Woods and Water

I spent some time outdoors today at Big Soddy Creek Gulf. It's one of my go-to places to get outdoors, to be in the woods, near water, in nature. I took my hammock and a blanket with me because I had full intentions to "hike and hang". I ended up exploring off trail to find the perfect hammock spot and found instead a beautiful creek spot with rocks, deep water, and some flowing water over rocks. There was  even one big rock with a crack in it that had two thin trees growing up out of it. I didn't end up in the hammock. That's okay. I was prepared. I hiked by the ridge overhangs and back down to the creek, creating my own path. When I was ready to go, I decided to cross the rocks to get to the other side of the creek and make my way to the trail on the other side. I could see the bridge from where I was, so I knew I didn't have far to go. The spot I was at today would be perfect in the warm weather to cool off and swim around. The water was clear and deep. 

I noticed birds chirping as I walked the path, leaves crunching underfoot-- especially in the off trail section. I unintentionally knocked down a very tall, but dead tree (TIMBER!) as I pulled on it to steady myself. I noticed the gurgling water in the creek and the stillness of the deeper areas of the pooled water. It was sunny with clear blue skies and 36 degrees Fahrenheit.

My "water and woods" time reminded my of the days I would take off into the mountain woods at my Dad's campground, Trails Inns of Dalton. I would go up into the woods by the creek and wander along the mossy creek bed. The water is comforting to me, as is the tree canopy. It's home.

I guess my soul needed to connect today. It felt good.

I wrote this for the Advent Word of the day, Creator:

"Today's word is #Creator.

Do you ever feel compelled to get out into creation? I do. Today, in fact, I felt the urge to get in some woods and water time with the Creator. Time with Creator always calms my soul, clears my mind, and restores peace. Being in creation allows me to see, hear, and smell things differently. The different perspective helps me listen more closely to the One who knows me best, the One who created me. I am grateful for some Creator time today in the woods and by the water. It was an ADVENTure. :)
#AdventPhoto #AdventWord?

I recently saw the word "adventure" written "ADVENTure" . I thought I had seen it in a book by Michael Roberts: Wanting More: Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. But as I went back to look for it, I couldn't find it. Hmmm..... Where did I see that? I know I read it somewhere. It caught my attention because it's the season of Advent for one. And two, I love a good adventure. Life is full of them.

As I explored the woods today, I considered my Advent ADVENTure and it felt good to get off the path, to go into the unknown willingly and intentionally (contrasted to, well, you know, kicking and screaming and simply having to). There is much unknown in life and we traverse it often (or at least that's my experience.)  But there is something different about setting out on an adventure with no exact plan other than to enjoy, to take in every moment, to make the most of the situation.

And though I didn't "hike and hang", I still had fun. It was definitely an adventure. Even the tree falling was adventurous. I wondered: 'could I have heard that tree fall if I hadn't been right next to it?' I'm kidding. Well, in truth, I DID think that. :) 

It was good to play in the woods. Yes, play. That's what it was. I did hike. But I played. I even blew bubbles on the way back to the car. All of those are spiritual practices for me and part of my ongoing spiritual formation.

Here are some of my photos from today's adventure at Big Soddy Creek Gulf.

Enjoy.

May you find ways to enjoy creation and have an ADVENTure this Advent Season.

Rev. Deb

Sharing what we learn on the journey ... for the sake of others

Yesterday a friend posted a devotional she received via email on Facebook and it caught my attention.  It read:

August 08 2014
Today, God's message for you is that in order to be an effective leader you must share your knowledge and create more leaders rather than harbor it and create more followers. A true leader will choose to empower rather than overpower.

 

I later learned that Joy gets this devotional daily from God's Daily Message to You.  I couldn't find a website other than a Facebook presence, but their Facebook site posts all sorts of quotes to encourage people in their day. 

 

As I reflected on that short, yet compact paragraph, there were several things that stood out to me:  effective leader, share knowledge, create more leaders, true leader, empower.

 

I guess it caught my attention and resonated with me because that is my heart's desire, to live into this type of leadership. 

 

We are all leaders, in one form or another, whether we recognize it or not.  We all have the opportunity to take what we are learning and share it for the sake of others.  That is kingdom-minded orientation.  That what we learn and experience isn't solely for ourselves, but is for others, to be passed along, shared, multiplied.  I've seen and heard that learning in several places, including the Bible.  Yet, I think it was when I read and heard it from Bob Mulholland that it struck home as it was applied to our being spiritually formed.

