Just Imagine....

Imagine arriving to a class on advanced web design. You have no previous knowledge. No computer to use. No creative impulses like the others around you. Dramatic splashes of colour, crazy fonts, moving images. You've got two hours to put together something that will be up to par with everyone around you. Are you ready?! Go!

Impossible? Perhaps. Creating something as demanding as this without all the tools would be very
difficult. But pastoral care is not like that. You may say,
pastoral care, what in the world is that?

Well, have you ever visited a sick friend? Have you ever listened to someone hurting from the loss of a loved one? Has anyone ever asked you for advice on raising a child? Have you ever just called someone to check and see how they are doing? Can you recall a time when
you received an email that seemed to be calling out for more than just a simple reply?

Still reading? Great! That means that you live in the real world, and you value relationships.

My hope is that this new blog will be "A New Place to Gather" and really listen to what we each have to share. To take time to respond. Then make a connection. Often we are called to connect by sharing our own experiences.

I hope you will join me as we connect on topics of interest. By responding to others with questions because connecting is making that link. The possibilities are endless!


Friday, December 30, 2011

Recipe for a Happy New Year!


Recipe for a Happy New Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anonymous
    Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.
    Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

This is a beautiful video clip from a site that I enjoy called "Simple Truths." The message is for the Christmas season and all seasons. A beautiful reminder for us all. 


Just click here to watch.

A New Year’s Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anonymous
Dear Lord, please give me…
    A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;
    A work to do which has real value,
        without which the world would be the poorer;
    A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed;
    An understanding heart;
    A sense of humor;
    Time for quiet, silent meditation;
    A feeling of the presence of God;
    The patience to wait for the coming of these things,
    With the wisdom to recognize them when they come. Amen.

Friday, December 16, 2011


Dream Big!
"Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world."
-Andy AndrewsIf you've recently graduated or changed jobs, you may have big dreams for what you want to accomplish. But, what are your dreams for influencing other people? How will the things you do today affect others tomorrow?

That's exactly what this movie's about...how your everyday choices could affect millions of lives!
Just click here to watch.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011



~~~


More and more things are demanding our time and energy. More shopping. More travel. More planning. Pressure builds, and it is incerasingly difficult to find quiet time for our Advent-life. As we brush elbows with more and more people who are more and more anxious for the season, we hear again our call to simplicity.
The great mystery this Advent is that our personal holiness touches the lives of all those with whom we come into contact. When we are made holy as individuals, it is the whole world that reaps the reward.
~ Thomas Hoffman

Friday, December 9, 2011


Ten Ways for Adults to Enjoy a Rainy Day #10: Go Shopping
A rainy day is the perfect time for adults to go shopping. Many people stay home on rainy days, so you'll have a much more enjoyable time. You'll actually be able to shop without feeling rushed.

Thursday, December 8, 2011


Ten Ways for Adults to Enjoy a Rainy Day #9: Work on a Craft
With all the electronics that fill and adult's home, it's hard to remember to take time to enjoy the crafts that you use to work on. Pull out your cross-stitch books or quilt patterns and make something with your own two hands.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011


Ten Ways for Adults to Enjoy a Rainy Day #8: Take a Nap
The best time to sleep is during a rain storm. So, the next rainy day that comes along, take advantage of it and catch up on your sleep. Too many adults spend days working long hours and rarely get the amount of sleep that they should. A nap is a wonderful way to enjoy a rainy day.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011


Ten Ways for Adults to Enjoy a Rainy Day #7: Play a Board Game
Adults seem to forget the simple pleasure that comes from playing a board game. Adults also might not realize that there are games that are made just for them. If you and your partner had big plans for the weekend, stay home playing a fun and exciting board game.

Monday, December 5, 2011


Ten Ways for Adults to Enjoy a Rainy Day #6: Bake a Cake
When's the last time you made a cake from scratch? Never?!? Well, it's time you got in the kitchen and made a cake. A rainy day is the perfect time for adults to work on their baking skills, as long as the recipe doesn't contain yeast. Cakes and frostings are both easy to prepare and you'll find millions of recipes online.

Sunday, December 4, 2011


Ten Ways for Adults to Enjoy a Rainy Day #5: Cook Your Favorite Comfort Food
During the week, many adults turn to fast food or a quick meal, but a rainy day can be different. On a rainy day, prepare your favorite comfort food. Whether it's meatloaf of a turkey dinner, take the time to actually make a delicious meal from scratch. This is something that is good for the soul.

Saturday, December 3, 2011


Ten Ways for Adults to Enjoy a Rainy Day #4: Recycle Old Magazines
Along with becoming an adult, comes a thousand different magazine subscriptions. There are magazines you don't even remember subscribing to and you never have time to read them all. The ones that you have read, all contain information that you found useful so you've decided to keep them. When a rainy day arrives, take time to cut out the useful information you've found and tape it into a notebook. Then you'll have all the information you need in one spot.

Friday, December 2, 2011


Ten Ways for Adults to Enjoy a Rainy Day #3: Catch Up on Reading
We've all got huge stacks of books that we keep meaning to read, but with today's hectic lifestyle it's hard to find time to do so. But, a rainy day is the perfect time to catch up on your reading. If you have kids, don't just reserve this activity for adults. Encourage your kids to read as well.

Thursday, December 1, 2011


Ten Ways for Adults to Enjoy a Rainy Day #2: Movie Marathon
When's the last time you spent the whole day watching movies? I bet it's been a while. The next time you're faced with a rainy day, break out your favorite movies and actually enjoy them. While the kids are playing in their room, you could take the time and actually watch movies that adults enjoy, rather than mindless drivel.