Working on the devotional, for Ash Wednesday on the website (click on the Devotional link), got me to thinking about my memoires of the day - and of the traditions going with the day.  For instance we always "fasted," or gave up, something for Lent.  I'm pretty sure it was different things at different times but I do remember giving up both chocolate and "pop" for the 6 weeks. I would then put the money I "saved" into an offering box for the children's ministry.  

One Ash Wednesday stands out more, however, because of what was added.  I left for school as one of seven kids.  I got home from school and was the oldest of 14 ranging in age from 14 months to me at 14 years old.  I remember supper that night was a little hectic.  Mom couldn't figure out how to have 16 people sit down at one time so we ate in shifts.  Then there was the added problem of getting us all to the Ash Wednesday service because (you guessed it!) Dad was leading the service. I   know we took two cars - one a van, probably with at least 8 in it, and "Mom's" car with the rest.  Yes, the car seat, for the 14 month old, would have been used I just don't remember which car it was in.

So....... see!  Your Ash Wednesday just got a lot easier!  AND you can remember we are able to laugh even if it is only "looking back and remembering."

"I love technology.  I love technology.  I love technology!"

I have a tendency to remind myself, and others, of this when having difficulties with said technology.   I have also offered to throw the technology out the window saying I would replace the window.  One of the people I was reminding about loving technology, this week, pointed out to me a "hammer works better."   Technology can definitely be frustrating!!

Then there are also the good things.....  Dad used the computer a lot.  He was doing more with the computer than I was and for a lot longer.  He was trying to do a blog 15 years ago.  The problem I would have was when he had a problem he would expect me to "fix it."   I would always suggest he call his grandson to help.  Thankfully we still have a lot of the work he did, on the computer, saved on "jump drives" so we can get to his writings and his family tree research.

Wonderful memories to have, even using the technology, when we can remember (find?) where we "saved" said jump drives.  It also helps to have someone who knows how to use the technology easily available.  I say again....... sometimes it is better to laugh...or you will start screaming!

Yesterday's Scripture was Jesus going to a "quiet place" to pray. (Mark 1:35)  So I was pointing out, in the Devotional blog and at the churches I serve, the need to be able to s-t-o-p and find a quiet place to be in prayer.  The need we ALL have to keep our relationship with God strong so we can continue to reach out and help each other.  It also gave several of us an opening for remembering someone's quiet place.  Like Susanna Wesley sitting down and pulling her apron up over her head.  ALL of the kids knew to be QUIET and leave her alone.

I also remembered Dad telling me about driving to the local cemetery, pulling into it and parking the car.  This was well before cell phones were even thought of let alone in use.  It gave him a quiet, peaceful (and beautiful!) place to think through his sermon or whatever else he was working on.  

I also learned, from my sister, how Dad would take the rowboat out from our grandparent's cabin.  He would go far enough out you couldn't "talk" to him.  IF we needed him we would have to wave our arms from the shoreline.  He would have his portable typewriter and paper with him so he could work in the QUIET.

So......... where do you go for QUIET? 

Which commercial do you think of when I mention "commercials"?  Do you think of one you see all the time now?  One from several years ago?  One from quite a while ago -- like how to "spell b-o-l-o-g-n-a"  OR "let Mickey have it - he eats anything!"?  There are probably several ad executives who are feeling pretty good about now.

There is a relatively new one that has caught my attention: "How are YOU doing?"  I apologize because I don't remember which health care facility is doing the advertising but the commercial is to encourage getting a physical and updating vaccinations.  I totally agree with the idea - especially as Caregivers.   I have been known to remind the primary Caregiver of the need for self care.  After all if the Caregiver isn't also taking care of the Caregiver who will take care of the receiver when something happens to the Caregiver?

What I want you to think about now, however, is definitely the need for self care but please include Spiritual care with the physical and emotional care.  Take the time to s-t-o-p to rest and re-create while you spend time with God.  It may only be a "few minutes" but it allows you to feel God's presence giving strength and guidance.  Something to think about.......