5am, made coffee, fed the animals, got breakfast for the kids, got kids and myself ready for church, went over sermon, children's sermon and Pastoral Prayer. Also sent out Easter thought for the day email.
• Got to church early to make sure things were setup, clean, put my sermon on the pulpit, get a bulletin and hymnal, find a bible to read from, put the items for the children's sermon in place, (a Easter Basket with eggs), and to greet people.
• Helped rearrange the Easter Lilys away from the altar area so the song leader who is highly allergic to them wouldn't get sick during the service. Vacummed up spilled dirt from dropped plants. Yep, we did drop two of them.
• Went over to the meet and greet to meet and greet, have a cup of coffee, and maybe have a little bite of food.
• Talked to the youth leader and the youth for awhile.
• Went back inside sanctuary for last minute check, met some people who were visiting.
• Went over to choir room to practice the songs and pray with choir.
• Started worship, Preached, sang in the choir; went back and forth between choir loft, pulpit, the place where I do the children's sermon, my regular seat and the floor of the sanctuary to do prayers. Whew.
• Shook hands with lots of people, some new, some coming back, some of our homebound, and some extended family members.
• Went home had lunch with the kids, and then crashed.
• Nursed a headache all day.
• colored easter eggs with the kids, with dye that didn't work. (Darn, that's what I get for buying the cheap pack.) Cleaned finger nail polish off the girl's bedroom floor. (Kara spilled it and then tried to hide it by smearing it in.) Took a walk with the kids and dogs in the woods.
• Had supper, that sweet hubby cooked, watched a little tv and crashed again.

So what did you do on your Easter Sunday

Easter Under Attack: The Colbert Report

"I seem to remember that on Easter Sunday Jesus rode out of the tomb on a giant rabbit that laid colorful pastel eggs. I believe that is the gospel according to Cadbury." The Colbert Report

Easter Wisdom from a Target Cashier

I know, I know, many of you don't shop Target, but I do. Wednesday I was in there finishing up some Easter shopping for the kids, and shopping for upcoming birthdays. (They had a sale going.) At the checkout counter, I started the usual friendly chatter with the cashier. She was a young girl and a new hire. I mentioned to her why I bought all I had for Easter and birthdays. She said to me at that point, "Used to be when I was little, all we did was dye the Easter eggs, and get a little candy. Now Easter is like Christmas, the way parents buy things for their kids for Easter." I said to her, "Sure loses its meaning." Her reply was, "My kids want a bunch of candy and things for Easter, but I told them no, we are not going to do that." "Well, good for you."

I left the store feeling guilty with my basket full of bags. And what did I do to feel guilty? I didn't want to give the kids a bunch of candy, they get enough from all the parties and Easter Egg Hunts. I decided I would try to find some things that were Eastery instead but not candy. I think I went overboard. God forgive me. The cashier was right, it's become more like commercialized Christmas, and I have helped it become that. Here it is Good Friday. Nail that nail into Jesus hand, Abi.

But I am not sure she knew what Easter really means, and I wish I had told her. Here is my excuse, the line was long, and she had already moved on to the next person. Maybe I'll see her again, and find out if she knows and if not tell her. Will my kids know from what I do, and say? I hope so. I hope so.

Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday

Over at revgalblogpals, we have been taking a sabbatical from our regular postings. Instead each day one of us has posted something for that day as part of Holy Week. There are some good postings with good thoughts. Today it was my turn, go have a look at the Maundy Thursday/Holy Week post. And yes, I did post it early in the morning. I woke up early and could not go back to sleep. I'm now going to make some coffee and work on my sermons for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is quiet, and I am looking out the window at the stars, and the moon. How beautiful, what a sight to see for the beginning of a day. I stepped outside and felt the cool crisp air, and listened to the songs of the birds.

Where did the time go?

Where did the time go between my last post and today?

• Thursday; trip to Bham to a committee meeting that took longer than originally thought, wrote a rough draft for Sunday's sermon, and saw my therapist.
• Friday; caught up on office mail, phone calls, etc,went visiting in the afternoon. Kid's had ball practice in the afternoon. Tried to do the Friday five, but home computer gliched and I lost everything, lost my patience too.
• Saturday; spent all day at the ball park with multiple games, also took them to swim lessons.
• Sunday; Sunday morning meet and greet, worship prep, worship and preaching, Easter egg hunt and party at the church, choir practice, nap, and finished reading "Leaving Church'
• Monday, today; back in the office catching up on the office work, preparing for: a Wednesday talk, hosting a worship service on Thursday for two other churches, a sermon for Friday night, and a sermon for Easter Sunday, plus those who come by to talk, and ball practice this afternoon.

Now I know where the time went and is going, going . . . gone.

"Leaving Church"

Over at Revgalblogpals they have started a Book Club with the first book being Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor. In April we will be reading and discussing Christianity for the Rest of Us by Diana Butler Bass, and in May the book will be Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. I bought all three books, but had not had time to read the book by Barbara Brown Taylor until last night. The discussion that was going on about the book led me to just go ahead and read it once the kids were asleep. I would have kept reading it except my eyes gave out and my brain quit. I did get to chapter 8. I have read other books of hers. I like her sermons a lot. They have been inspiring to me. I have heard her preach and teach at the Festival of Homiletics, and marveled at her ability to put the sermon together the way she does, and her way with words. But as I have read her sermons, I realized they would not work at the churches I have served. I have realized her style is not my style and that's okay. I have gained a lot from her book The Preaching Life.

Several things stand out to me in this latest book. She talks about her becoming a Priest and moving on to a church of her own as "natural course of things," and "I wanted it." I don't know about becoming a Priest, not being Anglican, but I do know that becoming a Pastor was not "the natural course" of things for me, nor did "I want it." But every body's call, direction in ministry, and following God's will is different than mine. But it makes me uncomfortable her saying it was the natural course. And I get uncomfortable hearing her say she wanted it, and not saying this is what I understood God wanting for my life, my ministry. I don't know, that may just be traditions, and language differences.

