Adieu, 2010

This year began with the joy and excitement of planning a wedding for Babs and P-Dubya which we celebrated with family and friends on May 1. 

A couple of months later we rejoiced with the news from Portia that she and DK were expecting their first child in early March of 2011.

Then came Patrick's tragic accident in early October and the grief and pain of his passing on December 1.

A stanza from the old hymn, In The Cross of Christ I Glory, keeps echoing in my head and it seems to sum up the meaning of this year 2010:

Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure,
Joys that through all time abide.

Gentle Readers, regardless of the banes or blessings the New Year brings you, may you have that "peace that knows no measure" and "joys that through all time abide."

Looking Ahead....

It's almost like the good old days when Portia and Babs were in college and home for Christmas break: they both took off the week between Christmas and New Year's! So we have had fun doing some Mom-Daughter things.

Today I'm off to the spice store in the Heights and lunch with Babs at a trendy restaurant. This evening El Jefe and I take Portia, DK and the in-laws out to dinner at our favorite wine bar/bistro in Sugar Land. We are all eagerly anticipating the birth of our grandson in early March!

In between, I'm starting to look ahead to the New Year and decided it was time to clean up my sidebar. So down comes the link to Presbyterians Today, since I won't be writing Best of the Blogs next year. And up goes a link to the books I am planning to review--hopefully in order that the reviews will appear! 

I am hosting book tours for The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson on February 8 and for Unprotected Texts sometime in February to be determined. (A book tour means that I have accepted a copy of the book for review from the publisher and agreed to post a review on a given date.)

So far I haven't had much luck driving readership to the book blog, but I do think it is useful to have my reviews collected in one place. I would like to do more book reviewing since general blogging is really falling off everywhere.

In the new year I also take on a new position at church: Clerk of Session. It's a long story, but to make it short, after reviewing the officer roles some changes were made this month that put me in that position rather than the one I was originally assigned. 

The main charge, other than the administrative Book of Order role, is to educate the session about denominational issues and upcoming votes at presbytery. Since we vote on the NFOG in February and the Belhar Confession in May that should keep me busy!

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room!

Christmas Eve 2010

Up early this morning, made breakfast tacos and clementines for breakfast washed down with lots of good coffee.

Next on the schedule is listening to Lessons and Carols from Cambridge University via KUHF in Houston. It always reminds El Jefe of the year he spent there and his part in the service reading one of the lessons: "the Lord told the faithful Abraham that in his seed would all the world be blessed."

Then off with El Jefe to see about trading in his car during the end of year sales. We'll see.

Back home for an afternoon with Portia, DK, Babs and P-Dubya getting ready for Christmas Day dinner Chez Portia (woo-hoo!) for the extended family and friends. Hope its chilly enough for DK to fire up his new firepit in the backyard!

Christmas Eve candlelight service at 5:30 at Portia and DK's new church home in Sugar Land, Christ United Methodist Church. Then off to St. Betty and the Old Marine's home for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord.

A Blessed Christmas to all!

They Don't Have White Christmases In Houston

SO TRUE! It's 75 degrees and we're sipping ice tea on the porch in our flip-flops. Love this!!

The Digital Nativity

So clever! Yes, the media may change but the message is the same.

Book Review: Legacy

There's just something about Elizabethan England that keeps me interested in books about the period. This one is a novel, Legacy by Susan Kay.

I've read a lot of books about Elizabeth I, both history and fiction, and I think this is the best historical novel I ever read about her.

Legacy won both Britain's Georgette Heyer Historical Novel Prize and the Betty Trask Prize for a first novel, and deservedly so. Kay's story is highly readable and presents Elizabeth I as multi-talented, politically shrewd, enigmatic, emotionally stunted, and conflicted. 

The deaths of her mother and stepmother, Catherine Howard, combined with the erratic and often abusive treatment she received as a child from her father who was sometimes loving, sometimes distant, sometimes threatening and never predictable are presented by Kay as the reason for Elizabeth's conflicted relationships with the three men she loved most in her life.

Robert Dudley, undoubtedly Elizabeth's strongest relationship, is introduced early in the novel as one of her nursery playmates. He continues to be her most trusted friend throughout the dangerous period between the death of her father and the death of her older sister, Queen Mary. Kay depicts Dudley as a multi-faceted character who truly loved the Queen and was frustrated by her refusal to marry him.

I won't spoil the novel for you by giving away the last chapter, but I found it quite moving, albeit fanciful.

Fans of historical fiction, particularly of the Tudor period, will enjoy Legacy.

Note: This review is also posted at my book blog, QG's Book Reviews.

Sappy Christmas Song 2010: It is Finished!

By the power I invested in myself as sponsor of QG's annual Sappy Christmas Song contest, I hereby declare the Sappy Christmas Song for 2010, "Good Pastor Wendy", FINISHED!!

