As I sit here at my computer feeling a bit blah with the dark heavy clouds outside my window, my thoughts turn to the Mennonite Convention http://convention.mennoniteusa.org/ which is next week. There the clouds will be few and the temperatures will soar. Phoenix, here we come! (Perhaps Val or Heidi should send eggs with us to fry on the sidewalks.) :) 

Beyond the usual hopes for safety, smooth travels, and wise choices for the youth, these are the thoughts that have been flooding my grey matter this week. 

• I hope I can keep up. 
• I hope I've not forgotten anything important. 
• I hope we are stretched but not broken. 
• I hope we are challenged but not defiant. 
• I hope we sing HWB #118 more than once. 
• I hope we see beyond differences to beauty and understanding.
• I hope we strengthen and expand our definition of community. 
• I hope my big toe cooperates. 
• I hope the hotel staff finds the presence of a zillion teens praiseworthy rather than annoying.
• I hope our eyes are open to see Jesus in unusual places and people. 
• I hope to see old friends and make new ones. 
• I hope God speaks, and we listen. 
• I hope I get at least 5 hours of sleep each night. 
• I hope the city of Phoenix smiles and is blessed by our presence.
• I hope our teens come home awakened, inspired, and prepared to act by the Presence of the Divine. 
• I hope, I hope, I hope.....

Regardless of what transpires next week, God will be present. The choice will be ours to hear, see, and honor. Please pray for us! 

2011 Convention

Thank you, Church Family, for the incredible support you've provided so that your young people (and at least one not so young person) has this opportunity!  

This week Brother Mick's message is "No Law Against It" based on Paul's word to the Galatians in Chapter 5:1,13-25. Everyday, I try to meditate on the Spirit fruit by singing the 9 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), while doing yoga, when I'm praying, when I can't sleep, when I'm stressing about leading a group of 22 to Arizona.....This is a life-giving practice for me in Kingdom Living. Try it!  The worship service begins at 10:15 am. 
The Upper Room will be open to all ages at 9 am for colloquy (I heard this word used on NPR this week meaning "conversation") on an article or topic which is still being determined. Please join us! 

Prayer for today:  Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." Ps 16:1 Gracious God, you are good. In you we find life for today and hope for tomorrow.  There are so many challenges in our lives, and we struggle to trust in your goodness and preservation.  Thank you for never leaving us nor forsaking us. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus name. Amen. 

2009 Convention

I will not blogging next week. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too! 
Love and Light,
Carol
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/   (Take time to listen to some of Brother Mick's challenging/inspiring messages!)

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd