I learned a new term from my walking partner during my morning walk today at the Greenway farms. The term? Nature deficit disorder. It was appropriate that we were out walking in nature as I learned about this term and the lecture she attended last night at the Baylor School in Chattanooga.
It was interesting to hear about the term, the research, etc. that she shared. She began by saying that the lecture was right up my alley. Yes, it was. Drats. I wish I had known about it. I would have enjoyed being there. However, thanks to technology, I have been able to find out about yesterday's lecture, the term, and find several links discussing nature deficit disorder.
First, a definition of nature deficit disorder, a term that was coined by Richard Louv in 2005. From Macmillan Dictionary, the term means "the tendency for children to spend less time outdoors than they did in
previous generations, and the way this influences them as they grow up."
I am glad to learn about this. I wonder how craving the outdoors fits in with this, though. From personal experience, I get anxious if I do not get enough outdoors time. One recent example. Last week during my intensive week of seminary class, we were to have a short day on Wednesday. Since it was going to be a gorgeous Florida day, I made plans to hike at a nearby wilderness area after class and prior to a board meeting over the phone. During class Wednesday morning our professor gave us an assignment to do over lunch in groups for an hour and a half. Though that was going to cut into my hiking time, I was glad to meet with classmates and do this. However, as the time neared the cutoff time and my classmates were content to keep discussing our questions, I found myself ready to go. I wanted to "hit the woods", so to speak. Though I was surrounded by latino music and food and having great conversation and fellowship, I needed to get out of there. The need to be outdoors is likely some other category, but there are times when it hits me like that. When I am outdoors in God's creation, I find that my mind, body, and soul slow down. They rest. They become soothed. It helps if there is water to watch or see, but there doesn't have to be water.
I wrote about the physiological benefits of the oxygen once in the water droplets of the waterfalls. There must be physiological benefits to simply being outdoors in creation.
From personal experience, there are spiritual benefits. It is mind, body, and spirit.
But that's not the focus of the nature deficit disorder. It focuses on the fact that less and less children spend time outdoors.
There are some articles and research on this.
Richard Louv's books are a great place to start. His website is an easy one to remember:
http://richardlouv.com/. There you will find his books, a blog, and other information.
Though I missed Richard Louv last night here locally, he will be back in the state of Tennessee on April 11 for "Trails and Trilliums" in Monteagle, TN.
The articles I found were on education, psychology, and nature sites.
Education.com had an environmental page with information on nature deficit disorder with NDD facts in a nutshell (including "no child left inside") and lots of articles. There was even an article linked that connected the spiritual side and benefits to nature: "A Minister's Guide to the Spiritual Side of Nature".
Other articles/information:
Chattanooga Times Free Press, January 13, 2015. Report from Richard Louv's lecture at the Baylor School in Chattanooga
From Psychology Today: "People in Nature: exploring the natural world's psychological effects on human beings by Richard Louv. January 28, 2009
Children and Nature Network (check out their documents section for PDF readable files online)
Nature Deficit Disorder: Causes and Consequences. 14 page PDF article from sonoma.edu by David Allred (April 1, 2011)
"Is our Disconnect from Nature a Disorder?" an article by Michael Todd in Pacific Standard on April 5, 2013
Nature Deficit Disorder: What You Need to Know. an article on education.com from May 21, 2014
You may not be interested in the topic enough to look at some or all of the links. I provide them for those who may be interested. There are likely many more articles and websites available, but this is what I found in my short search this morning.
I think back to my childhood days. I spent tons of time outdoors. In the front and backyards, riding my bike around the neighborhood, walking, playing in the nearby woods, roaming the woods at my Dad's campground, etc. Maybe the reason I crave outdoors time now as an adult is because I got so much of it early in life. It seems we are wired for it. Since being outdoors in creation is a large part of my spiritual connection, I find all of this interesting on the spiritual level.
I have more reading to do now. Richard Louv's books and several of these articles and recommended resources within them.
The bottom line for me? Get outdoors. Help others get outdoors. It can be a front or backyard, a park, a wilderness area, etc. What does one do outdoors? One can walk, run, bike, hike, climb, sit, play, watch, take pictures, listen, etc. The opportunities and options are open. Even in cities with lots of concrete. There are outdoor spaces and more of them being created.
What are we waiting for? Let's get outdoors!
May there be some outdoors time along your journey!
Debra
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Hiking at the Big Soddy Creek Gulf in Soddy Daisy
Yesterday we took a family afternoon hike at a nearby location that was new "officially" to us. My husband and a friend of his had hiked out that way a while back before it became public property when they were misdirected due to lack of arrows on their trail. Sounds like an adventure!
The property was private until about 6 months ago when the municipality of Soddy Daisy bought it. I hadn't thought about it at all since I had read about it in the newspaper until a friend posted about it this past week on Facebook and her hiking venture there. She mentioned the waterfall and posted a link, so I knew I had to get out there. When I heard today was going to be beautiful and warm-ish (not like Florida had been), we made plans to hike there today.
I wasn't disappointed. We weren't disappointed. Because of the cold, we saw icicles coming off the rocks and surrounding the edges of the creek and the waterfall. We saw the different deep hole swimming areas.
The "trail" itself is a graveled lane road. The road is Jones Gap Road that goes up the mountain (or used to until the portion became private). Now that this belongs to the municipality of Soddy Daisy, it is a great public recreational area.
