Monday, December 24, 2012

christmas eve, 2012

each thursday morning, with the exception of those thursday's when a holiday falls upon them, a small group of men will gather to prepare breakfast, plug in the coffee maker and heat up the kettle.

many of these men began meeting years ago when they were still working...at six; of late, because of my walking schedule, they have moved from meeting at 7 to 7:30...that's a.m.!

they meet to socialize and to exchange stories and tails that seem to be longer and bigger perhaps each time.  but there is an element of wisdom in everything they say -- really!

they support one another, pray together, and study the scripture for the coming sermon.  it is a great help to me, as they are a wealth of knowledge.  and sometimes, we even stay on topic!


 about three years ago, we were asked to help out a local men's group called hobie house; up to about 25 guys who are making their way back into mainstream society.

and so just before christmas we do what seems very traditional; we pack socks and underwear for the men; the traditional part, it seems, is that when no one knows what else to get the mail gender at christmas, the default always seems to be socks and underwear.

and these guys appreciate it!  we find holiday bags and wrap the gifts in tissue.  we sign cards for them, and deliver them.  we hope to make a difference in their daily lives.  and this bit of missional giving makes a difference in our lives.

our hope is that we will be able to do something with this group more often than just once-a-year-at-christmas; build a relationship with them; share goodness and mercy with them as it has been shared with us.  friendship is a valuable gift in this day and age!

we didn't have everyone in our thursday morning men's bible study group, but below shows a picture of some of the group and our finished project.  christmas is a time of sharing, and our hope is that you are able to find the gift of love that is shared freely to you from the one who gives us life.

and the best thing to do with a gift, of course, is to share it!  merry christmas!


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

the light still shines . . . . dim, but redeeming

the light still shines . . . dim, but redeeming in its divine way.

this iris bulb bloomed this past week in our prayer garden; it has three blooms, and when i snapped this picture i was thinking, 'great!  three blooms of great joy as we move into the lighting of the candle of joy on sunday.

ironic, what a difference a week makes!

my mom fell, hitting her head, and  landing in icu; now she is in the care of hospice in a board and care home. 

a senseless shooting at sandy hook elementary leaves 26 people, mostly first graders, dead in this season of advent -- the season in which we anticipate new life!

so much discussion about newtown ct since friday.  clergy around the country contemplated what it would be like to 'celebrate' this third sunday of advent; symbolically the sunday of joy....do we light the pink candle of joy, or do we leave this flame, unlit?

do we speak the prophetic voice of shame, or bring the good news that light overcomes even our most tragic times....as the gospeler john said, 'we who sad in darkness have seen a great light'.  i believe we do both.  prophetic words are not void of hope.

i elected to have our community light the candle of joy; symbolizing that god's light does shine in our most desperate times!  we light the advent wreath as a sign of hope and peace; we anticipate with joy that one day the hope of peace will be realized, when the tragic events of our world will be recognized for what they are: our human struggle with life.  one day our tragic lives will turn with joy to the recognition that love is what we have been missing -- and yet love has been here all along!

i hold those families and the community, and communities throughout the world in my prayers and in my heart;  may each of us be light-bearers!   i encourage you to share kindness -- the gift we are sorely lacking, and to make great strides in discovering and sharing peace; to advocate for safety and care in our world. 

and most of all, i encourage us to seek the light; to share the light; to be the light of the one who has lit our way with love.  in this season, and in every season, love can be the only way; love is the way, the truth and the life.  we are called to be the bearers of this great light. 

be this hope.  be this peace.  be this joy to someone today, and everyday.  we who anticipate the love...be this love to everyone you meet; together, let us be the living christ in this time and space.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

a visit with mom

there is nothing like a visit with my mom.  it has been a while.  for those who need catching up, my mom moved from her place in a retirement community two years ago, to be closer to my sister; she found a one bedroom apartment in assisted living, that seemed just perfect for her.

but one of the things that happens when you move out of your own home where you had round-the-clock help, is that you get one-on-one attention.  mom would go on walks several times a day, and venture into chair exercises, and have discussions and inter-active play time.

when she moved into assistant living, mom was more on her own; she had to be more intentional in caring for herself, and taking care of her needs; people came to get her for meal-time, and made sure she took her medication.  staff would be very good about making sure that mom was invited to activities, and knew about all the opportunities available to her.  but mom's routine would primarily be going from the dining room back up to her apartment; not much socialization.  they tried, but they were also not doing one-on-one care.

So, the time came this november, when it was time to move mom once again.  now she resides with my sister and brother-in-law; sister kay is still working, and brother-in-law michael is retired.  my two nephews are on their own...well, patrick is in sparks, nv, and thomas, while still living at home, is also doing military time, so kay, michael and mom enjoy watching thomas' dog autumn -- a friendly husky, with two different colored eyes.

it was time to visit mom, and check out her new digs.  t was also the perfect time to bring 'christmas'...all the things mom likes in her holiday basket...fruitcake from our united methodist women -- homemade, and just her size (because no one else except maybe autumn will touch it!), some yummy jams and jelly's, and a box of sees -- also a fundraiser for our college wesley group; and, of course, a meditation cd from our prayer ministry team which i have been saving for just the perfect moment.  she was delighted!  'wonderful' is my mom's word.

while kay and michael went out to secure the christmas tree, mom and i played several hands of dominos.  for someone who struggles to remember things and sometimes cannot share what she is thinking, my mom has this great ability to keep track of a running game of dominos.  amazing, really!  she'll stay focused for hours.

then we went for a little walk up the street to see a christmas display of cookie jars....i was half-tempted to see if they were filled with treats for good little boys and girls, but, alas, my mom wouldn't let me!  darn!!

all in all a good visit.  who knows if i will be able to return for the christmas holiday.  but i'm convinced that 'ya take what you can get'.  is it important that my mother remember that i was there?  she may or may not remember.  but i was glad i went.  she seemed pleased and happy and delighted to go for a walk, eat a little something, and play some dominos.  what better christmas gift is there for me than that?!

my christmas wish for each of you this year?  have the opportunity to spend some time visiting someone this season; it may be a gift to them...and it will surely be a gift to you! 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

'earth mother' right here in merced!

we've a new distinction here in merced; 'earth mother' has arrived...an is now dedicated!

earth mother isn't new, of course; she has been around for ages (about 30+ years if i am remembering correctly), but she now graces the campus of the UC and has found a home at the early childhood education center.

interestingly enough, our UC campus has focused on being a very 21st century campus, utilizing the latest forms of recycling water and air circulation.

unfortunately, when the center was built, the location where 'earth mother' now stands was like a world-wind center; this, it is hoped, will be the perfect piece for that location.

the center itself is a wonderfully welcoming location, at the very entrance of the campus.  the children look as though they are thriving, with space to play, as well as that perfect mix of educational and recreational activity.  what i remember about what use to be called nursery school, was playing, coloring, wooden chairs, and gram crackers and juice (an ucky combination in my estimation!) or milk (yum!)

 
the woman who stands near the dedication plaque is the artist, lynn, who has been part of our community for many years, and has donated a number of her wonderful pieces throughout our community; our congregation is one of the happy recipients.

lynn dedicated 'earth mother' to the memory of mary lou george, who was also a member of our congregation.  mary lou was instrumental in securing the UC in merced.  there was a huge effort in helping to have the central valley be the recipient of such a campus.  and we are being blessed by all those who have offered their energy, and continue to provide leadership to expand higher education in merced and throughout the central valley.

and so it is advent, a time when we think of those who paved the way to give us life.  a mother and a father, mary and joseph, who were called upon to bring into a turbulent world, a child named jesus.

before stores opened to sell their 'ya gotta have this' kind of merchandise, a couple was offered to raise this child for our lifetime....and over 2,000 years later, we light a candle of hope as that first light of preparation as we seek to continue to follow in 'the way'. 

and what we can offer in return is to share what god has shared with us...each of us have something to share...leadership, talents, direction, teaching, care...so many things; lynn has shared her art for generations to come.  the gift received; thanksgiving shared; hope restored.  what will you share this chirstmas?