She also talks about the long, full days at her first church with no reference to days off, and losing herself there. And then she falls into the same pattern at the second church. That scares me reading that, no wonder she lost herself, burned out, was overloaded and then made the decision to leave the church. I can't say I have been perfect about getting my day off, but pretty close. And I can tell you my husband lets me know when I don't, and so do the kids. And I have been fortunate to have served in churches that cared whether I took care of myself or not and got my day off. Most recently my DS told me, that because I was serving a needy congregation to be sure to take breaks from it, get away and do something different. And I have.

The other thing I hear as I read the book is a somewhat romantic, naive view of the church and of the Priesthood. She did not grow up going to church and had very little idea of what the church could really be like. Having grownup in church, my father and mother being very involved, I have had an idea of what churches can be like, what preachers can be like, the good and bad. I have had to struggle through discovering what this appointive itinerant system is like. And each church is different and so I have had to learn the ins and outs of them.

I think I am going to stop now, because I have work to do, and I don't want to over load the reader. I'll post more later. I have enjoyed reading the book so far. By the way you can go to the revgalblogpals associate store at Amazon and order the books I have mentioned.

Date or no Date

People have been asking, did you get the date or not? The answer is yes, Bob and I did have a date. He was unable to find a sitter. So I found us not one but two 13 yr old girls from the church who babysat for us. This was the first time they had babysat our kids, but they did a great job.

What did we do on our date night? We went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. Great food. And we went to the $2 movie theater. Now don't get your rankles up and say my hubby is a cheap date. It was me who chose the theater. The full price theater didn't have any movies I wanted to see, and we did go by and check it out. Instead we went to see the "Pursuit of Happyness." I know, I know, it will be out on DVD soon. We had not gotten to see it when it was at the big theater, and I wanted to see it without the kids, although they would have liked it too. I loved it and so did Bob.

It was a great night for us. And on top of that it was a Saturday night, you know the night before Sunday worship. I had gotten my sermon done that afternoon so I could go and not worry about it.

So for all the inquiring minds, we did have a date for my anniversary. Oh the other thing we did was talk about what we liked about being married to each other. That was sweet real sweet.

Alabama knows Bible

Well it has been reported that most Alabama residents say they have a religious faith and a majority in a new poll showed they have a basic knowledge of the Bible.

For example, nearly 70 percent of respondents to last week's Press-Register/University of South Alabama survey correctly named all four Gospels.

"They don't call it the Bible Belt for nothing," said Keith Nicholls, a political scientist and director of the USA Polling Group, which conducted the poll.

The poll showed Alabama residents know more about the Bible than other Americans.

Most Americans can't identify even one of the four Gospels, according to polls cited by Boston University professor Stephen Prothero, who has received national acclaim for his recent book titled "Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know - and Doesn't."

More than 70 percent of the Alabama respondents knew the location that the Bible identifies as Jesus' birthplace — Bethlehem.

Only 16 percent, however, knew that President Bush was making a reference to the biblical parable of the good Samaritan when he cited the Jericho Road in his first inaugural address.

Hey can you top that? At least we Alabamians are good for something and know a thing or two about the Bible, we just not sure about it when it is used in political speeches.

Still, he said, he was troubled that 30 percent of respondents attributed Benjamin Franklin's adage "God helps those who help themselves" to the Bible.

What's wrong with you people, of course its in the Bible. Franklin just borrowed it from the Bible. I am going to look it up my King James as soon as I can find it under all that dust and stuff. You can read the rest of the article here.And don't be messing with my Bible or my religion or my Football.

Happy Anniversary

Today is my 17th wedding anniversary. 17 years ago I said yes to Bob that I would be his wife, and he said yes to me. The picture is of the Main Post Chapel at Ft. Benning, Ga, where we got married. Our wedding pictures aren't on a disk and so I can't post them. That may be one of my future to dos. We have had our ups and downs, sicknesses and health, financial problems, disagreements, and yet we have stayed committed to each other and our marriage. We deal with conflict differently. He is an introvert and I am an extrovert on the Meyers Briggs scale. He comes from Texas and I come from Florida. He plays golf, I learned to play golf. I played tennis, he learned to play tennis. He likes Opera, I learned to like Opera. I liked movies, he has learned to go to them with me. We like hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. We also like working on home projects together. He grew up Lutheran and converted to Catholism. I grew up Southern Baptist and converted to United Methodist. He converted to Methodism. We have both grown spiritually together. I like to go the ocean, and he likes to go to the mountains. So we go to both places and enjoy. I have to brag on my hubby. He is one of the sweetest, kindest, gentlest, humurous, loving man yet all man that I know. I am so thankful for him. To steal and redo a line from Tootsie, "I am a better woman from knowing him and being with him." Some of the things we have done to help ourselves and our marriage are as follows; Marriage Enrichment, Marriage Enrichment retreats, and Marriage Counseling. But the most important thing we have done is praying together, reading God's word together, forgiving each other, seeing each other through God's eyes, and turning ourselves over to God.

Friday Five: Rivers in the Desert

Friday Five by Songbird from revgalblogpals: Rivers in the Desert

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19, NRSV

As we near the end of the long journey toward Easter, a busy time for pastors and layfolk alike, I ponder the words of Isaiah and the relief and refreshment of a river in the desert.

For this Friday Five, name five practices, activities, people or _____ (feel free to fill in something I may be forgetting) that for you are rivers in the desert.

I don't live in a desert area. But I have taken vacations to Arizona, (I know, I know, that sound's crazy.) The river that my hometown is named after, Crystal River, was full of Springs. But you are asking a different question, aren't you or are you? Because you see both those places offered so much that filled my soul. (The picture is from Manatee Tours and Dives)



I loved being on the river, swimming in the river, boating on the river, spending time with friends on or around the river, snorkling with the manatees, going down into the springs, just standing looking at the river or the springs. And the river leads to the ocean, the Gulf of Mexico. The desert or Red Rock Country, is just a different terrain than the green flatlands I have always known. I loved spending time with my husband, my mom, and meeting people I don't know. I enjoyed the hiking, seeing the little flowers that spring up; and going to the places of the Southern Sinagua people, the Anasazies (the first people), the Hopis, those who found a way to make it their home. I liked finding the little areas of water you could find, the formations, the chapel there, and just looking at the beauty of the area.



