tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1090968914404251412024-03-13T12:54:20.989-07:00Clarinda's journeyLeahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-40960371787120523402013-10-27T13:24:00.000-07:002013-10-27T13:24:31.612-07:00Communion!Took my first service of communion today! I was nervous/ excited disbelieving that I could do it and it was amazing. As I stood there before the communion table I realised the enormity of what I was doing. I felt so privileged and so in Gods place for me. The only glitch was the elders were all there in BLACK TIES! I mean Why? Isn't this supposed to be a celebration of he Lords Supper. Just being a lowly locum I can't make any sweeping changes but if I could that would be the first. That and having all the elders served first even when they're not on duty and all sitting on the chancel behind the pulpit! The youngest child who came with me remarked on this. But anyway a momentous day.<br />
<br />Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-53792595247475948392013-10-23T00:17:00.001-07:002013-10-23T00:17:27.836-07:00Time outHad a great weekend, apart from anything no else met up with Mr &Mrs Gerbil which was just lovely! Apart from the usual funerals ( I had one on Monday that lasted an hour and twenty minutes! With five eulogies and musical tributes!!) undertaker was worried grave diggers may have gone home and we 'd have to fill in. By the end I was losing the will to live apart from anything it was the second I'd conducted that day. Must admit I've been haunted by a most beautiful piece of music that was played called the Ashokan Farewell ( google it , I don't know how to upload on here!! That night I sat in on the session meeting at the church where I'm locum. The interim moderator asked during the meeting had anyone anything to say about the locum! To say I was embarrassed and overwhelmed by the depth of their appreciation, affection and genuine desire to keep me as long as possible would be an understatement, the treasurer also pointed out a huge increase in offerings since I'd arrived indicating an increase in church attendance! All I can say is its all Gods doing! I'm now up to atwo day locum appointment! Apparently I also exhibited an untapped talent for singing on Sunday having chose all my days (ch4) and having a decent choir who practice on a Friday I thought everything was grand. They all moaned about it ( In a good hearted way ) solution I sing into the mike! Anyhow upshot is they know want to form a concert party with me on lead vocals! Help! First communion service is this Sunday<br />
I can't believe I'm going to conduct my first communion. I'm very aware of the privilege and nervous and excited too. The youngest child is coming too as we're off on a spa break straight afterwards! Enjoying a cheeky wee night at beautiful seaside town. Full of cocktails great food and with my favourite daughter. Feeling blessed and thankful to God :) it's been a long haul and now without set backs and challenges but throughout God has been there!Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-74535988814990829212013-10-15T20:20:00.002-07:002013-10-15T20:20:42.215-07:00Hill walkingIt's been a hectic couple of weeks nine funerals and two weddings as well as a drama production and the youngest daughter and her husband moving back home with us fir a while. Sunday afternoon has traditionally become adventure day for the pungent child her big brother and I. Recently our adventures have been climbing one of the many beautiful hills in our area. We're not fair weather walkers and are undaunted by a few spots of scotch mist. But leaving church on Sunday on just such a drizzly dreich dank day, I was tired I wanted to go home get changed have lunch and snuggle in with a good book. I got home and there they were sitting ready booted, rucksacks packed with the picknick raring to go. Of course I fell in like the great mummy I am got changed and threw myself into the plan. Except I fell asleep in the car almost before we left the village. Half way between home and our destination I suddenly became aware of breaks being applied heavily, of screams filtering through my consciousness, screams of my two children in the front seats. I cautiously opened one eye. Youngest child was pointing her phone in video mode at me saying to her brother, I think she's dead, she hasn't moved! Kids ehh. I was utterly exhausted I just wanted to sleep. We climbed the hill. By the time we got to the top we could barely see each other, it was so foggy and misty. By now I wasn't tired and lethargic any longer. I was actually refreshed and renewed even with no view as a reward. In our spiritual lives, Sometimes God takes us out of our comfort zones to give us a new refreshing experience of him too, the journey can drain us a bit and we need to climb a few hills to see the bigger picture and get out of the valley. So thanks kids for a great day out as usual and thank you Lord for a salutary lesson!<br />
