Grace Chapel and Veriditas online Labyrinth
But you can also go here for the online Cathedral labyrinth experience. It is very different than Grace Chapel's labyrinth.
The Labyrinth is a pre-constructed path established using sacred geometry. People walk from the outer edge (the periphery) to the center, and then back to the outer edge. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no blind alleys or dead ends. It will not frustrate, because it is not a puzzle to be solved. You cannot get "lost" or make a mistake because there are no choices to be made once you have made the decision to start walking. By following the path you always end up either in the center of the labyrinth or back at the entrance.
There are three stages in a labyrinth walk. The first is purgation. During this stage the walker releases the worries of everyday life by winding on a set path toward the center. The second stage is illumination. This begins once the walker reaches the center. The center of the labyrinth is a place for meditation and prayer. The Third stage is union. It occurs during the walk out from the center. During this stage the walker reflects on what they've experienced. They also prepare to enter the outside world.
There are many variations which individuals will make to suit their spiritual needs as they walk the Labyrinth. For example, some will pause before walking to prepare their hearts and minds for the experience. Others will bring journals or Bibles to reflect upon once they reach the center.
"The profound experience it gives to the ones who walk in search ofhealing and nourishment. It may be called the power of grace, or simply thepsychological human experience which relieves anxiety and stress, butsomething happens when the heart of the one walking opens to the invisibleOne who walks next to him/her, as Jesus on the way to Emmaus"
Chanoine Francois Legaux, Rector, Chartres Cathedral, France
"The labyrinth allows us to offer up to God the reality of our lives, trusting in Godâs immense love and grace... The very life of Christian faith is a labyrinth -- full of unexpected turns and twists, requiring us to step forward in faith, confident that Christ -- our Way, our Truth, and our Life -- is at the center of the very universe and at the heart of our life in God." Marilyn Campbell
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Thought for the Day: Joy by Martin Buber
JOY
But this joy must not be the goal toward which you strive. It will be vouchsafed to you if you strive to "give joy to God." Your personal joy will rise up when you want nothing but the joy of God - nothing but joy in itself.- Martin Buber
A Martin Buber Bibliography and other resources
Buber and Education; Has a good section on I and Thou, his best kown work.
But this joy must not be the goal toward which you strive. It will be vouchsafed to you if you strive to "give joy to God." Your personal joy will rise up when you want nothing but the joy of God - nothing but joy in itself.- Martin Buber
A Martin Buber Bibliography and other resources
Buber and Education; Has a good section on I and Thou, his best kown work.
Meditation for the Day: Forgiveness
Thursday 17th August, 2006Ezekiel 12:1-12. R. Do not forget the works of the Lord!—Ps 77(78):56-59, 61-62. Matthew 18:21 – 19:1.‘Forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’
An inability to forgive is destructive, not only of the person who has done wrong but of the person who has been wronged. Even if we do not actively (or passively) seek revenge against the wrongdoer, we cling to our hurts, unable to let go them because they form part of our identity.Letting go would lead to loss of self. But holding onto hurts is like clinging onto a rosebush—the thorns dig deeper into our flesh, only making the pain and the wounds worse. As Jesus observes, forgiveness, the decision not to allow a past suffering to control our present and our future, comes from the heart.God’s grace touches the core of our being, and we give ourselves permission to ‘let go’—it is God’s work and ours.
An inability to forgive is destructive, not only of the person who has done wrong but of the person who has been wronged. Even if we do not actively (or passively) seek revenge against the wrongdoer, we cling to our hurts, unable to let go them because they form part of our identity.Letting go would lead to loss of self. But holding onto hurts is like clinging onto a rosebush—the thorns dig deeper into our flesh, only making the pain and the wounds worse. As Jesus observes, forgiveness, the decision not to allow a past suffering to control our present and our future, comes from the heart.God’s grace touches the core of our being, and we give ourselves permission to ‘let go’—it is God’s work and ours.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
And now for something "udderly" ridiculous
Now, don't say I didn't warn you. I wasn't going to include this but, after going to it and seeing it I have rethought my position on this website; Cow abduction.com.