I have also been through spiritual deserts. And being sure I get some of the above helps, whether it is actually going to those places or doing some of those activities. It is also important that I spend time with family and friends. It also valuable that I spend time being still and in meditation. (picture from great Sedona Hikes)

Bonus: Lessons learned
There are lessons from both places too. Always swim, boat, scuba dive, snorkle with at least one another person. Make sure you know how to operate a boat, that the engine is in good working order, and have the necessary equipment on board. Make sure you are trained in scuba diving, that your equipment is in good working condition before you dive. Don't overdo it. Don't trash the water. Safety, training, good working equipment, doing these things with partners makes for a good time, and being able to come back again.

In the desert; go with a partner, take plenty of water, good hiking boots and clothes. Stay on the trail. Leave the plants, animals, and cultural sites alone. Rest and takes breaks as necessary. Don't throw your trash down, save it to throw it away when you get back out and find a dumpster. All of the above makes it where you can come back again and for others to enjoy too.

When in a spiritual desert make sure you have a partner or spiritual guide to walk with you. Make sure you too are in working order, get a medical and mental health checkup. Use your past training of reading the scripture, meditating, praying, breathing, and spiritual practices. Remember to stop rest, drink plenty of water, and eat healthy. Don't trash your desert, but instead just take in what it looks like, feels like, what it can teach you, where the beauty is, and where God is.

March Anniversaries

It was a year ago, that we went to China to get our son Zach. Boy has time flown. And how he has grown, and is maturing. He is such a whirlwind of activity, loudness, and fun. I am so glad that God brought us together.

Yesterday, was the date of my father's birthday. I could always remember it because it was the first day of spring. I now remember it emotionally because he died in 1998. I miss him a lot on this earth. I don't miss him spiritually. I know where he is. And he often comes to me in dreams, thoughts and feelings. I am grateful also that God allowed us to be together, as father and daughter.

Saturday, March 24 is my Wedding Anniversary. My husband has been going around saying 17 years, wow 17 years. His first marriage lasted 12, but probably should have ended the day it began. He can't believe we have been married longer than his first and that it has been so much better than the first. I can't believe I am even married, and even still married. I was single for so long, that I had come to the place of accepting that I might remain single for my life. And I will admit that for most of my life I thought I wasn't marriage material, you know, things I thought about myself from some pain and hurt of life. And yet here I am married to this beautiful man for 17 years. Wow. He is working on getting a babysitter so we can have a date Saturday. Ya'll pray, he hasn't been able to find one yet.

And on March 29, I started blogging this blog of St. John's Rev Abi. It was originally named Vicar of Wadley for where I served as pastor. Here is my first post,The vicar is in Maybe.
I originally started blogging about our trip to China to get Zach on our adoption blog under the name of my husband. (I turned that over to my husband, who sadly has not picked it up, but dropped it.) But I have to say I am so glad I started blogging, in that it has opened up a whole new world of friends from all around the world. I have a new family in the revgalblopals, and with those in the Methodist blogging world. I have met some of them f2f at conferences, and will hopefully be seeing some more at the Festival of Homiletics in May. I thankful that God brought us together.

Wow what great anniversaries to have in March. I am celebrating!

I Like Jesus … Not the Church

You know, you have seen the stickers I heart Jesus.
People really do like Jesus, even love him,
but guess what they don't like the church.

This is the title of Dan Kimball's latest book.
You can read more about what went into the writing of his latest book here. Today's non-Christian 20- and 30-somethings are big fans of Jesus but are less thrilled with His followers and the churches where they worship. Pastor/author Dan Kimball reveals their six most common perceptions of Christians and the Church, what they wish church was like—and why you should be listening to these emerging voices. Here are the misconceptions:
1) The Church is an organized religion with a political agenda.

2) The Church is judgmental and negative.

3) The Church is dominated by males and oppresses females.

4) The Church is homophobic.

5) The Church arrogantly claims all other religions are wrong.

6) The Church is full of fundamentalists who take the whole Bible literally.

In the article at Christianity Today, which was originally written for outreachmagazine.com, he gives some good ideas of how to deal with the 6 misconceptions. One thing he talked about that struck me was what he called the Church Office Bubble. He talked about how it is so easy to be caught up in the business and busyness of the church that we don't as Pastors get outside the office. And that mostly we hang out with Christians or churchgoers. He found himself in that position. It made me think about my work as a Pastor, and challenged me to plan to get out of the office more and be around people. When I lived in Wadley, I got out more spent time with a lot of people, some Christian, some not, some church goers, some not. I feel encouraged and inspired to find a way to do it here in the culture and area I live in.



There is a website for the book called theylikejesus.com. Dan Kimball has his own blog as well, and other websites: Blogs and websites to follow:

• Dan Kimball
• MySpace
• http://www.vintagefaith.com/

This is another book I will be reading.

About 100 million Americans unchurched

Wow. I found this today at the blog For the Love by Kristen Campbell.

The Barna Group released a study today noting that if the unchurched population of the United States were a nation of its own, that group would be the eleventh most populated nation on earth (trailing only China, India, the churched portion of the United States, Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Russia, Japan and Mexico).

The new survey released by The Barna Group, which has been tracking America’s religious behavior and beliefs since 1984, reveals that one out of every three adults (33%) is classified as unchurched - meaning they have not attended a religious service of any type during the past six months. While that figure is considerably higher than the one out of five who qualified as unchurched in the early Nineties, it is statistically unchanged since 36% were recorded as having avoided religious services in the company’s 1994 study.

In its report, Barna notes that its results coincide with the publication of "Jim and Casper Go to Church," which describes the experiences of a former pastor and an avowed atheist who visit a dozen U.S. churches (including Bill Hybels' Willow Creek, Rick Warren's Saddleback, Joel Osteen's Lakeside and T.D. Jakes' The Potter's House). Among the findings: "the relative indifference of most churched Christians to unchurched people; the overt emphasis upon a personal rather than communal faith journey; the tendency of congregations to perform rituals and exercise talents rather than invite and experience the presence of God; the absence of a compelling call to action given to those who attend; and the failure to listen to dissident voices and spiritual guidance to dig deeper in one's faith." You can read some more info about this book here.

