So thankful for rides first thing in the morning.
The weather was perfect, albeit a bit windy, but a great way to start the day. It made the burger and jalpeno poppers I had for lunch totally worth it. 15 miles sure makes you hungry. Tomorrow the goal is 20+.
The following was in my verse and voice email from Sojourners today:
"The blues are like spirituals, almost sacred. When we sing blues, we’re singing out our hearts, we’re singing out our feelings. Maybe we’re hurt and just can’t answer back, then we sing or maybe even hum the blues. When I sing ... what I’m doing is letting my soul out." - Alberta Hunter, American blues singer
I wonder what it means for me singing aloud in my truck everyday. Because my song of choice this week is "Gives you hell". I guess there are still some emotions from last week's multiple losses that I am still trying to work out. Hopefully folks in town are okay with the local preacher having a sore throat due to my lovely rendition of the Glee version of this song. (Just imagine my karaoke debut!) Well, whatever feelings I'm singing out, better out than in. Perhaps I should start listening to the blues...
Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
sabbath
I did lots of riding today, only a tiny bit on the bike, though.
Most of the riding was at Holiday World with my good friend, Jen. We always enjoy checking out the body piercings and body art...We rode a boatload of water rides. The best part was Pilgrim's Plunge, as we went down the 131 foot drop at a 45 degree angle...I did it with my arms in the air. A first for me. I often talk about the movement of the Holy Spirit and I use roller coaster imagery. How we don't know where the Spirit is going to take us, and it may take us places we do not want to go, but we shouldn't fight it. We should just let go and enjoy the ride. I suppose I've been using that image unfairly, as I normally hang on tight during the drops and turns. Well, not today. I just let go. And normally, I hold my breath on the drops. Well, not today...the arms were up with a scream of excitement...it was freeing, energizing. I was able to let go on so many levels.
Many of the rest of the rides we were actually required to hold on...but that's okay too, since we were in the dark for some and backwards for others. So a great big thanks to Jen who helped me 'let go' of emotional stuff, trying to change the past, and concerns about the future. (Well, at least for a day)
My bike ride was a short one. I rode to the post office. Yes, I know it is around the corner from my house. I did ride around the block once before getting there. And yes, I'm aware it is a holiday, but I had to check the church box.
The day at the theme park for someone who fears steep drops, enclosed areas, and isn't the biggest fan of big crowds, was exhausting. But it was truly a sabbath break from work - for body, mind and soul :)
Ready for a cold beverage and adventuring (in my recliner) with No Reservations.
Until tomorrow...
Most of the riding was at Holiday World with my good friend, Jen. We always enjoy checking out the body piercings and body art...We rode a boatload of water rides. The best part was Pilgrim's Plunge, as we went down the 131 foot drop at a 45 degree angle...I did it with my arms in the air. A first for me. I often talk about the movement of the Holy Spirit and I use roller coaster imagery. How we don't know where the Spirit is going to take us, and it may take us places we do not want to go, but we shouldn't fight it. We should just let go and enjoy the ride. I suppose I've been using that image unfairly, as I normally hang on tight during the drops and turns. Well, not today. I just let go. And normally, I hold my breath on the drops. Well, not today...the arms were up with a scream of excitement...it was freeing, energizing. I was able to let go on so many levels.
Many of the rest of the rides we were actually required to hold on...but that's okay too, since we were in the dark for some and backwards for others. So a great big thanks to Jen who helped me 'let go' of emotional stuff, trying to change the past, and concerns about the future. (Well, at least for a day)
My bike ride was a short one. I rode to the post office. Yes, I know it is around the corner from my house. I did ride around the block once before getting there. And yes, I'm aware it is a holiday, but I had to check the church box.
The day at the theme park for someone who fears steep drops, enclosed areas, and isn't the biggest fan of big crowds, was exhausting. But it was truly a sabbath break from work - for body, mind and soul :)
Ready for a cold beverage and adventuring (in my recliner) with No Reservations.
Until tomorrow...
Sunday, September 5, 2010
AMBUSH!
What an interesting day.
First of all, I'm two for two for sleeping through the night. You'd think I was a newborn...With the AC off and the windows open, it was almost too chilly to get out from under the covers.
The chill in the air also meant riding in leggings and a fleece - I love fall! The sun was up while I was on my second 6 mile loop before church. I love how the landscape changes as the sun comes up. And in the early morning the cows just watch you pass by, while they chew their breakfast or their cud.
