Giving thanks is so important.
So often we don't stop to say "thank you!"
Undergoing radiation treatment, I'm at Hoag Hospital every day. ....yes, really.
Two weeks ago, half way through the treatment, I thanked the women behind the desk, who must see 60-80 people per day, for remembering my name. "Thank you for remembering me", I said. She replied, "thank you for being thankful".
Thank you for being thankful. It's so simple, yet so complex. We can be so quick to take offense, but not quick to notice the small kindnesses that are offered to us.
I pray this Thanksgiving Day that your heart is set to giving thanks....for ALL the blessings in your life!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
St. Clement of Rome
I was at my seminary (the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont) a few weeks ago, addressing the Church Administration and Finance class on issues regarding clergy and money.
During lunch before the class, my Greek professor, the Rev. Dr. Ted Fisher asked me to sit with him. I graduated from that school in 1997, but Ted still remembers me: "I've taught hundreds of students here Diane, and there are very few that stand out in my mind: you're one of them." I asked him what I had ever done to have that distinction -- his answer was quick and simple: "You were always on the ball."
It was a wonderful compliment from a man I greatly admire.
He went on to remind me (which he didn't need to) that his PhD was on the letter of Clement of Rome, our patron Saint. He would quote parts of Clement during our Greek class -- and throw out some interesting tidbits (none, of course, which I can now remember!).
I'm always amazed and humbled by the impressions we as human beings make on one another -- for good or for bad. We have the ability in our time on this earth to try to touch people with the simplest of kindnesses -- as Ted did for me a few weeks ago. He subsequently invited me over to his home in Claremont to see the "stuff" he has started collecting. We will be making a date to do so after Christmas!
May all your encounters leave people feeling as though they just encountered the risen Christ.....
During lunch before the class, my Greek professor, the Rev. Dr. Ted Fisher asked me to sit with him. I graduated from that school in 1997, but Ted still remembers me: "I've taught hundreds of students here Diane, and there are very few that stand out in my mind: you're one of them." I asked him what I had ever done to have that distinction -- his answer was quick and simple: "You were always on the ball."
It was a wonderful compliment from a man I greatly admire.
He went on to remind me (which he didn't need to) that his PhD was on the letter of Clement of Rome, our patron Saint. He would quote parts of Clement during our Greek class -- and throw out some interesting tidbits (none, of course, which I can now remember!).
I'm always amazed and humbled by the impressions we as human beings make on one another -- for good or for bad. We have the ability in our time on this earth to try to touch people with the simplest of kindnesses -- as Ted did for me a few weeks ago. He subsequently invited me over to his home in Claremont to see the "stuff" he has started collecting. We will be making a date to do so after Christmas!
May all your encounters leave people feeling as though they just encountered the risen Christ.....
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
US Marine Corps
It's in me, that's all I can say.
"Yes Mam" and "Yes Sir" fly off my tongue all the time. I can't help it. Often I have been corrected by my peers, asking me to not say it. I can't help it. I was raised by 2 Marines.
My mother and father both served in the Marine Corps during World War II. It affected their lives, and how they raised us as children. I will be displaying a picture of my parents this Sunday -- my mother in her dress whites, my father in his dress blues on their wedding day.
I have a deep respect for members all branches of the military, and a special place in my heart for Marines. I hope to see you this Sunday as we celebrate the birthday of the Marine Corps and Veterans Day at St. Clement's!
"Yes Mam" and "Yes Sir" fly off my tongue all the time. I can't help it. Often I have been corrected by my peers, asking me to not say it. I can't help it. I was raised by 2 Marines.
My mother and father both served in the Marine Corps during World War II. It affected their lives, and how they raised us as children. I will be displaying a picture of my parents this Sunday -- my mother in her dress whites, my father in his dress blues on their wedding day.
I have a deep respect for members all branches of the military, and a special place in my heart for Marines. I hope to see you this Sunday as we celebrate the birthday of the Marine Corps and Veterans Day at St. Clement's!
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