Fourth Sunday in Easter

Today, my dad, my step-mom, and a family friend went to Hayward in order to attend the 14th Annual 'Ukulele Festival of Northern California. My step-mom played the ukulele with her class. I enjoyed that performance and all of the other performances. After the festival was over, we picked up my husband and went to Grand Indian Buffet for some delicious Indian food.

I missed church this morning. My husband and I arrived home at 9:00. I was going to attend a 10:00 p.m. church service at a nearby university; however, I checked their website, and I found out that their 10:00 p.m. service was changed to 9:00 p.m. By the time I would have arrived there, I would have missed half the service. I don't know of any other churches in my area that have services this late. Perhaps I'll go to two church services next Sunday in order to make up for me missing church today. My dear agnostic husband thinks I'm nuts, but that's okay with me.

Third Sunday in Easter

I meant to post this yesterday; however I forgot.

Today's Bible study and church service were both very nice. One of the church members, who is also the Stated Clerk for our Presbytery as well as the husband of the Clerk of Session for our church, gave today's thought-provoking sermon. Our church received two new members today, a very nice young couple. I'm very happy that they joined our church.

After church, I visited on of my former co-workers who is now retired. We relaxed in their backyard for a while. I'm now inspired to fix up my own chaotic backyard. After our visit, I went to Costco to purchase some storage boxes and some energy efficient light bulbs. I might have been the only person in the entire store with only seven items in her basket. Going to Costco on Sundays can sometimes be a nutty experience. I drove around the parking lot for 20 minutes in order to find parking. Once I was in the store, I found what I needed rather quickly, and the cash register line seemed to move at a reasonable pace. I usually prefer going to Costco on Mondays; however, today's experience was alright.

I came home, rested for a while, then my husband and I visited my sister, brother-in-law and nephew. We had a fun time visiting. After a while, my husband and I went home. I wrote for a while, then went to bed. Overall, a nice day.

Faith, Religion and Spirituality

Faith, religion and spirituality can be defined in so many ways.

This is what makes sense to me:

Faith is a very strong feeling, and can include a set of beliefs.

Religion is a set of beliefs and a set of practices to express one's faith.

Spirituality can encompass faith and religion, or faith alone or neither. Believers and non-believers can find spirituality in nature, art, dance, music, poetry and many other things.

This is what makes sense to me. If you agree or disagree, I'm very interested in knowing. Please feel free to leave a comment.

Evangelism

Evangelism is sometimes such a loaded word; however, I have learned that there are different types of evangelism.

Sometimes, the word evangelism is associated with proselytizing and mind control.

I find this type of evangelism to be rather unpleasant.

Sometimes, the word evangelism is associated with public relations and marketing.

I have no problems with this type of evangelism. Many organizations, including faith communities, and libraries, practice this type of evangelism.

Sometimes, the word evangelism can be associated with personal essays and memoirs.

In addition to The Bible and other books, I have read many personal online blogs as well as memoirs in book format with a lot of spiritual information and advice.

Is there a fourth type of evangelism? I'm very interested in knowing if there is. Please leave a comment.

time

Sometimes I worry too much about the future.

Sometimes I dwell too much upon the past.

I need to focus on TODAY.

Every day is a new day.

Second Sunday in Easter

Today's Bible study and church service were both very nice. After church, some of us has a small meeting. After the meeting, I hung out for a while with some of the folks, and helped clean up. My husband and I went to lunch, at one of his new favorite places.

After lunch, I drove up 101. The afternoon was quite beautiful, and traffic was light. I accidentally got off on the wrong exit, and I drove around for a bit until I found a parking spot near a convenience store. I asked for directions, and one of the customers was quite helpful.

Two of my friends performed in a concert at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco. They sang Russian and Yiddish songs, some of which were accompanied by one of their friends who is a pianist. My favorite Russian song was Pierieliotnye Ptitsy (Birds of Migration) and my favorite Yiddish song was Tum-Balalayke.

After a delightful concert, five of us went to a Burmese restaurant down the street and ate delicious food.

After we said our goodbyes, I started to drive home. I missed my entrance, and accidentally got on the Bay Bridge. I've done this before several times, so I knew to get off at Treasure Island, make a U-turn at the military base, and get back on the bridge going the other way. I'm not sure why I'm so confused driving around in San Francisco. My confusion was worth it. From Treasure Island, I saw a beautiful view of San Francisco at night, something I only see every now and then.

Today was a very nice day.

I'm home, I'm tired, and my writing style is a bit off. After I finish my laundry, I'm going to bed.

credit cards

I'm giving up my credit cards from now until Pentecost.

Easter Evening: a second Easter service

I've heard of contemporary worship; however, I've never attended a contemporary worship service before. I decided to attend an evening service in a church located approximately 13 miles from my house.

There were many upbeat praise songs accompanied by singers and musicians, a biblical reading, an interesting sermon, prayers, and two amusing skits. I've never been to a church service with skits before.

The pastor and many of the church members were very welcoming. I adore my home church; however, it is fun to visit other churches.

Peace on Earth

One of my friends emailed me this question: "What does peace on earth mean to you?

My first response was: "the absence of war."

My second response was: "Peace on Earth is when everyone has everything they need and there is no more need for senseless conflict."

I believe that Peace on Earth depends upon all people of all faiths appreciating all people of all other faiths. Tolerance is good, acceptance is good, appreciation is best. When tolerance, acceptance and appreciation are achieved, the universal dream of Peace on Earth shall become a reality.

Easter 2007

My Grandma and I went to church this beautiful spring morning. The service was wonderful, especially the sermon. One of the hymns we sang today (and yesterday at a different service) was Hymn #104 – Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!, an English translation of Ode to Joy. This is probably my favorite hymn in the Presbyterian Hymnal. We also sang two praise songs, two more hymns, the “Glory be” song and the Doxology.

After the service, my Grandma and I went to the Social Hall, where we enjoyed snacks and beverages. I'm often introverted; however, today, I introduced myself and my Grandma to several people that I have never met before, including newcomers, and members who haven't been at church for a while. Although I'm shy, I do enjoy meeting new people.

I brought Grandma back to her house, and I visited her, my uncle and my cousin for a little while. I then went to Safeway to buy some groceries. As I was walking to my car, a homeless man asked me for some money. I smiled at him, and I gave him a $1.00 gift certificate and a six-pack of boxed raisins. He seemed content with what I offered him. We then said goodbye. I see homeless people in my neighborhood all the time; however, this is the first time I remember seeing a homeless person my my Grandma's neighborhood. I realize that I can't help every single person in the world; however, I'm thankful that God gives me the opportunity and ability to help some people. For more on this topic, please visit http://huladawn.blogspot.com/2007/02/stepping-on-my-soapbox-for-bit.html.