We met a guy coming out as we were going in. He mentioned that he learned to swim in those swimming holes as a kid. He also told us about the better icicle formations further ahead at the waterfall.
We saw a couple ahead of us and caught up with them as the guy was taking photographing the waterfall. He was a serious photographer with his 35mm camera and filters. He was even sitting on the cold, hard ground. I used my phone camera and our Canon camera today.
The site is gorgeous. There is sand at the swimming hole areas and large rocks upon which to sit or set down one's things. There was one picnic table at the 1 mile mark near where you can cross the creek to the other side, if the water is down. There are large rocks placed along the bottom where one could easily drive across too. It looks like that was done in the past, at one time.
The cabin that was on the property is still there, but I didn't get to check it out. Just took a picture from the bottom of the road that led up to it.
We skipped rocks. We looked for heart rocks. I found one. The kid found several.
It was good to be outdoors as a family today. For me, to be out in creation with my family was a breath of fresh air.
Walking, hearing the water roar, seeing the water tumble, seeing the water move slowly in places.... all of that brought peace to my soul. It's a place I will go back to again and again. I will take my flute in the future and play it there too.
Here are some links to check out so you can learn more about the place (Big Soddy Creek Gulf):
Chattanooga Times Free Press article from June 20, 2014 about "The Gulf"
Chattanooga Times Free Press article from July 2, 2014 (mentions class 5 rapids)
An article for the paddlers/kayakers (maps included)
nooga.com article from November 23, 2014 "Big Soddy Creek Gulf open to play"
Chattanooga Times Free Press article from December 24, 2014 that mentions opening the space to automobile traffic once a month for elderly and disabled
Chattanoogan.com article about the kickoff celebration in November 2014. Includes history information
Video of kayakers from Lower Big Soddy Creek:
Pictures from the outing:
May there be peace, joy, and blessings on your journey!
Debra ☺
The property was private until about 6 months ago when the municipality of Soddy Daisy bought it. I hadn't thought about it at all since I had read about it in the newspaper until a friend posted about it this past week on Facebook and her hiking venture there. She mentioned the waterfall and posted a link, so I knew I had to get out there. When I heard today was going to be beautiful and warm-ish (not like Florida had been), we made plans to hike there today.
I wasn't disappointed. We weren't disappointed. Because of the cold, we saw icicles coming off the rocks and surrounding the edges of the creek and the waterfall. We saw the different deep hole swimming areas.
The "trail" itself is a graveled lane road. The road is Jones Gap Road that goes up the mountain (or used to until the portion became private). Now that this belongs to the municipality of Soddy Daisy, it is a great public recreational area.
We met a guy coming out as we were going in. He mentioned that he learned to swim in those swimming holes as a kid. He also told us about the better icicle formations further ahead at the waterfall.
We saw a couple ahead of us and caught up with them as the guy was taking photographing the waterfall. He was a serious photographer with his 35mm camera and filters. He was even sitting on the cold, hard ground. I used my phone camera and our Canon camera today.
The site is gorgeous. There is sand at the swimming hole areas and large rocks upon which to sit or set down one's things. There was one picnic table at the 1 mile mark near where you can cross the creek to the other side, if the water is down. There are large rocks placed along the bottom where one could easily drive across too. It looks like that was done in the past, at one time.
The cabin that was on the property is still there, but I didn't get to check it out. Just took a picture from the bottom of the road that led up to it.
We skipped rocks. We looked for heart rocks. I found one. The kid found several.
It was good to be outdoors as a family today. For me, to be out in creation with my family was a breath of fresh air.
Walking, hearing the water roar, seeing the water tumble, seeing the water move slowly in places.... all of that brought peace to my soul. It's a place I will go back to again and again. I will take my flute in the future and play it there too.
Here are some links to check out so you can learn more about the place (Big Soddy Creek Gulf):
Chattanooga Times Free Press article from June 20, 2014 about "The Gulf"
Chattanooga Times Free Press article from July 2, 2014 (mentions class 5 rapids)
An article for the paddlers/kayakers (maps included)
nooga.com article from November 23, 2014 "Big Soddy Creek Gulf open to play"
Chattanooga Times Free Press article from December 24, 2014 that mentions opening the space to automobile traffic once a month for elderly and disabled
Chattanoogan.com article about the kickoff celebration in November 2014. Includes history information
Video of kayakers from Lower Big Soddy Creek:
Pictures from the outing:
May there be peace, joy, and blessings on your journey!
Debra ☺
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Home from my last (required) on-campus intensive class
I got home last night a little after 9:30pm from the Orlando campus of Asbury Theological Seminary. MapQuest told me it would be a 9 hour, 9 minute trip. It took about 9 hours and 20 minutes or so with a few stops along the way.
It was a blessing that the professor worked things out during the week so that we had class on Wednesday morning and we were able to not have to meet until 6:30pm yesterday. Otherwise I would still be driving right now.
Being in my rolling sanctuary gives me time to reflect upon what we talked about in class, listen to the radio, pray, be in silence, etc.
We discussed and learned some mind stretching things in Contemporary Theology over the week. We watched some interesting videos too. The class caused me to reflect and chew on quite a few things. And I'm still doing that. I'm still working through the books and the class. I have until the end of the month to finish my requirements. Finishing my requirements doesn't end the process of thinking and reflecting. My reading lists continue to grow from courses like these. I look forward to reading suggested readings and continued thinking and reflecting on the issues.