While I wasn't too ecstatic about my sermon for today, I went off script at the end and that seemed to bring it together for me. I was able to talk about the abundance of God's gifts in our lives with the example of all the people who had supported a family this past week as they lost a loved one. I sometimes forget that we need to point out and name God in the actions we see everyday. God has been and continues to be present in our everyday lives, it just takes an extra effort to name it.
The reclaiming of the house continued today as the kitchen was tackled.
I also have taken to playing Ambush with my cat, Marley.
She runs at me and lunges at my leg....and I chase her. Then I sneak around the house to surprise her. I got her to do the scary cat thing (hunched back & puffy tail) once and she made me scream once.
The score at the end of this round: Jen 1, Marley 1.
And speaking of cats: This made me laugh out loud and sing:
http://comics.com/get_fuzzy/
Until tomorrow...
First of all, I'm two for two for sleeping through the night. You'd think I was a newborn...With the AC off and the windows open, it was almost too chilly to get out from under the covers.
The chill in the air also meant riding in leggings and a fleece - I love fall! The sun was up while I was on my second 6 mile loop before church. I love how the landscape changes as the sun comes up. And in the early morning the cows just watch you pass by, while they chew their breakfast or their cud.
While I wasn't too ecstatic about my sermon for today, I went off script at the end and that seemed to bring it together for me. I was able to talk about the abundance of God's gifts in our lives with the example of all the people who had supported a family this past week as they lost a loved one. I sometimes forget that we need to point out and name God in the actions we see everyday. God has been and continues to be present in our everyday lives, it just takes an extra effort to name it.
The reclaiming of the house continued today as the kitchen was tackled.
I also have taken to playing Ambush with my cat, Marley.
She runs at me and lunges at my leg....and I chase her. Then I sneak around the house to surprise her. I got her to do the scary cat thing (hunched back & puffy tail) once and she made me scream once.
The score at the end of this round: Jen 1, Marley 1.
And speaking of cats: This made me laugh out loud and sing:
http://comics.com/get_fuzzy/
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, September 4, 2010
reclaiming house & nails
Today's ride was not so long. It seems that I spent much of the day cleaning the house and hanging laundry on the line. It was a beautiful day for it. Multiple loads dried in the wind and sun.
It was a day to reclaim the house from dust, piles of laundry and stuff from vacation two weeks ago!
Not to mention a scrumptious brunch of homemade whole wheat blueberry pancakes with locally made male syrup! Super yum! I did not have any champagne in the house, so I had a mockmosa (ginger ale & oj) still just as fun in a fancy wine glass.
Finally by 4pm I realized I should get out of the house. It was a shorter ride just out of town and back so I could get home in time and cleaned up and make it to 5:30 worship.
I'm glad I opted for the shorter ride, because I needed to sing, pray and share bread & wine. This past week I have been surrounded by God through family and friends. It was wonderful to hear the gospel proclaimed by a dear friend and colleague. It is truly a blessing to be surrounded by sisters and brothers in Christ and to hear that community in Christ strengthens us and supports us in our life and faith journey.
With the sermon done for tomorrow...I'm planning on a ride before church.
In other news, my fortune from dinner told me to be spontaneous, so my fingernails now match my 'beautiful berry' toenails.
Until tomorrow...
It was a day to reclaim the house from dust, piles of laundry and stuff from vacation two weeks ago!
Not to mention a scrumptious brunch of homemade whole wheat blueberry pancakes with locally made male syrup! Super yum! I did not have any champagne in the house, so I had a mockmosa (ginger ale & oj) still just as fun in a fancy wine glass.
Finally by 4pm I realized I should get out of the house. It was a shorter ride just out of town and back so I could get home in time and cleaned up and make it to 5:30 worship.
I'm glad I opted for the shorter ride, because I needed to sing, pray and share bread & wine. This past week I have been surrounded by God through family and friends. It was wonderful to hear the gospel proclaimed by a dear friend and colleague. It is truly a blessing to be surrounded by sisters and brothers in Christ and to hear that community in Christ strengthens us and supports us in our life and faith journey.
With the sermon done for tomorrow...I'm planning on a ride before church.
In other news, my fortune from dinner told me to be spontaneous, so my fingernails now match my 'beautiful berry' toenails.
Until tomorrow...
Friday, September 3, 2010
writing and riding
This is my monthly submission for the weekly paper in town:
You Are Never Alone
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
Sometimes I just need to be reminded that it’s just not all up to me. Do you ever need that gentle reminder? You know, you’re going through life, day to day, just trying to get through the day. I tend to think that I can tackle everything on my own. That is definitely not the case.
