Big Soddy Creek adventures-- some icicles and a small rock

I went to Big Soddy Creek again yesterday.  I am beginning to lose track of how many times I've been over there to walk and enjoy the gorgeous creation.

It was a beautiful day to be outdoors.  It was just cold enough to see icicles in places.  Not as many icicles as the very first time I was out there, but enough for me to enjoy.

There is something about the way the light shines through the ice that captures my attention.  The glint and glow of the light is beautiful.  The shape of the icicles and is another aspect that captures m attention.  Some have jagged edges and points while others have rounded ones.

 

Icicles.  Because they fascinate me, I decided to look them up and learn more about them. Icicles are truly more amazing then I had originally imagined.  I found an article in the Washington Post from February 2014 about them that shared insight into this beauty of nature.  I was intrigued to learn that icicles and mystery go hand in hand.   For me, to learn that icicles contain an aspect of mystery and that they are part of God's creation that contains quite a bit of mystery.  Well, for me, that is very cool!  (No pun intended ☺.) 

There were many blessings from the outing.  Among them: walking along the path, listening to the sounds of nature, seeing the icicles, skipping rocks, taking in the beauty of the place, and sharing stories of graduate school and life with a friend.

It seems that each time I go there, I see something for the first time or find something.

At the "end" of the trail (where it is too cold to cross and get one's feet wet right now), we spent time at that "beach" area skipping rocks and just enjoying the sounds and sights.  I looked down where the smaller creeks runs into the larger one and saw a small black rock barely covered by water.  I picked it up.  It is thin and almost perfectly round, approximately the size of a dime.  It was as if I was blessed by one of God's dimes this time instead of a U.S. Treasury one.  Hmmmm........ ☺

We stopped at the first "beach" area on the way back and the formation of the rock and the way the sand was layered on the top caught my attention.

Today, as rain gently drops and plops onto the roof, I'm glad that I got outside yesterday.  It was good for my body, my mind, and my soul.

Today's rain is needed to replenish the earth, so I don't mind the drops.  I do miss being outside.  If it were warmer, I might be out in the rain.  Just as we need both sunshine and rain for the growth cycle of all the creation surrounding us, we need "sunshine" and "rain" in our lives spiritually in order to nourish us toward growth.  There are times when we are spiritually dry and thirsty and we need to be replenished by the living water through Scripture, worship, prayer, spending time with God.  We can soak in the presence of God as one soaks in the sunshine for Vitamin D through prayer, silence, worship, reading Scripture.  How we go about those different aspects depends on where we are in life, what amount of time we have, our personalities, whether or not we're willing to move out of our comfort zones. 

Maybe it's because of my age and stage in life or that my brain stays "on" so much, but I find that what fills me up most these days when I'm hungry and thirsty is quiet time, reflective time, silence and solitude time.  That "be" time where I can "be still and know". 

What about you?  When you begin to hunger and thirst, what fills you up? 

Blessings on your journey,

Debra ☺

The end of January already?!?! (Looking back and reflecting over the week and month)

Today is January 31, the last day of the first month of the year.  2015.  Wow.  The year is already ZOOMING and ZIPPING by.

I have a full week between my J-Term studies and my Spring Semester studies to enjoy a little bit of a break.  I don't know if I will stay away from all of my reading the entire week, but I am going to try.

Meanwhile, here is a reflection from this past week and month.

January.

Primarily my January was consumed with Contemporary Theology.  I traveled to Florida for the intensive on campus class.  I came back home to finish my readings, take the tests, and turn in assignments.  I finished all requirements this past week.  Some folks took the tests online.  Others of us took paper tests because there had been some glitches with the online.  It took me 10 hours to complete Test 1 and 5 hours to complete Test 2.  Thorough tests!  Pedagogically speaking, Test 2 was a good test.  The class was a very interesting and insightful one.  The readings will be helpful resources for the future.  That was my final required on campus class and therefore my final J-Term course.  Graduation is nearing!

January included the celebration of a milestone birthday for my Dad on January 8.  Woo hoo!

I attended two life celebrations in January, one on January 2 and one on January 22.   Throughout the month, I thought about my grandmother Meemo and her passing last January.  She was the grandparent that I got to know for the longest amount of years because she is the most recent to pass.  Because of that and because of my involvement in the aging and dying process, I carry many memories. 

