How are you spending the next 4 minutes?

I’m not going to tell you about this video. All I’m going to say is that it’s only four minutes long. Four minutes that you should take to hear a message that might change your day, your week, or maybe your life. Can you take four minutes and put it toward that possibility?  

 

Linked to "Pay It Forward"

Life is Like a Bowl of...Soap?

Scientists have proven that powerful and vivid memories can be stirred up by our sense of smell.  That’s because when we first smell a new scent, we link it to the event, the person, or even the  moment in time in which we encounter it.  Because we experience most new smells when we are children, smells often call up childhood memories

I think that’s one reason I get such a kick out of handmade soaps.  The unique fragrances, the mysterious blends, the promise that they will take me to a place of peace and  harmony in my head... 

It’s been a bit frustrating, though, as I just can’t seem to find the right scent that wisks me away to some relaxed, stress free space in my mind. 

Certainly the goat milk soap that made my hair smell like a wet dog was not what I had in mind.   Nor the clear soap that looked beautiful but smelled like old ladies with Kleenex in their pockets when it got wet.  And let’s not forget the lovely, lavender scented bar that produced a lather with the texture of, dare I say it?  Snot.

Which is why I decided it was time to make my own soap.  I am a problem solver by nature; and I was certain I could figure out the perfect combination  of scent, appearance, and lather. 

I began my research online, but it quickly became apparent I would need some hands-on tutoring.   Which lead to a road trip to Logan, where the wonderful folks at Majestic Mountain Sage sell everything you could ever need to produce perfection in soaps.  I begged pathetically until I got invited to spend a delightful afternoon with Tina in their test kitchen, while she impressed and entertained  me with her knowledge of soap making. 

It’s not your grandma’s soap anymore, kids.  Now there are lye calculators, fragrance calculators, scales to measure by the gram, and more recipes than a Betty Crocker Cookbook.

So, a few days later, I spread out  $174 worth of supplies and prepared to make my first batch of soap.  I had every intention of documenting this momentous occasion, but things did not go exactly as planned.  In fact, I was making mistakes so fast I didn’t even have time to make notes, let alone take pictures. 

Yet somehow, despite my mis-measures and getting lost half way through the recipe, my nifty new electronic scale shutting down in the middle of weighing ingredients, and a stick blender that had the suction power of an industrial vacuum cleaner, the soap turned out beautifully. 

Apparently, soap is pretty forgiving.

I don’t think I could ever recreate the sequence, but the results were pretty darned good anyway.

Which made me stop and think for awhile.  Because in the course of my life, when you talk about mistakes, I’ve made some whoppers.  And yet, through the grace of a truly loving and forgiving God, I’d say my life has turned out pretty darned good anyway. 

So here’s the thing.  All we can do is do our best, and trust in the Lord to take it from there.  

I’ll leave you with this Bible verse:  "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."   Romans 15:13

What happy mistakes have you ever made?  What things have you messed up, but discovered that they turned out better than you thought possible?

HAP

Hike and Pray

A newly forming parish group, Hike And Pray (HAP), will be meeting weekly to hike various area trails. As we hike, typically for 2 to 5 hours, we will also be praying - both with the understanding and in the Spirit. In addition to providing exercise and fellowship, we hope this activity will also assist in what has been termed 'the new evangelization.'  We will carpool from St Ambrose parking lot.  Hikers are reminded to bring plenty of water and that midway we'll be stopping for a light picnic/snack.  For more info, contact: thomasgwyndunbar@gmail.com, cellphone 540 267-5625, or see the webpage: http://atstambrose.blogspot.com/2012/05/hap.html

Upcoming Hikes:

Saturday, July 7th, leaving at 10am for Mill Creek Canyon,

Past Hikes:

Saturday June 23th, leaving at 10am for Lake Mary - a 2.2 mile (roundtrip) hike. Will probably go on to Lake Martha, 0.6 miles further.

Saturday June 16th, leaving at 10am for Lake Solitude - a 3.4 mile (roundtrip) hike.

