Have you ever "counted down"?  I mean for something besides the New Year's Eve count down....  Have you ever been so excited, been looking forward to or in some other way "counted down" to the event.  I used to count down to when my son would be visiting.  At first I could give you the number of days AND the hours until his plane would land.

Right now I'm counting down to a trip.  In 23 days my friend and I will be leaving for Scotland.  This is a much wanted trip.  We will be in the Highlands of Scotland for a little over a week AND we will be visiting several of the islands including Iona.  I have wanted to go to Iona for over 20 years - ever since I heard about Iona in seminary.  So.... Yes, 23 more days to Scotland 25 more days until Iona.  AND I have gotten enough strength back to be able to get to the Iona Chapel.  I promise pictures.

Meanwhile.... My son recently pointed out this is the first time, in his lifetime, I've "counted down" to something that didn't involve him.  I should also point out I've stopped counting the hours.  One of his flights was delayed for over 3 hours due to a storm.  That's when I stopped counting hours.  3 hours of waiting in an airport terminal will do that.  It also helps with the laughing instead of screaming!

Pentecost Sunday Scripture is Acts 2 where "sound like a rushing wind" (v. 2) talks about "tongues of fire" appearing to rest "on each one of them."  God keeps God's promises - the Comforter, the Counselor comes to give peace and guidance.  God also gives the ability to speak so others can understand - "in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." (v. 4)  The interesting is how the Disciples were able to share with others.  

The memories were strong today as family and friends shared.  Some were talking quilting, some were talking cooking, a few were talking music, a couple were talking gardening.  I'm pretty sure they were all speaking "English" but some of the words were very confusing!   When we read Acts 2 we think of different "languages" as other than "English."  But if you think about it we can each speak in our 'own' language as we share what we do - music, cooking, quilting, knitting, cross stitch.

Sharing how we feel God's presence, and peace, can be done in "our own" language if we work at it.  We can even do it with a lot of laughter and no screaming!

Back in the dark ages when I was in college.... I had to write a paragraph on "silence."  My son was a toddler.  I waited until he was actually asleep for his nap...then sat in a QUIET house and listened to the "silence".  It is interesting what you can hear in "silence."

I was remembering the "silence" this weekend when the three of us were having a "quiet" afternoon.  I was quilting (surprise!) so at my sewing machine.  I was listening to praise music (on my headphones because the other two don't like praise music).  One was in the kitchen listening to a pod cast and working with the mixer.  The other was vacuuming.  So....... all at one time...... we had a mixer, a vacuum, and a sewing machine going full tilt.  There was also a podcast I could hear AND my praise music.  

All making for a very interesting mix!  Which is what reminded me of the "silence."  Sometimes it really helps to laugh!

Memory Monday, especially right after Mother's Day, has given a lot of discussions about "Mom" memories.  Two special memories came to mind right of way.  The first was the memory of a "girls night out" we had with Mom.  It turned out to be the last time we were with her but it still remains one of our best memories.  A fun night out for dinner, laughter, chocolate and fun!

Or.......  A special memory for me was a visit to Mom (and Dad's) during a spring break quite a few years ago.  On several occasions during the week I was with Mom my response to Mom was "well MY mother always told me."  I also remember one special time when as I replied with "my Mom always told me" I looked at my grandmother (her mother) and said "and I bet it is because her mother always told her."  I remember my grandmother grinning.  Now looking back I have a feeling Mom laughed because other wise she would have started screaming!

Special memories that still cause smiles..........