our friend Adam (our first visitor here!) 

the october times

In the following pictures you will see a few of the places that we have been and things we have been up to.

They are not in chronological order - but they all are from the last 2 weeks.

Tim and I went to Hawaii to see the Ironman. It was amazing for both of us to see these people working hard! And then to be able to spend time on the Big Island and learn about the history ecology of Hawaii. It was moving for us both.

When he got back our friend Adam called to say he was in town for a conference so we managed to have dinner with him - and a short tour of San Diego.

Tim's brother Jon also had a conference (in LA). We went to pick him up and then Tim and Jon went right to the beach to surf. It was a cold day - -I stayed home and made soup.

The next week I was in Palm Desert with leaders in the Pacifica Synod. I was commissioned - along with 2 other colleagues - for our work in new ministry starts.

It has been a whirlwind adventure these past few weeks – and we are looking forward to being able to explore more of this part of the country, – not to mention having visits from friends and family.

palm desert 

Tim and Jon (Tim's brother) coming in after surfing 

Faris - beginning the run 

watching the sunset the night before the ironman 

akaka falls near Hilo, Hawaii 

Peace

"Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually. Peace, for example, starts within each one of us. When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us". - the dalai lama

if you get a chance - the last song on jennifer Knapp's "lay it down" album is called "Peace".

What we do . . .

My husband, Tim, suggested to me the other day, how nice it would be to come into work in the morning (when he is still half asleep) and see an email with a reminder of our faith journey. I know a number of pastors and ministry cultivators send out daily devotions. And kudos to them. It is a difficult discipline. I am not sure I could keep up the pace. Although, I agree a quote and a bible verse or a song or a word (one simple word) is a great reminder in the morning - as we start our day - what it is that we value and who it is that we are.

a thought
quote
phrase
song
scripture

(any or all of the above) for the day. I think that working together we could create something simple. So suggestions are more then welcome, they are humbly requested.

Here are some thoughts for today . . .


"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit" - Aritsotle

Ephesians 5
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children . . .

15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Peace to you . . .

green and blue

This last week has been amazing for me. Monday I got a ton of paperwork out of the way, Tuesday and Wednesday this week were great. I got to meet some wonderful people. I met a woman who is thrilled to be able to be included in planting a church, I got in contact with a guy who is a triathlete and who's wife grew up at this church that is supporting me, I made great connections with other churches in the area who want me to come and work with their congregations . . . good contacts, great meetings, fun ministry opportunities, and not to mention some great workouts!And then yesterday afternoon I started to feel a little sick and last night and this morning I have been going over the "requirement" stuff for new ministry starts and now I am feeling lousy not only with this cold, but with all the stress of the things I think I need to/"should" get done.

So I am naming this day - the green and blue day - green for being sick and blue for being stressed. On the upside, the remedy that has seemed to work for this kind of cold (at least according to Tim and Jeff) is some vitamin D, and a good salt water gargle, along with enough time to make sure everthing is flushed out properly. In other words -
"Surf's Up!"
Not to mention how that might help with stress in general.

The Santa Anas are here - so it is a hot day - and good to be in the water.