 

In Invitation to a Journey:  A Road Map for Spiritual Formation, Mulholland writes: "Spiritual formation is a process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others." (12)

 

My process of being conformed to the image of Christ isn't solely for my own growth and benefit.  It is for the sake of others.  My spiritual formation process / journey is to be shared with others along the way. 

 

This isn't new to me.  I share things quite frequently with other folks.... via this blog, via Facebook, text messages, and emails.  Sometimes even phone calls.  If I feel the nudge of the Spirit to share something or reach out, I usually do.  Though sometimes I question it or hesitate.

 

Guiding others through darker passages isn't as easy, but I know God has equipped me for that too.  I know that my spiritual formation process / journey has allowed me many experiences that allow me to walk the difficult paths with others.  It is a blessing and privilege for me to share in those times with others.  Sometimes it is simply ministry of presence.  At other times, the experiences that I have been through are allowed to be shared.  

 

It is because I have been there on those paths that I am able to walk alongside others on their paths. 

 

It is because I am willing to share what I have learned and am learning with other others that allows them to see the possibilities ahead.

 

In being authentic journeyers on the path, we can all be this for one another.  We can all share in the ministry of presence and share what we are learning, spurring one another on to growth and healing in our formation process / journey.

 

What is something you've read, seen, or heard lately that you've shared with others?

 

Blessings on your journey!

 

Debra

 

Live Streaming Moments from Annual Conference.... anticipation.... is making me wait!

This morning I watched Bishop Dindy Taylor as she shared words of exhortation to the Holston Annual Conference clergy and laity gathered at Lake Junaluska (and those, like myself, watching via live stream). 

I was encouraged by what I heard.  I didn't hear lots because I was taking a brief study break.   She spoke about clergy not competing with laity and laity not competing with clergy... that we're all working together.  She also spoke about us being one church, one team.... that spoke to me of the connectional system and working together.  For both of those topics, what rang into my spirit was: "May it be so!"

Then they moved into preparing the Ordinands for Provisional Elder and the Ordination of Deacons and Elders, I couldn't help but continue to watch.  Honestly, I was mesmerized. 

I knew some of the folks in each of the categories, but not all of them.  Sometimes I knew the District Superintendents standing up with the folks being ordained.

But with the bird's eye view due to technology and being able to hear very clearly everything that was said, it captured my attention.  I was able to take a video of a former colleague and some still photos of other people, all from the video streaming (using my camera).

Part of the attention grabbing is very likely because I am nearing the time when I will become one of those Ordinands becoming a Provisional Elder (God willing, next summer). 

I am set to graduated next May and finish my coursework with one or two courses in the summer.  Those hours are more so I can have 18 graduate credits in Christian Leadership, in case an opportunity to teach arises.  I already have 14 and 18 are required to teach at an institution of higher learning.  Since I spent 24 years teaching, I figure that it isn't a bad idea to have 18 credits of Christian Leadership in my resource tool belt.

Where/How do I feel led to serve?  I am pursuing Ordination as an Elder because I feel a call to the sacraments.  What areas have emerged through my seminary studies as foci? Leadership.  Discipleship.  Spiritual Formation.  Guiding folks along their spiritual journey.  Add to that my ability to speak languages and my others gifts and graces.  What do you get?!?!  That's the million dollar question.

I look forward to watching God continue to unfold my path on this journey.  One thing I learned from Annual Conference is that Mustard Tree Ministries is now considered a mission congregation.  That places a big smile on my face and a "hmm" in my heart, mind, and soul.  I wonder how God will work in that?!?!  I have worked off and on with that ministry for many years, serving and teaching a Bible Study to women one year.  We had a retreat for them too.

Though not able to make it to Annual Conference this year, the team of photographers and The Call did a wonderful job of keeping us all informed with the online newsletter and pictures via Facebook and the website.  In addition, the live streaming option from Lake Junaluska was a tremendous blessing!  I have used that several years.

I have already marked my calendar for next year, in anticipation of actually being there.  We'll see.  In the meanwhile, I need to be faithful to my studies.   (Cue the Heinz ketchup commercial here... anticipation, is making me wait!) ☺

As a dear Academy sister put it: "One faithful step at a time will allow you to be in step with the One whose timing is always perfect."  Thank you, Robin!  I know!  And I know that the unfolding of God's purpose and plan will also be perfect. 

So, I return (once again) to my main task at hand, being a seminarian.

The ebb and flow of studying and serving..... of being student (and the other roles) and looking ahead just a little and dreaming...

