on the fourth day of christmas . . . .

i'm not sure on which day of christmas i received this santa, but it was for sometimes during my first christmas . . . and it seems to be holding up quite well!

on this fourth day of christmas, true love gives, not a kiss, but four calling birds . . . and today in santa cruz, they would freeze!  so, perhaps, you might think of an alternative gift to share . . . .

somewhere this season, i read a comment from someone that said, 'please don't give me anything; just share peace'.  i LOVE that sentiment! 

tomorrow will mark the one year anniversary of my mom's death . . . i am marking that moment by actually spending time in 'the city' (san francisco, in this case) and celebrating christmas (finally!)  i'll take in the nutcracker, and perhaps give a nod to mom's old stomping grounds at i. magnin. 

chrismas memories abound, and each year is an opportunity to make new ones.  i no longer hold 'traditions' of how christmas 'needs to be' celebrated.  rather, i am mindful of the moment, and cherish the people for whom our paths cross.  and, in case anyone is interested, i truly believe christmas letters are FAB!  i haven't written one in a while, but i love to hear the news of folks whom i have known . . . .such letters are a reminder that our 'hopes and dreams of all the years are met in thee, tonight'!

i lit the final candle of advent, the christmas candle . . . not on christmas, when i was busy celebrating with our shelter guests and a number of the congregation, but on the third day of christmas . . . three french hens were given!  i had soup and bread, and started reading elizabeth george's latest lynley mystery, a banquet of consequences.  if you do not know her as a writer, might i suggest beginning at the beginning of her lynley novels, a great deliverance.  she's quite (appropriately) addictive!

light a candle, snuggle up with whatever (or whomever), and begin the new year with a tradition of your own!  merry and happy . . . be at peace, and spread that peace to others . . . .

and chanukah/hanukkah & advent shall share the light together . . . .

on this first night of chanukah/hanukkah, the first candle is lit.  it is the second week of advent, and two candles are lit.  and so hope and peace join forces with the light, that our world may grow brighter; that we can live together in this miracle we call life.

see the glow of this light . . . as the days grow shorter and the nights become longer, we can hardly believe that in santa cruz today, it was 66 degrees!  i wore short sleeves and short pants; it felt lit early autumn this morning when i was walking.

the strangeness of our weather pattern is a reminder to me that life is just never the same.  there are so many causes for this phenomenon, and i don't want to get into a debate about the cause and effect of what we are doing to our environment.  rather, my point today is that as we live in this moment, the light is shining amidst the gloom, reminding us that life, indeed, is a sacred gift.

 and so as these two different lights shine from two different traditions, i share one of the symbols from my tradition in advent; the nativity.

i shared in a sermon/message once about leaving out one's nativity throughout the year as a reminder of our story of faith, and all that goes into the struggle and beauty of life.  this nativity was given to me as a gift, and is made of soapstone.  it is not the one i leave out each year, but i've included that one at the end of this blog.

yet this nativity reminds me that i live amid many cultures; many beliefs.  together, we live in hope for a better/kinder/more compassionate world, where gunfire does not occur every single day, and where children are cared for and people are sheltered in safety.  we live in a time of hope, where peace will find its way into our hearts and minds, and be extended by our actions into the world, where our sisters and brothers will lay down like the lion and the lamb . . . .

this ungainly tree was just a wee twig in a 2 inch pot when i rescued it on the clearance rack at safeway my first advent in santa cruz.  i have planted it in my backyard, not knowing if it would survive the california drought; but it has, and while it may look like charlie brown's christmas tree, i am thrilled to be able to look out upon it and know that there is life that comes from the struggle to survive; i am filled with hope, and empowered by such peace when i gaze upon it each day.

as advent began, i started reading hanya yanagihara's novel,
a little life.  OMG, what a move and powerfully-disturbing book that sharing the insight of what i might call "the secret that none of us really want to know about".  while it is a novel, what i have read so far (page 561 of 720) and what i know, tells me this story is true . . . or true enough.  i commend this book to you, and will remind myself with each waking moment, that each person is of sacred worth, and that abuse of any kind SHOULD NEVER BE TOLERATED!

and so chanukah/hanukkah and advent blend with the light of possibilities; of hope, of peace, of joy, and most especially of love.  if every the world could use a strong dose of love, it is now.  may light surround you this season, and may the love in your life shine forth as we strive to make peace . . . .      

in the midst of the paris tragedy . . . . peace

in the midst of the paris tragedy . . . . what do we find peace?

