"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go" (but I've got to get that fridge cleaned out).

Dear beloved friends,

Sorry. The blog entry for today is photoless. My camera battery is dead, and I can't find the charger! It must be packed up.

Just a few more hours in Chicago. The moving help (i.e. super strong Zion Lutheran parishioners) will arrive around 9am tomorrow. I was thinking you might be getting a little annoyed with my constant writing about moving away and transitioning, so - you're in luck! By the time I write tomorrow (if I get the opportunity to do so), I will be a moved Minnesotan.

I had my last meeting today with my beautiful, wonderful Turkish learning partner. She's such a dear. Today she brought some delicious Turkish treats that she whipped up! YUM YUM YUM! She said some of the treats are called "Sugar Balls" though I am sure the Turkish translation sounds more lovely and less weird. They really are tasty! I love sugar. I hope they have it in Minnesota! ;)

Time to finish packing, clean out the refrigerator (why am I constantly misspelling that word?), and do some odds and ends around the apartment and the city. To conclude my last entry as a resident of Chicago, I'd like to send a special message to this beloved city.

Dear Chicago: "Thank you, thank you, thank you" (to quote my favorite Anne Lamott prayer from her book Traveling Mercies)

Turn, turn, turn.

Today's Photo: "Ever Turning"

This afternoon a semi-truck pulled up next to me as I was stopped at a red light. Yes, I know it is not good to pull out the camera during long red lights, but its wheels were gigantic and a little mesmerizing. And I wanted to remember the moment. Do you ever come across moments that you just want to remember for always? Not because they are particularly poignant or beautiful or empowering - but just because they are beautifully ordinary? Today as I was driving down Garfield, heading back to Hyde Park, I felt like I was in slow motion, recording it all in my mind's eye (some of you probably know that "mind's eye" is my favorite of all odd phrases).

I'm always on the lookout for different images that can be used to reflect and explain life. Of course, life is so unique that it's almost impossible to make sense of it at all. As my friend Paul said the other night after dinner, "Life is so strange. So weird. Who could even think of this?"

I'm not exactly sure how a wheel represents life. But I like the idea that wheels keep turning. Sometimes they go flat and need to be repaired. Sometimes the car comes to a halt, and the wheels are momentarily stopped. But in general, day after day, the wheels keep moving: along the busy interstate, over the bumpy gravel, through the quiet neighborhood streets. Every now and then, I feel anxious and intimidated by the next steps of my life's journey (I imagine we all feel this way now and then), so I hope I can remember this image of an ever-turning wheel: a wheel that never gives up - never quits - never forgets that its really more about the journey than the destination.

I heard an interesting quote the other day; I'm not 100% sure how I feel about it. But I have been thinking about it quite a lot.

"Live as if you'll die tomorrow, learn as if you'll live forever." - Gandhi

What do you think?

"Baby don't cry." Probably the cutest thing I've ever seen.

Today's Photo: "Lost In Thought"

Oh my goodness. I had a variety of ideas for blog posts today, but as I type this entry, I am witnessing just about the most adorable incident ever to occur. I am sitting in a study area at the seminary so I can use the internet. The Summer Language Institute is meeting, and there are people here in the study area from all over the world working on their English language skills. There are also a few of their children. And there's a little crying baby. One of the little girls (probably about 4) said, "I will sing a song for the baby." So the other little girl said, "Okay, I will write it down." Here's just a little sample of this most beautiful song:

Baby don't cry anywhere,
you have to sleep at night.
Wake up in the morning,
We love you so much little baby.

Have you witnessed anything particularly adorable and sweet lately? A puppy? A kind gesture from a friend or significant other? A movie?

"It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday."

Today's Photo: "Washed"

Do you remember that Boyz II Men song "Yesterday"? I love it! Today the words have been ringing in my ears. This morning I headed back to Chicago. For a variety of reasons, the trip took many, many hours. I stopped a lot. And apparently drove really slowly. It was a nice drive, though. I listened to the radio and a few podcasts. I imagined my BNL (Brand New Life) in Minnesota. I shed a few tears for the difficult days ahead.