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

coffee in my cup . . . .

it is tuesday, the week of preparation for so many things . . . .  a transition into a new (christian) year, preparation for advent and christmas, and of course, the hectic preparations for our united methodist women's christmas bazaar entitled 'angels among us' (saturday, 9-1:30).  all of this will be an awesome experience....really; not to be missed.

and, as i was driving to our church building this morning, i was reminded of what today is...actually, i was reminded what friday and monday were, and informed about what today is.  friday was 'black friday'.  monday was 'cyber monday', and today is 'giving tuesday'.  giving tuesday?  should i run out and purchase a hallmark card?  to whom would i send it?

so, let's unpack these particular days a bit...who in the world came up with the term black friday for the day after thanksgiving?  that term originated, i believe, as the historical day in 1929 when the stock market crashed.  doesn't it seem a bit odd to term the day after thanksgiving with such a negative term as we make preparations to celebrate the gift of new life?  it might be best not to get me started on how we lost thanksgiving this year, but, i really cannot resist commenting.

whose idea was it to open stores on thanksgiving anyway...camping out the week before so that we can save a bunch of money for door-busters that we do not absolutely need?!  good heavens; what has become of our priorities, the necessities of life, and sharing with others out of the abundance of our lives?!  not to mention what happened to employees of those stores who were forced to come in to work.  honestly, santa's elves did not show up to prepare the way for thanksgiving shoppers.

having made the decision not to shop on thanksgiving, i couldn't help stopping on my way home to view the 'christmas shopping extravaganza experience'.  i was curious in an 'i can't believe i'm doing this sort of way' -- i stopped at the super walmart just off the freeway in atwater, just to see what there was to see.  shopping began at 9 pm, i believe.  but i was driving by at 6:45 pm, and noticed the parking lot full of cars; no line to get in -- the store was already open!  and crowds of people with shopping carts, just waiting in the aisles, which were stuffed with covered items that said 'black friday' -- such an offensive term!  families were there for the duration, awaiting, not the anticipation of the light, but the magical hour of 9 pm.  i could not get out of that store fast enough!

and away from the stores i stayed this entire week-end!  and shopping on line on monday?  call me old fashioned, but i also missed the era of catalogue shopping.  i'm very tactile; i like to touch and review and see what i am purchasing.  granted, i miss a lot of deals, but i rarely have to return anything.  of course, i don't do much shopping.  the world economy, thank goodness, is not dependent on me!

however, i did offer my help to the economy on monday, by shopping at marshall's.  my travel coffee mug broke.  (thank you for your sympathy).  i have long felt that purchasing a beverage in disposable cups creates too much waste.  so i have several cups for the purpose of saving the environment -- mainly because i forget to bring mine when i decide to spontaneously want a beverage.

not knowing this to be 'giving tuesday', i am happy to report that i used my recycled-made coffee cup to purchase decaf coffee from a locally owned coffee shop this morning.  somehow, on a day like today, it makes sense to me to 'give back' to the environment -- and to future generations, a little less waste, and a little more support for locally owned.  and, by using my own cup, the price of my coffee was discounted; how awesome is that!  all in all a truly 'giving tuesday'!

it seems silly, i think, to be making such a fuss about all of this, as we begin preparations for christmas.  i need to be focusing on inviting the people with whom i am interacting, to focus their lives on welcoming hope, peace, love and joy into their lives, and in turn sharing those same ideals with others.  am i a little old fashioned?  am i longing for yester-year?  i may be a bit old-fashioned, but i believe i am not longing for 'the good old days'.  i believe each year we are offered an opportunity to re-establish our lives and our world with hope, with peace, with love, and with joy.  these are the items we cannot purchase and cannot be found on sale or on a clearance shelf.  they are things that we have; they are things we share.

if you feel the same, i invite you to start giving, today; not because it is 'giving tuesday', nor because you'll change the world overnight, but because the gift of new life begins with a change in our own life. i don't want to make myself crazy in this season, and i invite others to do the same.  maybe 'all is calm; all is bright' is simply an ideal.  but sitting with coffee in my cup this morning, i felt calm -- seems like a bright way to start my week . . . .

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

thanksgiving post-al

so i did a powerpoint presentation in sunday's service; and i might even comment that i'm thankful it is over.  sometimes we envision things and the thing that we see seems to have come from different eyes.

but none-the-less, there is absolutely nothing wrong with yosemite, for those who have eyes to see.  no matter what the season, the grandeur and beauty of god's creation presented in that park is beyond words, really.

sit in silence, and you can hear the breath of god...i kid you not!

and so i am thankful ... are you?  at this time of the year, we get to pause and lift up what brings us to utter the words thank you....

i got a call from daughter kristen last night, informing me that she had been side-swiped while driving home for work...i'm thankful she is safe, not much damage to her car, that she had the where-with-all to get the make and licence of the car the did not stop as she held her phone in her hand .... i'm very proud of my 24 year old...she even waited to call me until it was safe.  i'm thankful she was calm enough to be mature about how to handle a crisis; she's an adult, now...really! 

i'm thankful i had offers to attend thanksgiving...of course, that isn't really the reason i am thankful; i am thankful about knowing kind people, associating with people who offer grace, not because they have to, but because it is who they are....  i am thankful that i can say no and people not be offended, but say...'well, if your situation changes....'  i'm thankful i am good-enough friends with my ex-wife natalie, that i can be included in family situations.  i'm thankful to be associated with people who offer a place in their homes to strangers on thanksgiving; that undoubtedly people share what they have; we are truly a society in which so many people, but not all, have an over-abundance -- and are willing to share.  i'm thankful i know people who will be serving others this holiday.


and i am thankful i have all that i need.  not always do i have everything that i want, but i have a car that runs, a house that is warm and cool when i want it to be; running water with a washer and dryer that i do not have to put quarters into. 

i'm thankful to have a job, that i can pay my taxes that supports others who are struggling ... and while i don't like everything my tax dollars go for, i am thankful i can do something about that as well!

i'm thankful i was able to experience yosemite, and see the trees, and bridal vale falls with snow, and spend time being renewed and strengthened.

and i am thankful for you, who has taken the time to spend a little of your time in reflection this year with my ponderings.  may you experience the rich blessings that are around you ... all the days of your life.  and share the goodness ... such a gift of grace!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

the 'fall' assignment

the fall assignment, of course, was to go to yosemite to experience the fall colors.  the picture to your left is not yosemite.  it is the fall colors of merced; the tree is in front of my home.  so, i am very fortunate to enjoy the fall colors in my own back yard, as they say! 
i was asked to share the illustration project from my sermon on sunday.  based on heidi neumark's experience in a church in mexico city, the people of the church bring rice and share it with others.  i am inviting you to do the same; if you do not live in merced, simply secure a sandwich size baggie and when you are finished with your 'fall' assignment, share the baggie with your local food pantry.  the 2 cents is reflective of what the widow gave in the parable in mark -- so, of course, you'll want to read that parable!  the illustration is as follows:

a glad-bag of rice based on mMark 12:38-44; two copper coins…contribute out of your abundance.

