Dear Saints in Rockdale,
I visited with Art last night at Johns Community Hospital in Taylor. He was alert and affable as usual. His son Dick had been there to help him get settled. He had been expecting his daughter Susan, but the weather kept her from getting to Taylor yesterday. I suspect the weather is still bad between Dallas and Taylor.
The nurses in Taylor were so very friendly and helpful and they agreed with me that Art is a treasure.
I imagine the rainy weather will keep most of us indoors today, but if you are out and about in Taylor, Art is in room 226 and happy to receive visitors. I'm sure both Betty at home and Art in the hospital would be glad to have a phone call from anyone who is thinking of them today. I'm sure Betty would like a ride to the hospital to visit Art, if anyone is going that way.
I'll try to get by again to see Art on Wednesday. If anyone has any news, please let me know.
Let us pray:
Gracious God,
we thank you for your servants Art and Betty. You have been with them all their lives, through their joys and their sorrows. Be with them still during this time of separation from one another. Give them your grace and your peace and your love.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Art Admitted to Johns Community Hospital in Taylor
Art is admitted to the hospital in Taylor. I'm planning to go visit Art this evening after dinner. He is alone in the hospital. I'm hoping the weather doesn't get bad tonight, so I can go visit him again tomorrow. Lord, hear our prayers for Art.
In Our Prayers
Prayers of Thanksgiving for Bill P. who is home from the hospital today! YEAH!
Prayers for Healing for Art G. who is on his way to be admitted to the hospital in Taylor. At last report, Betty will be staying at home in Rockdale rather than at the hospital in Taylor. I'll give the hospital a call in a few minutes and see whether he has been admitted. Until then, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers for Art.
Prayers for Healing for Art G. who is on his way to be admitted to the hospital in Taylor. At last report, Betty will be staying at home in Rockdale rather than at the hospital in Taylor. I'll give the hospital a call in a few minutes and see whether he has been admitted. Until then, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers for Art.
Oh, The Weather Outside is ...COLD!
We are having some real WINTER weather here in Central Texas! After the heat of this summer, I never thought I'd be cold again!
Thank Goodness for the sunshine! Otherwise, I would be tempted to do nothing but drink tea and sit by the fire! As it is, with this glorious sunshine, but cold, cold temperature, all I want to do is BAKE!
I want to bake my favorite "Fresh Apple Cake" from the January 1972 issue of Family Circle. BUT, last I saw it, the dog, our 80 lb Golden Retriever, had taken a bite out of my long-treasured copy.
I had put my copy of the recipe on the refrig, to remind me to make it, but, whenever the dog isn't getting enough exercise, he likes to jump up onto the refrig and take down whatever is posted there. He likes to chew on the magnets, and he like to hold the paper in his mouth until one of us tries to take it away from him. Sometimes he doesn't like to let go of the paper and ...
I received my copy of this recipe from my German teacher in High School, because it is really a recipe for the traditional Apfel Kuechen, baked in a spring-form pan. Years ago, Frau Skaggs herself called me on the phone and asked me if I still had a copy of it. And yes I did I was proud to say! Last I heard, Frau Skaggs had retired to Mexico, so chances are pretty good that she doesn't bake that much Apfel Kuechen any more. I'd love to know where she is and how she is doing.
Anyway, if anyone has a copy of the January 1972 issue of Family Circle, or a recipe for Apfel Kuechen, I'd be obliged...
In the meantime, please keep Art G. and Bill P. your prayers. We are hoping that Bill P. will be out of the hospital today, but we suspect Art G. may be admitted in Taylor today.
All God's Good Gifts,
Rev. Rebecca
Thank Goodness for the sunshine! Otherwise, I would be tempted to do nothing but drink tea and sit by the fire! As it is, with this glorious sunshine, but cold, cold temperature, all I want to do is BAKE!
I want to bake my favorite "Fresh Apple Cake" from the January 1972 issue of Family Circle. BUT, last I saw it, the dog, our 80 lb Golden Retriever, had taken a bite out of my long-treasured copy.
I had put my copy of the recipe on the refrig, to remind me to make it, but, whenever the dog isn't getting enough exercise, he likes to jump up onto the refrig and take down whatever is posted there. He likes to chew on the magnets, and he like to hold the paper in his mouth until one of us tries to take it away from him. Sometimes he doesn't like to let go of the paper and ...