Then I had my Learning Parnter time with Elif. Again, she made me laugh so hard my stomach hurt. Seriously, she should go on the road with her hilarity and wit.

Tonight I had a goodbye dinner with a dear friend. Life is silly, isn't it? Sometimes people come into our lives for beautiful bursts of time, and then that period of time ends. Like I have said many a time, goodbyes aren't my favorite. But tonight I felt like I completed a healthy goodbye. I believe our paths will cross again. But no matter what, I am truly and indescribably thankful for real, genuine, no bologna friendship. What a gift!

High Five, Thumbs Up = The Lady Pastor Becomes a Real Pastor

Today's Photo: "All Smiles"

Hello friends! Today I have a fun update to share. Zion Lutheran Church voted this morning to call me as their new Associate Pastor! Yipee! I will move to Minnesota this Friday, July 31st. And I will start at Zion next Sunday. Exciting times. I am so truly thankful to everyone for their encouragement and support over the last few years. What a wonderful, beautiful, totally surprising journey it has been. I am elated to discover what's next around the corner.

I have a little additional information to share about my upcoming ordination. "What is an ordination?" you might be asking. This is a great question! I would describe an ordination this way: A celebration of God's activity in the world and especially a celebration of how God works through the Church. During an ordination, a person who has finished seminary and has received a position as a pastor is commissioned (sent out) by the ELCA & all those gathered to preach the Word and administer the Sacraments. It is a neat opportunity for friends and family and congregation members to rejoice at how Jesus is alive and active in our midst - using the gifts and abilities of all people to share God's love! I hope that you will join me in celebrating our ever-loving Creator on this special day.

Date: Sunday, August 30
Time: 3pm
Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence, Iowa
*Dinner to follow

Fantastic Friday: 'Check It Out' List

Blogspiration: The World Is Spilling So Much Beauty

Listen Up: Ani Difranco - "32 Flavors"; Rosie Thomas - "Have You Seen My Love"

Podcast it Please: Speaking of Faith - Episode title: "Play, Spirit, and Character"

Take a Look, In a Book: "The Writing Life" by Annie Dillard

An "Exercise DVD" Worth Watching: All of the Leslie Sansone "Walk at Home" DVDs! They are amazing! I think I have mentioned them before, but I would like to reiterate that they are fantastic and totally accessible for people of every age and every fitness level. You can walk between one mile and five miles at a time. Some of my current favorites are: The Five Day Slim Down and Walk Slim.

Today's Photo: "Beautiful Friendship and Beautiful Babies"

Grow like a tomato

Today's photo: "Jenni plants a champion garden"

Story background: Last year I was bit by a dog and a cat within the same month. I developed a small complex.

Today's story #1: An extremely friendly (and ever-so-slightly annoying) farm cat belonging to some neighbors (maybe?) might have nearly cured me of my small complex. Sadly, I'm still allergic.

Today's Story #2: Today I visited my friend Jenni and her adorable little guy, Conley (sadly I didn't get to see her hubby Nick today). Conley is so cool and funny and brilliant and lively (to use a vocabulary word from one of my ESL tutoring sessions this week). Spending time with Jenni is like eating a gigantic serving of strawberry-rhubarb crisp, always wonderful and joyful. On the way back from our walk, I got to see her truly amazing garden! She said she just put up a fence, stuck in some plants, and watered periodically! As you can see from the photo at the top of the entry - THOSE TOMATO PLANTS ARE ENORMOUS! No special pesticides or chemicals. Just love and sunshine and rain.

While I am not exactly sure what life lessons are to be found in Jenni's garden, I know there must be several. One point seems clear: in a healthy, peaceful environment - plants can more easily thrive and grow to inspiring heights. Oftentimes, I think it's the same for people: whether it's a work environment, or school, or home, or in the church. I hope when I become a pastor sometime very soon, I can contribute to creating a church space where people feel brave enough and free enough to bloom and flower and stretch to the sky.

No matter what environment we most often find ourselves in these days, may we all find the courage to grow like Jenni's tomatoes.

"You might want to blog about soup."

Today's photo: "Dinner"

I am now back home in Iowa. I will preach at my home congregation in Independence, Iowa this weekend! I'm also hoping to find time to get together with a few friends and their adorable babies.

The roadtrip home was quite fantastic. I listened to Ani DiFranco and podcasts the whole way. Two episodes I must recommend of This American Life: 1) Separated at Birth and 2) Pro se. They are both very good. And two Ani songs that I am currently infatuated with: 1) Manhole and 2) Subdivision.

I wasn't sure what to write about on the ol' blog today. My mom said, "You might want to blog about soup." She said this because I've already mentioned soup on several occasions since I got home a few hours ago. So, I think I'll take my mom's advice and complete my first blog entry on the topic of soup. And while it seems like a silly question - it could be pretty fun if you all respond, so:

What is your favorite kind of soup??????

It would be fantastic if you take a moment to reply! Let's see how many kinds of soup we can get posted as a comment! Ready, set, go!

I'll go first: Campbell's Minestrone.

Tears on a beautiful day.

Today's photo: "Ani"

I had a really beautiful day. So I don't exactly have an explanation for the tears streaming down my cheeks. I don't have the Internet at home, so I am over at the school sitting in an empty public study area listening to music that makes me weep while I attempt to write a blog entry about how great today has been. Life sometimes feels like one big, beautifully ironic series of contradictions after another.

Today I laughed a lot with my learning partner Elif during our English session. She is hilarious and humble. These are two of my favorite qualities, and when these qualities are combined into a single human - the results are generally quite spectacular. Wouldn't you agree?

This evening two amazing women came and visited me in Hyde Park for some soul-nourishing quality time. We walked and visited a book shop and ate. Then, my friend let me borrow one of most incredible creations - a double CD set of Ani DiFranco! It's quite life-changing. And I'm not even past song 6 yet. I got stuck on song 3 "You Had Time" which I am now listening to on repeat. And, as you might remember, I have been known to listen to songs on repeat for weeks. So, it might take a bit to get through both CDs. It's amazing.

So, like I said, today was quite terrific. And maybe it's alright to shed a few tears on such a beautiful day - in honor of it all.

Sometimes I miss things even while I still have them.

Today's photo: "Literacy & Vitamin D"

The weather is beautiful today. 72 degrees and sunny. I spent some of today reading my treasure-of-a-book "The Book Thief" outside at the park, absorbing some rays of heat and listening to barking dogs and laughing humans.

Sitting on a bench in the sun surrounded by trees and birds and people of so many cultural backgrounds left me feeling a bit squashed. Usually this environment makes me feel thankful and alive, but today it felt a little different. Different because I know that soon things will change pretty dramatically. I won't be surrounded by the same diversity, I won't be in the middle of an urban area, and I won't be living within the generally-sheltered world of academia. Don't get me wrong, I am so incredibly excited about the rapidly approaching possibility of becoming an Associate Pastor in Minnesota. Truly! I am thankful. I will be a real grown-up! And a real pastor! And I will meet new, amazing people with diverse opinions and experiences, and it will be a beautiful thing.

But sometimes I miss things even while I still have them. It's silly, I know. But it's true. Today I nearly turned into a small puddle while chatting with Pintor, the amazing fellow who works at the LSTC mailroom. I'm really going to miss chatting with him. These days, every time I see a person, I wonder if I should say "goodbye" because it's highly likely that I won't see them again for quite some time. I know I said I was reading that book about "goodbyes" and really trying to improve my skills in this area. But, like I said, goodbyes feel sad. :( And hard.

I really am 100% excited for the future. I'm not trying to be a whiner/complainer/big baby. I just really love this place and these people and the last 4 years of life in Illinois (both Chicago and southern Illinois). There are sections of life that are so deeply formative and influential. And for me, these seminary years shaped the core of my soul.

But, alas, we continue on, right? The growing and the learning doesn't stop. There are going to be new people and new experiences just around the corner. And while saying "goodbye" feels a bit like a small death, it's actually just paving the way for a new chapter. Relationships modify and change when distance gets added to the equation, but they don't actually have to die. My friends and professors and learning partners will always be dear to my heart. And whether we keep in touch regularly or irregularly, they are a part of who I am, forever. And that won't change. There is comfort in the human capacity to honor and remember.

Stuff. It multiplies.

Today's photo: "Stuff"

Today is potentially my last "totally free Sunday" for the next 35 years or so (yes, this is a slight exaggeration, but you get the point). Next Sunday I will worship and preach with my home congregation in Iowa; also, next Sunday the congregation in Minnesota will vote about whether to call me as their Associate Pastor. If they vote "yes," I will move to Minnesota on Friday, July 31st! Less than 2 weeks. Whoa.

For a spiritual/worshipful experience today, I opted for one more non-Lutheran Sunday. I headed to the 10am Unitarian church in the neighborhood. Today's theme: "The Freedom of Belief." It was interesting. I missed Jesus and communion (neither of which are a regular part of the service with this worshipping community). But, other than that, I certainly felt the Spirit moving and an environment glowing brightly with an attitude of peace and advocacy. I really like that one of the ways they describe their congregation is as "a sevant church, on an adventure of the Spirit." Brilliant! The preacher quoted one of the early Unitarians named Francis David, and I really liked the words:

"We don't have to think alike to love alike."

After churchy-church, I headed to a local bakery to continue my mission of moderation. I got an apple croissant. Seriously, it was so flavorful and beautiful and magnificent. It was very nearly a spiritual experience. In fact, I think it truly was. Savoring the goodness of life is a way of connecting with the holy, right?

I've spent the remainder of today packing. And packing. And then, I did a little more packing. Do I really have this much stuff???? I thought I downsized last year? I have about a half million too many books. Not that there is such a thing as too many books. But, I really need some more book cases. And I have at least 3 more totes of books at home in Iowa. It will be so nice to have an office and bookshelves and a little library area someday (maybe soon)!

How was your weekend? Eat anything that left you still thinking about it hours later? Read anything that made you remember how strange life is? Talk to anyone who reminded you that friends are like angels?

I hope so.

To observe and absorb and explore

Today's photo: "It was a cloudy evening"

This afternoon, while on a walk, I discovered a huge park with sky-reaching trees and streams and fishermen casting their lines aimlessly. It's a huge, beautiful, peaceful area behind the Museum of Science and Industry. And guess what? I had no idea! For the last 4 years! I didn't know! Walking through this heavenly little park reminded me that sometimes I forget to really observe and absorb and explore. So, that's my newest goal. In addition to the 1 + 1 + 1 Plan, I'm adding "Mission O(bserve) A(bsorb) E(xplore)." I have friends and relatives who are so gifted at these skills - nothing seems to be lost upon them. They hear it all and see it all and experience the world to its fullest extent. Very inspiring.

Have you ever read anything by Flannery O'Connor? Several months back I got a collection of her works, but I never savored one until today. Delicious! What a writer! She is an expert at observing, absorbing, and exploring. Flannery was born in Georgia in 1925, and died at the age of 39. She writes with such perception and detail. Today I read the short story "The Life You Save May Be Your Own." I loved this line:

"Deep in the sky a storm was preparing very slowly and without thunder as if it meant to drain every drop of air from the earth before it broke."

I love words.

Fantastic Friday: "Check It Out" List

Blogspiration: The Amateur Gourmet

Take a Look, in a Book: I'm still working my way through The Book Thief; how about you? What are you reading this summer? Anything particularly tantilizing?

Listen Up: "Desert Sunrise" By Brett Dennen

Podcast it Please: "The Nutrition Diva" episode #52 - the topic is meat/antibiotics

A Movie Worth Watching: King Corn - You Are What You Eat (a documentary)

Life observation: Moderation might be a good thing.

Today's photo: "Gulp"

Moderation: neither too much nor too little; an absence or avoidance of excess

This word represents my new favorite concept. I know that I have recommended 'moderation' to other people before, but I'm not sure I ever thought this word applied to me. But - oh my goodness - it does! Sometimes I am so extreme - I wake up with a new idea or goal or plan to be happy and healthy - and I immediately want to start a Brand New Life with all memories of the past lives permanently banished. Instead of starting small or implementing incremental changes - I usually want everything to be immediately different. Instead of saying things like, " I am never going to date again!" or "I am giving up television forever" or "I will read a book every week" - I just need to be a little more moderate.

Awhile back I decided to avoid dairy, meat, and soda/pop/soda pop/Coke. Then, yesterday, I was eating at one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. There it was on the menu - my favorite food - "crab rangoon." I decided to go for it. And, I do not regret this decision in the least. I savored every bite. Really. It was the most delicious food I have tasted in recent memory.

Don't get me wrong - I think, in general, we all need to cut way back on our dairy and meat consumption. And, the same is true for drinking pop. I still want to be a vegan at least 90% of the time. But also, I think I just need to relax a little and keep things in perspective. And maybe it's okay that sometimes a cold glass of Diet Squirt is pretty darn fantastic (and the fact that drinking it reminds me of visiting Grandma's and watching hours of the Disney Channel while eating Ritz crackers and drinking Squirt is an extra bonus).

Going without soda and crab rangoon for awhile was really a good idea for me. Because I'm about a billion times more thankful for crab rangoon than I ever was before. I don't plan to eat it everyday. But I do plan to relax. And breathe. And absorb, all the while continuing to focus on sustainability and positivity and supporting local farmers. I think maybe it's possible to do all these things. And I'm sure going to try.

Blessed randomness.

The sun is shining, the temperature is rising, and a dear friend is now packed up and on her way to Indiana to begin her journey as a pastor. The amount of change in the air is just about as high as the humidity level. It is a very exciting time around the seminary - people are moving out as others move in. Good thing I’m genuinely trying to develop healthy goodbye skills and a positive attitude about transitions! Otherwise, these days could be quite tearful. :)

This afternoon I took a walk and ran into all sorts of randomness. Don’t you just love random encounters and occurrences? They remind me of life’s unpredictable nature. Here are some samples of some of today’s neighborhood oddities (and the photo for today's 1 + 1 + 1 challenge). I can’t say I have ever seen a stuffed bird hanging from a tree before! I hope that lots of mystical, wonderful, randomness is surrounding you today.

"Unplugged"

"Yes," I said. "Very, very good."

Today's Photo: "Walk Your Bike!"

I hope your Tuesday has been uniquely fantastic. I had a great experience while out for a walk today.

I stopped by Walgreens to get some Diet Squirt (I haven't ever purchased this flavor before and I've been trying to avoid soda, but it sounded so good!). And in one of the aisles I saw a man and woman who were probably approaching their 80's (actually, I think she is in her 60's and he is about 90-something).

Interestingly, I met the two of them 3 years ago at a restaurant one July evening in my neighborhood. One of my college professors was in town, and I had dinner with him and several of his Hyde Park acquaintances (and these two were part of the aforementioned acquaintance group). The older man was an English professor at the University of Chicago back in the day.

Anyway, because I'm trying to increase my "boldness," I decided I'd just say hello in the Walgreens aisle to the two of them, even if they had no idea who I was (are you ever afraid of doing this?). Thankfully, right away the woman said, "Oh yes! You were in seminary school. You must be about done by now." And we proceeded to have a delightful conversation!

Sometimes Chicago feels SO gigantic. And sometimes Chicago feels so small. It's always nice to run into people and hear what they're up to after a chunk of time has passed! She said, "It was so nice to meet you at the beginning of your journey - and now to see you at the end. Has your time here been good for you?"

"Yes," I said. "Very, very good."

Day 2: 1 mile + 1 chapter + 1 photo

Hello! Here's today's photo. Are you having a pleasant Monday? Absorbing lots of positive vibes? Sharing your lovely self with the world?

I started the day with some cleaning, walking (with a Leslie Sansone DVD), and then tea with a delightful friend. I will meet with my most wonderful learning partner this afternoon - Elif. She is so terrific, and I am really looking forward to our English session. I wish I would've met her sooner. I find myself saying that quite regularly lately about a lot of people.

On that sentimental note, today for my "book chapter" I read from "Praying our Goodbyes" by Joyce Rupp. Have you ever heard of it? My friend gave me her extra copy, and so far, it is very meaningful. I think it is especially helpful to be reading a book about goodbyes as I am in the midst of saying many goodbyes and preparing to leave Chicago. In general, throughout my life, I have despised "goodbyes" - in almost all relationships (friends, significant others, etc.), I avoid them completely which is really not the most brilliant idea. In fact, it is quite unhealthy because "goodbyes" are important. But I just really dislike the finality of goodbyes. It's so....sad. BUT this books is really helpful! In chapter 1 it says:

"We all need to learn how to say goodbye, to acknowledge the pain that is there for us so that we can eventually move on to another hello."

Good, huh? And, since I am on this vocational quest to become a healthy, happy pastor, I feel like I really need to figure out this "goodbye" stuff. I sincerely want to be a good model of healthy goodbyes. In the book, it says that in life we say goodbye to people (through circumstance or through death), to jobs, to situations, to habits, etc. There are many goodbyes said throughout one's lifetime.

What do you think? Are goodbyes easy or difficult for you? What do you think about the quote from the book?

Have a beautiful day!

1 + 1 + 1: Day 1

Greetings friends. Happy Sunday. Did you have any exciting weekend adventures? My quick trip to Iowa (with a little jaunt to Minnesota) were both fantastic. Now I am back in Chicago. On the drive back I had a new idea for a challenge for the month. 1 + 1 + 1 A Day.

1 mile + 1 chapter + 1 photo. I want to walk at least one mile a day, read at least 1 chapter of a book, and take a least 1 photo. Anyone want to join me for this challenge? Most of you are probably already walking and reading more than this, but I was hoping for a challenge that I could HOPEFULLY successfully complete. :) Please let me know if you'd like to join me! It would be fun to share stories about this new 30 day adventure.

Fantastic Friday: 'Check It Out' List

Blogspiration: Harriet - by The Poetry Foundation (the whole site is pretty fantastic)

Listen Up:
"Between the Lines" by Sara Bareilles
"Human Nature" by Michael Jackson
"Closer to Fine" by Indigo Girls

Take a Look, in a Book: The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak (I recommended this awhile ago - before I was actually reading it. Now I am reading it and savoring every page! It's very, very unique. I think you should probably add it to your Amazon wishlist immediately.)

A Movie Worth Watching: Lost in Translation (I forgot how much I love this movie until I re-watched it this week. I've seen it maybe 5-6 times. Some people think it is just a little too odd. I think it is hilarious and authentic and raw. I'm not sure why it touched me so deeply this week, but I spilled out quite a puddle of tears.)

The Radio Game!

I just finished up a lovely road trip back to Iowa for a very quick weekend. Lots of activities are packed into the next two days! On the drive, I had a rousing time playing "The Radio Game." I think I might have invented it, and it is not exactly a real "game." The goal is to be constantly changing the radio station so that I only listen to songs I really like. If anyone else were the in the car, I probably wouldn't play this game because it would be so annoying for the passenger. But when played alone, it is SUPER fun! Some of my favorite hits that I heard today included:

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic: The Police
The Time of My Life: Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Isn't She Lovely: Stevie Wonder
California Dreamin': The Mamas and the Papas

Another highlight: Nearly 2 hours of Delilah! Have you heard her show? She is a syndicated radio host of the world's cheesiest nightly radio program. Her soothing voice reminds listeners of those cliches we all need to hear once in awhile, like "true love survives" and "the tough times will get better." And then she picks a song to match with a particular caller's "unique" situation. It is so cheese-ball, but I love it. Tonight I was particularly touched when a mother dedicated "I Hope You Dance" to her 3 young daughters. Very sappily sweet.

A song I was NOT impressed by on my car-ride: "Birthday Sex" by Jeremih - This song is BOGUS! I love Hip-Hop/R&B/and other semi-trashy music. Admittedly, I have a huge collection of songs by T-Paine, Jamie Foxx, and Lil'Wayne. But, apparently, even I have a threshold for terribly graphic, ridiculous music! A whole song about birthday sex? Seriously? Is it really that special? I had to laugh outloud at one of the lyrics: "Tell me where you want your gift, girl." What a truly horrendous song.

I think I will stick to the stations playing primarily 1980's and 1990's music for my ride back to Chicago! I love singing along to those stations of "Easy Listening" every now and then, especially on road trips. I hope you had a great day and listened to lots of amazing music!!!!