January also brought the due date for the commissioning paperwork for Holston Conference.  It was due to be postmarked no later than January 5.  Since I would be in class that day, I knew I had to have mine mailed prior.  Since I was leaving town on the 3rd, that meant the 2nd.  On the 2nd I found myself making copies and getting to the Post Office prior to the funeral / life celebration I mentioned earlier.  It was one of those days when lines were long everywhere and the copiers weren't doing what they normally do.  It was an opportunity for me to keep my cool and keep moving on.  Life brings on interesting challenges at times. ☺

Wednesday evenings settle my soul through the Mid-Week Vespers reflection service.  This week was no different.  This week's theme was "Saying Yes to God".  One of the things we were asked to do was to pick a picture from the ones offered that spoke to us of saying yes to God in response to calling.  The one that stood out to me?  RISK.

I don't know exactly what this calling of "risk" means, but I do know that I want to live all out, with all that I have each day.  I want to be open, vulnerable, do what I can, be who I am, etc.

It struck me earlier in the week that my goal is 'making the most of everyday', living life to the fullest, being intentional about it, living life in the present.  I want to be open to the opportunities that God brings my way to be involved in the lives of others.   This means making time for silence and solitude so I can hear the One voice.  It means listening and obeying.  I don't always get it right.  I fall short.  But, it is a goal.

Part of my January adventures revealed that my blood level is low again.  I tried twice this month to give blood.  As an O-, I love to donate blood as often as allowed.  But, my body isn't allowing me to right now.  I am listening to my body.  I am adding iron to my daily intake in multiple ways.  Not being able to give blood did explain why I felt tired most of the month and why I was having difficulties concentrating on my reading.  It wasn't just because it was theology. ☺  Anemia is sneaky.  I have been there once before.   The doctors never found a reason for it. 

Because I can only do from that which I am, it is important for me to "be".  Therefore, I am listening to my body and resting when tired, increasing iron, etc.  I am reminded once again that we are body, mind, and soul.

My "being" continues to flow out of study, time with spiritual director, worship in community during the week, time with spiritual friends, exercise, etc.  These aspects of the journey strengthen me for the "doing" parts.

January has blessed me with some wonderful opportunities for doing, for sharing God's love and light into the lives of others and I am grateful for that.

Yesterday was a day of adventure and learning in which I joined some others and we went out to take lunch bags and coffee to folks around town.  We found a few people, but not at the camps.  We visited some camps that were new to me.  We found one camp that I thought was there but had been too chicken to find by myself last month.  I met some wonderful folks with beautiful smiles and great senses of humor as we shared the food and coffee with them.  It seems like so long ago when I first started helping out with Forrest Avenue and their ministry.  And it was.  I look forward to seeing how God continues to open up doors.

As I contemplate the month of January, I think of the lyrics, "I set out on a great adventure".  I also think of the lyrics "I wanna live with abandon" and "I'm diving in."  The first and last lines are from Stephen Curtis Songs, "Long Way Home" and "Dive".  The middle one is a Newsboys song, "Live With Abandon".  I've written about them before, but I'll include them here.  There are probably other songs that speak to me living each day intentionally, making the most, with risk, etc., but this is a good start.

This year is off to a great start for me.  How about you?  What are you learning?  What are you experiencing?  What speaks to you on the journey?

Blessings on your adventurous journey!

Debra ☺

Ziploc gift bags

You may have heard about the gift bags that folks have started putting together in ziploc baggies to give to folks on the streets.  They are called blessing bags, survival kits, toiletry kits, hygiene kits, etc. 

I had heard about them, but didn't really think twice about them until about a month (or two) ago when I was tagged in a post on Facebook by a friend, Bonnie J., that linked to an article on the topic.  Unfortunately, I am not able to find that exact article at this time.  I will put links at the bottom of this post to other articles.

After reading the article and several other articles on the topic, I put together a shopping list and started shopping.  My goal was to put together 10 bags. Family Dollar was a great place to buy items in bulk.  I also bought items at Target and Bi-Lo.  I was able to maximize my dollars by using coupons, watching for sales, and getting lucky. 