This past week my life has been a roller coaster ride. I have lifted my arms up and screamed with joy as I hit the high peaks and have felt the lowest lows, which seem like hitting rock bottom. I think the roller coaster feeling was more intense this past week for me because of the loss of a loved one. We have all faced death and loss at different times in our lives, but when the grief hits us, it just takes over. A good friend of mine put it this way, “Grief amplifies everything. Good feels great and hard feels horrid.” The highs seem so much higher and the lows feel absolutely terrible.
Grief seems to knock us off our foundation. It swoops in, whenever it feels like it, like an unwanted houseguest. It pays no mind to you, or your day, or your schedule. It comes in and just takes over. I think grief reminds us of our humanity. As we think about the loss of a loved one, or the loss in a broken relationship, we realize how truly humble we are. There are things in this world, in this life that we just cannot handle on our own. When that is the case we turn to someone, something bigger and stronger than we are.
We turn and lean on the strength and hope found in the Lord. Only God truly knows what is in our hearts and the struggles and hardships we face. God is acting in our lives and shines through us when we are at our lowest low. The ability we have to get out of bed on those rough days is given to us by God, God wakes us, lifts us up, and gives us the strength to make it through the day.
Yet sometimes when we are so wrapped up in grief and loss it is hard to see that foundation. It is those times that we give thanks for the sister and brothers in Christ who surround us. When we are too weak to get up, they lift us. When we need a shoulder to cry on, they are there. And when things can’t seem to get any worse, when we begin to wonder about God or question our faith, those around us hold the faith for us. God surrounds us in the presence of friends, family, neighbors and strangers. When we feel weak and even question our faith, because we cannot see the bigger picture, these people believe for us.
No matter how alone you feel, God continues to walk with you and gently carries your heart in his hands. Know that whatever life changes you face, God is with you.
________________________
This afternoon I rode on paved and unpaved trails around Bloomington for over an hour & a half. The weather was beautiful and the leaves were falling...at some points I could only hear the wind whipping by my ears and the leaves crunching under the tires. It was a great ride.
I think my face is windburnt.
You Are Never Alone
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
Sometimes I just need to be reminded that it’s just not all up to me. Do you ever need that gentle reminder? You know, you’re going through life, day to day, just trying to get through the day. I tend to think that I can tackle everything on my own. That is definitely not the case.
This past week my life has been a roller coaster ride. I have lifted my arms up and screamed with joy as I hit the high peaks and have felt the lowest lows, which seem like hitting rock bottom. I think the roller coaster feeling was more intense this past week for me because of the loss of a loved one. We have all faced death and loss at different times in our lives, but when the grief hits us, it just takes over. A good friend of mine put it this way, “Grief amplifies everything. Good feels great and hard feels horrid.” The highs seem so much higher and the lows feel absolutely terrible.
Grief seems to knock us off our foundation. It swoops in, whenever it feels like it, like an unwanted houseguest. It pays no mind to you, or your day, or your schedule. It comes in and just takes over. I think grief reminds us of our humanity. As we think about the loss of a loved one, or the loss in a broken relationship, we realize how truly humble we are. There are things in this world, in this life that we just cannot handle on our own. When that is the case we turn to someone, something bigger and stronger than we are.
We turn and lean on the strength and hope found in the Lord. Only God truly knows what is in our hearts and the struggles and hardships we face. God is acting in our lives and shines through us when we are at our lowest low. The ability we have to get out of bed on those rough days is given to us by God, God wakes us, lifts us up, and gives us the strength to make it through the day.
Yet sometimes when we are so wrapped up in grief and loss it is hard to see that foundation. It is those times that we give thanks for the sister and brothers in Christ who surround us. When we are too weak to get up, they lift us. When we need a shoulder to cry on, they are there. And when things can’t seem to get any worse, when we begin to wonder about God or question our faith, those around us hold the faith for us. God surrounds us in the presence of friends, family, neighbors and strangers. When we feel weak and even question our faith, because we cannot see the bigger picture, these people believe for us.
No matter how alone you feel, God continues to walk with you and gently carries your heart in his hands. Know that whatever life changes you face, God is with you.
________________________
This afternoon I rode on paved and unpaved trails around Bloomington for over an hour & a half. The weather was beautiful and the leaves were falling...at some points I could only hear the wind whipping by my ears and the leaves crunching under the tires. It was a great ride.