true peace comes from within; we can't expect to have someone else 'make our peace'.

even when that peace is not perfect, if we are working on safe waters in our lives, and if we are seeking to make sure that our ports are open and welcoming and safe, we are working to ensure peaceful measures.

in central california, peace is coming to us in the latest of two rain storms; the latest included thunder and lightening.  some experienced power outages -- not what one would call peaceful -- and yet, the peace of rain from a long season of drought cannot be denied!
 

and so this picture of raindrops reminds me that I still have a yard that has living plants -- now doing better because of the gift of rain.  that simple realization is an act of peace.  even as i know that weeds will grow because of the rain, i am at peace.

i can only imagine my life disrupted and in turmoil over terrorism!  even after 911, with new york closer than paris it does not matter!  turmoil anywhere causes us dis-ease; i have been to both of those cities . . . i know people in both of those cities . . . my heart aches.

even with the rain, and the peace i feel in the storm, i am not yet fully at peace, because our world is not yet at peace.

how can i live with this turmoil?  pray through it, i have been taught -- i teach that!  breathe in that peace; be the change you want to see!  breathe out the elements that get in the way of finding and living and offering, peace.  such peace is not easy; the really important things in life rarely are!  but that 'peace that passes understanding' is so worth the effort!

many say we do not have seasons in california, but we do!  i image peace as i walk in the morning -- this tree, full of autumn colors, was vivid after the rainstorm, in the early sunrise after my morning walk, following the end of daylight savings time.  the 'awe' of peace.

paris . . . the city of trees; the city of light.  surely a city with so much to offer should never be a target, but a destination.  surely no place with a heart for life should be a target . . . and yet our world  . . . so many people experience the loss of peace in their heart; their minds clouded by images of distress and hatred.  is their longing for peace not like my longing for peace?

how will we find peace, together, before we destroy the only living home we are likely ever to have?

i remind myself that i cannot make peace for others; i am not that powerful; but i can be the change within myself that i want to see in the world.  the color of peace would be a rainbow where there is plenty of room for all.

i was visiting with friends last week-end; finding peaceful time to relax and visit and work together to complete this cat puzzle (below).  i realize now in a different way -- even as we realized last saturday, how difficult it is to distinguish the colors, and to place the pieces in the 'right' space . . . there were times when we thought we had the 'right piece' only to discover that we were mistaken.

what is the 'right piece'?  could it be only the 'ultimate peace'?!  i believe that is true.  in an effort to make all the pieces fit, we cannot be anxious or forceful or disregard the time it takes to "make peace".  peace is on-going, and peace is an effort we cannot stop.  let peace begin . . . within the self.  may such peace expand into the world . . . this is my prayer . . . .
 

a nod to autumn . . . . with thoughts of summer past . . . .

today begins the autumn days, of dark cool mornings and warmer summer-ish days . . . a walk on west cliff to see if the whales are still close to shore; what a great few moments this afternoon THAT will be . . . .

but i still have thoughts of summer, with pictures, to blog about; would have done it yesterday, but a technical glitch got in the way.

so following Shakespeare SC or is it SC Shakespeare -- a good season of Macbeth, Much Ado, and The Liar none-the-less -- followed by Mary Poppins (with Rob and a nod to Disney's 60th year....) i traveled to lovely Ashland OR to enjoy a little Blue Moon (perhaps the BEST bed and breakfast), and some 'really good shows....'

this beautiful waterway flows through town; water!  what a treat indeed!  and spending time with friends Ken and John and Susan and Laure ... well, even the smoky skies weren't so bad . . . .

a word about the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music . . . . well worth coming to Santa Cruz to enjoy; Marin Alsop's music directorship, and the sharing of wonderful new composers and great musicians and inspiring music makes this a special treat indeed . . . . put it on your calendar for next August, and spend some time . . . . cruzin'!!!