Saturday June 9th at  10am, Yellow Fork Canyon Trail - a 4 hour hike  up into the Oquirrh Mountain foothills. This is across the valley, over by Herriman.

Weather was perfect as Mary Jane & Morris, Lori & Scott, and Thomas hiked up to around 8000ft:

Keep It Simple, Silly

Last night I stopped in at Fresh Market, a grocery store that happens to be just a few doors down from the Church.  All the checkout stands had bags of groceries lined up at the end of the counters. 

Being the nosy inquisitive type, I immediately started asking questions.

Here’s the deal.  They fill paper bags with either $5 or $10 worth of very basic shelf-stable food.  Then, as people go through the lines, they have the opportunity to purchase one of the bags and donate it to the Food Bank. 

Yesterday was the 2^nd day of their project, and they were already working on their 9^th barrel of groceries. 

By making it easy for people to share their resources, Fresh Market is fostering both awareness and community involvement,  and ultimately  making   a huge difference for others who are in desperate need.  That is Stewardship in action.

So, what can we learn from this experience? 

1.  Stewardship doesn’t have to be a big deal.  If it's easy, it will happen.  One or two small actions is all it takes.

2.  Stewardship doesn’t belong exclusively to religious organizations.  There are people everywhere from all walks of life who are helping others and providing opportunities for us to help, one person at a time.

3.  It's amazing how much can be accomplished when each of us does a tiny bit. 

Did you know we have our own little food pantry in the gathering space at the back of the Church?  Granted, it takes a little more thought, because we are on our own to actually bring something. And if you're anything like me, well...let's just say that I'm doing good if I get here on time, let alone having to remember to bring something with me when I come.

But what if there were ways to make it a no-brainer?

Make it easy.  How about consciously buying a few dollars’ worth of non-perishable food on every trip to the grocery store?  Then leave them in the car.  Ahha! We wouldn't have to remember to get them when we're already running late.

Make it a no-brainer.  If we did that consistently every time we shopped for groceries, it would soon become a habit.  Then we wouldn't even need to engage our brains. 

And if all of us did that?  Well, just think of the difference we could make.

What ideas to you have to make stewardship a no-brainer?

Did You Ever Try to Hug a Porcupine?

Hey, remember that trailer I blogged about here?  Well, it’s been sitting in my driveway ever since, while I try to decide what to do with it.  It’s become the brunt of many jokes, and much genial conversation with my neighbors.  It turns out there are lots of people who are fascinated with tiny vintage trailers.  And, apparently, one who is definitely not.

Recently some friends dropped by, and in a fit of good humor tore a piece of cardboard and scribbled a sign:


                                                        Hulbert Trailer Park

Reasonable Rates

Inquire Within

We all had a good laugh, and left it taped to the side of my trailer, because that’s the kind of humor we love.

Several days later, a uniformed police officer appeared at our door.

           

            “Is this your residence?” he asked politely.

            “Yes,” I answered warily, wondering why HE looked embarrassed.

            “Is that your trailer in the driveway?”

            “Yes,” I replied as I tried to figure out which regulation I had broken by bringing a derelict, albeit adorable vintage trailer home.  All sorts of thoughts raced through my brain in the matter of a few seconds:  Was it stolen?  OH NO!  I bought stolen property!  Where did I put the title?  I should have registered it.  Why didn’t I get it registered immediately?  Does he want to buy it?  Why the heck does he look so embarrassed?

            “I’m sorry,” he interrupted my panic attack, “but we’ve had a complaint that you have a red trailer in your driveway that you are renting out.”

            Seriously.

            I stood there, blinking stupidly, trying to figure out how to answer that one.  Well, there were a few fleeting words, but none that I could print on this blog.

            “Well, some friends of ours put that sign up as a joke.  Would you like to call them?”

            “No, that’s OK,” he said, and he turned and walked away.

Now, I’m pretty sure I know who called the cops; this isn’t the first time.  We have been continuously singled out for the same infractions that everyone else in the subdivision manages without repercussion.  Whatever.  The point is, I have really tried to hug this particular porcupine.  But I just keep getting poked.

