"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person: having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them out. Just as they are—chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away." George Eliot, 1819-1880
My LH says I am spinning plates here at the blog.
I’m not writing about my life but throwing out chaff to you, my bloggy buddies.
He’s correct.
I had surgery on January 26. I’m doing well and expect to recover fully. I’m healthy and feel pretty durn good.
I’m too shy to write about surgery so I didn’t. I just disappeared then re-appeared with empty stuff to throw up on the screen. I haven’t had surgery in years so I wasn’t sure what to expect What I couldn’t anticipate scared me. I didn’t want to hear of anyone else’s bad experience with removing a fibroid tumor.
I behaved like one of your parishoners who doesn’t tell you about their ordeals until aferward.
I’m sorry.
You have been with me through the Storm and other storms. You prove yourselves to be good company on the journey.
Pouring out words,
St. Cassserole
Friday, February 17, 2006
From the local newspaper
The Sun Herald 02/17/2006 KATRINA'S DEAD
I've noticed that you, my dear bloggy pals, do not read postings like this one where I refer to our local newspaper. You may want to read this series about Katrina's casualties. The reporter, Joshua Norman, writes gently about our losses.
St. C
I've noticed that you, my dear bloggy pals, do not read postings like this one where I refer to our local newspaper. You may want to read this series about Katrina's casualties. The reporter, Joshua Norman, writes gently about our losses.
St. C
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
| You Should Get a MD (Doctor of Medicine) |
 You were born to be a doctor. |
What Advanced Degree Should You Get?
Gosh, the only things holding me back from Med School are my squeamishness around blood and guts, lack of ability with math and science and gee....not wanting to wear a white jacket after Labor Day or before Memorial Day. The. Only. Things.
St. C
Monday, February 13, 2006
More Katrina Humor
People are provoked. This is an example. My neighbor sent this photo to me but didn't say where he found it. This pile of debris could be anywhere in Mississippi or Louisiana.
St. C
Friday, February 10, 2006
| Your Inner Child Is Surprised |
 |
How Is Your Inner Child?
Friday RevGal Five Saying Goodbye
1. How do you say goodbye to someone you will see again soon?
If it's a gal pal or family member, I'll say, "love ya". If it's anyone else, as simple "goodbye" will do.
2. What is your favorite foreign word for "goodbye?" North Carolina venacular is "we gonna run" which translates into "Goodbye". I don't say this often as it is confusing to Mississppians and makes me sound as if I live with goobers.
3. Have you ever planned a special farewell for someone, or had one planned for you? When I leave a church and they give me a reception, I feel awkward. I know saying "goodbye" is important but by the time I leave, I've said all the personal goodbyes I need to say and having people fawn over me gets on my nerves. Wait a minute? Turn down a fawn? Oh yeah, feels too odd.
4. What is the hardest goodbye you have had to say? Saying good bye to my childhood home was very difficult. My mother's death ended that relationship as the home was cleared out and ready to be sold. Saying goodbye was a symbol of the end of my childhood (gosh! I was in my forties) and acknowledging that I had no "home" to return to. Of course, I had my home with my family but you know what I mean.
5. What is the most romantic goodbye you have seen in a movie? I can't recall. Maybe with another cup of coffee I'll remember which one touched me.
This is Songbird's meme. She's saying goodbye to Pure Luck who'll be working away for two months. I hope the time passes quickly for her. I don't do well without my sweet LH nearby.
St. Casserole
If it's a gal pal or family member, I'll say, "love ya". If it's anyone else, as simple "goodbye" will do.
2. What is your favorite foreign word for "goodbye?" North Carolina venacular is "we gonna run" which translates into "Goodbye". I don't say this often as it is confusing to Mississppians and makes me sound as if I live with goobers.
3. Have you ever planned a special farewell for someone, or had one planned for you? When I leave a church and they give me a reception, I feel awkward. I know saying "goodbye" is important but by the time I leave, I've said all the personal goodbyes I need to say and having people fawn over me gets on my nerves. Wait a minute? Turn down a fawn? Oh yeah, feels too odd.
4. What is the hardest goodbye you have had to say? Saying good bye to my childhood home was very difficult. My mother's death ended that relationship as the home was cleared out and ready to be sold. Saying goodbye was a symbol of the end of my childhood (gosh! I was in my forties) and acknowledging that I had no "home" to return to. Of course, I had my home with my family but you know what I mean.
5. What is the most romantic goodbye you have seen in a movie? I can't recall. Maybe with another cup of coffee I'll remember which one touched me.
This is Songbird's meme. She's saying goodbye to Pure Luck who'll be working away for two months. I hope the time passes quickly for her. I don't do well without my sweet LH nearby.
St. Casserole
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Dear Readers,
Don't you hate when rock stars sing about how difficult their lives are? Don't you hate when politicians complain about the demands of the public? Well, get ready for another M.C.* kind of moment: what about bloggers who don't have anything to say and whine about their lack of inspiration?
eh....well....uh....I'm in the last category. Not that I'm complaining. It's just that I enjoy blogging and my bloggy buddies (that's you) but I'm witless, wordless and goofy this week and have nothing to say.
I hope you'll stay with me until I recover. I'd stay with you... Pretend I am Quotidian Grace at a conference, or PPB at camp or Songbird walking her dogs instead of just me being empty-headed.
Blank Brained,
St. Casserole
*Inside joke. Will explain when I decide how to do it.
Don't you hate when rock stars sing about how difficult their lives are? Don't you hate when politicians complain about the demands of the public? Well, get ready for another M.C.* kind of moment: what about bloggers who don't have anything to say and whine about their lack of inspiration?
eh....well....uh....I'm in the last category. Not that I'm complaining. It's just that I enjoy blogging and my bloggy buddies (that's you) but I'm witless, wordless and goofy this week and have nothing to say.
I hope you'll stay with me until I recover. I'd stay with you... Pretend I am Quotidian Grace at a conference, or PPB at camp or Songbird walking her dogs instead of just me being empty-headed.
Blank Brained,
St. Casserole
*Inside joke. Will explain when I decide how to do it.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Over Christmas, a Baptist Church in California heard that my young friend, Miss B, lost her movies and t.v. in the hurricane. They sent a new t.v. and bunches of movies to her.
Ruby got a new pair of diabetic shoes from a donor in Georgia.
An older friend and her husband received home repairs, a new handicap-accessible bathroom and new furniture from a church in Mississippi.
A preacher buddy received help repairing her home and an offer for new furniture from another church in Mississippi.
Our new animal shelter is moving to completion with donations from all over the U.S.
Eddie Hartwell's church is feeding people to this day. He sent a plate to me Saturday night which I ate happily. His church remains a center of re-building in Gulfport. God bless him and all his donors!
Americans are supposed to be the most generous of the world's people. Per capita, Mississippians are the most generous of Americans but, believe me, we couldn't survive all the tragedies without your help.
Gratefully,
St. Casserole
Ruby got a new pair of diabetic shoes from a donor in Georgia.
An older friend and her husband received home repairs, a new handicap-accessible bathroom and new furniture from a church in Mississippi.
A preacher buddy received help repairing her home and an offer for new furniture from another church in Mississippi.
Our new animal shelter is moving to completion with donations from all over the U.S.
Eddie Hartwell's church is feeding people to this day. He sent a plate to me Saturday night which I ate happily. His church remains a center of re-building in Gulfport. God bless him and all his donors!
Americans are supposed to be the most generous of the world's people. Per capita, Mississippians are the most generous of Americans but, believe me, we couldn't survive all the tragedies without your help.
Gratefully,
St. Casserole
Monday, February 06, 2006
Whistle the Kitten
You may think our lives are all sweetness and light here at Casa Casserole. As true as that is most of the time, I'm worried today about Whistle the Kitten. Wish I had a photo of Fish with his arm around Whistle's shoulders last night as they snuggled on my prayer shawl.
Whistle got into something. My worry is that the large Hershey's bar, (you know that big kind kids bring you when they're in trouble and want you to over look their behavior? Yeah, that kind.) , the LH found Whistle happily dragging across the bedroom floor may have had a bite or two out of it. I didn't see this so I didn't check Whistle for chocolate breath or tell-tale crumbs.
Whistle looks ill. He's eating, drinking, littering. All good. He looks kind low so I'm keeping an eye on him.
Why a kitten would eat chocolate is a mystery in my universe.
Keeping an eye on Whistle the Kitten today.
Call me if you need me.
St. Casserole
Whistle got into something. My worry is that the large Hershey's bar, (you know that big kind kids bring you when they're in trouble and want you to over look their behavior? Yeah, that kind.) , the LH found Whistle happily dragging across the bedroom floor may have had a bite or two out of it. I didn't see this so I didn't check Whistle for chocolate breath or tell-tale crumbs.
Whistle looks ill. He's eating, drinking, littering. All good. He looks kind low so I'm keeping an eye on him.
Why a kitten would eat chocolate is a mystery in my universe.
Keeping an eye on Whistle the Kitten today.
Call me if you need me.
St. Casserole
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Pastoral Prayer for Sunday
On Sunday, August 28, 2005, I didn't go to Little Church. The night before I got a call from an elder suggesting that the weather didn't look good and that I would have a difficult time going home after worship. I agreed to stay home knowing that I'd be busy packing up, corralling animals to carriers and watching our home and office get boarded up.
What I didn't know, although I was glued to the Weather Channel and local updates, was that the waters were rising Sunday morning. National Guard Chaplain says the water behind his home, hundreds of feet away from his house, rose up and came into his yard that morning.
What I didn't know was that my neighborhood, county and state would be damaged beyond imagination in 24 hours.
What I didn't know was that I wouldn't see my LH and LS for almost a month after the storm. I knew where they were but without good phone service, every time the cell rang, I careened into it hoping for the best. Dire reports of death, disease and disaster poured out of the phone.
What I didn't know was our country cannot protect citizens in a disaster. And, won't, because cronies ran the system and didn't give a rats patootie about us.
In your pastoral prayer tomorrow, the prayer where you intercede on behalf of your people for help, courage and mercy, please remember us.
Remember your human relatives in Mississippi and Louisiana. Many are displaced, homeless, broke, tired and miserable. Look around your own world and think to yourself, how soon would my world look "normal" if the infrastructure became useless? If the majority of homes and businesses were damaged beyond repair? If your home, your car, your Mamma's home and car, and your job were gone, how long would it take you to feel "normal"?
Please pray for us. Please keep our suffering before you so that your compassion flows.
Many of our old people moved away to be with their children. We miss them. Many of our old people died after the storm, just couldn't take it anymore. Too tired, too old, too stressed.
The "Katrina Zone" is hard on everyone. Tempers flare, attitudes soar; we are worn out.
Pray for us.
St. Casserole
What I didn't know, although I was glued to the Weather Channel and local updates, was that the waters were rising Sunday morning. National Guard Chaplain says the water behind his home, hundreds of feet away from his house, rose up and came into his yard that morning.
What I didn't know was that my neighborhood, county and state would be damaged beyond imagination in 24 hours.
What I didn't know was that I wouldn't see my LH and LS for almost a month after the storm. I knew where they were but without good phone service, every time the cell rang, I careened into it hoping for the best. Dire reports of death, disease and disaster poured out of the phone.
What I didn't know was our country cannot protect citizens in a disaster. And, won't, because cronies ran the system and didn't give a rats patootie about us.
In your pastoral prayer tomorrow, the prayer where you intercede on behalf of your people for help, courage and mercy, please remember us.
Remember your human relatives in Mississippi and Louisiana. Many are displaced, homeless, broke, tired and miserable. Look around your own world and think to yourself, how soon would my world look "normal" if the infrastructure became useless? If the majority of homes and businesses were damaged beyond repair? If your home, your car, your Mamma's home and car, and your job were gone, how long would it take you to feel "normal"?
Please pray for us. Please keep our suffering before you so that your compassion flows.
Many of our old people moved away to be with their children. We miss them. Many of our old people died after the storm, just couldn't take it anymore. Too tired, too old, too stressed.
The "Katrina Zone" is hard on everyone. Tempers flare, attitudes soar; we are worn out.
Pray for us.
St. Casserole
Friday, February 03, 2006
After several months of receiving The Presbyterian Outlook clumped in two issues or not at all, I received the Feb. 6 issue on time today.
The theme is the ordination of women. The first deacon was ordained in 1906 in the UPCNA; then the PCUSA ordained a ruling elder in 1930; then we trailed into the flow in 1956 (PCUS). One hundred years of recognizing the call of women to ordained ministry in the Church. As many of the ladies said, back in '06, "it's about time!"
Editor Jack Haberer writes about the possible schism of the PC U.S.A. and how this would effect this might have on women "whose role in leadership is new, less secure and easily withdrawn..." Yikes!
Did I forget to worry about this?
I guess I did. I've been worrying how I might explain to God that I participated in a schism when we've been told to hold onto the Body of Christ.
Haberer ends the editorial with these words: "More than anything, we will urge the church to stay together. Voices long silenced, having found a place to call home, should not have to wonder where to go." (p.8 TPO, Feb 6,2006)
Yes, indeed.
My feet are under the Table,
St. Casserole
I'm on page 452 of Phil Rickman's THE CURE OF SOULS. Rickman's mystery series featuring The Rev. Mrs. Merrily Watkins entertain the dickens out of me.
I began with the first book, MIDWINTER OF THE SPIRIT, then to A CROWN OF LIGHTS and now CURE.
Rickman says he isn't a horror writer but I do get a bit squeamy with his stories. I may be a baby about scary stuff so don't let this stop you from reading about a fully realized character of an Anglican clergywoman who serves as the Deliverance Counselor for the Hereford Diocese. Merrily Watkins is someone who we'd enjoy having in the RGBP(copywrite) Group.
Mr. Rickman, thanks for entertaining me through these books. You do a good job.
