Ordinary Life

One of my internet friends has been tackling the phrase ' worship experience ' lately along with probing the idea that worship is something we "feel" or an environment we can create on Sunday mornings. As a person with a more reserved personality, this topic resonates with me and while I never feel that I have the answers , I am learning to join the conversation . My churched background has afforded many opportunities to feel pressure from the platform or my gathering of friends to 'perform' worship in a way that is more visible and animated than my comfort level. I have prayed beside people offering their prayers in tongues unknown. I have been told that my faith was only genuine if I was willing to pick up a snake. (There were no snakes present in the Kroger where this conversation occurred, thankfully - but it was a real conversation) I have scoffed at fog machines and cameramen running across the stage to get the next shot. I have scoffed at three piece su...

The listing read "Stitch me back together." It was a hand-turned vessel, made from grapevine, that had cracked under pressure.  It caught my attention. I am drawn to finding beauty in broken things because I am a broken thing. If we were to have a show of hands, I'm probably not the only one. So it was that I adopted this broken vessel as a kind of self-portrait. When it arrived, I discovered 'FRAGILE' apparently means something like 'Please shake til glass breaks' in post office speak. The test tube had shattered. While it retained its shape, it would not retain water. What's more, it was not keen on leaving its cozy wood lodgings; it was stuck. The two vessels were broken individually and together.  Yesterday, I finally found a chance to sit alone with 'myself' and consider the broken vessel.  Before contemplation:  I started to use gold paint with  kintsugi  in mind, but rather quickly had a different inspiration. After contemplation:  Fault...

Last night, I accompanied Fisher to volunteer as a buddy at Night To Shine- an event to serve and celebrate the special needs community. We were at the Christ Church location in Jax. Oh, what a night. If you can name an emotion, it was available somewhere on the premises. Of the many impressions the night made on me, these are the thoughts still lingering in the afternoon aftermath of the following day . *UPDATE- It has taken an extra day and a half to edit and upload this post properly.   >>Fisher<<   This past year, Fisher and I discussed that he has a soft place in his heart for the special needs community. When two of his particular heroes (Brant Hansen & Tim Tebow )  both promoted Night To Shine, it seemed providential to participate. I hope that the desire to love and serve others is a quality that continues to snowball downhill into his life.   >>Valor<< These are real men. Manly men. Valiant leaders who love and serve others...

    I let my full weight fall against Burger King's heavy glass door and pushed against it. By nature a fairly passive person, I knew the door would absorb my unusually forceful shove with no loss of dignity. I even imagined it welcomed me a little. Better doors than people. (or...doors are better than people?)    We were en route to the bedside of a very sick relative and I knew we may not make it in time to say good bye.    Over the course of the morning, I had morphed into a tiny black rain cloud, prone to outbursts like thunder claps and sudden showers that washed away any semblance of "strength".     Once inside the ladies room,  I wiped away what streaked mascara could be budged and sighed a prayer of "please".    I wasn't praying for extra time. I wasn't praying to get there. I was praying for peace and that all would be well with my uncle...soul wise...you know..." It is well...it is well...with my soul ." And I wa...

Whenever my phone finds a WiFi signal, it uploads my photos to Picasa. Occasionally, I will remember to check Picasa for the "auto awesome" projects it creates for me. My favorite are the animations. If that isn't already clear by now, stay tuned. . . the pattern will repeat itself enough in time. .. The other day,  I took photos of the sun setting. Usually,  I don't even remember the Picasa feature but as I took these particular photos,  I remember thinking that I hoped an animation would be created from them.  I took extra to increase the chances [and also to make creating one myself easier if it didn't auto-create] Given the time, I could probably create a longer version. However, I  have not been given any time that doesn't already belong to other responsibilities and projects at the moment, so I'm pleased as punch that my little wish was granted.  Sunset Downtown Marina Fernandina Beach