Do I look different, act different or sound any different?  Three folks before and after church today addressed me as "Reverend-to-be".  It's fun and I confess to liking it.  I even admit that I've been mulling over a new moniker that, should I use it, I'm shamelessly 'ganking' from someone else, just because it sounds cool and fits with how formation is going:

"Rev-2-B-DMC".

That 'to be' part resonates with me due to counsel received from my spiritual director.  We've moved from meeting roughly every other week to now once a month.  And this last time she encouraged me to take time before starting at the Big Old Seminary to "just be".  Don't feel like you have to do anything.  Just Be.

So, with a hat tip to now Rev Mibi, I might just try this on awhile and see how it fits.  Rev-2-B-DMC.  Hmmm.

After a great day of golf and fellowship with Heart Of My Heart and O Rector Our Rector, I had Altar Guild business to honor before returning home to a wonderful meal HOMH had prepared for her parents who were visiting.  They'd actually come over to 'hold down the fort' at the Casa and keep the puppies company since we were away most of the day.  My in-laws are staying with other family in the area, however Amazing Niece was packing to depart for Milan, Italy this evening (HOMH joins here there in 12 days).  There was likely much already going on in that household, and better to make folks to make as much space as possible due to that accompanied it.

Anyway, I went to church to iron albs for clergy for tomorrow's Saturday 4th of July liturgy and Sunday's services, lay out other vestments, and set the chapel for the Hispanic congregation's Sunday morning eucharist.  I was schedule as part of the special Friday Altar Guild crew to ready Grace for the weekend, but had an "OMG" moment as I realized aforementioned golf conflicted with previous committed church obligation.  Thankfully, Madam Guild President and crew leader was very understanding and granted me special dispensation if I would agreed to do vestments and set up for La Gracia.  No problemo!

So while I was setting the altar in the St. John's Chapel, I sensed I was not alone.  There was something stirring, moving about, disrupting my attention and causing a slight distraction.  There was a bit of unease creeping in until I realized there really was something stirring about.  As I slowly and quietly moved from behind the altar, down the aisle toward the door, my ear finally zeroed in on the point of rustling.  There.  In the corner.  In that bag.  I moved in carefully, and with a quick tug, grabbed the cloth handles of the tote bag and scurried out the door, down the steps, and out the building.  I wasn't sure if I'd apprehended the culprit.  I slowly unpacked the bag.  One grocery bag.  Another.  Then another. And finally a box.

There you are!

A little gray critter scurried away from the scene, across the parking lot fire lane to the center island, and into the tree.  I waved goodbye as I watched the tiny church mouse flee from me to seek haven elsewhere.  I was glad he got away unharmed, and that it had been that easy.  It was a nice way to end my day before returning home.  Just another sign of God's Grace.  Thank you, Lord, for your mercy is great! 

*  Played at http://www.slide.com/ to create latest picture show (see earlier post).
*  Had two priest friends tell me separately I should explore field work parish sites in Washington, D.C.
*  Even with Genesis 22 as the OT lesson at the WNC's noon day eucharist, you can preach without "The Lord Will Provide".
*  Sticker shock from text books for classes at the Big Old Seminary was deferred to another day - there were lots of empty shelves.
*  Glad for an understanding AG President/Crew Leader who 'rolls with it' when a crew member forgets about a golfing conflict.
*  Still loving having a convertible - I'm a ragtop man through and through.
*  6 weeks and counting until August Term begins with Biblical Greek & Oral Interpretation of Scripture.
*  Good dinner with good friends without an ounce of alcohol for anyone - who knew?

These are a few pics from the Postulancy Retreat last weekend.  Just something to remember it ... 
</div></div>
This music seemed too good to pass up:  

"I was born by the river in a little tent, and Oh just like that river, I've been running ever since.  It's been a long, long time coming, but I know a Change is gonna come.  Whoa, Yes It Will."

Here's today's scripture reference and prayer from "God's Minute", a book published in 1916 that contains 365 daily prayers sixty seconds long for home worship "by the most eminent preachers and laymen in the English speaking world":

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.--1 Tim. 3: 9.

