Terrapin Station

The Good Shepherd

One of my favorite icons is not a traditional icon at all, but a wooden Good Shepherd puzzle-thing.  Here He is:

You see how the little sheep fits perfectly and snugly into His arms?  There is no other sheep that could fit just that way into that loving embrace.

If the sheep leaves the Shepherd, it looks like this: 

See how the poor litttle sheep is all alone and defenseless?

See how the Shepherd has a sheep-shaped hole right in His middle?

The Shepherd has that special place for every one of us. 

Just as we have a "God-shaped hole" in our lives...I believe the Shepherd is waiting and saving our own special seat for us, too.    

via marybethbutler.typepad.com

Redux for Good Shepherd Sunday

Friday Five: Random

Karla says at RevGals: Playing Friday Five was my entree into the World of RevGals.  I remember the first time I played, I felt so welcomed by everyone’s comments.   That was in 2007.   And even though most of my blogging is through writing prayers for the RGBP blog, I can’t imagine my life or my ministry without this community.  I am so, so, so grateful.

So, since I am all weepy and happy thinking about this organization,  I offer you this Random Friday Five:

1.  What are you wearing right now?  (a question from my first FF play.) I am wearing jeans, an olive-green top with bronze-colored beads and 3/4 sleeves, and "canteloupe" colored Asics Gels.

2.  What are you having for lunch (or dinner)?  (another question from my first FF play.) I am having lunch at P.F. Chang's with my college boyfriend, Joe. Haven't seen him in many years. I'm excited!

3.  Share an experience of community that was transformative or precious to you. My years at St. Francis Episcopal Church in College Station - singing in the music group, going to Star Trek parties, weekday contemplative Eucharist, working with youth. Being part of a community of Acts.

4.  Describe your favorite mug or glass. I have a Tervis Tumbler on my desk with dragonflies and it says, "Live Simply / Love Generously / Care Deeply / Speak Kindly." I drink water out of it daily.

5.  Give a shout out to a friend or colleague! I want to say HEY to Liz Moen, who lives close to me and who I miss a lot. We need to get together soon. For reals.

The Varidesk Report

So, I installed my Varidesk on January 20. That means I've been standing for part of each work day for 2.5 months.

I am still glad I have it. I like taking my shoes off and standing on the gel pad, and moving around as I stand. I know I feel better for having it. I'll confess that there are days when I am tired or out of sorts that I think, "c'mon, I don't WANT to stand up." But I almost always do it. I'm standing 30 minutes of each hour now.

I was starting to have some foot discomfort immediately after getting out of bed, and I notice that's subsided. Mostly, I appreciate not working in a chair for a solid hour or more, then standing up to go to the restroom and feeling like I'm going to fall down.

Here's a good article with more reasons that it's a great idea and ways to maximize the benefits.