long days

today was a long day with constant running.

and i loved it!

the day began with me waking early. ridiculously early, in fact. 7:30 to be precise. usually i would struggle to wake up when my alarms start going off after 8 am. but for some reason, i was wide awake this morning and unable to go back to sleep.

so i bummed around, putting some clothes away, opening up one of my fake presents that contained my non-christmas decorations, checking email (something i only ever do after i either get to work or get back from the day's activities).

then around 9 i left for blackduck and the pastor's conference there. had a good time.

i've begun to really appreciate the worship services that start the monthly conference meetings. only time each month i get to worship as opposed to working. cause leading worship every week is my job.

the guest speaker talked about the significance of sharing stories since her current ministry is getting to know youth who do not usually darken (or perhaps lighten) the doors of churches.

then we had french dip sandwiches. and delicious potato salad.

then a few remained to talk about douglas john hall's "the cross in our context" as a pre-lenten discussion. theology of the cross is such a good topic. i am beginning more and more to fully appreciate the wonder that God is able to suffer with us. and i love being reminded of the mystery of God.

after the discussion ended around 3, i headed back to my house for a short layover before heading to the habitat for humanity's spaghetti dinner. where i ate way too much spaghetti. but found the desserts for those who were unable to have the extra sense to always know where the sweets are located. perhaps the fact that that the orange drink was located next to the deserts. and i had the orange drink since i'm a little kid.

but the exciting thing during the trip while chatting with my sister is that i began pushing buttons in my car. the other day, friday to be precise, the dashboard lights for some reason stopped working. which was the second time since moving to bemidji that i've been driving a car where i cannot see the speedometer at night. first was dad's sable back in september. and now mom's forester. and of course, it happens the exact week i have no time to get to an auto mechanic. and next week is not any better.

but the lights turned on! for some reason turning the fog light on worked. who would have guessed that a fog light would be the solution to all my problems?

then i went to the church where i sat in on part of a meeting. worship and music committee to be precise. and ended up chatting with a few people afterwards. then i retreated back home.

and now i need to finish up my awesome bible studies. cause tomorrow is wednesday and a very long day complete with an adult bible study, meeting with parents whose kid will be getting baptized in a couple weeks, 5th/6th grade activity/bible study, and confirmation.

and i might end the night with a wee bit o yoga/pilates with ladies at the church who decided to start up some new activities. two times a week for yoga. and every other thursday there will be a new circle.

first meeting is at my house. which reminds me...i need to clean...