Being at the Canterbury Retreat Center for the third time was a treat. The lake is serene and picturesque. The reflection of the lit cross across the waters as the sun sets and at night time is beautiful. It wasn't until my last morning as I turned in my key that I found a fire lit and burning brightly in the fireplace. Darn! I would have been hanging out by the fireplace if I had known that!
The Asbury Theological Seminary campus in Orlando isn't really a "campus". It is one building. This one building contains quite a bit of campus. There is a great library space. There is a prayer room. There is the worship space. There is the Justo González Center. There is the student lounge area. There are obviously classrooms, offices, and other spaces too. Though there are not any cool statues or fountains like the main campus, I enjoy the space of the Orlando campus and have felt "home" each time there. [One of the reasons likely is that Spanish is my second language and there is definitely some Spanish language heard on campus.] Only once while there was I able to attend a chapel service. That was last January during J-term. I am grateful for that experience.
"Tour" the campus here.
CAMPUS:
CHAPEL:
PRAYER CHAPEL:
SOMEONE'S SUPER COOL LUNCH BOX:
ADDITIONAL PICTURE FROM CAMPUS:
(2nd floor by the steps and elevator)
One of the many benefits of being on either campus for a class is the face to face factor with the professor, the staff, and the fellow students. The additional time to get to know folks during breaks, at lunch, in group discussions, etc. is that part of physical connecting that is different on-line. I am blessed by the connections I made this past week. One guy was from the Chattanooga area, but had moved to Florida. He knew my Associate Pastor from a previous church. Then there was a couple from Dothan. The wife was familiar with Rick Hall and is a higher level black belt than myself, so I called her "ma'am". She and her husband have been to Costa Rica on mission trips and knew the Zirkel family and Javier. I had been in class last J-term with one guy, a retired police officer from New York. It was good to see him again. A classmate who lives in Wilmore traveled down to the Florida campus and was heading from class to enjoy some rest time. Another classmate is from the Mobile area. Getting to know her spunky self was a joy. A guy who was formerly a tennis coach and a teacher and I chatted some about education. Then, there was the lady who sat next to me. Turned out she had three teenagers-- 17, 15, and 13. Wow! What a blessing to get to know her and be encouraged at this stage of my parenting days to keep on keeping on and to trust in the Lord and the power of prayer. Ah, don't let me leave out the professor. He was with us in person the first part of the week and then via technology the second part. Beyond what he shared academically, he shared some of his life with us. For one week, along with those in Wilmore, we were a community of faith and a community of learners. We will continue to be a community online through the month as we finish our requirements and take our tests online. We have the opportunity to share in community online.
Community and fellowship is definitely possible on-line! I've experienced that both as a student and a teacher. In my seminary courses in which we have had accountability groups on line, there has been an added connection with a smaller group of people. I still keep in touch from time to time with those in my on line accountability group.
Canterbury Retreat Center, campus, class (Contemporary Theology), community, and connections. That sums up this past week.
As my seminary journey nears its end, I will miss the experiences of being on campus (both Orlando and Wilmore). I will miss my drives in my rolling sanctuary. I will miss the connections and relationships with students, staff, and professors.
I am blessed to have experienced such great on campus exchanges that have been transformational on several levels.
Now to transition to being back home and finding a rhythm that allows me to finish reading these books and then take the two tests!
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
It was a blessing that the professor worked things out during the week so that we had class on Wednesday morning and we were able to not have to meet until 6:30pm yesterday. Otherwise I would still be driving right now.
Being in my rolling sanctuary gives me time to reflect upon what we talked about in class, listen to the radio, pray, be in silence, etc.
We discussed and learned some mind stretching things in Contemporary Theology over the week. We watched some interesting videos too. The class caused me to reflect and chew on quite a few things. And I'm still doing that. I'm still working through the books and the class. I have until the end of the month to finish my requirements. Finishing my requirements doesn't end the process of thinking and reflecting. My reading lists continue to grow from courses like these. I look forward to reading suggested readings and continued thinking and reflecting on the issues.
Being at the Canterbury Retreat Center for the third time was a treat. The lake is serene and picturesque. The reflection of the lit cross across the waters as the sun sets and at night time is beautiful. It wasn't until my last morning as I turned in my key that I found a fire lit and burning brightly in the fireplace. Darn! I would have been hanging out by the fireplace if I had known that!
The Asbury Theological Seminary campus in Orlando isn't really a "campus". It is one building. This one building contains quite a bit of campus. There is a great library space. There is a prayer room. There is the worship space. There is the Justo González Center. There is the student lounge area. There are obviously classrooms, offices, and other spaces too. Though there are not any cool statues or fountains like the main campus, I enjoy the space of the Orlando campus and have felt "home" each time there. [One of the reasons likely is that Spanish is my second language and there is definitely some Spanish language heard on campus.] Only once while there was I able to attend a chapel service. That was last January during J-term. I am grateful for that experience.
"Tour" the campus here.
CAMPUS:
CHAPEL:
PRAYER CHAPEL:
SOMEONE'S SUPER COOL LUNCH BOX:
ADDITIONAL PICTURE FROM CAMPUS:
(2nd floor by the steps and elevator)
One of the many benefits of being on either campus for a class is the face to face factor with the professor, the staff, and the fellow students. The additional time to get to know folks during breaks, at lunch, in group discussions, etc. is that part of physical connecting that is different on-line. I am blessed by the connections I made this past week. One guy was from the Chattanooga area, but had moved to Florida. He knew my Associate Pastor from a previous church. Then there was a couple from Dothan. The wife was familiar with Rick Hall and is a higher level black belt than myself, so I called her "ma'am". She and her husband have been to Costa Rica on mission trips and knew the Zirkel family and Javier. I had been in class last J-term with one guy, a retired police officer from New York. It was good to see him again. A classmate who lives in Wilmore traveled down to the Florida campus and was heading from class to enjoy some rest time. Another classmate is from the Mobile area. Getting to know her spunky self was a joy. A guy who was formerly a tennis coach and a teacher and I chatted some about education. Then, there was the lady who sat next to me. Turned out she had three teenagers-- 17, 15, and 13. Wow! What a blessing to get to know her and be encouraged at this stage of my parenting days to keep on keeping on and to trust in the Lord and the power of prayer. Ah, don't let me leave out the professor. He was with us in person the first part of the week and then via technology the second part. Beyond what he shared academically, he shared some of his life with us. For one week, along with those in Wilmore, we were a community of faith and a community of learners. We will continue to be a community online through the month as we finish our requirements and take our tests online. We have the opportunity to share in community online.
Community and fellowship is definitely possible on-line! I've experienced that both as a student and a teacher. In my seminary courses in which we have had accountability groups on line, there has been an added connection with a smaller group of people. I still keep in touch from time to time with those in my on line accountability group.
Canterbury Retreat Center, campus, class (Contemporary Theology), community, and connections. That sums up this past week.
As my seminary journey nears its end, I will miss the experiences of being on campus (both Orlando and Wilmore). I will miss my drives in my rolling sanctuary. I will miss the connections and relationships with students, staff, and professors.
I am blessed to have experienced such great on campus exchanges that have been transformational on several levels.
Now to transition to being back home and finding a rhythm that allows me to finish reading these books and then take the two tests!
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Change? A billboard sign that caught my attention
Before I get back to my reading (yes, I know this is considered procrastination), I want to tell you about a billboard I saw on my drive today.
Between Mt. Dora and Apopka on highway 441, a billboard with the picture of someone in a tuxedo holding a cardboard sign that read, "change?" caught my attention.
I didn't see any claim to who put the billboard there, nor did I stop or turn around for a picture. I wish I had.
I did find the folks responsible for the billboard (I think).
It's an organization called "Rethink Homelessness". It's a FL group. Their website shows other billboards, but not the one I saw today.
The website has some statistics on homelessness for Central Florida and other information.
I realize that most of the people who read this blog don't live in Central Florida. Wherever you live, though, I guarantee you that there are homeless folks in your community. By reading the website posted here, maybe you'll learn something that sparks you toward compassion and / or action in your own community. I don't know. I just feel led to write about it.
For those who do live in other communities, you may be interested in reading this article that talks about communities making a difference in homelessness. It's a paper that shares stories and information from ten different communities in the United States. It includes creative solutions at the end.
Rethink Homelessness has a YouTube channel. Check it out.
Rethink Homelessness FaceBook page.
The billboard caught my attention today. It stuck with me. That's why I shared it with you.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
Between Mt. Dora and Apopka on highway 441, a billboard with the picture of someone in a tuxedo holding a cardboard sign that read, "change?" caught my attention.
I didn't see any claim to who put the billboard there, nor did I stop or turn around for a picture. I wish I had.
I did find the folks responsible for the billboard (I think).
It's an organization called "Rethink Homelessness". It's a FL group. Their website shows other billboards, but not the one I saw today.
The website has some statistics on homelessness for Central Florida and other information.
I realize that most of the people who read this blog don't live in Central Florida. Wherever you live, though, I guarantee you that there are homeless folks in your community. By reading the website posted here, maybe you'll learn something that sparks you toward compassion and / or action in your own community. I don't know. I just feel led to write about it.
For those who do live in other communities, you may be interested in reading this article that talks about communities making a difference in homelessness. It's a paper that shares stories and information from ten different communities in the United States. It includes creative solutions at the end.
Rethink Homelessness has a YouTube channel. Check it out.
Rethink Homelessness FaceBook page.
The billboard caught my attention today. It stuck with me. That's why I shared it with you.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
Driving down to FL for my final on campus intensive seminary course....
Because the FL (Orlando) campus is further away from my home than the KY main (Wilmore) campus, I decided to take the drive in two days again this year. After having made reservations in Tifton, GA for the first night, I was glad I had done so when the weather report showed I would be driving in primarily raining weather on Saturday.
It wasn't as bad as predicted. It was misty and cloudy. Traffic wasn't even bad until I got below Atlanta, GA. I made it through Atlanta without traffic stop and go. WOW!! But, south of Atlanta was the 30 minute stop and go to inch along 5 miles on the way toward Macon. What should have been about a 4 hour trip to Tifton turned into 5 hours.
Other than attempting to help my step son figure out how to get home from the library (don't ask) while I'm on the road, the drive was relatively peaceful. In fact, I enjoy the time in my rolling sanctuary as the Toyota Camry has been dubbed affectionately since Linda Douty introduced me to that term during the 2 Year Academy. ☺
Like most trips, I had some silent time. It was all solitude time (except for the few phone calls with step son and hubby). I also enjoyed some music on the radio. Though I did grab several Spanish CDs for the trip, I didn't use them on the way down. I heard a new station that I hadn't heard before. I heard some new songs.
I found myself going back to the WO 510 class that I took last Spring and listening to the lyrics to see how many songs contained trinitarian lyrics. I also found myself thinking that "this" song would make a great call to worship and that this other song would be good in a set, etc. Dr. Goold's class impacted me in the worship arena on several levels.
