Flotsam

The chestnut tree out front is absolutely loaded with fruit. In another few weeks, the squirrels will go nuts - literally - and leave broken shells on every concrete surface on the block. They tuck a nut in each cheek, for all the world looking as if they have a particularly bad case of the mumps.

Rummage, interrupted. I think the planned rummage sale for this fall is off. The grand plan called for me to finish some of the smaller projects in my pile that are either no longer to my taste, or were bought to have "on hand" for some future need that didn't materialize. After cutting batting for three Christmas wall quilts, a baby quilt and another smallish wall quilt, I realized I probably won't be getting all of them quilted in the next three weeks. The good news is that there are two big, empty rubbermaid containers in the house, in which to store the other rummage sale goods until spring. Unless, of course, I get tired of seeing them sit around and cart the whole lot to Goodwill.

A dear friend is going to be a grandmother - for the ninth time. Her daughter has five; her son's wife is currently cooking their fourth. If you think of it, say a few prayers for Alison - it sounds like her morningall-day sickness is pretty severe.

No burning plans for the long weekend, which may be a very good thing. At last count, I have four library books checked out, one waiting for pick up, a book to read and questions to review for the women's retreat 9/13-15, half of a Bible study lesson to finish by next week and a house that needs to be cleaned before the fall decorations are put out. Read for half an hour, clean for half an hour, lather, rinse, repeat. Keeps me from getting bored (or petrifying in a chair, only my eyes moving across the page and the occassional flip of a turning page indicating I'm still among the living).

Eek. I'm reading in the service at church Sunday - something I've always enjoyed and viewed as an honor. This is the first time I've read at this church, though, so obsessive rereading of the passage in question is part of my plan for the weekend. The account of the prodigal son from Luke 15, if you are interested.

Double eek. They have also asked if I'd like to occassionally sing on worship team. While I enjoy it (after my tummy calms down and I realize that in spite of the sweaty hands, I'm probably not going to drop the mic), I'm not entirely sure I want to jump in with both feet. While I have some natural abilities for music, my spiritual gifting is in the realm of teaching. The concern is with getting caught up in things because they sound good at the time, finding myself unable to step into a ministry that really uses my giftings because there is too much already on my plate. Need to pray more about this one.

Whoo hoo, new office furniture is on the way! It will be about four weeks to delivery, which should give me enough time to get rid of the jetsam that threatens to drown my office after ten years of occupancy. To think, the only thing in the office on my first day of work was the desk. Will try to take pictures.