Good morning all!

Happy Friday!

Kettle boiling, coffee perking, I hear pots and pans rattling in the kitchen - means breakfast is on it's way . . .

A busy day . . . cable man coming to fix glitch early this morning, tea with friends at the coffee shop, funeral at the church, taking daughter shopping, and her and sis to grocery store . . .

How about you?  What does your day hold?  I hope it holds a little sunshine and a lotta love.

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love . . .

Rainy Friday morning.

A bit of a reprieve-no before school supervison for me on Fridays.

Heading to a quilt conference at 4 -right after work. Have to finsih 2 snowball squares to take with me-they will get sewn into a charity quilt

Need to bring snack for school recess-fruit-as a teacher is bringing a good bye cake-was going to do dressing myself and wash and cut the fruit but feeling rushed and so will just buy on my way to work

bag is packed

Off I go to a busy work day

Is this one of those good-weather Fridays where everyone abandons the cafe?  We're expecting rain late this afternoon and tomorrow (read: when I'm off work), but right now it's bright and warm (read: while I'm still stuck indoors).

I'm around, Hilary, just don't have much to post and feeling a bit bummed. My church is not in good shape and I'm not sure whether to step in and get involved in a WC2 style rebuild/reboot or just move on. Weather is a bit showery but the weekend doesn't look too bad.

Mendalla

It is dead. Its going to rain here later this afternoon too.. It seems like churches are becoming obsolete. Why, I wonder.Everyone seems to be working their butts off doing fundraisng and a year down the line they are still doing it - nothing changes. Thats why I worry about folks who are talking about buying or building..

I too am tired of all the negativity around the UCC these days.  If it is dead, bury it and move on.  But I don't think it is dead.  I think it is still doing good work - God's work in the world.  Dynamics change, people change, needs change.  Perhaps some churches are closing.  Others are regrouping.  And others are growing and expanding their mission.  My own church had seven new members transfer in last Sunday.  And this Sunday we will be receiving more by confession of faith.  Good signs.  Our mission and outreach are expanding.  Our service to those in need is becoming well known.  Our Easter Sunday attendance was the highest its been in years - and the weeks since then have shown an increase over previous years.  There is hope.   

And in another part of the country a congregation is looking at acquiring worship space to call their own.  

I look for signs of hope.

Thanks, seeler.  I'm genuinely excited to hear that your congregation is thriving while others just get by.

Mendalla - I am sorry that you are feeling low.  I know that you will make the best decision for you.  I guess it remains to be seen if that will also be what is best for your fellowship...  Good luck in finding that balance.

crazyheart - I don't have a problem so much with the fundraising year after year, except when it's only being done to maintain the building and congregation.  If we can't make enough for expanding and outreach... that's when I begin to wonder if it's worthwhile.

Local mainlinechurches seem to fundraise for building maintenance.  I'm not interested in giving my money to maintain their private club.  Nowadays I give to legitimate charities doing sterling work.  I know others who do the same.  I have heard 'unchurched' people ask "What IS the point of all these churches?  They never seem to intersect with the people in the community."

Responding to musings about churches - I read this blog by David Ewart a few days ago - found it interesting - you might too.  http://www.davidewart.ca/2014/01/the-room-has-left-the-building.html   Seeler - good to see membership growing in your congregation. 

I'm glad it's FRIDAY!!  And weekend weather looks warmer ... hooray!!  I'm celebrating mother's day by going on a migratory bird walk which should be really interesting.  

Thanks Carolla. But the room has left the building. I think he has hit the nail on the head.

I really don't know if we are growing - or whether those new members will balance those lost through death, moving away, and/or dropping out - hopefully we are at least holding our own.   And we seem to have a renewed sense of vitality and purpose.  Our building is old - and large - and difficult to heat.  But it serves its purpose well.  

Recently at a study group someone asked the question "If Jesus dropped in at our church, would he feel at home?"   Most shook their heads.  But I suggested that if he came on a Wednesday morning he would probably join right in - feeding the hungry, listening to the lonely, being a friend to the friendless.  (They nodded agreement.)   but, I went on, "He probably wouldn't have much patience at a Council meeting." and got laughs.  Then one of the women mentioned that we have to remember that 'church' isn't just what happens on Sunday morning.  'Church' is what happens every day of the week.