Sincerely,
St. Casserole
Thursday, February 02, 2006
The spirit of Churches
I've been thinking about a colleague who serves a disturbed church. That's right, disturbed. She's been pastor there for several years, much longer than most of the preachers before her. When she prepared the congregations's history for a recent anniversary, she realized that's she'd outlasted most of her predecessors. Her tenure will be less than ten years.
She's planning to leave as soon as her conference allows.
The congregation is demanding, difficult-t0-impossible to satisfy, passive aggressive, verbally abusive and secretive. Not everyone, of course. She's attracted numerous new members who stay until the rot begins to show, then leave. Her ministry wears her down. I've seen her when she had no eye sparkle left.
I think congregations have "spirits". Some congregations are loving, welcoming and gracious. Others are hard-hearted, stingy and perilous to serve. Some are rigid with their lives and others, careless.
I'm fortunate to serve a gracious congregation. I've served a stinker or two in my years as a pastor.
A great deal more can be said about this topic. Can you add to these remarks?
Slowly but Surely,
St. Casserole
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
The LH commented, about my previous post, that you'd think I looked like the gal in the blue raincoat. Here is another picture of me, handing off a latte at the coffee bar I built in our carport. Nothing like a mini "CoffeeBucks" in one's own domicile. I brewed the latte with a coffemaker I found at a garage sale. I got the cash register (lower left) at a garage sale, too. I look great in green. Everyone tells me so.St. C.
Dishwashing
Here I am showing off our new dishwasher. Not everyone has an industrial dishwasher in a residential kitchen but we Casseroles felt this attractive machine added to our ambiance. My blue raincoat, short but foxy, helps me as I use that spray thing on the dishes.
Seriously, Folks, the dishwasher centers a home. Even if your dishwasher is you and your hands, where you stand to clean up glasses, knives, forks, cups, plates and pans is the epicenter of homelife. I should know as I spend time each day loading and unloading our dishwasher (a smaller under-the- counter model than pictured). Out come the clean, in go the dirty. I remove kittens from the lower basket, add the soap tablet and turn that baby on!
What was dirty become clean. What was unusable because of germs returns as sanitary. Life together means cups, more cups, glasses, more glasses and lots of large pans. Ordinary life is messy. The glory of life together is mess and order, meals shared then departure to places where one's life is spent until returning home.
Even philosophers do dishes.
St. Casserole
When He Knew
White House Was Told Hurricane Posed Danger - New York Times
The NYT gets big smoochie kisses for keeping the story of Katrina going.
The NYT gets big smoochie kisses for keeping the story of Katrina going.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Monday Morning
Much doing, being and coping scheduled for this week. At the end of the week, I'll take a blog break for several days. Mr. C. will guest blog if he has time about whatever he thinks is blogworthy.
I'm considering packing the blog with multiple posts each day to entertain myself but don't know if time will allow this.
According to an article I read somewhere....today is the worst day of the year for seasonal affect disorder, post-holiday debt blues and general all around yukkiness.
Let's sing Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" as loudly as we can, ok?
St. C.
I'm considering packing the blog with multiple posts each day to entertain myself but don't know if time will allow this.
According to an article I read somewhere....today is the worst day of the year for seasonal affect disorder, post-holiday debt blues and general all around yukkiness.
Let's sing Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" as loudly as we can, ok?
St. C.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Cat Homework
Fish the Kitten here. We are naughty kittens. We have to write an essay about our behavior. Whistle, my brother the kitten, said he didn't bring a pencil. Then, he said the dog ate his essay. He is sleeping on the striped chair in the family room. I'm in the study using Her computer. Here is my essay:
I am almost five months old. I am curious about everything. I like to get into the shower with my people. I like to climb on chairs, tables and walk on the kitchen counter. I like to get into kitchen cabinets. I like to eat Your pecan raisin bread even if I have to chew through the bag to get it. I leave my cat toys around. I do not flush.
Everything I like to do I am not supposed to do. I do those things I ought not to do. I did snuggle with you really nicely the other day. I want to go outside when the kitchen door opens.
I am in big trouble for being myself. May I have another cat cookie? I can't think of anything else to write. Your kitten, Fish D'Wayne Cat 1-22-06
If I were a Human, I'd just be glad to have opposable thumbs so I could use a can opener, pull open the refrigerator door. If my kitten mis-behaved, I'd think, "Kittens have good fur so I'll recognize that kittens are superior and not fuss."
For St. Casserole, I remain,
Your Fish
Molly Ivins Calls the Dems to Lead or Hush
Did you read this Molly Ivin's article several days ago? It just arrived at our Backwater Gazette this morning.
Y'all don't comment when I lift articles from newspapers so I risk your ire here but rats-a-tooney (!), read this one.
The Sun Herald 01/22/2006 Dear Democrats: Put up, or shut up
I'd visit with you more but I'm going uppada Church,
St. Casserole
Y'all don't comment when I lift articles from newspapers so I risk your ire here but rats-a-tooney (!), read this one.
The Sun Herald 01/22/2006 Dear Democrats: Put up, or shut up
I'd visit with you more but I'm going uppada Church,
St. Casserole
Friday, January 20, 2006
The RevGal Five: Pleasures
What are five pleasures for you?
1. Eating Ginger Snap cookies.
2. Being quiet for at least a little time each day.
3. Making something out of something else.
4. Listening to Bonnie Raitt and the Dixie Chicks.
5. Looking at the LH.
St. Casserole
1. Eating Ginger Snap cookies.
2. Being quiet for at least a little time each day.
3. Making something out of something else.
4. Listening to Bonnie Raitt and the Dixie Chicks.
5. Looking at the LH.
St. Casserole
Sometime after Katrina, Biloxi Mayor A. J. Holloway got a visit from singer songwriter Paul Simon. Mayor Holloway is pictured on the left. The Mayor has served a number of terms in Biloxi and is known for his candor and energy. Never rude or careless with his remarks, the Mayor speaks as a person rather than as a spinning politician. People like him and his staff. This photo, from the City's web site, may have been taken by Vincent Creel, the Mayor's spokesman and all-around-great-guy.
Whatever Mayor Holloway accomplishes in his public life (his gifts are considerable), he is best known in the Casserole family for this incident: one Sunday afternoon when our LS was a small child (3-4) he announced that he wanted to go hug the Mayor. LS knew the Mayor from my attendance at City Council Meetings and from seeing Mayor Holloway around the city. I drove to Holloway's home, knocked on the door and when Mrs. Holloway answered the door, I told her of LS's request to hug the Mayor. She said the Mayor was taking a nap (how can you not like a Mayor who knows that Sunday afternoon is for snoozing?). She pointed to a sofa, the Mayor woke up, LS ran over to him and gave him a hug. Satisfied, LS was ready to leave. Mrs. Holloway laughed and thanked us for coming over.
Tell me life in a small down isn't good.
We moved one town over about ten years ago. We consider ourselves Biloxians still even though we love our current city, too.
I'm glad Paul Simon, who lives where you can't go hug the Mayor, got to meet our Mayor.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
The Mechanical Contrivium: Trivia about Saint Casserole
The Mechanical Contrivium: Trivia about Saint Casserole: " Hat tip to so many bloggers, I can't recall which one pushed me over the edge to follow their lead.
Your Own Tsar of Russia,
St. Casserole
Ten Top Trivia Tips about Saint Casserole!
- Saint Casserole can give birth ten days after being born, and is born pregnant!
- If you lace Saint Casserole from the inside to the outside, the fit will be snugger around your big toe.
- In Eastern Africa you can buy beer brewed from Saint Casserole!
- Duelling is legal in Paraguay as long as both parties are Saint Casserole.
- Saint Casserole cannot jump.
- The first Saint Casserole was made in 1853, and had no pedals.
- Saint Casserole can live for up to a week without a head!
- Long ago, the people of Nicaragua believed that if they threw Saint Casserole into a volcano it would stop erupting.
- It takes a lobster approximately 7 years to grow to be Saint Casserole.
- Saint Casserole was the first Tsar of Russia!
Your Own Tsar of Russia,
St. Casserole
Garage Sales
I miss garage sales! People lost so much stuff there isn't any for sale on Saturday mornings!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Everyone has a story...
Everyone has a story down here on the Coast. August 29, 2005 changed our lives.
I bought a vacuum cleaner for the church today. At the Oreck store, I asked how the owner was doing, "How's it going?" He began to tell his story.
On Sunday, the 28th, he evacuated in his RV with his three dogs, photo albums, his father's childhood rocking chair and a few other essentials like food and water. He waited out the storm in Theodore, Alabama (near Mobile).
Before he left home, he saw his neighbor who he'd known for 17 years. His neighbor planned to stay through the storm with his wife and two young children. He asked Oreck man if it really made sense to leave when their neighborhood hadn't been damaged during Camille (1969 landmark hurricane here). Oreck replied that if it were only the neighbor and his wife, maybe they could risk it but making two children remain when the predictions were grim for a Cat 5 storm seemed irresponsible. The neighbor puffed over this.
Five days later, when Oreck secured gas finally in Mobile, Alabama to return to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he found his home destroyed. A wall of water, 12 feet high, swept through his home leaving him with a tilted roof, a few walls and several feet of muck.
His neighbor ran to greet him and swooped him up in a hug. "You were right!", he said. "The water rose so fast that we had to break out the kitchen window and pull the children under water, then bring them up to the roof to escape the house. Then, the water began covering the roof so we held onto trees. After a few hours, the debris in the water kept hitting us and we got separated! All four of us went in different directions! I thought my family drowned! It was hours before we could find each other...one of the children floated on a piece of debris way over there!"
Standing in the parking lot of Oreck's store, I began to cry.
It kills me to hear stories like this. I hear at least one storm story everyday. Somedays, I hear as many as five. People are brave. They stand up tall and say with conviction "at least we are alive" or "we got a FEMA trailer" or "we are better off than most."
Oreck man began to cry, too. His neighbor's child doesn't want to go to sleep because the nightmares terrify her. The neighbor is guilt-ridden because he put his family through this.
Oreck man's home won't be liveable until March or so. He's tired of living in the RV with his three dogs.
May I quote my Aunt Betty here? "Jesus, Mary and Joseph!" or as I say, "Lord, Have mercy!"
St. Casserole
I bought a vacuum cleaner for the church today. At the Oreck store, I asked how the owner was doing, "How's it going?" He began to tell his story.
On Sunday, the 28th, he evacuated in his RV with his three dogs, photo albums, his father's childhood rocking chair and a few other essentials like food and water. He waited out the storm in Theodore, Alabama (near Mobile).
Before he left home, he saw his neighbor who he'd known for 17 years. His neighbor planned to stay through the storm with his wife and two young children. He asked Oreck man if it really made sense to leave when their neighborhood hadn't been damaged during Camille (1969 landmark hurricane here). Oreck replied that if it were only the neighbor and his wife, maybe they could risk it but making two children remain when the predictions were grim for a Cat 5 storm seemed irresponsible. The neighbor puffed over this.
Five days later, when Oreck secured gas finally in Mobile, Alabama to return to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he found his home destroyed. A wall of water, 12 feet high, swept through his home leaving him with a tilted roof, a few walls and several feet of muck.
His neighbor ran to greet him and swooped him up in a hug. "You were right!", he said. "The water rose so fast that we had to break out the kitchen window and pull the children under water, then bring them up to the roof to escape the house. Then, the water began covering the roof so we held onto trees. After a few hours, the debris in the water kept hitting us and we got separated! All four of us went in different directions! I thought my family drowned! It was hours before we could find each other...one of the children floated on a piece of debris way over there!"
Standing in the parking lot of Oreck's store, I began to cry.
It kills me to hear stories like this. I hear at least one storm story everyday. Somedays, I hear as many as five. People are brave. They stand up tall and say with conviction "at least we are alive" or "we got a FEMA trailer" or "we are better off than most."
Oreck man began to cry, too. His neighbor's child doesn't want to go to sleep because the nightmares terrify her. The neighbor is guilt-ridden because he put his family through this.
Oreck man's home won't be liveable until March or so. He's tired of living in the RV with his three dogs.
May I quote my Aunt Betty here? "Jesus, Mary and Joseph!" or as I say, "Lord, Have mercy!"
St. Casserole
Sunday, January 15, 2006
From the Pastoral Notebook
The only way I survive Sunday nights begins on Sunday afternoons. I take a pastoral nap. I come home dragging from worship. I careen into our driveway, stomp through the kitchen door, scan the kitchen to see how much damage has been done in my absence, throw myself into comfortable clothing and go to sleep. I am dead to the world for two hours. After this, I can handle Sunday nights.
I missed the MLK Jr. Coast Celebration this afternoon due to sleepiness. I regret missing events like this but if I don't nap, I can't function.
"Why is this?" you ask my tired out ol' pastoral self. It's because leading worship and preaching takes it out of me. I am drained of all useful life after the worship service. I felt the same way when I preached twice each Sunday.
So, as a gift to your pastor (all you non-clergy folks) please don't ask them to do much on Sunday afternoon or evening. Leave 'em alone to re-charge.
No matter how much I love you, I don't want to go to your baby shower, church event, sports thingie or anything. Let me sleep.
Pastorally Refreshed at This Moment,
St. Casserole
I missed the MLK Jr. Coast Celebration this afternoon due to sleepiness. I regret missing events like this but if I don't nap, I can't function.
"Why is this?" you ask my tired out ol' pastoral self. It's because leading worship and preaching takes it out of me. I am drained of all useful life after the worship service. I felt the same way when I preached twice each Sunday.
So, as a gift to your pastor (all you non-clergy folks) please don't ask them to do much on Sunday afternoon or evening. Leave 'em alone to re-charge.
No matter how much I love you, I don't want to go to your baby shower, church event, sports thingie or anything. Let me sleep.
Pastorally Refreshed at This Moment,
St. Casserole
The Sun Herald | 01/14/2006 | Not a day off since Aug. 29
The Sun Herald 01/14/2006 Not a day off since Aug. 29
We have many heros. Dana Black is one. Read about her here.