There are many helpful items that can go in the ziploc gallon bags, but only so much can fit.  My goal was to make sure there was protein, something to drink, something sweet, something to keep warm with, something practical, a note of encouragement, enough food for at least one day.

Here is what ended up in the bags my daughter and I put together :

• small packet of tissues
• chapstick
• piece of chocolate
• packet of tuna
• small can of beanie weanies (pop top opener)
• applesauce
• Luna protein bar
• pack of peanut butter crackers
• small water bottle
• juice box
• packet of fruit snacks
• beanie hat/toboggan
• toothbrush
• small box of toothpaste
• packet of plastic utensils with napkin
• packet of hand warmers
• note of encouragement

All of this fit nicely into the gallon ziploc bag and cost about $10 per bag.

I first went out on December 23rd with Robin and Tony to deliver these bags.  We were able to deliver 6 of them that day.  I wrote a little about that day's experience in a previous blog post, "Hobo--contemplating the meaning of a word" on December 31, 2014.

Going out that day with Robin and Tony was a great blessing.  I learned that anything that is in a cup-type container to which hot water can be added is great.  (That reminds me that the oatmeal bowls are on sale this week, 10 for $10 at Bi-Lo.)  Robin mentioned that anything you would put in your own lunch bag or your kids' lunch bag is good to put in the lunch bags they give out on Fridays.  It helps to have the food accessible (pop tops, etc.)  Robin said that socks are always a great item to give because they can be used for many things.  I hope to learn more from Robin.

Here are some pictures of the bags:

note of encouragement

I still have 3 bags left to give out.  I was able to give one out yesterday.  I try to remember to keep one or more in my car, but I don't want the items to freeze or melt.

Yesterday, I was able to give a bag to a woman who was walking around the mall area.  I felt a "nudge" to ask her if she could use one of the bags or if she knew someone who could use one.  I tried to ignore the nudge because one can seem slightly crazy approaching someone on foot when you are in a car and asking such a bizarre question.  I had observed her walking from the time I left Starbucks to the time I had neared the mall.  The nudge wouldn't leave me.  She smiled and accepted the bag.

Maybe you have heard of these ziploc gift bags too.  Consider going in with others to put them together.  Check out some of the articles for ideas.  I have also heard of folks putting together sock packs in which they stuff socks with items and tie the socks together.  (You can be creative in what can fit in a sock or research what others have done.)

If not ziploc gift bags or sock packs, what is something on your heart and mind to do for others?  If you don't mind, would you share what you're doing?

Blessings on your journey!

Debra

P.S.  Several of the folks we delivered these gifts bags to in December are currently off the streets and in rehab and/or getting help in other forms.   I realize that gift bags aren't the solution, but I do know that if someone is hungry and cold, food and warmth is a welcome interim.  Let's all continue to do what we can in the short run and the long run to help our neighbors.

Links to articles about Ziploc Gift Bags:

Make Hygiene Kits for the Homeless by Jamie Littlefield
Blessing Bags--Keep on Hand for those in need or donate-- PLUS a printable checklist
Blessing Bags from Kids with a Vision 

A Rainy Friday full of unexpected adventures

My morning started off with coffee and a reading from Jesus Calling.  The words that caught my attention this morning from today's reading (January 23) were these: "As you live in close contact with Me, the Light of My Presence filters through you to bless others.  Your weakness and woundedness are the openings through which the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines forth."

The words made me think of Gay Lynn and how her life shone brightly everywhere she went.  Her life celebration last night was full of life, love, shining the light, worship, and confetti!  Thanks to Ginger P. for taking this picture!

Picture taken by Ginger P. after everyone threw confetti

The words also reminded me that the light of God's presence shines through my life, through the wounds, through the weak areas.  Well, maybe not all the time.  There is that aspect of me needing to be close to God for that to occur.  Thought that might not always be the case (because I am human), there is grace and hope that I can be the broken vessel that shines the light of God to and for others.

I got some coffee for the road and it was time to take the girls to school, my day to drive the carpool.  I dropped them off and headed over to the mall to walk indoors.  That's the normal for a rainy morning.  Originally I wasn't going to be able to walk this morning due to my meeting with my Spiritual Director, but that got bumped to later.  I let my walking partner know in case she wanted to meet me, but I guess she decided it was a great morning to sleep in and enjoy the rain on the roof.  I agree.  I waited in the car until 8am just in case she showed up.  I was able to read some theology and take pictures of rain droplets while I waited. 