     We extol Thee, O Lord, our King, as we present ourselves before Thee, through the merits of Jesus Christ, Who by His cross and precious blood, hath redeemed us from our sin.  We humbly beseech Thee, O merciful Father, to pardon our offenses against Thee and Thy Holy Law; to create within us a clean heart and a right spirit; to cause the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts to be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer.  We bless Thy Holy Name, our Father, for Thy manifold and unceasing goodness unto us.  We owe to Thee the temporal blessings of our lives, and all the opportunities we have for usefulness and happiness.  Enable us, by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may enjoy and use these, and all Thy good gifts in a worthy and acceptable manner.  Be compassionate, O God, toward all the suffering, sorrowing, and sinning ones.  Be the comforter of the aged, the guide of the young, the wisdom of all who teach, the ruler of all who govern, the light of all who are in darkness -- the Saviour of all mankind.  Hasten, O Lord, Thy glorious appearing, and number us among those who shall receive at Thy right hand the crown of glory that fadeth not away.  Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Rev. M. C. MacLean, B.A.,
Toronto, Ont., Canada   

More so today than any other day since I said "Yes" to God, the Eucharist felt different to me.  I sensed the Spirit of the Lord moving in me, around me, and through me in a way I had never experienced before.  While there was intentionality in everything I did, there was a fluid nature to everything I felt.  No rushing roar, but no quiet silence either.  It was more like a lazy, babbling brook of comfort and peace. God's Grace was washing over me to begin a change in me.  There were no scrubbing bubbles, no harsh brushing of the heart and flesh, no circumcision, although that may yet come.  Be that as it may.  This has only begun and it is far from being accomplished.  

Today's liturgy and the homily which focused on facing risk and stepping out in faith has recast my eyes and transformed my sight.  I do see, feel and believe God wants me in a new and different way to continue to spread the Good News while beginning to celebrate the sacraments with others.  

This weekend, we have been considering Call, Community and Change.  The change is underway and will continue.  Now it all begins.  I am ready, Lord.  I am clay in your hands.  Use you potter's wheel to craft me into whatever kind of vessel you would have me be to serve and honor you.  I am your servant, seeking to do Thy Will, and to be part of your great works.  Mold me, bend me, make me, shape me.  Be gentle if you can, and firm when you must.  I love you, Lord, and I thank you.  Always, and in all ways.  Amen.      

"You belong to the Bishop now."

That's pretty much what the diocesan representatives (Chair of the Commission on Ministry/Committee on Priesthood and the Coordinator of the Ordination Process) told us this afternoon at our retreat.  Once I was accepted by Bishop Johnston as a postulant for Holy Orders in the Diocese of Virginia, I ceased being a representative of my presenting parish, Grace.  Lord Willing, and the creek don't rise, I will now always belong to some bishop, either here in VA or someplace else.

The image of "The Tent of Meeting" has resonated with me on retreat this weekend.  In the Book of Exodus, at Mount Sinai, The Lord provided Moses instructions to construct a portable tent-like sanctuary which would serve as the central place of worship for the people of Israel (Exodus 25-30).  The sanctuary was called both the "Tabernacle" ("dwelling") and the "Tent of Meeting."  The Israelites carried the Tent of Meeting with them as they traveled through the wilderness from Mount Sinai to Canaan.  Once Solomon completed construction of the first Temple in Jerusalem, the Tabernacle was no longer needed or used (1 Kings 6). 

As I greeted the COM/COP Chair today, I mentioned I was beginning to "pull up my tent pegs" at Grace.  He recalled the committee had expressed their concern for me doing that after having been at Grace for almost 29 years.  I, in turn, replied, "That was your concern, not mine".  I'd already come to terms with the fact this journey in discernment, call, community and change meant God was calling me/us forth into new ministry and away from Grace.

So I've been remembering places where my Tent of Meeting with God has been pitched:

• St. Luke's, East Greenwich RI - it was there I was baptized at age 7;
• St. Christopher's, Springfield VA - the place where I was confirmed as an adult in the church; and
• Grace, Alexandria - where I made my marriage vows, reaffirmed my Baptismal Covenant, and accepted my call.  