Huzzahs for all the contributors: Nik, Robin, ceemac, Reformed Catholic, Singing Owl, and earthchick.

All hail to two special lyricists who were not only amazingly prolific and clever but also teamed up to use the ferrets and the youth group to solve Good Pastor Wendy's Christmas crisis AND bring her true love in the New Year:

NIK and REFORMED CATHOLIC !!

~applause applause~

And now, one more time, here's the complete ballad. Grab your hanky!

GOOD PASTOR WENDY

Good Pastor Wendy won't come out
of her little study,
She is feeling very stressed
Her Christmas spirit's cruddy.
Bills stack up  upon her desk,
The choir master quit her.
Church finances are a tangled mess,
Down her cheek there falls a tear.

--Quotidian Grace

Yorkshire-ese Ahead!!

Ey oop Wendy, cheer oop lass,
Thon's bin in worser pickles;
t'snow's piled high so light a fire
let flames yon bills to tickle...
t'choir man he wore tone deaf
of very little merit
Off thee go and have a pint
and play with yonder ferrets

[translated:
Hello Wendy, cheer up,
things could be worse,
it's very snowy outside so get the fire on -
burn the bills.
the choir master wasn't particularly musical,
nothing to recommend anyway.
Go and have a beer
and play with those ferrets over there instead.]
 --Nik

Pastor Wendy wiped her eyes,
On her Christmas stocking,
Wondering if it could be time,
Just to head out walking.
Could there be another spot,
One less aggravating?
Could it be that she should look,
For a job less ja-aaaa-ding?
--Singing Owl

Wendy left her office cold,
headed for the Starbucks.
"Double-espresso choc-o grande,
with a shot of milk, Chuck !!"
Out the door she strode that day,
sipping on her coffee.
After Christmas, she did say,
another job I'll be seeking.

--Reformed Catholic

Pastor Wendy went downtown
Thought she'd look for presents
Ran into the youth group there
They were planning nonsense
All dressed up like reindeer they
Pranced around the food court
Singing loudly all the day:
Hallelujah Chorus!
    --Robin

From the pet store suddenly
Came the Christmas ferrets
As their cages they did flee
Absconding with some carrots.
Pastor Wendy quickly spied
The youth group chasing after
Shoppers screamed, so horrified
What a big Dis-aaa-ster!!
  -- Quotidian Grace

Pastor's Wendy's thinking
'Bout her days in D-school
All those late-life students
Thought it's fine to switch the rules.
Stops at Borders for a look
Maybe a career change?
Gets herself an L-SAT book
Knows that now she is de-ranged!
   --Robin

ALERT: YORKSHIRESE AHEAD...

Ey-oop lass and hasten quick
T' ferrets have escap-ed
Yonder youth group's in the nick
For their daft-like capers:
Forced 't ferrets into Mall -
They danced around the Yule tree.
Alas thon youth group's all locked up:
Charged with animal cru-el-ty.

[translation]
Oh gosh, best hurry
the ferrets have escaped.
The youth group have been put into prison:
they were really rather unkind to the wee ferrets
And made them dance around the Christmas tree in the mall.
Alas, the youth group have been locked up
because ferrets are sentient beings and really shouldn't be treated with such disrespect]
--Nik

Wendy thought about those kids
chasing after polecats.
Wish they had such energy
at Sunday evening youth camp.
I better go and bail them out,
then go call their parents.
So off to the precinct thus she went,
forgetting to buy presents.
--Reformed Catholic

So Wendy went back to the Manse,
turned on her computer.
Amazon, Sears and HSN,
online shopping's easier.
No ferrets running all about,
or shoppers wild expressions.
Christmas wrappings only 3 bucks,
Shipped directly to-oo them.
--Reformed Catholic

Pastor Wendy's debit card
Sadly was rejected.
Her account was overdrawn,
Her balance sheet neglected.
Christmas bonuses were naught
For Wendy or her staff
When she once asked about them,
Everyone did laugh.
--earthchick

Wendy sighed and went to bed,

"Its really time to leave now.

Stewardship is but a joke,
We're spending our reserves low.


Troubled dreams our Wendy had,


tossing all the night long.

Knowing that this Christmas Eve


May not have the he-eat on !!

--Reformed Catholic

The weeks flew by 'fore Christmas Eve,


Wendy was so busy.

Planning Advent services, 

left her in a tizzy.


Still the bills piled up each day,


Wendy was so frantic.

Will there be enough to pay,


for the food bank baskets ??
--Reformed Catholic

Alert Again: More Yorkshirese!

Hearken lass and look'ee here
And stop wit yonder gurnin'
Pop whippet oot o' bath right smart
If wants t'make some earnin's.
Off to 't track gang you 't now
And get that whippet running
One hunnert poon's in't 3'o'clock
And ye'll not lack for fu-un-ding.