I will probably add some of those songs to the end of this post (if I can find them).
I spent time in prayer for folks as I drove. As names popped into my head, I prayed for those people.
Rolling along in the rolling sanctuary in the rain allowed for quite a bit of reflection yesterday.
Today was a different journey. This morning I listened to the 9am Burks UMC worship service on my smartphone. I was able to connect with my home church in worship. Bobby Hixson led the congregational in prayer and it was a very powerful and meaningful prayer. I wish I could have seen the "houses" that the children were building during Scott Grinstead's children message, but it was fun to listen to him. Being able to hear the choir, Wil read Scripture, and Pastor Amy Nutt preach this morning was a blessing. What I did miss was being able to partake of Holy Communion on this Epiphany Sunday and the opportunity to be anointed with the frankincense oil Pastor Amy Nutt offered to the congregation.
Here is today's sermon from the 2nd service.
You can see all sermons from Burks UMC going here: click here for the Burks UMC link and scrolling through for a particular sermon. This is the Burks UMC YouTube channel.
Beyond today's service, I didn't really listen to much music. I did spend more time in prayer and reflection.
Allowing my brain to rest before it hits a week full of studies is a blessing!
Once again I am staying at the Canterbury Retreat Center in Oviedo, FL. That is another blessing and an opportunity to rest and wind down. The campus is peaceful and beautiful. Today I found a great place to walk in nearby Oviedo, the Cross Seminole Trail. I started at the Black Hammock Trailhead and walked toward Oviedo and back. Though very warm, it was a gorgeous afternoon and that was a perfect end to driving 5 hours today.
I still have some reading to do tonight and throughout this week, but I am looking forward to this class.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
-----------------------
A couple of new songs I heard on the radio that I haven't posted previously. I heard these on 91.7 FM, "New Life FM".
One song was: "Lord, We've Come to Worship" by Don Moen. This is the song that I think would be a great call to worship song. (Paul Baloche and others sing it too.)
Here are the lyrics:
Lord we've come to worship
And we have come to pray
Lord we've come to listen
And hear what You would say
Lord our hearts are longing
To meet with You today
For we have come to seek You
And we have come to say
Worthy You are worthy
King of kings Lord of lords
You are worthy
All blessing and power
All riches and wisdom
All glory and honor and praise
To the Lamb
Lord we need forgiveness
We've wandered far away
Look down in tender mercy
Forgive our sins we pray
O Lord we need revival
All across this land
Come move among Your people
With Your mighty hand
To the Lamb that was slain
To redeem us back to God again
To the Lamb
Who will reign
Forever and ever amen
Forever and ever amen
Forever and ever
Forever and ever
Forever and ever
Amen Amen Amen
Another song that caught my attention was "Here for a Reason". I heard it on the EBN-- Emmanuel Broadcasting Network. That was 91.7 at the time I heard the song. This song has powerful lyrics for anyone struggling or going through a rough time. The song and the group (Ashes Remain) are new to me.
"Here for a Reason" lyrics:
You're not forgotten
You're not alone
You think you're worthless, but you're worth it
And He calls you His own
Made in His image
You were made for more
You think there is no plan, that it's all by chance
But don't believe that anymore
Every time that you wake up breathing
Every night when you close your eyes
Every day that your heart keeps beating
There's purpose for your life
So don't give up
Don't lay down
Just hold on
Don't quit now
Every breath that you take has meaning
You are here for a reason
If you spent your days just getting by
When you feel useless, He can use you
And show you what it means to be alive
Every time that you wake up breathing
Every night when you close your eyes
Every day that your heart keeps beating
There's purpose for your life
So don't give up
Don't lay down
Just hold on
Don't quit now
Every breath that you take has meaning
You are here for a reason
Every day is a gift from above
Don't throw it away
When it feels like to much
He'll be there
Every time that you wake up breathing
Every night when you close your eyes
Every day that your heart keeps beating
There's purpose for your life
So don't give up
Don't lay down
Just hold on
Don't quit now
Every breath that you take has meaning
You are here for a reason
It wasn't as bad as predicted. It was misty and cloudy. Traffic wasn't even bad until I got below Atlanta, GA. I made it through Atlanta without traffic stop and go. WOW!! But, south of Atlanta was the 30 minute stop and go to inch along 5 miles on the way toward Macon. What should have been about a 4 hour trip to Tifton turned into 5 hours.
Other than attempting to help my step son figure out how to get home from the library (don't ask) while I'm on the road, the drive was relatively peaceful. In fact, I enjoy the time in my rolling sanctuary as the Toyota Camry has been dubbed affectionately since Linda Douty introduced me to that term during the 2 Year Academy. ☺
Like most trips, I had some silent time. It was all solitude time (except for the few phone calls with step son and hubby). I also enjoyed some music on the radio. Though I did grab several Spanish CDs for the trip, I didn't use them on the way down. I heard a new station that I hadn't heard before. I heard some new songs.
I found myself going back to the WO 510 class that I took last Spring and listening to the lyrics to see how many songs contained trinitarian lyrics. I also found myself thinking that "this" song would make a great call to worship and that this other song would be good in a set, etc. Dr. Goold's class impacted me in the worship arena on several levels.
I will probably add some of those songs to the end of this post (if I can find them).
I spent time in prayer for folks as I drove. As names popped into my head, I prayed for those people.