I've begun taking down my tent at Grace to move on to the Big Old Seminary, eventually move to a field work parish and Mid-Atlantic Parish Training site, and later, The Lord Willing and God's People consenting, to be ordained and begin ministry in a new tent locale.  The Tent of Meeting is huge, and my part of that is more like a canopy.  But I do believe God will have a place for me in it as a priest in the church.  

The opportunities ahead excite me!  Today as we read through the examination of a Priest today, we began to consider the places of Comfort or Challenge we hear and feel in the vows we accept now as postulants.  I truly hope to realize the fruition of God's Call of me to be ordained priest.  Each time I said "I Will", my inner voice added "Only by God's Grace and Only With God's Help".  But that conviction is now firmly established like a tent peg that has been sunk deep into the ground as an anchor and a tether.  

Yes.  "I Will". 

This weekend, I'll be away at the Roslyn Episcopal Conference and Retreat Center just outside Richmond.  I'm attending a Priesthood Postulancy Formation Retreat which is mandatory.  My friend J, another postulant for Holy Orders and a fellow parishioner from Grace, is going also so we're riding down together.  It will give us a chance to compare notes regarding classes at the Big Old Seminary starting in September. 

The retreat leader is the rector of the church in which I grew up.  Although she wasn't there during my time, we have met.  As a 'test seeker', I helped a discernment committee there to form for work with their candidate pursuing a call to the vocational diaconate.  I later joined that committee, and was thrilled recently to hear LM is moving forward, having already completed half the requirements of this new ministry formation process.  Besides SG leading the weekend, the soon-to-be-diocesan Bishop will be there at least part of the time.  Yes, there's a little of that "out of the pan and into the fire' aspect to this weekend.  I'll be meeting peers in the process along with the authority of our church and diocese.  But it is what it is.  Or will be what it will be.

Something becoming more and more a conscious thought for me is field work parishes.  During the first year, seminarians visit parishes other than their own as possible work sites for ministry training in the second and third year.  It should be a place that is different from what I already know and have grown comfortable in at Grace.  We actually visited one during the installation of the new vicar, but I may have to rule that out since a family member worships there.  But the preacher of the service, a former assistant at Grace, said she would love to have me at St. F's.  Last night, I realized a neighborhood parish I walk by each day could be a possibility.  And there's always St. C's.  But more importantly, this serves as a reality check that tent pegs are beginning to be pulled up as changes loom in our future.  As much as I protest when O Rector my rector talks of our leaving Grace, he's accepting the change, releasing me in his own way, and preparing us to go out.

I'm excited about this weekend.  And just a bit nervous.  But that's because there's so much of me that God still needs to work on and through.  Saying 'yes' by no means says I'm ready for any of this.  But I believe "the Lord does not call those who are fit; the Lord makes fit those who are called."  And one thing I do know in my heart:  God called me, Grace is sending me, so I'm going.   

There was much about Michael Jackson's life that I and countless many found very troubling, even outright disturbing.  And to say he was an incredibly graceful talent in a strange shape-shifting shell would be a gross understatement.  Its likely much of his youthful innocence was lost early on due to fame, fortune and his family.  Controversy seemed to haunt him during much of his later years.  But please do not deny that this man was gifted.  

I grew up watching and listening to the Jackson 5, and later Michael as a solo artist and collaborator with other amazing talents.  I will admit here and now - I like much of MJ's music.  To see and hear the reaction of the world to the news of his passing today is quite amazing, whether you cared for him or not.  Certainly he was not everyone's cup of tea, but Jackson grew from a pop star into a cultural icon.  At times, he appeared to be a humanitarian with a child's heart who was at odds with his own humanity.  

But what I think I'll choose to remember best was the respect and admiration a truly remarkable dancer, perhaps the greatest the world had ever seen, paid to MIchael Jackson: 

                                “Oh, God! That boy moves in a very exceptional way. That’s
                                         the greatest dancer of the century”. - Fred Astaire

                                “I didn’t want to leave this world without knowing who my descendant
                                   was. Thank you Michael!” - Fred Astaire (shortly before his death)

Jackson most definitely could move.  No doubt about that.  His videos are available all throughout the internet.  But check out some of the home videos on YouTube.com where the King of Pop obviously inspired Joe Q Public to have fun, sing and dance, and spread a little joy.  Amidst all the troubles of his amazing but bizarre life, and the sorrows of this time, MJ sowed seeds of joy all around the world.  Here's one I really like.  Of course, it's at a wedding reception.  Enjoy! 