[translation:
Wendy, my sweet little mince pie pay attention
And stop pulling faces.
Go and fetch the whippet from the bath quickly
If you want to make some money.
Go to the track
And make that whippet earn its keep
I suggest you put £100 on it on the race at 3pm -
It's a 'sure thing' and you'll have all the money you need.]
--Nik

Off to 't track oor Wendy went
to place a bet on't whippet.
"'Eee by 'eck a winning run
would see t' church in credit!"
But conscience is a reet rum thing:
And childer all were looking.
Lightbulb flashed inside her head -
A charity looney dooking...

[translation:
Wendy went to the track
and was going to gamble rather wantonly.
"Gosh, if the dog wins
our church money problems will be over!"
But it's a bit of a bother when one has an over-active conscience...
And the children were looking - so a bad example.
She had an idea
She'd raise the money for the church via a sponsored jump into icy cold water on New Year's day.]
--Nik

Poor addled Wendy's looking for
A good wetsuit for the ducking
Else she freezes to the core
And frigid water sucking.
Where is Santa and his sleigh
With a miracle to save her?
Throw all the kiddies' toys away
Shower her with filthy lu-u-cre!
--Quotidian Grace

4th Sunday in Advent comes round,
Wendy is there preaching.
The usual members sit in back,
at least they're not there sleeping.
Old Josh sits in his same seat,
Never misses a Sunday.
Notices that Wendy's not,
preaching in the same way.
--Reformed Catholic

 

YOU GUESSED IT! MORE YORKSHIRESE!!

From 't pulpit Wendy spied
Josh gowkin' at her queer-like;
Saw his eyes bulge further wide
at entrance of the youth tykes.
Christmas ferrets all rushed in -
Oor Wendy saw Josh sof'nin'
as tykes 'n ferrets pranced aboot
gathrin in t'off'ring.

Advent weeks flew by reet quick,
Grand crowds they'd all been gath'rin' -
Drawn in by't ferrets wondrous tricks
In't services in't evenin's.
Collection plates were fillin' fast -
So thon'on's passed round flat caps.
't ferrets proved a cunning wheeze
For building up a ti-dy stash.

[translation:
From her pulpit, Wendy noticed
Josh looking at her somewhat oddly.
His eyes then grew the size of dinner plates
as the youth group entered the church.
The Christmas ferrets then rushed in
And Josh's heart was strangely warmed
as he looked upon the charming scene of ferrets and youths working in wonderful harmony,
collecting the offering.

As is usual, Advent flew by ridiculously fast;
The church was packed with huge crowds,
desirous of seeing the wonderful performing ferrets
in the evening services.
The offerings were so multidunious they filled up the plates to optimum capacity;
to ensure all had the opportunity to give, the ferrets and youths passed around stereotyipical Yorkhire headgear amongst the gathered crowd.
Truly, the idea of using the ferrets was an ingenious one
And it appeared the church cash crisis might possibly be averted]

--NIK

 

Wendy was on top of the world,
-- pastoring's no chore now.
Chuck's attending Worship now,
they're meeting after at Starbucks.
Walking together, hand in hand.
Wendy wasn't dreaming.
Advent's ending turned out to be,
better than its begin-in-ng.
--Reformed Catholic

The Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve,
echoed with joyous singing.
Frozen Chosen no longer they --
the candles lit the ceiling.
Wendy stayed another year,
married Chuck soon after.
So this story tries to end
with happily ever after. 

--Reformed Catholic 

 

Book Review: Elizabeth's Women

(Note: this review is also posted on my book blog, QG's Book Reviews.)

Sitting in the waiting room of the hospital ICU and at home by the phone waiting for news of my nephew (who ultimately died of injuries suffered in an auto accident) , I did a lot of reading in October and November. However, I didn't have the concentration necessary to post any reviews during that time. 

Much of the reading was pure escapist stuff: re-reading of some old favorites and reading of medieval mystery stories. 

However one of the books I read was Elizabeth's Women by Tracy Borman. I have always had a keen interest in British history of the Tudor period and particularly the great Gloriana--Queen Elizabeth I. 

Elizabeth's Women is a well-researched history of the women who influenced and surrounded the queen. This is an unusual approach to writing about Elizabeth I because most historians and authors emphasize her relationships with the men around her whether they were her advisors, relatives, friends or "favorites" (presumed lovers).

The author writes about these women in chronological order, beginning with Elizabeth's mother, Anne Boleyn, executed by order of her father King Henry VIII, and ending with her life-long friend the Countess of Warwick who was with her on her deathbed.

Elizabeth lived her personal life surrounded by female attendants who literally were with her every waking and sleeping hour, as was the custom of the time. The most influential woman in her life was her governess, Katherine ("Kat") Champernowne Astley, who was her surrogate mother.