Rolling along in the rolling sanctuary in the rain allowed for quite a bit of reflection yesterday.
Today was a different journey. This morning I listened to the 9am Burks UMC worship service on my smartphone. I was able to connect with my home church in worship. Bobby Hixson led the congregational in prayer and it was a very powerful and meaningful prayer. I wish I could have seen the "houses" that the children were building during Scott Grinstead's children message, but it was fun to listen to him. Being able to hear the choir, Wil read Scripture, and Pastor Amy Nutt preach this morning was a blessing. What I did miss was being able to partake of Holy Communion on this Epiphany Sunday and the opportunity to be anointed with the frankincense oil Pastor Amy Nutt offered to the congregation.
Here is today's sermon from the 2nd service.
You can see all sermons from Burks UMC going here: click here for the Burks UMC link and scrolling through for a particular sermon. This is the Burks UMC YouTube channel.
Beyond today's service, I didn't really listen to much music. I did spend more time in prayer and reflection.
Allowing my brain to rest before it hits a week full of studies is a blessing!
Once again I am staying at the Canterbury Retreat Center in Oviedo, FL. That is another blessing and an opportunity to rest and wind down. The campus is peaceful and beautiful. Today I found a great place to walk in nearby Oviedo, the Cross Seminole Trail. I started at the Black Hammock Trailhead and walked toward Oviedo and back. Though very warm, it was a gorgeous afternoon and that was a perfect end to driving 5 hours today.
I still have some reading to do tonight and throughout this week, but I am looking forward to this class.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
-----------------------
A couple of new songs I heard on the radio that I haven't posted previously. I heard these on 91.7 FM, "New Life FM".
One song was: "Lord, We've Come to Worship" by Don Moen. This is the song that I think would be a great call to worship song. (Paul Baloche and others sing it too.)
Here are the lyrics:
Lord we've come to worship
And we have come to pray
Lord we've come to listen
And hear what You would say
Lord our hearts are longing
To meet with You today
For we have come to seek You
And we have come to say
Worthy You are worthy
King of kings Lord of lords
You are worthy
All blessing and power
All riches and wisdom
All glory and honor and praise
To the Lamb
Lord we need forgiveness
We've wandered far away
Look down in tender mercy
Forgive our sins we pray
O Lord we need revival
All across this land
Come move among Your people
With Your mighty hand
To the Lamb that was slain
To redeem us back to God again
To the Lamb
Who will reign
Forever and ever amen
Forever and ever amen
Forever and ever
Forever and ever
Forever and ever
Amen Amen Amen
Another song that caught my attention was "Here for a Reason". I heard it on the EBN-- Emmanuel Broadcasting Network. That was 91.7 at the time I heard the song. This song has powerful lyrics for anyone struggling or going through a rough time. The song and the group (Ashes Remain) are new to me.
"Here for a Reason" lyrics:
You're not forgotten
You're not alone
You think you're worthless, but you're worth it
And He calls you His own
Made in His image
You were made for more
You think there is no plan, that it's all by chance
But don't believe that anymore
Every time that you wake up breathing
Every night when you close your eyes
Every day that your heart keeps beating
There's purpose for your life
So don't give up
Don't lay down
Just hold on
Don't quit now
Every breath that you take has meaning
You are here for a reason
If you spent your days just getting by
When you feel useless, He can use you
And show you what it means to be alive
Every time that you wake up breathing
Every night when you close your eyes
Every day that your heart keeps beating
There's purpose for your life
So don't give up
Don't lay down
Just hold on
Don't quit now
Every breath that you take has meaning
You are here for a reason
Every day is a gift from above
Don't throw it away
When it feels like to much
He'll be there
Every time that you wake up breathing
Every night when you close your eyes
Every day that your heart keeps beating
There's purpose for your life
So don't give up
Don't lay down
Just hold on
Don't quit now
Every breath that you take has meaning
You are here for a reason
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Hobo-- contemplating the meaning of a word...
"Hobo"... A term I haven't heard or used in years, except when referring to a friend's little dog by that name. :)
Last week in my adventurous journey around town, I was re-introduced to the term and it has stuck with me because of the explanation that came with it. I hadn't heard this reference before last week.
The person that used the term was previously homeless herself, so she wasn't using the term in a derogatory manor. She used it to describe folks on the street and explained that the term comes from the expression "homeward bound". That was a new explanation to me. But it has stuck with me this past week and has rumbled around inside me. We talked about how we're all hobos in that sense. We're all homeward bound. I like that. I want a t-shirt now that says something about being a hobo. It is very much akin to being an alien. She also shared with me that her cardboard sign read, "Jesus was homeless too." That's a powerful statement that is also a cause for pause. But, I digress (something I do quite well here).
I associate the word "hobo" with trains and train hoppers, folks carrying sticks with red bandanas on the end of them as they travel. My association comes from stories, movies, my imagination, and my ay dreams. Though I never hopped a train, I day-dreamed about it quite a bit, after reading books or seeing movies. It was romanticized and seemed like a neat way to travel. I pictured myself carrying a stick with a red bandana tied to it.
As I grew older, I learned by observation that living on the streets isn't romantic by any means.
As I mentioned, the term "hobo" had disappeared from my vocabulary. Words such as homeless and hungry are those that I tend to use to describe folks that don't have a home. Yet this term "hobo", especially when associated with "homeward bound" takes on a new meaning.