Wow, 100 million unchurched in America.

To put that figure in context, if the unchurched population of the United States were a nation of its own, that group would be the eleventh most populated nation on earth (trailing only China, India, the churched portion of the United States, Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Russia, Japan and Mexico).

I think I'll be reading the book.

Happy St. Patty's Day

In honor of St. Patty's Day I am putting up the thought for the day that is a saying from St. Patrick, himself, or at least attributed to him. The prayer is also from him also. Remember to wear some green today.

Here is the thought for the day,

God grant me strength to direct me,
Power to sustain me,
Wisdom to guide me,
Vision to light my way,
-St. Patrick [adapted]

The scripture for the day; Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Prayer for the day,

May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!

May Thy Grace, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen. (Prayer for the faithful by Saint Patrick.)

The Song Be Thou My Vision

The words are attributed to Dallan Forgaill, 8th Century (Rob tu mo bhoile, a Comdi cride); translated from ancient Irish to English by Mary E. Byrne, in "Eriú," Journal of the School of Irish Learning, 1905, and versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt. Here are the words

The tune is called "Slane" and is of Irish folk origin. Slane Hill is about ten miles from Tara in County Meath. It was on Slane Hill around 433 AD that St. Patrick defied a royal edict by lighting candles on Easter Eve. High King Logaire of Tara had decreed that no one could light a fire before Logaire began the pagan spring festival by lighting a fire on Tara Hill. Logaire was so impressed by Patrick’s devotion that, despite his defiance (or perhaps because of it), he let him continue his missionary work.

The Friday Five: Couldya, Wouldya, Shoudya, Won'tya and have tos!

Friday Five from the revgalblogpals brought to you by reverendmother.

Well friends, this is one of those weeks when I simply must work today, which is normally my day off. I know, I know. We may tut-tut all we want, but the fact is, some weeks are like that.

So, this week's F5 is simple.Name five things you plan to do today.
1. The Bulletin,
2. a lunch meeting with the Hospice Chaplain,
3. a meeting with the Social Worker from Lifeline Adoption Agency for the One Year update on Zachary,
4. Clean and Pickup for #3.
and 5. Work on my sermon.

Bonus: If today is about "have-to" for you as well, share up to five things you'd like to be doing today. Yes, it is a bunch of have-tos, but I was gone for over a week with other things, and I am playing catch-up big time. I'll play tomorrow or maybe next week. or maybe never. (LOL) So here goes of what I would like to do;
1. See a movie,
2. read and finish one of the novels I have started but not finished.
3. go for a long hike somewhere beautiful, peaceful.
4. play.
5. Send the kids to a babysitter and spend the rest of the day with my hubby. (Use your imagination.)

Thanks reverendmother. And I am not tut-tuting you at all.

Grading the candidates for ministry

For two full days the Board of Ordained Ministry of the North Alabama Conference met to interview the candidates for the various areas of Ordained Ministry. Those two days happen after a full evening of worship, training and meetings the night before. Yes, it is a working retreat, but we take time for worship, and communion. We are reminded of who we serve and who does the calling and whom is called. It is a difficult task sometimes, and easy at others. It is refreshing to be with colleagues. The Board has on it Ordained and Laity. In some cases the laity ask the harder questions, and sometimes the ordained do. Whatever we do we do it with prayer.

I was on the Team that evaluated the practice of ministry. That meant we evaluated people in areas of preaching, teaching, and pastoral skills. Each candidate had a presenter who had written a paper on each person. There are three areas evaluated, ours, then the Called and disciplined life, and theology and doctrine. Each candidate wrote a paper on each area that was read and then reported on by a reader. I read one candidate's paper on practice of ministry which means I watched a taped worship service and sermon as well as the written work in this area. I presented one person, which meant I collected all the reports on my candidate, read all his paperwork, their file, references, watched several taped sermons and worship services then collated all that in a three page report to give to the committees and teams. We read those papers and then interviewed the candidates. As I said a lot of work. After three interviews we meet as a team to discuss the three candidates and recommendation. Then the Committee meets, I forgot to tell you I was on Committee A, which had all three teams. We then discussed the three areas and the grades and decided to accept or deny the request of the candidates. Then we presented the candidates to the larger board made up of two more committees and vote on each candidate. Then we start all over again.

I have to tell you there were some very sharp, creative, risk taking individuals that came up for ordination this time. For those who were coming up for probation or our new title, Minister-in Residence, they had to show readiness. For those coming up for full connection they had to show effectiveness in all areas. Those who missed or were denied didn't miss by much, either they just were ready yet or not affective. They can come back again.

The Minister-in-Residence is a new program that will begin this year. It is based on a program at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. There will be coaches and a program for them to go through, networking, leadership training, etc., stuff you don't learn in Seminary, but before learned the hard way with no one to help you. I think this is going to be a great addition to our conference and really help the beginning pastors and deacons grow in the ministry, and perhaps be more capable of it sooner than later. It help the Board in recommending those for this level as well. I wish they had this when I was beginning.

I am on my third year and have one more year, unless the Bishop reappoints me for four more. I like serving on the Board, and think I have something to offer the Board and the church.

Believe it or not, most candidates came away saying it was a positive experience. I presented someone who had been turned down last year for full connection. Yes, they were mad, and disappointed at the time. But they talked a lot about what a good experience this year had been for them, how much they had learned, how better connected they were to others, and how they experienced God in all that. And they did a much better job this time, you could even tell the difference in the paperwork, the tapes, and just talking with the individual. He has decided he liked his training, groups, and mentor so much last year he is going to continue his work again this year. It was a really affirming process for him. I don't know if I can tell you he passed or not yet. I think that will be posted sometime at the North Alabama conference website. But the candidate knows.

