Breakfast Theology

In preparation for Easter, we're reading from the children's Bible at breakfast -- a couple stories at a time in hopes of arriving at the Resurrection story on Easter morning. This morning we read about Jesus' first miracle (water to wine! at a celebration of love and happiness! listening to your mother!) and then about Jesus' teaching on prayer.

I only got through the first line -- Jesus went up to a mountainside to pray -- before I interrupted myself to say, "When you're old enough to go out into nature by yourself, you're going to love it! There's nothing like being outside to pray."

Then it was Jack's turn: "And pee-pee."

Ooops. In my head I was scrambling, "Hm. Wasn't expecting this. Not sure how to respond. Daddy usually handles such boy issues, but he's away this week..." when Jack explained, "Do you know why it's so great? Because there's no one around."

Whew! That was my cue. "And that's exactly why it's perfect for praying, because you're all alone with God," I said.

Somehow we managed to finish reading the story about the Lord's Prayer, and I thought it would be good for us to say the prayer together. Jack repeated each line after me. The language is a bit tricky, but he got most of it. I liked his first line the best: Our Father in heart and heaven...

Unplugged

It has been so long since I've posted on this blog that I keep telling myself I better come up with something good to make up for it. Trouble is, I haven't made the time to sit down at the computer and compose anything, good or otherwise.

I've been on a sort of technological reprieve. I've pulled back from blogging, facebooking and computer-time in general. I haven't gone so far as to join the moleskine rebellion, although I have determined to get back to proper journaling, in a notebook, with a pen. There's something very therapeutic about that. Does it have something to do with the fact that no one else will see it? Maybe. And maybe it has to do with the slower pace as well. My little world, slow and simple to many, has been spinning too fast for my comfort, and I've decided to get off and rest a while.

I'm not sure how long I'll be on hiatus, but tonight I read this article about the joys of bargain shopping and couldn't resist sharing it. Finally, finally, at long last, my style is in style!

With the economy in shambles and so many people losing their jobs and homes, it is no longer considered cool to brag about possessions and purchases.

For many during a deepening recession, conspicuous consumption is out and frugality is the new black.

"People have long used the way they shop and what they buy as a way to communicate with other people about their values, their tastes and their interests," said Kit Yarrow, a consumer psychologist and professor at Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California.

"A year ago, what was considered the ultimate status symbol would have been the chicest bag or the most luxurious outfit," Yarrow added. "Now what's chic is being the most knowledgeable and efficient at saving money."

My mom and I are bargain hunters from way back. We've hit the proverbial jackpot so many times at the Goodwill Store in the town where I grew up that now we just call it Our Favorite Store. As in: I love your blouse/jeans/jacket/you name it. Oh thanks. I got it at Our Favorite Store. The last time I was in the US, I bought four tops for $35 at a Goodwill boutique. Three of the tops still had the tags attached, one of which was silk, from Talbots, and had originially been priced at $89. Now that feels good, baby!

Here in England it's all I can do to walk past a charity shop without going inside, and whenever Matt and I visit a new town, their charity shops call to me, siren-like. It's the lure, I guess, of what treasures might be waiting there to be discovered.

Right now the treasure I'm enjoying is some quiet time focused on our family and local friends. I may post bits and pieces from time to time, but it may be a while between posts. Don't worry, I'm still here. I've just gone back-to-basics.