Another hat tip to Locust and Honey who lamented that it was not included in the list of the 15 most influential websites.
Not sure I actually agree with him, but it was kewl.
Another hat tip to Locust and Honey who lamented that it was not included in the list of the 15 most influential websites.
Not sure I actually agree with him, but it was kewl.
Websites that changed the world
Websites that changed the world
Hat Tip to Locust & Honey
I notice that they don't list my blog or revgalblogpals. Oh well.
What do you think of their list? Do you agree or not? What other websites do you think are influential? Let me know in the comment section.
The 25 Most Important Questions
People magazine has its 50 Most Beautiful People … Time has a Person of the Year … And mental_floss magazine - besides having tons of fascinating, cool, and juicy stories, anecdotes, and trivia - now has something that trumps ‘em both:
The 25 Most Important Questions
in the History of the Universe.
Hard questions that matter, like "can a pregnant woman drive in the carpool lane?" or "how can I win at that ultra-important-corporate-decision-making- process, rock-paper-scissor?" and of course, "is turkey a country or a bird first?". Wait, is it *really* a natural bird? Never mind - don’t answer that.
The folks at mental_floss were friendly enough to let us feature their stuff - something that will become a regular feature here at Neatorama (so be kind to them and visit their brand new and very chic blog, ok?). The text is verbatim from the articles, although I did add links, pics, videos and probably a couple of typos.
I like Mental Floss, have gone there off and on to floss my brain when it gets to much tartar and plaque buildup. Some of you mental whizzes will appreciate their magazine. "Its where you can feel smart again." And it is "where knowledge junkies get their fix." Not so sure about Netorama, it seems to be, well of the unusual.
Quote of the day from Blaise Pascal
Faith is different from proof; the latter is human, the former is a Gift from God. - Blaise Pascal
A little about Blaise Pascal:
Want to read Pensées, you go to this link. They also have his Provencial Letters, that includes his letters to the Jesuits.A little about Blaise Pascal:
Blaise Pascal was a very influential French mathematician and philosopher who contributed to many areas of mathematics. He worked on conic sections and projective geometry and in correspondence with Fermat he laid the foundations for the theory of probability. Pascal worked on conic sections and produced important theorems in projective geometry. In correspondence with Fermat he laid the foundation for the theory of probability. Among the contemporaries of Descartes none displayed greater natural genius than Pascal, but his mathematical reputation rests more on what he might have done than on what he actually effected, as during a considerable part of his life he deemed it his duty to devote his whole time to religious exercises. In 1650, when in the midst of these researches, Pascal suddenly abandoned his favorite pursuits to study religion, or, as he says in his Pensées, ``contemplate the greatness and the misery of man''
Someone once gave me a copy of Pensées, and I did not know what I had in my hands. Can you imagine that this man Pascal who had beautiful mind could be known for his Mathmatic theories and teachings, instead choose to focus his whole time to religious exercises, and they called it "what he might have been or done". How many today see that time spent on getting to know God as "what might have been or done". What a royal waste of time, it could be called. I sometimes wonder if I spend enough time getting to know God, and in the Spiritual Disciplines.
And I wonder what I might be if I did spend more time, and what I might be able to do.
I like the quote for today. "Faith is different from proof; the latter is human, the former is a Gift from God." How many times do we refuse the gift from God. Perhaps like me a lot, "I don't have time today God, got to go do important stuff." How many times do we not recognize the gift of faith from God, and instead get angry at God saying, "Why, God?" "Where are you, God?" Perhaps like me a lot. I want proof more often than I want the gift. God forgive me for turning down the gift of faith you have for me. Have mercy on me. Empower me and enlighten me to recieve your gift.
Theology for Beginners: the Gospel
In a previous post, “Theology for Beginners” was introduced from the website Faith and Theology.com. In it the links to the the outline, Faith, and Theology were posted. A promise was made that when the next one the Gospel was written, then the link would be posted.
Here it is as follows.
Faith
1. Faith
2. Theology
3. Gospel
Up next? Jesus
Here it is as follows.
Faith
1. Faith
2. Theology
3. Gospel
- Summary: The verbal expression of faith must be shaped and guided by the story of Jesus. Theology is the attempt to articulate faith verbally. But while theology provides the vocabulary of faith, it is the gospel which provides the grammar of faith.
Up next? Jesus
- 4. Resurrection
- 5. Crucifixion
- 6. Jesus
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
St. Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle
In a previous post a motivational saying from St. Teresa of Avila was used, along with some links to books and resources on her life, and writings. As I was searching for prayers for morning prayer, I happened upon this St. Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle. So the link is included so you too can read one of her writings. She writes this:
"I BEGAN TO THINK OF THE SOUL
AS IF IT WERE A CASTLE
MADE OF A SINGLE DIAMOND..."
Come explore with St. Teresa your soul.... "as if it were a castle made of a single diamond or of very clear crystal, in which there are many rooms, just as in Heaven there are many mansions."
And thanks to Catholic First for hosting this website on prayers and other classics on prayer.
Prayers for a Pastor and her congregation
There is sadness in my heart for my friend Cheesehead . She is having to Pastor her congregation through a horrible tragedy. Something that no one, no family, no Pastor, no church should have to go through, but most likely will. The members of the blog RevGalBlogPals have rallied around her, lifted her and the church members up in prayer, designating a time to pray while the visitation and funeral is going on for them. But frankly since we have read about the news we all have been praying. Many have written their prayers and thoughts. Calacirian has written a beautiful and powerful prayer on her blog.
I have had a hard time coming up with any words to say. Yes, it is hard to do that in the midst of trajedy. Sometimes the best thing we do have to offer is our presence along with the presence of God. But I can't even be present for her or the congregation, but God is. But Paul tells us in Romans 8:26-27; "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." There are so many times in prayer that I do so rely on the Holy Spirit to intercede for me, and that God knows my heart and mind and my needs. Thanks be to God.
I also know that when you the Pastor are affected as well it makes it harder to Pastor, because you have your own wounds and grief that need healing. So I pray for strength for her pastoring, people to turn to who will comfort, listen, and be with her. Tomorrow as the Funeral comes and it is a wearing day after many wearing emotion filled days, lift her up, and then give them the rest they need. Already you are work in a mighty way as this congregation seeks to love instead of seek revenge. We thank you for that. They will need you in the days ahead, the trials ahead, and whatever comes from them. We know that you go before us, behind us, over us, underneathe us, but most of all you go beside us with us through the valleys, the time of death and the sorrow that accompanies it. Father if there are others out there reading this and they need you and your comfort, hold them in your arms, with your tender mercy, enter lives through your people who will be your hands and feet for them. God we are all in your hands. We ask all this through your son, Jesus, and through the comforter you sent so long ago to be with us, your Holy Spirit, Amen.
I have had a hard time coming up with any words to say. Yes, it is hard to do that in the midst of trajedy. Sometimes the best thing we do have to offer is our presence along with the presence of God. But I can't even be present for her or the congregation, but God is. But Paul tells us in Romans 8:26-27; "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." There are so many times in prayer that I do so rely on the Holy Spirit to intercede for me, and that God knows my heart and mind and my needs. Thanks be to God.
I also know that when you the Pastor are affected as well it makes it harder to Pastor, because you have your own wounds and grief that need healing. So I pray for strength for her pastoring, people to turn to who will comfort, listen, and be with her. Tomorrow as the Funeral comes and it is a wearing day after many wearing emotion filled days, lift her up, and then give them the rest they need. Already you are work in a mighty way as this congregation seeks to love instead of seek revenge. We thank you for that. They will need you in the days ahead, the trials ahead, and whatever comes from them. We know that you go before us, behind us, over us, underneathe us, but most of all you go beside us with us through the valleys, the time of death and the sorrow that accompanies it. Father if there are others out there reading this and they need you and your comfort, hold them in your arms, with your tender mercy, enter lives through your people who will be your hands and feet for them. God we are all in your hands. We ask all this through your son, Jesus, and through the comforter you sent so long ago to be with us, your Holy Spirit, Amen.