As I listened to the interviewees, I wasn't sure I could do as well as some of them did. I remember fumbling for some of the answers about Wesley Theology. You know they really grilled me on that, having been a Baptist, but overall it was an affirming positive experience for me. I hope it was for those we interviewed. I sure learned some things from some of the clients, new books to read, and some ideas to think about for my ministry.

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.

On the Road Again

I am on the road again. I will be gone from home from this Monday until next Tuesday late. First I will be at the Emmaus walk of the Alabama Cluster as one of the spiritual directors from Monday until Thursday.
Then Thursday, Bob and kids will pick me up for us to go to Avon Park, Florida for my Granddad's funeral. I am doing the funeral.
Then Sunday I am back at Camp Sumatanga for the Board of Ordained Ministry Retreats. I am on one of the Interview teams and I present an interviewee. It won't be as emotional for me, because I am not on the hot seat.

Yep, a lot of travel time, sitting time, eating and eating out. Using my mind, heart and soul. Long days, maybe even some sleepless night. Emmaus will be a very Spiritual time. The time in Florida will be an emotional time. The Interview Retreat will be mental, and wearing. So keep me in your prayers and I'll keep you posted.

A death in the family

My Granddad died just awhile ago, about 1pm. My grandad was 101 and was in pretty good health until this last year. Its been a rough last year, the body just wore out. But he is now with his son (my dad), daughter, wife, and his maker. I wasn't there. He had been in the hospital was doing better and they were going to move him to rehab when it all went south. Good bye Grand dad, I love you. Thankyou for all the good times, the fun times, all the hair cuts and quarters, your wisdom, your spunk, your love for playing cards, your love for your family, thank you. Don't have the arrangements yet, but when I do, I'll post them.

Bad Weather All the Way Around

Well, yesterday was a really bad day in America for weather as you all probably already know by now. So far there are 20 dead as tornadoes hit Ga., Ala., Mo. My heart goes out to those whose family members and friends were killed yesterday. Being a parent, I am really upset about the deaths at the high school in Enterprise. (I hope the revgalblogpals in that area are okay, like Cathy knits, 1-4 Grace).

I had gone to a workshop in Birmingham on Dealing with Conflict in the church. I almost turned around in Muscle Shoals because the weather was so bad. As I listened to the radio, and heard that schools were closing I called Bob and asked about the girls. He said he hadn't heard anything. I went on, and the weather broke to no rain, no wind. Got to the Conference Center which is on Birmingham Southern Campus. Everybody's anxiety was up about the weather. (Some of the news weather men tend to over do it sometimes.) Schools were closing, the tv and radio was predicting really bad thunderstorms and tornadoes. We went on with the workshop and broke for lunch. One of the guys got off the phone and told us that they were predicting the storms would hit Bham by 2:30pm. I added up the hours and decided to head home, it takes about 2 hours or more to get home. So I left and called Bob to let him know I was headed home, and to find out about the girls. He said the schools still had not closed. Well, when I got home and the kids got home, we found out they had spent 2 hours in the basement during all the warnings and did basically nothing. Yep, how can you teach scared little kindergartners? You don't, you just try to keep them calm. When I found out about that, I called the Principal who said it was the call of the Superintendent, and I could call her, which I did. I was furious, that they knew ahead of time that the National Weather Center in Norman had issued a severe weather alert with the possibilities of 50 tornadoes nation wide. It is an alert that they don't make flippantly, it has meaning and purpose. The county schools and other just didn't have school. Their excuse was getting the kids on the buses and home. They could have done what the county schools did and had no school. I understand about the bus situation.

Well, right after that we learned about the Enterprise situation. I was even madder with our Superindentent. What if that had been our kids? It was somebody's kids. I predict legislation out of this. I predict an uprising from parents, and I may be one of them. In little ole Wadley they canceled schools if there were tornado alerts. I wonder how many more calls the Superindent got? I think I will be at the next school board meeting.

My prayers go out for parent, the teens, teachers, family members of the kids killed in Enterprise, and to those elsewhere.

Looks like Sororities have not changed

Well, especially if you were a member of the Delta Zeta at DePauw University. Perhaps you read the news story; When a psychology professor at DePauw University here surveyed students, they described one sorority as a group of “daddy’s little princesses” and another as “offbeat hippies.” The sisters of Delta Zeta were seen as “socially awkward.”Worried that a negative stereotype of the sorority was contributing to a decline in membership that had left its Greek-columned house here half empty, Delta Zeta’s national officers interviewed 35 DePauw members in November, quizzing them about their dedication to recruitment. They judged 23 of the women insufficiently committed and later told them to vacate the sorority house.The 23 members included every woman who was overweight. They also included the only black, Korean and Vietnamese members. The dozen students allowed to stay were slender and popular with fraternity men — conventionally pretty women the sorority hoped could attract new recruits. Six of the 12 were so infuriated they quit. Tthe picture above is of some of the girls

“Virtually everyone who didn’t fit a certain sorority member archetype was told to leave,” said Kate Holloway, a senior who withdrew from the chapter during its reorganization.“I sensed the disrespect with which this was to be carried out and got fed up,” Ms. Holloway added. “I didn’t have room in my life for these women to come in and tell my sisters of three years that they weren’t needed.”

The mass eviction battered the self-esteem of many of the former sorority members, and some withdrew from classes in depression. There have been student protests, outraged letters from alumni and parents, and a faculty petition calling the sorority’s action unethical.DePauw’s president, Robert G. Bottoms, issued a two-page letter of reprimand to the sorority. In an interview in his office, Dr. Bottoms said he had been stunned by the sorority’s insensitivity.

The sorority “is saddened that the isolated incident at DePauw has been mischaracterized,” Ms. Menges wrote. Asked for clarification, the sorority’s public relations representative e-mailed a statement saying its actions were aimed at the “enrichment of student life at DePauw.” Uh, depression, having to withdraw from classes, battering people's self esteem sounds like enriching to me. Not. Hey even the President got booted.

