ugh!!

I've spent the last hour scrolling through iTunes, looking for Christmas music.

What a depressing way to spend an hour!!!!!

The reason for the search: Every year, we wrap Christmas gifts, we have the school here for their Christmas banquet, we do a Tangerine Memories service. Every year, I realize we don't have any Christmas CD's to put on in the background, or to put on before or after a service. Someone always lends me one or two at the last minute, but I thought I'd get ahead a little this time.

The resulting depression: Listening to one person after another croon about "being home for Christmas" does NOT put me in the holiday spirit.

So...personally I like some of the Christmas music from Mercy Me, Take 6, Russ Taff, and ... I have a Rosie O'Donnell Christmas CD that makes me LAUGH!!

Got any suggestions? I need some nice instrumental ... some fun ... a whole mix. Do you like jazz Christmas, classical Christmas, choir Christmas, R&B Christmas, orchestral Christmas, old-time Christmas, weird re-mix Christmas, country Christmas, rock Christmas?

If you have a favourite, please oh please, tell me!

a lovely autumn weekend

Yesterday, we raked leaves. Let's see, I think we did 5 bags of leaves last week, and another 4 bags yesterday. Still more to go, but we had to go buy more bags, and then it was raining, so it has been postponed to another day.

Saturday, we drove on the Red Hill Expressway, just because we hadn't been on it yet. It's quite scenic!! (Most of it.) Then we drove down Niagara way, meandered around for

awhile. On the way back we stopped at the antique store at Prudhomme's Landing.

I bought two books. One was $3. One was $4. I bought them because one was 98 years old, and one was 99 years old.

Imagine! WHO was holding and reading these books, almost a hundred years ago? What was their story? What was their family like? Where did they read? Did they have many books, or just a treasured few?

Oooohhh, I was entirely delighted to hold these books in my hands and daydream about other hands that had held them. (I'm also going to read them, in case you're wondering.)

BONK!!!

I just couldn't wait. I have to tell you about this.

On Thursday, my parents and I went to my Great-Aunt Margie's funeral. She was 83 years old, and has surely nudged some angel over by now to make room in the choir. Aunt Margie ROCKED!! She also laughed a lot, which is good, as you will see.

At the funeral, we were in a little chapel with pews. (Note: PEWS) Because Aunt Margie always sang, we sang a lot at her funeral. Each time we sang, we stood. At the end of the hymn, we sat.

...or tried to....

"You may be seated," said the minister. Being a promptly obedient little firstborn, I plunked right down. Then wondered how stars had gotten inside the chapel, and what that blinding pain was on the back of my head.

Because, as far as I can tell, the guy BEHIND me had a specific method of being seated, which involved leaning forward first. And he hadn't finished his process of sitting down before I plunked down, and we CRACKED HEADS!!! Pretty hard too!!!

Whispered apologies ... got ourselves seated ...

And then my mouth started twitching, because it really struck me funny. I glared inwardly at myself with my mother's best glare, and told myself to "pull it together, Patti, you're at a funeral for goodness' sake!" (Even though Aunt Margie would have laughed too.)

I pulled it together. Cried laughing later on, telling my sister about it on the phone.

And I thought you all might like a chuckle too at my non-gracefulness.

talk it out

New poll at the left, and I'm betting we'll get 100% on all the choices.

i.e. "Oh sure, that's a good idea, after-school tutoring!"

So the REAL question is ... what would YOU do with the gym? Not, what would be a good idea for other people to lead and participate in?

i.e. "What's that now? You want ME to tutor a kid? Or provide a snack? Or clean up after? Ohhhh..."