And now, who's for T-biscuits made from scratch?   (Joke - the young bride complained to her new mil  'Johnny says that you made everything from scratch.  I've looked all through the supermarket and couldn't find any scratch.')

T-biscuits and stewed blueberries  (I've got to use up last years berries before its picking time again.)

T-biscuits w. stewed blueberries. That sounds deeeeelicious, seeler. I used to make tea biscuits the odd time but haven't in a while. They are an old family favorite. Used to have them with stewed turkey and other stew-y dishes.

Mendalla

Good morning everyone!

I'll share in the berries and the biscuits (and cause their virtual it doesn't matter if they are gluten free or not :).

As you talk about your church seeler, it makes me think of mine.  I wonder sometimes how God views us . . . I wonder if the things we set priorities on are what matter to God . . .

While we are a declining church (I don't think we've hit "dying" quite yet) I think that there are still many that are energetic and hopeful and optimistic about the future.  As I am involved on the board I'm not quite as energetic and hopeful and optimistic . . . and I wonder how to make a difference in my attitude (I think getting off the board would help me a lot - 10 more months to go).

I am busy this morning cleaning windows inside and putting my screens in.  I think I mentioned seeing ants the other day when I was walking . . . well, last night we went to a coffeehouse and because it was so warm in the building (packed and very enjoyable) they had the doors open.  And before you knew it, in came the mosquitoe.  I mean really, we still have snow in places - where are the mosquitoes coming from.  It is not that warm here for May, and this is early for mosquitoes.  I really wonder what this summer is going to bring!!!

Hope everyone has a super Saturday!

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love . . .

Happy Mothers' Day!!!

Being a mother (and grandmother) has been the most wonderful, fulfilling, joyful part of my life.  It has also been the most demanding and stressful.  Neither of my children will be with me today.  Seelergirl and Granddaughter are away at a dance competition (they sent me a text-to-landline greeting).  Grandson is with his father this weekend.  And Seelerboy is on the other side of the world where he is probably getting ready for bed - and since Mothers' Day is not celebrated in Korea he probably won't think of it unless another ex-pat mentions it.   But while I appreciate calls and gifts, I don't need them to know that I am important to them.  They show it in many ways throughout the year.

Sun shining in the windows - it promises to be a beautiful day.  

I'm looking forward to church in a few hours.

Update - I just had a phone call from Korea.  I'm walking on air.

Wow, the cafe is quiet this weekend. Is all of Canada getting the nice weather we have so everyone is out enjoying it or getting yard work done? Low twenties and sunny yesterday and again today here in London. Shower arriving overnight tonight but I'm back to work tomorrow so it can shower to its heart's content.

Mendalla

I would like to mention the folk who do not have fond memories of their mothers. It is a day to celebrate for those of us who do but a day of sadness for others.

Blessings for all.

Also prayers for the mothers and families who have lost daughters in Saskatchewan and Nigeria.

snow in southern Alberta yesterday... definitely not the warmer weather that much of the country is enjoying.  But it didn't stop me from participating in a YMCA 5K run.

I am away from home for the first time in all my years of travelling on Mother's Day. Somehow in my goal to miss other important dates, I missed this one.

I was lying in bed this morning, when my cell phone beeped.  It was my son sending me a text wishing me  happy mother's day and telling me he loved me.  started my day off right.

I am thinking of the mothers who have lost children: the mothers of the teenagers from the s. korean ferry, the mothers of the missing First Nations women, the mothers of those who have lost little ones through cancer or accident, the mothers of children who were stolen from them, through adoption which wasn't an option, or women in nigeria.

I am thankful for my boys, for the love of them and for their health.

I wish many a happy day today.

We had a few flakes here, but not much.  I've just been busier than before and am trying to balance that with resting enough as I have been finding that even with treatment it doesn't take much before my health starts to suffer.

We were out for a few hours yesterday, and I thought I was up at a decent time this morning.  Then I looked at a clock, it was 10!

Lovely lunch outside with my 2 boys-on a patio overloacross from the Lake. Cool breeze-I was in long sleeves. Miss my middle one-she is not communicating with any family at the moment-but I also realized she was silent last year on this day as well.