purchase a 1 pound bag of rice.    remove the 2 cents (i had placed 2 pennies and these directions in each bag) and place them next to your plastic baggie as a reminder of the sacrificial voice you are making on behalf of others.    leave the plastic baggie and the 2 cents visible on your counter, and as people ask about it, share the story of how you are helping to make a difference in the lives of the people here in merced (or the community in which you live).

for each person who eats in your household, place a spoonful of rice in the bag.    you might be tempted to just pour the bag of rice in the baggie and be done with it…but pastor jay says…try to resist!    one of the points of this service project is to realize that, while we are privileged to live without a spoonful of rice every meal, there are others who would live an entire day on that one spoonful of rice.    when you have filled up your plastic baggie, bring it to church with you and place it in the green tub in the hallway on the cypress street side of our church building; your bag will be used in our food pantry.  (or bring it to your nearest food pantry).

carry the pennies with you as a reminder that in order to really make the change jesus talked about, we will need to become advocates of change.   when you’ve finished this ‘project’, share your experience with the church by email (umcjay@sbcglobal.net) or by a written note; and share your experience with one other person not related to our community of faith.   then invite someone else to ‘serve god’s world’ by advocating for a change.

so, as some of you know, an out of town friend of mine and i were to go to yosemite...and we did, but we hadn't expected snow!  notice the contrast between the tree in my yard and the tree in the yosemite valley!  ironic!

this will be the memory i hold of the fall of 2012, as i fill up my bag with rice; thankful for a warm roof over my head, and the ability to experience the beauty of the fall, as well as the ability to share from the abundance of god's gifts.

i hope you have been blessed . . . . and that you will share that blessing in the days to come.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

election results, not yet in....except:

while the election results are not yet in...the polls in california have only been open for three hours -- 6 hours on the east coast -- there are some things i'd like to share, for which i don't mind expressing how i've voted.

if i were to be part of the 'exit polls', i would vote in favor of:

+ sending a birthday cookie gram to your daughter (or loved one or whomever you wish) on their special day...get well, congratulations, happy happy, thinking of you ... whatever!  kristen turned 24 on halloween, and i was able to spend saturday with she and her significant over lunch.  but on the actual day of her birthday, both of us were working -- imagine that!  so i sent her a 'cookie bouquet'.  she was delighted, and she could share it with the office!  so, 'making some body's day' gets my vote!

+ walking and/or driving under the trees on an autumn day while they drop their leaves.  this will probably be as close as i get to being in a victory parade.  so, why not make it an annual event every day during the fall.  if you are driving in merced, i recommend a slow drive down bear creek.  if you imagine yourself out strolling in the woods in the north east, this is our 'north east'.  or take a walk down a tree-lined street; almost every street in merced has trees.  so get out and vote for your favorite tree-lined/leaf-falling street.  after all, it is your right, and it can be so very healthy; bring a friend or family member to share the experience.  so, 'sharing in the fall' gets my vote!

+ i love witty-ness!  so, as i passed by the social security office, i noticed the sculpture of the (older) woman walking, holding the hands of the two children.  honestly, i hadn't given that piece of artwork too much thought, although i've always appreciated it.  but someone has draped a pink scarf around the woman's neck; bright pink!  you can't help but notice it!  is it a statement on curing breast cancer?  did the person think she might have gotten chilly at night?  did someone lose their scarf and said scarf was placed there to be easily found?  no matter the reason, it made me chuckle and think.  so, it gets my 'witty in pink' vote!

--- votes i don't count:  mud slinging; negative ads; political mailings; recorded messages in which you only get 1/2 the message because the other machine 'didn't wait for the beep'; calls from a live person that won't take 'no' for an answer the first time i say it.  these get my 'you're wasting my patience' vote, and somehow i even lose my christian attitude around such experiences.

one last vote, in favor:  yosemite.  a friend of mine has decided to spend a few days of his vacation visiting merced, and we're off to see yosemite on saturday!  am i not the most fortunate person in the world?!  it will be his first experience of yosemite and that park, anytime, is a treasure -- and it's in our own back yard!  it has been a long while since i've been there in the fall, and i'm so excited to share the experience with a friend.  you-all are invited to come along too...so that you can experience why 'yosemite gets my vote'.  no matter what, it will be an experience, an adventure, and additional steps on my pedometer!  and that's a vote worth counting!!!

what gets your vote?

and now, after reading all the way to this point, i want to share a final thought: this election result just in --  you get my vote too!  thanks for sharing this time with me.  i hope all is well with you . . . . blessings to your day.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

the pastor's new clothes....

the change in weather caused me to have to look in my 'winter closet' (it is kind of embarrassing to admit that i have two closets in my room; one for cold weather and one for hot.)  but, alas, it is a luxury not to have to dig boxes out of the attic or garage and exchange clothes for the season.  i confess, i am a 'white male of privilage', but i am also someone with less clothing than i had last year!  My winter clothing is somewhat dismal, and i feel 'frumpy' again -- even at 6 in the morning when i go exercising! 

i know that no one cares what i look like when i go walking -- i only care when i look in the mirror!  once i'm out and about -- especially in the rain -- i just don't want to look like a drowned pathetic pastor; i confess, i need to get over this!  alas, maybe one day.

none-the-less, when i went into the closet yesterday, i discovered that i had three pairs (there's that privilege thing again!  i can hear jesus now:  "if you have two jogging outfits, give one away to someone who has none".  well, i don't actually have "outfits", more like sweatshirts in various sizes and three pairs of gym pants.  the sweatshirts are out of shape -- and go along nicely with the pastor, thank you very much!  and the gym pants are, well in church we'd call them "holy" -- which might be nice in church, but not so much on the street for reasons that have nothing to do with fashion.

so, here i am; it is my day off; the perfect time to go shopping!  and the perfect excuse -- i actually 'need' something that will be useful.  so, away i go...shopping!

i went to marshall's first...to their clearance racks.  nothing.  then to their sport section.  i am not about to pay 20 bucks for a pair of gym pants -- i don't need to be a walking billboard at 6 in the morning!  besides, isn't this suppose to be a store that is sort of carries 'close-out' stuff?  that seemed a little high to me, and besides -- the guys shopping looked like they meant business.  so, at least i had something to compare to when i when to target next door.

in target, there wasn't a soul in the men's department, so i could really snoop around.  and there, folded and stacked nicely,  were gym pants...the kind i remember from high school...and, yes you guessed it, they were on sale!  half price! so, i just love 2 for 1 sales, so, of course, i bought two!

now, i am so use to reading labels these days that i couldn't purchase this great deal without looking at how they were made.

one thing you have to know about me is that i am a cotton man; never have liked polyester -- and it has nothing to do with the biblical notion of not wearing blended materials.  it has to do with, well, if you must know, sweat!  cotton breathes, and i find polyester doesn't.  so, that's my story and i'm sticking to it.

but, another thing you have to know about me is that i recycle.  polyester is a chemical; thermoplastic.  and these particular gym pants were a 50/50 blend of cotton/polyester...so i almost put them back, even though it was a great price!  BUT, then i read a little further, and 5% of the polyester was from recycled bottles.  so, i felt like i had a duty to perform; i was helping to save and support landfill.

so, home i go, stick them in the washer (because i hear my mama say, 'you never wear anything before you wash it first') and this morning, in between rain storms, i don my new and newly laundered gym pants and an ill-fitting old sweatshirt -- also a 50/50 blend, but not from recycled bottles -- and away i go.