Ode to Blogger
Oh Blogger, oh Blogger,
Where for art thou?
Thou didst forget me at the balcony of life.
There is no sun or moon in thine eyes.
I have lost my passion for thee,
for thee have lost thy passion for me
Oh Blogger, oh Blogger,
Thou wilt not post my pictures, art work,
Thou loosest them somewhere in the blogosphere.
I search for them night and day
alas no sight of them hast I seen,
I have lost my passion for thee,
and it seems thee for me.
Quick get thee some maintenance or aspirin
or some new css or html so that thou
can once again shine in my eyes
and the eyes of the blogosphere
Thou didst not accept my latest post
nor would thou savest my post.
I have lost me passion for thee,
and thee for me.
Now as this is an ode to Blogger,
Thou must admit that part of its attraction
is that it is free,
and as Journey Mama didst say,
it is the bain of its existence.
I have really lost all passion for thee,
and I don't care if thee have any for me.
Where for art thou?
Thou didst forget me at the balcony of life.
There is no sun or moon in thine eyes.
I have lost my passion for thee,
for thee have lost thy passion for me
Oh Blogger, oh Blogger,
Thou wilt not post my pictures, art work,
Thou loosest them somewhere in the blogosphere.
I search for them night and day
alas no sight of them hast I seen,
I have lost my passion for thee,
and it seems thee for me.
Quick get thee some maintenance or aspirin
or some new css or html so that thou
can once again shine in my eyes
and the eyes of the blogosphere
Thou didst not accept my latest post
nor would thou savest my post.
I have lost me passion for thee,
and thee for me.
Now as this is an ode to Blogger,
Thou must admit that part of its attraction
is that it is free,
and as Journey Mama didst say,
it is the bain of its existence.
I have really lost all passion for thee,
and I don't care if thee have any for me.
The Book Meme Revisited
Ben Meyers at Faith and Theology was the creator of a recent meme that was going around the blogosphere, called the "One Book Meme" Well it really made the rounds of the blogosphere.
Well, guess what, yours truly did not do it. Can't exactly say why, other than I have had way too much going on in my life. The biggest reason was, I just could not think of one book for the categories given, my thinker wasn't working, and I needed to concentrate to be able to think.
Maybe you did it, if you haven't, maybe after this you will want to. I may even at some point.
But Ben pointed over to a post by Kevin Stilley at Silver and Gold
who took the different posts that he could find, and came up with which books received multiple recommendations. You will find these worth your time to see if what you posted is up there at the top. P.S. you are either going to be surprised or you are going to say, "oh I knew that would be in the top."
Well, guess what, yours truly did not do it. Can't exactly say why, other than I have had way too much going on in my life. The biggest reason was, I just could not think of one book for the categories given, my thinker wasn't working, and I needed to concentrate to be able to think.
Maybe you did it, if you haven't, maybe after this you will want to. I may even at some point.
But Ben pointed over to a post by Kevin Stilley at Silver and Gold
who took the different posts that he could find, and came up with which books received multiple recommendations. You will find these worth your time to see if what you posted is up there at the top. P.S. you are either going to be surprised or you are going to say, "oh I knew that would be in the top."
Faith and Theology.com
If you have not discovered this wonderful blog on Faith and Theology, by Benjamin Meyers, you need to click on over there now. Don't hesitate, that's it, click it on and you will be glad you did.
You see most theology books, courses are in language that is often hard for the average Abi/Joe to understand. It often seems that well, that's for the ivory tower phders, or those studying in seminary to be a preacher. And those in seminary who are studying to be a preacher are often more eager to get out and be preaching than to be studying Theology. But there are those who fall in love with the study of Theology, the books, the Theologians, their ideas, the discussions, well it goes on and on. And frankly, it went on over my head many a time when I was in class. Often when I am at preacher's meetings or conferences, and peers begin to discuss Theology or the latest book or Theologian; I must confess I feel this disconnect in my brain, and I am off to the beach in my mind. I just get really anxious, I know, I know, I am a preacher, and that has to do with Theology.