What glimpse of future ministry captures you and mesmerizes you?  What are the faithful steps that you are walking in the meanwhile?

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Intensive seminary class on the main campus for the first time... feeding my soul and mind

I would like to sit down and write and write and write.  But, I have one more book to finish.  I also have a paper to finish that I started last night.  So, I will get my writing in, just not the way I'd prefer. ☺

There are so many ways I could go with this post.  Therefore, it could seem like random ramblings.  But, I think I'll focus on where I am and why I'm here.

I am in Kentucky for my first intensive on the main campus at Asbury Theological Seminary. I am taking a course in United Methodist Theology under Dr. Steve Seamands.  I am staying in Nicholasville, an 11 minute drive from the campus, at The Cottage which is part of The Corner House Bed and Breakfast.  This is a great place to stay and the host has been super!  The breakfasts have all been yummy!

I am getting some good silence and solitude time this week.  I needed it.  With my Academy time over, I knew I would need to be very intentional in getting time apart into my schedule.  I knew I would have some time to myself this week, but I wasn't prepared for how much this week would minister to me Academy-style.

It hasn't replaced Academy by any means.  There isn't much that can replace the vibrant worship of Academy #32, the bilingual atmosphere, the relationships that were knit over two years, etc.  BUT, through the direction of Dr. Seamands, our class is a space not only for learning, but also for spiritual formation, for worship, for the holy.  I have several times felt like I was in the Academy setting listening to the faculty presenter challenge us to reflect spiritually on things. 

Dr. Seamands has done this each morning through a time of teaching on the Character of a Methodist in which he presents Scripture, shares with us, challenges us to reflect, invites us to sing and worship and then pray together.  Wow!!  The topics have spurred sermon ideas. ☺  More importantly, they have opened up places for healing and have allowed me to have some spiritual formation time while being in class.  Head and heart time.  Just like the Academy.  My soul has been blessed.  I have been able to gaze upon several icons, including one of my favorites, that of Rublev's Trinity.  I have practiced visio divina while watching some of the incredible backgrounds for the songs we've sung.  I had a class with Dr. Seamands online at some point early on when I was working on the Certificate for Christian Studies.  That would be somewhere between 2007 and 2009, but I will have to look through my folders to figure out which one it was.  I remember that he was a good online instructor.  He is an even better in class professor.  The way he directs the activities of the learning process, how he uses songs, pictures, stories, group discussion, class interaction, etc.  I admire and appreciate his teaching methods both as a student and as a retired educator.  Well-done, prof!

Being on campus has been a blessing in other ways too.  I finally got a student ID after all these years (I started in 2007).  I got to go to my first chapel today.  Though I had to ask someone who it was that spoke, it was a powerful message.  And, it was good to share in communion. 

Getting to know fellow students in person has been good too, just as it was the first intensive I took in FL two summers ago.  I have also been able to connect with two local folks.... one I was expecting to see and had made plans to visit with over coffee; the other I knew was taking classes, but I thought she was gone for the summer.  So, I was surprised to see one of my former Wesley Life Group students and Costa Rica missionary buddies at lunch time today. 

Solomon's Porch truly has good coffee and a wonderful atmosphere.  Though I haven't eaten there yet, all the food items I have seen look wonderful. 

Here is a picture from Wesley Square of John Wesley.  It's really the only campus picture I've taken so far.  (On my camera.  On my phone I took a picture of the fountain and some pictures at chapel.)

 

 

Well, at this point I had better return to the writing that is required of me and the reading too.  At some point later I can hopefully return to writing here the things that have stirring around in my heart, mind, and soul.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Spiritual Learning and Growth Opportunities

A tree at the Life Enrichment Center (LEC) in Fruitland Park, FL.  This struck me as hands in prayerful formation. dd 7/29/11

I wanted to put together a list of resources that might benefit others who are looking to learn and grow on their spiritual faith journey.  This is by no means an exhaustive list nor will it necessarily have what you might be looking for and/or need.  A couple of the resources listed are local to my area, but most are not and can used by anyone, anywhere.  Maybe this is a list you not only find something for yourself, but you share with others as you come across others seeking to learn and grow along their journey.  I hope there will be something for you here. 

Blessings on your journey as you continue to learn and grow!

