Well, my beloved laptop has a hiccup. Or maybe a burp. But it's definitely not fried just yet. Good techie friend is fixing laptop and we'll have her back in business in a few days. In the meantime, James' home computer will do.
We had big cracking thunderstorms today - brief but heavy, with lots of lightning that you could see from miles away. Just lovely!
Mary Grace is playing her piano. The electric keyboard we have in Boston isn't quite the same as a real piano. There are a few drawbacks to living in two places - not having the piano for practice is a drawback, but when she loves playing as much as Mary Grace, it makes us all sad.
Today she and I talked about having a place that is always home to you. For Celia, this house in Texas and this area will always be home. For Mary Grace and I, we can be at home in many places. She prefers Texas, but can be home anywhere. I must be a wanderer at heart - I can imagine myself at home in several places across the world. If only I had the money to do just that and fly around between them!
Where are you at home? Just one place or many? Is your heart tied to one piece of land? Or are you a wanderer?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Bucksnort, for Douglas
Well, turns out my computer has a virus of some sort, so I can't get the pictures on here yet. Maybe next week after I visit my computer savvy friend in Galveston. It's that or give the Geek Squad $200 and my computer for two weeks, and I can't live without my computer for two weeks!
Back to the trip, for Douglas. Tuesday we drove through "New England", which is called that because of all the immigrants from England during the late 1600s and 1700s. We saw things like the Thames River in Connecticut, and towns called New this or that. New London, New Haven, etc. I suppose that's where we get new Jersey and new York and new Hampshire too!
In Virginia we saw license plates that proclaimed the 400th birthday of the state. The first settlers came over in 1607. I'm sure that I learned about it in school, but can't remember much now. Jamestown colony perhaps? Maybe you can find out and let me know.
Tennessee is a long rectangle of a state. It took us all day to drive through it. We started in Knoxville, which is very close to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Very pretty area. We camped there once when the girls were really young (Mary Grace wasn't even a year old yet!) but they don't remember it. Then on to Nashville, home to country music. Do you have a country music station in Johannesburg? If not, I'll have to make a cd of some of our favorites and send it along to you.
We passed the birthplace of Davy Crockett, who was a frontiersman. There was a tv show in the 1950s about him, and many boys wore coonskin caps to be like Davy. I think Uncle James and I sent you one once, from the Alamo.
By this time there was a lot of country music on our radio. In Boston, we only have one country music station. But in Nashville there were several to choose from! All along the way it had been green rolling hills, the mountains slowly giving way to hills.
East of Nashville we got in front of a big "oversized" load truck. It was tiered, and looked like a giant chocolate cake with white icing piped along all the edges. I have no idea what it was, but it was coming fast. "Oversized" loads have guide vehicles with lights and flags, at least one in front and one behind. The front one was nearing 80 miles per hour (not sure of the kms) and it kept coming up to us. I could see the truck with the big thing on it and it was scary - I didn't want it to pass us! Eventually I found a Dairy Queen and we pulled off the road for a while. Dairy Queen is a restauant sort of like Wimpy's - they have hamburgers, chicken fingers, and soft serve ice creams. We had ice creams and looked at the map for a bit, then got back out onto the road.
One funny town we passed was named "Bucksnort". I thought it might be a joke, but nope! That's the name! Bucksnort, Tennessee. Birdsong was a much prettier named town further west.
Memphis was the next big city. James had suggested we stop at Land Between the Lakes recreation area, but it was too far north for us. Uncle James had a fishing trip there once and says that it is very green, peaceful and pretty. I didn't get the fishing report though.
So we went on to Memphis. It is named for a city in ancient Egypt. It has a big glass pyramid on the banks of the Mississippi River. Elvis Presley lived in Memphis when he was very famous, and his home is still there for visitors to go see. It's called Graceland. The wait in summer is hours long to get in, so we didn't stop for that either. The girls didn't care much about Elvis anyway. We joked about having fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches for dinner, one of Elvis' favorites.
Memphis has a place called Mud Island, where you can see a scaled replica of the Mississippi River, from its source in Minnesota, all the tributaries and other rivers that feed into it, and all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico at New Orleans. Right now the Mississippi River is flooding quite badly. There was too much rain last month in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. Whole towns have been flooded. Cedar Rapids, Iowa is one of the worst hit. There are levees but many of them are old and the water has burst through. Farmers are worried because the corn crops have been flooded, which means the U.S. won't have as much corn this year.
Music in Memphis is very different to Nashville. Memphis is home to the blues - your Uncle James' favorite kind of music. He's got SO many blues cds! I can't even begin to tell you how he loves the blues. :-)
On Friday we drove through Arkansas. It was such a difference at the river - the mountains we'd seen in eastern Tennessee were pretty, but now it was flat "river bottom" land, which is rich dark soil. We saw many fields of rice, and hoped that the flooding wouldn't affect these farmers.
Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas, and it is hilly like in Tennessee. We passed Hope, the town where President Clinton was born, and then drove through the southern part of the Ozark Mountains, which are also rolling green mountains.
Texarkana is a town that sits in two states, Texas and Arkansas. They have a street called "State Line Road". The street light poles have flags showing which state they are - in the middle of the street, you're driving on the state line! It was funny.
