Not in communion

First day in the new job and I was invited to attend the Professional Development Day on Catholic faith. The bishop gave a very thoughtful and insightful introduction to Catholic theology (as much as possible in only 3 hours). I enjoyed and appreciated his intellectual integrity. And understand better the "context of Catholic faith and values" within which I will be working.

I also realise how deeply Protestant I am. I appreciate the Catholic interpretation of what is required for the church universal to enjoy the unity that Christ desires. I now understand how pivotal acceptance of transubstantiation is in our separation. I am firmly within the 'real presence' school of understanding. Our inability to celebrate communion together pains me.

As we approach Reformation Sunday I find myself with Luther. "The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God." To me that is such a treasure and a way of living. Together with doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Godde.

For now it seems a case of celebrating common understanding and feeling the pain of separation. I do agree that we cannot cover over or deny the separation that exists as a result of current theology and doctrine.

This is where I stand. Seeking to remain true to myself and to my understanding and tradition. So help me God!

Stepping out

Inspired by Ruth's disciplined dieting, and Lutheran Chick's brilliant post on Why my Church should be more like my Gym I completed my first workout at GFitness this arvo. Like LC I have been totally impressed by the accepting welcome I received. Sure, I know there's money in it for them. But still they have been patient and gentle and non-embarrassing. All the personal details were recorded patiently without any comment or outward sign of censure. The exercise machines explained patiently without exasperation. The routine written down seriously despite being at the lowest levels and speeds. My daughter laughed when I told her my cross-trainer speed. My trainer didn't. And then today a friendly welcome and encouraging words in passing. Looking around I feel as if I single-handedly significantly raise the average age of attendees. And the weight. No matter. We are all on a path to improved fitness and wellbeing. Reminds me of the apostle Paul when he said there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free. I need to see that bigger picture as easily in the Church as I do in the Gym.

Women's talk

For the past few months a group of women in West Epping have offered a Friday evening worship event Amazing Space. A creative space for women to meet in faith. Messages have included mention of some matters very close to the heart. Followed by free time with opportunity for a hand massage, reading, candle lighting, writing, finger labyrinth. One of the real blessings for me has been the mix of women who attend. From within our church community people from 8 am, 9.30 am and 6 pm congregations. From neighbouring churches. And from our local community. All ages from teens to great aunts (and a few great-greats). Last night I felt so privileged to have a very 'close to the heart' conversation with a marvellous woman a few years older than me. It has been so good to have a safe space to speak of the losses and hurts and joys we have experienced. And to be still. A worship space not filled with words. Amazing space.

Johnny Appleseed Friday Five

Across the Pacific from here, they are celebrating the 234th birthday of Johnny Appleseed. Singing Owl has posted a Friday Five in his honour:

September 26, 1774 was his birthday. "Johnny Appleseed" (John Chapman) is one of America's great legends. He was a nurseryman who started out planting trees in western New York and Pennsylvania, but he was among those who were captivated by the movement west across the continent.

As Johnny traveled west (at that time, the "West" was places like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois) he planted apple trees and sold trees to settlers. With every apple tree that was planted, the legend grew. A devout Christian, he was known to preach during his travels. According to legend, Johny Appleseed led a simple life and wanted little. He rarely accepted money and often donated any money he received to churches or charities. He planted hundreds of orchards, considering it his service to humankind. There is some link between Johny Appleseed and very early Arbor Day celebrations.

So, in honor of this interesting fellow, let's get on with the questions!

1. What is your favorite apple dish? (BIG BONUS points if you share the recipe.)
Apple crumble. The recipe depends what is in the pantry but the basic idea:
Put rolled oats (about a cup), walnuts (or almonds, or other nuts) (1/2 to 1 cup), 1 tbs brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon or allspice, and any seeds on hand (pumpkin, sunflower etc) and 50-75g cold butter into a food processor and blend until butter is in small pieces. (If no food processor put dry ingredients in a bowl and chop butter into the mix)
Cut up plenty of apples and slice into a pie dish.
Pile on the rolled oats topping
Bake at 180 degrees celsius until top is golden and apples are soft.
Almost everything in this recipe can be substituted. It is OK with white sugar, wholemeal or even plain flour, and other grains and spices.
2. Have you ever planted a tree? If so was there a special reason or occasion you can tell us about?