That was pleasant.

Taken at the Chicago Art Institute

Today I met with a new learning partner! Her name is Elif and she is from Turkey, and I think she is my long-lost sister! We don't look much alike, but I am quite positive our souls are related. I will only be in Chicago for a few more weeks, and I am actually done meeting with most of my other learning partners. But I couldn't resist the opportunity to spend time with one more amazing person and practice English. We will meet several times this month, and I am really looking forward to it. It is so fantastic to meet new people and hear about their lives. My time with Elif today got me SOOOOO excited about becoming a pastor very soon! I can't wait to journey with people through their lives - the ups and downs and inbetweens.

On that pastor-related note, I have a few updates. Things with the congregation in Minnesota are progressing wonderfully. The congregation will vote at the end of the month and decide whether to call me as their Associate Pastor. If everything goes well, I will start the first week of August. I am thankful, thankful, thankful. It is a terrific opportunity, and I am prayerful and hopeful that everything will work out. In the meantime, I will be packing, packing, and then packing. And I will make a trip or two back to Iowa. This summer is really flying by.

I hope that you are having a magnificent Wednesday! Did you meet a new person today? Have a fantastic conversation? Watch a silly television show? I hope that whatever you are doing, you are soaking in every second of it!

5 Things We Love...

Greetings,

I am getting better and better each day. Today I even did a few loads of laundry. Thanks to everyone who sent nice emails and called and checked on me! The worst is behind me, and hopefully I will not ever have that again. I'd have to say - it was not the MOST fun 4th of July (although watching fireworks on television did have its perks, right Mom?). But I'm thankful to be feeling better.

So, in the spirit of gratitude - let's come up with 5 THINGS WE LOVE! Everybody participate, okay? Jump onboard!

1) Yellow Gatorade
2) Hearing the bouncing of basketballs outside in the courtyard
3) Happy news; as is regularly seen on the CBS program 'Sunday Morning'

4) Applesauce
5) When I do the laundry and don't run into any giant bugs in the basement!

YOUR TURN! :)

Still....

Hello,

Sorry this is another lame post. I am still food poisoned. but doing better. Some setbacks last night. I think tomorrow I will be almost as good as new.

Please don't give up on my blog! I promise to write a good entry tomorrow. My brain is a little dehydrated, and my vocabulary & spelling abilities are severely diminished the last few days. Another day of rest and soap operas, and I pray I am back to my almost-normal blogging self.

Hugs to all. I hope you had a great 4th of July weekend! Mom - thanks for visiting me in Chicago. I'm sorry most of our fun involved high volumes of Gatorade and was confined to an uncomfortable couch.

That's Ironic

My last post was all about savoring each bite, and this post is all about food posioning. The hours since 8pm last night have been a nightmare! Hopefully I will wake up from the nightmare soon. I won't go into details. Ick, ick, ick.

Will post more when feeling better - maybe tomorrow or Sunday.

Savoring every bite...

My, my, my. Oh how I love meals shared with good friends! Food has an amazing way of bringing people together, doesn't it? Tonight a delightful friend and I went to a great vegan restaurant on the south side of the city.

The lovely lady I ate with has been such a special blessing in my life, and soon she will head off for new adventures. Our food was tasty and the conversation was even more delicious. I am always amazed at the sacredness of "ordinary" moments. It is startling to me that these moments so often occur over meals. There is something very beautiful and relational about eating. I don't mind eating alone (and I do it quite often since I live by myself), but I sure love consuming meals in the company of others. I am particularly thankful for shared meals tonight.

As I was pondering food this evening, I thought about the idea that maybe one is never totally eating alone. When an individual is feasting in solitude, he/she is actually eating alongside all the forces that helped bring the food to the table- the farmers, the packagers, the bees, the sun, the grocery clerk. Food is definitely a team effort. I'm hoping that this concept will bring a little comfort to me (and to anyone else in the same solo boat) on those afternoons and evenings when I am enjoying a delicious meal with me, myself, and I.

So whatever your eating environment this evening and in the days ahead, I hope you are savoring each and every bite. Soak in every morsel of the staggering beauty on your plate.