We played a car game we call "The ABC game". You have to find the letters of the alphabet in order, on signs only, not on other moving cars. I'm pretty good at it, but now the girls are older they try very hard to beat me. Mary Grace won one round, the first time I've been beaten in years. But when we were driving through deep east Texas, in the Piney Woods, there aren't many signs to use for playing! Q is a very tough letter, but if you can find a La Quinta hotel or a Dairy Queen, you've got it made. (that's La keenta, and it means something like a villa or country house)
When we got home, we had a nice evening with Uncle James. We went to see Uncle Glen play jazz at a seafood restaurant. Grandma Trudy and Uncle Ronald met Glen when your Uncle James and I got married. Uncle Ronald and Glen are very alike, I think.
We also went to the girls grandparents place - their Grandma Grace and Pawpaw, which is a Texan way of saying "grandpa". We had breakfast tacos - that's scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon or sausage and a bit of cheese wrapped up in a tortilla. You can add salsa (chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro) if you want it to be spicy. Tastes like home to us! Do you get tortillas in South Africa? It's a Mexican way of making bread, and one of my favorites.
That's a very long post, all for Douglas, all about our trip across the U.S. Let me know if you have any questions or if you would like us to send you any maps or things. I'll get the computer fixed and pictures up when I can.
Oh yeah, this is for Carol: http://www.johnnyclegg.com/ He's wonderful!
Back to the trip, for Douglas. Tuesday we drove through "New England", which is called that because of all the immigrants from England during the late 1600s and 1700s. We saw things like the Thames River in Connecticut, and towns called New this or that. New London, New Haven, etc. I suppose that's where we get new Jersey and new York and new Hampshire too!
In Virginia we saw license plates that proclaimed the 400th birthday of the state. The first settlers came over in 1607. I'm sure that I learned about it in school, but can't remember much now. Jamestown colony perhaps? Maybe you can find out and let me know.
Tennessee is a long rectangle of a state. It took us all day to drive through it. We started in Knoxville, which is very close to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Very pretty area. We camped there once when the girls were really young (Mary Grace wasn't even a year old yet!) but they don't remember it. Then on to Nashville, home to country music. Do you have a country music station in Johannesburg? If not, I'll have to make a cd of some of our favorites and send it along to you.
We passed the birthplace of Davy Crockett, who was a frontiersman. There was a tv show in the 1950s about him, and many boys wore coonskin caps to be like Davy. I think Uncle James and I sent you one once, from the Alamo.
By this time there was a lot of country music on our radio. In Boston, we only have one country music station. But in Nashville there were several to choose from! All along the way it had been green rolling hills, the mountains slowly giving way to hills.
East of Nashville we got in front of a big "oversized" load truck. It was tiered, and looked like a giant chocolate cake with white icing piped along all the edges. I have no idea what it was, but it was coming fast. "Oversized" loads have guide vehicles with lights and flags, at least one in front and one behind. The front one was nearing 80 miles per hour (not sure of the kms) and it kept coming up to us. I could see the truck with the big thing on it and it was scary - I didn't want it to pass us! Eventually I found a Dairy Queen and we pulled off the road for a while. Dairy Queen is a restauant sort of like Wimpy's - they have hamburgers, chicken fingers, and soft serve ice creams. We had ice creams and looked at the map for a bit, then got back out onto the road.
One funny town we passed was named "Bucksnort". I thought it might be a joke, but nope! That's the name! Bucksnort, Tennessee. Birdsong was a much prettier named town further west.
Memphis was the next big city. James had suggested we stop at Land Between the Lakes recreation area, but it was too far north for us. Uncle James had a fishing trip there once and says that it is very green, peaceful and pretty. I didn't get the fishing report though.
So we went on to Memphis. It is named for a city in ancient Egypt. It has a big glass pyramid on the banks of the Mississippi River. Elvis Presley lived in Memphis when he was very famous, and his home is still there for visitors to go see. It's called Graceland. The wait in summer is hours long to get in, so we didn't stop for that either. The girls didn't care much about Elvis anyway. We joked about having fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches for dinner, one of Elvis' favorites.
Memphis has a place called Mud Island, where you can see a scaled replica of the Mississippi River, from its source in Minnesota, all the tributaries and other rivers that feed into it, and all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico at New Orleans. Right now the Mississippi River is flooding quite badly. There was too much rain last month in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. Whole towns have been flooded. Cedar Rapids, Iowa is one of the worst hit. There are levees but many of them are old and the water has burst through. Farmers are worried because the corn crops have been flooded, which means the U.S. won't have as much corn this year.
Music in Memphis is very different to Nashville. Memphis is home to the blues - your Uncle James' favorite kind of music. He's got SO many blues cds! I can't even begin to tell you how he loves the blues. :-)
On Friday we drove through Arkansas. It was such a difference at the river - the mountains we'd seen in eastern Tennessee were pretty, but now it was flat "river bottom" land, which is rich dark soil. We saw many fields of rice, and hoped that the flooding wouldn't affect these farmers.
Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas, and it is hilly like in Tennessee. We passed Hope, the town where President Clinton was born, and then drove through the southern part of the Ozark Mountains, which are also rolling green mountains.
Texarkana is a town that sits in two states, Texas and Arkansas. They have a street called "State Line Road". The street light poles have flags showing which state they are - in the middle of the street, you're driving on the state line! It was funny.