1/2 way through my walk, i want to shed my sweatshirt, but i have no tee shirt underneath -- that would have made me way too hot (i know this from experience), but if i had taken off my sweatshirt -- well, let's just say, "not a pretty site".  so, i thought, a little discomfort for the sake of the cause.  the cause, of course, is that i'm still trying to be healthy, and i am trying to purchase just want i need, not what i want.  and i have lots of sweatshirts that need to get more holy before i replace them.

of course, there is always the clothes closet...and that might be a thought, since i don't need so many...just enough so i don't need to do laundry every day!

the pastor's new clothes...not a tie, not a shirt, not even a new pair of shoes!  gym pants...and remember, you heard it here first.  what's in your closet, by the way???  

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

being followed . . . .

it was monday. 
the morning air was crisp with the feel of autumn. 
the trees had begun to turn from shiny green leaves to dull-ish green, red and brown.
the chill in the air was beginning to warm by the time i came into my sub-division.
not more than 400 yards from home, it happened . . . .
i noticed that i was being followed.
short. 
quiet.
happy face; winning personality.
a little puppy was tracking my steps, keeping up, and not making a sound.

poor puppy.  friendly as could be, but obviously lost. 
but, s/he didn't seem to mind!
s/he had found a new friend; me!!
now, you have to understand, i was not/am not looking for company; if i were, i might invest in a gold fish!
i really am an animal lover, but i am simply not at home enough.
cats are certainly independent and able to provide self-care.
dogs need to be taken care of, but welcome you when you return like a long-lost friend.

i could tell, this puppy was of the very friendly variety!
s/he would lick you to death.
s/he stayed at my feet, but not under my feet, and remained quiet as could be for the rest of our walk.
i encouraged her/him to go home, pleading with her/him that s/he simply couldn't stay.
and so s/he sat at my entry, happy as you please, for quite some time . . . (i kept checking!)
and every time i opened the door, that pup stood to greet me, happy as could be!
what's a pastor to do?
feel guilty!

and so that is what i did; all morning long, i felt guilt and worry.
now, pastors and counselors alike will tell you that guilt is a useless experience.
yes, guilt does cause you to reflect and change behavior, but i had nothing to feel guilty about....
except....
i have this home, freely available; a postage size backyard, fenced; just the perfect size for a puppy!
i could offer a friendly home...not even paper delivery to roll up as a weapon of torment!
that was my guilt, of course.
so my guilt turned to justification....
i'm hardly home except on my day off.
and while i am close to the dog park and could easily walk there, when would we go?
this week alone, i have a meeting tuesday night, choir wednesday night and bible study thursday night.
guilt leads to justification which leads to (in)action.
and still i kept checking the door to find this cute little puppy just waiting for my undivided attention.

of course i worried about...spots on the carpet, the cost of food, shots, and doctor visits.
somewhere along with the guilt, the worry and the justification, i thought about fun-times.
my morning was spent like this!
what to do ... what to do!

so i did what every good pastor in a dilemma does; i began to bargain!
if s/he's still here n another hour...or by the time i left for the post office....
but as the morning wore on, the dogs in the neighborhood began to bark, and the city yard workers came.
and then (and i really think this is what did it!) someone came by passing out kfc flyer's!
by the time i returned to the front door just before noon, the puppy was gone.

and then, of course, i began to worry...again!
what happened to her/him?
is s/he alright?
did s/he find her/his way back home?
will they take good care of her/him; secure the house?
what if s/he got run over?
what if s/he started to follow me home again?
can't you see this was making me crazy???

of course, i knew this issue would eventually come up; it had to!
i've seen the county animal rescue truck driving through town on a regular basis.
probably working overtime!
people fleeing from their homes at night, abandoning their pets.
cats around the area; litters of kittens.
dogs, less able to care for themselves, running around, searching for food, shelter, and a friendly face.
judgment and anger.
not for the four-footed creatures, but the two-footed ones!

by nightfall, after walking the neighborhood, there was no evidence of the puppy.
no evidence this morning, either.
so, from worry to hope.
hope that s/he found the (perfect) place called home.
hope that s/he would be well cared-for and offer companionship in return.
and hope that maybe, someday, i'd be in a place to offer a place of refuge for someone...
other than, of course, just dust-bunnies! 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

(a non-) coastal fox that was (not) in the garden

on my coastal-redwood retreat last week, who knew that my eyes would be opened so as i read a little paperback book?!  the beauty of the week, was somewhat diminished as i read 'not just a one night stand; ministry with the homeless' by john flowers and karen vannoy.

i was visually seeing the information in this book, and wondering how we change the system; what would it take to get people 'off the streets' and also willing to change their lifestyle.  i can speak about how difficult it is to continually address the changes i need to make in my lifestyle...how does one change a nation?  health care, mental health, food scarcity, standard of living, dependency, loss, spiraling downward....how do we care and make a difference and not keep the cycle going?

ironic, how the beauty is also the environment in which change is the most difficult to address.  no simple solutions, and stopping all forms of programing to address the needs is not a solution either.

 
but here in merced, we have a group that is forming to address some form of community garden at the church.  if nothing else, it has been a conversation starter -- one that seems to continue to be on the minds of the community.  for instance, leave it to a group of united methodist women from merced to travel to a meeting in oakdale where there is, of all things, a church garden.  and, on top of everything else, they have a conversation about it, and take pictures, and solicit examples of crops that could be grown in this area. 

what an example of being faithful stewards...and they thoughtfully brought a 'care package' to the pastor.  awesome!  what a treat!

we've talked about how we can utilize this community garden, still just an idea being kicked around...including students across the street at our neighborhood elementary school...growing crops to be included in our food pantry...using this as a demonstration of how to extend healthy habits...

what a remarkable experience this past week has been for me.  so, as i was thinking about all of this on my early morning walk on monday, what should exit stage left toward (what i presume was a den) but a beautiful fox...right there on van guard; crossing a vacant lot in the area where i am now walking, "van" -- could be male or female; i didn't stop to check -- was this huge flowing tale.  i've never seen a fox up close and personal before; beautiful flowing tale.  i may never see 'van' again, but i won't stop looking every time i am on that street.

what could possibly bring a fox so close to a neighborhood?  food or water?  perhaps all animals are alike after all; we need safety and protection; shelter and food; space and adventure.

and so, as i reflect upon a non-coastal fox that was not in the garden, i am mindful of what an impact this week made in my life; the homeless who are my sisters and brothers; the sisters who were so missionally minded that their meeting became an opportunity to learn about a community garden and what they could do in their/(our) community; and a fox just seeking to live without danger.  we, none of us, are really all that different.

on my bed at retreat, a tangerine (ok, and some hard candy!) greeted me with these words from hildegard of bingen...good people....  i leave them with you to ponder:

. . . rooted in the sun,
you shine with radiant light.
in this circle of
earthly existence
you shine so finely,
it surpasses understanding.
god hugs you.
you are encircled
in the arms of
the mystery of god.

the living water lives in us.  how will you be the living water for someone today . . . .