But when I read the blog Faith and Theology I really connect and can understand what the Theologian is saying. I guess I am one of those that like to bring it down to where we live, where the rubber hits the road. One of the things I like that Benjamin is doing lately is a series on "Theology for Beginners". Wow what a great thought. So far he has three posts: The Outline; Here’s a provisional outline of the new “Theology for Beginners” series (21 posts in 6 sections). No doubt this outline will change once I start writing the posts – but it should at least give you a rough idea of what to expect: Here is what he is posting right now:
Faith
1. Faith
2. Theology
3. Gospel
He has a summary for each topic, and then a more indepth study. At the end he posts some books and resources for further reading on each topic.
Here is his summary for Faith
Here is his summer for Theology
Now doesn't that make sense? Well it did to me. I am looking forward to the future posts on “Theology for Beginners”. I'll keep you up on when he writes his next post on Gospel.
Benjamin also has some really good links, and other good posts. He even has a post answering the question Why is Theology Boring? "Theology is an intensely personal activity. If I am teaching or writing theology, I am offering a confession of my own faith, and in exactly this way I am attempting to express the faith of the whole church. Wherever faith is truly expressed, it is eo ipso the faith of the church. "
So there you have it, go and be bored no more, and quit boring other people. Besides, Jesus was anything but boring. And we who call ourselves Christians, are not meant to be boring either.
You see most theology books, courses are in language that is often hard for the average Abi/Joe to understand. It often seems that well, that's for the ivory tower phders, or those studying in seminary to be a preacher. And those in seminary who are studying to be a preacher are often more eager to get out and be preaching than to be studying Theology. But there are those who fall in love with the study of Theology, the books, the Theologians, their ideas, the discussions, well it goes on and on. And frankly, it went on over my head many a time when I was in class. Often when I am at preacher's meetings or conferences, and peers begin to discuss Theology or the latest book or Theologian; I must confess I feel this disconnect in my brain, and I am off to the beach in my mind. I just get really anxious, I know, I know, I am a preacher, and that has to do with Theology.
But when I read the blog Faith and Theology I really connect and can understand what the Theologian is saying. I guess I am one of those that like to bring it down to where we live, where the rubber hits the road. One of the things I like that Benjamin is doing lately is a series on "Theology for Beginners". Wow what a great thought. So far he has three posts: The Outline; Here’s a provisional outline of the new “Theology for Beginners” series (21 posts in 6 sections). No doubt this outline will change once I start writing the posts – but it should at least give you a rough idea of what to expect: Here is what he is posting right now:
Faith
1. Faith
2. Theology
3. Gospel
He has a summary for each topic, and then a more indepth study. At the end he posts some books and resources for further reading on each topic.
Here is his summary for Faith
- "In faith, we respond to the God who has already grasped us, and we discover that the reality of God is the meaning of our lives."
Here is his summer for Theology
- Theology is the attempt to express faith verbally in a responsible way.
Now doesn't that make sense? Well it did to me. I am looking forward to the future posts on “Theology for Beginners”. I'll keep you up on when he writes his next post on Gospel.
Benjamin also has some really good links, and other good posts. He even has a post answering the question Why is Theology Boring? "Theology is an intensely personal activity. If I am teaching or writing theology, I am offering a confession of my own faith, and in exactly this way I am attempting to express the faith of the whole church. Wherever faith is truly expressed, it is eo ipso the faith of the church. "
So there you have it, go and be bored no more, and quit boring other people. Besides, Jesus was anything but boring. And we who call ourselves Christians, are not meant to be boring either.
God's leadership model
From Leading with a Limp by Dan Allender:
Here is God's leadership model: he chooses fools to live foolishly in order to reveal the economy of heaven, which reverses and inverts the wisdom of this world. He calls us to brokenness, not performance; to relationships, not commotion; to grace, not success. It is no wonder that this kind of leadership is neither spoken of nor admired in our business schools or even our seminaries.