Ashland's Shakespearian Festival began a 10 year run of all of Shakespeare . . . Much Ado About Nothing with Beatrice and Benedick going from cutting to loving was delightful; Pericles, like Job, who loses everything and regains it in the end was powerful; Antony and Cleopatra proved that self-serving lust for power hurts more than oneself in the end!
Stan Lai's Secret Love In Peace Blossom Land is a tribute to how to work together to find the depth of human understanding.  Lynn Nottage's Sweat reminds us what happens when a contemporary factory town shuts down.  Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night is the discovery of finding forgiveness in an imperfect family, and how to live through it!                                                                                                                                                                                   
  

Quiara Alegria Hudes' The Happiest Song Plays Last concludes a trilogy with the effects of 2012's immigration protests in Arizona, and the struggle for democracy in Tahrir Square, while watching through the eyes of organizers in the barrios of Philadelphia.
Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo is a reminder, in melodrama form, of how one can overcome adversity and discover love once again.

completing my Ashland trip with an AIDS benefit is a reminder that there is still more to do ... more research, more education, more caring.  dis-ease cannot be ignored . . . .

it took me three summers to get to the begonia festival, but i made it to the sand-castle making contest on perhaps one of the hottest Saturdays on record!  this unique sand-castle was very fun to watch being made . . . . very wet sand dropped through the closed hand ... like squishing your feet through wet sand!

 then a walk on the wharf with Palm Springs friends Rod and JR . . . . what a delight to play tour guide, and get a chance to see things i haven't yet seen in the community.

this was an absolutely perfect day, with lunch as well (joined by Rob).

this is the west coast at its best!  a beautiful day, suffers out on the water, boats bobbing about, people enjoying the company of others . . . .

it is also a reminder that we are very much a tourist destination, and with tourism comes traffic, which seems to only be getting worse.

with all the complaining we locals do about the traffic, we actually get to live here, and call this little piece of paradise . . . . home!

 here is a view of those very colorful beach rentals at the Capitola Beach.  they remind me a lot of the 'painted ladies' in San Francisco . . . . those Victorian Homes that face the park where that 1970's sit-com took place.

i do believe this is the first real summer where i've taken advantage of enjoying the location where i also work.  so often i experience the summer through others -- people sharing their experiences and the "oh, did you see ..." and the "we went to ..."  and of course the "you'll not want to miss ...".  so, i took time to see to go and tried not to miss .... and worked at the same time!


this is the view from the other wharf (in Santa Cruz) where the wharf run/walk is done at the beginning of summer --- always on a sunday, so i cannot go. 

this evening shot captures the beach/boardwalk in its nightly glow ... imagine the screams from the thrill seekers as they enjoy the big dipper and other rides, following the eating of 'all things sweetly fried'.

perhaps a little known fact, but there is a local menu that can be requested at the wharf restaurants -- such a deal, i tell ya!

and what would the summer be without a trip to San Francisco, by way of highway 1 .... more often than not, San Francisco is not the place to be on Labor Day, but what a treat to play tour guide once again on my day off?!  this is the view of the old Sutro Baths next to the Cliff House, facing the Pacific.

the day included a trip to the castro, of course, and a tour through golden gate park by way of the great highway, and then over the hills from the castro to fisherman's wharf and a sea-food dinner and a view of the cable car followed by a trip down 'the crookedest street in the world'.
  

 of course, one can't forget a trip over the golden gate bridge; honestly, it didn't seem like that many cars . . . . alas, a trip to a couple of places in SOHO, and a leisurely trip back home.  oh, i nearly forgot ... there isn't, perhaps (save for the de young) a better view of the city than from diamond heights .... one of the 'must not be missed' places to put on your one-day trip into the city.

broadway san jose opened its season at the center for the performing arts building -- designed by frank lloyd wright, no less! -- with the great production of The Lion King.  great music, awesome costumes, and a wonderful dinner (thanks brian!)  what a summer!!!

and now, with a nod to autumn today, summertime has come and gone; California is still dry, the fires continue, and the traffic has come back with the opening of the school terms.  what wonderful memories, times for renewal, and visions of a very productive fall . . . my hope, as i secure a new top for my convertible, is that there will be rain!  so far, the forecast is sunny and bright . . . today is the first day . . . . make the most of all your days!
 

a series on holy conferencing . . . . practice active listening and more fun!

my focus in worship this summer has been on helping us to be better listeners, and less bombastic reactors . . . .

i'm hopeful that the practice of these precepts can be useful to EVERYONE in ANY context.

the key ingredient is coming to a place of active listening, and realizing that getting to know the person and building up a relationship is MORE IMPORTANT THAN GETTING INFORMATION!

like this picture from the santa cruz county building looking toward the ocean, it is dense with foliage . . . even during this time of drought.  yet, the denseness reminds us that there is much to see and explore; it is not just a bunch of trees and bushes; this is a complex encounter with the divine.  conversing is complex . . . .

each encounter we have with someone is also an encounter with the divine.  many faith traditions hold this truth; from a christian perspective, the saying goes, "the jesus in me meets the jesus in you.