I’ve tried homemade jam, compliments about their landscaping, small talk about their yappy little dog; I’ve even shoveled their sidewalk.  I cannot figure out what I did to become the number one target on their shooting range.  

I guess my only remaining option, and the one I have resisted, is to pray for them.  Unceasingly.  What was that about “love your neighbor?”  Man, it can be tough.  Because, I admit, I’m angry.  This has been going on for over 30 years.  And now God wants me to pray for them?  Well, actually, God probably wanted me to pray for them 30 years ago, but that’s beside the point.  Sort of.

           

But here’s the thing.  Maybe it’s not who I think it is.  Clearly I need to be praying for the correct person, right?

Maybe I could flush them out by putting a little red light in the window and adding a sign that says “Daily and Hourly Rates.” 

What do you do when you need to hug a porcupine?

Take Notice of God

Nothing in this world is as enlightening as teaching a class of 1^st graders. I remember being panic-stricken when I first started. I was in a complete frenzy anticipating that first class. I had a contingency plan for every possible situation. I knew I was going to be a complete and utter flop. I mean really, what I knew about teaching religion could fill a thimble. What I didn’t know, and what I wasn’t prepared for was that, really, I’m the student. It’s the darndest thing what a bunch of seven-year-olds can teach you about Jesus’ Great Commandment. More than ten years after that first day, a veteran catechist, I’m still the student. Both in the classroom and out!

I’m learning how easy it is—with just a little thought—to incorporate my religious values into my daily life. And how it’s even easier not to. It’s all about intentionality, right? Today, I “intend” to go for a run. I ate my Wheaties. The breakfast of champions. I’m outfitted in my best trail-running shoes. Built to take what nature dishes out. I popped a couple of ibuprofen. Pushing past the pain of yesterday’s run. I intend to run, but I have to actually get my butt off this (extremely comfy) kitchen stool, get out there (hmm… it’s cloudy—rain?), put one foot in front of the other (ibuprofen must be defective … still feel my shins!) and start running.  

Okay, that’s it … I’m grabbing my iPod and my neoprene knee supports (in case you were starting to be impressed by my athletic prowess) and I’ll be back in a couple hours.

Intention, purpose, aim, intent, goal, target, objective, plan or the Holy Spirit … you still have to get out there and do it.  

Recalling my very first blog post, I was troubled that faith was becoming something that just happens for an hour or so on Sunday, instead of being part of my everyday intention. Faith is part of our joys, part of our difficulties and part of our day-to-day experiences. To connect faith with our lives, we have to stop and take notice of God who is steadily working there.

This week, I “intend” to take notice, cozy kitchen stool or not.

8 Simple Ways to Celebrate Sacred Time as a Family

The Power of Family Rituals

10 Tips for Better Mealtimes

Exploring the Good Word This Week as a Family

How do you take notice of God in your life?

God is with me, but more,

God is within me, giving me existence.

Let me dwell for a moment on God's life-giving presence

in my body, my mind, my heart

and in the whole of my life.

Fortnight for Freedom

On April 12, the Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a document, "Our First, Most Cherished Liberty,” outlining the bishops’ concerns over threats to religious freedom, both at home and abroad. The bishops called for a “Fortnight for Freedom,” a 14-day period of prayer, education and action in support of religious freedom, from June 21-July 4.

Bishops in their own dioceses are encouraged to arrange special events to highlight the importance of defending religious freedom. Catholic institutions are encouraged to do the same, especially in cooperation with other Christians, Jews, people of other faiths and all who wish to defend our most cherished freedom. [The Diocese of Salt Lake City will provide more information about local activities during the month of June and encourages all Catholics to read the USCCB document.]

The fourteen days from June 21—the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More—to July 4, Independence Day, are dedicated to this “fortnight for freedom”—a great hymn of prayer for our country. Our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power—St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, St. John the Baptist, SS. Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome.  Culminating on Independence Day, this special period of prayer, study, catechesis, and public action would emphasize both our Christian and American heritage of liberty. Dioceses and parishes around the country could choose a date in that period for special events that would constitute a great national campaign of teaching and witness for religious liberty.