I received my copy of this recipe from my German teacher in High School, because it is really a recipe for the traditional Apfel Kuechen, baked in a spring-form pan. Years ago, Frau Skaggs herself called me on the phone and asked me if I still had a copy of it. And yes I did I was proud to say! Last I heard, Frau Skaggs had retired to Mexico, so chances are pretty good that she doesn't bake that much Apfel Kuechen any more. I'd love to know where she is and how she is doing.
Anyway, if anyone has a copy of the January 1972 issue of Family Circle, or a recipe for Apfel Kuechen, I'd be obliged...
In the meantime, please keep Art G. and Bill P. your prayers. We are hoping that Bill P. will be out of the hospital today, but we suspect Art G. may be admitted in Taylor today.
All God's Good Gifts,
Rev. Rebecca
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
It's Tuesday; This Must Be Waco
Sixteen of us Presbyterian Women enjoyed lunch and dessert at SIRONIA, 1509 Austin, Avenue in Waco, Texas. The food was good, the company outstanding, and the conversation memorable. We had our choice of ladies lunch items: quiche, salad, croissant sandwich, soup, muffins and the likes. For dessert we enjoyed an entire Hummingbird Cake made especially for us.
I told the gals that I'd post a link for their reading pleasure, and for yours too, Dear Reader to The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, first published in 1906 . Together we reflected how it is that sometimes God gives us gifts that we are not yet ready to receive, but that, with time, we grow into these gifts, just like Della's hair eventually grew out. With time, Jim and Della saved enough money to buy back Jim's watch, just like God has bought us back (redeemed us) through Christ's great love.
I'm now in the midst of helping Kate with her science fair project. Can dogs distinguish colors? Stay tuned to find out!
I told the gals that I'd post a link for their reading pleasure, and for yours too, Dear Reader to The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, first published in 1906 . Together we reflected how it is that sometimes God gives us gifts that we are not yet ready to receive, but that, with time, we grow into these gifts, just like Della's hair eventually grew out. With time, Jim and Della saved enough money to buy back Jim's watch, just like God has bought us back (redeemed us) through Christ's great love.
I'm now in the midst of helping Kate with her science fair project. Can dogs distinguish colors? Stay tuned to find out!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, Monday
Dear Friends,
I so enjoyed being with everyone last night at the Christmas Party. The food was delicious and the desserts sublime! I'm not sure which I enjoyed more, the food, the company or the entertainment! It was so nice to have Donnie with us - Tami, you gave us all the gift of her "presence"!
I did have to scoot out rather quickly - Kate, our eleven year old was home alone with the sniffles... I've been home with her this morning. In addition to the sniffles, her dad is taking her to the dentist in a few minutes. I think she'll have to have one of her few remaining baby teeth pulled to make room for the new permanent tooth. (I think there is a metaphor in there somewhere! Out with the old - in with the new...)
I've spent the last couple of hours on the phone with tech support trying to get my computer's clock to run correctly. (If it's not one thing, it's another...) Looking down and seeing the clock say that it was 10:45 pm on Saturday, December 12, was just too disorienting! For a minute I thought I had to preach another sermon this morning. (If so, this time I'll chose the Zephaniah passage and leave ole John the Baptist out there in the desert with his snakes...I'm not one for scary movies, anyway.)
Now, if I can just get to my closet... I've already had emails from some of you that you've found a few things to give away. I never really saw cleaning out my closet as a Biblical prescription before. Isn't it great to learn something new?
I'm so looking forward to being with the Women of the Church in Waco - I'll meet you all there - now, on to prepare for the luncheon devotional...
Let's keep everyone in our prayers this week. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.
Rev. Rebecca
I so enjoyed being with everyone last night at the Christmas Party. The food was delicious and the desserts sublime! I'm not sure which I enjoyed more, the food, the company or the entertainment! It was so nice to have Donnie with us - Tami, you gave us all the gift of her "presence"!
I did have to scoot out rather quickly - Kate, our eleven year old was home alone with the sniffles... I've been home with her this morning. In addition to the sniffles, her dad is taking her to the dentist in a few minutes. I think she'll have to have one of her few remaining baby teeth pulled to make room for the new permanent tooth. (I think there is a metaphor in there somewhere! Out with the old - in with the new...)