sometimes we forget the perspective of being in holy conferencing.  we forget the benefit of a conversation is not to 'win or lose' but to deepen our understanding . . . .

this picture is taken from the same set of windows on the 5th floor of the santa cruz county building.  by moving a few feet, the perspective from the set of windows is vastly different.  so like listening in a conversation; be open; be moved from a rigid understanding . . . . 

so it is when we are in conversation, or as john wesley called it, 'holy conferencing'; by careful listening and sharing ideas, we can communicate in positive ways; we can come to understand one another in deeper and more meaningful ways. . . .

it is vitally important that we improve our listening skills.  what i especially like about this picture is the bit of fog that 'clouds the issue' so to speak; coming to a deeper understanding (dare i say 'praying about it') allows the fog to clear and the picture become focused.  While the fog adds beauty to the picture -- in a conversation, 'fog' can be discomforting . . . .


here is a summer view of santa cruz, looking at the boardwalk .... even in a drought, this is just cool!

these are the precepts which are helpful in communicating with one another.  and like learning any new way of communicating, each of us will need to practice to help make our communication pattern comfortable.

every person is a child of god ... this is the basic belief.

listen before speaking ... really listen; resist planning a retort.

strive to understand from another's point of view ... empathy.

speak about issues; do not defame people ... need i say more?

strive to reflect accurately the views of others ... 'i heard you say . . . .'

disagree without being disagreeable ... agree to disagree.

pray before you make decisions and allow prayer to interrupt your busy lives ... pray always.


one of the unplanned results of this summer's sermon series on holy conferencing was an opportunity to have a baby shower at the parsonage ... some 40 people gathered to celebrate the birth-to-be of victor in october!

on the hottest day of the year, we jammed into my un-air- conditioned home, and enjoyed conversation, the opening of baby gifts, food and beverages ... imagine a punch bowl filled with the image of a baby bathtub full of toys!  (fear not!  a little ginger ale, lime sherbet, and some blue food coloring, and you have a witty (and delicious) baby visual!

fun ... enjoyable conversations, a relaxed atmosphere, the guessing of how many jelly beans there were in a bottle, and the sharing of faithful wisdom wishes to the soon to be born victor!  how much fun is that?!

delightful listening, and energizing fun!

and then an evening walk on west cliff that brought some fog, and the refreshing crashing of waves, and some people floating up 'air candle kites' (they might also be known as floating luminaries, but you get the picture ... as it was explained to me, the candles allow the 'kite' to be illumined, and float up until the candle goes out.  as they rose, an "awe" floated out of me -- a prayer for victor, and a prayer that we can all practice empowering one another in ways of mutually agreeable communicating. 

and now i am off for a trip to ashland; shakespeare awaitith..... be blessed!
  

a new conference year . . . . finishing up the last one!

 'twas the beginning of a new conference year, and all through my picture files, old photo's kept shouting, "what are you waiting for?"  (ok, so photo's don't rhyme!)

since easter i've pondered, imagined and wondered . . . . what shall i say, what shall i do?!

the parsonage needed roofing, so that has gotten all done; no leaks; no rain; no water to leak!

at the end of two years, not all the plants have died . . . . but a later picture will show just what had to be done . . . .

san franciso kept calling . . . . when will you visit your home town?! 

but why leave paradise just to experience the fog?!

but, alas, the fog horn was too much to ignore, and so a trip after easter was in order, galore!  a quick day-trip, with a new experience of driving highway 1 . . . . a tunnel has been built, by-passing "devil's slide" . . . . what a beautiful drive up the coast for the day!

atop the de-young, with  just a slight over-cast; this allowed the two spans of the golden gate to be flashed!  (ok, well, the city IS the city of love; a little flashing from the golden gate must be permitted!)

a delight to behold, and my car was a gem; the clutch waited to break until i made it nearly home!
  

 the japanese tea garden beckoned me to visit . . . . the only place besides the ocean where the water still resides.

quiet, i could ponder; let the traffic of footsteps pass by; the amazing element of beauty in such a small honored space!

tea, of course; and crackers were needed, because, of course, i WAS on vacation!  but, a pastor is never REALLY on vacation . . . . a word to the wise:  turn off ALL electric devices so as not to be over-whelmed by things better left un-read!

still, one finds the peace if one really strives to see.

and so, contemplation has turned into a sermon series for the summer!  god has a sense of humor . . . . even on vacation!