I think my face is windburnt.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
New Biking Outfit
Day 2: 30 Days of Biking
With a late night, and not much sleep, I did not get a ride in before my meeting today. But afterward I figured I would just take a quick ride to the store to get a loaf of bread, a container of milk, and a stick of buttah. (Actually just a loaf of bread, cream cheese & the weekly paper)
I thought to myself, huh, getting more looks today on the bike than I normally do. Maybe it was my sweet muscular legs.
Or maybe, just maybe, it was the combination of my sassy scarf and my sweet muscular legs peddling our from my short jeans skirt....yeah, the latter must have been it.
I tell ya, there was some amazing joy that come up from my soul as I slowly peddled the back roads to the store. I found myself laughing. I couldn't help it. There was some natural, truly happy energy that came from that ride. Awesome. I needed that.
Still grieving and bouncing between really high, highs and bottoming out lows...I hope that prayer, time, and love continue to help me heal. That and the joy of riding my bike everyday. :)
Until tomorrow...
JK
With a late night, and not much sleep, I did not get a ride in before my meeting today. But afterward I figured I would just take a quick ride to the store to get a loaf of bread, a container of milk, and a stick of buttah. (Actually just a loaf of bread, cream cheese & the weekly paper)
I thought to myself, huh, getting more looks today on the bike than I normally do. Maybe it was my sweet muscular legs.
Or maybe, just maybe, it was the combination of my sassy scarf and my sweet muscular legs peddling our from my short jeans skirt....yeah, the latter must have been it.
I tell ya, there was some amazing joy that come up from my soul as I slowly peddled the back roads to the store. I found myself laughing. I couldn't help it. There was some natural, truly happy energy that came from that ride. Awesome. I needed that.
Still grieving and bouncing between really high, highs and bottoming out lows...I hope that prayer, time, and love continue to help me heal. That and the joy of riding my bike everyday. :)
Until tomorrow...
JK
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Biking & Blogging
August has come and gone...and all except for day 31 did I have a beer. A pat on the back for me...and for everyone who helped along the way...you know who you are!
So, on to September. It is officially 30 Days of Biking Part 2. So, I'll be biking everyday.
I don't want people to think this is a cop out, so I'll also blog everyday. (Geesh, haven't you always wanted to know what was on my mind every, single day?)
I can't guarantee amazing insights each day, but hopefully something remotely interesting will come about.
Happy Reading!
Day 1
Just got back from a beautiful ride to the back of Boggs Lake. It's been a while since I've been riding on a regular basis and in combination with the 90 degree heat, it was a hot ride today. But it was great to get out.
I've been going through alot lately and am truly thankful for the oomph to get on my bike everyday as a chance to clear my head.
Since I returned from vacation I had to hit the ground running for work...which is always an emotional ride as a pastor. One of my parishioners, my local dad, has been sick for a long time and passed away last week. I was unaware of how much the loss of his life would impact mine. I have been challenged to take the time to grieve for myself whilst caring for the family and the congregation as they mourn. Time will help, but still...
On the flip side, my personal life is wonderful! Good things happening here, which seem to counter the grief and loss...but the two extremes have been a challenge for me to balance.
Thanks to those who listen, read, love, and support me in all of this...
Until tomorrow.
JK
So, on to September. It is officially 30 Days of Biking Part 2. So, I'll be biking everyday.
I don't want people to think this is a cop out, so I'll also blog everyday. (Geesh, haven't you always wanted to know what was on my mind every, single day?)
I can't guarantee amazing insights each day, but hopefully something remotely interesting will come about.
Happy Reading!
Day 1
Just got back from a beautiful ride to the back of Boggs Lake. It's been a while since I've been riding on a regular basis and in combination with the 90 degree heat, it was a hot ride today. But it was great to get out.
I've been going through alot lately and am truly thankful for the oomph to get on my bike everyday as a chance to clear my head.
Since I returned from vacation I had to hit the ground running for work...which is always an emotional ride as a pastor. One of my parishioners, my local dad, has been sick for a long time and passed away last week. I was unaware of how much the loss of his life would impact mine. I have been challenged to take the time to grieve for myself whilst caring for the family and the congregation as they mourn. Time will help, but still...
On the flip side, my personal life is wonderful! Good things happening here, which seem to counter the grief and loss...but the two extremes have been a challenge for me to balance.
Thanks to those who listen, read, love, and support me in all of this...
Until tomorrow.
JK
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