Yesterday John and I began the horrible task of cleaning up our office, and I quickly got sidetracked when I found one of my old calendars. It was the June 2013- June 2014 calendar and I had wondered where I had stashed it because it wasn't with the other ones.
So I began to look through it, knowing I was walking into some sadder times in my life. For in that year, as a family, we faced two deaths which were very painful. Gus died in November, actually coming up on that anniversary, and Sarah died on Gus' 25th birthday. Both of them were family, one blood, one emotionally, and both died way too young. Both were intelligent, loved life and touched many lives. Both are missed everyday. There are and will be times that the grief is overwhelming, no matter the years that pass. However, there are also times when remembering them brings laughter, joy and love and I rejoice that they were a part of my life, even for such a short time.
Such thoughts at this time of year make for a weird kind of thankfulness. Thankfulness and grief do not usually share the same page during this time of the year. In this season of thankfulness, we give thanks for the beauty which surrounds us, the blessings of family, a warm home, and the privileges we have received or gained in life. We give thanks for our faith in God, a faith which Frederick Buechner writes should be a verb, faith should be active and alive in our lives. Buechner also writes that Jesus took the hand of Jarius' daughter and said, Talith cumi,"Little girl, get up", giving us the hope that death isn't the end, even before Jesus resurrected. The words and and actions of Jesus give us hope and thankfulness, even in death.
This is our season of thankfulness, and our thankfulness includes the saints of our past who have taught, touched, and shepherded our lives, making us who we are. Our challenge is if we are using the tools they gave us to make a difference in the world.
Peace.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Saturday, August 19, 2017
This morning, as I was fixing breakfast, John motioned me to the window. Across our backyard, there was a majestic doe walking. Following back a ways was her fawn. Suddenly, fawn kicked up his back legs and started prancing and dancing in our yard! The fawn kicked and bucked and wiggled across the yard in total abandon. It was a cross between "Dance like no one is watching" and Bambi going out into the meadow for the first time! Then, about 10:00, again I was at the kitchen window, and there was a hummingbird zooming around the Butterfly Bush, landing and eating, then zooming again! We have had many butterflies this season, but had not seen a hummingbird until today.
Not that everyday isn't, but this morning was truly a gift from God. A gift I needed for my spirit. These gifts, the simple gifts of nature sharing its life with me were gifts that gave me hope, especially as the news was on in the background. These days it is hard to try and be informed about the world and not get sucked into the vortex of politics. It is hard to sit and watch violence in a beautiful city which is 90 minutes from my house, knowing that I was planning on being there, knowing that my friends were there in the middle of the fray, and I was praying for their safety as well as the safety of all who were there. It is a struggle that as a female in 2017, I hear the voice which cries that 100 year old statutes are offensive and not necessary, but the historian in me doesn't want them destroyed and doesn't want history rewritten. As a people, since Old Testament times, we have sought ways to put down another class or race for our own gain; we have pushed and demanded our way because we feel that as white Christians it is the right way. We have enslaved people, we have disrespected people due to their color, their sex or their sexual orientation. We need to remember these not so proud moments in our history and learn from them. We must correct our ways and set a pattern for the next generation to be better than we are. If we don't, then we are no better than the generations past.
With those thoughts on my mind, and they have been mulling around in my brain for a long time, today I was gifted with witnessing beauty and nature at its finest and rejoicing. Such a gift doesn't cause me to downplay the violence and horror in the world, but it does comfort me as I seek God's guidance on how to deal with such atrocities. When I notice the little things, a sunset, a laughing baby, or a fawn dancing in my backyard, I know that the world won't be perfect, but I am renewed in the faith that God will always be in control, in spite of of what we think or do. Slow down, look around, and see them for yourself, find your own renewal.
Olivia
Noticing the little things
This morning, as I was fixing breakfast, John motioned me to the window. Across our backyard, there was a majestic doe walking. Following back a ways was her fawn. Suddenly, fawn kicked up his back legs and started prancing and dancing in our yard! The fawn kicked and bucked and wiggled across the yard in total abandon. It was a cross between "Dance like no one is watching" and Bambi going out into the meadow for the first time! Then, about 10:00, again I was at the kitchen window, and there was a hummingbird zooming around the Butterfly Bush, landing and eating, then zooming again! We have had many butterflies this season, but had not seen a hummingbird until today.
Not that everyday isn't, but this morning was truly a gift from God. A gift I needed for my spirit. These gifts, the simple gifts of nature sharing its life with me were gifts that gave me hope, especially as the news was on in the background. These days it is hard to try and be informed about the world and not get sucked into the vortex of politics. It is hard to sit and watch violence in a beautiful city which is 90 minutes from my house, knowing that I was planning on being there, knowing that my friends were there in the middle of the fray, and I was praying for their safety as well as the safety of all who were there. It is a struggle that as a female in 2017, I hear the voice which cries that 100 year old statutes are offensive and not necessary, but the historian in me doesn't want them destroyed and doesn't want history rewritten. As a people, since Old Testament times, we have sought ways to put down another class or race for our own gain; we have pushed and demanded our way because we feel that as white Christians it is the right way. We have enslaved people, we have disrespected people due to their color, their sex or their sexual orientation. We need to remember these not so proud moments in our history and learn from them. We must correct our ways and set a pattern for the next generation to be better than we are. If we don't, then we are no better than the generations past.
With those thoughts on my mind, and they have been mulling around in my brain for a long time, today I was gifted with witnessing beauty and nature at its finest and rejoicing. Such a gift doesn't cause me to downplay the violence and horror in the world, but it does comfort me as I seek God's guidance on how to deal with such atrocities. When I notice the little things, a sunset, a laughing baby, or a fawn dancing in my backyard, I know that the world won't be perfect, but I am renewed in the faith that God will always be in control, in spite of of what we think or do. Slow down, look around, and see them for yourself, find your own renewal.
Olivia
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
What do we have time for?
Trevor Noah, host of "The Daily Show" has a re-occurring segment entitled "Ain't Got Time For That!" He reports on the news, issues like executive orders, what Congress has voted on, and other news, but says, "We ain't got time for that" because of some tweet our President has posted, or some comment that Kellyann Conway or Sean Spicer has said.
Well, I began to think, What do we have time for? We live in a fast paced world and society, where we read Facebook posts about "remembering when we caught lightening bugs and played outside until dark", so what do we have time for? I began a list, "What we need to have time for", and here it is:
1. We need to have time for ourselves. There are personalities who think of everyone else and not of themselves. That is benevolent, kind and for many, the Christian Way. However, we are taught that our body is a temple and because of that, we are called to take care of ourselves. Recently, I read an article saying that we need to take care of our animal. (and this is very paraphrased) The question was asked by the facilitator, "If you had a pet, how would you care for it? The answer was, "I'd feed it, hold it, love it and protect it." The facilitator responded, "You too are an animal, take care of yourself like you would your pet." That requires more than just food and water; it requires exercise, enough rest, attention, those are things we need to have time for.