I was flipping through Bill Hull's latest book last night - Choose the Life: Exploring a Faith that Embraces Discipleship. This quote jumped out at me:
The myth of competence is the idea that we will outgrow our weaknesses, difficult sins, fears, and disappointments. We will reach a place of spiritual competence where we have it together. It's a myth because that time never comes; in fact our dependence on God grows as we become more like Jesus. Brokenness is living life in the light of that reality.
More to come from this book. Free resources on the book are available here. Thanks to Naomi for recommending this book.
I quote these because I am tired of the business model of church, as if that is the way to do it. I am tired of being made to feel incompetent, because I don't lead that way. And I am sick and tired of having it slammed down my throat. I am just not sure this is the way Jesus wants us to go or he lead. Yes, we are to lead with excellence. I think sometimes it is my sins of ommission that are more costly in leadership than my sins of commision. Dan Allender has written some very fine books. I met the man at a Pastoral Counseling conference, he is a man of integrity. I will be buying this book and reading it.
And as far as Darryl's post on Spiritual competence I give you what John Wesley wrote;
John Wesley wrote: "The process of sanctification, or Christian perfection, begins when we are justified, made right with God. The process of perfection lasts a lifetime, cleansing away all sin with God’s gradual work on the soul. For most people, perfection comes at death. For Wesley, the scriptures were clear: God can and will forgive sin and cleanse us. The love of God can grow in our souls such that we are able to love completely, loving God and one another. Although it is possible to be perfected in love, it is not possible to be without errors, which flow from our human imperfect logic. “It is as natural for a human being to mistake as to breathe,” Wesley explained.(p.56) It is also possible to be tempted, and even stray from that perfect love. At all stages of spiritual growth, even perfection, it is possible to “grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph 4:30), so we always need Christ, to give us grace, atone for our mistakes, to be the root of our spiritual growth. John Wesley explains that if, in fact, all things are possible for God, then how can anyone refuse to accept the possibility of being made perfect through Christ’s grace? In other words, what have you got to lose by believing that perfection is possible? “Let not those who are alive to God oppose dedicating all our life to God.” Click this link if you want to know about John Wesley:Holiness of Heart and Life, An Invitation to Spiritual Growth,
A thought for the day from St. Teresa of Avila
- "Accustom yourself continually to make many acts of love, for they enkindle and melt the soul."
Want one of her books or a book about her; here's the list at Amazon.com
A Comedy of errors
It all began rather pleasantly, nothing out of the ordinary. The church was having a picinic at one of the member's lakehouse. It was a beautiful drive out to the place. We took our boat and put it in the water at the community boat ramp. No problem there.
Road the boat across the lake over to the lake house. Beautiful setting. Had a good time being with the members, sitting by the lake, talking and then eating. Great food. After we ate, which inlcuded homemade ice cream,(yum yum) we had a devotional, I mean I led a devotional. Thanks to the revgalblogpals, I did one on the fruits of the spirit. Then the trouble began.
We went to take people for a boat ride, and the engine wouldn't start. Thought at first it was the battery. But no it was not the battery. Thought it was the battery cable, but not it was not. Turns out it was the starter, so no boat ride. But wait what to do with the boat? We are across the lake from the trailer, and the boat ramp. Well all the men stood around, and then they got an idea. Uh oh is this dangerous or what? Apparently at one time the family used to put their boat in right there by the dock and there was gravel there for launching your boat. So their idea is that someone will take Bob to get the trailer and put the boat on the trailer. (Now don't get ahead of yourself, but you are probably right). Bob comes back with trailer which he backs up into the lake onto what is suppose to be gravel. The men push the boat over toward the trailer and onto the trailer. Some of them are in the water now. They get the boat on the trailer, can't get it all the way on, so Bob backs up a little further. Yes, you guessed it, the car is now stuck.