Walking in the mall seems like it takes twice as long to walk the same distance.  That might be because the GPS doesn't pick up as well inside for RunKeeper.  There are places inside the mall that don't have coverage and RunKeeper shows I haven't moved an inch.  My pace today got slower and slower even though I kept the same pace.  That's okay.  It is ultimately about moving, not the statistics.

After I walked I headed across town and ate breakfast at Chik-Fil-A on Gunbarrel.  I was thrilled to see a van with a Hispanic ministry name in the parking lot and its pastor, even though I didn't recognize either.  Sure enough, there was a trio of Spanish speaking guys at a table inside the restaurant.  I didn't intrude today.

As I was about to leave, a Chattanooga City Police Officer came in to eat breakfast.  Gay Lynn's daughter mentioned last night that her children have expanded Gay Lynn's thankfulness to all in uniform.  I sometimes do that.  Today, it was fresh on my mind.  As I went by the young officer, I wished him a good day and thanked him for his service.

Then I went to Earth Fare for some okra chips.  Yes, okra chips.  I first had them several years ago.  Then I got some at Christmas time in the fun game that my aunt in California had us play this year.  (I should post about our crazy, fun, awesome games some time!)  I found the okra chips and also saw some green bean chips.  I decided to get both.  At the check out counter, I got a cup of coffee too.  In speaking with the worker, I asked if she had ever tried the green bean chips.  She smiled and said they were better than the okra chips.  I didn't know how that could be.  Then, she smiled and said it was like eating regular cheetos (green beans) and puffy cheetos (okra).  What a great analogy.  I could see that from looking at them.  I was looking forward to comparing my new "cheetos" snacks. 

Okra chips

Green bean chips

I met with my spiritual director and after an initial time of silence, I answered the question "how is it with your soul?"  You know, even with another life celebration last night (making a total of 9 since last January), my soul is good, at peace, and full.  I always leave my time with my spiritual director with my soul refreshed.  Today was particularly noteworthy because we talked some about the end of my seminary days and the transitions.  I mentioned that I was looking forward to reading what I wanted to in the days ahead and doing some of what I wanted to.  My schedule will be somewhat more open.  But, like a good spiritual director, she didn't let me go into the land of delusion for too long.  She remarked, "Dream on."  I laughed.  It's true.  Getting out of seminary won't guarantee the above.  I've been observing others for years.  Remaining open and flexible and going with the flow will be a better way to live into it.  Live in the present. 

I found a dime at the gas station by the pump.  Finding dimes is like finding pennies, but nine cents more.  Plus, they have a special meaning ever since I heard Marcia D. share her dimes story on an Emmaus Team several years ago. 

There is quite a bit of theology to finish up before next Friday (reading and two tests).  And there is an upcoming interview with the conference and my final semester prior to graduation.

Maybe it's all the outdoor time that I am getting that is helping. Time in God's creation definitely keeps me centered.   There is a decent flow of journey inward and journey outward.  There is time to take care of me, to play, to meet with friends, to rest, and to just "be".  It is an ebb and flow. 

Speaking of the ebb and flow, it is time to switch from writing to reading.

I don't know your day has been like or how your journey is going.  I hope you have some unexpected adventures along the way that bring you peace and joy.

And, if you're ever really adventurous and want to try some regular or puffy "cheetos" like the ones I mention here today, go for it.  They are really good!

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

P.S.  Here is an article on hiking from the Outside magazine online that my friend Sharon shared with me yesterday.  Check it out.

Study: Hiking Makes You Happier

The Wisdom of Seeking God-- Mid-Week Vespers

Last night's theme for Mid-Week Vespers was "The Wisdom of Seeking God" from A Guide to Prayer For All Who Seek God.  When we arrived to the sanctuary, there was a box of Play-Doh next to the bulletins.  During the greetings time, we learned that the play doh was for us to play with during the service.  It was a hands-on way to remember that we are malleable, pliable in God's hands.  It was pretty awesome to watch everyone pick a can of the stuff, pop open the top, and begin to squish it between their hands and fingers.  It was a great way to allow the mind and spirit to free up while the physical let out stress on the substance.  How God spoke to each person with the Play-Doh, who knows?  For me, it was therapeutic to manipulate the stuff throughout the service and to realize that I am to remain pliable in God's hands.

