Today has been brought to you by the letter "s"-- spanish, starbucks, and snow -- an interesting day.

I didn't know when I started this morning that it would turn out to be a letter day from Sesame Street.

Today has been brought to you by the letter "s".  Spanish, Starbucks, and snow.  Though some of the other activities begin with other letters, those make for an alliteration example. ☺

My morning exercise routine started off with a walk at Greenway Farms in Hixson, TN.  There was a beautiful patch of water with a thin frozen top.  It was inviting, but not too inviting.  You could easily tell that it wouldn't hold much weight.  It wasn't ready for ice skating, but it was pretty to observe. ☺

Then I was off to the dentist.  Not much to share there, except that it was a good visit and my teeth and gums are healthy.

I had a few minutes to spare prior to taekwondo class.  I decided the best way to fill that time was coffee and reading for my theology class.  Off to Starbucks to use my Christmas gift cards.  While I was reading my book and sipping on my mocha, I heard my second language being spoken.  I looked up.  In the corner were three women speaking Spanish.  I smiled to myself and went back to reading.  I didn't eavesdrop.  Honest.  But it did make me happy to hear the language.  I'm dorky like that.  I got to speak Spanish some last week in Florida.   Hearing it, speaking it, worshiping in it.... it makes me happy.  Well, worshiping in the language can sometimes penetrate my soul at a deep level and bring tears to my eyes too.  But, I digress.

When it was nearing time for me to head over to the taekwondo studio, I thought about saying something to the women.  I knew they would likely think I was a little wacky, but I decided to go ahead and approach them.  In their language, I permission to interrupt and proceeded to explain that I speak the language and that it did my heart good today to hear them speaking.  I also mentioned that I wasn't listening; only that I heard and noticed.  Then I wished them a good day and left.  Who knows what they thought of the gringa who had addressed them and left.

For me, it was a blessing.  You see, before my morning walk I had a conversation with my District Superintendent about being on the Holston Conference Hispanic Ministries Team.  I said "yes".  I am excited about this opportunity.   The 2 year bilingual Academy for Spiritual Formation affirmed me in my calling and my gifts and graces for Hispanic ministry, but there hasn't been much opportunity to get very involved.  There is a good explanation for that-- seminary.  Seminary has rightly been my focus.

After a great workout at taekwondo (my first time back since the holidays), I headed home.

I saw a snowflake come down from the sky.  Then it began to flurry at a faster pace.  It wasn't sticking on much, but it was beautiful to watch.  I went outside twice to hear the swishing sound that snow makes as it falls.  That is also a wonderful thing.  The snowfall has lessened now and this won't be the time that we get our "big" snow here in the state of Tennessee.  I am hoping for at least one big snow this season.  One that allows for sledding, building snowmen, making snow angels, and having snow ball fights.  Snow is wonderful.

What a day this has been.

Now to cap it off with some more theology reading!

What encounters have you had today?

May you be blessed and encouraged along your journey,

Debra ☺

The Power of Group Silence

Besides spending quite a bit of time studying Hebrew today, the other focus (reminder) has been SILENCE.

During my morning walk today at the Greenway Farm, the fog was thick and made for a wonderful cocoon in which to walk.  There were areas so thick that you couldn't see the objects, a visual silence.

In my walk this morning I was able to soak in the silence and solitude in the protection of the fog.  Though physically foggy, I was able to to spend needed time listening to God so that my heart, mind, and soul could clear out some. 

I was refreshed and ready to study after my walk.

During one of my study breaks this morning I opened up A Guide To Prayer For All God's People to week 52 "When God Calls" and read a quote from Elton Trueblood that came from his book The New Man for Our Time.  He spoke about the Iona community and their example of starting each day by listening to God for guidance.  But what grabbed my attention today wasn't that, but rather his second paragraph.  Trueblood writes about silence: "Powerful and productive as individual silence may be, group silence may be even more productive.  Many are able to report that a genuine entering into a group silence, when it is dynamic and not merely sleepy, can bring, in the briefest conceivable time, an entire flood of ideas not previously recognized." (p. 315 in A Guide To Prayer For All God's People)

Ah.... yes!

