Holy Saturday: Great Vigil of Easter

Today, my husband and I worked from 9-6, and went out to dinner after work. After dinner, I dropped my husband off at home, then I drove to a church approximately eleven and a half miles away to attend a Great Vigil of Easter service. This was the only church that I'm aware of in my area that presented this service tonight. I'm sure that there were others, I just didn't know about them.

I reached the parking lot five minutes before 8:00 pm. I left my car and walked toward the church. Several people were lined up, holding candles. A man gave me a bulletin and a candle. I thanked him, and stood near the other people.

The pastor said a few words of introduction, and one of the other robed people lit a small fire. After a prayer, the paschal candle was lit. After some singing, one of the people lit her candle from the paschal candle, then started lighting other people's candles. The fellow next to me lit my candle. Other people lit other people's candles. A breeze fluttered by, and I lifted my bulletin to shelter the candle flame. The breeze turned into a wind, and blew out my candle as well as the candles of some of the other people. Everyone walked closer to the church entrance. Someone lit the candle of the fellow to my left. He lit my candle, then I lit the candle of the fellow to my right.

This reminded me of faith. Sometimes, my faith appears to be blown out by the wind of despair. Being around other people with strong faith helps me to regain my faith, and in turn, I hope that I can help other people regain their faith.

We all entered the dimly lit church and stood in the pews. After some music and speaking, we silently sat down.

We listened to biblical readings that were read by various people. There were prayers in between the readings.

More singing, more readings, then a very interesting sermon, followed by a reaffirmation of the baptismal covenant. I was delighted by the part when the pastor sprinkled all of us with water.

We exchanged the peace with one another, followed by the Lord's Supper (Communion), a prayer, a song, and some beautiful organ music.

Before I left, I told the pastor that I enjoyed the service, and that this was the first Great Vigil of Easter service that I have ever attended. I'm glad that I went.

Tomorrow, I will attend the Easter service at my home church. I'm looking forward to it.

The adventure continues here:

http://easter-journal.blogspot.com/

Good Friday

Today, I attended a noontime Good Friday service. Six pastors from five local churches (including mine) presented readings and brief sermons during the solemn and emotional service. We sang serveral hymns and also listened to musicians and a solo singer. This is the first Good Friday service that I have ever been to. I'm glad that I went.

Maundy Thursday

I didn't post yesterday because I wasn't feeling well. Today and yesterday, I did my usual: no sweets, no tv. Instead of sweets, I've been eating bread. Instead of tv, I've been watching some videos on YouTube. Does this makes me a hypocrite? I don't know! I'm still so new to this! And yes - I'm still having trouble sticking to my one hour Internet limit!

Thirty-sixth Day of Lent

Today was quite a busy day.

I did my usual: no sweets, no tv. I'm still having trouble sticking to my one hour Internet limit!

Thirty-fifth Day of Lent

Errand day again.

This week I start a new dance class schedule:

Monday: Hula and jazz

Tuesday: Afro-Brazilian

Wednesday: Hip Hop

Thursday: Tap and Hip Hop

Friday: Afro-Brazilian

I will be dancing for eight hours a week! I hope I survive it!

I did my usual: no sweets, no tv. I'm having trouble sticking to my one hour Internet limit!

Palm Sunday

Three of my friends/co-workers and I were going to San Francisco to visit the Norwegian Seaman's Church and other places; however, two people canceled. One of my friends still went.

I boarded the Caltrain train at my usual station, and my friend got on at a later station. She lent me a pamphlet about Grace Cathedral, and I read portions of it while she re-read a paper she had written a long time ago about the architecture and art of the cathedral. After she finished re-reading her paper, I returned the pamphlet to her, and I read her paper. I like her writing style.

Instead of going to the Norwegian Seaman's Church first, she wanted to go to Grace Cathedral first.