Last night's Vespers was the service of help, hope, and healing which is done once a month in the rotation.  There is an opportunity for folks to come to the altar for anointing and prayer.  It is a special and holy time.   Pastor Reed Shell introduced the time of anointing and oil in a beautiful way.  It was a blessing for me to participate and pray for others.  It was also a blessing for me to stand in the gap for someone else and to be anointed and prayed for by Pastor Reed Shell. 

These evening services of prayer, song, and reflection continue to meet me and my spirit in that place that needs the space to breathe, the space for the body to catch up with the soul, the space to "be".

My soul is refreshed from Sunday worship services, from Scripture study, from prayer, from being out in God's creation, from silence, etc.  Different spiritual practices refresh in different ways as different exercises build different muscles in the physical body.  For me it isn't a matter of "either/or", but rather a situation of "both/and".

If you live in the local Chattanooga area, I encourage you to come out one Wednesday evening to Hixson UMC to check it out.  Come at 6:10pm for Holy Communion in the Parlor, then head into the "old" sanctuary / Chapel for the Vespers service at 6:30pm.  The service usually ends around 7:10pm and then folks head to the Parlor for coffee, dessert, and fellowship.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

-------------------------------------

A few quotes from this week's reflection readings that stood out to me from A Guide to Prayer For All Who Seek God:

Rueben Job-- "Seeking God first is not just good advice; it is the only way to a joyful and faithful life in companionship with the One who made us and loves us without limit." (75)

William Paulsell-- "It is unlikely that we will deepen our relationship with God in a casual or haphazard manner." (76)

Shawn Copeland-- "If we are to enhance and build up the capacities for a good, wholesome, and holy life, we must learn to say yes to what affirms and renews wholeness and life.  And we must learn to say no to what induces and brings about destruction and ruin." (77) 

Donate blood if you are able!

Donating blood is a wonderful way to give to the community.  If you donate, thank you.  If you have considered donating, but haven't, know that in most communities, there is usually a shortage of blood.  Your donation is needed.  If you are not able to donate for whatever reason, spread the word about donating. That is how you can support the cause.

My first donation was with the American Red Cross when I lived on Long Island. I took my youth group.  I watched the little bag fill up with blood.  HUGE mistake.  I got woozy and didn't make it through the full donation. This wimpy youth director came close to passing out.  Lesson learned.  Don't watch the bag (or the needle).

I am O- blood type, a universal donor.  Because of that, I try to give whenever I can.  Once I was on the "O Team", giving 6 times in one year.  There were times I wasn't able to give due to trips out of the country.  Because of my three year bout with anemia, I wasn't able to give again until recently.  I have been able to give the last two cycles. 

Yesterday my husband and I had planned a "donor date".  We have done that once before, last year on Valentine's Day.  He was able to give.  Unfortunately, my hemoglobin was .1 below the required level yesterday for giving.  I can go back and try again and I will. 

In reading yesterday's (January 21) comic strips in the newspaper, I saw where Dagwood gave blood too.  He introduced a new perk to donating blood, one that I hadn't considered.  Now, don't get me wrong.  One doesn't donate for the perks-- the T-shirt, the little Debbie snack cakes, the raffles, or even the health benefits.  Perks are there.  Dagwood introduced the perk of a prescribed nap at the office after giving blood.  If you follow Dagwood, he doesn't need an excuse or a prescription, but he got the boss this time. 

In your area, check to see where you can donate.  Whether there is a Blood Assurance or the American Red Cross, give them a call, set up an appointment, or walk in.

I have friends whose lives have been blessed by blood banks and who are grateful to donors.  I have friends who work at blood banks.  I know it makes a difference.

On this journey of life, giving blood for me is a way of giving back, of meeting a need in community. 

What about you?  What is one way you can give back into the community today?

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

A few articles on the benefit of donating blood:

Life hack article 5 Health Benefits
Livestrong.com article
OneBlood--Health Benefits of Donating Blood

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 ☺