Today did not go well, but I didn't get dizzy.  Lots of manipulation by me, I'm only allowed to try twice.  I only had the nurses who were training today and they didn't get the hand either, so into the arm it was.  So far no one has had an issue there which is good, as it's my 'emergency' spot and of the 5 of us it's just me and one of the ones training who haven't given that a go yet.

I'm debating whether to dance with the seniors, but I gotta go soon if I do.  The failed attempt by the nurse was by the spot done at the hospital, which was still bruised and it puffed up as soon as some of the medication was injected, so it's quite sore.  I can give it a try and watch if it's too much and it is my left hand, which as long as I'm following is used less.

Happy Monday everyone!

I had a nice day yesterday. Church, lunch with my daughter, husband, and sis (they had KFC, I had my own chicken and veggies), an afternoon of visiting, and a nice long phone chat with my son.

Today is grey and wet. Definitely not May weather. I can't imagine the garden centers opening soon. But I guess if people buy plants they will have to keep them in for a bit.

hope everyone has a great start to the week. And hope your week gets better and better each day, chemgal.

Hope, peace, joy, love . . .

And hope communication improves with the middle one, Tabitha.

And hope communication improves with the middle one, Tabitha.

Thanks Beloved-I know its just not me-she is not responding to family at all But waiting and praying is all that I can do

Gorgeous warm days here-it's 730 and plus 10

Tabitha, has this been going on since you were last here?  Sorry you're dealing with that!  Enjoy the weather :)  It's been warm here too, but we'll be getting some rain.  No need to water the grass I guess!

It's grey and overcast and cold and raining (attempting snow) here this morning.  I am getting ready to go out and about to do some chores and meet some gals for lunch.  This is a group that tries to get together once a month to visit and catch up, but we have been hit and miss all winter.  I think this may be the last one, for this summer for sure, and possibly the group will disperse, as the one who organizes is my friend who is moving away soon.  It is generally just her and I, and sometimes one or two of the others at different times.  Perhaps it is one of those things that has just "run its course".

As I think about your daughter, Tabitha, and what the family is experiencing at this moment in time, it makes me aware of the connection and relationship in families . . . it can be strong and enduring, but there can also be moments of fragility and distance.  We lose relationship with family members through death, through illness, through change, through misunderstandings, through differences of opinions, through interpretation of words, etc. etc. etc.  I think today of some of the relationships among different families within my greater family and the challenges and issues they are facing . . . they will pass, but I just wish things could be easier for some of them.

I am reminded today of the quote . . .

Yes chemgal,

I didn't post much here about my spring break trip. I arrived in Alberta. Duaghter did not repond to voice mail or texts. She avoided going to her basement suite for 3 days.

I left without seeing her and have not heard from her since.

She did exchange texts just after with her older brother.

No other word from her to brothers or extended family.

There's a form she is to sign to get RESP for herself-and brothers. They have signed it. She hasn't (tho the txt to brother said she had and would send it on).

I did talk to a classmate and at the time she was attending classess and doing well.

oh, tabitha, that is so hard.

thinking of you 

Sorry Tabitha, it wasn't that long ago I guess, but I'm sure it feels that way!  Glad to hear she's doing well according to the friend though.  Perhaps an attititude shift will come with the nicer weather.

Let me know if there's some way I can help out, even if it's just picking something up and mailing it off.

Oh tabitha - thinking of you.  That's a tough situation, but as you say, waiting & praying are all you can do.   I was at a lecture on Taoism today - I loved this profound little thought, which seems to fit here -

"Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles, and the water is clear.

Can you remain unmoving until the right action arises by itself?"  Lao Tzu 

love that quote.

Tab, do you have any idea why she is acting like this? I am sorry to hear it.

It's 3am, and I have been awake for an hour.  (I fell asleep at about 10pm, and now I am wide awake)

I'm in a hotel room, 2nd week away.

This week, I have two co-workers (an intern and a contractor) with me. 

Work is regularly crazy and a bit more.  Last week was a special trip to bring together folks that were stuck in storming for two months. I pushed to have us on site figuring facetime would help, thought we made progress, but, had a challenge again yesterday. (Someone misunderstood something, and instead of seeking first to clarify, through another team under a bus through an escalation...because they misunderstood now there are fixes on multiple levels to do )  It gets really really boring.

On another front, a friend who is a director just advised that he is leaving for a new opportunity.  We have lost a number of good managers over the last year and he just adds to the list.  I reported to him at one point, sorry to see him go.

Tough to be away for 2 weeks. There are always things that are missed or require timely discussions with family & friends, and chat/facebook/phone just don't equal a human presence, a hug, a laugh, seeing someone's face..

oh well, there is always the room which doesn't change.

Tabitha - I am truly sorry about your daughter's attitude and her silence. Beyond that, I don't know what to say.  I care.

Good morning all!

Hope you were able to get some sleep, Pinga.  If not last night, then hopefully you will have a good sleep tonight.  You must be looking forward to getting home.  You will miss your co-worker - life keeps handing us changes . . . and for most of us (I kknow for me!) change (even good change) is hard to take.

Caring thoughts continue to be with those experiencing family, health, workplace, and life in general, situations.

Crappy head cold!  Ears plugged, nose running, throat sore . . . hopefully tody will be the beginning of the end of that :).

Off to walk on the tread mill, have breakfast, and do some daily chores.

Hope everone's day holds that bit of sunshine that says "things are good".

As I was getting ready to go out the door to start my day a little tune came to my mind . . . a blaast from the past . . .  and I'm going to share it with you . . . now here's an earworm (or is it earwig?) for you for your day LOL!

"Let's all go to A&W,

Food's more fun at A&W,

get yourself a root beer,

or maybe two or three,

have yourself a burger

from the burger family . . . "

Sing it now, everyone!

Have a great day!

Tabitha, I just re-read that and realized the gap in time.

That is worrisome.  I recognize what it takes to stay distant when all you want to do is reach in and grab them or ensure they are safe.

I have an image of chasing a butterfly, when the thing to do is sit still and let it come by & land on you.

It takes so much restraint , combined with the wonderment of doing the right thing or not.

peace be with you this day

I like the butterfly analogy, Pinga.  Unfortunately I could see myself as being the type of parent that could have the tendency to get out the butterfly net and run after them .  I will have to try and remember this one.

I'm quite ready to change the subject.  It's a tough issue for me and I had discussed it in person with trusted folks. I do appreciate your concern and support.

Today it is bright and sunny here  Looks like it will be a hot day.

Taking your lead, Tabitha . . .

It is bright and sunny here too!  Not as warm as I would like it to be though for the month of May.  I am preparing my food items for a pot-luck luncheon at the church today.  UCW's wind-up meeting.  They usually have a pot-luck supper, but this year they are doing it at lunch time instead.  I think a lot of the ladies don't like to go out in the evening if they don't have to.  They invite other ladies from the congregation, but there aren't usually too many other than the UCW themselves.  Another friend and myself usually go, and we are going today.  My daughter usually goes, but she works today.

I cannot believe it is already Wednesday - where has this week gone?  Hubby has gone out to cottage to do some more spring cleaning for me - now that's a sweetheart .  How about you?  Is life going by too quickly for you too?  Do you wish that somehow you could just slow everything down a bit?

I'm going for a massage this afternoon.  I have to make use of my benefits as much as possible this month.  Beginning in June, I will have a new job which means benefits won't be available until three months down the road.

Tabitha, Pinga - I'll bet you are both looking so much forward to your canoe trip together.  We all need time to get away from the pressures of life and just enjoy.

Pinga, your post makes me glad that I am no longer in the corporate world.  But even in a volunteer position in the church things can get messy.  

I've told people in the Room about our Wednesday morning program at our church where we try to 'feed the hungry' and make a welcoming place.  Today we were short handed - volunteers do take vacations, get sick, need a day off.   And right from the beginning we could tell that we were going to be busy, and that items donated to our pantry would only go so far.

We don't do a means test - we trust that anyone who come in to our church looking for breakfast, a voucher for the nearby grocery store, and a few non-perishable items from our shelves is in need.   We have to limit them to one voucher (for $25 to $40 depending on the size of the family) in each time period - a to items from the pantry after they receive their voucher.  (Those not entitled to a voucher on a particular week can get a few items from the pantry after the voucher people get theirs.)

Today, while I was busy with other people, one man filled two bags from the pantry shelves and hurried to the door.  When one of our people stopped him, he said that I had told him he could have it.  NOT.  