2. We need to have time for loved ones. It doesn't loved ones is defined as family and blood relatives, or if loved ones is defined as neighbors and best friends, we need to take time for them. Relationships of all kinds are what shape us into the people we are. We say we ain't got time to meet the crew for drinks after work or we ain't got time to drive over to "Uncle Eb's place" but life is precious and we really don't have control over it, so take time for those loved ones. That time is priceless.
3. We need to have time for prayer. Whomever you pray to, take time to do it. If you listen to the news, we are in need of Divine Inspiration, and that is calling on all faiths, all belief systems, for such help. As a Christian, I find that being able to take my concerns, my apprehensions, my petitions for others, my celebrations and hopes, and giving them to God does make my life seem better. I believe that the Will of God will be done, even when that Will doesn't agree with what I think should happen, and I have the faith to know that it will all be okay. No matter what time of day or night, prayer time is time well spent.
4. We need to have time to laugh. As a society, we look at life too seriously and we do not laugh enough. At times, laughter is the best medicine. Enjoy a good comedy, read jokes in a joke book or in Reader's Digest, or watch cat videos online. Ed Wynn in Mary Poppins is right, "The more I laugh, The more I fill with glee, And the more the glee, The more I'm a merrier me."
Source: <a href="http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/mary-poppins-lyrics/i-love-to-laugh-lyrics.html">click here</a>
5. We need to have time for "appropriate service". These first four items have been time for us, personally. For me, "appropriate service"is the time we give to ministry and mission. We all have gifts and talents to share, that is our stewardship our discipleship. But we need to balance service time with personal time. That is something each of us need to seek individually; what is good for one person might not be good for another. Find your place to make a difference in other people's lives and enjoy it as you serve.
Those are 5 of my areas that I think we need to have time for. What are yours?
Happy Summer!
Olivia
Well, I began to think, What do we have time for? We live in a fast paced world and society, where we read Facebook posts about "remembering when we caught lightening bugs and played outside until dark", so what do we have time for? I began a list, "What we need to have time for", and here it is:
1. We need to have time for ourselves. There are personalities who think of everyone else and not of themselves. That is benevolent, kind and for many, the Christian Way. However, we are taught that our body is a temple and because of that, we are called to take care of ourselves. Recently, I read an article saying that we need to take care of our animal. (and this is very paraphrased) The question was asked by the facilitator, "If you had a pet, how would you care for it? The answer was, "I'd feed it, hold it, love it and protect it." The facilitator responded, "You too are an animal, take care of yourself like you would your pet." That requires more than just food and water; it requires exercise, enough rest, attention, those are things we need to have time for.
2. We need to have time for loved ones. It doesn't loved ones is defined as family and blood relatives, or if loved ones is defined as neighbors and best friends, we need to take time for them. Relationships of all kinds are what shape us into the people we are. We say we ain't got time to meet the crew for drinks after work or we ain't got time to drive over to "Uncle Eb's place" but life is precious and we really don't have control over it, so take time for those loved ones. That time is priceless.
3. We need to have time for prayer. Whomever you pray to, take time to do it. If you listen to the news, we are in need of Divine Inspiration, and that is calling on all faiths, all belief systems, for such help. As a Christian, I find that being able to take my concerns, my apprehensions, my petitions for others, my celebrations and hopes, and giving them to God does make my life seem better. I believe that the Will of God will be done, even when that Will doesn't agree with what I think should happen, and I have the faith to know that it will all be okay. No matter what time of day or night, prayer time is time well spent.
4. We need to have time to laugh. As a society, we look at life too seriously and we do not laugh enough. At times, laughter is the best medicine. Enjoy a good comedy, read jokes in a joke book or in Reader's Digest, or watch cat videos online. Ed Wynn in Mary Poppins is right, "The more I laugh, The more I fill with glee, And the more the glee, The more I'm a merrier me."
Source: <a href="http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/mary-poppins-lyrics/i-love-to-laugh-lyrics.html">click here</a>
5. We need to have time for "appropriate service". These first four items have been time for us, personally. For me, "appropriate service"is the time we give to ministry and mission. We all have gifts and talents to share, that is our stewardship our discipleship. But we need to balance service time with personal time. That is something each of us need to seek individually; what is good for one person might not be good for another. Find your place to make a difference in other people's lives and enjoy it as you serve.
Those are 5 of my areas that I think we need to have time for. What are yours?
Happy Summer!
Olivia
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Christianity 2017
Christianity 2017
The Christmas season is in full swing! The child has been born, and we are gearing up for Epiphany. But before we get there, I want to share at least one reflection of the Advent/Christmas Season. This reflection begins in about 1989. Christmas was on Monday, and it was the first Christmas after my mother had moved from the farm where we had lived since 1964. As Christmas was on Monday, and John and I had only one child (#2 was due in March), we went to my mother's for Christmas Day with the majority of my family. Both boys were not home yet, but all 3 of us girls, with husbands and children, along with Aunt Nancy and Mother were in her front room, rather crowded but noisily opening presents, with the 3 fathers armed with video cameras. I remember a conversation in the middle of the chaos, which has been recorded for perpetuity, about how 7-11 was open on Christmas, and that was so shocking! Nothing should be open on Christmas, not even 7-11!
Fast forward to Christmas 2016, which was on a Sunday. Interestingly enough, during Advent, I kept hearing conversations about having church on Christmas, and how that was just messing up all the plans; Christmas Eve should be enough. I found it surprising to hear people, church going people, question why church services would be held on Christmas Day, and was equally stunned to hear how many churches didn't have Christmas Day/Sunday services. We don't question that Easter is on Sunday, so why, when Christmas lands on Sunday about every 5 years, we question if we are going to church on Christmas or even if we should have church on that Sunday?
I am not going for a guilt trip over Christmas, a guilt trip over family vs. church, or a guilt trip about church attendance. I am looking at the bigger picture. Where is our Christianity in what is now 2017? What does it say about us when we actually consider not having church on the Lord's Day which is also December 25? Has the consumer world overtaken the religious world when it comes to Christmas?
And I think is was this question about Christmas and church which got me really thinking about Christianity in the 21st Century. We just came through an election cycle where religion was never mentioned; voters didn't know that Hillary was a Methodist or that Donald was a Presbyterian, or that Bernie was Jewish, and if they did know, it was as if they didn't care. Faith and beliefs were not topics in debates or town halls or even in tweets. Historically, John Kennedy, as a Catholic was a major point in the 1960 elections, but now religion isn't mentioned. Have we as citizens, become complacent, when it comes to faith and organized religion? Were we so caught up in the reality TV aspect of our last election that we were so blinded by the shining objects of tweets and negative campaigning that we forgot to look at the real issues of what our candidates believed, and how those beliefs would help them run our country?