So men gather together again to figure out what to do, and have another brillant idea. They'll hook some chains to the front of the car, and to the back of one of the trucks and they'll pull the boat and car out of the water. So Bob hooks up the chain to where he thinks you are suppose to do it, like a wrecker would do. Only...only...he didn't, he has hooked it to something that breaks when they pull the car. And oh the car and boat are still stuck. They think it is the oil pan, but the guy who is a engine genius and figured out the starter problem, figures out it is instead the transmission fluid line. Which is worse? But it means, the car is going no where and we need a tow truck and ride home. But then we decide to do the tow truck the next day because it is getting really late. Luckily, they had brought the church van so we had a ride back.
Poor Bob is in agony over the whole thing, and feels like an absolute failure. He is kicking himself all over the place. I say to him, you know Bob we are alive, we had a good time, we are all together, its okay. Its fixable. I'll work out. How many times have I done something wrong or made a booboo.(Don't go there.)
So today we go back to the lake house with the tow truck. He pulls the car, the boat up out of the water. We unhook the boat, so he can transport the van to get repaired. It was a beautiful drive out there and back. Zach had a good time being with mommy and daddy. It will all work out. But it truly was a comedy of errors. Oh and when the van is fixed we will go back and get the boat. Then depending on how much the car costs, we'll think about fixing the boat motor. Yes, indeed a comedy of errors.
Road the boat across the lake over to the lake house. Beautiful setting. Had a good time being with the members, sitting by the lake, talking and then eating. Great food. After we ate, which inlcuded homemade ice cream,(yum yum) we had a devotional, I mean I led a devotional. Thanks to the revgalblogpals, I did one on the fruits of the spirit. Then the trouble began.
We went to take people for a boat ride, and the engine wouldn't start. Thought at first it was the battery. But no it was not the battery. Thought it was the battery cable, but not it was not. Turns out it was the starter, so no boat ride. But wait what to do with the boat? We are across the lake from the trailer, and the boat ramp. Well all the men stood around, and then they got an idea. Uh oh is this dangerous or what? Apparently at one time the family used to put their boat in right there by the dock and there was gravel there for launching your boat. So their idea is that someone will take Bob to get the trailer and put the boat on the trailer. (Now don't get ahead of yourself, but you are probably right). Bob comes back with trailer which he backs up into the lake onto what is suppose to be gravel. The men push the boat over toward the trailer and onto the trailer. Some of them are in the water now. They get the boat on the trailer, can't get it all the way on, so Bob backs up a little further. Yes, you guessed it, the car is now stuck.
So men gather together again to figure out what to do, and have another brillant idea. They'll hook some chains to the front of the car, and to the back of one of the trucks and they'll pull the boat and car out of the water. So Bob hooks up the chain to where he thinks you are suppose to do it, like a wrecker would do. Only...only...he didn't, he has hooked it to something that breaks when they pull the car. And oh the car and boat are still stuck. They think it is the oil pan, but the guy who is a engine genius and figured out the starter problem, figures out it is instead the transmission fluid line. Which is worse? But it means, the car is going no where and we need a tow truck and ride home. But then we decide to do the tow truck the next day because it is getting really late. Luckily, they had brought the church van so we had a ride back.
Poor Bob is in agony over the whole thing, and feels like an absolute failure. He is kicking himself all over the place. I say to him, you know Bob we are alive, we had a good time, we are all together, its okay. Its fixable. I'll work out. How many times have I done something wrong or made a booboo.(Don't go there.)
So today we go back to the lake house with the tow truck. He pulls the car, the boat up out of the water. We unhook the boat, so he can transport the van to get repaired. It was a beautiful drive out there and back. Zach had a good time being with mommy and daddy. It will all work out. But it truly was a comedy of errors. Oh and when the van is fixed we will go back and get the boat. Then depending on how much the car costs, we'll think about fixing the boat motor. Yes, indeed a comedy of errors.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Thanks for the prayers and thoughts
I am deeply touched by all the prayers and thoughts that have been sent our way about Bob's emergency room visit. Wow. And so many of you can relate to this gallbladder thing. He is fine. A bit tired, but fine. I think in some ways it was once again enlightening to what people go through who go to the emergency room.
You see, the job he has applied for, interviewed for, and finalizing a lot of paperwork and other matters for is an emergency room job.