We have many heros. Dana Black is one. Read about her here.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
St.Peter,Golf, Woman and Hell
Once upon a time, St. Peter was going to play golf with God. He told his helper, "Don't call me. I mean it! Don't call me about anything!"
St. Peter's helper stood by the Pearly Gates waiting. Up came a man seeking admittance to heaven. The helper asked him, "What have you done for the poor?"
The man said, "Well, once when I was walking to my office a drunk was leaning against my building. I gave him .50 to go away."
"What else did you do for the poor?", asked the helper.
The man thought long and hard. "I gave .50 cents to a bum once", he said.
The helper thought long and hard. He picked up the heavenly cell phone and called St. Peter.
He told St. Peter the man's story and asked, "What should I do, St. Peter?"
St. Peter said, "Give the man his dollar back and tell him to go to hell!"
Tonight I got a call from a woman in another State. She sends a check to Little Church every month. She's faithful about sending us a check. I don't know how much it is because I'm Presbyterian and we don't look at who gives us what. At least, I don't.
She was enraged by the changes we plan to make at Little Church. We intend to paint the interior of the building, replace the plain glass tall windows in the sanctuary with new wood windows, get new electrical wiring and put in a small kitchen. Enraged.
It's been awhile since I've had someone speak to me as she did today. I speak civilly to adults and children and I'm used to being reponded to in kind.
She asked about the church's finances as though she had a right to know our most intimate arrangements. She didn't agree that any of our repairs and restorations were needed in our old simple wood building.
I explained to her that our repairs are paid for already. We are waiting for workers to do the work. All of the improvements we dream of at Little Church are being done with money donated to us by loving churches around the U.S. They know we've been hard hit by the Hurricane. They know we are a small church. The churches gave with an open hand.
She assumed I was an upstart, with no sense, trying to change "her" church.
(I suppose I should be thrilled that she thinks I'm an upstart!)
She doesn't attend Little Church. I've never met her after 3 plus years as pastor and four years before that as occasional supply there.
It's only because I remember every counseling skill I learned at Seminary and CPE and the fact that I control my temper that I didn't say,
"Here's your $ and go to hell!"
I just thought you should know,
St. Casserole
St. Peter's helper stood by the Pearly Gates waiting. Up came a man seeking admittance to heaven. The helper asked him, "What have you done for the poor?"
The man said, "Well, once when I was walking to my office a drunk was leaning against my building. I gave him .50 to go away."
"What else did you do for the poor?", asked the helper.
The man thought long and hard. "I gave .50 cents to a bum once", he said.
The helper thought long and hard. He picked up the heavenly cell phone and called St. Peter.
He told St. Peter the man's story and asked, "What should I do, St. Peter?"
St. Peter said, "Give the man his dollar back and tell him to go to hell!"
Tonight I got a call from a woman in another State. She sends a check to Little Church every month. She's faithful about sending us a check. I don't know how much it is because I'm Presbyterian and we don't look at who gives us what. At least, I don't.
She was enraged by the changes we plan to make at Little Church. We intend to paint the interior of the building, replace the plain glass tall windows in the sanctuary with new wood windows, get new electrical wiring and put in a small kitchen. Enraged.
It's been awhile since I've had someone speak to me as she did today. I speak civilly to adults and children and I'm used to being reponded to in kind.
She asked about the church's finances as though she had a right to know our most intimate arrangements. She didn't agree that any of our repairs and restorations were needed in our old simple wood building.
I explained to her that our repairs are paid for already. We are waiting for workers to do the work. All of the improvements we dream of at Little Church are being done with money donated to us by loving churches around the U.S. They know we've been hard hit by the Hurricane. They know we are a small church. The churches gave with an open hand.
She assumed I was an upstart, with no sense, trying to change "her" church.
(I suppose I should be thrilled that she thinks I'm an upstart!)
She doesn't attend Little Church. I've never met her after 3 plus years as pastor and four years before that as occasional supply there.
It's only because I remember every counseling skill I learned at Seminary and CPE and the fact that I control my temper that I didn't say,
"Here's your $ and go to hell!"
I just thought you should know,
St. Casserole
Cat Report
Fish here.This isn't a picture of us. We are almost five months old and these are baby kittens. We are big kittens.
Our mid-term exam grades came yesterday. I don't think we get prizes. I made an A in Deportment as did Whistle but we both made an F in Staying Off the Kitchen Counter.
We got an A for being cute, an F for getting in trouble.
I'm going to study harder next term. Whistle says he isn't going to buckle down to the Man.
He's reading Catechetics and Dogmatics. I'm studying botany so I'm reading Cat Tails and other Plants beginning with "Cat".
Andy, the big cat, doesn't like us. No progress there. The Pee Pee Puppy loves me but Whistle won't play with him.
I think my essay will be on "Human Expectations: Why So High?" so I can research why humans want us to do this but not that. I can't make sense of it.
Gotta go. Time for Basking in the Sun. We both made an A in this!
Fish
Friday, January 13, 2006
Bush Protested in New Orleans
Howie Luvzus � Blog Archive � New Orleans Protest
Hat tip to B. Rox for this look at Howie Luvzus' photos.
I understand that Catholic school girls in plaid uniforms wore life jackets and weighters to the event.
C'mon, Y'all. It's hard work being the POTUS. He's got the entire country to handle. Hard work.
Just so you know,
St. Casserole
Hat tip to B. Rox for this look at Howie Luvzus' photos.
I understand that Catholic school girls in plaid uniforms wore life jackets and weighters to the event.
C'mon, Y'all. It's hard work being the POTUS. He's got the entire country to handle. Hard work.
Just so you know,
St. Casserole
Yep, I'm Going
The picture is metro Birmingham, Alabama the site of the 2006 General Assembly of the P.C. (U.S.A.) where we will all meet in June. This Assembly celebrates the 300th Anniversary of the first G.A. where Francis McKemie served as Moderator. I wish he could come back for this one.
The theme is "A Mighty Cloud of Witnesses" because we need a witness and because we will be sharing time with our sisters and brothers in two Cumberland Presbyterian denominations. Or, so I understand from going to the PC (U.S.A.) website.
We need a witness because this Assembly contains a Big Elephant of An Issue which will hover over us the entire time. If the Big Issue passes, Christians plan to bolt. If the Big Issue fails, Christians plan to bolt. If the Big Issue is tabled, Christians plan to bolt.
Did I mention that I'm not up for this? I've gone through a house fire, hurricane, loss of friends through death and moving and I think I saw a wrinkle on my face when I looked through my 8x
magnifing mirror. Further, I can't be discussing schism until I've mastered the Gospel of John and Jesus' will for my life.
If you are a RevGalBlogPal and will attend this meeting, let's prepare a secret signal beforehand so we can meet up. I'll need the encouragement. Don't want to lose my privacy though because this blog is important to me and I like to think I can speak freely here.
The last Assembly I attended was in Philadelphia in '90, I think. LS was in a fold-up stroller and Mr. C. attended with me. LS gave me a black eye by bouncing back into my head while being a precious toddler. The big face bruise drew all sorts of miserable looks because domestic violence was a prime topic. Poor Mr. C. suggested I wear a sign saying, "The Baby bumped me in the face with his hard little head." I have a cracked front tooth as a souvenir of this event.
I worry that I'll return to Hurricane Backwater with more than a black eye this time.
St. Casserole
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Walking outside this morning, the world is very quiet. No birds are singing, no cars or trucks (or nail guns on roofs) make a sound in the darkness. The little kittens woke me up to remind me that an early breakfast is a good thing. After feeding the ginger guys, I strolled in my tree-less backyard to enjoy the quiet.
The sun will rise in a few minutes to light the dark sky. My neighbor will deliver our newspaper to our kitchen door. The day will begin.
Right now, back in my study, I am filled with peace and quiet. Peace, because God's promises include a new day to come and quiet because the world is still.
Thank you, God, for this new day.
St. Casserole
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
People say to me, "St. Casserole, what's with your blogging? Where you at?"
I have only one thing to say:
*The Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie birth announcement
*The local meat store advertising "stuft" meat
*DeWalt Tools advertising on local billboards saying they are helping us rebuild.
*Preparing for Sunday's sermon
There! You know what's going on now.
St. Casserole
P.S. MAAS is my favorite sterling silver polish. Works on all metals or so the label says.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Rats! A big millionaire bought my fantasy home! Tamir Sapir, according to the NYT yesterday, bought the Duke mansion for 40 million and will use the home to showcase his art collection.
The Duke mansion is across the street from the Metropolitan Museum in NYC. I enjoy sitting on the steps of the Museum and staring at the mansion. I've renovated it, inside and out, in my imagination for several years.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Life in the "Out" Box Monday Morning
With Songbird gone, what else is there for a kitten to do but crawl into the "Out" box. Really.
A kitten feels depressed that Songbird who rescues kittens from walking on stovetops, brings furry toy mice and says kind words (regardless of trouble a kitten may find himself in) leaves to return to her family. Until lunchtime, Fish says life has little or no meaning....
Friday, January 06, 2006
Friday Five Housewifery
Four things I love having in my kitchen/household arsenal:
1. 409 Cleaner. Works well. Be careful where you spray it as it will clean and leave spots if, for example, you spray it directly on a wall. Rinse quickly if this happens but you may have clean spots or clean lines.
2. Kitchen Aid Mixer. Does exactly what it is supposed to do. Works well every time. Is the Cooks Friend. Very heavy. Place is where you want it to stay as dragging it out of a cabinet or back and forth from the pantry is an exercise ritual, not a housewifery event. Because of heft may be used as a weapon. All attachments make sense, especially the lid cover for adding liquids as you mix.
3. Mr. Clean Miracle Sponges. I've mentioned these before. New uses are polishing old, badly tarnished silver plate or hotel plate; getting tar off my car if used lightly, cleaning wooden offering bowls you bring home to "freshen"; and cleaning wall spots.
4. Miscellany Drawer containing: rubber bands, kitchen shears, books of matches, broken pencils, paper clips, grocery store receipts, batteries and the phone book. I clean this drawer regularly but it is the repository for anything without a regular home or the "dumping drawer" for lazy kitchen cleaners.
5. What is a waste of time? tarn x (strips patina, stinks and harms sterling), most smooth surface stove cleaners, marble polish, fancy chip clips (use wooden clothes pins instead), wine glass name tags, dry carpet treatment for dust mite removal and Windex non-streak (it smears).
P.S. I suggest MAAS metal cleaner for your sterling. It is gentle, concentrated, works well and doesn't smell. Can be used to clean other metals, too. I've used it for years and do not see it damaging sterling silver. I like Clorox Clean-up for cleaning shower tile walls and bathtubs , toilets, etc. It contains enough bleach to be a dangerous product around small children and little cats so it must be used with caution. I really, really like having Half and Half in my frig for coffee.
Just So You Know,
St. Casserole
1. 409 Cleaner. Works well. Be careful where you spray it as it will clean and leave spots if, for example, you spray it directly on a wall. Rinse quickly if this happens but you may have clean spots or clean lines.
2. Kitchen Aid Mixer. Does exactly what it is supposed to do. Works well every time. Is the Cooks Friend. Very heavy. Place is where you want it to stay as dragging it out of a cabinet or back and forth from the pantry is an exercise ritual, not a housewifery event. Because of heft may be used as a weapon. All attachments make sense, especially the lid cover for adding liquids as you mix.
3. Mr. Clean Miracle Sponges. I've mentioned these before. New uses are polishing old, badly tarnished silver plate or hotel plate; getting tar off my car if used lightly, cleaning wooden offering bowls you bring home to "freshen"; and cleaning wall spots.
4. Miscellany Drawer containing: rubber bands, kitchen shears, books of matches, broken pencils, paper clips, grocery store receipts, batteries and the phone book. I clean this drawer regularly but it is the repository for anything without a regular home or the "dumping drawer" for lazy kitchen cleaners.
5. What is a waste of time? tarn x (strips patina, stinks and harms sterling), most smooth surface stove cleaners, marble polish, fancy chip clips (use wooden clothes pins instead), wine glass name tags, dry carpet treatment for dust mite removal and Windex non-streak (it smears).
P.S. I suggest MAAS metal cleaner for your sterling. It is gentle, concentrated, works well and doesn't smell. Can be used to clean other metals, too. I've used it for years and do not see it damaging sterling silver. I like Clorox Clean-up for cleaning shower tile walls and bathtubs , toilets, etc. It contains enough bleach to be a dangerous product around small children and little cats so it must be used with caution. I really, really like having Half and Half in my frig for coffee.
Just So You Know,
St. Casserole
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Whatever: Being Poor
Whatever: Being Poor
I can't recall who I should "hat tip" for this post. Read this and see if it stick with you, day after day, as it has with me.
St. Casserole
I can't recall who I should "hat tip" for this post. Read this and see if it stick with you, day after day, as it has with me.
St. Casserole
New Orleans Yesterday
I waited 'til this morning to write about our trip to New Orleans yesterday. Processing what I saw, along with deciding what was noteworthy for this blog, slowed me down. I think I'm ready.
The drive to New Orleans on 1-10 West shows the storm's devastation well. Trees on either side of the highway are twisted, bent and down on top of other trees. There is debris in the gulleys along the wetlands area. Can these wetlands be recovered? Traffic moves along at a steady clip where the lanes are open then slows to nothing when the lanes narrow along broken highway areas.
We approached N.O. over the Pontchartrain Bridge which delighted Songbird with it's length and the view of the Lake. Not much traffic here but it moves along.
Entering the City over the High Rise, we see the dark colors of damaged buildings and broken homes. The trees standing after the storm are brown. Can the trees be saved?