~Debra

"Spiritual Learning and Growth Opportunities"

 

 

Devotionals and other readings

• The Upper Room
• Our Daily Bread--published by RBC ministries since 1956
• Weavings--A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life
• Alive Now--A magazine that seeks to nourish people who are hungry for a sacred way of living
• Conversations Journal--A Forum for Authentic Transformation
• 2 FREE complete downloadable PDFjournals of Conversations Journal (Fall and Spring 2003)
• Discipleship Journal--Helping you grow in Christ
• Blogs
• Oboedire: A Site for Attentive Spiritual Formation (Dr. Steve Harper)
• Sacred Mountain Ministries: Spiritual Direction, Retreats, and Clergy Wellness
• Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation

Spiritual Gifts Inventories

• Gifted To Serve--this inventory contains 125 questions and will take 20-45 minutes
• Team Ministry Spiritual Gifts Inventory--This inventory contains 108 questions
• Spiritual Gifts Assessment from UMC.org

 

Online Learning Opportunities

• Upper Room e-Learning Program
• BeADisciple.com--offers workshops for personal enrichment and learning and Advanced Lay Servant Certification.  It is part of the Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College.  “The Institute for Discipleship is dedicated to providing educational opportunities that nurture and enrich Christian leaders, lay and clergy, for effective living and ministry.”
• Online Learning Center of the United Methodist Church--Some courses are free; others are offered at a nominal charge.
• United Methodist Basic Courses
• Online Continuing Education Consortium throughthe GBHEM (General Board of Higher Education & Ministry). [UMC related].  Courses are offered through various seminaries for Continuing Education (CU) credits and/or for personal enrichment if CU credits are not needed or desired. 
• Online courses through RBC Ministries--they offer courses through several sponsors for free (over 40 courses are offered for free), for CEUs (over 40 courses for a nominal cost [most are about $40]), and for credit (for those seeking an academic track).
• Online Retreats on Classical Spiritual Practices and Sacred Texts--they offer other online courses on demand too.

Retreats, Academies, and Learning Opportunities

• SoulFeast--“SOULfeast is The Upper Room’s spiritual formation event for children, youth, and adults who seek deepening spirituality across a spectrum of experiences that nourish the soul.”  (Held at Lake Junaluska, NC)  
• St. Mary's Sewanee--(The Ayres Center for Spiritual Development).  St. Mary’s offers retreats and learning opportunities).  “Resting on 230 acres atop the Cumberland Plateau, St. Mary's Sewanee offers a sanctuary of natural beauty and quiet for rest, renewal and reconnection. St. Mary’s Sewanee is a place that caters to individual and group spiritual needs through a variety of personal retreats and group programs.” 
• Alban Institute--The Alban Institute offers resources, courses, etc.  On their “About” link, they state their purpose:  “At Alban, we seek to develop strong congregational leaders who have the creativity, the endurance, and the joy to do the work needed to fulfill their congregations’ particular callings.”      
• Walk to Emmaus--The Walk to Emmaus is sponsored by the Upper Room.  From the “About” section on their website, it “is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers.” Chrysalis is the youth movement.  Information for it can be found from the main page.
• Chattanooga/LaFayette Emmaus Community
• Upper Room--The Upper Room offers several magazines that are helpful in spiritual growth, including: The Upper Room Daily Devotional, Weavings, Alive Now and Pockets (for children).  They also offer programs and ministries such as the Walk to Emmaus, the Academy for Spiritual Formation (5 day and 2 year), SOULfeast, and Companions in Christ.
• The Academy for Spiritual Formation (5 Day Academy / 2 Year Academy)--From the "About" section: "Since 1983, the Academy for Spiritual Formation^® has offered an environment for spiritually hungry pilgrims, whether lay or clergy, that combines academic learning with experience in spiritual disciplines and community. The Academy's commitment to an authentic spirituality promotes balance, inner peace and outer peace, holy living and justice living, God's shalom. Theologically the focus is Trinitarian, celebrating the Creator's blessing, delighting in the companionship of Christ and witnessing to the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives, churches and the world.”
•  Renovaré--Similar to the Academy for Spiritual Formation, Renovaré is dedicated to helping people grow in their spiritual journey.  From the “Who We Are” section: “We seek to resource, fuel, model, and advocate more intentional living and Spiritual Formation among Christians and those wanting a deeper connection with God. A foundational presence in the Spiritual Formation movement for over 20 years, Renovaré is Christian in commitment, ecumenical in breadth, and international in scope.”
• Lake Junaluska-- Conference and retreat center located in N.C. offering retreats and training events throughout the year.

 

That's all I have for now.  Hopefully you will find something that will help you grow in your faith journey and/or lead you to another resource for that purpose.