We played a car game we call "The ABC game". You have to find the letters of the alphabet in order, on signs only, not on other moving cars. I'm pretty good at it, but now the girls are older they try very hard to beat me. Mary Grace won one round, the first time I've been beaten in years. But when we were driving through deep east Texas, in the Piney Woods, there aren't many signs to use for playing! Q is a very tough letter, but if you can find a La Quinta hotel or a Dairy Queen, you've got it made. (that's La keenta, and it means something like a villa or country house)
When we got home, we had a nice evening with Uncle James. We went to see Uncle Glen play jazz at a seafood restaurant. Grandma Trudy and Uncle Ronald met Glen when your Uncle James and I got married. Uncle Ronald and Glen are very alike, I think.
We also went to the girls grandparents place - their Grandma Grace and Pawpaw, which is a Texan way of saying "grandpa". We had breakfast tacos - that's scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon or sausage and a bit of cheese wrapped up in a tortilla. You can add salsa (chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro) if you want it to be spicy. Tastes like home to us! Do you get tortillas in South Africa? It's a Mexican way of making bread, and one of my favorites.
That's a very long post, all for Douglas, all about our trip across the U.S. Let me know if you have any questions or if you would like us to send you any maps or things. I'll get the computer fixed and pictures up when I can.
Oh yeah, this is for Carol: http://www.johnnyclegg.com/ He's wonderful!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Delay
There is more to tell about our cross country journey for Douglas to read and follow along on the map - but there's a slight delay. We had to speed up by a day because the girls' grandpa got called back to his job overseas early. I'm exhausted, but we arrived safely and had breakfast with my parents this morning, before they had to leave for the airport.
My computer's got a bit of a problem too - it only recognizes my little MP3 player that James gave me on our anniversary, and not my camera memory stick, not my documents flash drives, or my iPod. It's frustrating! I can't charge up the iPod or download all our trip pictures! We'll head to the computer store on Monday to see if they can fix it, so we can add a slide show of our journey for Douglas to see.
Plans are to see a movie together tonight and go to church together as a family in the morning, something we haven't done since Christmas time. Yay! :-)
My computer's got a bit of a problem too - it only recognizes my little MP3 player that James gave me on our anniversary, and not my camera memory stick, not my documents flash drives, or my iPod. It's frustrating! I can't charge up the iPod or download all our trip pictures! We'll head to the computer store on Monday to see if they can fix it, so we can add a slide show of our journey for Douglas to see.
Plans are to see a movie together tonight and go to church together as a family in the morning, something we haven't done since Christmas time. Yay! :-)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
For Douglas
This post is for my South African nephew, Douglas. I'm desperately jealous of him at the moment, as he and his family are going to a Johnny Clegg concert this weekend. How I wish I was there with you! I'll have a listen to Johnny on my iPod and think of you fondly instead, how's that?
Now for a bit of U.S. geography for you, Douglas. Celia, Mary Grace and I are travelling across the U.S. back to Texas. Uncle James is still there and we miss him lots. It's our summer time, the days have been long and sunny and a bit warm. Have a look at a map, and I'll tell you about our journey.
We started in Massachusetts, where the Pilgrims from England settled back in the 1600s, around the same time as the settlers were coming to South Africa from Holland. The first Thanksgiving was held in Massachusetts. We drove south through Rhode Island, our smallest state. Then we followed the Atlantic coastline through Connecticut and went through New York City. We've never been there, it was amazing. We didn't dare stop, as we might have gotten lost, just went right through. The big buildings of Manhattan we didn't get to see until we were across the river into New Jersey. We drove right past an airport as planes were landing and taking off, which surprised Celia quite a bit.
New Jersey was boring - one long turnpike without much to see. It was getting dark by then, so we played with the radio a lot. After paying the toll, we were over a bridge and into Delaware, which was the first state to form when the colonists won the war against King George III in 1776. We stayed just over the state line in Maryland last night. How many states in one day's drive? Crazy, huh?
So many states in just a few hours drive, really made me laugh. Texas is so big that it takes all day to get out of just that one state. I'm not used to driving through so many states all in one day. But there is lots of history and interesting things. New Jersey is called "the garden state", perhaps because it is so green and lush. Maryland has the Chesapeake Bay, and they are famous for their crabs and other seafood.
Today we drove through three states - Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia. It was a very long day, but very pretty. We were driving through the middle of the Appalachian Mountains, rolling green scenery. Much different to the fierce majesty of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, which we've visited years ago. We saw lots of cattle and horses, a few sheep, and I caught sight of one big rabbit in the fresh mown grass in between the highways.
Tomorrow we'll be driving through Tennessee - home to Nashville and all things country music, as well as Memphis which is home to the blues (which your Uncle James is crazy about) and yummy bbq ribs (it's not chops on the braai, but it makes Americans very happy). People talk different here in the south of the U.S. - we've heard people saying "y'all" again and there are honeysuckle vines, Sonic Drive-Ins and Krispy Kreme Donuts... well at least those are the things your cousins are excited about!
I'll try to add a slide show of our pictures once we get to Houston so you can see some of our journey. Much love to everyone in South Africa and enjoy the concert!
Now for a bit of U.S. geography for you, Douglas. Celia, Mary Grace and I are travelling across the U.S. back to Texas. Uncle James is still there and we miss him lots. It's our summer time, the days have been long and sunny and a bit warm. Have a look at a map, and I'll tell you about our journey.
