NEWS FLASH!!!!

I have a job!!!!!
I start at very end of June. Does anybody want to come help me pack?
Oh, I will be serving as the interim pastor of a church in my state of home and in the presbytery of my beginnings!
Yay! Thanks to all of you for your prayers, support, love and encouragement!
Love to all! For those at Fesival of Homies---have fun for me!
More later!

Happy Pentecost/ Mom's Day

So, I managed to get to church for early service and stayed for the three readings in Portuguese and I also won something on ebay this morning. Pics will follow later on the item won. I can now say I am officially a collector of this thing.
Oh, and for those interested, my pedi did hold up for two weeks, although as I was hurriedly going through apartment two days ago, I hit my middle toe (think, bird toe, if it were indeed possible to shoot a bird with your toe!). Anyhow, I managed to literally knock off the better part of that toe nail and now how a small stub of a nail. But, my toes did look "Spirited" and I did okay with my language. We had several other representations and so many languages were spoken today. The church had beautiful banners and music was superb.
I do have a headache and would love a good neck and shoulder massage if anyone is up to it.
Part of my headache caused by going all day strong (after church luncheon with friends). The other reason may be that I am once again with insurance woes. I could not get Rx filled Saturday b/c my plan is no longer active....my coverage ended on May 1. Uh, Hello? Excuse me but my check for insurance cleared on April 29. So, how may I ask is that possible?
Okay, I will save my rant for later and just in case somebody out there happens to be or be related to somebody) who works for the place where my denomination does insurance bidness.
I know thee is a rational explanation for why I am not insured right now, but the "place which shall not be named" has my $500. I will find out. I know it is not personal and it has nothing to do with their feelings for my as a person, a pastor, or a client. They do not hate me or wish to get back at me....
Can ya tell I have done the therapy thing?
More to follow on that.
I was visiting Mindy in her Bead Kingdom and read a funny post about blood donation. It reminded me of a funny story I know from a friend about blood donation. I will share it tomorrow with y'all.
For tonight, let me just do a plug for Red Cross and and Life South and other donation places.
Giving blood does save lives, it is important. They do need all types and so if you are able, and can and are willing...do give a pint. You lose a pound, I promise! And do it in honor or memory of your mom, grandmother, or mother figure in your life. You might even save the life of someone else's mother!
Okay, funny story to follow once headace is subsided and hopefully I have happy news on insurance.

Pentecost Comes Early

I know it is a week early, but I was in need of some pampering today. I went for a mani and pedi and I had the young lady paint fire streaks and dove on toes for next Sunday. Mugsy was most gracious to allow me to use his black fur as a background.
And yes, he is THAT big now! 10 pounds of fluff, fur, and fun.
As I look at post, I realize the toes are not in focus, but Mugsy looks great. Now to not mess them up until NEXT SUNDAY!!!!!!
Oh and they are painted in the now famous Cajun Shrimp formerly worn by our own St. Cass.