I am very angry that public discussion of the re-building of New Orleans has some people thinking we can just let the city die. How can that be? Is it because New Orleans has a large population of poor people and ethnic groups? Is it because the city is Southern? Can you imagine any other city in the United States being considered as negligible? If you think we can lose New Orleans, I'd like to slap you in the face and I have never slapped anyone in the face. You can be the first.
We drove to the Quarter easily on the familiar route I've used for years. No problem. We see water lines on the old buildings showing how high the flood water rose. The big public housing complex is boarded up. There aren't traffic lights so we depend on stop signs. This is terrifying as New Orleans drivers, like any big city drivers, are aggressive. Can you believe that there aren't street lights yet?
The Quarter is quiet, clean and a few stores are open. I see that Brennan's has reopened across from the newly restored Supreme Court building. Several hotels look open.
At Jackson Square, I try to determine where your President stood for his Jackson Square Address. I listened to every word he said that night and I see as I look around that his words have fallen into the Mississippi River and disappeared.
I go to shops and drop money on trinkets, calligraphy, an antique print. I am doing sympathy shopping to encourage the shop keepers. I am weirded out.
Very quiet in the Quarter. I've never seen it like this.
If I tell you that it looks weird, you won't come to the French Quarter and if you don't come and revive that area with your presence, it will die.
New Orleans appears to be waiting for it's "tipping point". Stay or go? Rebuild or walk away? Hope or despair?
New Orleans is living between the past and future. Nothing new there as it is a city of history and exuberance. These days, the living between is more poignant and painful than I've ever seen.
The drive to New Orleans on 1-10 West shows the storm's devastation well. Trees on either side of the highway are twisted, bent and down on top of other trees. There is debris in the gulleys along the wetlands area. Can these wetlands be recovered? Traffic moves along at a steady clip where the lanes are open then slows to nothing when the lanes narrow along broken highway areas.
We approached N.O. over the Pontchartrain Bridge which delighted Songbird with it's length and the view of the Lake. Not much traffic here but it moves along.
Entering the City over the High Rise, we see the dark colors of damaged buildings and broken homes. The trees standing after the storm are brown. Can the trees be saved?
I am very angry that public discussion of the re-building of New Orleans has some people thinking we can just let the city die. How can that be? Is it because New Orleans has a large population of poor people and ethnic groups? Is it because the city is Southern? Can you imagine any other city in the United States being considered as negligible? If you think we can lose New Orleans, I'd like to slap you in the face and I have never slapped anyone in the face. You can be the first.
We drove to the Quarter easily on the familiar route I've used for years. No problem. We see water lines on the old buildings showing how high the flood water rose. The big public housing complex is boarded up. There aren't traffic lights so we depend on stop signs. This is terrifying as New Orleans drivers, like any big city drivers, are aggressive. Can you believe that there aren't street lights yet?
The Quarter is quiet, clean and a few stores are open. I see that Brennan's has reopened across from the newly restored Supreme Court building. Several hotels look open.
At Jackson Square, I try to determine where your President stood for his Jackson Square Address. I listened to every word he said that night and I see as I look around that his words have fallen into the Mississippi River and disappeared.
I go to shops and drop money on trinkets, calligraphy, an antique print. I am doing sympathy shopping to encourage the shop keepers. I am weirded out.
Very quiet in the Quarter. I've never seen it like this.
If I tell you that it looks weird, you won't come to the French Quarter and if you don't come and revive that area with your presence, it will die.
New Orleans appears to be waiting for it's "tipping point". Stay or go? Rebuild or walk away? Hope or despair?
New Orleans is living between the past and future. Nothing new there as it is a city of history and exuberance. These days, the living between is more poignant and painful than I've ever seen.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
I'm going to New Orleans today. I've taken my sweet time returning to a city I love. I've been busy but that's no excuse to avoid the Big Easy.
My first trip to New Orleans was in 1969. I arrived wearing bell-bottomed blue jeans, a peace symbol embroidered on the back pocket. I carried a batik cloth bag over my shoulder filled with bits of paper, a few bills and lipstick (somethings never change). My hair was past my shoulders and parted in the middle. I arrived as a stereotype before the icon appeared.
I returned to N.O. over the years for visits, work, conferences, parties, to see relatives. For all kinds of reasons including buying a toddler train toy for LS and to take LH to the great folks at Oschner Hospital years ago. The city is a magnet.
Haven't been back since the Storm, though. I'll go today. I'm not sure I can stand seeing the destruction. Maybe I'll be on roads so paved with tourist tracks that I won't see any misery at all. I'm a chicken. It's like going home from college the first time and seeing your parents look old. I'm not up for that today.
I'm going in.
More later,
St. Casserole
My first trip to New Orleans was in 1969. I arrived wearing bell-bottomed blue jeans, a peace symbol embroidered on the back pocket. I carried a batik cloth bag over my shoulder filled with bits of paper, a few bills and lipstick (somethings never change). My hair was past my shoulders and parted in the middle. I arrived as a stereotype before the icon appeared.
I returned to N.O. over the years for visits, work, conferences, parties, to see relatives. For all kinds of reasons including buying a toddler train toy for LS and to take LH to the great folks at Oschner Hospital years ago. The city is a magnet.
Haven't been back since the Storm, though. I'll go today. I'm not sure I can stand seeing the destruction. Maybe I'll be on roads so paved with tourist tracks that I won't see any misery at all. I'm a chicken. It's like going home from college the first time and seeing your parents look old. I'm not up for that today.
I'm going in.
More later,
St. Casserole
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Console (v.)
console (v.)
1693, from Fr. consoler, from L. consolari "offer solace," from com- intensive prefix + solari "to comfort" (see solace). Consolation dates to 1374.
solace (n.)
"comfort, consolation," c.1290, from O.Fr. solas, from L. solacium, from solatus, pp. of solari "to console, soothe," from PIE base *sel- "of good mood, to favor" (cf. Gk. hilaros "merry," O.E. gesælig "happy;" see silly). The verb is recorded from 1297.
A visit with Songbird consoles the spirit. Her personality offers solace to others. It is a comfort to have a listening ear and soothing friend. She sets a good mood for one's heart. We are having a happy and silly visit.
1693, from Fr. consoler, from L. consolari "offer solace," from com- intensive prefix + solari "to comfort" (see solace). Consolation dates to 1374.
solace (n.)
"comfort, consolation," c.1290, from O.Fr. solas, from L. solacium, from solatus, pp. of solari "to console, soothe," from PIE base *sel- "of good mood, to favor" (cf. Gk. hilaros "merry," O.E. gesælig "happy;" see silly). The verb is recorded from 1297.
A visit with Songbird consoles the spirit. Her personality offers solace to others. It is a comfort to have a listening ear and soothing friend. She sets a good mood for one's heart. We are having a happy and silly visit.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Friday, December 30, 2005
Two Perspectives on the Domestic Arts
Actual conversation from my home:
Mr. C: (looking around) I thought you were going to clean up for Songbird's visit?
St. Casserole: (dumbfounded) I did!
(Note to self: is my understanding of cleaning up different from other sentient life forms? What did Mr. C expect by "cleaning up"? Will Songbird think our home is a big mess?)
In less than two hours, God willing, I'll be at the airport to fetch Songbird. Is this great or what?
Happy, really happy,
St. Casserole
Mr. C: (looking around) I thought you were going to clean up for Songbird's visit?
St. Casserole: (dumbfounded) I did!
(Note to self: is my understanding of cleaning up different from other sentient life forms? What did Mr. C expect by "cleaning up"? Will Songbird think our home is a big mess?)
In less than two hours, God willing, I'll be at the airport to fetch Songbird. Is this great or what?
Happy, really happy,
St. Casserole
RevGalBlogPal Friday Meme
RevGal Friday Five: Resolutions
1) Do you make New Year's Resolutions?
Rather than resolutions, I make mental lists of what I would like to accomplish in the new year. My lists are more about picking up than putting down.
2) If so, are they generally successful?
I think so. The year I prayed about increasing my contact with other pastors has enriched my ministry tremendously.
3) Do you write them down, or make a mental list?
Mental list.
4) Even if you don't make resolutions, is there something you want to focus on in the New Year?
I want some real life friends who are in their late twenties to late thirties. Age may be a state of mind but I think I am missing something not having the regular company of women in this age group. I want to know who they are and what they care about.
5) And do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
Mr. C and I will bring in the New Year with Songbird. Is that great or what? He's making plans which may include the movies. Hey! It's a Saturday night! Some of us have to get up to preach the next morning! We aren't talking wild parties here! Or, are we?
Let us know in the comments if you play! OK
1) Do you make New Year's Resolutions?
Rather than resolutions, I make mental lists of what I would like to accomplish in the new year. My lists are more about picking up than putting down.
2) If so, are they generally successful?
I think so. The year I prayed about increasing my contact with other pastors has enriched my ministry tremendously.
3) Do you write them down, or make a mental list?
Mental list.
4) Even if you don't make resolutions, is there something you want to focus on in the New Year?
I want some real life friends who are in their late twenties to late thirties. Age may be a state of mind but I think I am missing something not having the regular company of women in this age group. I want to know who they are and what they care about.
5) And do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
Mr. C and I will bring in the New Year with Songbird. Is that great or what? He's making plans which may include the movies. Hey! It's a Saturday night! Some of us have to get up to preach the next morning! We aren't talking wild parties here! Or, are we?
Let us know in the comments if you play! OK
We are Home
We are home after going to be fixed. We feel sleepy. We don't want to go there again although our Dr. was very nice and our vet tech, Jennifer, is great. She says, "Don't worry, you'll be ok" and "you are a beautiful kitten". You can tell she knows what's what.
Can't blog anymore. We feel like we've run through the dog track locker room. We would like to end with a Chris Rock quote from the "Dr. Doolittle" movies, "I've been violated!"
Fish
Hey,
Fish here. Guess what? You know how we kittens break stuff all over the St. Casserole's home? Well, this morning, we are going to get fixed! That's what they told us. We get to ride in the car in Cat Carrier and get fixed!
We can't eat breakfast until later (bummer!) and we will have a new kind of cat litter for several days!
Whistle says that getting fixed sounds weird to him since we are perfect. What does he know? He jumps on kitchen counters.
Oh! Forgot to tell you! We are four months and two days old today! I bet we get prizes!
I'll tell you all about it when I get to blog again.
Fish
Fish here. Guess what? You know how we kittens break stuff all over the St. Casserole's home? Well, this morning, we are going to get fixed! That's what they told us. We get to ride in the car in Cat Carrier and get fixed!
We can't eat breakfast until later (bummer!) and we will have a new kind of cat litter for several days!
Whistle says that getting fixed sounds weird to him since we are perfect. What does he know? He jumps on kitchen counters.
Oh! Forgot to tell you! We are four months and two days old today! I bet we get prizes!
I'll tell you all about it when I get to blog again.
Fish
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Today, I'm Ms. Cheerful. Let's consider the gains of 2005:
1. Another year of marriage to Mr. C aka LH. He is kindness in chaos, understanding in distress and fun every day.
2. Many books read and most enjoyed. New characters, places and worlds to visit all within the pages of paper. Audio books kept me company to and from Little Church.
3. Kittens and more kittens. Assumpta and Dibley in July, Whistle and Fish when I returned from evacuating. The Cat Psychiatrists recent diagnosis of Assumpta as "dim" gives her a place within the Coterie of My Cats because I've loved dims over the years. I'll check out their findings when I go to NC again. Perhaps Assumpta is a Mississippi evacuee in a University context and doesn't understand the paradigm.
Dibley took a bath in a garden tub recently and must have learned to swim as he deep water. Further, he explored the Great Dark while confined to a deep kitchen drawer for 12 hours sitting in a pan. I guess he jumped into the drawer, kept quiet while the drawer closed then spent the night there. Curiosity is Dibley D'Wayne "Curiousity" other middle name.
Whistle and Fish are interchangeable in appearance but show distinct personalities. I tried to mark one of 'ems head with a magic marker dot but this didn't work.
4. An influx of workers to help churches after the storm enlivened our home this year. Missionaries from Brazil along with intrepid South Carolinians came for days and over nights. Preachers from North Carolina as well as preachers from North Mississippi slept on our sofas, in the LD's room and we liked them all. I did get a tad testy hearing the South Carolinians say, "Thank God for Mississippi" which means we are the only state between them and national dissing.
5. I gained a new perspective on church re-development from the hurricane losses to buildings and congregations. The fields are white for harvest here and if you have any sense, you'll try to come pastor one of these damaged churches. Or, come be a new church development pastor because our Presbytery plans to start two churches.
6. My heart expanded seeing destruction and loss. This is a good thing. Eventually. I trust God to heal the broken portions around me and, God willing, allow me to participate in God's work here.
7. I served another year as pastor of Little Church. I can't believe how fortunate I am to know them and to have one place to preach after years of roving around pulpits all over the Presbytery.
8. I watched old poots retire from Presbytery committees, churches and etc. Perhaps new energies will emerge to take our Presbytery in better directions. I'm praying for this.
9. I learned to sit through at least 5 movies this year. My family is pleased.
10. Our children flourished, proved to be adaptable, matured in good ways and gave us a great number of hilarious moments.
You all kept me company throughout 2005. Thanks!
St. Casserole
1. Another year of marriage to Mr. C aka LH. He is kindness in chaos, understanding in distress and fun every day.
2. Many books read and most enjoyed. New characters, places and worlds to visit all within the pages of paper. Audio books kept me company to and from Little Church.
3. Kittens and more kittens. Assumpta and Dibley in July, Whistle and Fish when I returned from evacuating. The Cat Psychiatrists recent diagnosis of Assumpta as "dim" gives her a place within the Coterie of My Cats because I've loved dims over the years. I'll check out their findings when I go to NC again. Perhaps Assumpta is a Mississippi evacuee in a University context and doesn't understand the paradigm.