Yes, we have become complacent in many areas of our lives. We have definitely become complacent when it comes to our faith and our church life. Maybe complacent is too strong. We are more conscious of not wanting to offend people, so we find it is easier to just avoid talking about faith so we don't hurt feelings or come off sounding like an evangelist. What is interesting is that the times have changed, our lives, and the world has changed, but Christianity hasn't changed, the message is still the same as it was in the First Century. And just like those of the First Century, we need to talk about it. We need to share what we believe in for one reason:
1: So others will hear of the saving grace of Jesus Christ
Christianity in 2017 is the same as it was last century, but how we talk about and live our Christianity is different. We can no longer assume that everyone knows the "old, old story of Jesus and his love", we need to tell it; tell it with words, tell it with actions, tell it in our reactions. We still have a story to share, a story of goodness, of healing, of grace. My hope is that everyone who reads this will think about how, even as the world has changed, and as 2017 will probably usher in more changes, that story can be shared.
Blessings,
Olivia
The Christmas season is in full swing! The child has been born, and we are gearing up for Epiphany. But before we get there, I want to share at least one reflection of the Advent/Christmas Season. This reflection begins in about 1989. Christmas was on Monday, and it was the first Christmas after my mother had moved from the farm where we had lived since 1964. As Christmas was on Monday, and John and I had only one child (#2 was due in March), we went to my mother's for Christmas Day with the majority of my family. Both boys were not home yet, but all 3 of us girls, with husbands and children, along with Aunt Nancy and Mother were in her front room, rather crowded but noisily opening presents, with the 3 fathers armed with video cameras. I remember a conversation in the middle of the chaos, which has been recorded for perpetuity, about how 7-11 was open on Christmas, and that was so shocking! Nothing should be open on Christmas, not even 7-11!
Fast forward to Christmas 2016, which was on a Sunday. Interestingly enough, during Advent, I kept hearing conversations about having church on Christmas, and how that was just messing up all the plans; Christmas Eve should be enough. I found it surprising to hear people, church going people, question why church services would be held on Christmas Day, and was equally stunned to hear how many churches didn't have Christmas Day/Sunday services. We don't question that Easter is on Sunday, so why, when Christmas lands on Sunday about every 5 years, we question if we are going to church on Christmas or even if we should have church on that Sunday?
I am not going for a guilt trip over Christmas, a guilt trip over family vs. church, or a guilt trip about church attendance. I am looking at the bigger picture. Where is our Christianity in what is now 2017? What does it say about us when we actually consider not having church on the Lord's Day which is also December 25? Has the consumer world overtaken the religious world when it comes to Christmas?
And I think is was this question about Christmas and church which got me really thinking about Christianity in the 21st Century. We just came through an election cycle where religion was never mentioned; voters didn't know that Hillary was a Methodist or that Donald was a Presbyterian, or that Bernie was Jewish, and if they did know, it was as if they didn't care. Faith and beliefs were not topics in debates or town halls or even in tweets. Historically, John Kennedy, as a Catholic was a major point in the 1960 elections, but now religion isn't mentioned. Have we as citizens, become complacent, when it comes to faith and organized religion? Were we so caught up in the reality TV aspect of our last election that we were so blinded by the shining objects of tweets and negative campaigning that we forgot to look at the real issues of what our candidates believed, and how those beliefs would help them run our country?
Yes, we have become complacent in many areas of our lives. We have definitely become complacent when it comes to our faith and our church life. Maybe complacent is too strong. We are more conscious of not wanting to offend people, so we find it is easier to just avoid talking about faith so we don't hurt feelings or come off sounding like an evangelist. What is interesting is that the times have changed, our lives, and the world has changed, but Christianity hasn't changed, the message is still the same as it was in the First Century. And just like those of the First Century, we need to talk about it. We need to share what we believe in for one reason:
1: So others will hear of the saving grace of Jesus Christ
Christianity in 2017 is the same as it was last century, but how we talk about and live our Christianity is different. We can no longer assume that everyone knows the "old, old story of Jesus and his love", we need to tell it; tell it with words, tell it with actions, tell it in our reactions. We still have a story to share, a story of goodness, of healing, of grace. My hope is that everyone who reads this will think about how, even as the world has changed, and as 2017 will probably usher in more changes, that story can be shared.
Blessings,
Olivia
Monday, October 31, 2016
The Earth is the Lord's
I love Fall. Even though each season has its gifts and special weather, Fall is my favorite. I can't place a finger on why, but I attribute it to the face I am a child born on the September Equinox. For whatever the reason, I love the changing of the leaves, the cool night, the smells of Fall, the leaves, even though I am finding I have allergies to the leaves, the wood smoke, the "clean" smell which comes with the winds blowing in the cooler air.
 |
| The view from my kitchen window |
Such beauty is a gift, a gift from God and a gift which we have accepted and need to care for and preserve. That makes us ecological stewards, and if we love to see such scenery, we need to step up and allow our love to grow into a passion which will cause us to be active in making sure such sites are around for children and grandchildren and all those other generations.
 |
| The Maury River |
This means that we need to be aware of what goes down our drains, and where it goes from our houses. This means we need to consider how to save on gas, the use of fossil fuels and if there is a way to use alternative energy i.e. water, wind or solar. This means keeping habitats alive and healthy, keeping green areas green and finding ways for more of them. These are ideas we hear this all the time, but do we really listen? When we read or hear Psalm 24, do we consider what it really means when we say "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof"?
Just something to consider on a cool Fall evening.....
Olivia
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Hope, we always need hope
I haven't written anything lately because listening to the news has been depressing. This doesn't sit well with a person who is usually optimistic, upbeat, and can always see the sunny side of life. But, it is time to put on my big girl panties and find the hope that is out there. This means finding hope in the state of Bath County, the state of our country and especially the state of the church.
Let's begin with Bath County. For those who read this and live here, you know exactly what I mean. Not including the supervisor from my district, I truly believe the rest of our elected officials have decided that a wall on our boarder isn't enough; we need a wall around our county. However, there is hope. It did my heart good to see the courthouse full on Tuesday to fight for the future of our home. Even though some don't want to see it, tourism is our life here, from The Homestead to Millboro General Store, the businesses of our county need not only the support of our residents; they need the support which comes from those who come here to hike, to celebrate anniversaries, to take part in our triathlon, to view the beauty of God's creation. Yes, there is hope even in the chaos of Bath County.
