Hi, back again after just tweeting a bit for a week. My main focus this past week (promised last Friday was increasing exercise and mindful eating). So, after some research I found a gym to join. I found the folks at LA FITNESS-Piccadilly to be very hospitable and welcoming. Since it is the beginning of a new year they have some pretty attractive packages to induce someone to join. So that's what I did. Since last Friday, I've been to the gym 7 out of 8 days.
I like their sign on the wall which one sees on the way down to the gym
I also looked for a personal trainer. I made the acquaintance of Cormac Quinn who has been just fantastic. We've met three times and I feel very hopeful and confident that he'll "coach" me into ways of increasing my physical activity.
A couple of resources produced by PORTICO (formerly the ELCA Board of Pensions) have assisted me in making "slowing down" as well as making some healthy goals. I highly recommend them to you.
As you know another part of this sabbatical is attending plays. Last Monday I saw GRIEF and then on Wednesday SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER. The first play really dealt with the realities and complexities of death and loss. The second play involved (what I am beginning to understand is a frequent element in plays and also Scriptures) is the notion of "mistaken identity." Even Mary Magdalene on Easter morning (full of grief and sadness) mistakes Jesus as the "gardner." For someone who said, "I am the Vine you are the branches" maybe her words are more "spot on" than previously thought.
You can read the synopsis and reviews of the play.
On Wednesday the 25th it was the Conversion of St. Paul. It was also the birthday of Robert Burns.
So I was invited to celebrate with the "ARCHERS" the 50-60's group at St. Martin in the Fields.
It was a grand evening full of communion, community and conversation.
This coming Sunday at St. Martin in the Fields is HOMELESSNESS SUNDAY
One of the reasons I'm drawn to SMITF is their commitment to helping the homeless.
I'll update you following the service.
I did get my copy this week of
If you are wondering what this is all about scan the following graphic and you'll be taken to a welcome video ( put together by the great team at #BIGREAD12) featuring Tom Wright.
We read the following prayer this morning after we read Psalm 66.
"Be joyful
in God, all the earth.
May the richness of your creation, Lord,
and the mystery of your providence
lead us to that heavenly city
where all peoples will bring their wealth,
forsake their sins and find their true joy,
Jesus Christ our Lord."
blessings,
rtg