<br />Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-12798049073475493592013-10-12T02:59:00.000-07:002013-10-12T02:59:00.353-07:00Big moveThe highlight of this week was the moving back home of my daughter and son in law! This happened on Wednesday night when I thankfully was speaking and re dedicating a guild! Generally the youngest child and I get on really well so my major worry is that the stress of living back home with ma and pa again will cause friction between us, already I see it. I love her dearly but she seems to have morphed into my shadow and much as I love her I like a bit of space too. I LIKE sitting in my bedroom at night listening to the radio tweaking my sermon/ assemblies , whatever... I LIKE a bit of space for reflection etc. and if I want to go out visiting I don't need my daughter telling me I've done too many hours this week. Exactly this time last year, to the very hour it was my old guys funeral. I find myself at some point every day thinking about him, and I still miss his gentle calming influence and ever ready encouragement. He was probably the only person the youngest child would ever listen to, and he'd tell her I don't need a mother any more !!<br />
Reading through our local newspaper I was had a chuckle at how inventive the undertaker must've been to thank the Rev ( I still get a kick seeing that and a joy beyond belief) to make all the notices so different, quiet week this last week only 2! So I've a wedding couple coming today and then a wedding later this afternoon. The youngest child has gone on a hen weekend.<br />
On a lighter note I made a trip to the local tip with stuff from her room she was getting rid of (including some very saucy items she'd been given at her hen do!) as I pulled the plastic sack from the car ( helped by some random knight in shining armour!) the bag split!! We both looked at the contents me in horror ( I wanted to die) and if course what was the first thing I said " it's not mine" aagggghhhh.<br />
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<br />Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-41874840596344725542013-10-06T14:06:00.002-07:002013-10-06T14:06:32.309-07:00Four funerals and a weddingLast week I conducted four funerals and my first wedding as a minister ( previous life was as a registrar!) the wedding was a joy , bride and groom and both families totally chilled. The nicest compliment I've ever been given was afterward one of the guests said you were really enjoying yourself weren't you? We looked at you and I thought she's really enjoying this and thatpermeated through the whole service everyone just totally relaxed! That's one of the nicest things anyone has ever said and I really took it to heart.Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-12381771631007866502013-10-06T14:06:00.001-07:002013-10-06T14:06:12.906-07:00A year on<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="webkit-fake-url://3FDA91AF-BE3B-4169-BAD0-FC4A63E76F2E/imagejpeg" /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Well I did it. A whole year has passed since my old friend died. A year in which</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I plumbed the depths of sorrow and soared to the dizzy heights of unimaginable joy. I wish he could have shared that with me, the weddings the ordination. The completion of the journey he kept me company on, but I know he'd be so proud. When you lose someone you love it leaves a huge gap in your life but a year on I still find myself thinking of how he'd react what he might say, and so I can empathise totally with bereaved families , I've been there! These past two weeks have been manic both weeks I had believe it or not four funerals and a wedding! I also attended the " flourishing ministries" conference on Wednesday and Thursday and actually paid a tenner yes ten pounds for one glass (ordinary size) of winE!!!!! Next time I take my own. It was depressing stuff by 2020 there'll be less than half the ministers needed to fill posts. And generally morale seemed low ( hence the need for wine!) at the first wedding I conducted a week past on Saturday I got one of the nicest compliments I've ever had. A guest said to me " you really enjoyed that didn't you! I just looked at you and thought she's really enjoying this, and you made it so comfortable for everyone. It's so special the feeling that you're where God wants you to be even though everything else is falling apart ( we're about to have youngest child and her husband moving in temporarily but apparently it's very trendy, they're called boomerang children. Gods got my back .? I know that for sure ! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-21966127377732757892013-09-24T23:39:00.001-07:002013-09-24T23:45:20.664-07:00ReflectingWhen God says something is wrong, it's wrong! You don't need to rationalise, make excuses or feel sorry for yourself. You just need to agree, ask His forgiveness and get it out of your life. Who gets the prize? Those who pay the price! Paul knew he couldn't win the race without first bringing his body, mind and emotions under the control of God's Spirit. The same goes for you. And you can't expect somebody else to make you do what's right; you must listen to what God's saying to you, and take action. ( Hebrews) that was my reading for today as I wrestled with a dilemma! Ordination brings responsibilities, the vows we take are awesome and being out there in the full glare of the general public ( especially in a collar) really brings an awareness of how your behaviour is perceived by others. So why is it than even when you make the right