LOL

If you have other ideas, feel free to add them in!

a few ideas

Balconies in church poll results:



I can see and hear everything - 11%

Makes me feel less connected to the service - 22%

Great location for tossing Jr. Mints at people below - 55%

I feel closer to heaven - 11%

I'm afraid of falling over the edge - 22%

Less distractions, more privacy - 11%



Traditionally, balconies in churches don't provide the "great extra seating" that you might think. People that sit up there tend to be a little more spectator-oriented, and less participant-oriented. They tend to feel disconnected. If they want to come forward for prayer or anything like that, they have to go down the stairs, into the foyer, and back in through the sanctuary doors. Lots of distractions along the way - you've gotta be pretty focused to not forget what you were "going to the front" for.



Some churches solve this by having the stairs to the balcony go from within the sanctuary, and instead of steps TO the balcony, each "step" is a different level of seating, kind of like stadium seating. So you're much more a part of the sanctuary.

I'm no architect, but I'm pretty sure that just couldn't be done in the new location we are looking at.

So I had an idea. I wonder if we could send part of our Worship Team up there? Maybe a bongo player? Or a singer? Or a couple of flaggers? Would that help with connecting the balcony with what's happening? Maybe. I dunno.



--



I had another idea, about the pews. Pews are essentially long benches with fancy ends on them. What if we shortened them down to a love-seat or individual seat length, and reattached the fancy end? So now there's just room for one or two people to sit down. And we move those seats out of the sanctuary, and place them strategically in a hallway, or a corner of a room, or something like that. Just a place to sit down if you need it.



AND attached to that shorty pew in some way would be one of the stories of the congregation that was there for 94 years. So you can sit in a piece of history, and read about part of the history while you're there!



(Oh, I am amazed at my own brilliance. What a wonderful idea! Just kidding - I'm in a weird mood! LOL)



BTW, a.s. also had a creative-use-for-the-pews idea, and perhaps they would like to share it with you. a.s.?? are you out there??

marketing

(Before I type today's post, I just wanted to let you know that we dropped off our Philippines team yesterday morning, and they posted on their blog from Hong Kong sometime last night. I would love it if we left some comments on their blog - I'm pretty sure they can check the comments - and it could really be a blessing to them while they are away.)

My attention has been caught by some seriously good marketing the last few weeks. Not to say I've become a customer of any of these companies - but they got my attention in a good way, so I thought I'd give 'em props. And a link to their companies, in case you want to see who they are. Because I love examples of really creative thinking!!

Omni Jewel Crafters advertises on CFRB. They had this really crazy stupid idea some time ago to sell high-quality jewellery, at a big discount, sight unseen, over the radio.

What a dumb idea!!! Right??? Who would buy jewellery they haven't seen, from the radio???!!!

Apparently lots of people would, because it sounds like they're doing really well. They just get on the radio and talk - it's not a "commercial" (I would turn it off) - it's them just chatting. Like that Saul Corey guy on the Danforth. I LOVE when he talks! He doesn't just advertise for himself - he tells you about all the OTHER businesses on the Danforth who are just as great as he is!! Wow!!!! What a great businessman!!

(Of course, now I can't find his business, so maybe his style wasn't so successful after all...I still like him though.)

Anyhow, back to Omni, and Jack Berkowitz or Berkovitz, or something like that. I feel like, if I was in the market for jewellery, which I'm not, I know them and could trust their product and their service. Which is saying a lot for me!

Then there's the apple-cinnamon breakfast pitas which I buy at the grocery store, and love. They're healthy AND tasty. Imagine that. The last package I bought, a little cellophane-wrapped piece of paper fell out. I opened it, because I figured it was a coupon, and I'm a cheapie.

It wasn't a coupon. It was...a tiny little newsletter from the family that makes these pitas!!! It said, hey, thanks for supporting us and buying our pitas. We're pretty excited about how things are going, and our youngest brother has a big art show coming up, so that's cool too...blah, blah, blah. As if they actually know me! It didn't say "buy our stuff" or anything at all. Just a little note to whoever already bought it.

You KNOW they have made me want to buy from them now and forevermore.

And then there are the Billy Graham commercials which have really grabbed me, because they're so non-traditionally religious. If you visit this site, click on the "Jesus Do" one-minute spot. I heard this particular one when I was getting ready for work one morning, and I actually stopped, raised both hands in the air, and CHEERED!