Let's look at the state of our country. In the past couple elections, I personally feel that our election process has declined. We, as the voters, want to hear about the issues, how these people we vote for will work for us, will help us, will, with our support, make our lives better. Instead, we hear about personal vendettas and accusations thrown around like a basketball in practice. Today, I said to John that as sad as it sounds, I am glad that my parents are not alive to hear the language used in this election cycle. They would not be pleased. We turn on the news, the debates, the internet and it is bad. As I paraphrase John Oliver, "We are down so far we cannot the the underside of rock bottom." However, there is hope. In spite of what we hear, we are a great country, a great people; people of all races, people of all lifestyles, people of all backgrounds, We live in a country where our speech is still free, we can worship where we wish, and we can vote every year.
My hope is in the vote. Everyone who reads this needs to remember that we have the right and we must vote come November 8. I have heard people say that this election isn't worth it; this election is SO WORTH IT! My hope comes that each November, no matter who or what is on the ballot, we cast our votes because we are free. So my motherly advise is: GO VOTE, IT IS YOUR RIGHT, IT DEMONSTRATES YOUR PATRIOTISM. We publicly cry that we are citizens and patriots; voting is the ultimate of our rights, so exercise that right and vote!
Finally, let's look at the state of our church, and for me that is the state of the Presbyterian Church (USA). We have been beat up a whole lot lately, and we have been divided and spent a great deal of time talking about who's leaving and who's staying. In the middle of this mess we tend to forget, that we all are children of God, redeemed by Christ and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. We tend to forget that we can have different opinions and diverse theology and yet we can still sit together every Lord's Day, side by side and sing praises to God, confess our sins, hear God's Word, and be called to ministry and mission to the world. We tend to forget that God is in control of everything and that God's hope is that all things will work for good for those who love and serve the Lord. So my hope, when it comes to the church, is in God and in all that God has planned for us as His chosen Children. My hope is in the fact that my Redeemer Lives; He lives in each of us, and calls us in exciting and different ways. My hope comes in how I see Presbyterian Disaster Assistance be ready to be in Haiti, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina as the flood waters recede from hurricane Matthew. My hope comes when I read the blogs of our YAV's (Young Adult Volunteers) who are spreading God's love and grace all over the world. My hope comes when I hear the stories of our missionaries and where they are working globally. My hope grows each and every day as I hear the stories of how the church is growing and changing to meet the world where it is and share the love of God. My hope is in where and how God is pushing me to see the world differently.
I probably went on longer than usual but I have been struggling with what I have been hearing, seeing, reading and witnessing, and how God is stirring the pot of soup in which we live. I hope that my hope can help you in the days ahead.
Grace & Peace,
Olivia
I haven't written anything lately because listening to the news has been depressing. This doesn't sit well with a person who is usually optimistic, upbeat, and can always see the sunny side of life. But, it is time to put on my big girl panties and find the hope that is out there. This means finding hope in the state of Bath County, the state of our country and especially the state of the church.
Let's begin with Bath County. For those who read this and live here, you know exactly what I mean. Not including the supervisor from my district, I truly believe the rest of our elected officials have decided that a wall on our boarder isn't enough; we need a wall around our county. However, there is hope. It did my heart good to see the courthouse full on Tuesday to fight for the future of our home. Even though some don't want to see it, tourism is our life here, from The Homestead to Millboro General Store, the businesses of our county need not only the support of our residents; they need the support which comes from those who come here to hike, to celebrate anniversaries, to take part in our triathlon, to view the beauty of God's creation. Yes, there is hope even in the chaos of Bath County.
Let's look at the state of our country. In the past couple elections, I personally feel that our election process has declined. We, as the voters, want to hear about the issues, how these people we vote for will work for us, will help us, will, with our support, make our lives better. Instead, we hear about personal vendettas and accusations thrown around like a basketball in practice. Today, I said to John that as sad as it sounds, I am glad that my parents are not alive to hear the language used in this election cycle. They would not be pleased. We turn on the news, the debates, the internet and it is bad. As I paraphrase John Oliver, "We are down so far we cannot the the underside of rock bottom." However, there is hope. In spite of what we hear, we are a great country, a great people; people of all races, people of all lifestyles, people of all backgrounds, We live in a country where our speech is still free, we can worship where we wish, and we can vote every year.
My hope is in the vote. Everyone who reads this needs to remember that we have the right and we must vote come November 8. I have heard people say that this election isn't worth it; this election is SO WORTH IT! My hope comes that each November, no matter who or what is on the ballot, we cast our votes because we are free. So my motherly advise is: GO VOTE, IT IS YOUR RIGHT, IT DEMONSTRATES YOUR PATRIOTISM. We publicly cry that we are citizens and patriots; voting is the ultimate of our rights, so exercise that right and vote!
Finally, let's look at the state of our church, and for me that is the state of the Presbyterian Church (USA). We have been beat up a whole lot lately, and we have been divided and spent a great deal of time talking about who's leaving and who's staying. In the middle of this mess we tend to forget, that we all are children of God, redeemed by Christ and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. We tend to forget that we can have different opinions and diverse theology and yet we can still sit together every Lord's Day, side by side and sing praises to God, confess our sins, hear God's Word, and be called to ministry and mission to the world. We tend to forget that God is in control of everything and that God's hope is that all things will work for good for those who love and serve the Lord. So my hope, when it comes to the church, is in God and in all that God has planned for us as His chosen Children. My hope is in the fact that my Redeemer Lives; He lives in each of us, and calls us in exciting and different ways. My hope comes in how I see Presbyterian Disaster Assistance be ready to be in Haiti, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina as the flood waters recede from hurricane Matthew. My hope comes when I read the blogs of our YAV's (Young Adult Volunteers) who are spreading God's love and grace all over the world. My hope comes when I hear the stories of our missionaries and where they are working globally. My hope grows each and every day as I hear the stories of how the church is growing and changing to meet the world where it is and share the love of God. My hope is in where and how God is pushing me to see the world differently.
I probably went on longer than usual but I have been struggling with what I have been hearing, seeing, reading and witnessing, and how God is stirring the pot of soup in which we live. I hope that my hope can help you in the days ahead.
Grace & Peace,
Olivia
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Greatness
World Records broken. Olympic Records broken.
I love watching the Olympics. As a child, it was every four years, Winter games, then Summer games,on a regular schedule. Then the IOC decided to split the years so that every two years, we get to witness greatness. Be it Mark Spitz, Mary Lou Retton, Lindsay Vonn, Apolo Ohno, Bonnie Blair, or some of the 2016 greatness, Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, and (my personal favorite), Michele Carter, when we sit on our comfortable couches, we witness greatness. Even though I only named Team USA members through the years, during every Olympic game, we also witness global greatness.
I have seen these games mature; I do remember when Cold War politics were played out in the Olympic arena. I do remember boycotts where now we deal with doping. I remember the 1972 Munich games, which was probably my introduction to global terrorism, so now, it does my heart good to see the sportsmanship exhibited and the friendships formed, even when in the pool or on the track, they are rivals for the win. This does my heart good, this gives me hope in our tense world.