Rest in peace, Michael, and sing and dance in Heaven.

Times are tough and money is tight?  Yeah.  Okay.  Seminary is coming.

But tell us that this year's Virgin Fest is FREE and SURE, we'll be there!
                              
        

August 30th, the Rocker Chicks and Cool Dudes ride again!  Keep on rockin' in the free world!  WOO HOO!

It's Futbol to most of the world.  Soccer to us in the United States.  Known as the 'Beautiful Game' everywhere, it is the world's greatest sport!

The United States of America Men's International side just defeated the top-ranked team in the world - Spain - 2-0 to gain a berth in the FIFA Confederations Cup Final vs. either Brazil or South Africa.  The Spaniards' 15-game winning streak has fallen!  It was a tough match, hard fought, and well earned!  The USA men have stunned the FIFA global community and SHOCKED THE ENTIRE WORLD!!!

THIS.  IS.  HUGE  !!!

I cannot wait to play with the Fighting Friars at the Big Old Seminary.  I absolutely love this game!  WOO HOO!!

Today, June 24th, we commemorate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus Christ, as a feast day in the Christian Church.

From the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, according to St. Luke (1: 57-80): 

"When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.  Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John."  They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name."  Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child.  He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John."

                                                  
                                                Russian icon of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

"Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.  The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things.  Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him."

"His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

      "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
       because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

       He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
       in the house of his servant David

       (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

       salvation from our enemies
       and from the hand of all who hate us—

       to show mercy to our ancestors
       and to remember his holy covenant,

       the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

       to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
       and to enable us to serve him without fear

       in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

       And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
       for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

       to give his people the knowledge of salvation
       through the forgiveness of their sins,

       because of the tender mercy of our God,
       by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

       to shine on those living in darkness
       and in the shadow of death,
       to guide our feet into the path of peace."

And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel."

Prepare ye The Way of The Lord.

Sorry.  My very best John Wayne sounds better (not really) than it appears in writing.

Our fifth Journey To Adulthood (J2A) Pilgrimage group from Grace is readying to leave Thursday morning for Washington State.  The theme of their journey is the "Fill-In-The-Blank" Tour.  Like most 14- and 15-year young people, they can be indecisive from time to time.  So they've opted to let the Spirit carry them wherever they go, into whatever they do, in any way, shape or form.  So, basically, they're making it up as they go along.  And that's okay.  

Heart Of My Heart and I met with Pilgrim Numero Uno (#1, the big Kahuna, Master Planner, and Logistician extraordinaire) last Saturday to brainstorm over lunch some 'fill-in-the blank' activities should the Spirit be willing but the flesh be weak in the younger ones (or even the older ones). We came up with some cool stuff, not all of which they will likely do, but they have options now (part of that 'choices & decisions' stuff).  Unfortunately, I was crass enough to tell P#1 this would be the first pilgrimage without HOMH or me or both of us along for the adventure.  Yeah, that was helpful. Oh Shut Up!  But A will be fine, and all shall be well.  I know I'm just a little sad we're not going with them because we love this stuff!

Today during my morning walk, I realized I was wearing my T-shirt memento from our initial pilgrimage to the Southwestern United States (NM & AZ).  A, HOMH and I were the three 'grups' (grown-ups) to accompany four girls and three boys.  The official theme of that first journey was "The Spirit in US."  It ultimately included a long train trip out, two separate mini-vans with walkie-talkie communications while putzing around, and a delayed flight back home.  Like many outings, this one developed a silliness to it along the way, so the unofficial name was the "Crazy Like A Fox" Tour.  My shirt purchase came as we navigated through the Hopi Nation Reservation and stopped at the Hopi Silver Arts & Craft Shop on the Second Mesa (AZ).  The front has a stylized Indian feather with various symbols for nature, rain, crops and harvest.  The back is a map of the three Hopi mesas and villages.  The scripture which carried us forth came the prophet Nehemiah: "Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert" (Neh 9: 19).  