decision, and know its the right decision and you couldn't do anything else you don't feel totally blessed/overjoyed etc, you just feel crap! As I've worked and embraced the whole aspect of " being a minister" theses last months I've such a feeling of realisation that this was what I was put on this earth for and that IS such a privilege, joy and yes "calling" I'm also getting to know my weaknesses though and I hear what Gods saying but I'm a work in progress and right now I want to throw a wobbly :(Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-78218818508826864172013-09-15T13:50:00.000-07:002013-09-15T13:50:32.722-07:00Weight lifting!Today we did presbytery Sunday when we all swap about. I went to one of the bigger churches in our nearest ( not a city but bigger than a town) . This particular congregation ( and minister) by their own admission don't like this Sunday. The morning got off to a horrible start we had torrential rain, gales force winds and lots of water on the road. I got road raged by a guy in a motor home who pulled out in front of me gesticulated rudely when I beeped him then tried to intimidate me by tail gating me. Since I was clerically attired I didn't feel it was appropriate to reciprocally retaliate! Anyhow the welcome at church was enthusiastic and very well received. The only challenge was lifting the plate to receive the offering. It is situated in front of the lectern, at the appropriate time the minister lift sit to receive the offering. Well, the minister didn't tell me it weighs a ton!! Once the bags are placed on it is even heavier, there's then a tricky lift up onto the communion table which is on a small dais definately not for the vertically challenged! I did enjoy my visits though and afterwards at the cup of tea I was asked for my phone number by an elderly Italian gentleman who wanted to send me a book of love poems!! Hey ho! A lovely congregation many of whom who took time to remark at the door how God had spoken to them. Rounded off tonight by a songs of praise, all in all a decent day!Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-81321741173814307732013-09-11T07:05:00.001-07:002013-09-11T07:05:38.893-07:00Presbytery swapsThis Sunday will find me in one of the most lively and spirtually aware churches in our presbytery. On this particular Sunday the ministers in the presbytery play musical pulpits and all swap around. This is not a popular Sunday with either ministers or congregations. Some congregations feel they're just getting an old recycled sermon. Ministers get pissed off travelling form one end of the presbytery to the other ( a not inconsiderable distance) I know the congregation I'm going to feels this way because the minister told me so! So no pressure !! I want to take Gods word and lead worship in such a way that the congregation feel blessed and "fed" . Their usual minister is dynamic, down to earth and a hard act to follow so. I'm praying God leads me and fills me with confidence as I lead worship. Feeling nervous already!!!Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-6005232469671116272013-09-07T13:29:00.001-07:002013-09-07T13:29:10.830-07:00Shingles notwithstandingIn spite of having shingles I'm still hanging together and really looking forward to getting back to my"flock' tomorrow. It's such a privilege to share this time with them and I'm becoming quite attached to them, it's a tremendous privilege to be called and feel called and affirmed and I'm looking forward to the next few months and building relationships as the various organisations start up again. Flat Jesus is appearing tomorrow in various photos taken on holiday but it was a mistake asking the youngest child to put together a PowerPoint as she had included so many photos that were a bit questionable? Yes I did try a shisha pipe in Tunisia but it was purely to explore the cultural experience! I did wear a bikini but purely to absorba s much vitami d? For the bones? As possible! In no way could I share such images with my congregation ( bad enough I have a tattoo!! Anyway looking forward to sharing Gods word and worshipping tomorrowLeahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-36101513191714419312013-09-06T13:01:00.000-07:002013-09-06T13:01:15.988-07:00Post HolidaySo I've not posted for ages and so much has happened. Holiday to Tunisia was spectacular though I was seriously concerned I might come home with a collection of camels for my beautiful daughter. It was a strange experience lying by the pool in temperatures in the high thirties wearing bikinis, side by side with women in full Burka going in the pool a dichotomy indeed! Also strange when other holiday makers asked as you do " what do you do" and seeing the reaction when the response is I'm a minister! We spent a night in the desert taking in a Bedouin camp and visiting the Berber caves driving to the Sahara on our air conditioned bus looking out at shanty town settlements was disturbing. Tough we did visit the set of the original Star Wars film, unfortunately in the middle of an unbelievable sandstorm through which you could see nothing. The strange thing is we took loads of photos and they are completely clear!! Came home feeling great, refreshed and........... Got shingles!!!! How did that happen. Anyhow back in harness sermon done Friday night glass of wine!Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-59065072036370090912013-08-20T01:23:00.002-07:002013-08-20T01:23:55.146-07:00drug smuggling?<div class="MsoNormal">