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

an (unlikely) discovery . . . .

i experienced an unlikely discovery this past week-end . . . and i don't think it would have happened without 'a little help from some guests'!

it all began with i was preparing for a visit from some out-of-town guests; clean the house (well, more than just spot clean which is my usual way of weekly cleaning), and tidy up the yard.  so, the day of the visit arrived; i made lemon bars (just in case they wanted a little treat!), turned on my renewing fountain in the back yard, and cooled down the tea.  i was ready; everything was neat and tidy -- even the closets looked presentable!


so one of my visitors noticed my bell, and admired it . . .

this particular bell is made from half an oxygen tank; pretty niffy, no?  and it is very heavy, but it has the best sound; kind of sounds like a ship's bell, and on a windy winter's evening, when the wind has risen in merced,  i can hear the sound of this bell inside the house.

it's a great sound; very comforting.  and occasionally, when i have my fountain going in the back, i ring that bell -- really a gong -- and i am carried away to the coast!  on a summer's evening, it is magical.  but i hadn't done that in a long time, august being so hot, it was all i could do to water my potted plants!

and so when my visitor was interested, i of course, went over to demonstrate the lovely sound of the gong . . . .and nothing happened!  no sound at all!  'how strange!' thought i.  and so, being the normally impatient person that i am when it comes to having something happened that is suppose to happen without another thought, i tried to chime it again -- only a little harder this time because, of course, if it doesn't work the first time, try it harder the second time!

well, guess what?!  in the meantime, over the summer, without my being aware, i discovered that a wasps nest was built in there...i hadn't a clue; no indication what-so-ever!  usually i have wasps nesting on my roof; i see them, and i let them be because they don't bother me.  and i try not to bother them.  but, this time, i think i might have bothered them...and, to say the least, i'm a little bothered too!

needless to say, sometimes we make an unlikely discovery.  right under our own noses!  while we've unaware, something happens in our daily lives that end up taking us unexpectedly.  i've watered and enjoyed my yard all summer, and never had any indication that my bell had become the home of a nest.

i'll have to work out a plan for removal...i suppose an eviction notice just won't do, eh?

meanwhile, when all else fails, leave well enough alone ... i wasn't in the mood to be stung, and they had been disturbed enough for one day, and besides all that, we had been getting along fine in ignorant bliss all these months, what's a few more weeks; soon the weather will change, and they will move out for the winter; my perfect opportunity to divest my bell of that temporary home!

so, off to fresno i went to attend the film festival.  let me offer you a movingly-delightful treat.  when you get a chance, search out 'cloudburst', the 2011 film staring olivia dukakis, brenda fricker, and someone new to me, ryan doucette.  forget any trouble you may have, and be taken away for a couple of hours into the lives of this lesbian couple who escape from a nursing home and travel to canada to be married.  on the way they pick up a (young) male hitchhiker, and all three work together to make justice happen in their living situation.  you'll laugh; you'll cry; you'll be moved!  and, no doubt, you'll ponder the significance of this story in your own life.

but what i can guarantee you is, you won't get stung!  both events were an (unlikely) discovery over the week-end.  when was the last time you had such an experience?

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

my experience of having another birthday . . . .

my experience of having another birthday . . . . may not be like your experience; it may be similar, but probably not identical.  so use my experience to think about your latest birthday; let it serve as an opportunity to reminisce-- to maybe (re)experience something that will make you smile or wonder or be horrified (hopefully not!), or just simply let this be a moment of respite.

each of us has experiences; it doesn't make them right or wrong or the only way to have an experience.  isn't that the way of life as well?  no two people do the same thing in the same way, nor "should" we believe that it "should be" done or experienced in the same way.

however we experience an event, it is the way "we experience it" in that moment.  and even if we have several people participating at that moment, we might and probably will experience that moment in our own unique way.

case in point.  i turned 54 yesterday.  that day became just an average day, as it turned out that my birthday fell on my usual day off; a monday.  i celebrated, however, in different ways over the week-end; and spent much of monday hearing from well-wishers via facebook (so what a unique experience that is!)

my celebrating all began on thursday, when i got a text message that some friends i knew from graduate school, all the way in chicago-land, were visiting the area; 'would you like to meet for dinner?'  "boy howdy, would i!"  the designated place to meet was 'the dead fish' restaurant in crocket; i could hardly wait for friday!

perhaps for many of you, there might be irony in going to eat at 'the dead fish' on your birthday!  it is a great place; good enough for me to be willing to drive three hours in bay area traffic on a friday night to get there...the story on their menu tells of a grandchild growing up asking his grandmother the endless 'what's for dinner' question.  she responds to this often asked question, 'oh, just some dead fish'; this phrase stuck, and became a family run business!

we finally all made it to the restaurant, 3 carloads of people coming from different locations; and, of course, it wasn't really about a birthday celebration, but rather bonding again after so many years -- we hadn't seen each other for over 20 years!

truth be told, 'the guys were in graduate school (law and divinity--not the candy!) and the gals worked'.  and the oddity of the preacher and the attorney getting along together -- i'd marry 'em, he'd divorce 'em, i'd bury 'em, he'd probate 'em -- actually, a perfect match.  so we gathered at this beautiful location overlooking the carcinus bridge, spending the evening together as if we did this every friday night after work.  some friendships are just like that . . . .  this picture shows the ceiling of the dead fish -- i know, who would take a picture of a ceiling?!  but, just go with it!



the next day was spent at an extended family birthday celebration; very relaxed and unusual again, because i hardly ever spend time socializing on a saturday, especially outside merced.  there's work to be done, after all!  but i returned to merced, refreshed and renewed -- inspired, really.  that ought to be worth turning 54 to learn about, don't you think...it took me long enough to figure this out!

but really, the best treat of all happened on thursday morning.  as we age, periodically we get notices in the mail; social security, aarp, insurance companies . . . . and yes, even dmv!  after two 'good drivers renewal cycles', dmv said i had to come in for this renewal, to check my vision and update my information with a new picture.  ah, the dreaded drivers licence renewal.

i had made an appointment via the internet, which took no time at all, and was actually very simple, once i figured out i had to have a dmv account!  so i go with document and checkbook in hand, and arrive at my local dmv office 15 minutes early.  and then i experienced the strangest thing!  it was as if the dmv went to the same training on hospitality that i went to!  (i began to hear 'wonder of wonders, miracles of miracles' from fiddler on the roof dancing through my head!). 

i was greeted by a friendly man who took my paperwork and then congratulated me on achieving my birthday renewal, and gave me my number, indicating the location to stand and wait for my number to be called.  less than five minutes later (no kidding!) my number was called, and a woman greeted me, asking for my materials; she chatted me up about coming in, having achieved another birthday (by this time i was looking for the hidden camera, with a clown who would have balloons, a cake and throw confetti!).  once completed, i was directed to another line where i would stand to await 'the dreaded picture taking'.  again, within five minutes, i was greeted by another woman who actually said "look directly into the camera and smile" -- really???  i get to smile???  and then she said, "have a nice day", and i was through!  but, and i know you'll find this next piece UNBELIEVABLE, but as god is my witness (!) it is true!!  the man who greeted me when i first arrived, greeted me by my name as i was leaving, wishing me once again a 'happy birthday'. 

i'd turn 54 all over again just to experience my 15 minutes of fame at the dmv!  now, i have to say, i haven't seen the picture on my licence yet, but, how bad could it be?  i got to smile!  and then i got to eat a dead fish with some long-lost friends!  isn't this worth turning 54 all over again?

anyone else care to share their latest birthday experience?

