Love The Planet

A friendly reminder that you can make a difference on Valentine's Day.

Share love with the planet, as well as your friends and lovers.
http://www.recyclenow.com/news/seasonal_news/ecovalentines.html

http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article2264642.ece

Happy Anniversary - To ME

Having recently returned to my blog after a period of silence, I was wondering if the one year mark was approaching and remembering that I started my blog near lent and while reading about St. Francis. As coincidence or more accurately, the cycles of life would have it, TODAY is my one year anniversary!! Not only that, but just like one year ago, I have recently been preparing for the Season of Lent and reading a biography of St. Francis.

This year’s text is Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures by Paul M. Allen and Joan deRis Allen.

Each year Lent gives me a chance to focus on something distinct in my life. Last year my post mentioned self-renunction and spiritual economy as well as Franciscan principles of living. This year is not too different. If anything it has been a thread through the whole year.

One result of the blog (like a journal) is that I read back at post from the last year and see some of the threads that are woven through the highlights (and lowlights) of the past. An anniversary always gives space to remember some of the events of the past. Last year I visited three monasteries/convents, finished my first knitted sweater (one that is wearable in public), attended the investiture of the first female Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal church, and got a new job. Looking over the 42 posts of the last year, it feels like it must have gone quickly. My goal is to increase the number of posts (and leave less blanks spaces between them).

Thanks for going on this journey with me. I can’t wait to see what’s around the next corner.

Cademan's gift

Saint Caedmon

Today we had a youth group meeting at Oyster Bay. I introduced St. Caedmon as an illustration of how God gifts us with skills we sometimes don't recognize. Laura Binkley played a few songs and talked about song writing and trying to make a career out of her love of music. There weren't too many kids, but those that came had a good time. It was great to talk to them about the gifts that God has given them and how those gifts can bring glory to God.

Now [we] must honour the guardian of heaven,
the might of the architect, and his purpose,
the work of the father of glory
— as he, the eternal lord, established the beginning of wonders.
He, the holy creator,
first created heaven as a roof for the children of men.

Happy Retirement - Dad

Self Portrait of a Retired Man:
Last Friday was a big day at the Bender house. My dad retired from this job with the U.S. Forest Service. He had worked there since moving to the Pacific Northwest as a young man in the mid-70's. After working as a seasonal worker for a year or so, he go a full-time position in Newport WA. He worked there for several years before transferring to Cour d'Alene ID. In the last 5 years he has moved once more to Priest Lake ID. During this time my dad did lots of interesting jobs, such as tree climbing, horticulture, harvesting pine cones, tree planting. The most exciting was fighting fires in the summer. Every summer he would go wherever he was needed to work with the helicopters which dumped fire retardant and water on the burning forests. I remember him coming home smelling like smoke and looking very thin and tan. Sometimes he would bring us T-shirts that had the date and location of the fire (like a concert tour shirt). I always admired his attitude toward work.

Now that he's retired, I hope he will have time to pursue his other passions such as performing/singing, drumming, gardening, tree climbing, and taking care of his own 50 acre forest.

Here's to free time and no deadlines!! I love you Dad.