 

Blessings on your journey,

 

Debra

 

 

 



Spiritual Formation Through Poetry

I'll admit that I had not really considered the possibilities of growing spiritually through poetry before last week.  Now, that surprises me on one hand, because DUH!  the book of Psalms is known for its poetry.  And, I've read poetry throughout my life that has been significant to me.  Plus, folks in my Bible Study have shared poetry from time to time that has touched a spark. Yet, for some reason, I hadn't considered intentionally incorporating poetry into my spiritual formation (or helping others do the same).  You'd think that someone who advocates anything read, including the newspaper and the comic strips would have been looking into poetry.

Last week at the Academy we were introduced to several poets and several poems.  One or two I was familiar with, the rest were new to me.  And, from among our midst, there were several poets sharing their formation through poetry as well.  It has been many years since I've written poetry about my life, my thoughts, my personal stuff.   That may be something that I revisit, now that the door has been cracked open.

My life has been cracked open.  There is now space to explore poetry in terms of spiritual formation and growth.  I am going to venture and guess that if I find some of my "Nothing" books and other journals where I've written poetry, I might just find some poems dealing with spiritual formation and growth from my own life. 

I shared one poet and poem in a post last week.  I will share another one here.  What I would like to do is have a gathering and share poems that have significance for spiritual formation and life for those who are interested, to be able to discuss them.  But, that's down the road a little.

Last week I was introduced to Mary Oliver, David Whyte, Hafiz, Robert Bly, William Stafford, and Jerry Webber.  I was reminded of and re-introduced to Rainer Maria Rilke.   So, from time to time, I'll be sharing poetry, like I did in an earlier post when I shared "The Way It Is" by William Stafford.

Today, I'll share just one, one to which I've already made reference:

My life cracks open
Jerry Webber

My life cracks open.
I stand in it

careful not to run.

-------------------------------------------
Read this a couple of times through.  How does it speak to you?  What does it say to you?  What in your life is cracking open?  Are you willing and able to simply "stand"?  Beyond allowing this to speak to your head (mind), allow this to speak to your heart.

Blessings on your journey as you stand in the opened crack,

~Debra

"The Way It Is"-- a poem by William Stafford for the journey

I've been introduced to some new poets and poetry this week during our morning curriculum sessions and in yesterday's after lunch session.  I've enjoyed reflecting on these this week.

This morning, we heard "The Way It Is" by William Stafford.  Before I say anything about it, let me just share the poem.  But, first, a little bit about the poet.  William Stafford (1914-1993) was born in Kansas.  He wrote about 22,000 poems in his life time, of which 3,000 have been published.  For more, check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Stafford_(poet) and http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/224.

"The Way It Is"
William Stafford

There's a thread you follow.  It goes among
things that change.  But it doesn't change.
People wonder what you're pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can't get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you can do can stop time's unfolding.
You don't ever let go of the thread.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read it through a couple of times.  What words or phrases stand out for you?  What is the thread for you?  How do you see your life connecting to this poem?

For me, it's a picture of the journey, of the faith journey.  The thread that doesn't change for me is God.  "It goes among things that change."  The journey is an ongoing adventure of change.  People probably wonder what I'm pursuing... I imagine people wonder about quite a bit that I do.  Some may; some may not.  It doesn't really matter.  My concern is to follow the thread.  I try to explain about the thread.  For some others it's hard to see; yet there are those who see it too.  Lots of life stuff has happened and will happen along the pathway of this journey.  I can not stop time from unfolding, but I can hold on to the thread.  I can hold on to the thread through my doubts, through my fears, through my joys, through my pains, through my growth, etc.  It is a word picture of my spiritual formation journey, my adventurous journey of faith.

So, I'll ask again.  What is the thread for you?  How does this poem touch you, connect with you?  What are your thoughts?

Here is a link with the poem and a picture image of a canoe and a body of water.  Maybe it will help to reflect on the poem from this website: http://www.panhala.net/Archive/The_Way_It_Is.html

Following the thread,

~Debra

   

Preparations for ministry...playing Hide and Seek

Over the past several months, possibly even years (if I'm honest enough to look back and if I have memory enough to recall), through conversations with numerous people, I continue to hear the words (said or written one way or another): 'that sounds like preparation for ministry to me'.

Some of those comments have been more direct, actual several different people, have actually gone beyond "ministry" in general to saying or implying the role of pastor. 