There is quite a bit of discussion about the origin of the term "hobo". Some say it comes from the city of Hoboken, NJ where folks started hopping trains. Others say it comes from the civil war days when soldiers were given one-way tickets home, thus homeward bound.
Click here for a discussion on the term from The Word Detective from 2007.
Click here for an article from the Washington Post by John Kelly from August 18, 2014
Click here for information from Princeton on the term, code of ethics, etc.
The above links are interesting and provide historical information. But they don't discuss the homeward bound aspect.
Click here for an article relating to homeward bound that discussed the ethical code by Linda Johnson from April 14, 2014
I could probably keep searching and who knows what I might find?!?! (or not) But, it's the last day and hours of 2014 and I still have some things to do for Provisional Elder paperwork. I also have those three other books to read before Monday.
As 2014 ends and the fireworks begin (yes, I hear them starting already at 9:45pm EST), contemplating the term "hobo" and its potential origin of "homeward bound" fits my reflection time.
I am an alien. One that is homeward bound. Each day, each moment takes me closer to that reality. Though I'm an alien here, I'm also home in the here and now too, in the sense that God created this place, the present, for us to live. While here in the Kingdom of God on earth we are called to live out the example set for us by Christ and to follow the greatest commandments of loving God and loving others. The home, the Kingdom of God that is to come, heaven, well... it is at some unknown point in the future.
For my grandmother, for Will, for Leila, for Dr. Cornelius, for Gene, for April, for Lyman, and for many others that I have known and/or heard about this past year, the future home is now present to them. For those of us still on our journey "home", it isn't easy as we miss those that have gone on before us, whether it was in 2014 or an earlier year. Yet, we too, are homeward bound.
How am I making the most of my time, my energy, and my relationships as a hobo? Am I investing well in those around me as I journey on? I hope so. That is my desire.
How about you? How is your homeward bound journey?
Maybe it's not something you've thought about much. If not, it is something to consider.
I am grateful to have been re-introduced to the term "hobo" and to the thought of being "homeward bound" in association with it.
Thank you, Robin!
To all, blessings on your journey!
Debra
Here's Simon and Garfunkel and their song "Homeward Bound". It may not fit the theme of the heavenly home in its intention, yet.... home is waiting and this is a catchy song by talented artists.
P.S. At some point I'll write a 2014 reflection post, but that will have to wait. ☺
Last week in my adventurous journey around town, I was re-introduced to the term and it has stuck with me because of the explanation that came with it. I hadn't heard this reference before last week.
The person that used the term was previously homeless herself, so she wasn't using the term in a derogatory manor. She used it to describe folks on the street and explained that the term comes from the expression "homeward bound". That was a new explanation to me. But it has stuck with me this past week and has rumbled around inside me. We talked about how we're all hobos in that sense. We're all homeward bound. I like that. I want a t-shirt now that says something about being a hobo. It is very much akin to being an alien. She also shared with me that her cardboard sign read, "Jesus was homeless too." That's a powerful statement that is also a cause for pause. But, I digress (something I do quite well here).
I associate the word "hobo" with trains and train hoppers, folks carrying sticks with red bandanas on the end of them as they travel. My association comes from stories, movies, my imagination, and my ay dreams. Though I never hopped a train, I day-dreamed about it quite a bit, after reading books or seeing movies. It was romanticized and seemed like a neat way to travel. I pictured myself carrying a stick with a red bandana tied to it.
As I grew older, I learned by observation that living on the streets isn't romantic by any means.
As I mentioned, the term "hobo" had disappeared from my vocabulary. Words such as homeless and hungry are those that I tend to use to describe folks that don't have a home. Yet this term "hobo", especially when associated with "homeward bound" takes on a new meaning.
There is quite a bit of discussion about the origin of the term "hobo". Some say it comes from the city of Hoboken, NJ where folks started hopping trains. Others say it comes from the civil war days when soldiers were given one-way tickets home, thus homeward bound.
Click here for a discussion on the term from The Word Detective from 2007.
Click here for an article from the Washington Post by John Kelly from August 18, 2014
Click here for information from Princeton on the term, code of ethics, etc.
The above links are interesting and provide historical information. But they don't discuss the homeward bound aspect.
Click here for an article relating to homeward bound that discussed the ethical code by Linda Johnson from April 14, 2014
I could probably keep searching and who knows what I might find?!?! (or not) But, it's the last day and hours of 2014 and I still have some things to do for Provisional Elder paperwork. I also have those three other books to read before Monday.
As 2014 ends and the fireworks begin (yes, I hear them starting already at 9:45pm EST), contemplating the term "hobo" and its potential origin of "homeward bound" fits my reflection time.
I am an alien. One that is homeward bound. Each day, each moment takes me closer to that reality. Though I'm an alien here, I'm also home in the here and now too, in the sense that God created this place, the present, for us to live. While here in the Kingdom of God on earth we are called to live out the example set for us by Christ and to follow the greatest commandments of loving God and loving others. The home, the Kingdom of God that is to come, heaven, well... it is at some unknown point in the future.
For my grandmother, for Will, for Leila, for Dr. Cornelius, for Gene, for April, for Lyman, and for many others that I have known and/or heard about this past year, the future home is now present to them. For those of us still on our journey "home", it isn't easy as we miss those that have gone on before us, whether it was in 2014 or an earlier year. Yet, we too, are homeward bound.
How am I making the most of my time, my energy, and my relationships as a hobo? Am I investing well in those around me as I journey on? I hope so. That is my desire.
How about you? How is your homeward bound journey?