We started in Massachusetts, where the Pilgrims from England settled back in the 1600s, around the same time as the settlers were coming to South Africa from Holland. The first Thanksgiving was held in Massachusetts. We drove south through Rhode Island, our smallest state. Then we followed the Atlantic coastline through Connecticut and went through New York City. We've never been there, it was amazing. We didn't dare stop, as we might have gotten lost, just went right through. The big buildings of Manhattan we didn't get to see until we were across the river into New Jersey. We drove right past an airport as planes were landing and taking off, which surprised Celia quite a bit.
New Jersey was boring - one long turnpike without much to see. It was getting dark by then, so we played with the radio a lot. After paying the toll, we were over a bridge and into Delaware, which was the first state to form when the colonists won the war against King George III in 1776. We stayed just over the state line in Maryland last night. How many states in one day's drive? Crazy, huh?
So many states in just a few hours drive, really made me laugh. Texas is so big that it takes all day to get out of just that one state. I'm not used to driving through so many states all in one day. But there is lots of history and interesting things. New Jersey is called "the garden state", perhaps because it is so green and lush. Maryland has the Chesapeake Bay, and they are famous for their crabs and other seafood.
Today we drove through three states - Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia. It was a very long day, but very pretty. We were driving through the middle of the Appalachian Mountains, rolling green scenery. Much different to the fierce majesty of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, which we've visited years ago. We saw lots of cattle and horses, a few sheep, and I caught sight of one big rabbit in the fresh mown grass in between the highways.
Tomorrow we'll be driving through Tennessee - home to Nashville and all things country music, as well as Memphis which is home to the blues (which your Uncle James is crazy about) and yummy bbq ribs (it's not chops on the braai, but it makes Americans very happy). People talk different here in the south of the U.S. - we've heard people saying "y'all" again and there are honeysuckle vines, Sonic Drive-Ins and Krispy Kreme Donuts... well at least those are the things your cousins are excited about!
I'll try to add a slide show of our pictures once we get to Houston so you can see some of our journey. Much love to everyone in South Africa and enjoy the concert!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Annual Conference, chapter four
Yes, I know... I'm a geek when it comes to church stuff. So I'll start with the everyday news. We finally have a break in the heat. It's been hot and humid the past four days. Yesterday several schools had early release because of the heat - they don't have central cooling in the schools up here as they do in Texas. Last night a storm blew through. Our town only got the wind, not the rain. I was out at 1am protecting my plants and taking down the wind chime.
Last night I ordered a pizza for the girls - a Final Exams week treat. We haven't ordered out pizza since... well... about a year I think. A slice from Papa Gino's back in September, but other than that we made our own.
It made my mouth water. It tasted great. But I forgot my own musings about "listening to your body". This morning my body is clearly saying "you don't NEED the pizza. There is no nutrition in the pizza. Don't eat the pizza." ~sigh~
Now, on to Annual Conference thoughts.
Monday night worship – choir from Cote d’Ivoire and Bishop Peter Storey from Methodist Church of Southern Africa – marvelous challenge to the church in the United States. Wish I could remember everything he said now. I should have been taking notes! But I was enjoying worshipping with my husband for the first time since Christmas eve. A small happiness perhaps, but sitting next to my husband and holding his hand during prayers is one of life’s greatest joys.
Tuesday morning – Bible study with Dr. John Holbert. Lovely, deep, rich voice. Told the story of Jonah as “risk taking mission” in such a way that it was convicting and convincing. I will never read the book of Jonah again the same way. Jonah means “dove” but his attitude and behavior were anything but peaceful. He was selfish and stingy with the word of the Lord. Not exactly a model for risk taking mission! So – the question that comes to me is – in what way has the word of the Lord come to me and I haven’t acted on it? Where is my Tarshish? Who are the pagan sailors in my life, those who are convicted of the truth of God, who offer sacrifices while I sit in the belly of the whale and complain? Who are those who hear a tiny (seven words!) sermon and repent, while I go off and complain? Next time I start complaining to God with all my selfish and petty concerns, may the voice of John Holbert rise up in my ears and stop me.
Tuesday evening – Perkins Alumni and Friends dinner – work on the new building, new faculty, and endowments for student scholarships. Great leadership from Dean Lawrence, newly elected to the Judicial Council. If his leadership at Perkins is any indication, we can expect dedicated, energetic and well informed service from him on Judicial Council.
Last night I ordered a pizza for the girls - a Final Exams week treat. We haven't ordered out pizza since... well... about a year I think. A slice from Papa Gino's back in September, but other than that we made our own.
It made my mouth water. It tasted great. But I forgot my own musings about "listening to your body". This morning my body is clearly saying "you don't NEED the pizza. There is no nutrition in the pizza. Don't eat the pizza." ~sigh~
Now, on to Annual Conference thoughts.
Monday night worship – choir from Cote d’Ivoire and Bishop Peter Storey from Methodist Church of Southern Africa – marvelous challenge to the church in the United States. Wish I could remember everything he said now. I should have been taking notes! But I was enjoying worshipping with my husband for the first time since Christmas eve. A small happiness perhaps, but sitting next to my husband and holding his hand during prayers is one of life’s greatest joys.