Borman covers Elizabeth's complicated relationships with her older sister Mary and her cousin (whom she never met!) Mary Stuart of Scotland. The experiences of  her stepmothers Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard reinforced Elizabeth's fear of loosing power and control through marriage while her close relationship with her father's last wife and widow, Katherine Parr, was fractured by the inappropriate attentions of Parr's husband the roue' Thomas Seymour.

One of the many interesting themes of the book is the evolution of Elizabeth's attitude toward the marriages of her ladies-in-waiting which became quite hostile by the end of her life. Another major theme is the conflict with her female relatives, the surviving Gray sisters and later, Arabella Stuart, who had competing claims to her throne which sometimes threatened her.

Tracy Borman's book is a great addition to any Tudorphile's library. Highly recommended!

The 12 Doctrines of Christmas

This is a hoot! Don't miss the 5 Points of Calvinism vs. 5 Solas stanza. Hat tip to Dave Pepper.

Sappy Christmas Song 2010: Good Pastor Wendy Update

So Pastor Wendy, having resisted the temptation to bet on the whippets and make some quick cash for Christmas, righteously decides instead to engage in a "looney charity dunking" (I don't make this stuff up, folks, I just report it...). Can Santa save her from herself? Where will the Christmas cash come from? 

Resisting the temptation to bet on the whippets

Ferrets? Ferrets? Ferrets? Donde esta?

And the choir director? And the youth group? Lots of loose ends here, friends, that need to be tied up in one big sloppy sentimental stanza (or two)!!!

Good Pastor Wendy won't come out
of her little study,
She is feeling very stressed
Her Christmas spirit's cruddy.
Bills stack up  upon her desk,
The choir master quit her.
Church finances are a tangled mess,
Down her cheek there falls a tear.

--Quotidian Grace

Yorkshire-ese Ahead!!

Ey oop Wendy, cheer oop lass,
Thon's bin in worser pickles;
t'snow's piled high so light a fire
let flames yon bills to tickle...
t'choir man he wore tone deaf
of very little merit
Off thee go and have a pint
and play with yonder ferrets

[translated:
Hello Wendy, cheer up,
things could be worse,
it's very snowy outside so get the fire on -
burn the bills.
the choir master wasn't particularly musical,
nothing to recommend anyway.
Go and have a beer
and play with those ferrets over there instead.]
 --Nik

Pastor Wendy wiped her eyes,
On her Christmas stocking,
Wondering if it could be time,
Just to head out walking.
Could there be another spot,
One less aggravating?
Could it be that she should look,
For a job less ja-aaaa-ding?
--Singing Owl

Wendy left her office cold,
headed for the Starbucks.
"Double-espresso choc-o grande,
with a shot of milk, Chuck !!"
Out the door she strode that day,
sipping on her coffee.
After Christmas, she did say,
another job I'll be seeking.

--Reformed Catholic

Pastor Wendy went downtown
Thought she'd look for presents
Ran into the youth group there
They were planning nonsense
All dressed up like reindeer they
Pranced around the food court
Singing loudly all the day:
Hallelujah Chorus!
    --Robin

From the pet store suddenly
Came the Christmas ferrets
As their cages they did flee
Absconding with some carrots.
Pastor Wendy quickly spied
The youth group chasing after
Shoppers screamed, so horrified
What a big Dis-aaa-ster!!
  -- Quotidian Grace

Pastor's Wendy's thinking
'Bout her days in D-school
All those late-life students
Thought it's fine to switch the rules.
Stops at Borders for a look
Maybe a career change?
Gets herself an L-SAT book
Knows that now she is de-ranged!
   --Robin

ALERT: YORKSHIRESE AHEAD...

Ey-oop lass and hasten quick
T' ferrets have escap-ed
Yonder youth group's in the nick
For their daft-like capers:
Forced 't ferrets into Mall -
They danced around the Yule tree.
Alas thon youth group's all locked up:
Charged with animal cru-el-ty.

[translation]
Oh gosh, best hurry
the ferrets have escaped.
The youth group have been put into prison:
they were really rather unkind to the wee ferrets
And made them dance around the Christmas tree in the mall.
Alas, the youth group have been locked up
because ferrets are sentient beings and really shouldn't be treated with such disrespect]
--Nik

Wendy thought about those kids
chasing after polecats.
Wish they had such energy
at Sunday evening youth camp.
I better go and bail them out,
then go call their parents.
So off to the precinct thus she went,
forgetting to buy presents.
--Reformed Catholic

So Wendy went back to the Manse,
turned on her computer.
Amazon, Sears and HSN,
online shopping's easier.
No ferrets running all about,
or shoppers wild expressions.
Christmas wrappings only 3 bucks,
Shipped directly to-oo them.
--Reformed Catholic

Pastor Wendy's debit card
Sadly was rejected.
Her account was overdrawn,
Her balance sheet neglected.
Christmas bonuses were naught
For Wendy or her staff
When she once asked about them,
Everyone did laugh.
--earthchick

Wendy sighed and went to bed,

"Its really time to leave now.