Silence in solitude is wonderful.  I concur.

Yet, I have also experienced group silence and find it to be powerful.  I have experienced group silence in groups of centering prayer.  There is something very special to that.  I have experienced group silence in active silence once during my journey in the 2 year Academy.  That was an extremely powerful and meaningful experience.  There was healing in that experience.  I have experienced group silence on 1/2 day retreats and during silent days on retreats or silent times.

There is something about being together, united through a common bond, that gives life to the silence.

Beyond the simple experience of it, group silence can be extremely beneficial when seeking discernment on issues or situations.  But that aspect of silence for group discernment is a whole other topic, one very well worth time and attention.

Do you take time in groups for silence?  Whether it is silence during prayer, or silence to focus and settle in, silence to reflect on a word or message spoken or sung..... if you haven't tried it, try it.  Allowing the time and space for silence in groups for us to listen to God is powerful.

Meanwhile, if you've not had your individual time of silence today, I encourage you take some time for silence. 

I learned of a new resource today, Friends of Silence.   It is a contemplative community started by Nan Merrill in 1987 in Detroit.   On their website they mentioned T.S. Eliot's "Ash Wednesday" poem and the importance of there being enough silence for the word to be heard.

Intrigued, I looked for the poem.  I learned that this was considered T.S. Eliot's "conversion" poem, published in 1930.

It has 6 stanzas.  Though long, it is definitely worth a read (or two).  It makes a good lectio divina exercise.

Here is a link to the written poem: "Ash Wednesday".

If you prefer to listen to it, here is a YouTube video:

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Dam Hidden Treasure... why can't it be re-opened for all?

No, the title doesn't contain a misspelled word.  The "dam" I am referring to is the Chickamauga Dam in Chattanooga, TN.  The "hidden treasure" I am referring to is the recreational area known as North Chickamauga Creek Greenway that is not really "hidden" but blocked off from access on the dam side.  The North Chickamauga Creek Greenway is currently ONLY accessible via the Greenway Farms off of Hamill Road (and Gann Store Road) in Hixson.  The sign below is on the dam side of the Greenway, the portion that is currently blocked off from Lake Resort Drive.

 

 

To access this portion of the Greenway, you must park at the Greenway Farm on the Hixson side and walk, run, or jog to the other side.  Since this includes going up hill to the quarry area, this isn't feasible for anyone needing wheelchair or walker access.  I have seen folks pushing baby buggies up the hills and through the area though.

 

The good news is that THERE IS access for those needing to use a wheelchair or a walker on the dam side.  There is even parking designated for those who have the required parking tags.

 

 

For the most part, this area of the Greenway is kept up rather well considering one cannot access it from the dam side.  The workers keep the restroom facility in order, the trails clear, and the grass mowed.  There is some work that would need to be done if this facility were to be reopened.

 

And that is my point in writing.  WHY ISN'T THIS FACILITY OPEN?!?!?  It was originally closed because of the dam work on the lock.  However, that work is now on hold.  I don't understand why the access on the dam side to the Greenway couldn't be reopened until the dam lock work starts back (whenever that might be). [See link at bottom of post on the dam and lock.]

 

The lower loop trail is fully accessible for a wheelchair or a walker, even a cane.  But, if someone didn't want to use the trail, there are picnic tables in addition to the big picnic pavilion (seen top left in the photo of the handicapped parking spots and by itself below).

 

 

To my knowledge, this inaccessible location is the only handicapped accessible trail located in the woods (with labeled trees) in the Chattanooga area. 

 

But it's not just for folks needing those facilities, it is a wonderful place for all people to enjoy.

 

There are grassy areas for kids of all ages to play.

 

There is access to the water via these steps.

 

 

And, of course there is the walking trail.  There are several choices.  There is the lower loop, the upper loop.  The Boy Scout trail is also accessible from this side.   One can even take the trail to the quarry if one wishes.   Here is a map of all the trails at the Greenway Farm.