but such a rewarding place to contemplate; could it be replicated?!

 returning home, i found i didn't have a tea garden, but a spiritual haven in my own (parsonage) back yard!

dorothy may have had ruby slippers, but she didn't have the effects of santa cruz!

upon my return, there has been business to tend; exciting future plans to contemplate and ponder.  always pondering; always something new; always amazing, isn't that true for you, too?!

so take time to ponder; relax and be amazed!  always something more to do; but plan a play- day too!  yes, i'm still walking; the employee well-being challenge of june is now completed; the united methodist church representatives placed 29th out of 55 corporate sponsors, and i placed 8,783 out of 41,600 walkers and runners . . . . not that i'm competitive; but i do need a new pair of shoes, now!

july first marks the beginning of a new conference year; i've finished up the last one, and i'm starting a-new!  santa cruz is sunny, on this first day of our third year together; it's quiet in the office but there is much yet to do.  and alas, not in the far too distance to the east, a lighthouse still calls (not a fog-horn as in the city, but one could almost here it cry!) . . . . its light a reminder that while it may help to light a way for safety, WE at the united methodist church of santa cruz, are called to be the light of justice and of peace, and that in the midst of this new year, we are to carry the torch that says "love is love", no matter what!

so join us at 10:45 on any given sunday . . . . and join us on july 19th, when we're having a bbq . . . . with a discussion about what we plan to be; how we plan to be; and how love will shine thru . . . . be our guest, if you are able; just let your love shine thru!

palm ~ passion sunday . . . and you're invited!

palm ~ passion sunday is tomorrow, march 29th, 2015 . . . and you are invited to attend.

james has made it possible for us to have some long, billowy palms ... who knew!  we actually have a palm tree on our property!

and so the setting is ready; we'll experience the triumphal entry of jesus into jerusalem, and we will sing familiar and maybe a not-so-familiar piece of music; we'll hear the steel drums play and experience an anthem from the music team ... followed by the story of how our hearts were moved with the selfless love of another.

come and let yourself be moved, and allow your spiritual journey to deepen.  and be revived to act in ways of justice and peace in the week ahead.  check out our website www.umcsantacruz.org

or join us at 10:45 am at the United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz  250 California St.  95060

i close with this jewish tale from sunday's message, which i've been asked to share ~ ~ ~

an angel of heaven was looking down upon the earth one day, having compassion for all the people.

the people of the earth seemed to suffer so much.

the angel summoned up the courage, and with hands trembling, asked God for control of the earth for one year.

god granted the angel's request.

the angel erases sin and suffering, decay and death.

but the bread the people eat tasted like clay in their mouths, and turned to dust in their hands.

the angel knew failure and collapsed at god's feet at the end of the year.

then god said, 'behold, a truth which has been known to me from the beginning of time; a truth too deep and dreadful for your delicate, generous hands, my sweet apprentice.

it is this:  that the earth must be nourished with decay and covered with shadows, so that its seeds may bring forth the harvest.

so it is this truth; that souls must be made fertile with flood and sorrow, that through them a great work may be born....'

may you know sorrow enough to grow strong in the grace that is the gift of life . . . .

the journey . . . is our home

i learned a long time ago:  life isn't always about the destination; life is about the journey.  the journey . . . is our home!

this picture was taken one night after our music team practiced; the sky from our parking lot.  it was a beautiful sky, and a beautiful night.  imagine being totally in the moment in this time, rather than being caught up in the worries for which we can generally do nothing about ... except saving up for taxes, which has been one of my lenten disciplines this year -- who knew NOT being a homeowner could be SO EXPENSIVE?!

Alas, this really is a 'first world problem', and so i tell myself, "don't worry ... just be on the journey!


One of the workshops I attended recently was put on by hospice of santa cruz county . . . entitled 'partners in caring: a seminar for faith leaders on end-of-life care.

so many wonderful things hospice provides ... including care and supportive care for everyone within the county!  did you know, for instance, that you can attend a grief support group through hospice, even if you did not have someone actively die through hospice?  and they provide all kinds of resources which can be very helpful for the living, the surviving, and they dying!  thought about your end of life plan?  this can be very helpful to you and to your family/friends who will care for you!

this cymbidium came from the plant i gave my mother, which has now returned to me; it only had two stems this year ... BUT, they have lasted the longest of any year!