The second J2A group went to Rome (A & HOMH), the third to Scotland (A & me), and the fourth to Germany (HOMH only).  My memento from the Scotland pilgrimage was a small engraved prayer stone from the isle of Iona.  That, being a place of my ancestry, was very special and moving for me, and most definitely a 'thin place where God is very near".  I truly hope I can return someday and take Heart Of My Heart with me.

We are all on the Pilgrims' Way.  Now and Always.  Seeking to know God more completely.   Wanting to connect with God more fully.  Hoping to better understand our own faith and to learn to articulate it with others.  To 'Go Out into all the World and Preach The Gospel'.  May God's disclosure of Himself and His Truth be known to each and every one of them on their pilgrimage.  As the "Fill-In-The Blank" Tour prepares to journey out, please pray for: Stephen, Christina, Sloane, Julia, Lauren, Ben, Heather, Mitchell, Erin, Skye and their adult leaders Alison, Robbie, Ashley and Bill.  They travel from June 25th through July 5th.  

That was O Rector My Rector's comment to me during coffee hour yesterday.

Last week while I was away to Florida, the first summer combined church service celebrated Youth Sunday.  The Rector often uses this service dedicated to and led by the young people of the parish as his opportunity to thank the adults who'd worked with the kids of Grace.  There are many laborers in the vineyard, with more hands available (and needed) to tend to the harvest that is our youth.  Heart Of My Heart and I have been blessed to find ministry among our youngest members, many times learning so much more from them than we could ever impart to them.  As the next chapter of our lives (for HOMH and me) is about to commence with the start of seminary, the seasons of change start taking on more significance than just the heat of the day and the humidity in the air.  Last week, the Rector called HOMH forward to recognize her many talents and gifts in ministry over the years.  He caught me this week. 

In each instance, we were presented lovely framed pictures taken by our resident parish photographer.  They are beautiful images of the Nave, one at the crossing looking from the John the Baptist shelf on the Gospel side across the pulpit, steps to the High Altar, and lectern to the Lady Altar and Blessed Virgin Mary shelf.  The other, also at the crossing, looks up from the middle to the great arch and rood beam of the chancel.  In both, the church is adorned for Christmas which is significant to each of us, and both of us.  Heart Of My Heart was Christmas President of the Altar Guild before we became an item and began courting.  We were married in early January with the church still dressed in all the hanging greens, wreaths and glorious poinsettias.  Later, I also was Christmas President of the Altar Guild. 

Yesterday, we were sent out from the service for a Home Communion visit.  We've done this a few times before, but now I find myself wishing we'd done it this way ('sent out two-by-two') all along.  I led the office, HOMH read the lesson, we both spoke of the sermon preached about Confidence, and I administered the bread.  This was yet another tangible example of how this is not my ministry, but it is our shared ministry.  She is my biggest advocate.  I am her best helper.  We go well together. 

Someone commented recently on an earlier post about being challenged to begin seeing myself as a parish priest with "Hatch, match, and dispatch.  Sound about right to me too."  While this typically refers to baptism, marriage and death, I can see it a little differently here.  Heart Of My Heart and I were 'hatched' in marriage, we were 'matched' for ministry, and now we are being 'dispatched' (not too quickly please) to go out into the world as missioners from Grace to work the larger vineyard.  And my constant and ready reply to all of this is and ever will be "Only by God's Grace and Only with God's help".     

Thank you, Grace.  With your grace and God's help, we are created anew.  We love you, now and always.

What a wonderful start to a new week!

A slow and easy rising from restful sleep, some time to be with Heart Of My Heart and love on our baby pup Gibbs.  Welcomed by a bright new day, with blue skies and cool breezes.  The nice drive into the city and back with the top down.  The serenity that fills the air.  Crispy bacon, Cheerios, some yogurt, and good coffee.  And Quiet.  Now this is Peace.