Tuesday morning – Bible study with Dr. John Holbert. Lovely, deep, rich voice. Told the story of Jonah as “risk taking mission” in such a way that it was convicting and convincing. I will never read the book of Jonah again the same way. Jonah means “dove” but his attitude and behavior were anything but peaceful. He was selfish and stingy with the word of the Lord. Not exactly a model for risk taking mission! So – the question that comes to me is – in what way has the word of the Lord come to me and I haven’t acted on it? Where is my Tarshish? Who are the pagan sailors in my life, those who are convicted of the truth of God, who offer sacrifices while I sit in the belly of the whale and complain? Who are those who hear a tiny (seven words!) sermon and repent, while I go off and complain? Next time I start complaining to God with all my selfish and petty concerns, may the voice of John Holbert rise up in my ears and stop me.
Tuesday evening – Perkins Alumni and Friends dinner – work on the new building, new faculty, and endowments for student scholarships. Great leadership from Dean Lawrence, newly elected to the Judicial Council. If his leadership at Perkins is any indication, we can expect dedicated, energetic and well informed service from him on Judicial Council.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Poetry and Writers
One of my favorite things is Garrison Keillor's Writer's Almanac. http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/
Today is the birthday of Maurice Sendak who wrote Where the Wild Things Are, one of my most favorite books ever. That book is what got me reading to Celia's kindergarten class, and reading to other children as she grew up and didn't need me reading her to sleep any more. One of my favorite sermons is reading Where the Wild Things Are to the congregation, all of them thinking they are adults, but really just children of God, who need to be told the story again... and again.
Today is the birthday of Maurice Sendak who wrote Where the Wild Things Are, one of my most favorite books ever. That book is what got me reading to Celia's kindergarten class, and reading to other children as she grew up and didn't need me reading her to sleep any more. One of my favorite sermons is reading Where the Wild Things Are to the congregation, all of them thinking they are adults, but really just children of God, who need to be told the story again... and again.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Woohoo!
Just a little celebration ~go me...go me...~ that I finally managed to get a hyperlink in a post done right. Thank you RevGalBlogPals for teaching me how!
And this quote just captures so much:
"The gentle reader will never, never know what a consummate ass he can become, until he goes abroad." Mark Twain
And this quote just captures so much:
"The gentle reader will never, never know what a consummate ass he can become, until he goes abroad." Mark Twain
Annual Conference, verse three
Still mulling over Annual Conference....
Monday (Memorial Day here in the states) was the first full day of Annual Conference. We opened with the Clergy Session at The Woodlands UMC. Unfortunately, the sign language interpreter did not get the list of traditional questions asked at the clergy session – all of which are answered with lists of names. She needed the spelling of those names, as the person speaking usually knows the clergy and zips through the list quickly. Fingerspelling is a slow process, no matter how fast your fingers work! I went to the back and found her the lists. One of our clergy delegates has a hearing loss that most would not notice. She does just fine in small groups or one on one conversation, but in large settings like Annual Conference, the interpreter is essential for her to catch the whole presentation or speech. One of our lay delegates is Deaf and depends on American Sign Language as her primary language. We have two main interpreters, and on the first day of Conference one goes to the clergy session and one to the laity session. Hard work for our interpreters. They interpret the music so beautifully. I am grateful for their ministry.
The Clergy session is where voting for commissioned members and ordination in full connection happens. It is the culmination of years of work and preparation for ordination. Commissioned elders and deacons will serve under supervision and with the support of covenant groups until ordination in full connection. We used to be called "probationary" and had to work for three years before being considered for ordination. This year at General Conference, they have changed the name to "provisional" elder and deacon. They also shortened the process by a year, which I think is fine. With a clergy mentor and a covenant group, it's a good process. This year dear friends, some of whom worked with great diligence and difficulty through the process were being voted into their order. The papers and oral examination by the Board of Ordained Ministry can be rigorous and exhausting. The look on their faces, shining and humbled, said it all.
Bishop Huie’s Episcopal Address during opening worship - wonderful as always - set the business session in a different tenor than in years past. After last General Conference, I recall that the mood was tense, every one waiting to see how our Conference would play out the divisive issues – would we argue and split or would we hold to the center? This time we are worshipping together – not set one side against the other with the majority in the middle praying we won’t lose sight of what is really important with all our arguing. No, this time we are pointed clearly in the direction of worship and getting to the practices of effective ministry. Gen-X Missional Wesleyan wrote about the difference between leaders and managers and I agree with him.
This morning (June 8) at worship, the children led the entire service. It was great! I had no idea that the senior high class would be preaching. My daughter, up there in the pulpit and me, out there in the congregation! I was surprised, pleased and so proud. She's amazing.
Monday (Memorial Day here in the states) was the first full day of Annual Conference. We opened with the Clergy Session at The Woodlands UMC. Unfortunately, the sign language interpreter did not get the list of traditional questions asked at the clergy session – all of which are answered with lists of names. She needed the spelling of those names, as the person speaking usually knows the clergy and zips through the list quickly. Fingerspelling is a slow process, no matter how fast your fingers work! I went to the back and found her the lists. One of our clergy delegates has a hearing loss that most would not notice. She does just fine in small groups or one on one conversation, but in large settings like Annual Conference, the interpreter is essential for her to catch the whole presentation or speech. One of our lay delegates is Deaf and depends on American Sign Language as her primary language. We have two main interpreters, and on the first day of Conference one goes to the clergy session and one to the laity session. Hard work for our interpreters. They interpret the music so beautifully. I am grateful for their ministry.