Brief Bullet Points

*It is late Tuesday night in my corner of this world. I just got in a few hours ago and have not unpacked yet.
* I missed my cats and remain grateful for the lovely family that cares for them when I am gone. They are incredible and quite sweet to me and the boys.
* I have driven 6 hours + 4.5 hours + 4.5 hours + 6 hours since Friday...and have interviewed with church and preached a neutral pulpit, and met with session form another church.
* The church where I interviewed seems to be a no-go. I think I was perhaps the "token female" that they were required to interview before calling the male pastor they wanted.
*Long story, but if you have been there you know what I mean. The best highlight was one of the ladies on the committee jingled her car keys while i was talking to them!
* I was given directions to the church where I was to preach. It was waaaa-aaayyy out in the boonies. I got lost, made a wrong turn and ended up waaa-aaayyy out in the booonies in the opposite direction. When I realized I had gone too far, I called and this guy directed me back to the church where i should have been. Well, I walked into church at 11AM, when the service was to have begun. If they were thinking of calling me, I know they won't now. But, that is okay. There were many, many red flags in the room! It is not where I am being called to serve.
* Lots of questions came up for me...no real answers and just a bad feeling. Maybe I took a wrong turn for a reason or maybe it is a sign that this church is a wrong turn! I will say that when I was "lost" I did pass by a road called, " Reformation Way!"
* Okay, so next I meet with folks where I could end up as interim. I love these people. I sat down and chatted with them. They were funny, relaxing to be around, and just what we would call "good ole home folks." I could see myself going to one of their homes and I think they would offer me a tomato sandwich with Duke's Mayonnaise. This is a good thing, in case you don't understand.
* This would also put me close to family and friends and back in the presby that I love and would be happy to serve.
*So, busy, stressful, emotional roller coaster over the past four days, but all in all it seems good.
* I do still have two other potential churches, one a phone interview and another that wants to talk to me more. i will not discount them just yet.
*Still much to process, but that will come after I sleep.
* Please pray for a former schoolmate of mine who just lost her precious young daughter to a very rare mitochondrial disease. Her death was fully expected, but still is never going to be an easy thing. We are all quite thankful for this precious one who now rests with God.
Blessings as you work, write,play, ponder, and preach.
Peace of the Paw,

Update

Hi...
Quick updates as I have been neglectful as of late.
I preached at a church for a potential call as interim and then as I waited to hear from them another church called.
So, now I am preaching in a "neutral pulpit." This is what my denomination does for potential calls. You go and preach in another church and the committee comes to hear you there. So, I am off to preach Acts to a church I do not know and these other folks will hear me and see/hear how I preach.
Okay, so next thing is that another church has started to check my references and now two others are interested. I put one of them on hold (explaining where I am) and told the other I was in process of talking to a church and would know more soon. I don't wish to count anyone out until I actually have a call, approved by committees for ministry and have been voted upon.
I just returned from a mini vacation of sorts and feel relaxed. I must remember to do this more often. My sermon is not yet done, but in process.
I told my therapist that I am beyond ready to take a call and am excited over potentials in all counts.
Melech had a happy birthday is grateful for the good wishes. Mugsy is almost 9 months old now and weighs more than his big bubba. They are both quite the handsome kitty boys.
Ah, my sermon title is : A Different Story and I am using the Acts 17 text.
I am intrigued with Paul's going into Athens and checking things out and making some observations regarding his own context before presenting his story to them. Not at all unlike the way politicians go into an area and make some of their own observations before they give their story. Now of course Paul';s message was far more important than that of any of our politicians, but
"I'm just saying..."
Peace to all and thanks for the prayers,

Privileges Part II

These are my personal privileges of a very "different" sort. These are things that not everyone gets to experience and know in life. They are privileges, yet some of the wealthiest folks in the world have not done them. Copy and paste to your blog if you wish to play. All of these apply to my life, bold the ones that apply to yours. Please feel free to add any of your own.

*Learned to cook or bake before age 12 with a family member.
*Had a pet growing up and *experienced its death, as well as life.
*Witnessed puppies or kittens being born or got to keep an eye on a nest until the eggs hatched and the birds flew.
*Helped plant seeds or plants in a garden and then eat the vegetables fresh. Bonus if you ate a tomato fresh off the vine!
* Lived within 10 miles of a grandparent.
*Can remember having homemade ice cream in the summer (always peach for us).
* Went on nature hikes with a family member. Extra credit if you collected stuff, licked the drops off of honeysuckle or skimmed rocks across the water.
*This one is a bit out there, but you have blown bubbles through a bamboo pole into a pond, creak, lake or river. If you have never done this, please do it before you die. The smell, sound, feel is wonderful.(perhaps you have one of equal weirdness)
*Had a special tradition for Thanksgiving or Christmas that was passed down.
* Built a snow person or rode a sled with sibling, parent, grandparent, or aunt/uncle.
* Had homemade hot cocoa (recipe on Hershey container) as a child.
*Had an article(s) clothing that was handmade by family member or family friend.
*Lived in a town where RC cola and Moon Pies could be purchased at a local store.
* You were taken fishing before you were 13.
*Had a pen pal growing up.
*Know a family recipe by heart
* A trip to town usually meant you got a quarter to ride on the carousel at K-mart.
* You were encouraged to memorize scripture.
* Played Hop-scotch, Marbles, or Annie Over as a child.
*Drove through a local neighborhood, charity or business to see Christmas light display.