Stewardship is but a joke,
We're spending our reserves low.


Troubled dreams our Wendy had,


tossing all the night long.

Knowing that this Christmas Eve


May not have the he-eat on !!

--Reformed Catholic

The weeks flew by 'fore Christmas Eve,


Wendy was so busy.

Planning Advent services, 

left her in a tizzy.


Still the bills piled up each day,


Wendy was so frantic.

Will there be enough to pay,


for the food bank baskets ??
--Reformed Catholic

Alert Again: More Yorkshirese!

Hearken lass and look'ee here
And stop wit yonder gurnin'
Pop whippet oot o' bath right smart
If wants t'make some earnin's.
Off to 't track gang you 't now
And get that whippet running
One hunnert poon's in't 3'o'clock
And ye'll not lack for fu-un-ding.

[translation:
Wendy, my sweet little mince pie pay attention
And stop pulling faces.
Go and fetch the whippet from the bath quickly
If you want to make some money.
Go to the track
And make that whippet earn its keep
I suggest you put £100 on it on the race at 3pm -
It's a 'sure thing' and you'll have all the money you need.]
--Nik

Off to 't track oor Wendy went
to place a bet on't whippet.
"'Eee by 'eck a winning run
would see t' church in credit!"
But conscience is a reet rum thing:
And childer all were looking.
Lightbulb flashed inside her head -
A charity looney dooking...

[translation:
Wendy went to the track
and was going to gamble rather wantonly.
"Gosh, if the dog wins
our church money problems will be over!"
But it's a bit of a bother when one has an over-active conscience...
And the children were looking - so a bad example.
She had an idea
She'd raise the money for the church via a sponsored jump into icy cold water on New Year's day.]
--Nik

Poor addled Wendy's looking for
A good wetsuit for the ducking
Else she freezes to the core
And frigid water sucking.
Where is Santa and his sleigh
With a miracle to save her?
Throw all the kiddies' toys away
Shower her with filthy lu-u-cre!
--Quotidian Grace

4th Sunday in Advent comes round,
Wendy is there preaching.
The usual members sit in back,
at least they're not there sleeping.
Old Josh sits in his same seat,
Never misses a Sunday.
Notices that Wendy's not,
preaching in the same way.
--Reformed Catholic

Sappy Christmas Song 2010: Good Pastor Wendy Update

Over the weekend Reformed Catholic added two new stanzas to our 2010 Sappy Christmas Song, Good Pastor Wendy.

Our heroine finds herself in dire straits indeed as the song lurches toward a denouement: Her debit card is overdrawn, the heat in the church has been turned off and there's no cash for the traditional Christmas Baskets for the poor. What would Good King Wencelas do????

Add your stanza in the comments.....

Good Pastor Wendy won't come out
of her little study,
She is feeling very stressed
Her Christmas spirit's cruddy.
Bills stack up  upon her desk,
The choir master quit her.
Church finances are a tangled mess,
Down her cheek there falls a tear.

--Quotidian Grace

ALERT: YORKSHIRESE AHEAD!!

Ey oop Wendy, cheer oop lass,
Thon's bin in worser pickles;
t'snow's piled high so light a fire
let flames yon bills to tickle...
t'choir man he wore tone deaf
of very little merit
Off thee go and have a pint
and play with yonder ferrets

[translated:
Hello Wendy, cheer up,
things could be worse,
it's very snowy outside so get the fire on -
burn the bills.
the choir master wasn't particularly musical,
nothing to recommend anyway.
Go and have a beer
and play with those ferrets over there instead.]

--Nik

Pastor Wendy wiped her eyes,
On her Christmas stocking,
Wondering if it could be time,
Just to head out walking.
Could there be another spot,
One less aggravating?
Could it be that she should look,
For a job less ja-aaaa-ding?

--Singing Owl

Wendy left her office cold,
headed for the Starbucks.
"Double-espresso choc-o grande,
with a shot of milk, Chuck !!"
Out the door she strode that day,
sipping on her coffee.
After Christmas, she did say,
another job I'll be seeking.

--Reformed Catholic

Pastor Wendy went downtown
Thought she'd look for presents
Ran into the youth group there
They were planning nonsense
All dressed up like reindeer they
Pranced around the food court
Singing loudly all the day:
Hallelujah Chorus!
    --Robin

From the pet store suddenly
Came the Christmas ferrets
As their cages they did flee
Absconding with some carrots.
Pastor Wendy quickly spied
The youth group chasing after
Shoppers screamed, so horrified
What a big Dis-aaa-ster!!
  -- Quotidian Grace

Pastor's Wendy's thinking
'Bout her days in D-school
All those late-life students
Thought it's fine to switch the rules.
Stops at Borders for a look
Maybe a career change?
Gets herself an L-SAT book
Knows that now she is de-ranged!
   --Robin

ALERT: YORKSHIRESE AHEAD...