 ironically, this is the only bloom i am likely to get from the numerous iris bulbs i have planted; many people have shared that a drought does that.  we were lucky enough to have early rains, but unfortunate enough not to have them continue much into the new year.  ironically, it turns out, this is the perfect time of the year to replace a roof . . . the parsonage roof is due for a new roof, so, that will be an easter gift! 

even so, this iris has been a welcome reminder that even singularly, we are blessed with a great gift of beauty!  while flowers in the garden have been in short supply, the yellow flowers of clover oats have been in abundance!  they are easy enough to pull so that other plants don't get chocked by them, but they leave their little bulbs in the ground -- a guarantee that next year, i will be blessed with them again!

one of the great concerns (worry, even, perhaps!) of this winter was this beautiful little tree at the parsonage.  without much water, this tree really had to have roots that searched for nourishment . . . and one day, while just driving out the garage, i noticed color!  i was so excited, i stopped the car and just drank in the moment.

and so, lent is coming to an end; the dormant is being awakened, and what lay dying surprisingly is finding new life ... perhaps even in my soul as well.  how about you?  are you finding renewal after this winter?  have you a sense of new life this spring?  how is the journey of life going for you?

if you are needing a spiritual 'tune-up', come spend some time at the coast this week, and join us for a variety of worship activities that can renew you on your journey . . . home!

ashes to ashes ... dust to dust ... this is the reality of life . . . .

today begins ash wednesday;  the season of lent, when the christian faithful spend time in reflection and renewal of their spiritual practices. . . ashes to ashes ... dust to dust ... this it the reality of life.

we offer three services today; one at 7 am (for the 'before work crowd'), one at 12:30 (for the 'lunch crowd'), and one at 6 pm (for the 'OMG i almost forgot crowd').  we remember who we are, and why we are here; and this year i am inviting folks to spend time focusing on their prayer life -- learn a psalm that speaks to you -- explore how it speaks to you and learn it well enough that you 'know it'; allow that psalm/prayer to guide you on your journey . . . and let that prayer respond to your life and the neighbors whom you pass during your journey.  each of us is a living prayer . . . .

someone on facebook commented that california is perhaps too cold yet to have poppies flowering.  he said they are blooming in kentucky!  well, here on the coast with the rains we have had (and, of course, we need more!) but we have one lone (but new) blooming poppy in our church yard.  we did some new landscaping in the fall, and have been rewarded by the gift of  'a blooming flower'.  it is overcast today, and i don't suspect it will bloom much bigger until the sun comes out, but none-the-less, a poppy!

people have passed by and noticed how the church building is looking!  we are alive and active, and it looks as though folks live and serve here; and there is no better invitation than to at least have your building look welcoming!  of course, the BEST invitation is the old-fashioned way ... 'come and see' . . . .

following the storm last week-end, the monday was beautiful and the waves were quite active . . . not a surfer in sight!  but the sea did roar, and, so it seemed, the entire community came to see the power and might of the pacific. 

this picture will be part of our lenten journey.  some of you may recall the noah story in genesis chapter 9 ... another ashes to ashes, dust to dust story -- only this time it was with water!  the promise of god was to never again destroy the earth by flood.  i found in my files, two rainbows from my children's art collection; they are ratty and faded, but they will be a great reminder of the covenant for sunday's children's message . . . .   we've struggled with weather patterns again this year, but each day is a gift ... that's something worth remembering!  and there is nothing like the crash of the waves to remember that there is life more powerful than us!

 as a pastor, it is so difficult to go anywhere and not think about the possibility of a sermon illustration!  so, while i was away in palm springs, one of the high desert areas of california, the beauty of this area was evident.  so, also during lent there will be pictures of palm canyon, including the many windmills that generate power in that area. 

these are powerful images for us -- a reminder that humanity is not the most powerful, but to use our power responsibly; to care for those who are not able to care for themselves -- and to empower them until they are able to live on their own; to speak for those whose voices have been silenced by cruel circumstances; and to find the heart of peace within ourselves, and to extend that peace in loving ways to others throughout the world, one person at a time . . . .

ashes to ashes ... dust to dust ... this is the reality of life.  it took a month to have mom's memorial graveside service.  it was a family affair; not everyone was able to attend.  but her remains will reside next to dad's remains in front of their headstone marked #13 at the golden gate national cemetery in san bruno.  the flag was flown at half-staff that day, honoring the veterans and their families.  we shared memories, hugs, and tears; laughter and flowers and the recollection of the powerful wind that never seems to cease in that cemetery. 

ashes to ashes ... dust to dust ... this is the reality of life. . . . be loving to one another!