I have just come started two weeks holiday
(yes I know I never go on holiday!!) But it has been a long and very eventful
year and I feel in need of a bit of R&R! So with that in
mind Bex and I are off on a Spa break for three days then we fly from Glasgow
airport to Tunisia for a week! (yes I’m
flying too! Amazing what ordination does for you!) Having said that, perhaps a break is in order as, last week, I
“sleep phoned” Bex at 3 in the morning. I was <i>dreaming</i> I was phoning her, imagine my horror when I realised the
phone was actually ringing out in my ear. I quickly hung up hoping she hadn’t
heard but of course she woke up and at that time in the morning her first
thought was some disaster had befallen the family. I can only say I was not
popular next day. That was followed by a night where I ground my teeth so hard
I actually loosened the roots!!! A visit to the dentist confirmed my crown was
ok but I’d damaged the root! So a couple of weeks of soft food and antibiotic ( the kind where consumption of alcohol at the same time is apparently worse than death!) A week layer I was immensely reassured when Rebekah’s boss (my dentist) said my teeth looked a bit better but in any event, Bex could take
some stuff with her when we go on holiday (just in case my crown dropped out!) <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rebekah has, however, vetoed that idea as the cement used is a fine white powder and she’s not prepared
to take the risk of going through customs with that <i>anywhere</i> in her luggage! Hardly the act of a loving daughter!<o:p></o:p></div>
Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-41770439377881326382013-08-11T22:59:00.000-07:002013-08-11T22:59:43.491-07:00DoldrumsI've been a bit low this past couple of weeks ( unusual for me especially when Holly the dogs dads been away and all is peace with just me and my dog!) but it was exactly round this time sat year my Dear Oldster began to really decline and my role as carer became pretty much full time. Coincidentally it oincided with the childrens summer holiday club which starts today. This is at the church I was attached to and because I'd committed to it last year I am running it again this year and I'm annoyed ! I'm annoyed that the minister I worked with for eight years and never had disagreement with. Has got my hackles up. He's never been then most organised person but that was never a problem cos I was there to pick up behind him , but now I'm locum with responsibilities and commitments elsewhere I'm hacked off at his lack f support and assumption that everything will work out ok ( mainly because we all run around making sure it is!) I'm also two of my best team down so coupled with that and the overwhelming memories I have of all that was happening ths time lat year I don't feel at my best for this. Been thinking I never really took time to grieve. So its all still there. I nursed him till his last breath. A week after the funeral I was at my probationary placement, then study and conferences, weddings, my ordination the year flew past at an alarming rate. I know tht without God beside me beneath me around me below me above me I couldn't have managed. And I love love love what I'm called to do as someone said at church yesterday it's a great fit!<br />
But in spite of that I'm still annoyed that ths week I'm going to run myself ragged organising a totally disorganised collegue ! Grrr need grace in abundance<br />
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<br />Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-16331526653006604532013-07-23T14:06:00.001-07:002013-07-23T14:06:30.097-07:00I am a woman!<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today I embarked on some Parish visitation at request of elder ( wearing my clerical collar as I was visiting elderly house bounds) at the first visit I was greeted by very elderly lady with zimmer who exclaimed on opening the door to me, ( my god yer a wumman!)in other words goodness gracious me you are a female ( for the benefit of the non Scots ) she invited me in, talked non stop, stated in no uncertain terms that she didn't hold with women ministers ( or doctors) refused my offer of a prayer, thanked me for coming told me to come agin as she enjoyed the chat! I crossed the road feeling somewhat bamboozled to visit another elderly lady, and the experience couldn't have been more different. Her daughter who happened to be there opened the door and exclaimed " oh she will be so pleased to see you" and she was. We had a blether and a prayer, and I promised to call again!</span>Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-29290941272367503122013-07-17T12:00:00.002-07:002013-07-17T12:01:32.178-07:00Happy birthday RevGalBlogPalsDetermined as I was to give birth before my thirtieth. My daughter andi only have four days between our birthdays and the whole week seems to be a ause for celebration and at some point in the week we have spa break. Some girl chillin time, lots of wine good food great company. It just so happens this is next week:)<br />
