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Hello Faith Pals, I hope you are all keeping warm. I don’t mind the chilly nights if we are blessed with sunny mornings! A couple of matters:  Rod and Liz Miller and family wanted to pass on their thanks to Leighmoor UC for all the cards, thoughts and prayers at this time.  They know Marge was much loved by the church family. The message in their card was: ‘Every life is unique and begins as a clean slate which takes shape over a lifetime. Marge’s relationship with God was the foundation on which her life was built. She took seriously the call of Christ to serve others and this she did faithfully and with love. What Marge has sown into our lives cannot be taken away, and who she became over a lifetime she takes with her into eternity where God has prepared a place for her.’ It is worth thinking about for our own lives, isn’t it. Bill Pugh is recovering well-finishing his antibiotics this evening.  They still have some intermittent phone problems, so if you phone Bill and it cuts out, just call him back. Spoke to Lyn Bahn.  On Tuesday Lyn was allowed to visit Ed (who is in care at Abberfield Aged Care) for 15 minutes, WITHOUT perspex between them.  She had to have a flu shot, and be tested beforehand for Covid 19. She said Eddie looks quite well, and seems happy.  She hopes that she will be allowed to visit him weekly for a 15 minute visit. This has to be arranged by appointment. Let’s keep our church family in our prayers. John Wallace sent me this poem about his mother.  I know Mother’s Day has come and gone-but isn’t everyday a time to remember those who have nurtured us?  John said you are welcome to use it if you wish: The heart of a mother A mother’s love does not compare To anything this world has to offer She has plenty of love to share Against life’s woes she’s a buffer There is not one she does favour Her love is tenderly poured out Troubles come, she does not waver And this, we can not do without There’s no thought for herself alone And her ways are above reproach A life of caring she has shown A person who you can approach Now has reached her hundredth year A marvel to all who meet her She may not see to well, or hear Is gracious to all who greet her Her friendly nature is well known Such is the heart of a mother Her fields are friendships she has sown And one can not help but love her By John Wallace for his mothers birthday She lived to 102 and a half 24/7/1908-22/12/2010 What mother wouldn’t be proud of her son’s heart-felt words? I spent a little bit of time the other evening, tidying up one of the cupboards in the pantry. I am sure you have all tidied your cupboards and drawers-but I haven’t. When I was putting my packets of tea back, I noticed that on all the Higher Living tea bag packets (yummy herbal teas) there was haiku on every packet! I had never noticed this! (Janet Soo had-her cupboard must be better organized than mine!) Made we wonder what we overlook in our lives…kind words…a beautiful sunset…a magpie chorus…a flower or weed breaking through the concrete? God’s miracles are everywhere, let’s keep our eyes of faith open. Now I know some of you are wanting something to laugh at, so here is a joke, sent to me from a retired minister (he sends me one a month): ‘Two boys aged 10 and 8 were always getting into trouble. Mum was at her wits end when she heard that the new preacher in town was good at disciplining juveniles. He agreed to see the boys individually. Next morning, the preacher has the younger boy sitting in a chair and in a booming voice he asked, ” Where is God.?” Petrified, the boy says nothing ” I repeat,” said the preacher, ” where is God?” This time the boy ran out the door and, crying, bolted for home. When he got there he was screaming with fear and ran to his room. His brother went in and asked what happened. ” We are in BIG trouble,” he replied. ” God is missing and they think we did it.’

  Hello Faith Pals I trust you are all well, soldiering on during these chilly nights, crisp mornings and glorious sun shine! I was attempting to tidy up some papers last evening.  I always think it will be a quicker task than it actually is!  From one box, a poem fell out.  Seems appropriate to copy it, due to what is happening in the world regarding race relations.  I don’t know about you, but I had mixed reactions to Saturday’s protest.  I don’t have a problem with the wish to protest (and if conditions were better, there would be no reason to protest)-but I did have reservations regarding the timing.   We follow a Saviour who reminds us that all lives matter.  I hope that those who went to the protest do not become infected by covid-19.  I hope they self-isolate for 14 days, to be on the safe side, protecting themselves and the wider community. I also think that if the protest had been scheduled for a later date (ie when we were covid -19 safe) then more people would have gone to the protest, groups (including church groups) would have been organized to attend etc.  I am not downplaying the horrendous conditions First Peoples’ have experienced-there is no excuse for being treated as second class citizens, and we need to examine and change what happens in police custody, here in Australia, as well as in other places in the world.  We feel for George Floyd’s family-how could we not?  Anyway, here is the poem, which was written by an African child and reportedly nominated by the United Nations as the Best Poem of 2006: ‘Are you calling me coloured? When I was born, I black. When I grow up, I black. When I go in sun, I black. When I scared, I black. When I sick, I black. And when I die, I black. And you white people. When you born, you pink. When you grow up, you white. When you go in sun, you red. When you cold, you blue. When you scared, you yellow. When you sick, you green. And when you die, you grey. And you calling me coloured??’ On a different note, last time I mentioned the film/book Heaven is for Real.  Maggie has sent me the youtube details if you want to watch the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x9lROBr2xQ&pbjreload=101 ‘If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.’ -Longfellow. This quote reminds me of one of my favorite ones, a North American First Peoples’ one: ‘Never judge another until you have walked a full moon in his moccasins.’ We never know what has happened in someone else’s life to make them the way they are.  Sometimes it is because they have not felt loved, valued. We are ‘to love one another.’ Finally, something to make you laugh.  I was told we are not having enough fun these days. This one came from my previous congregation.  ‘On board a ship, a magiciangives a nightly performance with all sorts of magic tricks. High on a shelf at the back of the room is a parrot that interrupts each performance by calling out, ” Faker, fraud, I know how you do it.” The magician is not amused. One day, there is an explosion and the ship is blown to pieces. There are two survivors: the magician and the parrot together on a life-raft. For three days they sit in silence and stare at each other. Finally the parrot says, ” All right, you win. I give up. What have you done with the ship?” Blessings and love to you all, Barbara  

Hello Faith Pals, How are you this week?  Gorgeous sunshine today!  It really is worth the frosty cold nights for this.  Peter Campbell from Heatheron-Dingley sent me a haiku earlier in the week.  It ties in well considering the temperature this morning! ‘Chill winds nip and bite. Under doonas warm we hide from winter’s sharp fangs.’ Peter also answered my question about what heaven will be like: ‘ What will heaven be like? I hope heaven is like the Garden of Eden. Full of plants, fruits, animals and birds with everything living in harmony. A place where, like Adam and Eve, we can walk and talk with God.’ -Peter Campbell. I asked that question because of a poem that John Wallace sent to me.  I have it as an attachment. John then mentioned the book and film, Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo (2010) A film based on the book was released in 2014.  It tells the true story of a young boy, Colton (3-4 years old) who has a near death experience, after his appendix ruptured.  He travels to heaven and back, and over the months, and even years, he says things about heaven which astound his family (his father is a pastor).  The book does make you wonder about heaven.  I would have given you a quote or two from the book, but I went to look for it on my book shelves…and it is hiding somewhere!  Does that ever  happen in your home?  I am sure my books have a jolly time during the night, shifting positions and locations! I have included the sermon for Sunday.  It is Trinity Sunday, so the material is a little heavier.  Last week my sermon mentioned the film The Wizard of Oz.  This week I had a medical appointment, and walked past a cinema.  On the front door it had a poster of Dorothy’s red shoes from the film, The Wizard of Oz, with the caption: ‘There is no place like home!’ A wonderful way to get that message across. I was thinking about the people who manage cinemas and theatres-they are doing it tough.  Cafes and restaurants can serve people-but cinemas and theatres remain closed. Our hearts are heavy.  Our world is burden by disease and violence.  Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.’ (Ephesians 4: 26) Well, I think that is enough to read for the next few days, Blessings and love Barbara Allen To live in a land with no cares Would you like to be in a land without any care Where there is nothing better than the freshness of the air And wherever you look you can only see children playing And you are in the most precious of all the silks, just laying You are in the most beautiful garden you have never seen Looking around all you can see mansions, how keen The streets are like clear glass made of pure gold And no one here will ever grow old There is no sickness here as there was on Earth And the people are full of happiness and mirth There is a river, but no sea, and no rain pours down And there is no one here who ever has a frown Heaven is the place I now call my home And no matter where I go I’m never alone there are animals here by the score I may be mistaken but I think I saw a dinosaur There are many kinds of foods all of them growing And nothing tastes fowl which goes without saying There is no eating meat because it is not allowed And you may have thought you’d be walking on a cloud Heaven is a place where there is no war only peace And love is all around you and will never cease If all on this Earth were to love the Lord Jesus We would have peace on Earth that never ceases Another poem by John P. Wallace  

    Hello faith Pals I hope you are warm and dry.  First day of winter!  It did have to come. We have had some spectacular autumnal days, haven’t we. A haiku from Janet Soo, about last night’s storm: Strong north winds blow Trees bend and sway SNAP – a big branch falls heavily to earth. The first attachment hold the answers to the Bible Quiz!  (the one called Image 7)   The second one, Image 8, lists the books from the Bible, if you want to see those as well. How did you go?  The third attachment is a reflection from me about feet.  Several weeks ago I sent one about hands; I thought feet should be included too! Two quotes: ‘Courage doesn’t always roar.  Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”-Mary Anne Radmacher. ‘A Native American grandfather was talking to his grandson about how he felt.  He said, “I feel as if I have two wolves fighting in my heart.  One wolf is the vengeful, angry, violent one.  The other wolf is the loving, compassionate one.” The grandson asked him, “Which wolf will win the flight in your heart?” The grandfather answered, “The one I feed.”- Anon May we continue to feed the loving, compassionate one!  ‘Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.'(1 Peter 4:8) ‘Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.'(1 John 3: 18) Happy birthday Myrtle!  Myrtle had a wonderful birthday last Friday.  All our good wishes go out to you as you continue to celebrate. Now, some homework before your next email on Friday. What is your idea of heaven?  What do you think heaven will be like? Blessings and love Barbara Look at your feet A couple of weeks ago I sent around a reflection about hands.  I thought I should do the same about our feet. Look at your feet…yes, I am serious!  What type of foot wear are you attired in?  Slippers?  Runners?  Boots?  Sandals?  Or nothing? Feet.  Ignored for much of our lives.  Some people find feet a little off putting, ugly, strange even-but without them we would fall over!  26 bones are in the foot (28 if you count the bones at the base of the big toe) and 14 in the toes.  Maybe we should befriend them by using a 19th century slang word for feet: Dew-beaters! Feet knock the dew off as we walk (of course this means you have to be an early riser.  I know Janet Soo qualifies as a ‘dew beater’!)  Sometimes we only pay attention to feet/dew-beaters when something goes wrong, or when we need to visit a podiatrist. Our feet have accompanied us through the highs and lows of our lives.  Dancing during the happy events, such as weddings, graduations, special parties…and moving slowly through grief…perhaps even sporting solemn black shoes for a funeral, or decked out in slippers for many months if recovering from illness, or encased in a cloud of depression, unable to leave your home. We often speak of the Lenten journey, but journeys happen outside the Lenten period as well.  Cancer patients, indeed many people undergoing treatment, or learning to live with a disability, are often referred to as going on their ‘journey.’ What about your journey?  The thing about a journey or trip is it has to start somewhere…and end somewhere!  Sometimes our journey is to be here, right where we are, especially during this period of lockdown. Take time to reflect on your life.  Where have you come from, what have you encountered along the way?  What paths have you taken through life?  Have you ever been lost?  Have you ever strayed from your loving God?  If so, what or whom brought you back? Take a look in your wardrobe, at your shoes (some of you may have taken time during lockdown to tidy your cupboards, so you may have already done this type of exercise!) Handle each pair and think back to when and where you wore this item of footwear.  Did those high heels, at the back of the cupboard, grace the dance floor at a wedding, long ago?  Say a prayer for that couple, for the memories of that day.  Perhaps you are holding your every day, unexciting shoes that you wear everywhere because they are so comfortable.  Have they accompanied you to the supermarket, as you dashed in to get a few items, keeping social distancing?  Say a prayer of gratitude for God’s produce, and for living in a country where we have choice.  Say a prayer for those with little, who go to bed hungry.  