I wonder how many times I need to hear it in order to believe it?  The truth is, I can't see it.  Well, that's not quite the truth.  I can see it, but I can't see it.  What can I see?  I can see me teaching.  I can see me preaching.  I enjoy speaking God's Word.  I enjoy preparing a message that God has put on my heart, mind, and soul to share.  ("enjoy" is a little strong here, because sometimes there isn't enjoyment-- it's hard work, and there is a slight bit of fear and trepidation to say what I feel called to say).  Anway.....  I have a passion for seeing people learn and grow.  Period.  In life.  Whether that is learning a language, learning what their passion for life is and pursuing it, or growing in their spiritual journey.  I enjoy walking that path, even though it can be a difficult, arduous, even hellacious path at times. 

What precipated this commentary?  The other day I went to a meeting I thought was meeting, to learn we weren't meeting.  While I'm learning we're not meeting, I'm talking to the one person and not really acknowledging the others except for with a slight hello.  Then, I explain that I'm slightly out of whack, sleep deprived, working to keep a little person on task on her big Science Fair Project, etc.  Feeling a little guilty for having slighted this person, I sent a note of apology.

Her response: "All sounds like good prep for life as a pastor if you ask me." 

My response:  HMPPHH!!  Okay, that was my first response.  Then, I started thinking about how often I keep hearing this......  and what came into my mind next was the game of Hide and Seek.

Everyone knows how to play that game, right?  One person is designated as the counter/finder.  Everyone else goes and hides.  The counter counts to the designated number and then says, "Ready or not, here I come" and then goes to find each person.  That's how the game is supposed to be played. 

When I read my friend's response and the game popped into my head, it seemed to me that there was a different version of this game being played.  It feels like God is saying to me, "Ready or not, here you come."  And, I stop to scratch my head for a moment.  And laugh.  It makes sense in a way.  Most things in my life happen in odd ways. 

One, I learned "never say never" WAY before Justin Beiber ever sang about it.  And, for very different reasons.  I said I would "never" be a teacher.  And, I taught for 24 years.  When I look back at my life, I really taught for more of that as I was "Head" of the Archery Department at Camp Skyline and Saddlerock (following in Rainey and Felicia's footsteps!)  I taught swimming and sports, and ropes courses as well at camp.  When I was a little kid, I put my younger brother in a desk and gave him math lessons.  So, unbeknownst to me, I was a teacher long before I recognized it.

So, back to hide and seek.  I've not really been hiding. Truly I've been actively seeking, searching, asking, listening, and waiting.  I have acted upon those things which I believe I was supposed to do.  Yet, I do continue to wrestle with this question of ministry. 

As I feel called to help people in their spiritual journey-- spiritual formation, growth, discipleship, etc.-- and as I recognize the gifts of teaching and leadership and language skills, I wonder how to put it all together in such a way for ministry.  That's the missing puzzle for me.  There is no box-top for me at this time.  There is no map to follow.  I'm called to make the map.  One of the books for "Equipping the Laity" this semester hits this right on: Missional Map-Making: Skills for Leading in Times of Transition by Alan J. Roxburgh.

I've read it through once and am re-reading my notes in it currently.  There is one major thing missing in this book: my map.  I know, I know.  It's not going to be that easy. 

All I know to do is to keep on keeping on.  Keep learning, keep seeking, keep listening and to respond to what I feel God asking/pushing/telling/ me to do.  If you look at the path I'm on and have been on, it doesn't look "typical" for someone going in to ministry.  Actually, if I were to be honest, my life's path might not look "typical" on any level.  But that's okay, it's my journey.  It's my adventure.  And it doesn't have to be "typical" (in my opinion). 

To become a pastor in my denomination, there are steps to take (as with any denomination).  It's all listed out in the Book of Discipline, starting in paragraph 311 on page 209.  I'm not on that journey yet.  Or, at least, not per the guidelines set in the Book of Discipline.  To be perfectly honest with self and others, I believe that I am on that journey.  There have been quite a few things pointing to it.  (Okay, there are quite a few of you reading this who will say, "DUH!"  Go ahead.)  Whether or not I end up as a "pastor", I do sense that I'm being prepared for something.  It's scary, honestly.  But, for now, I'm going to stay the path in front of me, following the lead of my Guide on this journey.  What does the Lord require of me?  To to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with my God.  (Micah 6:8, edited) That is what I will try to do.  

Even though I thought the game of hide and seek was supposed to be, 'Ready or not, here I come.', for me, I'm learning that it is 'Ready or not, here you come.'

It is definitely an adventurous journey!

May your day be blessed with some fond childhood memories,

~Debra