The Clergy session is where voting for commissioned members and ordination in full connection happens. It is the culmination of years of work and preparation for ordination. Commissioned elders and deacons will serve under supervision and with the support of covenant groups until ordination in full connection. We used to be called "probationary" and had to work for three years before being considered for ordination. This year at General Conference, they have changed the name to "provisional" elder and deacon. They also shortened the process by a year, which I think is fine. With a clergy mentor and a covenant group, it's a good process. This year dear friends, some of whom worked with great diligence and difficulty through the process were being voted into their order. The papers and oral examination by the Board of Ordained Ministry can be rigorous and exhausting. The look on their faces, shining and humbled, said it all.
Bishop Huie’s Episcopal Address during opening worship - wonderful as always - set the business session in a different tenor than in years past. After last General Conference, I recall that the mood was tense, every one waiting to see how our Conference would play out the divisive issues – would we argue and split or would we hold to the center? This time we are worshipping together – not set one side against the other with the majority in the middle praying we won’t lose sight of what is really important with all our arguing. No, this time we are pointed clearly in the direction of worship and getting to the practices of effective ministry. Gen-X Missional Wesleyan wrote about the difference between leaders and managers and I agree with him.
This morning (June 8) at worship, the children led the entire service. It was great! I had no idea that the senior high class would be preaching. My daughter, up there in the pulpit and me, out there in the congregation! I was surprised, pleased and so proud. She's amazing.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Bookshelf
One thing that is really hard about having homes in two places (aside from being apart from my husband) is that my books are in two places.
I collect books like other women collect pretty plates or jewelry. I love reading and re-reading my books.
Tonight I went through the ones here in Boston and put them on my "Shelfari". When I get to Houston, I'll add the rest. I own the complete works of Agatha Christie, all of Laura Ingalls Wilder, a bunch of Nancy Drew books, as well as lots of theology. Some of my favorites are what we've kept from when the girls were young enough to be read to each evening. I miss that.
The local high school graduation ceremony is tonight. Celia and I saw the football field preparations when I picked her up from violin lesson. Two years from now, we'll be sitting there watching her graduate. For tonight though, she's off to a friend's house for pizza and Rock Band. Lucky me, she's getting a ride home. I just don't have the energy to be out driving tonight.
The Boston basketball team is in the playoffs or something. My upstairs neighbor watches all the Boston sports teams. Last night's game must have run late and been very exciting, if the expletives and applause are any measure. Just as I dropped off to sleep, something worth cussing or cheering would happen...rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat.
I'm going to cuddle up with one of my books now, and hope that the basketball game is NOT on tonight. Sleep is beckoning, and dreams of Jamie and Claire await......
I collect books like other women collect pretty plates or jewelry. I love reading and re-reading my books.
Tonight I went through the ones here in Boston and put them on my "Shelfari". When I get to Houston, I'll add the rest. I own the complete works of Agatha Christie, all of Laura Ingalls Wilder, a bunch of Nancy Drew books, as well as lots of theology. Some of my favorites are what we've kept from when the girls were young enough to be read to each evening. I miss that.
The local high school graduation ceremony is tonight. Celia and I saw the football field preparations when I picked her up from violin lesson. Two years from now, we'll be sitting there watching her graduate. For tonight though, she's off to a friend's house for pizza and Rock Band. Lucky me, she's getting a ride home. I just don't have the energy to be out driving tonight.
The Boston basketball team is in the playoffs or something. My upstairs neighbor watches all the Boston sports teams. Last night's game must have run late and been very exciting, if the expletives and applause are any measure. Just as I dropped off to sleep, something worth cussing or cheering would happen...rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat.
I'm going to cuddle up with one of my books now, and hope that the basketball game is NOT on tonight. Sleep is beckoning, and dreams of Jamie and Claire await......
Random
Your regularly scheduled Annual Conference blog posts will be back shortly.
Random stuff in my head today:
It's June. The temps here haven't made it out of the 50's in four days. Woohoo! I've never lived in a place that has highs in the 50s in June. It's cool!
There are way more sparrows than other birds. At least at the feeders in Boston and Houston.
I worry about freckles and moles. Should go see a dermatologist once a year. Can't wait for the insurance to get sorted out. It's past time for another mammogram too. I don't want to worry if something weird is growing in there, especially after last year. Wish the doctor would call with the pap results.
Weight. ARGH!!! I don't have a scale in my house and now I know why. It's exactly the same number that it has been for the past two and a half years. It's beyond frustrating!
Have I not completely changed my diet and lifestyle? Twice or more a week Whataburger lunch? No more. Once a week Tex Mex lunch? No more. Greasy pizza buffet? No more. Twice a week or more Starbucks? Down to once a month or less. Use more vinaigrette than ranch dressing. Cut out carbonated drinks altogether.
I take the stairs whenever possible. Drink plenty of water. Started a regular exercise program. Eat more salads. And yet .... there is it.... that number.... mocking me! ~sigh~
James and the girls said (independent of each other) "muscle weighs more than fat". Ok, fine. So explain how that number can be EXACTLY the same? Sheesh.
I can just hear James cueing up his best Scar (from Lion King) imitation... "Life's not fair!" and he's SO right.
Random stuff in my head today:
It's June. The temps here haven't made it out of the 50's in four days. Woohoo! I've never lived in a place that has highs in the 50s in June. It's cool!
There are way more sparrows than other birds. At least at the feeders in Boston and Houston.
I worry about freckles and moles. Should go see a dermatologist once a year. Can't wait for the insurance to get sorted out. It's past time for another mammogram too. I don't want to worry if something weird is growing in there, especially after last year. Wish the doctor would call with the pap results.