The Olympic games bring out the greatness in each athlete who trains and puts everything into their competition. The games and the athletes are examples for us, as we sit in our air conditioning, adding our commentaries to those of Bob, Matt, and everyone else at NBC. As Christians, we are called to achieve our best in the name of Christ. We are called to be open to all people, globally. We are called to a greatness to love and welcome all, from East and West, from North and South because Christ teaches us to love all, for we are all God's creation. That is our goal of greatness.
I am glad that the Olympics are the last big TV event for the summer. I am glad that our political conventions were first. I am glad that the politics got out of the way so we can see athletes, women and men from all countries and from all backgrounds, inspire us with greatness. They all represent the best of their countries as they work hard to achieve their best. That is true greatness.
Stay cool and be great!
Olivia
World Records broken. Olympic Records broken.
I love watching the Olympics. As a child, it was every four years, Winter games, then Summer games,on a regular schedule. Then the IOC decided to split the years so that every two years, we get to witness greatness. Be it Mark Spitz, Mary Lou Retton, Lindsay Vonn, Apolo Ohno, Bonnie Blair, or some of the 2016 greatness, Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, and (my personal favorite), Michele Carter, when we sit on our comfortable couches, we witness greatness. Even though I only named Team USA members through the years, during every Olympic game, we also witness global greatness.
I have seen these games mature; I do remember when Cold War politics were played out in the Olympic arena. I do remember boycotts where now we deal with doping. I remember the 1972 Munich games, which was probably my introduction to global terrorism, so now, it does my heart good to see the sportsmanship exhibited and the friendships formed, even when in the pool or on the track, they are rivals for the win. This does my heart good, this gives me hope in our tense world.
The Olympic games bring out the greatness in each athlete who trains and puts everything into their competition. The games and the athletes are examples for us, as we sit in our air conditioning, adding our commentaries to those of Bob, Matt, and everyone else at NBC. As Christians, we are called to achieve our best in the name of Christ. We are called to be open to all people, globally. We are called to a greatness to love and welcome all, from East and West, from North and South because Christ teaches us to love all, for we are all God's creation. That is our goal of greatness.
Stay cool and be great!
Olivia
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
From Sea to Shining Sea
We have returned home after pretty much a month on the road, and probably most of you have skimmed through all the pictures I have posted, but bottom line...it was a great vacation! It was nice to get away, rest. renew, etc., but the most meaningful part of being in Oregon, California and Washington was to observe the beauty of God's creation.
It probably didn't hit home with me until Sunday night, at Rocky Spring's Patriotic Sing as we sung, "This Land is Your Land", and knowing that within a month I got walk through the Redwoods of California and play in the Gulf stream waters at Emerald Isle, NC. Our country is physically diverse; we witness this in Virginia, (the contrasts between the Eastern Shore and the Shenandoah Valley) and we see this anywhere we travel. God has given us the gift of creation and seeing the differences God has given us, seeing how centuries have altered creation, is truly magnificent. To read about the "Ring of Fire" volcano circle which encompasses most of the West Coast, Canada, and circles around through the Pacific Ocean, and how all this volcanoes are still active, opened my eyes to how vulnerable the "beauty of the earth" is.
So, there are two thoughts I would like to share with you today. First, this trip has brought home to me that we do have a responsibility to take care of this world that God has given us. As John described Crater Lake as "eco-awesome", (and it was!), we need to take care of what God has given us. This will only occur when we take seriously our stewardship of creation. So I suggest and urge each of you to become more environmentally educated. It doesn't take much to recycle, or compost, or take a stand on a pipeline, or use alternative energy, and yes, it does make a difference!
Second, as geographically diverse as our country is, America is also culturally diverse, and we need to truly embrace this. We returned to the political conventions, and we are hearing a great deal of anger, hatred, and fear. We need to embrace the reality that the majority of our population came from another part of the world, so many of us are American Immigrants, so to speak. Since we come from different countries and heritages, we too, like our physical land, are diverse, from the Redwoods to the Gulf Stream waters, but as Woody Guthrie wrote, "This Land was made for you and me".
Til next time, Olivia
We have returned home after pretty much a month on the road, and probably most of you have skimmed through all the pictures I have posted, but bottom line...it was a great vacation! It was nice to get away, rest. renew, etc., but the most meaningful part of being in Oregon, California and Washington was to observe the beauty of God's creation.
It probably didn't hit home with me until Sunday night, at Rocky Spring's Patriotic Sing as we sung, "This Land is Your Land", and knowing that within a month I got walk through the Redwoods of California and play in the Gulf stream waters at Emerald Isle, NC. Our country is physically diverse; we witness this in Virginia, (the contrasts between the Eastern Shore and the Shenandoah Valley) and we see this anywhere we travel. God has given us the gift of creation and seeing the differences God has given us, seeing how centuries have altered creation, is truly magnificent. To read about the "Ring of Fire" volcano circle which encompasses most of the West Coast, Canada, and circles around through the Pacific Ocean, and how all this volcanoes are still active, opened my eyes to how vulnerable the "beauty of the earth" is.
So, there are two thoughts I would like to share with you today. First, this trip has brought home to me that we do have a responsibility to take care of this world that God has given us. As John described Crater Lake as "eco-awesome", (and it was!), we need to take care of what God has given us. This will only occur when we take seriously our stewardship of creation. So I suggest and urge each of you to become more environmentally educated. It doesn't take much to recycle, or compost, or take a stand on a pipeline, or use alternative energy, and yes, it does make a difference!
Second, as geographically diverse as our country is, America is also culturally diverse, and we need to truly embrace this. We returned to the political conventions, and we are hearing a great deal of anger, hatred, and fear. We need to embrace the reality that the majority of our population came from another part of the world, so many of us are American Immigrants, so to speak. Since we come from different countries and heritages, we too, like our physical land, are diverse, from the Redwoods to the Gulf Stream waters, but as Woody Guthrie wrote, "This Land was made for you and me".
Til next time, Olivia
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Over the years
I began blogging in 2012 and stopped in 2013. I didn't get mad, I didn't get criticized, I just got busy and stopped. I went back to work part time, which I got a few blogs in as I began at Mt. Carmel Presbyterian, but it just stopped. I thought about it, just didn't get back in to do it.
Life has changed over the last couple years. Friends and family have moved, some have gotten married, some have had children and some have died. I have written more sermons, moved children to school, moved some back home, and moved some away again. I have had some health issues, restructured my eating habits and lifestyle, lost weight and feel much better. That helped me justify some new clothes, which was really neat! Life has been happy and sad, but through it all God has been good, and even when I have been in tears with what was a broken heart, God's grace has broken through the grief and love has surrounded me, and I have found the way to begin to heal from the hurt.
Yet, even though these opening paragraphs have a lot of "I's" in them, life isn't about me. As I sit in the observer's seats at our church's General Assembly, as I have semi watched the "sit-in on Capitol Hill", I am always reminded, it is not about just me, or just you, or just the other person; it is about us.