For RevGals of which I've been a member for just a short time my wish would be to meet up for friendship fellowship girl chillin timeLeahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-91563957258109669522013-07-15T14:10:00.000-07:002013-07-15T14:11:09.673-07:00First BaptismFirst baptism accomplished and no damage! I had a wonderful welcome to church on Sunday, my first as an ordained minister and wearing my collar with pride if somewhat self consciously! The congregation surprised we with a congratulatory beautiful bouquet of flowers and some very kind words. My daughter came along to lend some moral support and after the service commented on how much she enjoyed it and how confident I seemed during the baptism ( I was really nervous!) but the family were lovely and the baby was a wee star. Sitting in the vestry beforehand I was overwhelmed by a feeling of complete and utter joy and also thankfulness that God doesn't call the enabled he enables the called and He has been with me every step if the way. This congregation I'm locumming for apparently would like me as their minister ( very encouraging for me but sadly not possible) but I know that at the moment I'm in the place God wants me to be and He's put me there for a reason. Lucy the dogs Dad asked me if I felt different now and I think I do but whole lot of reflecting needs to be done on last week when I come down to earth again. As well as my excitement the other ministering the house celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination on Friday so we have been inundated with flowers cake and alcohol! Looking at the photo on the front of his order of service from 25 years ago its apparent theres some two thirds of him that haven't been ordained! He's certainly three times the man he was then!Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-56168620130251885102013-07-10T16:11:00.001-07:002013-07-10T16:11:31.047-07:00Wow'Am truly humbled by tonight, I simply can't believe how God has empowered me, enabled, sustained me and upheld me and tonight I have been quite simply blessed, blessed by thoe who have accompanied me and blessed by those who have joined me on this momentous journey. Through thick and thin. I am awestruck to everyone who made this day so vey special? Thank youLeahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-15230429494419808462013-07-09T12:21:00.000-07:002013-07-09T12:21:30.791-07:00On the brinkI've felt strangely detached and a bit emotional today, as I stand on the brink of ordination. Conscious of the responsibility of God's call on my life and that even though I'll still be the same person tomorrow night. I will be different and always looked upon as different, called and set apart to stand in the place of Christ. Will I feel different I wonder. This has been a long day, and I've reflected quite a bit on the path that led here. The ups and downs, those who shared so much of my journey and who are no longer here. It's been strange too receiving letters and cards addressed to "Rev" cos now there are two of us! The one constant and faithful companion who has been before me behind me, above me, below me and beside, still upholds encourages, strengthens and empowers me. Thank you Lord.Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-40925567756123428682013-07-08T14:22:00.001-07:002013-07-08T14:22:27.810-07:00Two sleepsVery busy week last week culminating in swapping pulpits with my interim moderator because here was a baptism where I'm locum. He must have the most scenic picturesque parish on Scotland especially yesterday, driving along the coast with the sun out . The congregations were lovely ( though no one told me there was a radio mike at the first church and the woman on Bilble carrying in duty ws less than welcoming. After second service the interim modertor turned up on his way home to see how the innovative cup of tea tht was threatening to divide thechurch! (Don't ask)! And he told me they ant me as their minister where I'm locum ing which is very affirming for me though sadly not possible! Discovered after service there were at least three other ministers in the. Ongregation and a couple of them shred they felt the message was very relevant to their situations at the minute which I was reall encourage by, so two sleeps I feel quite calm at the moment but my ma arrives on Wednesday ...... .. Not good ........<br />
<br />Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-40651537691065775582013-07-05T14:55:00.000-07:002013-07-05T14:55:06.449-07:00Long day Been a long day with two funerals one this morning and a huge one this afternoon. Must admit when I walked out to face more thn 500 people I nearly got stage fright! But then I sensed God right beside me saying this is what I called you to and immediately I felt at peace. Have had so many positive comments from people who were there and feel really blessed. Also got sorted with baptismal font. My lovely church officer is having moved from the plinth onto the floor so not need to worry about me being vertically challenged just need to worry about the liturgy!Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-23672621291858485042013-07-03T14:50:00.003-07:002013-07-03T14:50:49.392-07:00Interim moderatorHad a meeting with my interim moderator this morning who confirmed that my present congregation are thrilled to have me (as I am to be with them) we discussed the complication of everyone knowing who you are and chatting away as if you should know them and ow awkward it could sometimes be, but it does get easier as you see the same people week y week! Then just happened to bump into a parishioner in the supermarket who rushed across to say how well may sermons are going down and also as a parting remark its been noticed I have a tattoo on my ankle ( o my). Busy busy week with three funerals one tomorrow two on Friday and all the preparation not to mention Sundays service but hey I've an ordination next week I am walking on air! Those who Walton the Alford shall renew their strength they shall rise on wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint! ( must admit though I am a bit tired!)<br />