Weight. ARGH!!! I don't have a scale in my house and now I know why. It's exactly the same number that it has been for the past two and a half years. It's beyond frustrating!
Have I not completely changed my diet and lifestyle? Twice or more a week Whataburger lunch? No more. Once a week Tex Mex lunch? No more. Greasy pizza buffet? No more. Twice a week or more Starbucks? Down to once a month or less. Use more vinaigrette than ranch dressing. Cut out carbonated drinks altogether.
I take the stairs whenever possible. Drink plenty of water. Started a regular exercise program. Eat more salads. And yet .... there is it.... that number.... mocking me! ~sigh~
James and the girls said (independent of each other) "muscle weighs more than fat". Ok, fine. So explain how that number can be EXACTLY the same? Sheesh.
I can just hear James cueing up his best Scar (from Lion King) imitation... "Life's not fair!" and he's SO right.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Annual Conference, next verse please
Sunday morning in Houston I went to worship at a church where a few years ago, I was youth director. I had no idea how many years ago! One of my then junior high students is now graduating and will be attending my undergrad alma mater as an elementary education major. Another one of my then junior high students will be President of the rather large high school band next year - her senior year! They have grown into wonderful young women. (Meanwhile, I haven't aged a bit....)
Sunday evening worship at Annual Conference was the Memorial Service for the clergy and clergy spouses who died since last Annual Conference. I'm glad they moved this to the first service. Our preacher was Matt Idom, currently pastor at First UMC Bryan. He was funny, touching, made me think and did a good job of weaving together the scripture and honoring the memory of those who have gone before.
We always begin Annual Conference with “And Are We Yet Alive?” a traditional bit of Methodism. Hearing the whole gathering – clergy, laity and friends – singing so enthusiastically is uplifting. It stirs the soul to hear voices truly raised in praise and joy. Not the sound of those who are wondering what the tune is, or what do these old words mean, or what page is that hymn on again?
All too often we worship without connecting to the congregation – do they know the hymns? Have we taken the time to learn them together? Have we explained the terminology? Seriously, does anyone know what it means “here I raise mine Ebenezer”? I love that hymn and what it means, but my guess is that the vast majority of the congregation is thinking about Scrooge and not the scripture reference! How can you sing as Wesley directed if you don’t know what the words mean?
Wesley’s Rules for Singing are at the front of every United Methodist Hymnal – sing lustily and with good courage! If you don’t know what you’re saying, you can’t follow that rule. I guess I’m calling for United Methodists to teach each other all the marvelous theology and diverse styles of music which is in our hymnal. Oh that everyone could experience worship like we have at Annual Conference!
About that Ebenezer - have a look at 1 Samuel 7.
7 When the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it they were afraid of the Philistines. 8The people of Israel said to Samuel, ‘Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, and pray that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.’ 9So Samuel took a sucking lamb and offered it as a whole burnt-offering to the Lord; Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 10As Samuel was offering up the burnt-offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel; but the Lord thundered with a mighty voice that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion; and they were routed before Israel. 11And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and struck them down as far as beyond Beth-car.
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah,* and named it Ebenezer;* for he said, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’ 13So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel; the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14The towns that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites.
15 Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 16He went on a circuit year by year to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah; and he judged Israel in all these places. 17Then he would come back to Ramah, for his home was there; he administered justice there to Israel, and built there an altar to the Lord.
The Israelites looked to their leader to intercede for them. When the conflict was over, that same leader raised a monument - an Ebenezer - because the Lord helped them. According to the Tanakh, the term Ebenezer means "stone of help". A memorial, a stone to remember God's help.
So then, to Robert Robinson's hymn (number 400 in the UM Hymnal, at least until 2008) titled Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - perhaps it will inspire you now that you know more about old Ebenezer!
Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming grace.
Here I raise mine Ebenezer, hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
Thank you Mr. Robinson. The old language rarely connects with my soul, but this hymn sings my heart out to God. Prone to wander? Oh my yes. But by the good pleasure of God, I will make it home yet.
What's your Ebenezer?
Sunday evening worship at Annual Conference was the Memorial Service for the clergy and clergy spouses who died since last Annual Conference. I'm glad they moved this to the first service. Our preacher was Matt Idom, currently pastor at First UMC Bryan. He was funny, touching, made me think and did a good job of weaving together the scripture and honoring the memory of those who have gone before.
We always begin Annual Conference with “And Are We Yet Alive?” a traditional bit of Methodism. Hearing the whole gathering – clergy, laity and friends – singing so enthusiastically is uplifting. It stirs the soul to hear voices truly raised in praise and joy. Not the sound of those who are wondering what the tune is, or what do these old words mean, or what page is that hymn on again?
All too often we worship without connecting to the congregation – do they know the hymns? Have we taken the time to learn them together? Have we explained the terminology? Seriously, does anyone know what it means “here I raise mine Ebenezer”? I love that hymn and what it means, but my guess is that the vast majority of the congregation is thinking about Scrooge and not the scripture reference! How can you sing as Wesley directed if you don’t know what the words mean?
Wesley’s Rules for Singing are at the front of every United Methodist Hymnal – sing lustily and with good courage! If you don’t know what you’re saying, you can’t follow that rule. I guess I’m calling for United Methodists to teach each other all the marvelous theology and diverse styles of music which is in our hymnal. Oh that everyone could experience worship like we have at Annual Conference!