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

not such a normal day, but a day in the life . . . .

this is not such a normal day, "this" being september 11th, or 9-11, as we will forever remember its significance.  tragedy always has a way of making its mark in our lives, much like the mark left 30 years ago this year when my father died of a massive heart attack on the day before i was to return home for vacation from graduate school; today we remember the events of 11 years ago.  even as i sit at my keyboard, the hairs on my arms are standing up.  eerie, impossible; unbelievable.  still we grieve, and still we struggle to come to terms with how to treat one another in peaceable ways.

as i clicked onto my search engine this morning (i use 'bing' here at the office), that beautiful memorial greeted me; ground zero; that now sacred space, with the flowing water that leaves us reflective of what happened on that day, and what has happened since.  i am renewed by water falls and reflective pools -- water in general, and so this is a very meaningful memorial for me, even though i wish it were unnecessary.

i reflect today about the presence of the spiritual presence that was a part of this event in our history; the chapel of old st. paul reflected in the children's storybook, the little chapel that stood by a.b.curtiss.  a chapel of historical presence where the spirits of george washington and alexander hamilton and others through the ages remain; where new york city grew around; this chapel remaining as a place where sanctuary could be found . . . .a place of grace.

this was not what i was thinking of last night as i went to bed, as i put aside the novel i was reading before i turned out the lights, as i remembered the power music and the moving set of the met's production of wagner's ring cycle now available to be seen by the world.  and this was not what i was thinking of a few minutes after 11 as my neighbor's family decided to have a late evening crisis in their backyard, joined by the neighborhood dogs.  nor was this what i was thinking about at well after two-in-the-morning, when i discovered that i had been joined in bed by well over a dozen-and-a-half of ants that came from somewhere, i'm still just not sure where!

it wasn't until i was reminded of this day that i remembered the significance of this day . . . . not that i would intentionally forget, or even be able to forget.  it just took the collective remembering of a nation and a world that continues to experience the tragedy of struggle.  we can't seem to get away from our own inability to get along.  nor can we get away from the care and kindness of people who respond with their generous hearts, for which i am grateful  on this not such a normal day, but a day in the life . . . .

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

hostility . . . hospitality . . . hope

from hostility . . . to hospitality . . . to hope

central valley fruits and vegetables are displayed in the picture below;
lovely baskets full of produce that became a love token of peace last wednesday as the central valley curcuit leaders joined our district superintendent mariellen yoshino to livingston to visit and pray with leaders from two gurdwaras (sikh temples).


such gentle offerings; humble from the fruit of our vines from the bakersfield area up through the foothills and all the way to galt and over to the stockton delta area.
we were received with humble thanksgiving, as we offered these tokens and prayers for an ending of all hostility, racism, religious persecution, as well as renewed understanding and education.

you may recall that on sunday, august 5th, the gurdwara in oak creek wisconsin came under gunfire, killing 6, plus the gunman; leaving one in a coma, and countless others traumatized.  throughout the world, people wondered how this could happen.

the sikh faithful stand for justice; there is an estimate of 500,000 sikhs in north america.  hate crimes have been on the rise since 911 -- americans often confusing the turban head coverings worn by the men to be followers of osama bin laden.

in reality the sikhism began in india in 1469, unrelated to hinduism or islam, teaching that there is one god with many paths to the divine; each of the 10 founding gurus  (doers of the master), wore turbans as a sign of respect for the divine.  the sikh faith began as a rebellion against india's caste system, and a profession for the equality of people.  as you enter their holy place, you cover your head as a sign of humility, and take off your shoes. 

no one is an enemy, and no one is a stranger.  and so to show support for our sikh sisters and brothers, the circuit leaders went to be in prayer and solidarity with the sikh leaders, sharing our collective presence of united methodism in the valley, and uniting with them against all hostility and praying for hope for our future.

we were offered such hospitality!  we prayed together in our prospective languages, men and women together, which is unusual in this faith culture, but also a sign of the oneness of god.

and perhaps the most amazing similarity was, following our time of prayer and conversation, we were escorted over to the fellowship hall where we were invited into a time of refreshment!  isn't it comforting to know that spiritual refreshment is part of the world's religious traditions?!

i do not know enough about this faithful tradition, but i invite you to join with me in study and prayer as we seek to move from all religious persecution and hostility into open dialogue, offering one another hospitality and the hope that one day, soon, we will live with 'no fear'.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

cr 2032 ... a lesson in humility

cr 2032 .... a lesson in humility, came on sunday.  as has been my custom for the last six months, i rose early to get in my walk before worship.  if i don't walk when i first awaken, i rarely seem to fit it in later on...for a variety of reasons (i could elaborate on that, but, use your imagination, or your own excuses!)

so, i did my usual walk, and low and behold, when i took off my pedometer, i had a total of 166 steps!  when i looked during my walk, i was around 9,000 .... who stole my steps?!

when i arrived for worship, i plugged in my pedometer to upload my information, and i had only gleaned 20 heart miles.  all that effort, i thought.  i was a little miffed, to say the least.  i had been doing so well!  i'd reached gold on friday, earning my olympic badge; i'd been faithful to my walking shoes, daily!  what happened???

alas, i was determined.  so, out i walked during the early evening on sunday; a beautiful valley evening; i even went a different route -- deterined to secure more steps.  i checked my count during the walk -- can you see i've become a little obsessive? -- and i was at about 4500 ... yea!  it was working again!  and when i checked a bit later i was at ... about 4500 steps!  what's wrong with this picture???

i returned home, and, alas, i was at about 4500 steps!  i guess i need a new pedometer, like folks had been saying...(this had happened once before, but somehow it righted itself).  so, i'm sitting in my den, out of sorts, when i turned over my pedometer, revealing a 'trap door'...now i know what to do with that jar of pennies!  so i opened it up, and there it was...a round little silver disk, with the writing "cr 2032" on it.  i needed a new battery!!!!

off to target, and for less than $6, i was up and running again...well, at least my pedometer was!  all i needed was a new battery; energy, to be empowered again.  did i feel foolish, or what?!  all that wasted time and emotion, when all i needed was a new battery.  this was a lesson in humility!

i think i'd gotten a little off track; maybe even forgetting the main focus of this 'exercise' -- for my health!  getting a little frustrated, and even saying to myself -- "i even walked twice today!" was a reminder that i had lost my focus.  even when we do something for the greater good, we can loose our focus.

how humbling.  so, i'm back on track again.  and yesterday, i investigated a whole different route!  life isn't always about the destination; it's the journey, and the opportunity we take to appreciate the route.  how often we can get distracted even when we stay focused.  but how easily comes the distraction when we are not paying attention.

barbara brown taylor, an episopal priest, wrote in her book, an altar in the world; a geography of faith --a book we are reading in our centering prayer small group:  "you are truly, seriously lost, even though you know exactly where you are (p.76)".  that quote comes from a chapter entitled 'the practice of getting lost'.  i had stayed so focused on my course, my goal, my way, that i had stopped paying attention and gotten 'lost'.  i knew where i was, i just had become task oriented.  get the job done.  i had stopped having the spiritual experience of 'getting lost'.  i'd become too up-tight achieving my goal.

so, i've gotten my new battery; and i think i'm in syn again.  now, if i can just remember the value of this humble lesson again in about six months when, i'm sure, i might need this lesson once again.  no doubt by then, my battery will need replacing once again...and that will be a good thing.  that's why i entitled this blog post as i did  -- i know i'll need to be reminded!  being humbled really isn't such a bad thing . . . .