Here's today's scripture reference and prayer from "God's Minute", a book published in 1916 that contains 365 daily prayers sixty seconds long for home worship "by the most eminent preachers and laymen in the English speaking world":

My peace I give unto you.--John 14: 27.

     O Thou Who art the giver of every good and perfect gift, in Whose unfailing love we live and move and have our being, and without Whom we should be poor indeed, enable us, we beseech Thee, to discern even more clearly Thine abounding goodness to us, and as Thou hast made us rich in blessings, make us also rich in gratitude.  We praise Thee, our Father, for those revelations of Thy love with which we are most familiar, and which we are all too prone to forget; for rising and setting suns, and the stars; for clouds and winds and passing seasons; for the outer light in which we walk serenely and dwell securely; and the light within, the true light, which witnesses to our oneness with Thee.  Wilt Thou help us reverently to interpret all our blessings in terms of Thy love.  We thank Thee for our friends and all that friendship has meant to us, and that we may think of ourselves as friends of Jesus Christ.  Wilt Thou help us also to understand what high obligations such friendship lays upon us.  We praise Thee for Thy gift of peace -- that peace which the world cannot give nor take away, the peace of those who have found their sanctuary in the love and goodness of God.  Evermore give us this peace.  In His name, who came to bring us peace.  Amen.

G. Glenn Atkins, D.D., L.L.B.,
Providence, R. I.  

Some of the most important things ever said to me were uttered by Heart Of My Heart: "I love you", "Come grow old with me", and "With all that I am, and all that I have I honor you."  Others, mostly family members have also said "I love you" and it means no less hearing it from them than from HOMH.  But I was really was caught off-guard and humbled with some things I heard today.

"You do relationships."  "You should be a parish priest, and you should have a church where God can use you in ministry."  "You should baptize babies and adults, you should marry couples, and you should bury people."  (Yes, that last part sounded weird, but I understood he meant 'you should bless the dying').  "You are not called for a specialized ministry, but God should place you in a church where you can be with God's people because you are gifted that way."

W. O. W.

This from a dear, dear friend whom I love, admire and cherish.  Was I ever humbled.

Only by God's Grace, and Only with God's help will any of this be possible. 

The Big Old Seminary released materials yesterday to register for August Term, and plan for Fall Semester (1Q/2Q) classes.  The first decision was which Biblical Language to take.  Faculty from the Old/New Testament departments provided a paper to help with making that decision.  I really wanted to take Hebrew, but my practical side had me leaning toward Greek (No RGMcF, I did not take Greek at NVCC).  As I mulled it over, I sounded out some friends:   

MT, a new alum of the BOS offered "If you like a clear set of rules (a whole lot of them) so that if you follow the rules, you get the translation, take Greek. If you're creative, a bit of a poet, think laterally rather than linearly, and enjoy jigsaw puzzles, take Hebrew. I did Greek before I came to seminary (having done Latin in high school back in the Dark Ages) and found it okay but a little boring (blasphemy, right?). I took Hebrew at VTS and adored it. Be aware that your middler year will be a bear, so you may not want to take two languages back to back, IMHO."  Well, I do like jigsaw puzzles.

CW, a rising senior at BOS chimed in with "LOVED Hebrew! Face it, this is the best chance you will have to get started on it; Greek courses are much easier to find. And, Hebrew IS poetic and wonderful."  C, Heart Of My Heart is THE poet in this household.

IR, a work colleague in my former life at Visa said "If it were me, I'd start with the left-to-right language."  Always reasonable.  Thank you, Doctor!

Well, I decided to go with Beginning Biblical Greek.  Apparently I can change my mind before classes begin August 12th, but I think I'll stand pat.  I also signed up for Oral Interpretation of Scripture for "prayerful and discerning preparation, increased skill in the use of the voice and the techniques of public reading, and an understanding of its significance in the life of the Christian community."  That's plenty for three intensive weeks starting at the BOS.  So I've registered.  They'll be calling soon for $$$.

Late into last night (and even some of this morning), I starting plowing through course offerings for the Fall Semester.  The usual plan is Biblical Language (continuation)/OT/NT/Church History.  There's also consideration of the faculty sabbatical schedules - who's here, who's not, and when.  The new BOS Student Body President suggested I include a GC (Global Christianity) class as well.  Finally I hope to sing in the Seminary Choir (an 0.5 credit for the semester). 

