What's next?

My DH's uncle passed away unexpectantly on Thursday. We just came in from the funeral. When these things happen it makes you start the difficult conversations of what's next? I had several family members ask me what I thought came after death. The Scripture that came to mind was John 14:2-3 In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also." The minister who preached the message at the funeral said, "The Bible says, absent in the flesh, present with the Lord." Does anyone know what Scripture that is? My m-in-law said that Jesus said to the others on the cross, "Today you will be with me in paradise."
So, my question is, what do you say to a family in grief? I know this is not the place for complex theology. What are your experiences?

Turkey Burgers

I have found a new love, turkey burgers. I have been on Weight Watchers for 5 weeks now and I feel amazing. I have lost over 6 pounds but more importantly I feel like I have my life back in control. I have more energy, sleep better, and am generally happier. I am going to God in prayer more often for my emotional needs rather than turning to french fries and chocolate cake. It has been a hectic time with all the changes going on in and around my life. So, I have started keeping track of what I am eating, rewarding myself with non-food gifts, taking walks with my DH, and drinking water (one of God's most abundant creations). I look cuter and my skin is really soft! Plus, I bought my Easter dress in a size smaller! But, back to the point I have discovered new foods I like while combing the restaurants. I love the turkey burger at Red Robins. Last night I went to Ruby Tuesday's and had two mini turkey burgers and mashed cauliflower. That's right cauliflower tastes like mashed potatoes. Any way, I am weaning off my addiction to red meat. Turkey burgers are so juicy and flavorful. So, I encourage y'all who are stuck in a rut, try something new, something different on the menu, and if you don't like it, don't eat it! Life is to short to eat calories just because it's on your plate.

He is Risen

This has been a wonderful Easter day! I feel much better about my sermonette on Tuesday because I have received lots of positive feedback. One man told me I had a really good speech, his wife elbowed him and insisted it was a sermon. Then he said, yeah I meant sermon, we're Episcopolian, we believe in that. Last week we went to an ordination do you know Jane Doe? I smiled and said, no I don't thinks so. This happens a lot to me, maybe it's a southern thing, but lots of people think I must personally know all the female clergy in the world! Does this happen to anyone else?
The pastor asked me to do the Sunrise service today. I created the liturgy as well as the message. I felt free to be creative and use the gifts God has given me. It was empowering. The tweeting birds were in attendance and provided our musical accompaniment. It was our largest attendance, 70. The sun rose just as we sang He Lives!
It was nice to be outside the walls of the church and not worry about squeaking doors and enough toilet paper in the bathrooms. Don't get me wrong, I did have a few minor freak outs, but it was a good day.

We've Matched!

We know where we are going! Virginia! My dear husband has worked so hard for four years and we have earned our first choice. It is going to be hard to leave the friends I have made here but we are ready for a new adventure. So, now I get to contact Bishops and see if I can find a job. But, as my husband reminded me, ministry is a calling not a paycheck. I have been nervous about this new page in our lives but I don't believe in luck, I believe in divine intervention. Well, I am going to find me some Virginia Ham and some peanuts.

Yesterday I offered a "sermonette" for our community Holy Week services. I bombed! Lay people say I did a good job but colleagues say "they could tell I was nervous." The passion wasn't there. I don't know what got me. I just didn't feel it in the moment. I just tried to get through it. I am disappointed in myself and as usual, am asking God, "Am I really supposed to be doing this."