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

silence of the walk . . . .

as i stepped out of the house this morning, i stepped into 'the silence of the walk'!  very spooky!

merced, and the central valley, is in the midst of 'having a heat wave'...but honestly, it's nothing to sing about!  this morning, now that it is getting lighter, earlier, my alarm went off -- how alarming -- as as i turned over to turn it off -- read that as trying to fling it out the window, or provide it with all therapy -- i honestly did contemplate going back to sleep; it hadn't been that long since i actually had GOTTEN to sleep; this heat makes me a bit, shall we say, moody?!

but, like the (non) olympiad that i am, i do like a good challenge, and since i have walked vigorously for 180 days, i didn't want to break my record!  so, crawling out of bed...literally, i closed up the house and away i went.  what i noticed was the silence...not a bird, not a dog, not a sound in the breaking dawn of the day.  and it was so still, not a lief was stirring.  honestly, it was all a bit creepy.  and the sky was patchy with clouds, and the moon was just this sliver of a smile, like the cheshire cat from alice in wonderland.

and, i didn't see a soul for the longest time, and when i finally did see someone, it wasn't someone i'd ever met on my route.  all in all, a strange day.

however, i've always said that there is something 'godly' in every experience; something to pay attention to; to take note of; to learn.  and this is what i gleaned on my 'silence of the walk . . . .'

today begins the 'olympic champion challenge' for my health miles program...who knew?  not i!  for the next 14 days, i could win a bronze, a silver, or even a gold medal!  oh, ok, it's just a badge on my computer program, but even so....all i have to do is walk -- 70,000 steps for a bronze, 100,000 for a silver, or 170,000 for the gold.  why not go for the gold, me thinks!

see how the spirit works...had i gone back to sleep, i would not have experienced something new in my life, and i would have been 'a step behind', so to speak in this olympic challenge.  so far today, i've walked 10,587 steps...i only need to average 12,143 steps a day to reach the gold!

so, my challenge to you, avid blog readers, is to get yourself a pedometer, and see how far you can step in a day; be challenged, even in the heat of the summer, to put that 'spring in your step' (even if it IS summer), and become aware of the change that will come about in you...your attitude, your eating habits, your clothing fit, and, of course, your mood.  make the effort.  explore something new every day, and then ask yourself, 'what is/was god trying to have me learn from this new experience'. 

not such a difficult challenge is it?  besides, reaching for the gold in this day and age, isn't such a bad idea either . . . .

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

it's august already! what happened to july?

 'it has been quite a summer at lake yosemite . . . .'  what an appropriate rewording from public radio!  it's august already, and i haven't done a blog since sometime in july.  i have great excuses!  honest...even better than 'my dog ate my homework' -- i have no dog, so that wouldn't work anyway!  i could say my computer was acting up, but that wouldn't be honest either.

the fact is, i returned hitting the pavement running; a colonoscopy one week (dare i say, "all clear!"), and two memorial services the next...every time i thought about my blog ... i just kept right on thinking!co

so today, now that i've caught you up on the last two weeks, i'll share about san diego and my western jurisdictional conference trip.  on my way south, i stopped at mission san juan capistrono, where the sparrows come to nest each year in march.  it was established in 1776 (ring a bell?) and the chapel was completed in 1782 and is still in use today.  the mission church was completed and then experienced demolition due to the earthquake during worship in 1812, and was never rebuilt; the picture shows a remaining wall with its bells that were also used to signal many events in the community, including deaths; there were different ring-tones for men and women.
 
part of my interest in attending the conference was to attend a tour and learn about the federal border that has been constructed between the united states and mexico.  the picture to the left shows the two walls that separate our countries, and the families, friends, and workers who are a part of our economic livelihood.  we could not possibly function without our sisters and brothers to the south.  and yet, we have been unable to figure out a way for our countries to figure out how to solve this crisis. 

originally, our border was estimated on a map (a map-line, if you will).  a physical set of carin's appeared periodically throughout this area that included texas, arizona and california.  a barbed wire 'fence' came next, whe on this site near the ocean (next picture), first lady patricia nixon and the president's wife of mexico met and exchanged hope for our countries to be able to cooperate.  that experience was followed by a wall constructed from vietnam era metal cargo walls being constructed, followed by a secondary wall with a road constructed for the border patrol.  the area pictured here is, or what is left of 'friendship park', where families could meet who were divided by the wall, for conversation and fellowship.  recently, this park was re-designed to be open only on occasion, and a thick mesh-like wall constructed so that sharing became constricted.

in order to visit this location of the federally patrolled land, one must enter a california state park, with park hours severely cut; this park, oddly enough, is a bird sanctuary.  ironic, no?  the final portion of the walls narrows to a single wall and into the water.

some statistics from the fiscal year 2011.  932,456 passengers and pedestrians come through san diego's border in a year; by car, it can take up to four hours to pass through; six hours if you are traveling on foot.  imagine that kind of daily commute, as most of those crossing the border are workers; some are able to afford a pass-card, allowing them entry in about 30 minutes.  very few workers can afford to live in the united states, and therefore return to their family home each workday.  there are patrols by land, air, water, horse and canine, covering 1,900 miles of border with mexico, and 95,000 miles of shore; illegal drugs and currency are at the heart of the border patrol.  ]

on the other side of the wall, we were met by members of the methodist church in mexico, who sang to us; we prayed together and heard some of their stories.  there is a community that is attached to this portion of the border on the mexico side; colorful houses, a more economically affluent community, with laughter and adults and children swimming in the ocean and enjoying themselves.  the united states side was desolate; no one one the beach except pelicans.



we celebrated the retirement of bishop mary ann swenson, having served for 20 years in the united methodist church.  she will retire to the hollywood united methodist church (humc), pictured here to be the resident bishop.

i decided i could travel home via hollywood!  what an experience.  humc is a reconciling church, and has a mission with its neighbors, the homeless, and hiv/aids.  on any given day you will see a variety of people -- some who are "recognizably famous" like pauley perrette who plays "abby" on ncis, and others who are famous in other ways, because of their faithful service to their community and the world.

this particular sunday, the church was continuing its 'crossflix summer sermon series, with a talk-back session with the filmmakers; pretty cool!  this sermon focused on the film, "hugo", with the talk-back being led by the visual effects supervisor ben grossman (who won the academy award, and is a member of this faith community).  among other things, i was reminded this day that 'at any given moment, we have the ability to say "this is not how the story is going to end".'  pretty cool, no?  this was a reminder for me that our own easter story does not end on good friday!

so i put the top down on my cabrio, having experienced disneyland, knotts berry farm, san diego and the borders of california and mexico, hollywood, the inland and the coast, settling on solvang for my final night away from home.

some childhood memories on this trip.  when i first went to disneyland, they still had individual costs per ride; the famous 'e ticket' got you on the matterhorn!  knotts berry farm was (and continues to be) famous for its chicken dinner!

solvang was an early stop with our family to enjoy a culture that was new to us; the danish community is thriving, even with a major highway dividing its borders. 

walking continued to be part of my daily routine, with my highest steps calculated at over 34,000 in one day!  it's a good thing i have been able to meet my goals for the last two quarters; i do believe i have earned a new pair of walking shoes!

would anyone else care to share about an exciting highlight of their summer?  chances are, my summer will settle down from here on out; and it's a good thing!  the fall is almost here...the days are hot, making it tougher to rush.  so, take some time for reflection, crack open that book you've been dying to read, and keep hydrated.  and, above all, stay open to the opportunity for the spirit to say, "go"!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

seven years ... and a summer with confetti ....

july marks the start of my seventh year in ministry with the united methodist church of merced.  and i'm not itching to leave by any means.  while the economy continues to play havoc, particularly in california and merced in particular, our congregation continues to be invested in ministry, and generous in service.

we are in the midst of a heat wave...and, ya know, you just have to get through it.  i entered into a program with pg&e that cycles my electrical power during the summer.  usually i don't notice, but i did yesterday ... it probably would have been a good time to do something elsewhere, but, alas, i wasn't thinking! 

so, instead, i went outside (ok, you can see how i wasn't thinking) and took pictures -- of my home; seven years old to me, and i still like it!  perhaps not the wisest decision i've ever made in my life, but who knew the year i purchased my first home would have been the year the we began an economy crisis?!

alas, all i can say is that i am in better shape than many people, and things are going well.  in fact, i am delighted to return home each time to a reception from my crape myrtle ... and how many people can say that?!  besides being in full bloom in the heat of the summer, this beauty drops little 'peddles' that look like confetti to me, so i get 'rained upon' when i drive into my drive way...sometimes i even take my top down (from my convertible, that is) and pretend i'm in a parade...  ok, i'm really not that crazy, but ya know, after a long day, it's fun to just enjoy and relax.  and, one of the things i've never done since i've lived here is sweep up that 'confetti'...it blows into my grass and flowerbeds, and i figure, 'it's natural, and it must work like good compost'.  in other words, i don't worry about it; one less issue of stress!

when i was growing up, we had a palm tree in front of the house, and it was forever dropping palm frowns; daily, it seemed like.  it was my job to always keep the grass neat and tidy.  now, i figure my job is not to stress out, and i'm more than happy to follow 'the doctor's orders'!


and so here is the full, front view of the house; a nice place to come home to!

speaking of doctor's orders, i do what to share two events coming up in my life.  i'll be away next week to attend jurisdictional conference in san diego; this event happens every four years, usually including the election of a bishop (aka a united methodist ceo).  but this year, as the denomination begins to cut down on expenses, we will only be celebrating the retirement of one of our bishops. 

i'll be able to witness the strategy that western united methodist churches will take as we explore over the years ahead what it means to have open hearts, open minds, and open doors.

this california native will also explore a part of the state i've never been to before, as well as take a tour of the california-mexican border and hear the latest on immigration.  i'll also take a few days to enjoy the sights of southern california before returning home to do 'what the doctor ordered'. 

now that i've reached the ripe old age of 'past 50', i get to experience my first colonoscopy!  so, i may not return to my blog for a couple of weeks.  and that is something that has changed in my life...i've always made sure i've gotten all of my work done.  and doing a 'blog' became another 'got to have it done on tuesday or else' event.  i'm taking some of the pressure off of me; a good thing, i believe, and i highly recommend it!  it is not that i'm letting things slide; just being more intentional in making decisions that are beneficial and wholesome.  now, if i neglect to put a sermon together . . . . you might want to remind me of my priorities!  but for now, i'll just relish a bit more confetti, if you please!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

two weeks later . . . .

since last i wrote . . . . two weeks later since the last time i shared ponderings on my blog . . . . i've been to annual conference in sacramento (a yearly event, usually around father's day) and enjoyed a 'stay'-cation in and around home.

unable to gather for either mother's day or father's day, kristen (and ben) met her mother and i for dinner (and guess who were the ones to pay...well, once the parents, always the parents, no?!)  we met at a restaurant called 'the dead fish', right on the water; wonderful.  and this is the picture i got for father's day.  ben took it of kristen, somewhere; he'd found a swing he thought she might enjoy . . . .


annual conference was per usual, with some exciting things and some less-than-exciting things.  i managed to get a doctor's appointment in . . . . and then i went on stay-cation; a vacation where there aren't any plans; wake when i want, go see a movie, read, exercise, water and eat; the usual things.

one of the movies i saw was 'people like us'.  a feel-good movie, worth a date-nite!  what's a date-nite?  well, not that i did this, but include a meal and someone to share the event with....ok, go whole-hog!  go out afterwards, even!

the picture to the left has nothing what-so-ever to do with the movie 'people like us'.  this is a picture of a tree in golden gate park, san francisco.  after having a quick trip to the foot-hills and a visit to amador city, i was in the mood to visit the area where i grew up.  so, heading out of the (hot) valley onto the coast was a fun time...and driving in my convertible is even better!



one of the adventures i was yearning to do was visit the japanese tea garden; such a peaceful place.  but, i advise staying away on a saturday, where it is less than peaceful.  i did meet a friend there to enjoy the day, and ran into someone i knew -- how often do you go someplace and run into someone you know?!

this is a picture of something in the garden.  sometimes i just snap a photo, and if it isn't out-of-focus, i keep it!  i just loving having a smart phone where you get to take a picture without lugging around a camera.  it isn't the best picture; it won't win the upcoming costco photo contest.  but, it is a reminder of a place i remembered and got a chance to visit again.

the fun thing about a stay-cation is the opportunity to be spontaneous.  with gas prices fairly low (ok, the mid-$3.00 range is pretty reasonable right now -- can i get an amen!)  you can rest in your own bed, eat breakfast at home (after your daily walk for healthy purposes) and not be pressured by the phone; you can turn your smart phone to vibrate, and enjoy!

the other two movies i saw.  one is 'brave'.  ok, this is a 'rent-a-kid' film, if you don't have one of your own handy.  invest in the large popcorn that gives you a free re-fill...ok, we won't share that the cost of the movie (now a matinee at $8) is cheaper than popcorn and a beverage.  who knew we'd spend more one eating than seeing?!  i usually do not eat/drink at the movies, but this might be the time to just 'do it', as the saying goes. 

(note to self; plan to walk further when eating popcorn and drinking a diet coke).

if you like the blood and guts kind of action film, you'll not want to miss the historical period piece, 'abraham lincoln: vampire hunter'.  OMG!  i missed half the movie covering my eyes, but, 'cha know, i have a new appreciation for how we got through the civil war!  (please note, this is not historically accurate).

oh,  now you can see why the tea garden pictures are so soothing to me!

a word to the wise.  as you travel this summer, remember to make sure you carry your NEW debit card, and carry just a little cash with you for those 'you don't take debit card' moments.  and, as always, 'traveling mercies'.  see you in church!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

images of the past...presently

the merced historical society hosted their celebration this past week-end; a beautiful day....including pizza, ice cream and cake!

when was the last time you celebrated the history of your community?

the picture on the left is the old courthouse; it stands as a remarkable building in the midst of our community, and a wonderful structure both old and new; you can take a tour of this historic building and get a sense of yesteryear!
 part of the festivities on saturday included this old fire engine.  pretty near, hu?  you may remember that horses pulled early trucks.  but with the invention of motorized cars...or 'horseless carrages', we became modern, and horses were put back into the pasture.

isn't it neat to see such a truck in great condition?  everything so shiny.  this event, of course, gets us ready for our county fair, beginning tomorrow.  it is always a great event, but a clear reminder that it is summer...nearly 100 degrees today!
and what historical event would be complete without a car show?!  lots of cool cars, of course, and some unusual ones, as pictured here on the left.  i had a metal model car like this that i would spend hours playing with when i was too young to drive. 

i was raised with the idea that you shouldn't own anything you are not able to fix yourself.  in this day and age, i can't ever believe i was taught that!  my mother sewed...and she was able to tear apart, repair, and put back together her sewing machine.  i'm lucky to be able to put GAS in my car!
and sorry, folks, but this is what happens when my hands move quicker than my thoughts.  i couldn't quite figure out if this was in the correct position when i posted it...and not that i see it more clearly ... if you'll just turn your head to the side, you'll be fine!  (see why it is best for me not to try and fix my own computer?!)

this picture shares the mission project of our annual conference, meeting next week in sacramento.  each church is asked to put together four 'flood buckets' -- used for disaster relief and clean-up; they will be stored until needed.  this table represents the materials used for cleaning...and they fit into a 5 gallon bucket with a lid!  our other, and on-going mission project, is 'nothing but nets'.  for $10, you can help a child or an adult receive a net to sleep under in a country prone to malaria.  pretty cool, no?  doing mission projects is educational, and reminds me that being a united methodist isn't just about going to church!