I Recommend "Sensible Shoes"

Our women's event at church this past weekend was based on the book Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown. The book is a novel about four women who take a "Sacred Journey" seminar at a retreat center. But this novel is more than just a story; it also describes the spiritual practices and disciplines that the women encounter at their seminar.

I read this book about a year ago at the recommendation of my friends Luanne and Laura (the visionaries for our own event). I read the book again last week so that it would be fresh in my mind. I rarely re-read books, but I'm glad I did this one. I enjoyed it even more the second time through and I learned so much. My copy of the book is now highlighted and marked up, with some pages marked with tabs.

Sensible Shoes probably would appeal mostly to women, but I know of one man in our church who is reading it along with his wife. I recommend that anyone read it given the chance!

A Full Day of Being Filled

Lew dropped me off at the church this morning around 8:15.

 

He picked me up at 6:00PM, at which time we drove to Matt & Emily's house to celebrate a birthday. Happy Birthday, Emily!

 

I want to write much more about the women's event at church, but I'm tired. A good tired! I will share more in a future post.

 

For now, I leave you with this photo. You may ponder its significance!

 

Setting Up

New blog theme for today: Five-Second Friday!

 

Spending the day getting ready for our women's event at church.

 

And my five seconds are up. :)

 

Registration Table

 

 

TBT: A Christmas Cookie

This past Christmas Eve, Lew presented me with a gingerbread man cookie.

Here's a photo of him.

 

Isn't he cute?

Actually, wasn't he cute?

I ate him today.

Dad 239: A Super Super Bowl

(Malcolm Butler has indeed become a household name in New England. Enjoy Dad's post! ~ Tracy)

 

Derf Here! Enjoying a snowless morning. However, we are supposed to get a little snow later in the day and a small storm after midnight into tomorrow. Another few inches to add to our past week's four feet of snow. Please speed up the time and bring April sooner. I'm ready for Spring.

 

Only a couple comments for today. I'm too tired to muster up an interesting blog post.

 

Comment number one. Our mailbox needs some repairing as the pressure of the snow from the town snowplows caused a breach in the construction. I will be trying some new tweaks. Hope they work.

 

Comment number two. Later today I plan to watch the parade in Boston for the Super Bowl champs. Most of New England is very supportive of the Patriots. The rest of the country has a little support for the Patriots, but it is sparse. My only question is the following: Can they repeat next year? I'll remember the name Malcolm Butler for a very long time. Congratulations to the Patriots organization. Job well done.

 

Done for today. Sooo....

 

Until next time!

 

Toodle Pip!

 

Derf!

Getting Ready for a Special Weekend

The mini-pilgrimage is over.

The Super Bowl is over.

I will spend the rest of this week getting ready for the Women's Pilgrimage at our church. The event is on Friday night and all day Saturday. I am not speaking nor leading any of the sessions, but I am finishing up some advance work that I agreed to do. We have over 30 women coming! I am excited!

To do: Finish preparing for the Women's Pilgrimage.

A Roller Coaster Ride Called Super Bowl XLIX

At the beginning of the 4th quarter last night, I was pretty sure the Patriots were going to lose. They were behind by 10 points. Given the formidable defense of the Seahawks, a comeback seemed unlikely.

State of stomach:  Relatively calm.  I had already resigned myself to the loss.

When the Patriots went ahead, 28-24, with about two minutes left in the game, I had hope they were going to win.

State of stomach:  Nervous. Anxious for the next two minutes to be over.

When that Seahawks player caught the ball after tipping it in the air, falling on his back, and having to reach out for it..... UGH!  I thought the Patriots were toast. Still over 1/2 minute left in the game. A Seahawks touchdown for the win seemed inevitable.

State of stomach:  Churning, churning, churning. Couldn't believe the Patriots were about to lose their third consecutive Super Bowl after a mind-boggling catch by their opponent. Thought I would be ill. Hated football.

The Seahawks almost scored on their next running play, but the Patriots defense stopped them on the 1-yard line. But that was only the first down. Three more chances.  On the second-down play, I was confused by what was happening, but then my husband started yelling, "Pick! Pick! Pick!"  Malcolm Butler had intercepted the ball!!!!

State of stomach:  Like a volcano ready to erupt. Too much commotion. Could it be that the Patriots were really going to win after all? I didn't like where they were on the field. Possibility of a safety. Nervous, nervous, nervous....

But then, a five-yard penalty on the Seahawks! And that was it! Take a knee (or two), Tom!

State of stomach: Cartwheeling! Best game ever!

New England Patriots are Super Bowl champs.

I love football.  :)