Saturday, August 09, 2008

Time Flows Like Water

Today seems to be one of those days where you feel like you're swimming through gel. We've been busy, getting some things done, but time still seems to be crawling by. Usually, when I'm busy, time flies, but not today. I think it's due to a combination of things--the heat and humidity, all the things hanging over my head that I'm not getting to, being really, really tired and sleepy, all those things. In any case, I'm busy and I'm moving, but I feel like I'm standing still.

We're at the church right now, installing the wireless network so I can use my own laptop and not have to move from computer to computer to print or use the internet. This morning, we went and looked for inexpensive cars for my son, whose a senior this year. I'm not much of a car person, so car shopping is not really fun for me. All I can see is big giant dollar signs.

Oh well, time to get back to work. Still have a sermon to finish.

Friday, August 08, 2008

Still settling in

Even though I've been here two months today, I still feel like I'm settling in and searching for a rhythm. And at the back of my head, there's alittle voice that keeps singing, "Don't get too settled, school starts in less than a month and you'll have to do it all over again." Then it says, "Remember, the rhythm of the church is a yearly cycle, the weekly cycle is only part of it, and it always varies depending are when you are in the year." Such complexity.

But, I have learned a few things. I don't work well at home, except under extreme pressure (like writing sermons on Saturday), but I'm still struggling to feel home enough in my office so that I can be truly creative there. i know it will come, and the more of my 'stuff' expecially worship resources and books that I bring in, the quicker it will come to feel like 'my place.' At least for as long as I am here, which I sincerely hope will be a while. Actually, getting the filing cabinet helped a lot and when I get my own bookshelf and the ability to hook my laptop up to the internet, I think I'll start to feel right at home., maybe some curtains or a few more fabrics to soften some of the edges and bring in some color. Truth is, are we ever really finished with the whole nesting thing?

I think I've figured out what was causing my knitting slump. I've been away from the lace too long. I really need a lace project going most of the time. I don't know why I love it so much, I just do. I have signed up for Mystery Stole 4, but that won't start until September, so I may have to start something else in the mean time. This church doesn't have a lot to work with in terms of decorative supplies, so I'm actually toying with the idea of some lace altar cloths or just accent pieces to help dress things up, at least for communion and other special times. What do you all think? Has anyone ever done anything like this?

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

He's Baaaack

Hooray! DS is back from his Appalachian mission trip. I know it's not like he's been off in military service (as is the case with my friend's son). I know it's nothing like that, but he was gone for 2 weeks and we really did miss the guy. I know it's just a prelude to next fall's empty nest, but it was really empty around here. He got back Sunday, and I spent all yesterday morning playing video games with him. I know it was a waste of time, but there's very few things he really wants to do with mom these days so I was happy to waste the morning. (Now what's my excuse with my video time today?)

As far as we know, DD is surviving Rush Week. We really didn't expect to hear from her, because it is a really busy time with not a lot of rest, so I imagine that no news is good news. The good news from our end is that we haven't killed her dog yet (or even damaged it), even after she (the dog) chewed up my DH's favorite iPod cover. I don't know what would have happened if she had worked her way down to the iPod itself.

I have just this afternoon turned in the last part of my paperwork to start seminary this fall at St. Paul's at OCU here in Oklahoma City. There are still two reference letters out, but I expect them to get in soon. This is so exciting and soooo scary. I did OK when I was taking one class at a time at Philips, but for financial reasons I have no choice except to take a full load (9 hours) at St. Paul's. So, while still learning the ropes on being a pastor for the first time, I get to remember how to be a full time student again as well (only this time as a graduate student). Yes, I am nervous.

So, starting this week I'm trying to start living by my school schedule as far as when I go in to the office/church and when I work from home. I figure that the sooner both the church and I get used to it, the easier it will be. But the truth is, it's really hard for me to not run out to the church (although it's over 20 miles away) every day. Discipline, discipline.

Speaking of which, I guess I had better get going.