Dibley took a bath in a garden tub recently and must have learned to swim as he deep water. Further, he explored the Great Dark while confined to a deep kitchen drawer for 12 hours sitting in a pan. I guess he jumped into the drawer, kept quiet while the drawer closed then spent the night there. Curiosity is Dibley D'Wayne "Curiousity" other middle name.
Whistle and Fish are interchangeable in appearance but show distinct personalities. I tried to mark one of 'ems head with a magic marker dot but this didn't work.
4. An influx of workers to help churches after the storm enlivened our home this year. Missionaries from Brazil along with intrepid South Carolinians came for days and over nights. Preachers from North Carolina as well as preachers from North Mississippi slept on our sofas, in the LD's room and we liked them all. I did get a tad testy hearing the South Carolinians say, "Thank God for Mississippi" which means we are the only state between them and national dissing.
5. I gained a new perspective on church re-development from the hurricane losses to buildings and congregations. The fields are white for harvest here and if you have any sense, you'll try to come pastor one of these damaged churches. Or, come be a new church development pastor because our Presbytery plans to start two churches.
6. My heart expanded seeing destruction and loss. This is a good thing. Eventually. I trust God to heal the broken portions around me and, God willing, allow me to participate in God's work here.
7. I served another year as pastor of Little Church. I can't believe how fortunate I am to know them and to have one place to preach after years of roving around pulpits all over the Presbytery.
8. I watched old poots retire from Presbytery committees, churches and etc. Perhaps new energies will emerge to take our Presbytery in better directions. I'm praying for this.
9. I learned to sit through at least 5 movies this year. My family is pleased.
10. Our children flourished, proved to be adaptable, matured in good ways and gave us a great number of hilarious moments.
You all kept me company throughout 2005. Thanks!
St. Casserole
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Call me "Mrs. Maudlin" if you will, but I'm counting losses this morning. As the year ends, and the day after I returned our LD to NC, I'm aware of loss.
Here's the list of "Losses of 2005":
1. Destruction of LH's office by Hurricane Katrina. LH restored a historic building last year and filled it with employees who, like him, were happy to get away from downtown to better parking, natural light and a beautiful place to work. LH had less than a year in the new building before the storm took it all away. All except the steps which remain as "steps to nowhere" in our Coastal scene.
2. Having LD live in NC with LLS and LSiL for the school year. LD begged to be sent to boarding school for the 8th grade until the hurricane tore up her school, displaced her friends and put her in the competent hands of her aunts. She's in a fabulous school system this year. She has field trips, Spanish in the 8th grade, lots of resources available and bright, motivated teachers. But, we miss her here.
3. I lost the last shred of my trust in the federal government to protect the citizenry. If you think the U.S. Government will keep you safe in a disaster, forget it. Or, if you think the gov. will come to your aid quickly or appropriately, forget this, too. On a related note, anyone else noticing the upswing of medical drug recalls because the FDA makes decisions based on who pays what rather than what drugs work?
4. The "Christmas Day" mega-church worship discussion brought by some big churches scrapping Christmas Day worship to give their staff a break, adds another loss to this list. Before now, despite Jehovah's Witnesses and some others, we Christians shared the Lord's Day (Sunday) as a common time of regular worship. Now we don't. Lord's Day worship moves from being a discipline of the community to a performance time and if one serves 50,000 at Christmas Eve services, there is no obligation to gather for worship the next day. Sunday passed from a shared commitment to "just another day". Harumphh!
5. The loss of Rusty, the Greatest Ginger Cat Who Ever Lived, in July 2005. Thank you, God, for letting me know that wonderful creature You made and allowed me to love for years.
I can sing more tunes than just mauldlin songs, so stay tuned for the Gains of 2005.
St. Casserole
Here's the list of "Losses of 2005":
1. Destruction of LH's office by Hurricane Katrina. LH restored a historic building last year and filled it with employees who, like him, were happy to get away from downtown to better parking, natural light and a beautiful place to work. LH had less than a year in the new building before the storm took it all away. All except the steps which remain as "steps to nowhere" in our Coastal scene.
2. Having LD live in NC with LLS and LSiL for the school year. LD begged to be sent to boarding school for the 8th grade until the hurricane tore up her school, displaced her friends and put her in the competent hands of her aunts. She's in a fabulous school system this year. She has field trips, Spanish in the 8th grade, lots of resources available and bright, motivated teachers. But, we miss her here.
3. I lost the last shred of my trust in the federal government to protect the citizenry. If you think the U.S. Government will keep you safe in a disaster, forget it. Or, if you think the gov. will come to your aid quickly or appropriately, forget this, too. On a related note, anyone else noticing the upswing of medical drug recalls because the FDA makes decisions based on who pays what rather than what drugs work?
4. The "Christmas Day" mega-church worship discussion brought by some big churches scrapping Christmas Day worship to give their staff a break, adds another loss to this list. Before now, despite Jehovah's Witnesses and some others, we Christians shared the Lord's Day (Sunday) as a common time of regular worship. Now we don't. Lord's Day worship moves from being a discipline of the community to a performance time and if one serves 50,000 at Christmas Eve services, there is no obligation to gather for worship the next day. Sunday passed from a shared commitment to "just another day". Harumphh!
5. The loss of Rusty, the Greatest Ginger Cat Who Ever Lived, in July 2005. Thank you, God, for letting me know that wonderful creature You made and allowed me to love for years.
I can sing more tunes than just mauldlin songs, so stay tuned for the Gains of 2005.
St. Casserole
Monday, December 26, 2005
I'm reading a page turner! Phil Rickman's Midwinter of the Spirit about Rev. Merrily Watkins, the Anglican priest. You know how I like clergy women mysteries. I discovered this series on Amazon and I ordered three more in the series this afternoon.
Midwinter is hardly holiday fare but I can't put it down! Ms. Watkins serves as a parish priest as well as a "deliverance counselor" (goofy contempary name for an exorcist) a job she didn't want. Rickman knows about spiritual issues, writes great detail about the geography of the area and makes Watkins a likeable, reasonable character. She could be a RevGalBlogPal.
All this reminds me of another purchase I made with Christmas money. I felt flush with buckage so I decided to order new clerical blouses from Almy. First mistake. My old ones are holding up all right but the collars drive me nuts. I could have ordered new clericools. I DID order new ones but thinking of comfort I ordered 17" collars. Oh yeah, like a short gal needs a linebacker neck size. It made sense at the time but when they arrived I realized the collars are for a linebacker and not me. I ordered larger blouses thinking I could be a bit more comfortable with some extra room without remembering that my current blouses fit like tents. I'm returning giant shirts and collars to Almy A.S.A.P. (note to self: check size guides before ordering stuff.)
I have a very important visitor arriving this week. I thought I'd wear my clericals to meet her at the airport so she'd know me because we've never met.
I guess I'll put on that goofy polyester cheater collar.... I don't care for the polyester even if it is easy to launder, comfortable and fits under sweaters.
Back to reading. What clergy woman mysteries am I missing? I know the Michelle Black and Julia Spencer Fleming ones.
St. Casserole
Midwinter is hardly holiday fare but I can't put it down! Ms. Watkins serves as a parish priest as well as a "deliverance counselor" (goofy contempary name for an exorcist) a job she didn't want. Rickman knows about spiritual issues, writes great detail about the geography of the area and makes Watkins a likeable, reasonable character. She could be a RevGalBlogPal.
All this reminds me of another purchase I made with Christmas money. I felt flush with buckage so I decided to order new clerical blouses from Almy. First mistake. My old ones are holding up all right but the collars drive me nuts. I could have ordered new clericools. I DID order new ones but thinking of comfort I ordered 17" collars. Oh yeah, like a short gal needs a linebacker neck size. It made sense at the time but when they arrived I realized the collars are for a linebacker and not me. I ordered larger blouses thinking I could be a bit more comfortable with some extra room without remembering that my current blouses fit like tents. I'm returning giant shirts and collars to Almy A.S.A.P. (note to self: check size guides before ordering stuff.)
I have a very important visitor arriving this week. I thought I'd wear my clericals to meet her at the airport so she'd know me because we've never met.
I guess I'll put on that goofy polyester cheater collar.... I don't care for the polyester even if it is easy to launder, comfortable and fits under sweaters.
Back to reading. What clergy woman mysteries am I missing? I know the Michelle Black and Julia Spencer Fleming ones.
St. Casserole
Friday, December 23, 2005
Christmas Entertainment for Preachers....
Dear RevGalBlogPals and others,
Here is the start of my list of the Worst Sermon Titles Ever (and then, the worst sermon ideas). Could you make up a few to add to this list? There may be a prize.
The Road to Hell and Who You'll See There
Cute Stories About My Family Which I Will Use to Moralize
One Sports Analogy After Another Related to the Gospel
Jesus: A Stand Up Kind of Guy
Drip Dry: Why We Baptize As We Do
Gethsemane and the Committee Meetings
Confession of My Personal Sins
People Who Should Leave This Church
I Wrote this One On the Way to Church
Sin and Our Congregation: Who Did What
The Funniest Confessions I've Ever Heard
The LH suggested the last two. Can you help me out here? What can you add?
Blogging while Baking,
St. Casserole
Here is the start of my list of the Worst Sermon Titles Ever (and then, the worst sermon ideas). Could you make up a few to add to this list? There may be a prize.
The Road to Hell and Who You'll See There
Cute Stories About My Family Which I Will Use to Moralize
One Sports Analogy After Another Related to the Gospel
Jesus: A Stand Up Kind of Guy
Drip Dry: Why We Baptize As We Do
Gethsemane and the Committee Meetings
Confession of My Personal Sins
People Who Should Leave This Church
I Wrote this One On the Way to Church
Sin and Our Congregation: Who Did What
The Funniest Confessions I've Ever Heard
The LH suggested the last two. Can you help me out here? What can you add?
Blogging while Baking,
St. Casserole
Friday Morning the Day Before the Day Before
*We have frost on the ground! Everything looks a bit grey and sparkly!
Here in the Gulf, we expect temps to be a high of 67 in a few hours, too.
Not easy to know what clothing to choose for a day with frost and flip-flops.
*Thanks to all who took the Quiz. Precious Moments wins.
*I'm doing a wedding this morning at Little Church. I refuse most Christmas Day (and 72 hours in either direction) weddings because of past horrors. The worst Christmas Day wedding was almost 20 years ago. The groom gave me a check intended for his ex-wife's support and gave her the envelope with my honorarium. Neither of us was pleased. The next worst wedding included intoxicated family members and a giant interruption of MY time. Let's leave Christmas Day to the Baby. Get married on another date...
*Elderly people usually die after the holidays. Our local paper carries too many obits of older people and has since the hurricane. Many died after being evacuated away to their children's homes or nursing homes in more stable areas. This makes me so sad. Consider making it to your elder years then having your home destroyed. After that, the last months or years of your independence is taken from you. Rats, double rats.
*Shhhhhhh....found a packet of furry toy mice for Whistle and Fish at a Walmart in Alabama. Our local PetSmart doesn't carry the furry ones, only fabric. W and F are fans of the furry toy mice. I hope the boys don't mind the bright colors of the Alabamian Wall Martian mice. Their Christmas stocking will be filled with not-found-in-nature mice.
*At a dinner party last night, the men (not LH who has better taste) began singing "I'll Have A Blue Christmas" Elvis style. Spare me.
*If I don't get to the grocery store today, my family will riot. I need the fixins for the Christmas Breakfast Casserole. For those of you who don't eat grits, shame on you! Sausage (bulk), cheese and grits all together in a beautiful casserole dish is great eat'in.
Pray for all of us,
St. Casserole
Here in the Gulf, we expect temps to be a high of 67 in a few hours, too.
Not easy to know what clothing to choose for a day with frost and flip-flops.
*Thanks to all who took the Quiz. Precious Moments wins.
*I'm doing a wedding this morning at Little Church. I refuse most Christmas Day (and 72 hours in either direction) weddings because of past horrors. The worst Christmas Day wedding was almost 20 years ago. The groom gave me a check intended for his ex-wife's support and gave her the envelope with my honorarium. Neither of us was pleased. The next worst wedding included intoxicated family members and a giant interruption of MY time. Let's leave Christmas Day to the Baby. Get married on another date...
*Elderly people usually die after the holidays. Our local paper carries too many obits of older people and has since the hurricane. Many died after being evacuated away to their children's homes or nursing homes in more stable areas. This makes me so sad. Consider making it to your elder years then having your home destroyed. After that, the last months or years of your independence is taken from you. Rats, double rats.
*Shhhhhhh....found a packet of furry toy mice for Whistle and Fish at a Walmart in Alabama. Our local PetSmart doesn't carry the furry ones, only fabric. W and F are fans of the furry toy mice. I hope the boys don't mind the bright colors of the Alabamian Wall Martian mice. Their Christmas stocking will be filled with not-found-in-nature mice.
*At a dinner party last night, the men (not LH who has better taste) began singing "I'll Have A Blue Christmas" Elvis style. Spare me.
*If I don't get to the grocery store today, my family will riot. I need the fixins for the Christmas Breakfast Casserole. For those of you who don't eat grits, shame on you! Sausage (bulk), cheese and grits all together in a beautiful casserole dish is great eat'in.
Pray for all of us,
St. Casserole
You are 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing'. You take
Christmas very seriously. For you, it is a
religious festival, celebrating the birth of
the Saviour, and its current secularisation
really irritates you. You enjoy the period of
Advent leading up to Christmas, and attend any
local carol services you can find, as well as
the more contemplative Advent church services
each Sunday. You may be involved in Christmas
food collections or similar charity work. The
midnight service at your church, with candles
and carols, is one you look forward to all
year, and you also look forward to the family
get together on Christmas Day.
What Christmas Carol are you?
brought to you by
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
John Spencer, The West Wing
I'm sorry to hear about actor John Spencer's death. Spencer played Leo McGarry on The West Wing. He played a full character of a man who as the President's best friend ran a staff of bright younger people and maintained relationships (with proper borders) with all of them.
