one rock one word

Tonight was the last night of the annual Holy Week Prayer and Meditation Center. The youth have set this up for the past 4 years for anyone to experience. As the main person in charge, I usually don't experience it until it's time to take it down. That's just what I did tonight.

The table as you enter greets you with candles, flowers, instructions for the center, and a basket of rocks. Each rock has a word written upon it. If you choose, you may reach in for a rock. Read the word and meditate on it as you proceed. Pray about it, ponder it, ask what it is about that word that you need to consider.

I've drawn many rocks over the years. Tonight's said, "TRUST". Going with the instructions, I repeated the word, offered it up, and opened my heart and mind to hear what it is I need to consider about trust.

As I walked the labyrinth I kept listening intently for God's still small voice. My mind wandered on occassion, but I found my way back to the word. Once in the center, I lay prostrate, rock in hand. Previous experiences had me anticipating a solemn, deeply spiritual moment. I found this time quite different...I began to smile and giggle.

I went with it.

Trust is what I need to do - KEEP doing. With the new school term underway, upcoming transition with my job, and having new connections with old friends, I just need to trust. Trust what? God, my heart, my instincts, those who have been placed in my life this season.

Trust.... will do!
it's helped me this far =)

Spiritual boosts. Too available?

The ICYM youth set up the Prayer and Meditation Center at Christ UMC for the 4th year. We offer this special experience during Holy Week for anyone. The main sanctuary/Memorial Hall is transformed. A 35' 13-circuit labyrinth (Chatres) is surrounded by a dozen multi-sensory stations.

Each station offers a the chance to connect with God, reflect, pray, express, and ponder. It is open 9a - 9p Monday and Tuesday, 9a - 6p on Wednesday.

It's been publicized and personal invitations sent.
There will probably be about 75 - 90 people who go through it.

So why don't more people partake? Why do the regulars pop their head in and say "Oh, it's maze time, again."

I can't help but connect this attitude with many Christian's attitudes... "Oh look, it's Jesus, again."

What's your reaction to opportunities to just sit with Jesus?

Princess Isabella's 6th birthday

Start with a birthday invitation and end up with this.
Isabella's mom is a rubber stamp queen and created the invites using the princess stamp, purple swirls and pink hearts.

Cakes and cupcakes available for all occassions.
Dedicated sight coming soon.

Renewal

Being in college, I actually get a Spring Break!

I spent 1/2 of it in Oregon hanging with my boys and the other 1/2 in Arizona (or Arizonia, as Ben calls it) with a bunch of family and friends.

Yes, my idea of a vacation is polar opposite to Kim G's. She went to the beach by herself, I went to AZ to see people. It's all part of me being an ENFX (conflicting PJ's).

This trip was badly needed. After this term at school and the crazy stuff with work, I needed a change of scenery and responsibility. I spent most of my time in the Phoenix-area visiting.I had the priviledge of spending time in Flagstaff (more like home) with friends and my sister, Wendy. woot! we crazy Reynolds-girls =)

I saw friends I've known a few years and friends I've known for 25+. I saw Reynolds and Dirrens. I sat at the proverbial feet of my mentors and basked in their wisdom. I hiked (ok, walked), played pool, Cribbage (yes, I won!), broke bread, and went Jeeping!!!

I slept, read, hung out, and was nurtured.

Bottom line for me, Proverbs 27:17. You know who you are...and some have no idea.

Thank you to all of my hosts and transportation providers.

This trip was good for my mind, body, spirit.

My return to Oregon was a matter of landing, getting my car from a friend, enjoying my Casella's sub on the way to my first class of the spring term. Nothing like hitting the ground running!

I left shortly after attending the Rock and Worship Road show where Mercy Me sang the song, "Word of God, Speak". That includes the line "I'm finding myself, at a loss for words, and the funny thing, it's ok". When I departed, oh I was NOT at a loss for words. I had plenty. But over my 6-day trip, those words fell to the way side and were replaced with the occassional "loss of words" and words such as serendipity, joy, peace, contentment, honor, and blessing.

I am so grateful.

I was thinking about Andrew Wyeth the other day. His paintings have been a source of wonder and amazement. How can you achieve such detail, dimension and clarity with watercolors?? Many of his pieces have photographic qualities.

I get drawn into his work, almost into the scene as if it's real. "Wind from the sea" is one of my favorites. If you spend time with it, you can almost feel the breeze, smell the ocean air and hear the lull of the distant waves.

Much of life passes us by with little attention.
Andrew Wyeth caught ordinary moments, creating extraordinary experiences.
He passed away today at age 91.

1 John 1:1-4 speaks of experiencing Christ's love, grace and mercy with all 5 senses. My goal this weekend is to be intentional about experiencing everyday life in an extraordinary way - using all 5 senses.

More snow

It's a picture postcard day...
snow falling softly and constant
fire in the fireplace
Christmas tree lights twinkling
and it's quiet.

I'm having a conversation with myself debating the finer points of seizing the moment, allowing myself to enjoy this, and getting to projects that have been awaiting my time and attention.

hmm...

moments like this are rare.

I shall enjoy it.

Surviving snow days

Here in the Portland-Metro area, we have had some serious winter weather. If you've never been to this part of God's country, you haven't experienced our varied terrain. I live at sealevel. We had 6 inches of snow, plus some drifts up to 8 inches. That was on Sunday. The kids did not have school on Monday or Tuesday for obvious reasons... the roads were ICY and such.
School was cancelled on Wednesday out of precaution.

Threats of another 4-6 inches for Thursday had officials cancelling school, again.
This was the sunniest, warmest no snow - snow day EVER!


I love my boys and our time together- however...I pray they go to school tomorrow. We all need one day of them at school before the Christmas break. The boys agree =)

I need them to go to see other people and interact with kids their own age.
I need them to go partake in any pre-holiday festivities and bring home projects they've been working on.
I need them to go because I am out of wine and Candy Cane Joe Joe cookies from Trader Joes.

(ps... new favorite wine...Silverlake's roza riesing or gerwertraminer)