Friday Class

Last day of Continuing Education class. Its been interesting and challenging, and I hope to be able to let it work on my brain and assumptions. And impact the ministry I'm leading. When class is done, we pack up and head to RevDad's parents' place. Tomorrow we meet friends at the Renaissance Festival, then spend the rest of the weekend with the grandparents. We hope it will be a good ending to these two weeks away.

I do really hope that this can bring a sense of renewal for me, and bring a good spirit to the parish. We need an uplift after a very difficult year.

Isaiah 40:1-2

"Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins."

Fascinating class today. Taking on God as warrior, taking on violence in the Bible. That God punishes in the Bible. How do we speak about this to our people? How do we be authentic and honest about the darkness and pain? The overall point of this continuing ed is to think about how we break down the barriers that keep people from engaging Scripture.

Lots to think about....

Learning Something

Continuing education has begun! It feels so good to be back in the classroom. Only one session so far, but very interesting so far. RevDad's aunt and uncle are watching the girls, we'll see how that goes...they can be much more than a handful.

I'm glad for this week of learning. It's so good to soak up new perspectives and think in new ways. Be enlightened. Its so easy to get stuck in your own ruts, your own ways of thinking, your own perspectives. So yay for life long learning!

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen.

Count to Ten, Take a Deep Breath

The countdown has begun.

Our vacation / continuing education trip starts in 6 days.

Before then the house needs to be quick cleaned and the car needs to be cleaned out.
The fall worship plans need to be finalized and emailed to the secretary and musicians.
I need to talk to the Parish president about some possible vacation time in September and about a stewardship emphasis I want to do in October.
I need to talk with my confirmation teachers to go through the changes in the program, and the new schedule.
I have a telephone interview, premarital counseling session, a nursing home worship service, a wedding rehearsal, and a wedding to do.

And I need to pack. Myself, Lil' Princess, and SweetBaby. Pack enough for two weeks. The baby stuff alone will fill the car to the brim!

I'm attempting not to hyperventilate.