I could (and sometimes do) complain ALL DAY LONG about companies with cruddy marketing. But I don't want to be that person all the time. I like giving honour where it's due. So...these are 3 companies / organizations that marketed in a way that appealed to me. And I thought I'd pass it on.

bring out the cake!

Cheesy chicken-and-mushroom crepes.

Cheesy cauliflower and broccoli.

Chocolate-caramel cheesecake.

It was a very cheese-full dinner last night, and that can only mean one thing....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JEFF!!!

Tonight, we dine somewhere with a lot of meat. (The birthday is actually today, so maybe we can get a freebie somewhere!)

I understand...

I still haven't told you my idea for creative use of the pews. I will...I'm just waiting to see if anyone else has anything to offer.

I was looking through our policy manual today, and came across some statements of "how we work together" (for staff, board, leaders, whatever). They are AWESOME statements, if I do say so myself.

I think I'm going to stick them on my bulletin board for awhile. In the policy manual, there's lots of talking it out, in sub-points and examples, so no one misunderstands, but I'll just put the main statements here. See what you think.

They're best read out loud, and then you have to pause in between. An amusing experiment: How long does it take your brain to come up with a gazillion "yeah-but" exceptions to the statement? LOL

#1 I understand that I'm here to serve. Whoever. Whenever. However.

(pause. seriously!)

#2 I understand that I am one leader in this church family. We're in this together.

#3 I understand that pressure happens. When it does, I will not explode or implode - I will vent with grace.

#4 I understand that God isn't surprised. By anything. Ever.

I like these statements, because for me - they cover just about everything. They help me keep priorities straight. They help me not to think too highly (or too lowly) of myself. They help me communicate to new CF leaders just how things work around here. They help me not to panic at unexpected left turns. They remind me that my job is rarely efficient, and that's OK. (In fact, that's probably a good thing.)

(And yes, lest you are deeply disturbed, there is a mild disclaimer within the policy manual about healthy boundaries.)

bits and pieces

OK, in case you haven't noticed, there's a new link to the left, for Crossfire's Philippines Mission Team - they leave on Tuesday! They will be blogging while they are away - you may want to check it out. There may be pictures too!

Also, check out Dwayne's Soapbox blog if you're interested - he and his wife are very good friends of Jeff and I - they are in Ukraine right now, and blogging about it.

And...I'm putting our poll results on the bulletin board in the sanctuary. :)

Hey - speaking of finding a creative way to preserve the pews (and the history that goes with them), without actually forcing everyone to sit in them in straight lines on Sundays - did any of you have any ideas of what that creative way might be?

I have an idea, but I don't want to tell yet. I want to hear YOUR ideas!

And meanwhile, I will start a new poll of some kind.

(Hmmm, what to ask, what to ask)

who are you?

extrovert or introvert?

thinker or feeler?

messy or tidy?

spontaneous or organized?

leader or follower?

sports or theatre?

books or movies?

yeller or whisperer?



Feel free to add your own categories!

remembering, with thanks

Sunday is Remembrance Day. I've been spending part of today getting ready for our services. Sunday night, we will be writing letters to soldiers, and I can't wait!

I find this to be a very moving time; I think it's important to remember.

So I just wanted to say ...

THANKS.

To veterans of the past, and to Canadian soldiers in various places today.

I am deeply grateful for your service, around the world, on behalf of our country.

Did you know we can send a message to our Canadian troops? When I looked today, there were over 46,000 messages, many from school kids. Wow.

By the way, I will be wearing my "God Bless Our Troops" t-shirt on Sunday - you are welcome to wear yours too!

he's not so bad after all

(in the spirit of the guest contributers on Sheepdog's blog)

Look upon me with admiration. Point and whisper in awe.

For last night, I did tear around the living room, without warning. And those who claim to own me did holler at me to stop running around like a crazy cat.

And then they saw the reason.

For I did catch a mouse.