 

However, IF one wishes to enjoy the picnic pavilion on the dam side, one must walk from the Hixson side.  Don't get me wrong.  I enjoy the Hixson side of the Greenway Farm.  There is much to offer on that side too.  There are wonderful open spaces to run and play.  There is the Wildflower Trail.  There is the dog park.  There is the rental facility (former home).  There are walking paths.  But, it's not very user friendly for folks who might need to use a walker, a cane, or especially a wheelchair.

 

At this point in my life, I'm okay with the walking all the way over to get to the hidden treasure.  Yet, if I need knee surgery again.... or if I need hip surgery.... or if I become dependent on a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair..... I would like to be able to enjoy the beauty of this spot.  And it isn't just about or for me.  I think about this property that is sitting unused by the majority of our community because they simply can't get to it easily, whether they need the accessible areas or not.  Families with young children, anyone with injuries, groups that would like to use the pavilion, ETC.

 

City of Chattanooga, if we are not moving forward with the work on the dam lock, then why can't this area be opened up on the dam side?

 

It's a beautiful place!  I hope the blocks will be removed in the near future so that more people in the community can use this place as it was intended to be used and as many of us used it in the past.

 

Maybe folks aren't bothered about this portion of the Greenway not being open to the public.  Maybe folks are okay with it being shut down and inaccessible to the community.  That's cool.  But, there might be a few folks that didn't even realize they were missing out on such a wonderful hidden (blocked) treasure.  Maybe, just maybe, someone that can re-open the road (or at least explain why it won't be re-opened) will somehow hear the message and respond.

 

 

Walking onward on the journey,

Debra

 

MORE PICTURES:

 

 

Newly renovated benches on the dam side of the trail; overlooks a rope swing and the creek.

This bridge begins the walking trail on the dam side, from the parking lot.

 

Check out the links below for additional information:

 

The main website for the Greenway Farm. 

 

Information on the Boy Scout Trail from the North Chick website:

 



Length: Approximately 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Uses: Foot Traffic Only
The Boy Scout Trail is located within TVA’s Big Ridge Small Wild Area. The trail makes a loop, going to the top of Big Ridge and back down to the Greenway. The entirety of the trail is dirt singletrack, and it goes through some of the oldest forest in the North Chickamauga Creek watershed.
Access: The Boy Scout Trail branches off of the North Chickamauga Creek Greenway about 0.7 miles from the parking lot next to the Outdoor Chattanooga barn. Take the Greenway up and over the quarry and past the Upper Loop. The Boy Scout Trail is the first trail on the left past the southernmost turn-off for the Upper Loop.


Information on the dam and lock from the US Army Corps of Engineers

Article in Chattanooga Times-Free Press, January 30, 2014 about the lock and dam


2014 begins!

Happy New Year!

Probably the most repeated phrase/greeting of the day. ☺

Today was a quiet day.  Time at home.  Time outside.  Time to walk.  Time to reflect.

I was blessed to get to walk twice today.

The first time I went to the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge area, part of the Cumberland Trail.  Because of the rain we've had recently, the creek was up quite a bit.  I walked with my walking buddy and her botanist husband today.  Besides the walking, I learned some cool things about the flora and fauna and sand boils.  When we were leaving, one lone kayaker was preparing to dismount his kayak from his vehicle and hike in a way before launching.  This is a great place for kayakers when the water is up.  I wanted to stay and watch him come down, but I needed to get back home.

My husband worked from 9am--3pm today.  When I got home from my first walk, he said he was up for a walk.  We took off and went to the Greenway Farm to walk.  We were able to get in a decent walk before the threat of sunset and closing of the park.

What a great way to start off the new year... walking and being out in creation!  Both places allowed walking by water.  The first place I was able to hear and see the roar and power of the flowing water.  At the spot where you normally walk across the water to the other side to get to the Blue Hole, the water was high and flowing a quick pace.  At the second place, the water was more still but you could see that it was up as it covered the docks.  One dock had two plastic chairs still sitting on it, slightly submersed in the water.  Odd that they hadn't floated off yet.  Maybe due to the stillness of this portion of the creek.

The sunshine was warm (around 48-49 degrees) and the day was beautiful.  Each place had their differences, but both were beautiful.  Both places were very populated with others with the same idea to get out and enjoy the gorgeous day.