I love to watch The West Wing because it feeds a craving for good leadership in high places.
The President, on the show, Josiah Bartlett is a former history professor who knows and understands history.
This week, I crave good leadership in high places even more.
A President who undersands history, our history, would never agree to wire-taps of citizens.
A President who knows history would realize that stepping over Constitutional boundaries is criminal, negligent and dangerous.
With all the talk of family and values, I thought we shared the value of privacy, integrity and obeying the rules. This week, I'm not sure.
I'm sorry to lose John Spencer and his complex and very human manner of dealing with leadership through Leo McGarry.
I'm sorry the entire world knows of what our President has chosen to do for over a year to us.
If the torture reports are true, we've endangered our soldiers forever when they are captured, but I'm talking here about treating our people as though we do not live in a democracy.
Not with my consent.
St. Casserole
I love to watch The West Wing because it feeds a craving for good leadership in high places.
The President, on the show, Josiah Bartlett is a former history professor who knows and understands history.
This week, I crave good leadership in high places even more.
A President who undersands history, our history, would never agree to wire-taps of citizens.
A President who knows history would realize that stepping over Constitutional boundaries is criminal, negligent and dangerous.
With all the talk of family and values, I thought we shared the value of privacy, integrity and obeying the rules. This week, I'm not sure.
I'm sorry to lose John Spencer and his complex and very human manner of dealing with leadership through Leo McGarry.
I'm sorry the entire world knows of what our President has chosen to do for over a year to us.
If the torture reports are true, we've endangered our soldiers forever when they are captured, but I'm talking here about treating our people as though we do not live in a democracy.
Not with my consent.
St. Casserole
Before and After -- SunHerald.com
Before and After -- SunHerald.com
If you are traveling to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you may wish to prepare yourself by seeing these Before and After photos from our local newspaper, The Sun Herald.
I know most of these places. Java Jean's, for example, is where our preacher group gathered for coffee each week. I served on the Board of Tullis Manor. I know most of the homeowners mentioned.
On and on.
I try, I really try, not to wail about Katrina but HOT FLAMING RATS I have to see it everytime I look out my windows or go out of my driveway. Everywhere I go I see the hurricane's results. Everywhere I listen to others the hurricane is discussed,"How'd you make out?", "Where you living now?". New name for FEMA trailers: Metal Manisons.
Regards,
St. Casserole
If you are traveling to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you may wish to prepare yourself by seeing these Before and After photos from our local newspaper, The Sun Herald.
I know most of these places. Java Jean's, for example, is where our preacher group gathered for coffee each week. I served on the Board of Tullis Manor. I know most of the homeowners mentioned.
On and on.
I try, I really try, not to wail about Katrina but HOT FLAMING RATS I have to see it everytime I look out my windows or go out of my driveway. Everywhere I go I see the hurricane's results. Everywhere I listen to others the hurricane is discussed,"How'd you make out?", "Where you living now?". New name for FEMA trailers: Metal Manisons.
Regards,
St. Casserole
Monday, December 19, 2005
WOT Sermon Topics
Here is the initial list of Waste of Time Sermon Topics. Preach on these as you feel led, but congregants won't believe you:
1. If you make Advent and Christmas a celebration of God's promises throughout history and the birth of Jesus rather than a gift-buying, house-decorating, party-giving, exhausting travel time or whatever you do to distract yourself from God's Gracious Acts in History, you will get more out of the season.
2. Human sexuality isn't bad, it's how we use our sexuality that gets us into trouble.
3. You don't choose God, God chooses you.
4. Being a Christian doesn't make you better than other people.
5. God loves you beyond your imagination's ability to understand.
6. You might have an easier time of it if you don't try to follow Christ. It's difficult to be a disciple.
7. All you are and all you have is God's gift to you.
8. What you do with your money impacts your spiritual life.
9. The Bible discusses greed more than it does sexuality.
10. Gluttony, of any kind, isn't good for you.
11. Preachers have feelings, aren't perfect and most of us work long hours.
That's enough for now. No one really really believes these topics to be true. By the way, if you preach on over-eating, over-spending, over-consuming as a damage to your relationship with God, no one will want to hear it.
Just suggesting....
St. Casserole
1. If you make Advent and Christmas a celebration of God's promises throughout history and the birth of Jesus rather than a gift-buying, house-decorating, party-giving, exhausting travel time or whatever you do to distract yourself from God's Gracious Acts in History, you will get more out of the season.
2. Human sexuality isn't bad, it's how we use our sexuality that gets us into trouble.
3. You don't choose God, God chooses you.
4. Being a Christian doesn't make you better than other people.
5. God loves you beyond your imagination's ability to understand.
6. You might have an easier time of it if you don't try to follow Christ. It's difficult to be a disciple.
7. All you are and all you have is God's gift to you.
8. What you do with your money impacts your spiritual life.
9. The Bible discusses greed more than it does sexuality.
10. Gluttony, of any kind, isn't good for you.
11. Preachers have feelings, aren't perfect and most of us work long hours.
That's enough for now. No one really really believes these topics to be true. By the way, if you preach on over-eating, over-spending, over-consuming as a damage to your relationship with God, no one will want to hear it.
Just suggesting....
St. Casserole
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Songbird's Friday Holiday Meme
1) Have you ever gotten a really good kiss under the mistletoe? Tell the truth. Spare no details. Was the mistletoe real, because kisses under the fake stuff do. not. count.
Yes, at a Union Seminary Christmas party, as I was leaving, I grabbed the best looking guy at the Seminary and kissed him under the mistletoe. Then, I left. Breathless.
2) Do you know anyone who makes real eggnog, not the stuff from the carton? And if so, do you actually like it?
A church member in Metairie made REAL eggnog for Mardi Gras and called it "Milk Punch."
It was the best ever.
3) What's your favorite Christmas party album/CD ever?
I don't have a favorite although I enjoy hearing about 4 minutes of JINGLE CATS at my LLS's home.
4) Does your office/workplace have a party? Do the people there ever behave the way people in movies behave at office parties, which is to say, badly?
Nope, no party for us!
5) If you have to bring something to a party, what is it likely to be? Do people like it?
Whatever I can throw together at the last minute which appear to be the result of hard work and is presented in a holiday dish.
Yes, at a Union Seminary Christmas party, as I was leaving, I grabbed the best looking guy at the Seminary and kissed him under the mistletoe. Then, I left. Breathless.
2) Do you know anyone who makes real eggnog, not the stuff from the carton? And if so, do you actually like it?
A church member in Metairie made REAL eggnog for Mardi Gras and called it "Milk Punch."
It was the best ever.
3) What's your favorite Christmas party album/CD ever?
I don't have a favorite although I enjoy hearing about 4 minutes of JINGLE CATS at my LLS's home.
4) Does your office/workplace have a party? Do the people there ever behave the way people in movies behave at office parties, which is to say, badly?
Nope, no party for us!
5) If you have to bring something to a party, what is it likely to be? Do people like it?
Whatever I can throw together at the last minute which appear to be the result of hard work and is presented in a holiday dish.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Things to Celebrate!
* We have street lights again!
* Church groups from all over the U.S. are doing their best to give Coast families and children Christmas. The Lutheran-Episcopalian group gave holiday boxes for my church families this week. So generous! So kind!
* I've entertained both of my clergy groups, denominational and personal, this week. The LH cooked meals Tuesday and Thursday nights. Interesting conversation with great food hits the Holiday spot!
*I had lunch with one of my favorite pals and got to catch up with her.
*A church in Texas sent ME a holiday gift! Yipee!
*Only a few more days until LD returns home for Christmas break!
*Congress approved aid for Gulf Coast rebuilding! Sen. Lott sues his insurance company!
*Sect. of Defense, Donald Rumfield, gets defensive with Melissa Block of NPR!
*I contemplate making a Grace Texas Cake for the holidays!
What's up with you?
Regards,
St. Casserole
* Church groups from all over the U.S. are doing their best to give Coast families and children Christmas. The Lutheran-Episcopalian group gave holiday boxes for my church families this week. So generous! So kind!
* I've entertained both of my clergy groups, denominational and personal, this week. The LH cooked meals Tuesday and Thursday nights. Interesting conversation with great food hits the Holiday spot!
*I had lunch with one of my favorite pals and got to catch up with her.
*A church in Texas sent ME a holiday gift! Yipee!
*Only a few more days until LD returns home for Christmas break!
*Congress approved aid for Gulf Coast rebuilding! Sen. Lott sues his insurance company!
*Sect. of Defense, Donald Rumfield, gets defensive with Melissa Block of NPR!
*I contemplate making a Grace Texas Cake for the holidays!
What's up with you?
Regards,
St. Casserole
Friday, December 16, 2005
Whistle and Fish: The Kitten Report
Here we are and we are happy. We eat lots of kitty chow. We have furry mice to bat around the house AND we have a stuffed toy hamster we love the best. We make many noises like breaking Christmas decorations and knocking stuff off our Human's desk.
Here are the rules of our house:
Don't get on the kitchen counter. You get sprayed with water if you do.
Don't paw or climb the Christmas tree. You get sprayed with water if you do.
Don't go in Mom's closet.
Our Humans can't tell us apart. We look alike because we are brothers. If I get in trouble, I say it is my brother who did it. He says the same!
Whistle stays sopping wet most of the time.
We believe that curiousity is a virtue. Napping is another virture. Purring is a beautiful sound.
We are over 100 days old so we know these things.
Love,
Whistle and Fish
Thursday, December 15, 2005
I Copy QUOTIDIAN GRACE One More Time...
| You Are Rudolph |
 Why You're Naughty: You sometimes stick that nose where it doesn't belong Why You're Nice: Christmas would be a sad affair without you! |
Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?
John B. Nixon, Sr. was murdered by lethal injection at Parchment Penitentiary in Mississippi yesterday on behalf of a justice system which is inconsistent.
Mr. Nixon is the seventh Mississippian to be murdered on behalf of the State since capital punishment resumed here in 1976.
Our prayers are with the families of Mr. Nixon's victims as well as his family.
We agree with the Vatican spokesman who said that capital punishment is wrong because it denies redemption and does not uphold the dignity of human life.
---St. Casserole Editorial Staff
Mr. Nixon is the seventh Mississippian to be murdered on behalf of the State since capital punishment resumed here in 1976.
Our prayers are with the families of Mr. Nixon's victims as well as his family.
We agree with the Vatican spokesman who said that capital punishment is wrong because it denies redemption and does not uphold the dignity of human life.
---St. Casserole Editorial Staff
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Mindy writes about gratitude this morning. I think I'll join her:
I'm grateful for:
*the preacher dinner party last night. It's over now and I can go back to the work pile on my desk. The LH cooked pork tenderloin, carrots and I made the salad. Preachers said of the meal, "I haven't had a good meal like this in weeks!"
*the wonderful Community Dark Roast Coffee in my Portmerion mug this morning. I'd correct the Port...spelling but I'd spill my java.
*a overcast Winter sky with dark clouds moving quickly.
*two ginger kittens on my lap purring away their rough night with the dog.
*having the money to expand our evangelism program at the church thanks to the donations of Presbyterians around the country to our Presbytery
*Clinique Lipstick in "Rasberry Glace" the suggested color for all clergy gals
*Christmas patterned china in the dishwasher
*Having LH in the house along with LS and missing LD
*Watching the faces of the preachers last night as they chose donated books to replace their storm damaged libraries
*being able to pay bills
What's your list?
Love,
St. Casserole
Bits and Odd Pieces of Mindy's Kingdom
I'm grateful for:
*the preacher dinner party last night. It's over now and I can go back to the work pile on my desk. The LH cooked pork tenderloin, carrots and I made the salad. Preachers said of the meal, "I haven't had a good meal like this in weeks!"
*the wonderful Community Dark Roast Coffee in my Portmerion mug this morning. I'd correct the Port...spelling but I'd spill my java.
*a overcast Winter sky with dark clouds moving quickly.
*two ginger kittens on my lap purring away their rough night with the dog.
*having the money to expand our evangelism program at the church thanks to the donations of Presbyterians around the country to our Presbytery
*Clinique Lipstick in "Rasberry Glace" the suggested color for all clergy gals
*Christmas patterned china in the dishwasher
*Having LH in the house along with LS and missing LD
*Watching the faces of the preachers last night as they chose donated books to replace their storm damaged libraries
*being able to pay bills
What's your list?
Love,
St. Casserole
Bits and Odd Pieces of Mindy's Kingdom
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Stanley Tookie Williams, Crips Gang Co-Founder, Is Executed - New York Times
Stanley Tookie Williams, Crips Gang Co-Founder, Is Executed - New York Times
I know his victims suffered. I know his victim's families suffer still.
I don't know all of the details of his life, only God knows the entire story.
However, let me be clear here: I don't see who was served by having the State of California murder Mr. Williams by lethal injection.
I doubt the ability of any state with any prosecuting attorney to choose with justice who should be murdered by the state authority.
I detest being part of a nation which participates in capital punishment.
Because I am an American, Mr. Williams' blood is on my hands.
I weep with his victims and their families.
I weep for Mr. Williams being victimized by the State.
No one is served except those whose sense of justice is blood lust.
History shows that blood lust helps no one.
St. Casserole
Stanley Tookie Williams, Crips Gang Co-Founder, Is Executed - New York Times
I know his victims suffered. I know his victim's families suffer still.
I don't know all of the details of his life, only God knows the entire story.
However, let me be clear here: I don't see who was served by having the State of California murder Mr. Williams by lethal injection.
I doubt the ability of any state with any prosecuting attorney to choose with justice who should be murdered by the state authority.
I detest being part of a nation which participates in capital punishment.
Because I am an American, Mr. Williams' blood is on my hands.
I weep with his victims and their families.
I weep for Mr. Williams being victimized by the State.
No one is served except those whose sense of justice is blood lust.
