Ash Wednesday

    Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.  I attended service last night and recieved the ashes on my forehead.  It is a powerful service and humbling to remember our mortality.  A reading from Isaiah 58:1-12  included the verse about being like a watered garden.  This will happen for us when we feed the hungry, do justice and bring the homeless into your house.  Fasting and wearing sackcloth will serve only our own interest, according to Isaiah, which is interesting to hear.  Growing up Catholic, Lent was always a big production.  We tended to give up something, usually in a food category.  In the Episcopal church Lent is less emphasized, which is a relief.  Discipline is important to our spiritual life, physical well being, and work life.  But discipline comes from with in and should be encouraged, not legislated.  I am still pondering a spiritual discipline that would be appropriate for this Lent.  It's hard not to think in terms of food about discipline. but I am trying to expand my options.

Memphis the Musical

  Back in October me, my two sisters and two daughters went to see Memphis the musical in Memphis.  I kind of talked my sister into getting us tickets, not really knowing much about the show or what we were getting into.  I was blown away by it.  Maybe since I grew up in Memphis, I had a connection that not everyone would.  But I loved the music, the story line, the actors,  everything about it.  I've played the music over and over.  The previous October we all saw Wicked and we  agreed that Memphis was much better. 
I haven't heard alot of hype about the show but we all loved it and can vouch for it.  If you get a chance it's worth seeing.