This morning, I shared with HOMH the fruits of my effort thus far, and my plan to chart out this initial schedule to see what a week might look like.  Her comment was "Yeah, with your organization, Greek is for you!"  Well, okay then.  Onward and upward.

</div></div>

The 6-day sojourn to Cocoa Beach provided me little to no chance to do much walking.  Shepherding my blind friend B and his 6-year old son C was pretty much full-time duty.  I was happy to do it.  But I did not get out for my customary walk(s) during the course of the day and night.  And I missed that.  A lot, much to my surprise.

So today, it was back to plan and order.  The trash and recycle were quickly out to the curb, followed by the crating of the hounds, running Heart Of My Heart into work, back home for devotions over coffee, a small breakfast, and some surfing of the web.  Since the weather remained overcast without getting wet, I threw on my walking watch and shoes, grabbed my bottle of water, and hit the trail.  Aaahhh.  It felt really good to get out to stretch my legs.  

There was a cool breeze and a light drizzle began while I was out.  After mid- to high 90s temperatures and 100+ degree heat index, the coolness was almost refreshing but produced a bit of a chill.  That only encouraged me to trudge along harder and faster.  Perhaps a bit too aggressive after the 6-day hiatus, but I don't ache anywhere now that I'm back home. On my walk, I can see the tower of the signature building on the Big Old Seminary campus poking out above the tree line. It's my daily reminder of opportunities to come and things accomplished.

Last night as we sipped wine and sat together basking in candlelight, Heart Of My Heart told me all about Youth Sunday this past weekend.  The Prayers of the People were led by 'Be Glorified" on guitars, the EYC kids preached the sermon (and read Graduating Niece's part of the sermon since she's working with older sister at St. G's), and so on.  Apparently, O Rector My Rector used the announcements as a time to thank teachers and youth sponsors for their work with kids young and old.  But he also chose the moment to single out HOMH (and us) for working with the youth over the years. Since I was away to Florida, she had to represent for both of us.  Poor thang!  HOMH is quite the sap, so expressions of gratitude are lovely and even appreciated, but they always seem to produce tears which float her eyes and clog her nose and throat, making it difficult for her to speak.  Anything.  Really it is kinda cute.  But hard for her when I'm not available to be stand-in as mouthpiece.  

Now we have a lovely framed picture of the Nave adorned for Christmas which it how it looked (sorta) when we married. We realize the journey we're now on will eventually take us away from this wonderful place and these wonderful people of God who have lifted us up, but we're not exactly pulling up our tent stakes just yet.  

"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5: 7).  We will obediently continue the journey by putting one foot in front of the other.  We're not gone yet.  Things are shifting around some, but we're still here.  God is Good.  Life is Great. We are ever grateful.  I'm laying down some things, but we remain, and always will be, people of Grace.  

Here's today's scripture reference and prayer from "God's Minute", a book published in 1916 that contains 365 daily prayers sixty seconds long for home worship "by the most eminent preachers and laymen in the English speaking world":

I prayed unto the Lord, my God, and made my confession.--Dan. 9: 4.

     Everliving, everloving God, our Heavenly Father, we bless and praise Thee, that Thou didst set the human race in families for its higher development and its greater influence.  This morning we bless Thy holy name that we have been called into this family now before Thee in prayer.
     May we gratefully recognize our duty and our responsibility to Thee, and to one another, and to this community.
     Keep us this day from sin, as we do the tasks of the day.  Watch Thou over us and guard us from danger.  Teach us how to live unselfishly, each for the other, in all the little things of the home.
     May we, as father and mother, as brothers and sisters, fulfill our tasks to each and to all, with the blessed example of our Elder Brother always before our minds.
     Prosper the work of each one of us, and the labors and business of all our neighbors.  Grant, above all, to our family the real and abiding prosperity of a rich and helpful faith in our Lord and Master, to Whom be praise, and glory, now and forever.  Amen.

L.B. Wolf, D.D.,
Baltimore, Maryland