History shows that blood lust helps no one.
St. Casserole
Five Facts
Following Leslee's tagging of ALL of us through RevGalBlogPals, here are my five random facts about myself:
1. I loved reading Philip Pullman's HIS DARK MATERIALS.
2. An early mentor was an Episcopal priest in Virginia with CP who died soon after I was ordained.
3. I loved typing on my Grandfather's ancient Underwood typewriter when I was a little kid.
4. I thought it was my prayers that brought my little sister into being because I prayed with my Mom for a baby.
5. I have the gift of doggrel but seldom use it.
Your turn! You are IT!
Regards,
St. Casserole
Fresh-Cut Flowers
1. I loved reading Philip Pullman's HIS DARK MATERIALS.
2. An early mentor was an Episcopal priest in Virginia with CP who died soon after I was ordained.
3. I loved typing on my Grandfather's ancient Underwood typewriter when I was a little kid.
4. I thought it was my prayers that brought my little sister into being because I prayed with my Mom for a baby.
5. I have the gift of doggrel but seldom use it.
Your turn! You are IT!
Regards,
St. Casserole
Fresh-Cut Flowers
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Hurricane Katrina blew over the Mississippi Gulf Coast over 100 days ago.
Often, I cannot believe the destruction the storm caused even if I am staring at the mess.
It's difficult to put my mind around how much misery wind, rain and rising Gulf waters causes in a hurricane.
The Mississippi National Guard will withdraw from the Coast soon. I'm grateful for the time they've spent helping secure this area.
Not everyone has decent housing yet. Hard to believe that people are living in tents this long after the hurricane. FEMA trailers are everywhere in our neighborhood and around the Coast although I see parking lots full of yet-to-be placed trailers and wish the distribution would speed up.
Most retail businesses have HIRING NOW signs. Not enough people to staff stores and businesses because people left, people have to wait until they have a home to work and the debris hauling business is good money.
Area restaurants and hotels are packed. It's easier to eat at home rather than navigate through the long lines at eateries. If you are coming to this area, have your housing plans firm before you come because the hotels are full. There is no room at the Inn this Christmas.
Christmas lights are decorating FEMA trailers, tree stumps and torn up houses. People want Christmas to look like Christmas even when the world looks like a Bomb Zone. The LH bought a Christmas Tree, decorated it and cooked a beautiful meal last night.
People are tired. The Katrina Cough is ubiquitous. People look storm shocked but are getting better. The air is bad. The water is questionable. I don't believe reports of the Beach being safe from chemical/sewage waste.
Our roof isn't repaired but we hope for help soon. Many people haven't gotten repairs yet so the Blue Roof is common. Tarps cover roofs, plywood covers broken windows and it doesn't look as if much is going on. There are too many repairs for the number of contractors/workers available so waiting is the norm.
Churches have been our best resource. Work teams from all over the States come to strip out sheetrock, replace roofs, clean debris, hold hands with survivors and make us feel like human beings. A church in Jackson is rebuilding the home of friend's who have nothing but disability and problems. God bless that church! Hope in the face of disaster is God's work.
I have moments of feeling normal and happy. I feel like myself for a portion of each day now. I don't cry everyday. I don't feel overwhelmed with the suffering around me all day long now. I'm grateful for this. It's a painful discipline to keep going day after day while filled with grief so that I may be available to others.
Advent is different this year. I'm preaching on Luke I:47-55 in about 4 hours.
"My soul magnifies the Lord" and I remember what it is to have a rejoicing spirit.
Grace and Peace,
St. Casserole
Often, I cannot believe the destruction the storm caused even if I am staring at the mess.
It's difficult to put my mind around how much misery wind, rain and rising Gulf waters causes in a hurricane.
The Mississippi National Guard will withdraw from the Coast soon. I'm grateful for the time they've spent helping secure this area.
Not everyone has decent housing yet. Hard to believe that people are living in tents this long after the hurricane. FEMA trailers are everywhere in our neighborhood and around the Coast although I see parking lots full of yet-to-be placed trailers and wish the distribution would speed up.
Most retail businesses have HIRING NOW signs. Not enough people to staff stores and businesses because people left, people have to wait until they have a home to work and the debris hauling business is good money.
Area restaurants and hotels are packed. It's easier to eat at home rather than navigate through the long lines at eateries. If you are coming to this area, have your housing plans firm before you come because the hotels are full. There is no room at the Inn this Christmas.
Christmas lights are decorating FEMA trailers, tree stumps and torn up houses. People want Christmas to look like Christmas even when the world looks like a Bomb Zone. The LH bought a Christmas Tree, decorated it and cooked a beautiful meal last night.
People are tired. The Katrina Cough is ubiquitous. People look storm shocked but are getting better. The air is bad. The water is questionable. I don't believe reports of the Beach being safe from chemical/sewage waste.
Our roof isn't repaired but we hope for help soon. Many people haven't gotten repairs yet so the Blue Roof is common. Tarps cover roofs, plywood covers broken windows and it doesn't look as if much is going on. There are too many repairs for the number of contractors/workers available so waiting is the norm.
Churches have been our best resource. Work teams from all over the States come to strip out sheetrock, replace roofs, clean debris, hold hands with survivors and make us feel like human beings. A church in Jackson is rebuilding the home of friend's who have nothing but disability and problems. God bless that church! Hope in the face of disaster is God's work.
I have moments of feeling normal and happy. I feel like myself for a portion of each day now. I don't cry everyday. I don't feel overwhelmed with the suffering around me all day long now. I'm grateful for this. It's a painful discipline to keep going day after day while filled with grief so that I may be available to others.
Advent is different this year. I'm preaching on Luke I:47-55 in about 4 hours.
"My soul magnifies the Lord" and I remember what it is to have a rejoicing spirit.
Grace and Peace,
St. Casserole
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Songbird's Snow Day Friday Five meme
What is snow?
Confused but wanting to play the meme,
St.Casserole
Confused but wanting to play the meme,
St.Casserole
Whistle and Fish, resident ginger kittens, review Disney's THE LION WITCH AND THE WARDROBE:
Whistle: First, the Mom doesn't die. This is good. Disney is big on dead moms and we don't like that.
Fish: Second, Disney did a pretty good job making a movie from one of our favorite books. Some stuff is invented, but we liked seeing what the Wardrobe looked like.
W: The main thing about this movie is that the hero is a cat.
F: Yeah, a big lion is the Christ figure. We like this image. The bad guys were wolves and dog things. Yuk. If you want to make a scary movie, a really scary movie, make the villains dogs.
W: I didn't like all the fur coats in that wardrobe. I hope they were fake fur. Fur belongs on animals, not people.
F: Thank you, Mr. PETA!
W: Well, it's gross to wear animal fur unless God gave it to you.
F: Moving on, the movie is long and if you get bored you can chase popcorn kernels under the seats. Just keep away from big human feet, if you do. The theater was packed.
W: I don't know what the evangelicals will do with LIKING a Disney movie. I thought evangelicals didn't approve of Disney.
F: Ever wonder why our Mom gets mad about the media using the word "evangelical" to mean conservative believers? She believes in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ but I don't think she's a fundie or creepy.
W: This is a movie review. Keep to the topic.
F: Just wondering.... Anyway, we love CS Lewis and think his "God in the Dock" is a great apologetic even if the references are dated.
W: Yeah, we like Lewis.
F: We have a cousin named "Lewis."
W: Keep to topic...
F: To sum up, we liked the movie. Cats are good; dogs are bad. Wolves give me nightmares.
We like the fawns and those beavers. The animation stuff is wonderful.
W: I think God is a big lion. Really big.
F: Probably.
Whistle: First, the Mom doesn't die. This is good. Disney is big on dead moms and we don't like that.
Fish: Second, Disney did a pretty good job making a movie from one of our favorite books. Some stuff is invented, but we liked seeing what the Wardrobe looked like.
W: The main thing about this movie is that the hero is a cat.
F: Yeah, a big lion is the Christ figure. We like this image. The bad guys were wolves and dog things. Yuk. If you want to make a scary movie, a really scary movie, make the villains dogs.
W: I didn't like all the fur coats in that wardrobe. I hope they were fake fur. Fur belongs on animals, not people.
F: Thank you, Mr. PETA!
W: Well, it's gross to wear animal fur unless God gave it to you.
F: Moving on, the movie is long and if you get bored you can chase popcorn kernels under the seats. Just keep away from big human feet, if you do. The theater was packed.
W: I don't know what the evangelicals will do with LIKING a Disney movie. I thought evangelicals didn't approve of Disney.
F: Ever wonder why our Mom gets mad about the media using the word "evangelical" to mean conservative believers? She believes in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ but I don't think she's a fundie or creepy.
W: This is a movie review. Keep to the topic.
F: Just wondering.... Anyway, we love CS Lewis and think his "God in the Dock" is a great apologetic even if the references are dated.
W: Yeah, we like Lewis.
F: We have a cousin named "Lewis."
W: Keep to topic...
F: To sum up, we liked the movie. Cats are good; dogs are bad. Wolves give me nightmares.
We like the fawns and those beavers. The animation stuff is wonderful.
W: I think God is a big lion. Really big.
F: Probably.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Apparently, I am a Christmas Tree
Results...: "
What a marvelous person! You are the splendid
Christmas tree! You are a spirited person who
almost always in a great mood. Your smiles and
laughter are some things that people usually
look forward to in you. You are someone who is
full of energy and ready for a good time. Most
likely you are a social butterfly. All of these
characteristics make you a beautiful person
inside and out. People just really enjoy to be
around you. Merry Christmas =)
What Christmas Figure Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla"
Hat Tip to Quotidian Grace
What a marvelous person! You are the splendid
Christmas tree! You are a spirited person who
almost always in a great mood. Your smiles and
laughter are some things that people usually
look forward to in you. You are someone who is
full of energy and ready for a good time. Most
likely you are a social butterfly. All of these
characteristics make you a beautiful person
inside and out. People just really enjoy to be
around you. Merry Christmas =)
What Christmas Figure Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla"
Hat Tip to Quotidian Grace
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
More that I don't Understand
Help me understand this.
We have a pastor in our Presbytery who has made it known that if the vote doesn't go as he wishes at our next General Assembly, he will leave the denomination. I doubt this is just puffing on his part. He's a serious guy.
I can't imagine why he holds positions of authority in our Presbytery now. Why should he be participating as a leader if he doesn't have the loyalty to maintain a relationship with us? It's like dating someone rather than being married. I thought he made his commitment when he took his ordination vows. Are his decisions on our behalf made through the lens of a temporary relationship with us? Isn't this like when a pastor decides to leave a congregation and sloughs off what he doesn't care to do anymore because he's a lame duck?
I am dancing with the one who brought me. This old saying makes sense to me as I was educated by Presbyterians, nurtured through the Presbyterian Church and my ethnic background is Presbyterian.
I gave up on the Church as a perfect place years ago. I believe in what I understand to be God's vision of and for the church but since all human institutions are inherently sinful, I don't expect the church to be perfect. Rather, I understand my participation in the Body of Christ, the Church, as God's discipline for me. Not punishment, but discipline to seek, praise, worship, work and pray within the confines of the Church.
It gets on my nerves that we Presbyterians are so cantankerous. Wish I'd paid attention to the droll fights of the past in my Seminary textbooks. I'm not cantankerous so being a part of a denomination which fights over everything disturbs me. And, we are a wicked witness to the World with our ambushes, disagreements, territorial battles and general crabbiness with one another.
As a girl, I was part of Big City Church's Confirmation Class. The Rev. Mr. Soft Hands taught us.
This was long ago before confirmands were asked, "How do you feel about Jesus?" We were told about Jesus. I suppose Mr. Soft Hands should have looked us straight in the eye and announced,
"Young people, Presbyterians fight over most things. Our history from John Calvin who
had to flee Geneva more than once to save his life, began a chapter in acrimony which
Christians have seldom seen. We didn't invent church conflict but we've refined it. Be
prepared to watch your church schism, shake and scatter over all sorts of issues. Thank
goodness none of you young women wish to be pastors. It would be too rough for your
delicate feminine constitutions. Now, let's all turn to page 16 of our book...."
I love the Presbyterian Church because I first learned of Jesus from the Presbyies.
I like our form of government which should work to ease some of the conflict by being orderly but somehow every class of elders and often the preachers, don't know our Book of Order. I like our worship, which while not unique to us, is dignified and allows me to worship mind and spirit.
I like our ethos (despite the historical historonics) which values education, justice, and engagement with the larger world.
So, help me understand why this guy is still in charge of stuff when he plans to bolt if the vote doesn't turn out as he wishes?
Confused,
St. Casserole
We have a pastor in our Presbytery who has made it known that if the vote doesn't go as he wishes at our next General Assembly, he will leave the denomination. I doubt this is just puffing on his part. He's a serious guy.
I can't imagine why he holds positions of authority in our Presbytery now. Why should he be participating as a leader if he doesn't have the loyalty to maintain a relationship with us? It's like dating someone rather than being married. I thought he made his commitment when he took his ordination vows. Are his decisions on our behalf made through the lens of a temporary relationship with us? Isn't this like when a pastor decides to leave a congregation and sloughs off what he doesn't care to do anymore because he's a lame duck?
I am dancing with the one who brought me. This old saying makes sense to me as I was educated by Presbyterians, nurtured through the Presbyterian Church and my ethnic background is Presbyterian.
I gave up on the Church as a perfect place years ago. I believe in what I understand to be God's vision of and for the church but since all human institutions are inherently sinful, I don't expect the church to be perfect. Rather, I understand my participation in the Body of Christ, the Church, as God's discipline for me. Not punishment, but discipline to seek, praise, worship, work and pray within the confines of the Church.
It gets on my nerves that we Presbyterians are so cantankerous. Wish I'd paid attention to the droll fights of the past in my Seminary textbooks. I'm not cantankerous so being a part of a denomination which fights over everything disturbs me. And, we are a wicked witness to the World with our ambushes, disagreements, territorial battles and general crabbiness with one another.