Maybe it's not something you've thought about much. If not, it is something to consider.
I am grateful to have been re-introduced to the term "hobo" and to the thought of being "homeward bound" in association with it.
Thank you, Robin!
To all, blessings on your journey!
Debra
Here's Simon and Garfunkel and their song "Homeward Bound". It may not fit the theme of the heavenly home in its intention, yet.... home is waiting and this is a catchy song by talented artists.
P.S. At some point I'll write a 2014 reflection post, but that will have to wait. ☺
Monday, December 29, 2014
Convergence....thoughts and reflections from yesterday's sermon
Yes, I know. I have LOTS of writing to do that is required, so why am I writing one more post?!?! I can't get yesterday's sermon out of my mind. Therefore, the best thing to do is to write about it. Then, I can concentrate on the remaining questions I have to answer and tweak the others I have already answered. That is my agenda today. Theological questions.
But, before I turn my attention there, here are my thoughts and reflections from yesterday's sermon by Pastor Rowland Buck at Burks UMC.
The title of the sermon: "When Christmas Dreams Come True"
The Scripture passage was from Isaiah 61:10-62:3.
The message centered on the word "convergence". Convergence is when two things come together to create a whole new way of doing things, expanding the possibilities. Pastor Rowland mentioned the convergence of two rivers. How they come together into one. That's a good example of convergence. But the one that resonated most with me was the one he gave using the combined technology of the cellular phone and the camera. He mentioned the polaroid camera and the original bag cellular phones.
With the convergence of technology, we now have cell phones that take great pictures, cell phone cameras. Or, I guess you could say we have cameras that we can use to call and text. Pastor Rowland demonstrated this technology for us during the service.
I attended both services. During the 2nd service, I uploaded the above picture to Facebook and posted this caption: "Convergence. Two things coming together to create a whole new realm of possibilities. Example-- the cell phone camera. Convergence. That's what Christmas is-- heaven and earth coming together to expand the possibilities with the birth of Jesus Christ."
Christmas is the ultimate convergence! Heaven and earth coming together to create a whole new way of doing things, expanding the possibilities. Wow!
Pastor Rowland reminded us that Christmas is so much more than what we do to ourselves during the Christmas season. In fact, we were reminded at the beginning of the service that the Christmas season had only just begun. Odd, isn't it... by the time Christmas Day comes and ends, most people are ready to put it away. Yet that is when it really begins. The 12 days of Christmas BEGIN on Christmas day and continue through Epiphany, January 6, the day that the Magi visited the infant (though not baby) Jesus with their gifts. But that's a different story, sermon, and blog post.
How can we live into this convergence of Christmas rather than the hustle and bustle? Pastor Rowland offered several thought provoking questions:
Have you experienced the convergence of heaven and earth coming into your life?
Take a look again at the questions Pastor Rowland asked. Reflect upon them for yourself.
If you'd like to watch his sermon from the 2nd service, check it out.
As you continue through the Christmas season, may you find the possibilities in your own life expanded because of the birth of Christ. May there be a whole new way of doing things!
Blessings on your journey!
Debra
But, before I turn my attention there, here are my thoughts and reflections from yesterday's sermon by Pastor Rowland Buck at Burks UMC.
The title of the sermon: "When Christmas Dreams Come True"
The Scripture passage was from Isaiah 61:10-62:3.
The message centered on the word "convergence". Convergence is when two things come together to create a whole new way of doing things, expanding the possibilities. Pastor Rowland mentioned the convergence of two rivers. How they come together into one. That's a good example of convergence. But the one that resonated most with me was the one he gave using the combined technology of the cellular phone and the camera. He mentioned the polaroid camera and the original bag cellular phones.
With the convergence of technology, we now have cell phones that take great pictures, cell phone cameras. Or, I guess you could say we have cameras that we can use to call and text. Pastor Rowland demonstrated this technology for us during the service.
I attended both services. During the 2nd service, I uploaded the above picture to Facebook and posted this caption: "Convergence. Two things coming together to create a whole new realm of possibilities. Example-- the cell phone camera. Convergence. That's what Christmas is-- heaven and earth coming together to expand the possibilities with the birth of Jesus Christ."
Christmas is the ultimate convergence! Heaven and earth coming together to create a whole new way of doing things, expanding the possibilities. Wow!
Pastor Rowland reminded us that Christmas is so much more than what we do to ourselves during the Christmas season. In fact, we were reminded at the beginning of the service that the Christmas season had only just begun. Odd, isn't it... by the time Christmas Day comes and ends, most people are ready to put it away. Yet that is when it really begins. The 12 days of Christmas BEGIN on Christmas day and continue through Epiphany, January 6, the day that the Magi visited the infant (though not baby) Jesus with their gifts. But that's a different story, sermon, and blog post.
How can we live into this convergence of Christmas rather than the hustle and bustle? Pastor Rowland offered several thought provoking questions:
- How does Jesus' teaching integrate into your life?
- How do you follow him?
- How will Christmas converge with your life in this next week?
- How might your life be changed by the convergence of Christmas?
- How will it make a difference?
Have you experienced the convergence of heaven and earth coming into your life?
Take a look again at the questions Pastor Rowland asked. Reflect upon them for yourself.
If you'd like to watch his sermon from the 2nd service, check it out.
As you continue through the Christmas season, may you find the possibilities in your own life expanded because of the birth of Christ. May there be a whole new way of doing things!
Blessings on your journey!
Debra
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