When I bought my first house it was newly built and I planted out the section with lots of trees. We planted a tree to mark the place where we placed each of our children's placentas. Our son co-planted a tree to commemorate a church anniversary when he was two years old. Our daughter was born in 1989 and we planted a tree in a community planting the following year to mark the 150th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty between the indigenous people of New Zealand and Queen Victoria. We have planted lemon and peach trees in our garden. I've not before reflected on trees in my life but there have been quite a few!
3. Does the idea of roaming around the countryside (preaching or otherwise) appeal to you? Why or why not?

Appeals greatly because I like the feel of the earth beneath my feet and sun (through the sunblock) on my skin. Not so keen on the preaching - but meeting people on the way and sharing our stories would be grand.

4. Who is a favorite "historical legend" of yours?

Again so many! Sir Edmund Hillary. Kate Sheppard. My great-grandfathers - legends within their families.

5. Johnny Appleseed was said to sing to keep up his spirits as he traveled the roads of the west. Do you have a song that comes when you are trying to be cheerful, or is there something else that you often do?

It's a happy day
And I praise God for the weather
It's a happy day
And I'm living it for my Lord
It's a happy day
And things can only get better
Living each day by the promises in God's word :-)

Babies eat fish!

No posts for a week! I knew I had been busy but didn't realise I had been that busy. In our household there was an element of folklore that eating fish was good for your brain. Exam weeks featured fish a lot! But these Swedish researchers have found that babies who eat fish are less likely to have eczema. Pet birds are helpful as well. Interesting!

Spring equinox

Walking back home across the Parramatta River today I was struck forcibly by the presence of Spring. As we approach the equinox I'm turning Songbird's Friday Five on its head and celebrating the southern season:

As this vivid season begins, tell us five favorite things about spring:

1) A fragrance - jasmine

2) A color - bright green

3) An item of clothing - white linen jacket

4) An activity - walking with joy (not specific to the season but definitely part of it)

5) A special day - today. September 19th. Anniversary of women's suffrage in NZ. And newly discovered as International Talk Like a Pirate day. And this very day has been a delight in many ways.

Ahoy me hearties

This day be International Talk Like a Pirate day. Ho ho me hearties for a weekend of riotous good fortune, maybe including the Perils of the Pirate Princess

Women of Substance - New Zealand

Get on your blue stockings and dance dance dance!

To celebrate the 115th anniversary of women enjoying the right to vote in Aotearoa New Zealand. A great cartoon for the day is posted here. With the gumboot missing! In 1893 the courageous efforts of pioneers like Kate Sheppard led that little country to be the first in the world to have universal suffrage. An excellent historical survey is posted here. I didn't realise that there are women alive today in the USA "who grew up at a time when women were disenfranchised" (thanks Shamaal for that quote). And renew my gratitude for the context I wasn't even aware of as I grew up. The YouTube video I just posted is quite long and more doco than fun - but does give a 'warts and all' overview of women in NZ.

A few years ago I was privileged to meet a member of the Afghanistan Commission on Human Rights. They commented very favourably on the important role NZ Peacekeeping forces had played in ensuring safe passage for women to the polling booths. These young men and women of our defence forces may not have been conscious of it , but they were possibly living out an age-old principle of our nation. Despite my Pacifist stance, I am pleased to support a family member who will be serving in that challenging country before long.

It perhaps explains, in part, the deep outrage felt by our family when we immigrated and found in this new land that the First Australians were able to vote for the first time just 41 years ago. And an interchange from my childhood between my mother and a great-uncle on the situation in South Africa. My Mum had said something along the lines that Africans should be happy if they had a good employer and were well looked after. Uncle Rod made a forceful statement about the right to citizenship and to vote. And this from a man known more for his extreme piety than his social activism. In the 70s. Reflecting back it was probably one of the pivotal moments in my personal faith development.

And while we can and should dance, we need to remember all those women internationally who do not yet participate fully in the governance of their communities. Lamenting with the psalmist and with U2 - How long ...

