Clothes shoppng - Spring 2013

So with lots of encouragement and a more than a little professional assistance, I am brave enough to venture out on my own, to shop for clothes.

It is spring and even I --the novice-- knows and can appreciate the value of a crisp, white blouse. I'm told they are an essential part of any well appointed wardrobe, that they can dress up any pair of slacks and of course, allow you to be ready and dressed with little angst or forethought. Essential.

I'm told that the side tie is flattering, as well as, the blouses with the fit and flare seams--two in the back and/or two in the front.

But every one I own, as well as every one I try on, makes me look flawed --to my own self. Flawed --you know-- rounder than our mind's eye can accept, believe, or translate to reality. I mean, usually when I stand in the mirror, I am able to explain the flaws to say to myself, "not bad, considering".

So I'm just saying, that if I  try on a blouse where even I can't explain the body flaws, then clearly, there something wrong with the blouse!

Twenty Pounds

Seems to me that doctors have a "fallback" diagnosis. No matter what is wrong with you, they say lose weight. More specifically they say 'lose twenty pounds'. Yes that's right... TWENTY pounds.

Doctor - (while writing...excuse me...typing in my chart) - How about we lose twenty pounds and then we can discuss -changing/eliminating that new medication.

Me - what do you mean "we"? (to myself ... yes of course!  to  myself!)

Now let me just say, I'm annoyed. 'Cause ...well ...see... that's what the doctor told me during a different visit for a different reason... 

T W E N T Y pounds ago!               and twenty pounds before that              and twenty pounds before that!

So seriously, what is going on? 'Cause I'm thinking there's few things I wouldn't give to "fall back" to the size I was then...then as in any one of those times when the doctor wanted me to lose twenty pounds!

Yes. Seriously. What I wouldn't give to be any of those sizes now.   (sigh)

(yes, one large, twenty pound, sigh)

Just As I Am - September 2, 2012

"So here's the deal. We needed a piece of music for a jazz communion service. The bread and cup would be served continuously. It needed to be an inviting tune, perhaps something familiar, yet reflective and soulful. Aisha suggeste d this old hymn, recommended the key, and Bill Carter wrote a new arrangement the day before the service. Simple."

Simple? ...For some…maybe…but for many of us, not so much. I am not writing to suggest that we get stuck in our old and comfortable ways—we do—but that is not this post. I am writing to marvel and wonder at how well God uses us with the gifts and abilities that we have. No need to get more; just use what we have. I’m just saying.

I see the skills, knowledge and abilities of many of my pastor friends and colleagues. They are/were lawyers, CPAs (Certified Public Accountants), musicians, parents—then and now—journalists, teachers, social workers…the list is endless! And yet, I can see in the midst of their ministries, how these not-so-former skills are being used for the glory of God. Just as I am, indeed! To the glory of God ...just as I am!