<br />Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-4110477854294182092013-07-01T02:25:00.000-07:002013-07-01T02:25:15.183-07:00Counting the daysI feel very humbled and also affirmed by the comments after yesterday's service. They like me! But more importantly I feel a great sense of being just where God wants me to be at this time, and really feel that He is using me. On a practical level only ten days till my ordination and I feel a great desire to withdraw and " be still" before God. This is unlikely to happen as I'm doing pastoral cover for two two neighbouring parishes as well as my own and already have three funerals, and its only Monday! Also had a look at the baptismal font yesterday. I'm only 4foot 11. The font is a lot 4 and a half feet tall, its set on a plinth (about a foot high) I'm slightly panicking, will have to investigate further on Thursday before funeral as I have first baptism four days after ordination!Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-88948808488059124782013-06-27T14:32:00.000-07:002013-06-27T14:32:15.012-07:00OfficialIt's official now. My ordination date agreed at presbytery last night is 10 July!!! Less than two weeks away. As it was called I was aware of a whole host of butterflies taking flight in my stomach, and now I'm nervous and in awe of the responsibility of my calling but I am so excited that a new journey is about to begin. I also have my first baptism booked for the 14th of July. So now on to the practicalities of holding a wriggling baby, saying the words and sprinkling the water at the same time as trying to look like you know what you're doing! Eeek!<br />
<br />Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-59755651285070901102013-06-26T02:29:00.000-07:002013-06-26T02:29:40.422-07:00Two weeks! Only two weeks to go and I feel challenged excited and at peace, It still doesn't seem quite real and asi look back at my journal from last are and see just how much my life has changed I am so thankful that God has been with me supporting me and keeping me in the hollow of His hand through trauma and joy. I still miss my Oldie more than I ever imagined and I know how proud he would have been and thou I got through both childrens weddings dry eyed I think my ordination might be rather more emotional! I've been conscious these last weeks of time flying by and so dipped again into Henri Nouens book a silence and a shoutin ( out of solitude) a bery short book of reflections leading into time spent in quietness and contemplation. It's easy to let " busyness crowd God out"Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109096891440425141.post-89873347106074198142013-06-24T14:10:00.002-07:002013-06-24T14:10:24.009-07:00Weddingd outSo I am now totally weddinged out! Had a super day at middle child's wedding so now all my offspring are married though two within a couple of months was a bit much! One of the nice things though was having the whole family ( all ten of us! ) together again so soon, totally unheard of! I must say I did question the wisdom of not taking the Sunday off when I was still up at 2 am! As I left to take the service I heard the youngest child take breakfast orders I was glad I had to go to church:) I was completely thrown when I looked down from the pulpit and spotted amongst the regular worshippers my oldest friend and her husband ( he's the most critical person I know) but I subdued the butterflies leaned back on God and just felt totally supported by the Holy Spirit! It's so true that when we are at our weakest God can use us most. The service went so well, to the point where our new brilliant young organist got so carried away during "for all the saints" he played an extra verse which we all sat down and listened to dont you just love it when theorgaistis so enthralled he gets lost in the moment! The congregation have welcomed me so warmly I feel very much at home and comfortable with them. It's also very humbling but really affirming when they tell you over your cup of tea that the miser on struck a real chord with them. I'm now only two weeks away from ordination and have never felt more convinced of Gods calling on<br />
My life and the responsibility, enormity and privilege. On a lighter note Lucy the dogs dad thought my outfit for the wedding on Saturday would be perfect to wear on the night! Now is this for reason of economy or was he being sincere........<br />
<br />Leahthedoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977513290667721185noreply@blogger.com1