Zero to two in under three

Talk about amazing. After six months with no paid employment I followed a lead from a friend which led to me accepting a part-time position in Palliative Medicine. The NEXT DAY I had an interesting phone call testing out my interest in a Public Health role in a new medical school. Today I had an interview which led to an offer and I will start that academic position part-time in two weeks. Still to be officially confirmed of course but all is in train to complete the paperwork. So from no job to two jobs in less than three weeks! I am a happy lassie. And even more so when I found the Uni is across the road from an art supplies shop. I love beautiful papers and this shop is full of those. As well as every kind of paint you can imagine. It was a great place to look around after the successful interview.

I'm not sure what to make of all this. Should I just have been more patient and trusted that the right position would eventuate? Was my 'bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' mentality about the first offer an example of that lovers' impetuous nature that leaps at the present and doesn't plan for the future? Was I just giving in to the pressure from within and without to find a job? At some level I know I was wondering what is wrong with me that I was perpetually shortlisted but never appointed. Others around me were asking the same question.

Then again - if there is any branch of clinical medicine that I would consider Pall Med is in there - alongside rehab/ psych/ addiction med/ gerontology. It was not a rash decision but something I had been thinking about for some time. Attending PallMed journal club I find synergies between the issues my new colleagues discuss and my experience in Public Health. Both these positions came as a result of invitation to consider. Both 'seemed right at the time'. One extends me in new directions and the other is a consolidation and affirmation of experience to date. In time I think I will find that the diversion into PallMed will have significant impact on my professional development. The Public Health questions around end of life care need to be addressed. I have a new perspective already.

So I am glad. Not too interpreting. Glad and grateful. For opportunities abounding and knowledge to gain and to share. However I got here.

I'm a lover

Thanks to Sally for posting a quick little quiz... in which I discover I'm a lover

You are a Lover, a feeling type, whose spirituality comes primarily from the heart or emotions. You value freedom, independence, and spontaneity. Along with your gift of enthusiasm, you show us how to have fun and appreciate beauty. More than any other type, you know how to experience joy. This puts you in a unique position to experience God in the moment, to revel in what is happening around you, and to be in the present tense.

To Lovers, God is a nurturing parent. Prayer for you is often extemporaneous, speaking to God about what is on your heart at the moment. Music moves you deeply; so does heartfelt preaching and worship. You believe that real faith must be shared. Consequently, many Lovers are interested in missions or in spreading the Gospel through the media. You are passionate about holy living.

On the other hand, a Lover's impulsive behavior can get you in trouble. You sometimes focus on satisfying immediate desires to the detriment of investing in longer term needs. You have been known to exude a "holier-than-thou" attitude toward other spiritual types. That does not endear you to us. Guard against thinking that to be right everyone else must share a spiritual experience similar to yours. You also may need permission to acknowledge anger, disappointment, sadness, and doubt, and to allow yourself to be less than ideal.

Pretty true to form I think ...

Relativity

My mother received The Little Red Recipe Book as a Christmas gift from her cousins in 1945. In the front of the book is so much useful information (handy hints, how to foretell the weather, useful measures, antidotes for poison etc) including a table of income or wages. I was struck by the observation that the highest income in the table is 1000 (pounds sterling). I've commented to a couple of people how unbelievable that is. That many people earn more than that in a week now. How hard it is to envision a world where the highest income you could imagine is under $20 a week (just taking a wee bit of license and substituting long outdated currency with the modern version). And then like a thunderbolt it hit me!

Almost half of the people on this planet live on less than $1000 a year. ($2.50 a day is $912.50 a year). And 80% live on less than $10 a day - or under $4000 a year. The disparity that seems almost laughable when viewed chronologically and internally, is heart-breaking and resolve-strengthening when viewed geographically and internationally. I realise there is nothing new in these facts. It's just that the reality has hit me afresh. In a new way. Everything really must change.

On the radio today I heard an interview with the Queensland Premier. Who stated that the responsibility to address climate change lay with private citizens who must reduce their emissions. But that 'trade sensitive industries' needed to be allowed to continue to contribute to economic success and to manage climate change through emissions trading. I have been cynical that emissions trading is a way to avoid actually reducing our addiction to carbon. A sort of prop to look as if we are doing something but in fact nothing is changing. In her interview the Premier certainly bolstered my cynicism.

