MIL dying

My mother in law is dying--I'm taking a break

Self examination help from Mark Lawrence (Bishop sc)

This is helpful stuff on self-examination that I want to use during Lent. It is by Mark Lawrence (Bishop)


"These steps are part of the process of self-examination and repentance. As St. Paul counsels in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves...." There are two fundamental sources of help for practicing self-examination. The first and most important help, which seems almost superfluous to mention, is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit indwells us as believers. The Holy Spirit knows us thoroughly and searches the deep things of our lives. (Read for instance such passages as Psalm 139, John 7:37-39, John 14:16-26, Romans 8:26-27). To invite Him to search your heart is an invitation not merely to compile a list of sins to be gotten through; it is an opportunity for growth, learning, discovery, making new connections, receiving insight and to seek His help in putting things in order. The second help for self-examination is a written list to be worked through with self-honesty. Some people use the Seven Deadly Sins--(Pride, Envy/Jealousy, Anger, Sloth/Melancholy, Greed, Gluttony and Lust), others, the Ten Commandments, or the Litany of Penitence in the Ash Wednesday Liturgy (BCP, p. 267). One possibility that is often forgotten is to use not those lists that accentuate the negative dimensions of our lives but to ask the question about the place and pursuit of virtue. After all we have spent, as a culture and Church, far too much time with the clarification of values and given too little attention to the cultivation of virtue. So to take the Beatitudes, or the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:19-26, or even Seven Saving Virtues (Justice, Courage/Fortitude, Prudence/Wisdom, Temperance, Faith, Hope and Love) as the focus, after scrutinizing our sins of omission, can be a profitable exercise indeed. Such written forms might nudge us into areas we might be unconsciously avoiding and yet towards that which God would have us go. "

Self examination help from Mark Lawrence (Bishop sc)

This is helpful stuff on self-examination that I want to use during Lent. It is by Mark Lawrence (Bishop)

"These steps are part of the process of self-examination and repentance. As St. Paul counsels in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves...." There are two fundamental sources of help for practicing self-examination. The first and most important help, which seems almost superfluous to mention, is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit indwells us as believers. The Holy Spirit knows us thoroughly and searches the deep things of our lives. (Read for instance such passages as Psalm 139, John 7:37-39, John 14:16-26, Romans 8:26-27). To invite Him to search your heart is an invitation not merely to compile a list of sins to be gotten through; it is an opportunity for growth, learning, discovery, making new connections, receiving insight and to seek His help in putting things in order. The second help for self-examination is a written list to be worked through with self-honesty. Some people use the Seven Deadly Sins--(Pride, Envy/Jealousy, Anger, Sloth/Melancholy, Greed, Gluttony and Lust), others, the Ten Commandments, or the Litany of Penitence in the Ash Wednesday Liturgy (BCP, p. 267). One possibility that is often forgotten is to use not those lists that accentuate the negative dimensions of our lives but to ask the question about the place and pursuit of virtue. After all we have spent, as a culture and Church, far too much time with the clarification of values and given too little attention to the cultivation of virtue. So to take the Beatitudes, or the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:19-26, or even Seven Saving Virtues (Justice, Courage/Fortitude, Prudence/Wisdom, Temperance, Faith, Hope and Love) as the focus, after scrutinizing our sins of omission, can be a profitable exercise indeed. Such written forms might nudge us into areas we might be unconsciously avoiding and yet towards that which God would have us go. "

Self examination help from Mark Lawrence (Bishop sc)

Helpful stuff from Mark Lawrence on self-examination for this season especially



"These steps are part of the process of self-examination and repentance. As St. Paul counsels in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves...." There are two fundamental sources of help for practicing self-examination. The first and most important help, which seems almost superfluous to mention, is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit indwells us as believers. The Holy Spirit knows us thoroughly and searches the deep things of our lives. (Read for instance such passages as Psalm 139, John 7:37-39, John 14:16-26, Romans 8:26-27). To invite Him to search your heart is an invitation not merely to compile a list of sins to be gotten through; it is an opportunity for growth, learning, discovery, making new connections, receiving insight and to seek His help in putting things in order. The second help for self-examination is a written list to be worked through with self-honesty. Some people use the Seven Deadly Sins--(Pride, Envy/Jealousy, Anger, Sloth/Melancholy, Greed, Gluttony and Lust), others, the Ten Commandments, or the Litany of Penitence in the Ash Wednesday Liturgy (BCP, p. 267). One possibility that is often forgotten is to use not those lists that accentuate the negative dimensions of our lives but to ask the question about the place and pursuit of virtue. After all we have spent, as a culture and Church, far too much time with the clarification of values and given too little attention to the cultivation of virtue. So to take the Beatitudes, or the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:19-26, or even Seven Saving Virtues (Justice, Courage/Fortitude, Prudence/Wisdom, Temperance, Faith, Hope and Love) as the focus, after scrutinizing our sins of omission, can be a profitable exercise indeed. Such written forms might nudge us into areas we might be unconsciously avoiding and yet towards that which God would have us go. "

Busy in Charleston

I've been away in Charleston and then I posted a quick post and put it on the wrong blog!! I just realized this. I will be back to blogging soon.

Real Snow here in SC for the winter olympics, ha!

Proof that it does snow near the coast of SC. I love the brightness--it won't last long and we are on our way South this morning to Charleston. Should be pretty traveling.

Finally some snow near the coast of SC

Here is the first 1/2 inch of snow tonight in SC!! FINALLY!!! Getting ready to watch the olympic opening.

critters are eating my patio umbrella!!!

As you can see above some critters have been eating our patio umbrella!! I hope it is one of the 8 squirrels that live in our yard and not a rat!! YIKERS!!!

say a prayer for gram

The above picture of my Mother-in-law was taken months ago. She has been getting much weaker lately. She is fighting pneumonia and is weak and very tired. She is still eating, but it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to feed her (she has Alzheimer's). Thankfully she seems peaceful. It is hard seeing her like this. Praying that God's will be done in her life (which always seems like a strange prayer, but that is what he tells us to pray!)

No regrets

Thinking today about living in a way each day that makes you not regret what you have done. For example if my Mother-in-law were to die sooner rather than later, I would want to have been sure that I have spent the kind of time with her that was important to me , to her and ultimately to God.

She has had pneumonia this week, and I am so thankful it appears that the meds are helping her get better. There is something soothing about feeding an elderly person (hey, I am elderly too

;-) ). We used to spend time watching the cooking network together so I put that on while I am feeding her and it does feel a bit like old times. I am not sure if she always knows who I am , but I can see love in her eyes.

I am so glad I have had time the last few years to not be out at work. Time to spend with my grand children and the great-grandparents. These are gifts.