My Slow Takes (vol. 41)

1

In his part three article, “Solitude Finding Your Own Space and Time,” Steve Givens provides ten tips on solitude. The three that I found the most helpful.

“Don’t worry about “accomplishing” something during your times of solitude.”

“Don’t worry about “experiencing” God during times of solitude. You might accomplish something or experience God, but don’t make your time of prayer all about getting the answers to questions or having a mystical experience because you may become dismayed when things don’t happen. Just be with God.”

“Remember that the goal of solitude is presence - being authentically present to ourselves and to God. Nothing else matters or is required.”

Steve also provides “places” where he finds or creates solitude. It’s pleasing to know that I have been doing things right. No television, laptops or radio.

In the morning I have the kitchen table and Dee uses her favorite chair in the living room.

We both take advantage of the screened porch in the warmer weather.

I have taken early morning walks on the beach. With the gentle sea breeze and calming music of the waves meeting the shore I feel close to God.

On Friday mornings I have breakfast at Panera. I sit in a small booth away from door. It becomes my place of solitude.

Thank you Steve for your insight to solitude.

2

Dee and I were in Lancaster, PA last week. It is our annual trip to my historical miniature convention. Last year’s visit we purchased a glider and a shelf from Kings Impressions. Sam helped me fit the glider into our Pathfinder and it made it home safely. However, one of the button snaps on the lower back of the top cushion was broken. So, we brought it back this year for repair. Sam said they don’t do repair but suggested we swap it for another cushion. Unfortunately the color and fabric was not in stock and apparently discontinued. So Sam called the other Kings location and sent us there to see if we could find a cushion that we liked. Caleb greeted us with a similar cushion but the color and fabric were still different. Dee did find a color and fabric she liked and they swapped the cushion, no charge. Both men listened to our concerns and handled the situation as though we were friends and not just shopping tourists. We bought the matching ottoman. It was a pleasant experience and we recommend shopping there if you visit the Lancaster, PA area.

3

Dee and I attended 9:30AM Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church while we were in Lancaster. The church was built in 1875 and is one of the oldest churches in Lancaster. 

After Mass Dee introduced us to the Pastor Daniel Mitzel. She told him how much we enjoyed the homily. He was pleased and excited that we took the time to introduce ourselves to him. His smile and voice were warm and enthusiastic as he welcomed us. He made us feel special that we would select St. Anthony for our Sunday worship.

4

The NASDAQ closed on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at 3040. The last time that it closed above 3000 was on December 11, 2000.

5

The funniest story about "old time, new time" is on Jennifer Fulwiler's blog. 

6

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day. We are joining some friends at a local pub to celebrate. Catholic Online has a brief history on St. Patrick. Something new I learned was that he chose the shamrock to explain the Trinity. It has become a symbol of Ireland and good luck.

There is no mention of Guinness, but that came later in Ireland’s history. I will manage to handle a couple of pints of Draught Saturday night. There is a “Certificate of Participation” from the brewery which I downloaded for the eventful day. 

“40lbs of dye is added to the Chicago River to turn it green for St. Patrick’s Day.”

“The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world was held in New York City in 1762.”

7

“I will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely; for my anger is turned away from them. I will be like the dew for Israel: he will blossom like the lily; he will strike root like the Lebanon cedar, and his shoots will go forth. (Hosea 14:5-7)”

I am still learning words that I use to just “read over” before. Apostasy is when we give up our faith. God tells us He will always be there to help us when we falter. We are never alone and are always welcomed back.