And so what do I do? Remind myself daily that most of my world brothers and sisters are living with 1940s incomes in a world of third millennium commodities and prices. And live in that knowledge. Letting it work away at every level of my being. Strategically work out how to make a real difference. And work personally, in community and politically to make that difference happen. So help me Godde.

Back to School

A very timely Friday Five from Mother Laura this week. Here are the graduates of my primary class going back to school many years later.

1. Is anyone going back to school, as a student or teacher, at your house? How's it going so far?
How could you know? This very afternoon I submitted an application for a Head of Department position at a local University. I met with some of the staff last week and was really impressed at the integration of personal and professional development within the curriculum. For those who follow my ramblings - yes this is a surprise. I had just started 2 days a week in Palliative Medicine when I was approached to consider the Uni position. In the short term I can continue both part time. But come the start of the new academic year in February I'll need to make some changes.
2. Were you glad or sad when back-to-school time came as a kid?
I was generally pretty happy to be going back to school.
3. Did your family of origin have any rituals to mark this time of year? How about now?
I don't remember any from my childhood. Getting the uniforms drycleaned is almost a ritual in our home now. YES the students do wear uniforms to school in Australia and New Zealand!
4. Favorite memories of back-to-school outfits, lunchboxes, etc?
Well that would be the uniform :-) I loved the lunches my Mum packed for me but I don't remember the boxes particularly.
5. What was your best year of school?
I loved my first year at school with Miss Hull who wore amazing large flowery dresses (it was the 60s !) And when I started post-grad studies in Public Health I had a huge sense of being where I belonged. Both were excellent years. But for attachment to place it would have to be that little country school (below) where I learned to love to learn.

Freedom one step closer at last ...

Wonderful to hear from the Philippines that Pastor Berlin Guerrero has been released from Cavite Prison. What I understand from the news report is that the prosecution now have to prove that there are reasonable grounds for his arrest. Thanks be to Godde!

Food fun!

I've seen this exercise on a few blogs and copied it from Cathy. It looks like fun, and apparently everybody's doing it. On the original Andrew says: Here’s a chance for a little interactivity for all the bloggers out there. Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t worry if you haven’t, mind you; neither have I, though I’ll be sure to work on it. Don’t worry if you don’t recognise everything in the hundred, either; Wikipedia has the answers.

How the Omnivore's 100 works:
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.

2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.

3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.

4) Optional: Post a comment at Very Good Taste, linking to your results.

I can't work out how to cross items out - the only two I would categorically not eat are 23 and 85. And probably not that dirty gin martini either.

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PBJ sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted Cream Tea
38. Vodka Jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat's milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth $120 or more Oh I wish ...
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin (kina)
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone (NZ paua to be precise)
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang Souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom Yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. 3 Michelin Star Tasting Menu
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

What about you?

Poised with passion

Another Poetry Party (the 23rd) hosted by Christine at Abbey of the Arts features this photograph of sweet Tune waiting at the bathroom door (with her human inside) in eager anticipation of her evening walk. Christine writes:

Luckily my camera was close at hand, but seeing her sit there so patiently, yet full of expectation, touched something in me. I have been pondering doors a lot lately with some of that to appear here on this blog. Often we wait at a threshold and the door has yet to be opened. That space of waiting can be one of the most difficult, and yet often the most necessary of times.

For what are you waiting with eager anticipation? You might speak from your own voice in the poem or that of a dog full of hope.

Feel free to take your poem in any direction and then post the image and invitation on your blog and encourage others to come join the party!

Sweet Tune
Patience born of knowing
pattern and person
Poised with passion
Ready to burst forth
at the first opening of the door

When past routine
no longer maps
direction or desire
Object of anticipation
uncertain and unclear
Restlessness pervades

Sweet Tune
Your poised passion
Eager anticipation
Secure knowing
Remind of greater
being and purpose

Uncertainty and change
open opportunity to wait
wonder, anticipate
familiar passion
pattern and person
in new landscape

Vulnerability

The RevGalBlogPals Friday Five from Sally this week demonstrates a reflective mood after the death of a young man during the week. Sally writes:

It seems almost crass to post a Friday 5 after Mary-Beth's last post and prayer request for our dear Gannet Girl and her family. So I hope that folk will take this in the spirit with which it is offered; that of continuing prayer and concern tempered by the knowledge that we are called both to weep and to rejoice with our communities.