Then several young people came in - not necessarily together but they obviously knew each other and sat together talking and joking while they waited their turns.  (They looked to be in their late teens or early twenties - they should have been in school or working, but jobs are hard to come by in this province and we try not to judge.)   At one point while fooling around they knocked over a side table, broke two mugs, and spilled coffee.  I told them I would get the custodian while they tidied up and I pointed to the garbage can.  Yes, they did clean up.   Accidents happen - but ...

And at the end of the morning, as we volunteers compared notes, our leader said that D.....  might not be around for awhile because he is annoyed at her.   D.... lives nearby, comes in almost every week for breakfast.  One week I noticed that he had broken his glasses and had them taped together - we got him a pair of reading glasses.   He often quotes the Bible to us.  Today after having his breakfast, he wanted a voucher.  He isn't due - and we have limited funds.  He had a lot to say to our leader about a church that refuses to give food to the hungry.    (He worships with another denomination - I don't think we are 'Christian' enough for him.)

So ....

We were able to help over twenty individuals - half of them with families.  

We were able to help a 60 year-old woman whose husband is an invalid.

I was able to help a man who had recently gotten out of the hospital to choose foods that would be easy to digest.

We helped a woman who is supporting three children (but we didn't have anything suitable for school lunches - most schools won't allow peanut butter).

And just as we were about to close our doors - a man arrived, having hitch-hiked in from the country (about 50 klm) and we were able to give him a voucher.

Many of our clients sincerely thanked us.  

Seeler, sounds like it can be very rewarding but also a bit frustrating at times!

Spring is definitely really here now.  We'll probably have snow, it's a part of spring.  Dandylions were being showed off in the weather forcast yesterday.  lol I think that's the first time I've seen that.  We have 1 in our backyard so far.

Hilary - new job coming - that sounds exciting!  

Pinga - I imagine it must be tough to do a two week stint away from home ... nothing like your own bed, with friends & fam close by.   Will you get home soon?   And yes, those 'storming' phases are killer!  

Tab - great example of setting boundaries for us!  thanks for that. 

Busy day Seeler!  I had dinner tonight with a colleague who just returned from the CAOT conference in your fair (but rather wet!) city.  She told me about a wonderful cab driver she had - she was asking him about the local hospital, and he asked if she was in a rush to get to her destination; as she was not, he took her on a little sidetrip to tour the hospital & other bits of the city too - no extra charge!  I wondered to myself if it was Mr. Seeler - sounds like something he might do.   

Tonight I was at a gala dinner - celebrating inteprofessional collaboration at our hospital.  Awards were given, great videos & slide shows displayed, delicious dinner, and a flashmob to get the dancing started!  Fun night - with almost 800 staff in attendance.  It's always intriguing at such an event to see staff out of uniform or work garb - dressed up, in heels & bejewelled!   Now I must get off to bed!!

i love the newsy posts.  Seeler, i was there with your story.

Carolla, yes, the storming phase was really challenging.  It included people storming out of conference rooms.   

On a new level, one person put up a camera recording their face as they were told they were making rude faces! 

Just back from a dragon boat practice on the lake. Our coach is really working us hard but the group of ladies are lots of fun. The coach is lots of fun too-I really respect his knowledge. Sitting in the 2nd seat meant my stroke really go worked on tonight.

It's a different stroke than canoeing .

My favourite still is a canoe paddle- and as you know I have 2 of those coming up.

Dragonboating sure does beat not [paddling tho!

Good morning everyone!

Welcome to the start of a new day.

I was up early this morning . . . grrr - I wish this head cold would go away - head is pounding, and cough is starting.  Oh well, this too shall pass.

Thinking about my day ahead . . . massage mid morning, then a luncheon with bible study group, some errands in afternoon, then board meeting tonight.  Then family is heading to cottage for a few days .  Hubby has been working really hard at the spring cleaning out there.  I will still have lots of chores to do, but I really appreciate all he has done.

The luncheon this afternoon is both a year end wind-up for our group, but it is also a good-bye luncheon for my friend who is moving away.  The start of many good-byes.  They will be here til they sell their house, so it is only a matter of time.  Still wrapping my head around the fact that she will not be here soon.

How about you - exciting plans for the day, what about the upcoming weekend?  What are things in your day today that make you happy and full of excited anticipation?  What are some things you are dreading facing?

Have a great one!