Trying something new

Will you please let us know if you receive this "taste" of my newest blog entry? We're testing a new way of sharing postings with you who are subscribers--in an effort to draw you to the blog sight--and we'd like to know what you're receiving. The whole entry, the photo, just a taste?
Thanks for your comments and suggestions!
Blessings,
Pastor Joy

Beside the lake

My friend and mentor Rochelle once told me that whenever she needs to make a big decision, she goes to the lake shore. Somehow, the immensity of Lake Michigan helps clear her head... puts things in perspective... gives a feeling of immensity that is clarifying.
Me too.

Calm to the waves, calm to the wind, Jesus whispers, Peace be still. Balm to our hearts, fears at an end, be still and hear God's voice.

Pastor Joy

In the garden

This past Saturday, I was part of Women's Day 2008 at LSTC with the theme "Fertile Ground: Women, Spirit & Sustainability." It was an amazing day with conversation about urban gardening, reminders to do no less than what helps you come alive (even in cases where you didn't know you were dead), and annointed singing from the LSTC gospel choir. My workshop was around themes of Creation & Vocation. Here are a few tidbits from that workshop.

"Nobody sees a flower, really, it is so small. We haven't time - and to see takes time like to have a friend takes time." Georgia O'Keefe
I love this quote and the invitation to pause, look, really look... and hopefully see some detail that we might otherwise miss. I had the opportunity on an unexpected walk last week in St. Paul to walk with my camera in hand and see gardens that I would otherwise have missed. I breathed deeply and experienced unexpected sabbath.

How about you? What are your experiences in gardens? The season for gardening is coming to a close...temperatures are dropping... but I think there may still be a few days left for walks outside to watch the autumn leaves change. To pay attention and give some time to really look.

Peace,
Pastor Joy

In every breath

I thank thee
(from the book Graces)

For diamond-studded velvet
behind a silver moon
For music of the nightwinds,
A nightingale's sweet tune--
For whispering trees
And darkening peace--
I thank thee.

For mountains carved of sea pearls
For clouds that shroud their heights
For pristine air like nectar
And ghostly northern lights
For misty vales
And secret dales--
I thank thee.

For fiery fuchsia ribbons
That stream across the sky
For opalescent sunsets
And mornings dipped in dye
For mornings pale
And day's finale--
I thank thee.