So I am making a committed effort to get back to a blog. My intention is that this blog will not a place to rant about how frustrated I am at Congress, or The Donald, or The Hillary, or the Church (Presbyterian and Universal). My intention is that this will not be the place where I embarrass my husband, children or any other members of my family. My intention is not to make this a sermon, I write enough of those. I will try to review and edit what I desire to write so if I do fall off the wagon and begin to fuss and fume, I will catch myself. It might not end, but I hope it will be worth the words. Words are powerful and I don't wish to abuse them.
What I intend is to share hopeful, good news of the love I witness in family, friends, and strangers on the street. What I intend is to give thanks to the beauty around us, and how we can make our communities, churches, and lives better through environmental stewardship, through God's gift of patience and endurance, and through loving one another. What I intend is to remind us that no matter what may happen in our lives and in our world, God has always been and still is in control, and that God works everything to His Good.
Please join me on this journey.
Olivia
I began blogging in 2012 and stopped in 2013. I didn't get mad, I didn't get criticized, I just got busy and stopped. I went back to work part time, which I got a few blogs in as I began at Mt. Carmel Presbyterian, but it just stopped. I thought about it, just didn't get back in to do it.
Life has changed over the last couple years. Friends and family have moved, some have gotten married, some have had children and some have died. I have written more sermons, moved children to school, moved some back home, and moved some away again. I have had some health issues, restructured my eating habits and lifestyle, lost weight and feel much better. That helped me justify some new clothes, which was really neat! Life has been happy and sad, but through it all God has been good, and even when I have been in tears with what was a broken heart, God's grace has broken through the grief and love has surrounded me, and I have found the way to begin to heal from the hurt.
Yet, even though these opening paragraphs have a lot of "I's" in them, life isn't about me. As I sit in the observer's seats at our church's General Assembly, as I have semi watched the "sit-in on Capitol Hill", I am always reminded, it is not about just me, or just you, or just the other person; it is about us.
So I am making a committed effort to get back to a blog. My intention is that this blog will not a place to rant about how frustrated I am at Congress, or The Donald, or The Hillary, or the Church (Presbyterian and Universal). My intention is that this will not be the place where I embarrass my husband, children or any other members of my family. My intention is not to make this a sermon, I write enough of those. I will try to review and edit what I desire to write so if I do fall off the wagon and begin to fuss and fume, I will catch myself. It might not end, but I hope it will be worth the words. Words are powerful and I don't wish to abuse them.
What I intend is to share hopeful, good news of the love I witness in family, friends, and strangers on the street. What I intend is to give thanks to the beauty around us, and how we can make our communities, churches, and lives better through environmental stewardship, through God's gift of patience and endurance, and through loving one another. What I intend is to remind us that no matter what may happen in our lives and in our world, God has always been and still is in control, and that God works everything to His Good.
Please join me on this journey.
Olivia
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Ash Wednesday 2013
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Growing up Lent wasn't such a big deal, we knew it exsisted, but at that time in the world, Lent was just a time, Maundy Thursday wasn't observed, but we had been taught what they were all about. Now we begin with Fat Tuesday, eat pancakes and bacon and then are called upon to remember our mortality and sin, as well as the assurance that God forgives us and we are saved. That's a far piece from just knowing what these word mean to actually thinking about what they mean and imply within our lives.
As we begin Lent, we think of fasting, we think of sacrifice and what we can give up. What kind of things do we give up? This year I am closing down my Facebook page for Lent, to see what different things I can do with the time. I already have some ideas. I can spend it with my husband and children, I can spend it doing church work, or I can spend it in prayer. I will probably try all three of those areas, and I might add sleep to the list. I will try not to eat more, maybe exercise more but definitely not eat more. Maybe I can wait and see what God has planned for that extra time, it might include some of what I have thought of (I always want to think that God and I are on the same wavelength) or God could show me something entirely different. God can only do that if I allow Him into my life. That is what faith is all about, allowing God into our lives so God can show us new things, offer us new ideas, walk us to new places.
So friends, I will probably check my facebook page before I go to bed tonight and then I will hear from you all again after March 30, I know I won't have time or energy to open it on Easter! If you need to find me and don't know it, my email is either mokhaney@mgwnet.com or monseniorita@gmail.com. I will be checking it.
Shalom!
Olivia
As we begin Lent, we think of fasting, we think of sacrifice and what we can give up. What kind of things do we give up? This year I am closing down my Facebook page for Lent, to see what different things I can do with the time. I already have some ideas. I can spend it with my husband and children, I can spend it doing church work, or I can spend it in prayer. I will probably try all three of those areas, and I might add sleep to the list. I will try not to eat more, maybe exercise more but definitely not eat more. Maybe I can wait and see what God has planned for that extra time, it might include some of what I have thought of (I always want to think that God and I are on the same wavelength) or God could show me something entirely different. God can only do that if I allow Him into my life. That is what faith is all about, allowing God into our lives so God can show us new things, offer us new ideas, walk us to new places.
So friends, I will probably check my facebook page before I go to bed tonight and then I will hear from you all again after March 30, I know I won't have time or energy to open it on Easter! If you need to find me and don't know it, my email is either mokhaney@mgwnet.com or monseniorita@gmail.com. I will be checking it.
Shalom!
Olivia
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Empty nest????
Hope everyone is enjoying their time off from the politics, if you read my last blog. The only problem is doing what I said, the humidity from the hurricane, I don't want to go out of the house!
School has begun. I have read many FB posts from friends who have moved their little ones into college dorms, seen pictures of literal little ones who shouldn't be that old, starting kindergarten, middle school and high school. Personally, I got off the hook this year. John recieved the honors this year of moving our second and third children into college. So now we have two in college and two at home, one back and working, one a senior in high school. We are beginning that year of graduation, and we are really graduating this year! After 10 years in high school, we are graduating! It is a time of joy and a time of sorrow. At the cross country meet last week, Laura asked one of the mothers for a brownie recipe because she might never get those brownies again, (and they are good!) The mother, who is also a last year senior mom, said that she felt sad for the first time in the year because of Laura's request. The team had a great impromtu senior night supper at the local cafe, and we continued to laugh, but the reality was before us...this is our graduation too. We will have a year of "last times" that will be last times. And I remember some of the past "Last times".
When Isaac marched in his last half time show last year, he and I both shared a teary moment, because he really didn't think about it until it was over and he was packing up the trailer with the rest of the grip crew.
When we surprised Alex with a birthday party his Senior year. Because of email, I was able to have some of his friends spread the word that we were going to Lickity Splits (our ice cream place) for his birthday and to meet us there. It's hard to get something past Alex, but we did this one!
When Joe walked in the door and realized he had taken his last high school exam and that it was soon to be over. The look on his face of sadness, excitement, and fear all at the same time was unforgetable.