Ey-oop lass and hasten quick
T' ferrets have escap-ed
Yonder youth group's in the nick
For their daft-like capers:
Forced 't ferrets into Mall -
They danced around the Yule tree.
Alas thon youth group's all locked up:
Charged with animal cru-el-ty.

[translation]
Oh gosh, best hurry
the ferrets have escaped.
The youth group have been put into prison:
they were really rather unkind to the wee ferrets
And made them dance around the Christmas tree in the mall.
Alas, the youth group have been locked up
because ferrets are sentient beings and really shouldn't be treated with such disrespect]
--Nik

Wendy thought about those kids
chasing after polecats.
Wish they had such energy
at Sunday evening youth camp.
I better go and bail them out,
then go call their parents.
So off to the precinct thus she went,
forgetting to buy presents.
--Reformed Catholic

So Wendy went back to the Manse,
turned on her computer.
Amazon, Sears and HSN,
online shopping's easier.
No ferrets running all about,
or shoppers wild expressions.
Christmas wrappings only 3 bucks,
Shipped directly to-oo them.
--Reformed Catholic

Pastor Wendy's debit card
Sadly was rejected.
Her account was overdrawn,
Her balance sheet neglected.
Christmas bonuses were naught
For Wendy or her staff
When she once asked about them,
Everyone did laugh.
--earthchick

Wendy sighed and went to bed,


"Its really time to leave now.


Stewardship is but a joke,


We're spending our reserves low.


Troubled dreams our Wendy had,


tossing all the night long.


May not have the he-eat on !!

--Reformed Catholic

The weeks flew by 'fore Christmas Eve,


Wendy was so busy.


Planning Advent services, 
left her in a tizzy.


Still the bills piled up each day,


Wendy was so frantic.


Will there be enough to pay,


for the food bank baskets ??
--Reformed Catholic

Sappy Christmas Song 2010: Good Pastor Wendy Update

 So, QG's Gentle Readers have been quite busy adding stanzas to our Sappy Christmas Song, "Good Pastor Wendy", which is set to the tune of Good King Wenceslas. Our heroine must deal with a bankrupt church and a youth group held in custody by the sheriff for cruelty to the Christmas Ferrets. In her despair she entertains the idea of becoming (the horror!) a lawyer. 

To add insult to injury her credit card is rejected when she tries to shop online having given up on shopping in the mall (what with the youth group's troubles with the Christmas ferrets). And there will be no Christmas bonus this year.

Thanks to Robin, Nik, Reformed Catholic, earthchick and Moi for their contributions to this immortal ballad!!! If you have more, add them in the comments....

Good Pastor Wendy won't come out
of her little study,
She is feeling very stressed
Her Christmas spirit's cruddy.
Bills stack up  upon her desk,
The choir master quit her.
Church finances are a tangled mess,
Down her cheek there falls a tear.
--Quotidian Grace

Ey oop Wendy, cheer oop lass,
Thon's bin in worser pickles;
t'snow's piled high so light a fire
let flames yon bills to tickle...
t'choir man he wore tone deaf
of very little merit
Off thee go and have a pint
and play with yonder ferrets

[translated:
Hello Wendy, cheer up,
things could be worse,
it's very snowy outside so get the fire on -
burn the bills.
the choir master wasn't particularly musical,
nothing to recommend anyway.
Go and have a beer
and play with those ferrets over there instead.]
--Nik

Pastor Wendy wiped her eyes,
On her Christmas stocking,
Wondering if it could be time,
Just to head out walking.
Could there be another spot,
One less aggravating?
Could it be that she should look,
For a job less ja-aaaa-ding?
--Singing Owl

Wendy left her office cold,
headed for the Starbucks.
"Double-espresso choc-o grande,
with a shot of milk, Chuck !!"
Out the door she strode that day,
sipping on her coffee.
After Christmas, she did say,
another job I'll be seeking.

--Reformed Catholic

Pastor Wendy went downtown
Thought she'd look for presents
Ran into the youth group there
They were planning nonsense
All dressed up like reindeer they
Pranced around the food court
Singing loudly all the day:
Hallelujah Chorus!
    --Robin

From the pet store suddenly
Came the Christmas ferrets
As their cages they did flee
Absconding with some carrots.
Pastor Wendy quickly spied
The youth group chasing after
Shoppers screamed, so horrified
What a big Dis-aaa-ster!!
  -- Quotidian Grace

Pastor's Wendy's thinking
'Bout her days in D-school
All those late-life students
Thought it's fine to switch the rules.
Stops at Borders for a look
Maybe a career change?
Gets herself an L-SAT book
Knows that now she is de-ranged!
   --Robin

ALERT: YORKSHIRESE AHEAD...