Have these shoes tramped down hospital corridors, or the passage ways of nursing homes?  Say a prayer for the patients, the residents, and for the staff.  What have you found there, under an item of clothing?  A pair of thongs!  You haven’t worn them for ages…unable to get to the beach, or now needing to wear sandals, to prevent slipping.  Did these thongs take you to the beach with the children?  Or were they worn in communal showers at caravan parks on road trips?  Or pulled out to put on at an impromptu barbeque-to avoid accidental spills from the grill, and from the prick of bindi eye?  Give thanks to God for the joy of family and holidays. Perhaps the pair of shoes you wear quite often are of the sporting variety.  If they grace tennis courts, or bowling greens, golf courses or cricket pitches…give thanks for the games they have helped you play, and for the sporting spirit that praises all participants. They may have been part of fun runs, walkathons, Bunnings sausage sizzles, church fetes, op shop clean ups. Perhaps you have a pair of warm slippers in your hand.  Maybe these have been on your feet when you have prayed for others, or read your Bible.  Maybe

Hello again Faith Pals! I hope you are all coping with lock down.  It is teaching us patience, resourcefulness, prayer techniques, and building up our gratitude credit!  When we count our blessings, there are so many, aren’t there?  Yesterday, when I was speaking with a member of the congregation,  she said we live in the lucky country.  Compared to most of the world at the moment-that is so true. Keep up your prayers for the world, and its inhabitants. I have some poetry to share: Janet Soo’s haiku this week looked at the return to school for some of the children, and the relief on both sides. AFTER LOCKDOWN Children return to school Smiles on faces Of mothers. John Wallace sent me two; I will hold the other over until next week.  John sent this one last night: The Garden of Friends As a garden is full of flowers So are our years full of hours Our lives are rich with many a friend On whom we may always depend But there is one thing we all need That is a friend who’s a friend indeed I have a friend who’s closer than a brother He’s not my brother or a lover He is Jesus who is with me wherever I go And there is one thing you must know That I love Him more than any other More than a sister or a brother Because of Him I have many a friend And if I need anything I can always lend He is my all sufficiency who will be with me From now until the rest of eternity He heals my body and takes my sin How to love Him I don’t know where to begin By John P. Wallace This is my contribution-no guesses about what inspired it! Raking creation. Leaves leap,whirling dervishes- more fun than dusting! For those who are still working on the Bible quiz, you will be pleased to know that Jenny Longmuir’s Aunt Joan has supplied her with the answers!  I will publish them next week, so that gives you a few more days to tackle/finish it. This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday.  I invite you to wear something red, or have something on display that is red.  Some call Pentecost the birth of the church.  You may wish to bake a birthday cake!  No need for the 2000+ candles though!  Be creative, full of the Spirit! ‘Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.'(Romans 8: 26) ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.  This is the Spirit of truth…’ (John 14: 15-17) Blessings and love, Barbara Allen  

Hello Faith Pals, What a crisp beautiful day!  It just says ‘enjoy me!’  Thank you God!  As our glorious autumnal days draw to a close for this year, let’s enjoy them.  As you see the last of the leaves, try to remember their once vivid bright colours, as we near Pentecost, this Sunday. I received a lovely haiku from Janet Soo this morning: A Promise Double doona night Crisp frosty morn Sunny day is promised. How true! Beautifully written. Thank you for your gift, which I can share. Yes, it is time for electric blankets, heat packs, or cats/dogs on beds! I have included a word puzzle, as an attachment. I thought some of you would want to print it out in order to do it. I admit I haven’t finished it, so will attempt it this week. I look forward to hearing how you are going with the challenge (optional, of course!) Last Thursday was Ascension Day, (the ascent/physical departure of Christ from earth, returning to God’s presence in heaven, on the 40th day after his Resurrection). On the Glen Waverley UC live streaming of the service yesterday, the comment was made that somewhere on social media, Jesus’ Ascension was described as ‘the day when Jesus started working from home.’ See-even the Ascension can be applied to lockdown! I love this Melbourne mural. Let us keep remembering the medical and nursing teams in our daily prayers.  To close with a reflection/prayer, that I found in the church magazine that comes to me from Glenroy UC (via Jenny Longmuir’s wonderful Aunt Joan: When this is over. May we never again Take for granted A handshake with a stranger Full shelves at the store Conversations with the neighbours A crowded theatre Friday night out The taste of communion A routine check-up The school rush each morning Coffee with a friend The stadium roaring Each deep breath A boring Tuesday Life itself When this ends May we find That we have become More like the people We wanted to be We were called to be We hoped to be And may we stay That way-better For each other Because of the worst. -Laura Kelly Fanucci. Blessings and love, Barbara I will forward Bruce’s contribution later. Virus-free. www.avg.com

