There's an old adage that after falling off a horse, one should get up and immediately get back on that horse. That may hold true for an equestrian approach to life; but I had reservations that it applied to life in a pulpit ministry.
Two years, however, seems a better time frame to me.
For ministry--not horse riding.
Somebody strum that gee-tar and plunk out a few chords, coz' this gal is back in the saddle...er, pulpit again.
It is with great pleasure and pride, I can announce that I have been elected the new Pastor at the Spiritual Enrichment Center in Chico, California. And I am particularly proud to be one of the new Hybrid Revs moving across the spiritual platforms from Religious Science International to United Centers for Spiritual Living and back again. Oh, and in my case, throw in the Agape link, too.
Looking back over the higher education I have received over the years (particularly here in San Diego) I turn to Ernest Holmes:
"Accepting the lessons and experiences of the past, and taking the best from everything, we should press boldly forward, looking ever for the Truth, and ever ascending higher and higher into the heavens of reality."
Or during more difficult recollections, I borrow from the A.A. theory of "taking what one needs and leaving the rest." Isn't that keen advice for us all about so many things in life? In fact, that even applies to the arduous and often, bittersweet task of packing! No wonder Ernest Holmes and Bill W. were good buds. Always using life for moving us to a place of consciousness where love is only motivation and the only power.
Lovingly and powerfully, I now pack up my saddle and hitch it to the wagon Don and I are loading up for our new adventure together -- being the homesteading newlyweds that we are.
By the way, when I thought of today's blog title, I thought of the song, "Back in the Saddle Again" by Gene Autry. Much to my surprise, Aerosmith created their own version, too. In fairness, I will close with a bit of both and leave it to you to add the melody and figure out which one is which.
Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
Rockin' to and fro
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-yay
I go my way
Back in the saddle again
I'm back in the saddle again
I'm back!
ridin' high!
ridin' high!
ridin' high! already!
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8 comments:
Congratulations and best wishes! And you have my admiration not only for getting back in the saddle again, but for keeping up your blog. I had one going on a yoga site for about 9 months, and found it to be very lonely work. Most posts got zero comments. But whenever we all got together in the flesh, several to many people would come up to compliment me on it. Sometimes it would be a person I'd never met. Other times someone would urgently want to respond to something I'd written weeks before and had completely forgotten about. Looking forward to reading how it goes for you. Did you know there in Chico, you're not far from Paradise?
Love
Hi Duke,
Good to hear from you again-and thanks for the kind words.
Ah, Paradise... touche'! Yes, we took note of that geographical coinky-dink.
Please stay in touch.
Trust you are doing well.
Enjoy your summer!
Now we know why things unfolded in Camarillo they way that they did :) Congratulations on your new calling. Barbara and I wish you ease and effortlessness in your transition.
Wonderful news!! As your new hairdresser and friend, it has been a privilage to know you and watch you during the massive transitions that have taken place in your life. From minister of a financially troubled church, to being unemployed, to facing (with grace)what to do next, getting married, and acheving your goal to have a ministry again. All this in a space of two years. The amazing thing was the peacefulness that you showed during this difficult time. You are an inspiration and a wonder. Don, of course, deserves credit too. I am sure he was there to sooth you "over troubled waters". I will miss you.
Rev. D....I will miss you too. As I said before, the reason I originally chose Pacific Church was a search for Joy, which I found when I started, and which left soon after. Heartspace was a great connection again, and I enjoyed the class there. Do visit Paradise, it is a lovely community(if it hasn't totally burned up after the fire last month). I do hope you keep up your blog.....as Duke said, I am one of those who read but seldom comment. Love, joy and peace always to you and Don.
WOW! Congrats! Wonderful news.
Lots of history in Chico (est. 1860) and the surrounding areas.
It will be fun to explore.
Just want to let you know I will miss you too. You were one of the key persons in helping me reestablish my Spirituallity. I'll never forget our FUNdational Class of 2003. What an awesome group. What an awesome time. I'll also never forget how you and Patti drummed into my head to look for the greater good in all situations. One grateful kid here. };-)
Hope you'll be able to maintain the blog or at least email a newsletter.
Bon voyage mystic travelers. May your seas be calm and the wind at your back.
Love is the key,
TK
It has been so wonderful hearing from readers that may not always post comments but are doing so this time because of our news.
Charles & Barbara: didn't know you still checked in on the blog. Cool. Thanks for the post. Trust things are going well for you and the Camarillo community. Give Rev. Grace and Jymme a hello from me.
This weekend, I even got a phone call from my former junior high school buddy, Marshall who read our news.
The kind words and the smiles help to offset any weepies about saying so long.
InJoy
Rev.DD
Hi Rev,
Well Happy Congrat-so-lujah! YOU are a living example that Ministry never ends! God Bless you and Don both on your new journey!
Love and Blessings,
Darryl
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