Other reflection time today centered around the word "faith".  First I saw a picture and a quote from Sight Psalms on Facebook this morning of a bug perched on the edge of a leaf.   It said, "SERIOUSLY?  Sometimes the next step is a leap of faith."  At first, it just seemed like a cute saying.  And then a couple of people came to mind.  Wouldn't you know that from there that "cute saying for others" became something that came back to me throughout the day?!?!!?  And I don't think it's finished with me yet. ☺

Then, I heard a lady talking about "faith" on the radio.  For some reason, my mind went into acronym mode.  F.A.I.T.H.  At first, "freedom" came to mind.  But it didn't go anywhere.  Then, the phrase "Freely Alive In The Holy spirit" came to mind and that resonated.  I know there isn't an "s", but work with me here.  Then, later the thought came to me "Fully Alive In The Holy spirit".  I don't know if it will sell tons of bracelets or not, but both phrases resonated within my soul today.

Lastly, I've been thinking about words.  More specifically, I've been semi trying to come up with a word for this year because I've read about others working on their words for the year.  Well, I haven't come up with "a" word.  I've also been trying to come up with theme words for the national newsletter I edit.  I'm not doing so well there either. UGH. 

However, there was a quote posted today by Shalem Institute's Facebook page that caught my attention.  As I've reflected on it this afternoon and allowed it to sink in, it struck me that THIS is a quote that has SEVERAL words that I would like to live into in this new year.  In fact, the ENTIRE quote is one that strikes me as one that adequately describes how I desire to live into this year.

Therefore, I don't have a "word" for this year.

I have a quote.  I'm going to attempt to live into it.

I guess I should share it.  That means you'll be able to hold me accountable.  And, that's okay.

Here it is:

"Contemplative awareness provides a door through which the Spirit can take us deeper, freer, and truer, a door through which we can walk beyond any confining room that smothers the Spirit's call to abundant life."  ~Tilden Edwards

What are the words that jump out to me, resonate within me?  awareness, deeper, freer, truer, door, walk beyond, Spirit's call, abundant life

I look forward to seeing what this year brings... what this quote brings into my life, how it is lived out (or rather how I live into it)...

I look forward to more time in the outdoors!  Flowing waters, waterfalls, creeks....

I look forward to more time walking.

I look forward to seeing how my faith is challenged and what leaps and steps I will take this year.

I look forward to more times of a peaceful spirit that has filled me today.

Blessings on your 2014!

Debra

Some pictures from today:

 

Taking advantage of a gorgeous day....

Looking back the path we had just come

Yesterday (March 12) I was able to get outside for a little while and enjoy the beautiful day with my husband.  Sunshine and semi-warm weather have not been the norm lately, so when it came about, we took advantage of it.  We went to Greenway Farm (North Chickamauga Creek Greenway), [formerly known as Spangler Farm] to walk.  [Click here for a map.] There are paved paths, gravel paths, fields, and grass paths.  There is a dog park on the property, some private gardens, a defunct tennis court, a canoe launch, picnic tables, and a former quarry.  Animals only are allowed to play in the quarry water.  Humans will get in trouble.  In fact, that area may be roped off now.  We didn't go that way yesterday.  We walked the grass path along the creek near the wildflower field, taking the side trails around all the large pools of water.

There was one large pool of water that took more maneuvering than normal to get around.  Once inside the woods we noticed that a beaver dam had been built up.  Ah-ha!  that was why the water wasn't draining back down into the creek.  I did find a treasure for all the work bush-wacking through the woods--a golf ball.

Looking at the beaver dam; the creek is behind us

Looking back at the pool of water we had avoided

Not only was it good to walk among the trees and near the creek, it was good to feel the warmth of the sun and to hear the birds.  It was good to breathe in the fresh air. 

It was good to spend some time together walking--- some talking and some in silence. 

Being outdoors helped to clear my mind some and give it a break from lots of reading. 

The exercise was good for the body-- heart, mind, and soul.

May you find some form of exercise and/or may you be able to get outdoors and give yourself a break for your body-- heart, mind, and soul.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra