And it's from the old we travel to the new....

Finally--CAN 202, CAN 203--the forms have been completed and are on their way.

I've considered myself to be on a writing hiatus for the past three months, but as I look back I realize that it wasn't really the case. I did do three church services--two of which were back-to-back in September.

Anyway, it was with a little trepidation that I sat down two Sundays ago to write my 1500 word faith journey. I wasn't sure that words would flow for me. The writing muscles I'd developed by writing a weekly column for the newspaper and with (relatively) regular blogging...had they atrophied?

As it turns out, no. But 1500 words turned into 2006...and then there was my resume...my financial plan... It felt good to complete the necessary work, but so much had been left out.

I wanted my audience, whoever they were, to get a sense of who I was...and to like me. I wanted them to see that I have a sense of humour as well as a good education, and that I not only think, but know how to capture my 'thinks' in words on a piece of paper.

I haven't been sharing much of my journey lately, with anyone. The expectations I had for this year, the amount of time I would have, have shifted according to new responsibilities.

But I do continue. And happily so, looking forward to an interview date in December.

And the year is done....

At 6:05 p.m., June 9, 2010, 'my' discernment committee 'signed off'', with the recommendation that I apply to become a Candidate for Ordination in the United Church of Canada.

The discernment process that began on June 10, 2009 has led through quite a year...I am a little taller today, and a whole lot lighter.

And so, to the next stage.

Praise in Prison

I am planning the worship service for May 16. The reading from Acts is the story of Paul and Silas, beaten and thrown into prison, praying and singing hymns of praise.

What walls have I built around myself through ignorance, neglect or stubbornness? What wilful blindness keeps me contained in the inner prison?

Lovelace knew that 'stone walls do not a prison make'; Viktor Frankl uncovered that truth again in the concentration camp.

Dylan Thomas sang in his chains like the sea; Oprah writes in her gratitude journal.

How shall I live this out?