As a girl, I was part of Big City Church's Confirmation Class. The Rev. Mr. Soft Hands taught us.
This was long ago before confirmands were asked, "How do you feel about Jesus?" We were told about Jesus. I suppose Mr. Soft Hands should have looked us straight in the eye and announced,
"Young people, Presbyterians fight over most things. Our history from John Calvin who
had to flee Geneva more than once to save his life, began a chapter in acrimony which
Christians have seldom seen. We didn't invent church conflict but we've refined it. Be
prepared to watch your church schism, shake and scatter over all sorts of issues. Thank
goodness none of you young women wish to be pastors. It would be too rough for your
delicate feminine constitutions. Now, let's all turn to page 16 of our book...."
I love the Presbyterian Church because I first learned of Jesus from the Presbyies.
I like our form of government which should work to ease some of the conflict by being orderly but somehow every class of elders and often the preachers, don't know our Book of Order. I like our worship, which while not unique to us, is dignified and allows me to worship mind and spirit.
I like our ethos (despite the historical historonics) which values education, justice, and engagement with the larger world.
So, help me understand why this guy is still in charge of stuff when he plans to bolt if the vote doesn't turn out as he wishes?
Confused,
St. Casserole
Three Things I Don't Understand
What does "huzzah" mean? Who says this? How is it pronounced? Is it an exclamation/expletive?
What does "OOAK" in eBay listings mean?
Why was my pie a goopy mess?
I baked a Country Cream Pie from "Diana Rattray, Your Guide to Southern U.S. Cooking" on the 'net, followed the directions and I have a tasty goopy mess. I know how to cook so I don't know if it was the pie dish I used (French pottery), the substitution of whipping cream for half and half, the addition of 1/2 c. lowfat milk and 1/2 eggnog (didn't buy enough whipping cream) or the fact that the durn pie sounded like a chess pie with fancier ingredients and really really needed eggs.
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons of flour
3 cups half and half
1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla
Mix sugar and flour well, get rid of lumps. Add liquids, pour into unbaked pieshell. Cook for 40 minutes at 400 degrees. Let the pie rest to room temperature.
What does "OOAK" in eBay listings mean?
Why was my pie a goopy mess?
I baked a Country Cream Pie from "Diana Rattray, Your Guide to Southern U.S. Cooking" on the 'net, followed the directions and I have a tasty goopy mess. I know how to cook so I don't know if it was the pie dish I used (French pottery), the substitution of whipping cream for half and half, the addition of 1/2 c. lowfat milk and 1/2 eggnog (didn't buy enough whipping cream) or the fact that the durn pie sounded like a chess pie with fancier ingredients and really really needed eggs.
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons of flour
3 cups half and half
1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla
Mix sugar and flour well, get rid of lumps. Add liquids, pour into unbaked pieshell. Cook for 40 minutes at 400 degrees. Let the pie rest to room temperature.
Serve with spoon.
I added cinnamon and fresh ground nutmeg since the flavoring didn't sound snappy enough for my taste.
Some things are a mystery to me....
Sticky,
St. Casserole
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Advent 2005
As a child, I didn't know about Advent. The Big City Church didn't do liturgical season, we are Presbyies afterall.
Seminary introduced the Seasons to me and I became a captive to the idea of a holy calendar.
As a young woman, I felt I had Advent Edge because I knew how Elizabeth (Mrs. Zachariah) felt about childlessness and infertility. Waiting for a Hope delayed by one's body was in sync with the waiting for the coming of the Messiah. Not that I thought having a child was messianic but that the waiting for the healing of the world resonated with my own feelings of hope v. despair at being childless.
This year, however, I am seeing Advent with new eyes. I suppose that life down here post-hurricane is the closest I'll ever come (God willing) to living in a war zone. Basic services damaged, access roads demolished, debris, homelessness, immediate upheaval of a catastropic nature: all these things make me think I have some understanding of a war damaged area. The differences are large, though, in that we have military personnel everywhere but they aren't trying to hurt us. And, although the deaths here are too many, we weren't shot or bombed.
Granted, the analogy doesn't work completely but I am living where the future is impaired.
How does New Orleans get re-built? I understand that portions of the Great City are without power, water or any sign of re-building after three months. The earth in some areas is polluted beyond anything we've had to cope with before now. My New Orleans church members says she can't find even a drug store open without driving miles. The streets are quiet there, too.
How do we handle all emotional upset of life here on the Coast. Families crammed into trailers next to their housing slab. Ruby tells me that the FEMA installer told her to NOT turn on the heater in her trailer as it would blow up. She says she asked him why and he told her they couldn't fix the problem. It's cold here, now, and she will have to buy an electric heater or stay inside her damaged-but-standing home to keep warm.
Older people here are losing their friends who move away at the request of adult children or who decide that "they can't go through another hurricane" and are moving out-of-state.
There aren't enough workers to repair homes, rebuild homes or whatever one needs to have windows replace, roofs patched, etc. etc. The work teams coming often have skilled labor along with the happy hearts of non-skilled young people, but even these groups aren't enough.
*Physical discomfort.
*Emotional discomfort.
*Time to think creatively about the future of ministry on the Coast. It doesn't make sense to return to business as usual since there isn't any "uusal" left.
*Spiritual unease because there are many who see the hurricane, even if they are educated better than this, as God's big whack with the cosmic 2 x 4.
I WOULD WRITE ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE IN THIS DURN BLOG IF I COULD.
I've got an edge on Advent 2005 and I'm not stopping until I figure out what God means for me and my people. I will not let go until I see the blessing.
I see blessing in many places and am grateful for the love and generosity of people who come to help, send money and pray for us. I mean, I will not let go until I "get" this situation.
The valleys have been brought up and the mountains leveled. I hear Handel's "Messiah" in my heart and am filled with curiousity about what it means to be God's people here in this place, in this time with my community.
Grace and Peace to you,
St. Casserole
Seminary introduced the Seasons to me and I became a captive to the idea of a holy calendar.
As a young woman, I felt I had Advent Edge because I knew how Elizabeth (Mrs. Zachariah) felt about childlessness and infertility. Waiting for a Hope delayed by one's body was in sync with the waiting for the coming of the Messiah. Not that I thought having a child was messianic but that the waiting for the healing of the world resonated with my own feelings of hope v. despair at being childless.
This year, however, I am seeing Advent with new eyes. I suppose that life down here post-hurricane is the closest I'll ever come (God willing) to living in a war zone. Basic services damaged, access roads demolished, debris, homelessness, immediate upheaval of a catastropic nature: all these things make me think I have some understanding of a war damaged area. The differences are large, though, in that we have military personnel everywhere but they aren't trying to hurt us. And, although the deaths here are too many, we weren't shot or bombed.
Granted, the analogy doesn't work completely but I am living where the future is impaired.
How does New Orleans get re-built? I understand that portions of the Great City are without power, water or any sign of re-building after three months. The earth in some areas is polluted beyond anything we've had to cope with before now. My New Orleans church members says she can't find even a drug store open without driving miles. The streets are quiet there, too.
How do we handle all emotional upset of life here on the Coast. Families crammed into trailers next to their housing slab. Ruby tells me that the FEMA installer told her to NOT turn on the heater in her trailer as it would blow up. She says she asked him why and he told her they couldn't fix the problem. It's cold here, now, and she will have to buy an electric heater or stay inside her damaged-but-standing home to keep warm.
Older people here are losing their friends who move away at the request of adult children or who decide that "they can't go through another hurricane" and are moving out-of-state.
There aren't enough workers to repair homes, rebuild homes or whatever one needs to have windows replace, roofs patched, etc. etc. The work teams coming often have skilled labor along with the happy hearts of non-skilled young people, but even these groups aren't enough.
*Physical discomfort.
*Emotional discomfort.
*Time to think creatively about the future of ministry on the Coast. It doesn't make sense to return to business as usual since there isn't any "uusal" left.
*Spiritual unease because there are many who see the hurricane, even if they are educated better than this, as God's big whack with the cosmic 2 x 4.
I WOULD WRITE ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE IN THIS DURN BLOG IF I COULD.
I've got an edge on Advent 2005 and I'm not stopping until I figure out what God means for me and my people. I will not let go until I see the blessing.
I see blessing in many places and am grateful for the love and generosity of people who come to help, send money and pray for us. I mean, I will not let go until I "get" this situation.
The valleys have been brought up and the mountains leveled. I hear Handel's "Messiah" in my heart and am filled with curiousity about what it means to be God's people here in this place, in this time with my community.
Grace and Peace to you,
St. Casserole
Monday, December 05, 2005
The Sun Herald | 12/05/2005 | CLOSE QUARTERS
The Sun Herald | 12/05/2005 | CLOSE QUARTERS
I worry about people coping with close quarters as this article discusses.
I worry about people coping with close quarters as this article discusses.
Monday Morning
Songbird asks about our Christmas decorating in her Friday meme. I didn't read the meme at her site but saw that all my pals read and responded in theirs.
I haven't decorated anything except my kitchen door. I found a bright wreath at a garage sale on Saturday and hung it as soon as I got home from the sales.
I intend to decorate but I've been busy. We said goodbye to our visiting work crew after worship yesterday. They were lovely folks and I'm sorry to see them go but when I have guests, it's difficult for me to do much house stuff.
I visited after worship with a family who are blue-roofed from the hurricane and who have gotten interior water damage since the storm because the FEMA roofers didn't quite protect the roof. You'd think that you could find a roofer to replace a roof twelve weeks after the storm but NO. Too many roofs, not enough roofers to repair damaged houses. Now, they'll have to move into a FEMA trailer when before, they had simple roof damage.
It's gray, cloudy and a bit chilly here this morning. Looks like December. Yesterday we were steaming with a 78 high. No wonder people are sick.
I'll drink more coffee, read my devotional, pray, then return here with something positive to say.
Happy Monday Morning, Y'all,
St.Casserole
I haven't decorated anything except my kitchen door. I found a bright wreath at a garage sale on Saturday and hung it as soon as I got home from the sales.
I intend to decorate but I've been busy. We said goodbye to our visiting work crew after worship yesterday. They were lovely folks and I'm sorry to see them go but when I have guests, it's difficult for me to do much house stuff.
I visited after worship with a family who are blue-roofed from the hurricane and who have gotten interior water damage since the storm because the FEMA roofers didn't quite protect the roof. You'd think that you could find a roofer to replace a roof twelve weeks after the storm but NO. Too many roofs, not enough roofers to repair damaged houses. Now, they'll have to move into a FEMA trailer when before, they had simple roof damage.
It's gray, cloudy and a bit chilly here this morning. Looks like December. Yesterday we were steaming with a 78 high. No wonder people are sick.
I'll drink more coffee, read my devotional, pray, then return here with something positive to say.
Happy Monday Morning, Y'all,
St.Casserole
Friday, December 02, 2005
Annual Report
Yesterday, the blog turned 1.
Thank you to all who've read the drizzle/dribble/detritus through the year.
You've comforted me with comments, gotten me through two hurricanes, made me fluffier with recipes for good eats and become my pals.
I've watched you congeal into a community through the Revgalblogpals. Your creativity amazes me. The warmth of friendship with one another consoles me. I feel hope reading you.
Thank you to my inspirations for this blog: the emergent church blogs, Rev.Mike's House of Homiletics in Charlotte, NC, Maggi Dawn over the Ocean and more.
*Most searched post: the one on Betty Feezor. Thanks, Bob, for writing to me.
*The Book Drive for Coast Pastors Whose Theological Libraries were damaged by Katrina is such a loving act that I could weep and have. Because of a post here, a loving RevGalBlogPal responded with over 600 lbs. of books for my colleagues. I'd mention her name but I recall that she was doing this quietly. I'll tell her identity if she allows it. God bless her!
*I discovered that Mr. C is a great blogger. He should have his own blog not that he isn't welcome to post here.
*The discussion over which OPI color we like best is an enduring topic. Pedicures rule!
*Grace's Hurricane Cake made it's way around the Country and around my hips via the blog.
*I mourned Rusty and welcomed four kittens.
Now, as I submit my Annual Report, I request that those of you who read but do not comment begin commenting. Especially you, dear Ms. Bowed Twice Grew up in the Great Hometown Tennis Playing New Office LLS Pal, ok?
Respectfully Submitted,
St. Casserole
Thank you to all who've read the drizzle/dribble/detritus through the year.
You've comforted me with comments, gotten me through two hurricanes, made me fluffier with recipes for good eats and become my pals.
I've watched you congeal into a community through the Revgalblogpals. Your creativity amazes me. The warmth of friendship with one another consoles me. I feel hope reading you.
Thank you to my inspirations for this blog: the emergent church blogs, Rev.Mike's House of Homiletics in Charlotte, NC, Maggi Dawn over the Ocean and more.
*Most searched post: the one on Betty Feezor. Thanks, Bob, for writing to me.
*The Book Drive for Coast Pastors Whose Theological Libraries were damaged by Katrina is such a loving act that I could weep and have. Because of a post here, a loving RevGalBlogPal responded with over 600 lbs. of books for my colleagues. I'd mention her name but I recall that she was doing this quietly. I'll tell her identity if she allows it. God bless her!
*I discovered that Mr. C is a great blogger. He should have his own blog not that he isn't welcome to post here.
*The discussion over which OPI color we like best is an enduring topic. Pedicures rule!
*Grace's Hurricane Cake made it's way around the Country and around my hips via the blog.
*I mourned Rusty and welcomed four kittens.
Now, as I submit my Annual Report, I request that those of you who read but do not comment begin commenting. Especially you, dear Ms. Bowed Twice Grew up in the Great Hometown Tennis Playing New Office LLS Pal, ok?
Respectfully Submitted,
St. Casserole
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