Hello Faith Pals, I have included a video from Priya, which has a lovely message-plus, with all the photos of flowers-well-it is almost as if you were receiving a bunch of flowers! Sorting through some old papers, my husband put out a pile of papers.  I found this little puzzle on one of those pieces of (now) scrap paper.  For those who might enjoy a word puzzle: THE EYES When you rearrange the letters: THEY SEE THE MORSE CODE When you rearrange the letters: HERE COME DOTS SLOT MACHINES: When you rearrange the letters: CASH LOST IN ME ELECTION RESULTS: When you rearrange the letters: LIES- LETS RECOUNT SNOOZE ALARMS: When you rearrange the letters: ALAS! NO MORE Z’S A DECIMAL POINT: When you rearrange the letters: IM A DOT IN PLACE ELEVEN PLUS TWO: When you rearrange the letters: TWELVE PLUS ONE. I came across this Sri Lankan prayer when I tidied up some of my papers.  Do our Sri Lankan families know it? ‘Even as the water falls on dry tea leaves and brings out their flavour, so may your Spirit fall on us and renew us, so that we may bring refreshment and joy to others.’ Perhaps that can be a prayer said when we make a cup of tea? ‘Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the Earth are never alone or weary of life.’-Rachel Carson. And this one, which will help us all sleep soundly at night!: ‘For peace of mind, we need to resign as general manager of the universe.’-Larry Eisenberg We would probably say CEO these days.  I’ve met some wonderful CEOs in my time-but with human flaws and failings.  God is much more than a CEO! ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.'(Psalm 103:8) ” I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.  Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me,” says the Lord…'(Jeremiah 29: 11-13) I think that is enough this Friday!  You have a puzzle, (I have a bigger one for Monday! plus a beautiful music video from Bruce), some quotes, and a service and sermon. Blessings and love Barbara Allen — This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.com

Hello Faith Pals, I hope you have been getting some sun! Two quotes for you today: ‘There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.’-Albert Einstein. Dear Albert-made me think of a poster we have on one of our walls at home: ‘Gravitation cannot be held responsible  for people falling in love.’ -Albert Einstein. (a great one to quote at weddings!) But the other quote is: ‘Write your hurts in sand. Carve your blessings in stone.'(Anon) I have included a short reflection for you to mull over during the week. Blessings and love, Barbara   In my previous parish, an elderly member of the congregation showed me an ancient exercise book that was filled with poems and reflections.  The poems were written in beautiful penmanship, by her older cousin. This is one of them: Let’s not go on strike! ‘It’s just a good thing God above has never gone on strike, because he wasn’t treated fair or things he didn’t like. If he had once sat down and said “That’s it-I’m through, I’ve had enough of those on earth so this is what I’ll do. I’ll give my orders to the sun- cut off your heat supply, and to the moon-give no more light, and run the oceans dry. Then just to really make it tough and put the pressure on, turn off the air and oxygen, till every breath is gone.” And surely he’d be justified if fairness was the game, for no one has been more abused or treated with disdain, than God. And yet he carries on supplying you and me with all the favours of his grace in everything for free. Men say they want a better deal and so on strike they go, but what a deal we’re given, God to whom all things we owe. We don’t care whom we hurt or harm to gain the things we like, But what a mess we’d all be in if God should go on strike.’ This made me wonder about ourselves, and the way we live our lives. What if our faith went on strike? What if our smiles went on strike? What if our volunteer work went on strike? What if our compassion went on strike? What if love went on strike? As Christians, we are not to become bored, blasé, or cynical. We are to hold fast to that which is true, to persevere.  We are not to become jaded, or fed up with our God-given lives. ‘Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.’(2 Thessalonians 3: 13) ‘…hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.’(Romans 5:5) -Rev Barbara Allen

Hello Faith Pals, I hope you are going to enjoy the sunshine today.  I don’t mind the cold nights if our reward is the blue sky.  I lived in Canberra for about 20 years, so I am used to the chill! Now, I gave you the gift of Rob Weir’s haiku on Monday.  Here is one from Janet Soo: Half moon Pink and grey sky Butcher birds greeting the day.   So much talent!  I know some of you are displaying your talents in the garden, or in the kitchen, or via craft or sewing.  Others are sharing their pastoral gifts. Speaking of Rob-we greeted each other on the escalator at the supermarket yesterday.  It was wonderful seeing someone from the congregation! Yesterday this came in from the Spiritual Health website: A friend stands on the precipice of death Peace is no where Friends and family form a circle of love Peace is now here   A patient wrestles with her fear Peace is no where Spiritual care creates space for difficult words to be spoken and held Peace is now here What a difference a space makes! Or a different perspective. Also on their webpage was the UK Church Blessing.  