First Freeze Haiku

an aching branch lays
down its burden; snow and sap

crack, its last exhale

Thanks to the internet and whoever took the pics for sharing these!

No Words

So, I've been back from Venezuela a little over a week now, and I have not yet posted anything about my experiences (later today I'll add a sermon with some response on In Praise of Sophia, and I'm working on another short piece to be added soon). Mostly, I think I haven't posted because I cannot put the depth of spiritual encounter into words.

For now, I can only offer this last stanza from the song "The Afterlife" on Paul Simon's latest album, So Beautiful or So What. 

Seriously, "all that remains when you try to explain is a fragment of song..."

After you climb up the ladder of time
The Lord God is near
Face-to-face in the vastness of space
Your words disappear
And you feel like you’re swimming in an ocean of love
And the current is strong
But all that remains when you try to explain
Is a fragment of song
Lord, is it Be Bop a Lula? Or ooh Papa Doo?
Lord, Be Bop a Lula? Or ooh Papa Doo?
Be Bop a Lula

Medical Mission

Early tomorrow morning I leave on my first adventure beyond the USA. It's a medical mission trip with members of my regional church (Rocky Mountain Conference, UCC) and the Disciples of Christ. For 15 years we've been in relationship with the UEPV (Evangelical Pentecostal Union of Venezuela)--we've had more than 20 trips together. This time, 11 of us will travel to join with them for various medical clinics in rural areas.

I ask prayers for this time--for me, for my colleagues, for our churches, for the individuals we'll meet. Prayers for open hearts and open spirits, that we all may grow together. Thank you in advance.

Venezuelan Medical Mission Trip

a very basic outline of our “flexible” itinerary (with open space for “as needed”)

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Denver, Colorado, USA àMaracaibo, Venezuela

Thursday

Get acquainted with UEPV (Unión Evangélica Pentecostal Venezolana), our partner denominationàteam orientation

Friday

            MaracaiboàPortuguesa, worship at dedication of new church

Saturday

            Medical clinic at Mountain of Zion Church (no hospital in community)

            Worship at Los Maria Church and celebrate pastor’s 80^th birthday

Sunday

            Medical clinic at Peritu at Betty’s House

            Worship and dedication of another new church

Monday

            àBarquisimeto

Tuesday

            àMaracaibo

Wednesday

            àWayuu (indigenous community) clinic and ceremonies

Thursday

            TBA

Friday, October 14, 2011

            MaracaiboàDenver

At Home

The Abbey of the Arts periodically hosts a "poetry party." Today, the offering asks, "What does the metaphor of "going home" evoke for you?  What are the longings that autumn stirs in your heart?" Below is my response. May God bless all of our "homes" -- those from which we come, and those we create now. Join the party!

At Home

At home there is a river

that, over too much time

for memory, niched

its way through a mountain,

making a way where there was

no way. At home that river

feeds leafy flesh so rich

they age to majestic purples

this dusky time of year. At home

my parents also survive on

that river’s passage, but

their veins grow thick through

papery skin losing its pinkish hue.

At home the leaves will fall

into the river’s flow, be swept through

a mountain gap and into mulch. At

home they will one day be one

with the mountain and trees

and, eventually, no longer be

in memory.

Seeking What?

RevGal Jan posted today's Friday Five: Seeking What?

I was struck in our weekly Lectio Divina group by a few verses from Psalm 105:3-4:

. . . let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 
Seek the Lord and his strength; 
seek his presence continually.

Seeking is rejoicing. Rejoicing comes from the seeking, NOT the end of glory, heaven, enlightenment, or whatever. Seeking is the journey--RIGHT NOW!

So for this Friday Five, list what you are seeking, whether it is trivial, profound, or ordinary--whatever you would like to share! List 5 and add a bonus if you feel like it!

~~~~~~~~~~~             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What am I seeking? So many things, but for today in particular....

1. A homily for tomorrow's wedding. I began one, but I don't know if I'm following the Spirit with it or not. So I need to "let it lay" for a little while and come back to it and listen again. 

2. Some peace from time-anxiety. Do I have enough time to spend "playing" with my parents today? Or do I need to focus? Either way, I seek the peace. 

3. Connection.

4. The willingness to just be in this beautiful place (Vermont mountains, GREEN, winding roads...it's like home).

5. More peace and grace and wisdom and... God.