Ey-oop lass and hasten quick
T' ferrets have escap-ed
Yonder youth group's in the nick
For their daft-like capers:
Forced 't ferrets into Mall -
They danced around the Yule tree.
Alas thon youth group's all locked up:
Charged with animal cru-el-ty.

[translation]
Oh gosh, best hurry
the ferrets have escaped.
The youth group have been put into prison:
they were really rather unkind to the wee ferrets
And made them dance around the Christmas tree in the mall.
Alas, the youth group have been locked up
because ferrets are sentient beings and really shouldn't be treated with such disrespect]
--Nik

Wendy thought about those kids
chasing after polecats.
Wish they had such energy
at Sunday evening youth camp.
I better go and bail them out,
then go call their parents.
So off to the precinct thus she went,
forgetting to buy presents.
--Reformed Catholic

So Wendy went back to the Manse,
turned on her computer.
Amazon, Sears and HSN,
online shopping's easier.
No ferrets running all about,
or shoppers wild expressions.
Christmas wrappings only 3 bucks,
Shipped directly to-oo them.
--Reformed Catholic

Pastor Wendy's debit card
Sadly was rejected.
Her account was overdrawn,
Her balance sheet neglected.
Christmas bonuses were naught
For Wendy or her staff
When she once asked about them,
Everyone did laugh.
--earthchick

Children's Moment in Memorial Service

Patrick's memorial service Saturday was a wonderful affirming celebration of his life and faith, attended by a very large gathering of friends and family.

I'd like to share with my Gentle Readers the special Children's Moment that was included in the service. My RevGal/Pal friends may want to make a note of this for future reference.

Annie and her cousins and young friends of the family were called forward to the front of the sanctuary to join Father Bob, the Episcopal priest at the church school she attends.

He lit a candle and explained to the children that the flame represented Patrick's life. Then he blew out the candle and pointed out the smoke that wafted overhead from it, saying that represented his spirit that lived on. After distributing candles to each of the children, he lit his candle once again saying that Patrick's spirit now shone before his Lord in heaven. 

Father Bob then lit the candle of each child gathered in front of him and told them the burning candles represented their lives. Then he led them in a procession down the center aisle as they all sang "This Little Light of Mine/I'm gonna let it shine." After they sang the song, he dismissed them to go back and sit with their families.

Truly this was the most meaningful way I have ever seen of including young children in a memorial service.

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in their heavenly Father's realm. Rev. 21: 4

Sappy Christmas Song 2010: Good Pastor Wendy

Thanks to Nik, Singing Owl and Reformed Catholic for their contributions to "Good Pastor Wendy", the 2010 Sappy Christmas song. Remember, it is set to the tune of Good King Wenceslas. And here's the song so far:

Good Pastor Wendy won't come out
of her little study,
She is feeling very stressed
Her Christmas spirit's cruddy.
Bills stack up  upon her desk,
The choir master quit her.
Church finances are a tangled mess,
Down her cheek there falls a tear.
--QG

Ey oop Wendy, cheer oop lass,
Thon's bin in worser pickles;
t'snow's piled high so light a fire
let flames yon bills to tickle...
t'choir man he wore tone deaf
of very little merit
Off thee go and have a pint
and play with yonder ferrets

[translated from the Yorkshire-ese

Hello Wendy, cheer up,
things could be worse,
it's very snowy outside so get the fire on -
burn the bills.
the choir master wasn't particularly musical,
nothing to recommend anyway.
Go and have a beer
and play with those ferrets over there instead.]--Nik

Pastor Wendy wiped her eyes,
On her Christmas stocking,
Wondering if it could be time,
Just to head out walking.
Could there be another spot,
One less aggravating?
Could it be that she should look,
For a job less ja-aaaa-ding?
--Singing Owl

Wendy left her office cold,
headed for the Starbucks.
"Double-espresso choc-o grande,
with a shot of milk, Chuck !!"
Out the door she strode that day,
sipping on her coffee.
After Christmas, she did say,
another job I'll be seeking.

--Reformed Catholic

What kind of job will Pastor Wendy be seeking? Will it relieve her stress or add to it? Will another accent make an appearance in the song or no? What's with the Christmas ferrets? Only you have the answer...add your verse in the comments!! For more information see this post.

Book Review: Paul Among The People

Sarah Ruden, a research fellow at the Yale Divinity School, is a scholar of ancient Greek and has translated four books of classical literature, including the Aeneid, into modern English.

In Paul Among the People: The Apostle Reinterpreted and Reimagined in His Own Time, she uses her own translations of Greek literature from the time of Paul as well as her own translations of his epistles to explain the cultural context within which those writings would have been heard and interpreted by Paul's contemporaries.

Although Ruden is an academic, the book is not a dull treatise, but a fairly lively presentation of the man she calls "the greatest theological genius of all time" in his own time and place.