I knew I didn't have legacy. I knew I wasn't going to be in a sorority, and I didn't care. But to people who have legacy, want to be in one, it does matter. I was a member of Service Sorority where looks, money, popularity, skin color, any of those things didn't matter. I enjoyed the sister hood, the fun, the service we did, and other good times. I had friends in sororities, and if this happened it would have been devastating. I guess I am naive I keep thinking we can get past looks, money popularity etc, but I guess we can't. It makes me sad for these girls. It makes me sad for the girls of the future. And it makes me sad for my girls, I guess they won't be sorority girls either, being Asian. They will have to find their fun and group else where.

Thought for Wednesday

Thought for Wednesday

The true test of happiness is gratitude.-Gilbert K. Chesterton [adapted]

Scripture for the day: Jeremiah 33:11 The sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the LORD. They will sing, `Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good. His faithful love endures forever!'

Read more here, and see the video for Give Thanks.

It isn't American Idol, but it is Nashville Star

Two people from Florence, actually brother and sister, have made it to the top three of Nashville Star, of the USA Network. I had no idea that it existed at all until the Shoals area has gone Nashville Star crazy for the Hacker siblings.

Thursday is the final. I don't know these people, who are these people. But apparently they are famous around here, and were country before this happened.

Angela Hacker is from Muscle Shoals. Her child goes to school with my daughters. I didn't know it until I saw it on the school's outside sign. One of the things she says in her profile in response to the question "What are you afraid of?", is that she is afraid of nonbelievers. UH? Now that I don't get. She says her biggest hero is Jesus. Well if your hero is Jesus, what do you have to fear? Perfect love cast out fear. OH well.You can listen to her vidoes at the contest here.

Zac Hacker is from the Lagrange, AL and is her brother. You can see his videos here.

One thing for sure whether they win or lose Nashville Star, they have helped their cause and will move beyond Florence. Although yall do know that the Shoals is known for its music tradition, ranging from W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues,” to recording pioneer Sam Phillips, to numerous No. 1 hits recorded in local studios.

But then again we are also known for where Goober Pyle has a film festival every year known as the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival.

Thought for the day

Thought for the day:2/28/2007A humble talent that is used is worth more than one of genius that is idle.

Scripture for the day Matthew 25:21

Read more here:

Sunday's Sermon: Death by Taxes

I started a new sermon series for Sunday called Christ on Trial. It goes along with the Wednesday night Bible Study we are doing. We had a drama of the Prosecution interrogating the witness, Matthew the former tax collector turned disciple. Bob, my husband played Matthew, and did a good job. Gary Webb played the prosecutor, and really got into the role. People asked if they were going to redo it. The are doing it again on Wednesday night. And every Sunday we will have a new witness.

Here is my sermon titled "The Case of Death by Taxes" (It almost turned into "The Case of the Missing Sermon". Someone took my sermon manuscript off the pulpit for some reason. We couldn't find it at the start of the service, so I started praying that I could remember most of it or say what God wanted me to say. Bob went looking for it, and found it right before the offertory. Some one had taken and put it on my desk with a stack of other papers. Whooh.)

Read the sermon here:

Check out LaDonna Witmer's New Cinepoem

LaDonna Witmer has a new cinepoem called Elastine.

You can watch it several places. U Tube My Space Her website or here
It has some beautiful scenes of Paris. Here is what she shays about her poem: Elasticine is a very non-linear kind of girl who's really enamored with a certain French phrase. She talks a lot about seasonal mud pies and haunted shopping carts. And if you ask me what the hell it all means I'll just say, "Well, what does it mean to you?"

The Power Rangers

My son Zachary loves the Power Rangers, what little boy doesn't. He also likes Batman, Spiderman, and Superman. You get the idea, all the superheros. Well, the girls have taken a liking to the Power Rangers too. Why? Because there are girl Power Rangers. Our grandson, Joshua loved PowerRangers, and now our other grandson, Austin loves them. Want to know what you can learn from them besides Karate, winning over the bad guys?

From their website it says they teach the following values:

• Standing for what is right
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Confidence
• Physical Activity
• Caring and Friendship

When they started in 1992 there was only one tv show and group of Power Rangers, now there is Power Rangers; Mighty Morphin, Operation OverDrive, Mystic Force, SPD, Dino Thunder, Ninja Storm, Wild Force, Time Force, Rescue, Galaxy, Space, Turbo, and Zeo. My favorite tends to be the Mystic Force, cause they got adults like me in it.

Why am I blogging about this? Because it seems like everyday the Power Rangers enters into our conversation. It usually goes like this; (this was at lunch yesterday)

Zach: "When I grow up can I be the Red Power Ranger?"

Me: "Yes, you can be the Red Power Ranger."

Katy: "I want to be the Yellow Power Ranger."

Kara: "I want to be the Pink one."

Zach: "Mom, which one are you going to be?"

Mom: "I am the fat purple power ranger, my power is my blubber, get out of my way or I am going to squash you."

Laughter all around.

Yesterday we argued over who was going to be Dog who is over the Power Rangers SPD, and who is Cat who is the computer expert.

Not sure where Dad fits in here, I think he ended up being Dog..... (I like Dog.)

I can guarantee you there will be a Power Ranger discussion tonight.

Thought for Monday

Here is the thought for the day, Monday the 26th
It's better to know some of the questions, than all of the answers.
-James Thurber

You can read more here, includes the Mercy Me video I can Only Imagine

Thought for Sunday

Serving Christ under law is duty;
under love it’s a delight.
read the rest here

Thought for Saturday

Thought for the Day
2/25/2007 Knowing Scripture is one thing;
Knowing the Author is another.

read the rest here

you can also read a lenten prayer for Saturday here.

thought for the day for the friends and family of St. John UMC

I have been sending out a daily email to the St. John Church family as for about a month now, as a way of staying in touch, encouragement and inspiration. I decided to start posting them on my blog Preaching to the Choir. I include the thought for the day, a prayer, a scripture and sometimes some links. Hope it is helpful to you. On the blog post, I may add a picture, video or something that is appropriate. I get the thought for the day from Communication Resources, thought I better say that. I'll try to post the back ones too, but it will take awhile and some work. But for now here's today's thought. Today's thought has a video to it as well as the thought, the scripture, prayer, and link.