I only await what we will have with Laura!
Those are some of the things we remember of those "Last years", and as sad as they can be, we also celebrate what our children will be doing and what we will be doing as well. Our children grow up and leave home (sometimes they come back!) but they reappear as adults, not the same people who left years ago. They branch out into their own areas of interest, they make new friends, they go to new places and then tell us parts of what they do. Let's face it, we never tell our parents EVERYTHING!
What about us who stay at home? We have another role to "morph" into, the role of what is called empty nesters, but the nest is only as empty as one makes it. I've talked to many parents who cannot deal with their children leaving, and I have to restrain myself from saying, "Are you crazy?"! Yes, I can be more pastoral than that, and I do understand the dealing with one less pair of feet stomping around, leaving shoes, clothes, books, laying around the house. I understand the void in the laundry pile and the food which is suddenly not being consumed. And these changes are not only reality checks, they are grief moments and they are doors closing. But to quote the Mother Superior from "The Sound of Music", "When God closes a door, He opens a window." What windows is God opening for us these days? In our grief and celebrations, what we need to remember is that we live in transistions, as the Spirit moves throughout the earth, the Spirit also moves within us, constantly moving us, challenging us, allowing us to grieve for what has changed, but also allowing us to look ahead to great and wonderful gifts that only God can give us. That is our hope, our greatness, as we look with anticipation at what is around the curve.
To quote Red Green...
Keep your stick on the ice!
Olivia
Hope everyone is enjoying their time off from the politics, if you read my last blog. The only problem is doing what I said, the humidity from the hurricane, I don't want to go out of the house!
School has begun. I have read many FB posts from friends who have moved their little ones into college dorms, seen pictures of literal little ones who shouldn't be that old, starting kindergarten, middle school and high school. Personally, I got off the hook this year. John recieved the honors this year of moving our second and third children into college. So now we have two in college and two at home, one back and working, one a senior in high school. We are beginning that year of graduation, and we are really graduating this year! After 10 years in high school, we are graduating! It is a time of joy and a time of sorrow. At the cross country meet last week, Laura asked one of the mothers for a brownie recipe because she might never get those brownies again, (and they are good!) The mother, who is also a last year senior mom, said that she felt sad for the first time in the year because of Laura's request. The team had a great impromtu senior night supper at the local cafe, and we continued to laugh, but the reality was before us...this is our graduation too. We will have a year of "last times" that will be last times. And I remember some of the past "Last times".
When Isaac marched in his last half time show last year, he and I both shared a teary moment, because he really didn't think about it until it was over and he was packing up the trailer with the rest of the grip crew.
When we surprised Alex with a birthday party his Senior year. Because of email, I was able to have some of his friends spread the word that we were going to Lickity Splits (our ice cream place) for his birthday and to meet us there. It's hard to get something past Alex, but we did this one!
When Joe walked in the door and realized he had taken his last high school exam and that it was soon to be over. The look on his face of sadness, excitement, and fear all at the same time was unforgetable.
I only await what we will have with Laura!
Those are some of the things we remember of those "Last years", and as sad as they can be, we also celebrate what our children will be doing and what we will be doing as well. Our children grow up and leave home (sometimes they come back!) but they reappear as adults, not the same people who left years ago. They branch out into their own areas of interest, they make new friends, they go to new places and then tell us parts of what they do. Let's face it, we never tell our parents EVERYTHING!
What about us who stay at home? We have another role to "morph" into, the role of what is called empty nesters, but the nest is only as empty as one makes it. I've talked to many parents who cannot deal with their children leaving, and I have to restrain myself from saying, "Are you crazy?"! Yes, I can be more pastoral than that, and I do understand the dealing with one less pair of feet stomping around, leaving shoes, clothes, books, laying around the house. I understand the void in the laundry pile and the food which is suddenly not being consumed. And these changes are not only reality checks, they are grief moments and they are doors closing. But to quote the Mother Superior from "The Sound of Music", "When God closes a door, He opens a window." What windows is God opening for us these days? In our grief and celebrations, what we need to remember is that we live in transistions, as the Spirit moves throughout the earth, the Spirit also moves within us, constantly moving us, challenging us, allowing us to grieve for what has changed, but also allowing us to look ahead to great and wonderful gifts that only God can give us. That is our hope, our greatness, as we look with anticipation at what is around the curve.
To quote Red Green...
Keep your stick on the ice!
Olivia
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
83 Days to go....
We are in the countdown and it's wearing thin. 83 Days until the election, mud slinging back and forth on both sides, and it's just growing old, faster and faster! Now, I'm not suggesting we give up and not vote; I am a true believer in casting that ballot and making that choice. It is a privilege and a sign of our patriotism to vote. So do that, but it's just painful to have to sit and listen to all the commercials.
Let's think of other things we can preoccupy ourselves with in the next 83 days. These might not be in the best order, but they are only suggestions!
1. First of all just turn off the TV. It will probably help your blood pressure.
2. Sit down and write an actual note or letter to a friend. It would help out the postal service as well as make someone's day.
3. Take time to sit and enjoy the silence of the day instead of the ranting of PACs.
4. Take time to cook a homemade meal for your spouse, a friend, or a neighbor who isn't up for cooking right now.
5. Volunteer: Be it at a food pantry, helping in your local school, driving someone to the doctor, it is time for us to pay it forward.
6. Heaven forbid, get out and exercise!
7. Read a book. Between libraries, e-books, books on CD's, and what's on our shelves, there is enough to pass around.
8. Pray. Duh...for what? The world around us and what we are doing to it and to each other is a great start.
9. Do yard work. (That's the one I really don't want to think about, but I look at the yard everyday.)
10. Since it the fall, go to a little league game and watch the next generation and see how they treat each other in comparison to how their parents treat each other.
11. Go to church. If you don't have one, find one. It's a great place to become part of a community, to help other people, and to find a purpose within your life.
12. Join a community service organization. Our service clubs are in need of good people who want to help others. You can do this and the church one together. They usually meet at different times.
13. Support a Fall Festival of some sort. There are lots of them in September and October on weekends. Take in the handmade crafts and the great food.
14. Play with your children, they grow up too fast.
15. Visit your parents, they are gone too soon.
16. Have lunch with your siblings, they have moments they are pains to live with, but they are there for you when you need them.
17. Take time to enjoy your spouse, significant other, partner, or best friend. Whoever it is, they are special, and they need to be appreciated and that needs to be vocalized as well as shown.
Here are some suggestions to make the next 83 days go by faster.....would love to hear more!
Later gang!
Olivia
Let's think of other things we can preoccupy ourselves with in the next 83 days. These might not be in the best order, but they are only suggestions!
1. First of all just turn off the TV. It will probably help your blood pressure.
2. Sit down and write an actual note or letter to a friend. It would help out the postal service as well as make someone's day.