Pau's views on pleasure, homosexuality, women, relationship with the state and slavery have been--and still are--the subject of dispute within the Christian community around the world. Ruden uses her knowledge of ancient Greek and the literature of Paul's day to illuminate his views on these subjects.

Anyone reading this book looking for support for their progressive/liberal or evangelical/conservative interpretation of these controversial topics will be disappointed. Her conclusions challenge both sides of the church because she demonstrates that the premises underlying the lenses through which twenty-first century Christians are viewing these issues are quite different from those of the first century.

I do not have much background in ancient classical literature and found that sometimes it was hard to follow Ruden's extensive translations, even though she uses colloquial rather than academic language. Also--be warned--some of the selections included, particularly in the chapter on homosexuality, are quite graphic. Personally, I would have preferred to read a summary or description rather than the "real thing." 

Paul Among the People is a creative, innovative approach to understanding Paul in the ancient cultural context. Ministers, educators, academics and other church professionals will find it interesting but I would not recommend it for the average layperson.

(This review is also posted on my book blog, QG's Book Reviews.)

QG's Fifth Annual Sappy Christmas Song Contest Commences!

It's that time of year again, Gentle Readers!! Yes, I know you hoped I would forget but tradition trumps all. It's time to begin QG's Fifth Annual Sappy Christmas Song Contest.

~applause applause~

The contest is inspired by the Bulwer-Lytton Bad Fiction Contest and its motto: "where w.w.w. means wretched writers welcome!"

Each year my Gentle Readers are invited to contribute their own deathless lyrics in a group effort to create the sappiest, most sentimental and generally execrable Christmas Song of the year. Think Christmas Shoes, only worse!!!

Here are the rules of the contest:

• QG posts a beginning stanza. If your muse is with you, add a stanza or lines of your own in the comments.

• QG will post updates as the 2009 Sappy Christmas Song evolves and you may continue adding verses in the comments.

• When, in the sole judgment of QG, the Song seems complete, or QG gets tired of it, the entire song will be posted and prizes will be awarded. The prizes will be inspired by the contributions--so be creative!

And AWAAAYYY we GO!

This year's Sappy Christmas Song will be sung to the tune of Good King Wenceslas. Here's a link to the music to help you along.

And here is the first stanza of the 2010 Sappy Christmas Song:

Good Pastor Wendy won't come out

of her little study,

She is feeling very stressed

Her Christmas spirit's cruddy.
Bills stack up  upon her desk,
The choir master quit her.

Church finances are a tangled mess,

Down her cheek there falls a tear.

Now it's up to you! Add a stanza or a few lines in the comments and I will post periodic updates!

Announcing the Fifth Annual Sappy Christmas Song Contest

For the fifth year, QG will host the Sappy Christmas Song Contest, beginning this Monday, December 6!

If you are not familiar with the contest, here are some links to the past immortal compositions created in the contest:

Pets Need Christmas, Too (2006)

Sappy Christmas Song 2007

Santa Needs A Bailout Too (2008)

Sappy Christmas Song 2009

I will post the guidelines for the contest and the first stanza to get the sappy song ball rolling on Monday morning!

Presbyterians Today: Blogs By and For Unsung Heros of the Church

The December Best of the Blogs column in Presbyterians Today highlights several blogs written by some of the "unsung heroes" of the church: Sunday School teachers, church secretaries and pastor spouses. You can read it online here.

This is my last Best of the Blogs column for PT. Over the past year I found it increasingly difficult to find active blogs that were written by or for Presbyterians that I had not previously highlighted. More and more bloggers are using Facebook and Twitter rather than writing posts for their blogs. So I let the editor know that I would not be continuing to write this feature next year.

My thanks to the staff at Presbyterians Today for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the magazine for the past couple of years. I don't know whether Best of the Blogs feature will be continued, but if it is, then I wish all the best to whoever takes it over.

Patrick Is Home

 

This is how I will always remember Patrick: the devoted father and avid outdoorsman. He passed away this afternoon from the injuries he sustained in the auto accident October 11. It's comforting to remember him as he was just a few short weeks ago.

I remember when Patrick was engaged to our niece Carol and first met her grandfather (El Jefe's father "Dutch"). Dutch quickly took a liking to this gentle young man, declaring that he took good care of his car and "any man who takes good care of his care will take good care of his wife!" So Patrick had Dutch's full approval. And he proved to be a loving husband to our precious niece.

And Patrick was wonderful with Dutch in his declining years--always patient and gentle, he treated him with respect and spent time with him. Patrick was in his element hunting and fishing and spending time outdoors. He passed this great love of God's world to his daughter Annie, as you can see.

Godspeed, Patrick! You are home safe now, moored in God's loving arms.

Note: For those friends and family in Houston, Patrick's memorial service will be this Saturday at 3 pm at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church.

(see also Averill's tribute to Patrick on her blog Odi et Amo)