Privledges

Saw this meme on another blog. You have to bold the ones that apply to you.
Check back later and I will have my own personal list of privledges I had growing up.I am still thinking on it.


Father went to college.
Father finished college.
Mother went to college.
Mother finished college.
Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor.
Were the same or higher social class than your high school teachers.
Had more than 50 books in your childhood home.
Had more than 500 books in your childhood home.
Were read children’s books by a parent.
Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18 .
Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18.
The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively.
Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18.
Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs.
Your parents paid for all of your college costs.Went to a private high school.
Went to summer camp.
Had a private tutor before you turned 18 (does it count that mom paid a lady to help me not fail geometry.
Family vacations involved staying at hotels ( it was actually called "A Motor Inn.
Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18.
Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them.This was my last year of college
There was original art in your house when you were a child.
You and your family lived in a single-family house.
Your parents owned their own house or apartment before you left home. (Do you think they mean owned--like it's paid for, or owned, like there's a mortgage but it's in their name?)
You had your own room as a child.
You had a phone in your room before you turned 18.
Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course.
Had your own TV in your room in high school.
Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college.
Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16.
Went on a cruise with your family. Uh, does the river boat ride at Six Flags count?
Went on more than one cruise with your family.
Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up.
You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family.

Thoughts for HUMP Day

* I had a special moment on Easter Sunday. I have been a part of this lovely group of ladies who I knit with weekly. One of them has become quite special to me. A little over a year ago she lost her beautiful granddaughter in a tragic auto accident. She was only 19, quite beautiful, and so full of promise for a bright future. It was literally gone in an instant.
Anyway, this sweet lady had me over to Easter lunch with several of her friends from their church. As we prepared to sit down she told me that I was to sit in her granddaughter's place. She told me that "L" would want it that way. I was humbled and honored.
* Next up a moment to brag on my NCAA bracket. I picked 13 of the Sweet Sixteen teams. Now to see how I do with the Elite 8 and then THE FOUR!!!!!! One that I did not guess on was Davidson. However, being a Presby, I am quite thrilled to see them as a Cinderella team. GO Wildcats!
* Just recently visited a nearby fast food establishment famous for their Roast Beef and the cowboy hat that hangs ominously over people's heads. Okay, so you know where I am talking about. As I was leaving I noticed a huge bell, like bigger than school bell, but smaller than Liberty bell. It was right beside the door and about eye level so you can't miss it. Well, if you were really, really short or really, really tall, maybe... But, anyhow, in this fast food joint, big bell by door and a rope on it to ring. Beside it a sign that states, " If you had good service, then ring the bell." Maybe we need those at the door of sanctuary? Would people ring it? Would they mean it when they rung it or just ring to be polite?
What is a good service? Does a clergy defintion defer from those in the pews? HMMMM>>>>
* I found the coolest yarn at Big Lots. I got all 8 skeins for shawl #4 It is called Sorbet (lime, hot pink, aqua, and bright orange)and I also found (at another store) some matching colors to go along with it. it is knitting up nicely.
* I also have a cute recipe/pattern/ something to make a frog out of lime sherbet, Jr. Mints, and Green Gummy Savers. This was from Family Fun. If you are in need of cute ideas for children/fun themes/new stuff...check them out. They have a website, but also do magazine. Always something I want to try.
* I think that is all for now. Oh, I am preaching twice next month and will be asking for your help. I have the 1st and last Sunday in April. Both are potential calls!!!!!! Yay!! I am excited. Anyhow, since I have not been on that horse lately, I may be calling on y'all for a leg up, riding instructions, or some other tips.
Giddy-up!!!! I am so ready to work again. CNN, Rachael Ray, and game shows are getting old fast.
Peace to all,
1-4 G