I have recently been reading a book entitled Jesus wept, it is all about vulnerability in leadership. The authors speak of how Jesus shared his earthly frustrations and vulnerabilities with a select group of people. To some he was the charismatic leader and teacher, to others words of wisdom were opened and explained and some frustrations shared, to his "inner circle of friends: Peter, James and John, he was most fully himself, and in all of these things he was open to God.

So I bring you this weeks Friday 5:

1. Is vulnerability something that comes easily to you, or are you a private person?
I am a private person who doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve, AND I seek to be authentic and vulnerable without loading stuff onto others. When I show emotion or pain or distress those around me know it comes from a deep place.

2.How important is it to keep up a professional persona in work/ ministry?
Not sure it is a persona but it is important to be professional, to be there to serve the other and to keep the focus on the matter at hand.

3. Masks, a form of self protection discuss...
I have a few ... that I am often not even aware of wearing. The competent wise person is the way I am often perceived. Dunstan Rangers put it well: I'm a stranger to the confidence that others see in me

4. Who knows you warts and all?
My family. And those very few people who have known me through multiple stages of my life - John Murray and Robin Lane stand out in that group.

5. Share a book, a prayer, a piece of music, a poem or a person that touches the deep place in your soul, and calls you to be who you are most authentically.
In the 1980s I read a powerful book called something like Wounded Healer. A series of (auto)biographical accounts of health professionals experience of depression, anxiety and psychosis. I can't remember the details now but the impact of that book, about recognising and sharing and acting on my own places of unwellbeing, has stayed with me.

Changing allegiance

I remember the day I became an Elizabeth Arden girl. Working in my first real job, a junior doctor in a rural hospital, I had time for a bit of a bushwalk between the end of my shift and the bible study group I attended. Drove to the park boundary, enjoyed a quick tramp, got back to the car and pulled out from the parking spot to discover I had a flat tyre. Which I changed as any resourceful woman five miles from anywhere and anyone would. But I had no time for a shower and felt grimy and dirty from all that manual work. So I called in at the local pharmacy - tried all the perfumes - and settled on a large bottle of EA. It was an amber colour but I don't remember the name. I know that when it was going out of production I bought up three bottles which lasted me a good while. And as I got older, and used make-up more regularly, I always gravitated to the Elizabeth Arden stands. Friendly knowledgeable staff. Good products. Until this year. Twice I went to the EA stand in our local department store (moderately upmarket). The first time the attendant was talking on a mobile phone, saw I was waiting but continued her conversation regardless. The second time there was no one there for an extended period of time. Irrationally I walked back toward the entrance and responded to the friendly overtures of the Clinique staff. It kind of surprised me that after nearly 30 years I could be so fickle and abandon an entrenched retail habit. For irrational reasons. Which are basically self-centred (she didn't pay adaequate attention to me ...) But it makes me wonder what it is like for people coming into our churches and health services. How well do we attend to them? Interrupt our routines or conversations to address a question or concern? Value each person-presence? Take notice and respond?

My heart's desire ...




Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

Six small businesses ...

The bag auction finished yesterday raising $458 to contribute to the microcredit project in West Timor. With an additional ten dollars, and an average loan of $78 to new businesses, this will be enough to support six families into sustainable incomes. The yPod team are still to meet with the Uniting International Mission staff to find out exactly where their money will be invested. I think this is an excellent result for a youth initiated and implemented project that was completed within 3 weeks. As a measure of our community values:

• The highest bid was for the 'Mum's revive and survive' bag (with all the little buttons around a heart). It contained pamper treats for mums, and activities for children
• The two next highest bids were for the 'breakfast' bags. One with rolled oats, tea, raisin toast and marmalade, the other with muesli, orange juice, tasty snacks and marmalade.
• The 'chocoholic' bag was the one with the most bids (contents self-explanatory)