I've spent the last couple of hours on the phone with tech support trying to get my computer's clock to run correctly. (If it's not one thing, it's another...) Looking down and seeing the clock say that it was 10:45 pm on Saturday, December 12, was just too disorienting! For a minute I thought I had to preach another sermon this morning. (If so, this time I'll chose the Zephaniah passage and leave ole John the Baptist out there in the desert with his snakes...I'm not one for scary movies, anyway.)
Now, if I can just get to my closet... I've already had emails from some of you that you've found a few things to give away. I never really saw cleaning out my closet as a Biblical prescription before. Isn't it great to learn something new?
I'm so looking forward to being with the Women of the Church in Waco - I'll meet you all there - now, on to prepare for the luncheon devotional...
Let's keep everyone in our prayers this week. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.
Rev. Rebecca
Sunday, December 13, 2009
The Advent Door
I hope you enjoy this Advent art as much as I do! This is for the third Sunday in Advent:
http://theadventdoor.com/2009/12/07/advent-3-terrors-and-wonders/
God is Good! All the time!
Even if John the Baptist did call everybody names!
http://theadventdoor.com/2009/12/07/advent-3-terrors-and-wonders/
God is Good! All the time!
Even if John the Baptist did call everybody names!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
From the Pastor's Desk
Advent 2009
Grace and Peace to YOU, the Saints living in Rockdale!
Advent is the perfect time for us to begin our interim ministry adventure together. Interim ministry, like Advent, is a time to pause and reflect, as well as a time to prepare for the coming of the new. Let us remember that, thankfully, we do not labor alone, but can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!
The best way to reach me is by email or by cell phone. This information is found in your new church directory. Please pick up your family's copy at the church, if you haven't already done so. You can read my reflections on our life and ministry together on my blog, Rev. Rebecca at http://revrebecca.blogspot.com/. Feel free to leave a comment if you’d like.
I look forward to our time together and to adding this Interim Ministry Process to my treasure of Rockdale memories. As the Scripture says:
I, Rebecca, servant of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Rockdale, with the elders and session members: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my living in Austin and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:1-11 (adapted)
With Joy and Thanksgiving,
Rev. Rebecca
Grace and Peace to YOU, the Saints living in Rockdale!
Advent is the perfect time for us to begin our interim ministry adventure together. Interim ministry, like Advent, is a time to pause and reflect, as well as a time to prepare for the coming of the new. Let us remember that, thankfully, we do not labor alone, but can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!
The best way to reach me is by email or by cell phone. This information is found in your new church directory. Please pick up your family's copy at the church, if you haven't already done so. You can read my reflections on our life and ministry together on my blog, Rev. Rebecca at http://revrebecca.blogspot.com/. Feel free to leave a comment if you’d like.
I look forward to our time together and to adding this Interim Ministry Process to my treasure of Rockdale memories. As the Scripture says:
I, Rebecca, servant of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Rockdale, with the elders and session members: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my living in Austin and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:1-11 (adapted)
With Joy and Thanksgiving,
Rev. Rebecca
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Prayers for Carol Howard Merritt
Dear Prayer Warriors:
My good friend and fellow pastor, Rev. Carol Howard Merritt is in hospital and need of prayers. She is author of two new books, one of which I have read, called Tribal Church . You can read all about Carol and her work on her blog http://tribalchurch.org/
Please keep Carol in your prayers, along with all our Rockdale friends: Bill and Sara Proctor; Claire Rice, Tami Stockton’s mother; Willem Stockton, our missionary; for traveling mercies; for the leaders of our nation and world; for our military personnel; for this Church, it’s leadership, past, present and future…
Grace and Peace,
Rebecca
My good friend and fellow pastor, Rev. Carol Howard Merritt is in hospital and need of prayers. She is author of two new books, one of which I have read, called Tribal Church . You can read all about Carol and her work on her blog http://tribalchurch.org/
Please keep Carol in your prayers, along with all our Rockdale friends: Bill and Sara Proctor; Claire Rice, Tami Stockton’s mother; Willem Stockton, our missionary; for traveling mercies; for the leaders of our nation and world; for our military personnel; for this Church, it’s leadership, past, present and future…
Grace and Peace,
Rebecca
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