Just for Today

This helped me a lot in recovery. I don't know why I put it down or away. But I am pulling it back out for this process. I don't mean to take away from diet, weight loss or exercise, indeed I mean to enhance for me. And for me it is about the food and more, but I cannot ignore either side of the process. I am sharing it for anyone else who it can help, (I already posted it on a private blog dealing with weight loss. If you want to join read this invite) . And I am posting it to remind me of I have today and just for today.....

Sibyl F. Partridge

1. Just for today I will be happy. This assumes that what Abraham Lincoln said is true that, "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Happiness is from within; it is not a matter of externals.

Go here to read more of Just for Today

The Thief on the cross

This is the message I delivered at the N.W. District's minister's prayer fellowship as part of our Lenton study. We are looking at the Seven Last Words of Jesus, using the book , Thank God its Friday, by Bishop Willimon. We were asked to take one of the words and write about it without referring to the book. And then after we spoke we invited others to express their thoughts and feelings. W. G Henry is our Spiritual Guide and he lead us in discussion, interspersing it with things the Bishop wrote. I was disappointed that I could not show my powerpoint or video for the presentation. I did lead them in singing the Taize song "Jesus, Remember Me". Wonder what your thoughts, your perspective is on the Thief on the cross, and Jesus second word?

more on The Thief on the Cross

A person in overdrive

I feel like a person on overdrive. Can I give that up for Lent?

Thursday had early morning meetings and phone calls, then I went to Huntsville for a meeting. Dealt with a death in a church member's family.
Friday I finished up preparations for my practice talk for the Walk to Emmaus on Obstacles to Grace, and worked on my sermon, and saw my kids somewhere in there. I think I fell asleep next to my hubby.
Saturday, drove back to Huntsville for the Emmaus Team meeting, did my practice talk. Came back to deal with family and then finish for Sunday morning preaching.
Sunday, preached. Dealt with family. Worked on my homily/meditation for Monday Morning Minister's Meeting on the second word from Jesus on the cross. Dealt with some church member's needs. I think I saw my family a little bit.
Monday morning finished up homily which included power point presentation, and then presented it. Then we discussed it and added our ideas. Came home around 2pm to work on my report for Board of Ordained Ministry for one of the candidates for Elder's orders in the Methodist church that was due that day. Nothing like working at the last minute. Got it in that evening. Went to a meeting that evening.
Tuesday went to Memphis to the Shea Ear Clinic to see what they could do about the ringing in the ears. It was an all day adventure. lots of testing. He does think he can treat the ringing, but I have to set it up since it is a three day outpatient treatment. Recommends hearing aids also. Came home, missed the eating out with the women once again. Spent time with my family, and then worked on things for today. Set up the church, the kids helped me set up the altar it looks neat for Ash Wednesday.
Today, I have been here since 7:30am for Ash Wednesday.I have had 3 people come at 10am. We had a brief yet meaningful service. So I have been working on the liturgy and sermon for tonight. Finishing emails that were delayed. Taking care of phone calls. Doing the bulletin for tonight. My secretary is out with her son who has the flu. Zachary is sick, Bob took him to the Doc, but she was not overly concerned. He took him to school, but then they called and said he had green snot coming out his nose and for him to please come get him. Zachary was glad to be home. He can't blow his nose yet, he breathes in instead which has made a simple cold worse.
Whew. I'll be glad when today is over. We have a Ash Wednesday worship service at 6:30pm. I am done when it is done.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a little less intense and busy.
I am coming out of overdrive and resting.

Oh and my 101 year old Grandpa is in the hospital in Jacksonville, and they don't know why yet.
And Bob is applying for Social Security. He actually seems relieved.

Happy New Year!

Actually, Happy Chinese New Year! It is the Year of the Pig. The new year is the year of DingHai. Year 4704 by the Chinese calendar In China, the Boar ( 豬 ) is associated with fertility and virility. To bear children in the year of the pig is considered very fortunate, for they will be happy and honest.

If this is your year, the year of the Pig:
Simply put, the Pig can have it all in his own year. You are generous by nature and have much to give, and now you can expect to get even more back. Entertaining will be very much on your mind, with lavish parties and great company. Yet you'll also be devoted to your work, and the payoff could be quite grand. Get your original ideas out and circulating, as all eyes are on you now.

Your Attributes: According to customary superstition, the Pig type is usually an honest, straightforward and patient person. They are a modest, shy character who prefers to work quietly behind the scenes. When others despair, they are often there to offer support. This type of person is reserved with those they do not know too well, but as time passes and they gain confidence, those around them may discover a lively and warm-hearted person behind that mask of aloofness. Despite those born in the year of pig having a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, they have few close friends who understand them and share their inner thoughts and feelings. It is easy to put trust in pig type; they won't let you down and will never even attempt to do so. Such people simply want to do everything right according to social norms.
Also according to customary superstition, that these people are not vengeful creatures. If someone tries to take advantage of them, the pig type tend to withdraw to reflect on the problem and protect themselves. All they need in such situations is a little time to find a constructive way to respond. The people of the pig type are conservative creatures of habit. They dislike being made to travel too far from familiar surroundings, unless it is a trip to the countryside. They love nature and are never happier than when they are out somewhere, far from the city. There is a tolerant and peaceful side to the character of Pig types. Such people are never afraid to allow others their freedom of expression; they do not want to cause arguments and if there is any way to avoid arguing, they will probably take this option. They are not weak, however, and if the situation forces them to fight these people will rise to the occasion, whether it is to defend themselves or those close to them. People of the Boar type are the most admired by others.

Not sure of your year or animal? God here to a Chinese Sign birth Chart to find out more.
Want to know how to celebrate the Chinese New Year? Go to this site that tells you what to do for each day of the 15-day celebration! For instance: The first day of the Lunar New Year is "the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth."Many people abstain from meat on the first day of the new year because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them.
I am welcoming God today, and plan to abstain from meat.
You can go here to know more about the Chinese New Year. (There are really some good sites explaining it. Just put Chinese New Year in your search engine, and then go read the sites.

The Unwitting Tourist (I hate the idea of being the ugly tourist)

Friday, February 16, 2007
Friday Five: Tourist Edition

reverendmother here... It seems like this topic has been done before, but I can't find it in the archives, so......

