realistic cast iron models 

A small section of a hugh mural 

Today I went......somewhere

What an experience I had today! I traveled with members of my church to Cincinnati to visit the Freedom Center-The Museum of the Underground Railroad. It was an outstanding display of the history of slavery and the brave men and women who helped free slaves. The museum uses well placed displays and modern technology to speak to people of all ages. The message is simple: Our history is important to us and often very painful. We want to share what we remember for future generations.

My favorite was the use of huge walls to display news videos of current freedom quests going on today all over the world. My other favorite was the movie screen that put us in the picture as a young female slave, with the help of black and white conductors, swam across the Ohio River while slave masters shot at them.

I teach this subject to my second graders and have read countless books on the subject of the Underground Railroad but have never felt the experience firsthand. There were quite a few daycare groups touring the museum. The technology will help them understand what this part of our country's history meant to African Americans. It is well worth the effort that went into the vision and completion of this fine museum.

Freedom Center experience 

Freedom Center experience 

one of many spectacular handmade quilts

I wrote these....

I wrote the last two pieces after seeing "The Forces of Nature" on PBS. I also saw 60 Minutes and ended up sobbing my heart out after the program. Two of the Marines interviewed were later killed. The few minutes of soundbites gave a glimpse of the bravery and courage it takes to be in Iraq.

sometimes....

the illusion
that we are
in charge

gives us
a false sense
of superiority

over nature and
her Domain

instead...

let us find our
place
and humbly
live accordingly

then we
will know
what ancient man
knew

we are
only

his
understanding
made
awareness
necessary

by Andy Goldsworthy 

sometimes....

sometimes........

something deep within
surfaces with such power and energy
that I wonder from where it comes

there is a sense that Earth
in all her changing glory

will have the last word

and we humans
who think we have
so much to offer

will find we were only
a passing fancy

You see beauty in all You created 

my last week of prayers

This is the last week I will be writing prayers as the assisting minister for the month of June. Again, I wanted to share the experience on my blog.

The heavens and earth belong to You
and so does the world with all its people
You are strong and mighty
Your love can always be trusted
God of love
Hear our prayer

O Lord, in all generations you have been our home
You have always been God-
long before the birth of the mountains
even before You created the heavens and earth
bring us ever nearer to You
knowing that nothing in heaven or on earth
can separate us from You.
keep us ever close.
God of love
Hear our prayer

You are the greatest
over all the gods we may put in our lives
gods of wealth, health or security
are no substitue for You
You hold the deepest part of the earth
in your hands
and the mountain peaks belong to You
The ocean is Yours because You made it
and with Your own hands
You formed the dry land
we are the stewards of these gifts
give us wisdom to be responsible
and visionaries for future humankind
God of love
Hear our prayer

Other gifts from You
eternal life
freedom from the death of sin
knowledge of You
all these things You give
so that your children
may see You
and be with You
for all time.
We thank You.
God of love
Hear our prayer

You love all people and You
want wholeness and goodness for each.
We pray this morning for those we want to
especially remember and bring before you..........

We pray again this morning
for all the families who lost
loved ones in war this week
We come in faith and love
knowing You know their pain and suffering.
We ask protection
and strength of heart for our own members..........

Give our homebound members
Your continued presence and unfailing love
We remember.......

this says it all 

my sister

My sister visited me briefly this Thursday and Friday. It was short but very sweet. We don't get to see one another very often and communication is not regular. When we are together our times are precious and I always feel the same when she leaves.........like I've gone away to camp and met a kindred spirit who I must say good-bye to. We are different but the same. What is the same is the beauty of what we share.......a profound respect for one another and a love that has no boundaries. My sister is a regular reader of my blog. So I know she will see this. I love you, Susan and always will.

I borrowed a Harley man for this photo 

o.k. everyone who thinks I lead a sheltered life 

getting ready to move in

Today I took some pictures of the house I am having remodeled. Some of the more interesting photos didn't turn out so I'll try again tomorrow. It was built in 1912 on top of ground that used to be a graveyard. The caskets were moved further up the hill to make room for housing. Some say that the houses on either side of mine are haunted. Mine doesn't appear to be. I have that from a reliable source.

the back door from inside 

the back door 

The front door