Please have your tissues ready-very moving!: ‘The UK Blessing’ — Churches sing ‘The Blessing’ over the UK In the United Kingdom over 65 churches and movements, representing hundreds of others, have come together online to sing a blessing over their land. “Standing together as one, our desire is that this song will fill you with hope and encourage you. But the church is not simply singing a blessing, each day we’re looking to practically be a blessing. Many of the churches included in this song have assisted with supplying over 400,000 meals to the most vulnerable and isolated in our nation since COVID-19 lockdown began. This alongside phone calls to the isolated, pharmacy delivery drops and hot meals to the NHS frontline hospital staff. Our buildings may be closed but the church is very much alive!” (just cut and paste this into your browser) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUtll3mNj5U&fbclid=IwAR3vAm61_elM2qxKPg5ddBBd8-7K69xHtClcGRKHgHiBqYZm4D-jLzjMKYA&app=desktop We seem to have a long email again, but I hope there is something in it for everyone. One big concern I have is that, due to the lifting of some covid 19 restrictions, recreational duck shooting will begin again.  It is already banned in three states, but not in Victoria. I do not see this as part of caring for God’s creation.  Our wild life is diminishing, especially after the recent bush fires.  If you want to send in a signature as protest to the government, please go to the Animals Australia website.  All you have to do is press a button and the letter,  already written, will be sent. https://secure.animalsaustralia.org/take_action/duck-shooting-victoria/?r=5ebdf09ed78141589506206&ua_s=e-mail (If we were having a church service I would mention this in the notices/concerns). I have included a beautiful short video as an attachment from a friend about our gorgeous world. Had a Presbytery meeting via zoom this morning.  We are in a transition period, and need to exercise months of caution.  We are to ensure the safety of vulnerable people, and the weakest or most vulnerable, are the test for any decision we make as church.  People before programs. Presbytery and Synod will have more information for us next week. Well, I think that is enough for Friday. Blessings and love Barbara

Hello Faith Pals, I know some of you read yesterday’s sermon.  Here is Rob Weir’s haiku contribution: Grand Designs: Though we are shut in Heaven is Home, where we will Never be shut out. Well Rob, that would have saved me many words in the sermon!  Beautifully and succinctly put! I have been receiving some stunning haiku from another member of the congregation, but I have not sought that person’s permission yet re sharing them. Have you been enjoying the bursts of autumn?  I have. Love the colours, even enjoy the slight chill in the morning.  Here is my not very profound contribution-a response to today’s cold morning: Floorboards shock my toes. Winter chill plays ‘hide and seek’. Soon it will be ‘he’. Yes, it will soon be winter.  Feels as though we have been  hibernating BEFORE winter, doesn’t it? I often share a useless fact at the beginning of a service.  We are WAY BEHIND so here are a few: The sound a camel makes is called nuzzling. The size of your foot is approximately the size of your forearm (careful if you test this one!) ‘Papparazzi’ means buzzing mosquitos in Italian. Rats can tell the difference between two human languages (not sure which two-and how do they test it?) Here is a story I found on-line that made me stop and think (and not just because it was about dogs!): ‘A shop owner placed a sign above his door that said: “Puppies For Sale.” Signs like this always have a way of attracting young children, and to no surprise, a boy saw the sign and approached the owner;  “How much are you going to sell the puppies for?” he asked.The store owner replied, “Anywhere from $30 to $50.” The little boy pulled out some change from his pocket. “I have $2.37,” he said. “Can I please look at them?” The shop owner smiled and whistled. Out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his shop followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur. One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, “What’s wrong with that little dog?” The shop owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered it didn’t have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame. The little boy became excited. “That is the puppy that I want to buy.” The shop owner said, “No, you don’t want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I’ll just give him to you.” The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner’s eyes, pointing his finger, and said;  “I don’t want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I’ll pay full price. In fact, I’ll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for.”  The shop owner countered, “You really don’t want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies.” To his surprise, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the shop owner and softly replied, “Well, I don’t run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!” Well said!  It reminded me a little of when we adopted our blind dog Harry, from The Lost Dog’s Home.  Because he was deemed to be a senior (over 7 years) he was very cheap.  I paid full price, telling the staff that seniors are as precious as the young. ‘Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgements are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.'(Psalm 36: 5-&) Blessings and love Barbara