About that Ebenezer - have a look at 1 Samuel 7.
7 When the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it they were afraid of the Philistines. 8The people of Israel said to Samuel, ‘Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, and pray that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.’ 9So Samuel took a sucking lamb and offered it as a whole burnt-offering to the Lord; Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 10As Samuel was offering up the burnt-offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel; but the Lord thundered with a mighty voice that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion; and they were routed before Israel. 11And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and struck them down as far as beyond Beth-car.
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah,* and named it Ebenezer;* for he said, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’ 13So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel; the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14The towns that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites.
15 Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 16He went on a circuit year by year to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah; and he judged Israel in all these places. 17Then he would come back to Ramah, for his home was there; he administered justice there to Israel, and built there an altar to the Lord.
The Israelites looked to their leader to intercede for them. When the conflict was over, that same leader raised a monument - an Ebenezer - because the Lord helped them. According to the Tanakh, the term Ebenezer means "stone of help". A memorial, a stone to remember God's help.
So then, to Robert Robinson's hymn (number 400 in the UM Hymnal, at least until 2008) titled Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - perhaps it will inspire you now that you know more about old Ebenezer!
Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming grace.
Here I raise mine Ebenezer, hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
Thank you Mr. Robinson. The old language rarely connects with my soul, but this hymn sings my heart out to God. Prone to wander? Oh my yes. But by the good pleasure of God, I will make it home yet.
What's your Ebenezer?
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Annual Conference and Other Stuff
Last week I was in Houston for Annual Conference - for you non-United Methodists out there, that's the term for our geographic area (east Texas) and for our once a year meeting with all the clergy from our area and lay representatives from every church in our area. I was glad to go, since I love Annual Conference week, and because I got to stay with James!
Arrived on Saturday 24th, a day full of small happinesses. Shopping together, James treating me to new cell phone, so cute and pink! A tour of his new offices and warehouse – suits him so much, very neat and tidy. Picking out a few groceries together, grilling steaks and corn for dinner. He made me a cup of herbal tea with local honey when my cough started up again. Small happinesses. Years ago he told me that it was the small things all added up that make a difference in life. Certainly spending time doing the everyday things of life with my husband is a well of small happinesses. Oh yeah, don’t forget the Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate ice cream! My, oh my, how I’ve missed Blue Bell ice cream.
Yesterday was our eighth wedding anniversary. The local grocery store has started carrying Appletizer, so the girls and I toasted with a glass of bubbly apple juice, a real taste of South Africa. Yummy. Just like our wedding was more than the day, the celebration this year has been spread out over several days too. Wonderful! We are very blessed.
More posts about Annual Conference and running in Houston to come.
Arrived on Saturday 24th, a day full of small happinesses. Shopping together, James treating me to new cell phone, so cute and pink! A tour of his new offices and warehouse – suits him so much, very neat and tidy. Picking out a few groceries together, grilling steaks and corn for dinner. He made me a cup of herbal tea with local honey when my cough started up again. Small happinesses. Years ago he told me that it was the small things all added up that make a difference in life. Certainly spending time doing the everyday things of life with my husband is a well of small happinesses. Oh yeah, don’t forget the Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate ice cream! My, oh my, how I’ve missed Blue Bell ice cream.
Yesterday was our eighth wedding anniversary. The local grocery store has started carrying Appletizer, so the girls and I toasted with a glass of bubbly apple juice, a real taste of South Africa. Yummy. Just like our wedding was more than the day, the celebration this year has been spread out over several days too. Wonderful! We are very blessed.
More posts about Annual Conference and running in Houston to come.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Too Busy To Blog
It's been a whirlwind week. Seeing my husband again, Annual Conference, doctor visits, catching up with family and friends, and a little work thrown in as well. Whew. There is much to write about, which I hope to do whilst on the plane back to Boston. Got in a couple more runs while in Houston, so there's that too.
Meanwhile, my iPod is charging (and full of James' music library now!) and I've got to get my bags organized for the flight. Reading to do and much writing. I'm glad for a four hour block of work. Can't wait to see my girls again. Our plans are for a fancy dinner out to say "thank you" to Grandma (who has been caring for them in my absence) and to celebrate our anniversary. It's always been a family celebration until this year, with the family two thousand miles apart.
I'm enjoying the people watching at the airport. The young couple in matching blue "Honeymooners" t-shirts, the family with baby in a snugli carrier, the teens with their crammed backpacks, the business travellers off to work, the girl with the big stuffed ladybug, the guy comparing his iPod and DVD player to my computer, iPod, cell phone that plays music and my new tiny MP3 player - such a wide variety of people and styles of travelling!
Meanwhile, my iPod is charging (and full of James' music library now!) and I've got to get my bags organized for the flight. Reading to do and much writing. I'm glad for a four hour block of work. Can't wait to see my girls again. Our plans are for a fancy dinner out to say "thank you" to Grandma (who has been caring for them in my absence) and to celebrate our anniversary. It's always been a family celebration until this year, with the family two thousand miles apart.
I'm enjoying the people watching at the airport. The young couple in matching blue "Honeymooners" t-shirts, the family with baby in a snugli carrier, the teens with their crammed backpacks, the business travellers off to work, the girl with the big stuffed ladybug, the guy comparing his iPod and DVD player to my computer, iPod, cell phone that plays music and my new tiny MP3 player - such a wide variety of people and styles of travelling!
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