3. Take time to sit and enjoy the silence of the day instead of the ranting of PACs.
4. Take time to cook a homemade meal for your spouse, a friend, or a neighbor who isn't up for cooking right now.
5. Volunteer: Be it at a food pantry, helping in your local school, driving someone to the doctor, it is time for us to pay it forward.
6. Heaven forbid, get out and exercise!
7. Read a book. Between libraries, e-books, books on CD's, and what's on our shelves, there is enough to pass around.
8. Pray. Duh...for what? The world around us and what we are doing to it and to each other is a great start.
9. Do yard work. (That's the one I really don't want to think about, but I look at the yard everyday.)
10. Since it the fall, go to a little league game and watch the next generation and see how they treat each other in comparison to how their parents treat each other.
11. Go to church. If you don't have one, find one. It's a great place to become part of a community, to help other people, and to find a purpose within your life.
12. Join a community service organization. Our service clubs are in need of good people who want to help others. You can do this and the church one together. They usually meet at different times.
13. Support a Fall Festival of some sort. There are lots of them in September and October on weekends. Take in the handmade crafts and the great food.
14. Play with your children, they grow up too fast.
15. Visit your parents, they are gone too soon.
16. Have lunch with your siblings, they have moments they are pains to live with, but they are there for you when you need them.
17. Take time to enjoy your spouse, significant other, partner, or best friend. Whoever it is, they are special, and they need to be appreciated and that needs to be vocalized as well as shown.
Here are some suggestions to make the next 83 days go by faster.....would love to hear more!
Later gang!
Olivia
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Summer 2012
I finally figured how to get back in here and do this again! I will admit I am far from computer literate, and this just proves it! Of course in the meantime I am learning all about a new phone as well. I got great use from my old one, Verizon doesn't make the battery anymore! John is imagining what will happen when he upgrades, his phone is older than mine.
But between graduation, a trip to Dallas, Neil Diamond, and freshman orientation, we thought we were busy. Then the storm hit! What in the world is a derecho anyway? It has a Wikipedia definition but I can sum it up: it was some major wind! When the storm hit, I thought Isaac would be doing a Dorothy on us, he was outside mowing the grass! But we were lucky, one tree here, lots at the camp, in the long run, we were okay. Many weren't as lucky and my heart went out to them. It looks like clean up is moving us forward. Forward to what? As I look ahead, I look at the positive. Yeah it sounds corny, that's who I am and I enjoy such an attitude. So vacation is coming up, so is band camp, fall sports, and getting Isaac to college. Will everything be rosy? No it won't. But we will endure, we will adjust. Just like we adjusted when we had no lights, or no air conditioners, we will adjust to all the changes around us.
Nuff on the deep stuff. Today as we were late getting to the orthodontist, I kept talking to the cars in front of me as they went very slow, and fussing about the VDOT road crews cutting brush, and Isaac and Laura kept telling me, "Mom, they can't hear you". But it sure made me feel better!
Catch ya later!
Monsenorita Olivia
But between graduation, a trip to Dallas, Neil Diamond, and freshman orientation, we thought we were busy. Then the storm hit! What in the world is a derecho anyway? It has a Wikipedia definition but I can sum it up: it was some major wind! When the storm hit, I thought Isaac would be doing a Dorothy on us, he was outside mowing the grass! But we were lucky, one tree here, lots at the camp, in the long run, we were okay. Many weren't as lucky and my heart went out to them. It looks like clean up is moving us forward. Forward to what? As I look ahead, I look at the positive. Yeah it sounds corny, that's who I am and I enjoy such an attitude. So vacation is coming up, so is band camp, fall sports, and getting Isaac to college. Will everything be rosy? No it won't. But we will endure, we will adjust. Just like we adjusted when we had no lights, or no air conditioners, we will adjust to all the changes around us.
Nuff on the deep stuff. Today as we were late getting to the orthodontist, I kept talking to the cars in front of me as they went very slow, and fussing about the VDOT road crews cutting brush, and Isaac and Laura kept telling me, "Mom, they can't hear you". But it sure made me feel better!
Catch ya later!
Monsenorita Olivia
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Welcome to the new week!
All too often Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day fall on the first Saturday in May, just like it did this weekend. All we needed was the prom, which is next weekend. So what is a girl to do?????? Mexican for supper and Margaritas in our 1983 Derby glasses!
And it was a great way to end a week. So today is the beginning of a new week. Celebrate the day! Church, family, work, friends, whatever it may be, life is a gift, and one we must celebrate! I preached that Phillip shared his guidance with the Ethiopian eunuch teaching him that in spite of what the world had done to him, he was still a welcomed, whole child in God's eyes. What would the world be if we all accepted and believed that in spite of what the world hands us, we are always God's children? We should believe that, but all too often we forget. All too often we forge ahead on our own only to be pushed back by the Spirit as it wants us to surrender.
Nuff on the preaching, back to life. This weekend was one of celebration. Next weekend will also be one of celebration with prom and with Mother's Day. The five days inbetween will be full, will have mundane time (Tuesday is a Presbytery meeting!) times of challenge, times to work hard. But, in the end, it will be a week we are given to celebrate the life that is ours through faith, fun, family and friends. So I am ready to kick back, drink up, (probably back to iced tea) and enjoy the week. It will be busy, it will bring new revelations to my life, but it will be lived to the fullest!
Later....
And it was a great way to end a week. So today is the beginning of a new week. Celebrate the day! Church, family, work, friends, whatever it may be, life is a gift, and one we must celebrate! I preached that Phillip shared his guidance with the Ethiopian eunuch teaching him that in spite of what the world had done to him, he was still a welcomed, whole child in God's eyes. What would the world be if we all accepted and believed that in spite of what the world hands us, we are always God's children? We should believe that, but all too often we forget. All too often we forge ahead on our own only to be pushed back by the Spirit as it wants us to surrender.
Nuff on the preaching, back to life. This weekend was one of celebration. Next weekend will also be one of celebration with prom and with Mother's Day. The five days inbetween will be full, will have mundane time (Tuesday is a Presbytery meeting!) times of challenge, times to work hard. But, in the end, it will be a week we are given to celebrate the life that is ours through faith, fun, family and friends. So I am ready to kick back, drink up, (probably back to iced tea) and enjoy the week. It will be busy, it will bring new revelations to my life, but it will be lived to the fullest!
Later....
Monday, April 30, 2012
Full speed ahead
What does one do with a blog? Whatever one wants to do. So, in beginning this adventure, I will be curious to see where I take it. I think it will reflect my mood of the day when I write; I think I will blog about the fact that I am not a computer whiz, that I will make many mistakes here and in life, and that I will do my best to enjoy each day. Life is busy, life is full, life is a rollar coaster, and life if great! Let's make an adventure!
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