I am downtown on retreat this week. Most of the retreatants are from out of town, so I get to experience this place through the eyes of visitors. So in the spirit of tourism:

1. What is one place you make sure to take out-of-town guests when they visit? (you can be vague to preserve your anonymity if you like) I am still new here, but Florence and the Shoals area is so beautiful with the river. So here is where I would take any of your rev gals who come to visit me. Definitely I would take you to: Tuscumbia is the birthplace of "America’s First Lady of Courage," Helen Keller’s Birthplace:, After that I would take you for lunch to Marriott' Shoals Hotel & Spa We would have lunch(the restaurant is in the round and gives a great view of the river and the area.) and then go to the spa for a relaxing afternoon of being ministered to,(iknow all you rev gals want it and need it.) The next day we would take on a boat ride on the Tennessee River with a picnic lunch. After that if you want to do anything else, I would take you, but not force you to do anything. If you have kids. I would take them for the boat ride and to the Children’s Museum of the Shoals which is next a great kid's park. And the dad's can go golfing or fishing. We will hire a baby sitter and go back to the spa or the Y to the Y to the sauna and hot tub. You get the idea, some fun, some relaxation and good food.

2. When visiting another city or town, do you try to cram as much in as possible, or take it slow and easy? This depends on where I am going and what all there is to do, andif the kids are with me. Naps are a must or you get fussy wussy kids.

3. When traveling, where are we most likely to find you: strolling through a museum, checking out the local shopping, or Probably all that, plus hiking, meeting the people, and eating at good resturaunts.?

4. Do you like organized tours and/or carefully planned itineraries, or would you rather strike out and just see what happens? I have done both, again it depends on where I am going or if I am visiting someone who can show me the places and local bests.

5. After an extended trip, what do you find yourself craving most about home? MY BED,My family if I have traveled without them.

Bonus question: Where do I want to be right now for a vacation? answer? Paradise, a warm beach!

Random Acts of Kindness Week

Random Acts of Kindness Week
By David Price
Mon, February 12, 2007, 12:01 am PST

"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." - Aesop

I didn't know it was Random Acts of Kindness week until I saw this at Yahoo. But if you want a list of random acts you can do, go to the Good deed ideas page of the SSSSH(Secret Society of Serendipitous Service to Hal). The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation - inspiring people to practice kindness. Servant Evangelism theme is "Small Things Done with Great Love Will Change the World", "showing God's love in practical ways. Kindness builds the bridge for the person to receive a touch of love from God. It's simple, practical, effective, inexpensive and fun! Steve Sjogren is the founder and has written several books on Servant Evangelism. The Free Hugs Campaign- Go ahead give a hug, you know you want to. Or you can Dare to Be An Angel
or you can practice this habit everyday.
Here's Wikepedia's definition of Random acts of Kindnesd

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Some Random quotes of Kindness

"Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate." Author:Albert Schweitzer

"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." Author:Archbishop Desmond Tutu

"Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together." Author:Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

"Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can." Author:John Wesley (John Wesley I hope you see this, I quoted you.)

"Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can read." Author:Mark Twain

"Just because an animal is large, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo." Author:Pooh's Little Instruction Book (inspired by A.A. Milne)

"Deeds of kindness are equal in weight to all the commandments." Author:The Talmud

^{Jeus said:} But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Paul wrote thatKindness is a fruit of the spirit.

***********************************************************************************

Have you seen the Free Hugs Campaign video?

Growing Healthy Churches conference

Growing Healthy Churches conference challenges churches to be more obedient to God

Written: 2/13/2007

On February 9-10, more than 100 North Alabama clergy and laity gathered at the Brandon Ministry Center in Florence for the Growing Healthy Congregations conference sponsored by the Northwest District. The featured speaker was Dr. Paul Borden, author of the books Hit the Bullseye and a new book Direct Hit. Dr. Borden is Executive Minister of Growing Healthy Churches (formerly American Baptist Churches of the West), which is an association of American Baptist Churches in Northern California and Northern Nevada. Since the mid 1990s, this association went from only 36 of its 200+ congregations experiencing growth to now more than 170 growing congregations. They have now stated a new vision of a double portion which is to not only have growing existing congregations but to plant 300 new growing congregations by the year 2012.

You can read the full article here.

If you look at the picture on the front row, I am next to the woman in the pinkish orange blouse, I have on a brown long sleeve tee-shirt. Yep that's me with the short brown hair cut.

Highlights: During the two-day conference Dr. Borden shared stories and insights of how he has seen and helped declining local churches become vital, growing, disciple-making congregations. Growth indicates health; no growth indicates no health. He also explained one challenge for local congregations is shown in a recent Barna survey. It revealed that 91% of church members said they believed local congregations exist to serve them. Dr. Borden shared how this inward focused, as opposed to an outward, community focus, is part of the disobedience of many congregations. Borden explained how it was important for pastors and staffs to learn to exercise leadership behaviors such as passion, courage and flexibility. He also said it is important for leaders to keep growing and resource themselves and be resourced in their growth.He emphasized that the pastors and staffs role, as described in Ephesians 4, is to equip the saints for ministry. This means staff should help lay people discover and use their gifts and passions in the ministry of the church rather than doing all the ministry of the church. Borden also explained to pastors that is their job to establish the mission and vision of the congregations. And then not only cast the vision, but create a sense of urgency to energize people to jump on board and work toward that vision.

One thing I would like to do is go to the Hit the Bullseye Conference'07, here is the brochure for it. One of the reasons I want to go, is that it has workshops for women in ministry and dealing with change in your congregation, and the unique problems women can have. Plus you get to see and meet with the congregations that have changed. Anybody else interested? I think I'll ask for some financial help to go.

Our district has begun what they are calling Healthy Church Initiative based on Borden's work and Natural Church Development. I was able to get ST. John to agree to be part of this initiative. It hasn't started yet, but when it does, I'll be posting about how it goes.

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.
************************************************************************************

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

*******************************************************************************
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.
**********************************************************************************
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.