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?

Stock-taking on the edge...

Within the next week, my husband will have finished his last class at seminary and be on his way home. He will only be home for two weeks before heading out again for an eleven week placement for Pastoral Care. But now he will be only 5 driving hours away.

Without him, I have dealt with broken appliances, snow-filled drive-ways, spiders, and assorted other bits of life-not-running-smoothly on the home-front. I have uncovered new competencies and learned, humbly and gratefully, how rewarding it is to be a member of community and to accept help.

It has not been easy to rearrange my priorities to improve self-care, but I have. Meeting with a dietician for half an hour has led to a four pound weight loss in three weeks--that was just by changing when I eat and adding grains!

For the first time in ten years, I hosted our book club--and a product party. I am actually dusting furniture!

What I have been neglecting is the investigation I need to make about the courses of study open to me as I pursue my call to ministry. Part of me is paralyzed by the financial aspect--at this point I do not see how I will be able to proceed the way I want to. He will be earning a very small amount as an intern over the next two years...depending on his placement, there could be substantial costs in travel and housing. He will also be taking four more courses, and will need to return to Saskatoon a number of times. I want to begin taking courses myself, and at this point can't imagine doing so while being single mom and full-time teacher.

I need to remember that very little ever proceeds the way we want it to...or plan for. Like Indiana Jones I have to assume that there is a bridge over that yawning chasm of not-enough-time and not-enough-money and take that trusting step.

Ringette!

This morning marked a milestone. We missed Liz's first opportunity to play in a tournament last November--so today was her first ever game. She's #8. Her team played Atikokan. Final score: 5 - 1 for Dryden! Woohoo!



Can't get any other video to upload....will try again later...