Photo Friday

I debated for weeks whether to share the below picture. In my mind it is graphic. I am sorry if it upsets any readers. This is a therapeutic moment for me. I am confronting the realty of what was and what is. Everyday continues a quest for hope. Within the ashes...may there be hope? And a coming peace that I cannot imagine? If I was praying these days, that would be my prayer. A prayer for hope and peace...

What Was My Home

Nashville, TN

January 2o, 2010

God's hope. God's peace.

BEAT

I and Love and You

It has been a while. There's a story. But it still makes me cry. I may tell it. I may not.

I'm making it...hour by hour. Yep. I'm still at hour by hour.

Sorry to be ambiguous. My emotions are on the surface. And these emotions make me tired. So tired.

Still processing the loss...

BEAT

ps: I and love and you. Because I've got some good folk surrounding me.

The Return

I am sorta back. We will call it the Slow Return. But I have returned. Thanks to Google for the awesomeness that is Reader. I wake up early, crawl in front of my computer and catch up on "My Blogs." So, I am up-to-date with you. You, however, are not up-to-date with me.

One post will not get us there. But I do have some thoughts for you. These are the random ponderings, questions, and life lessons from the last month. No logical order. Just go with the flow. That brought a smile to my face. I asked you to go with the flow when I rarely ever do anything without resistance. Bless my heart.

1. Sometimes quantity is better than quality.
2. I do not recommend driving long distances without sleep.
3. And I do not recommend making the return trip if sleep still has not occurred.
4. If for some reason you do have to make a long trip with no sleep, I do recommend short naps along the way at rest stops.
5. Asking for prayer can be a humbling experience.
6. Trusting your instincts is risky.
7. There is no greater feeling than preaching a good sermon.
8. I have some good (read great) parents.
9. And I have some loving friends.
10. Having a broken kitchen sink makes life difficult
11. I have never been more unsure about the future.
12. I graduate in less than four months.
13. Prayer, well, requires willingness to be transformed.
14. Online shopping is addictive.
15. I am ready for a trip.
16. And to graduate.

That's the start of the story. And I'm sticking to it.

BEAT

Getting Closer...

...to January 12.

BEAT

Because I Can.

Just enjoy the cuteness. That's all.

ps: Look at those legs crossed. Little Miss Priss, I love you.

Until January 13...

...I will be working.

I so wish this had said, "I will be on vacation."

I've neglected this damn blog for weeks now. Why not explain? And leave it be. I don't like feeling guilty.

The semester is coming to a close, but I have so much work remaining for commissioning/ordination/probationary paperwork. So much. I've got some preaching dates in the coming days, too.

I leave you with these fun pictures to get you through. These are good. Real good. My friends played with the sculpting ball while I cooked for them. Best entertainment as I worked from the kitchen. Loved every second. I got some good friends. And they know how to bring the laughs.

Advent blessings. Happy holidays. Merry Christmas. And the hope of a peaceful New Year.

BEAT

ps: Best part, my last semester starts January 11. There will be no break. And the work just keeps coming. But I will be back. Just don't hold your breath.

Photo Friday: VDS Sustainability Dinner

Vanderbilt Divinity School

Sustainability Dinner

Nashville, TN

Fall 2009

An early Thanksgiving dinner with local turkeys, sweet potatoes, kale, cheeses, eggs, and the list goes on! It was lovely and oh-so yummy. The vegan chickpea gravy would be my favorite. Along with the gingerbread cake. I am part of such a wonderful community who cares about people and the earth. Thanks be to a Creator who blesses us with abundant love, fellowship, and food. Amen? Amen.

Now it is just time to pass it on...

BEAT