And of course without fail, as a Pastor we are going to spend lots of time with members and their families in the ER.
This week left me tired from the very beginning. But we are fine. No more gallbladder or gas pains for Bob.
Thank you to all for asking, praying, and commenting. You all are the best!!
You see, the job he has applied for, interviewed for, and finalizing a lot of paperwork and other matters for is an emergency room job.
And of course without fail, as a Pastor we are going to spend lots of time with members and their families in the ER.
This week left me tired from the very beginning. But we are fine. No more gallbladder or gas pains for Bob.
Thank you to all for asking, praying, and commenting. You all are the best!!
Friday Five: Bursting with Fruit Flavor
From the RevGalBlogPals Friday Five:
Reverendmother here...
On to the F5:
Well, those of us in the United States are on high alert for air travel. Thank heaven, it appears that a huge disaster has been averted. Meanwhile, dreadful conflicts continue in the Middle East and around the world. We here at RGBP certainly hope and pray for safety, peace and fullness of life for all the peoples of the world.
Galatians 5 describes the fruit of the Spirit. With all the sadness and despair out there, we certainly need it! So, the Friday Five is simple. Pick any five of the following attributes and go wherever the Spirit leads you... your choice! Suggestions: When have you experienced this attribute? When have you struggled with it? Or who embodies it for you?
Or if you're feeling light-hearted--just assign a fruit to each one. I think Generosity is a Banana, don't you?
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Generosity
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
As always, let us know if you play.
What a fruit basket turnover we have here for the Friday five. I have even preached a sermon series on the fruits of the spirit. One of the most enjoyable and well received series I have done.
I seem to be in a child like mood today so I went here for Fruits of the Spirit as fruit.
Here is here suggestions: Love is strawberry(fruit of love), joy is pineapple(think of the happy smell), peace is watermelon(piece of... play on words), longsuffering or patience is lemon(have to eat it slowly), gentleness is peach(soft), goodness is banana(child's favorite fruit), (sorry reverend mother), faith is cherry(two together on a stem), meekness or kindness is grapes(good to share), temperance(self-control) is apple(garden of Eden).
This site has symbols for the fruits of the Spirit: Love's symbol is a heart, joy's is an angel, peace's symbol is a dove, patience's symbol is a camel/donkey, kindness' is a gift, goodness' is a star, faithfulness is a rainbow, gentleness is a lamb, self control is a stop sign.
Reverendmother here...
On to the F5:
Well, those of us in the United States are on high alert for air travel. Thank heaven, it appears that a huge disaster has been averted. Meanwhile, dreadful conflicts continue in the Middle East and around the world. We here at RGBP certainly hope and pray for safety, peace and fullness of life for all the peoples of the world.
Galatians 5 describes the fruit of the Spirit. With all the sadness and despair out there, we certainly need it! So, the Friday Five is simple. Pick any five of the following attributes and go wherever the Spirit leads you... your choice! Suggestions: When have you experienced this attribute? When have you struggled with it? Or who embodies it for you?
Or if you're feeling light-hearted--just assign a fruit to each one. I think Generosity is a Banana, don't you?
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Generosity
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
As always, let us know if you play.
What a fruit basket turnover we have here for the Friday five. I have even preached a sermon series on the fruits of the spirit. One of the most enjoyable and well received series I have done.
I seem to be in a child like mood today so I went here for Fruits of the Spirit as fruit.
Here is here suggestions: Love is strawberry(fruit of love), joy is pineapple(think of the happy smell), peace is watermelon(piece of... play on words), longsuffering or patience is lemon(have to eat it slowly), gentleness is peach(soft), goodness is banana(child's favorite fruit), (sorry reverend mother), faith is cherry(two together on a stem), meekness or kindness is grapes(good to share), temperance(self-control) is apple(garden of Eden).
This site has symbols for the fruits of the Spirit: Love's symbol is a heart, joy's is an angel, peace's symbol is a dove, patience's symbol is a camel/donkey, kindness' is a gift, goodness' is a star, faithfulness is a rainbow, gentleness is a lamb, self control is a stop sign.
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