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!