SWB: Bread and water are calling

Image Despondent found at blog Julie Oakley.

In light of a very busy July through August and almost September - I feel that in my heart, mind and body the bread of sleeping and the rest of water is calling loud in my ears.

I'm listening. Yes I am.

In the past week, the areas of life that have left me despondent were:

comments of criticism in an area that I thought(and know)I'd done a good job in. One of those can't made all the people happy all the time kind of things.

distance from my discipline of physical exercise due to an unusual schedule last week.

my frustration and impatience over a groups inflexibility in a comparatively small issue in a small arena, when huge conflict surrounding a hot topic issue and its real life effects to people and relationships are surrounding me and challenging me on too many levels.

my son's tumble off his bike earlier today, that may call for a doctor's check and a wrist x-ray in the morning instead of heading to the water park as I'd planned.

unexpected wheezy breathing and a migraine that won't quite give up over the last two days.

Cannoli image found at foodiebytes.

In the past week, the areas that gave me great comfort and joy were:

Watching a group of kids play a muddy game of Ga-ga ball with no thought of the suit of mud they were wearing at the end of the afternoon. I loved their ability to be in the moment of fun and play.

The patience of my family and friends in a very busy week and the support and encouragement they poured into me.

Singing and dancing without inhibition with 70 vbs kids all last week. "This little light of mine..."

The commitment of 26 volunteers that carried the activities of VBS and all that in involved in supporting a program for seventy children! Thank you all!

Seeing the children I've taught Bible lessons too all week immerse themselves in their imagination and the beauty of God's love letter to each one of them.

Enjoying cannoli and conversation at our ELCA New Orleans team reunion on Saturday night.

Laughter, laughter and laughter.

Oh and an unsolicited hug from my teenage daughter when she just knew I needed it.

I'm taking a few days to recharge my batteries. I'm heading towards the water as soon as possible. Even just looking at the water rise and fall will help to soothe the rough patches and bring more bread to the surface of my life.

Image found at blog See Katy Run.

May you too find water and bread all around you this week.
Peace.

Sunny and rainy day friends

There are two kinds of friends in the world: Sunny day friends and rainy day friends. This is a statement that my Mom used to remind me of when I was in the midst of drama or conflict with one school friend of another. There are lots of people that we define as friends, but they are really acquaintances. Two men were out hunting in the northern U.S. Suddenly one yelled and the other looked up to see a grizzly charging them. The first started to frantically put on his tennis shoes and his friend anxiously asked, "What are you doing? Don't you know you can't outrun a grizzly bear?" "I don't have to outrun a grizzly. I just have to outrun you!" This story is funny, but it does help define the distinct difference between a rainy day friend and a sunny day friend. The sunny-day-friend is more concerned with watching out for their own health and wellness, than their friends' wellbeing. On the other hand, a rainy day friend is willing to take risks, work fo

FCE - Dog stroke in spine

Kahlúa is our 15 year old dog that we adopted from the Humane Society when she was four. She joined our family and has been with us for eleven years so far. This morning we found her laying on the carpet in the dining room and was unable to get up and go outside. After letting her rest for a few hours, I gave her some bread to eat and she got up. She was wobbly so I scooped her up and took her outside to go to the bathroom. She managed to remain standing for a few minutes, but was back down quickly. Her back legs did not want to support her even though she was trying to walk. By this point, she had begin to cry so I called the vet and they said to bring her in for an evaluation. My kids and I tearfully wrapped her up in a blanket and drove to the vet. It seemed as if we were sitting in the waiting room forever. The vet told me that her heart, eye function, and lungs were great - also taking into consideration her age of 15! The problem seemed to be FCE - firocartilanginous embolism: w

Gifts we have to give

So often people will think of the areas of life that they fall short or what may need some improvement. I think there is some wisdom in knowing where we need some work as humans, but I also feel it is equally important to learn, foster and use the gifts each one of us are instilled with. So here is the challenge or question that I'd like to present: "What gift(s) has God given to you that can be used in the care and ministry of loving others?" How have you seen that gift used in the past? How would you like to use it? If you dream big and I dream big together - how could God work in that big pool of gifts in the lives of others??? Let's share our gifts today and dream of what they can accomplish for God's purpose! 1 Peter 4:8-10 (New International Version) 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,

Uphill idealist

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