And I did hang onto it in my mouth, until a garbage bag had been brought unto me.

And I did then deposit its corpse into that same bag.

And then those who claim to own me apologized for calling me crazy, and they did treat me with renewed respect.

So, I say, look upon me with admiration, for I am Millhouse, Catcher of Mice.

(Now go away, or I shall bite thee.)

they got me

I have been pigeon-holed. When I buy books, they tend to be at Amazon, because I don't have to go anywhere, delivery is free, prices are sometimes cheaper, and I can just wander at will, anonymously.

Today, an email-ad arrived. "Christian Living at Amazon.ca: Your New Source for Inspiration, Information, & Transformation."

I'm mildly amused at having been labelled. Also at the thought that a virtual bookstore is my new source for all that ails me spiritually.

And I'm also mildly annoyed, because I DON'T LIKE being shoved into the Christian section of the bookstore!

Confession Time: I don't go into Christian bookstores very often. I know they are a great resource, and very wonderful for many people. But for me, it's like wandering into a health food store or an exercise store. The first few minutes are full of interesting discoveries, and then I become totally overwhelmed with all the things I SHOULD be doing or eating or reading. And then I get annoyed at myself for feeling overwhelmed, and I get the heck outta there!

So...this morning when I saw the "Christian Amazon" email, I clicked on the loonie deals instead, and wandered through the writings of Kurt Vonnegut Jr. for awhile. Just in silent protest against being labelled.

Clearly, I have issues!!! (Don't we all)

LOL

what time is it?

Um, hey, I have a question.

Did we just START Daylight Savings Time?

Or did we just END it?

Because my calendar says it just ended, and I think that's weird. Wouldn't the winter be the time when we want to save daylight time?

Why are we saving daylight in the long days of summer?

Brilliant questions, I know. I just wondered.

pre-dawn

It's very early in the morning. I bet most of you aren't even up yet. (Except dougie g, who keeps strange hours.) I've been up for about an hour and a half.

I am so at peace this morning, and I'm grateful for that. Sundays are always high-energy days, and the last few weeks have been very intense.

I'm enjoying a moment of peace this morning.

By the end of the day today - I wonder what God will have done?

i'm a cheapie

ACK, where have I been? I have been insane. But only a little bit, not dangerously so. It's an interesting place to be.

So, I have three things to mention today.

Item the First - Halloween was last night! As you know, I LOVE Halloween!! Who can resist a tiny little cutie in a punkin costume, lisping "twick oh tweet"??!! Not me.

Last year, we had no children at all, except one sent in pity by the family across the street. (Seriously, I heard them say, "Go get something from Jeff and Patti ... Go! ... BECAUSE I SAID SO, that's why!")

So we moved.

And last night ... 75 LITTLE KIDLETS!!!!! It was so fun! Met all the neighbours, one adult was dressed in full costume, and roamed up and down the street giving out candy to all the kids, who knew exactly who he was.

(Jeff with gumball eyeballs.)

Item the Second - Can I just tell you how great you are? How great our church is? I spent the morning today with a group that's not part of Crossfire...and I just have to tell you HOW VERY GREAT YOU ALL ARE!!! It was not my most enjoyable meeting.

And Item the Third. I'm a cheapie! You know that about me. So...you know the countdown videos we use? The Easter videos we did last spring, both on Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday morning, before we ripped the covers off the windows? You know the poetic type of video I used a few weeks ago for John 1? And all the other video snippets we show from time to time?

They are from a website called http://www.sermonspice.com/. And they will give me a $20 gift certificate to buy some more, if I mention them here. Maybe they will give us more if we talk about them!

So...those are my three items. Feel free to converse about any of them.

What were the best, cutest, funniest costumes you saw last night?

Got any stories about not-enjoyable, not-helpful, not-profitable meetings?

Do you like our hamster countdown? (One of our little cuties here thinks it's his cousin's guinea pig, Gin-walla) What do you think of the video bits we use around here sometimes?