Update

I survived the preaching in smalltown, Annual Conference (be there for every minute of it because I sit in the front row as Conference staff), camp pastor, preach back in same smalltown marathon. My boss asked me today, "So, when will you rest?" I took his advice, did only the essentials, came home and read a library book!

manBoy's driving is improving. He doesn't scare me so much any more. Sunday, he and Gifted&Talented joined me for worship in smalltown. Afterward, we had him do some small country road driving. He was quite nervous with highway speed and narrow road (thank you Lord!). I'm pleased that he doesn't see himself as an expert driver already. He knows his limitations and that is a very.good.thing. This evening we did a little more practice around town. He really is getting better - no more hugging the curb. We've even tackled some of the busier parking lots in town. He has another lesson with the professional teacher tomorrow and will come home with another assignment to work on (this week was right turns).

My high school reunion is looming close and I'm frustrated because I keep falling off the exercise, healthy eating wagon. I didn't expect to make a drastic change in a couple of months, but I had hoped for some progress. I was back at the Y tonight after 2 weeks off. manBoy and I have a deal - any day he runs, I have to go to the Y. Hopefully that will motivate both of us to stay active this summer.

Blog Break

Annual Conference has come and gone, now I'm off to camp. I have lots to post about but no time to do it, so I'll be back to blogging late next week.

Summer Meme

Ruby tagged me for a meme, so here goes.

1.) What first tells you that Summer is here?
Temps in the 90's

2.) Name your five of your favorite distinctively Summer habits or customs.
grilling (too hot to cook inside)
sandals (not big into flip flops)
capri pants (used to be shorts in a smaller time)
more phone calls to and from manBoy (checking on where abouts, getting permissions...)
family reunions

3.) What is your favorite smell of Summer?
Just before it rains.

4.) What is your favorite taste of Summer?
Juicy grilled burger.

5.) Favorite Summer memory?
Working as a counselor at day camps for children with disabilities - this was the beginning of a career that has spilled into my ministry. Girls Scout camp as a camper and later as a counselor.
There are many others involving swimming, sailing, and anything in water.

6.) Extreme heat or extreme cold? Which would you choose and why?
Extreme cold assuming I can hibernate inside by a fire with hot chocolate and a good book. As much as I love water activities in the summer, I don't get to do them much anymore and my body doesn't do heat well. My thermostat has never worked quite right. A hot summer spent in the pool or lake or ocean would be good, but given my reality, cold is better.

7.) What books do you plan to read for the season?
Waiting for the latest J.D. Robb to come out in paperback or available at the library, whatever comes my way.

8.) How does the Summer affect your faith? Is it a hindrance or an ally?
It depends on what's going on. In busy summers, I tend to let my spiritual disciplines become less disciplined. During vacations and slower times, I enjoy increased reflection time.

Who's next? I can't remember which blogs I've already read this on, so if you haven't been tagged, you're it!

Shopping Prayers

I.hate.to.shop. I especially hate to shop for clothes. Twice in the last three months I found myself shopping for clothes I needed for particular events (one of them the BE). Up until recently I would have thought that praying for shopping might be just a little wrong. I've changed my mind. In both instances I prayed that I would find what I needed and only what I needed, that God would guide my judgment, and that I would maintain a good attitude. It really made a difference. Prayer, I firmly believe, changes the pray-er. It did me. I also believe that I received the guidance that has always been available to me but never used before. Both trips were successful in finding what I needed at pretty good prices. Both events that required new clothes made a difference in my outlook on life. So, I will continue to pray for my shopping trips - for God to help me be frugal and wise, and to look in the right places, and to stay positive especially with those poor clerks who have no idea how much I.hate.shopping.

How do you feel about praying for shopping? Spiritual discipline or self indulgent?