After we arrived in San Francisco, we walked for a bit, caught the 30, walked a bit more, caught the 27, walked a bit more, then arrived at Grace Cathedral, third largest Episcopal cathedral in the United States.

The building is quite spectacular on the outside and even more beautiful on the inside. My friend and I studied the murals and and observed the stained glass windows before finding a place to sit.

The service was very formal and the singing was beautiful. The Dean and one of the Lectors have British accents, which added a nice touch. The liturgy was very similar to Roman Catholic liturgy. The incense bothered me somewhat; however, I liked everything else about the service.

After the service, we visited the refreshment area and the gift shop.

We then visited a neighborhood park, and wandered around a bit. My friend was hungry, and she wanted something more substantial than the waffles and coffee that are served all day at the Norwegian Church.

Two local hotels served brunches for $59.00 and $79.00. That was more than either of us were willing to pay, so we took a cable car to Fisherman's Wharf and walked for a few blocks to Ghirardelli Square.

We ate a late lunch at a pleasant place which had reasonable prices and a very nice view of the Bay.

We wandered around a bit, then took the 30 back to the Caltrain station. We didn't have time to visit the Norwegian Seaman's Church this time; however, we may go back again on a week day.

We boarded the train, then said our goodbyes at the her station. I exited at my station, then drove home and took a nap for a few hours.

My husband was visiting friends from work, then he came home around 10:30ish. We went to dinner, came home, and I started writing.

I missed my home church; however, it was fun visiting a different church. We are all brothers and sisters.

Thirty-fourth Day of Lent

Today, I attended my sister and brother-in-law's baby shower. This will be their second child. The party was fun, and I'm looking forward to having another niece. I believe that their son will enjoy having a little sister. Since this was a special occasion, I allowed myself a piece of cake and some soda. Only a few minutes of tv at a relatives house. Internet for less than an hour. I'm going to bed after I finish a load of laundry because I have to get up early tomorrow morning.

Thirty-third Day of Lent

Today, I took my husband to two medical appointments. I wrote both poetry and prose while waiting. After the two appointments, we went to Flames Coffee Shop. I avoided eating their delicious and tempting desserts. I only watched a few minutes of tv with my husband. It is a frequent struggle for me to limit my at home Internet use to one hour or less; however, I manage it most days.

I've been writing a lot the past few weeks. My husband told me that it's great that I'm writing a lot because it will help me become a better writer. I need that! I try my best to get eight hours of sleep each night. The last few weeks, I sometimes stay up too late writing and I don't get enough sleep. Often, I wake up at three, four or five in the morning, write for an hour, then fall asleep again. Consequently, I often have been getting only six and a half or seven hours of sleep. Today, my body told the that I need more rest by catching a mild yet annoying cold. I took a very long nap, and I'll try to get ten hours of sleep tonight. I'm confident that if I get enough sleep, I'll feel much better tomorrow. I have to, because I have a busy weekend planned.

Thirty-second Day of Lent

I avoided sugary foods again, and I used the Internet for slightly more than an hour. I only watched a few minutes of tv at a relative's house. I was writing before I went to bed last night, and I woke up around 5:00 a.m. to write some more. Friday is the beginning of my four day weekend. Yay!

Thirty-first Day of Lent

I avoided sugary foods again, and I used the Internet for slightly more than an hour. I read while my husband watched tv.

Thirtieth Day of Lent

Bible study was very interesting today. I avoided sugary foods again, I used the Internet for less than an hour (I think), and watched only a little tv with my husband, and did another load of laundry.

Twenty-Ninth Day of Lent

Oops! I didn't post yesterday. Yesterday and today were very busy and very intense. Yesterday, I went to church, followed by lunch with my husband, a quick trip to Fry's Electronics, a meeting in the afternoon and a cast party. Today, I dropped off our three cats to the veterinarian, bought some groceries, attended two meetings at church, started to organize the church library, picked up the cats from the veterinarian, bought dinner, spent time with my husband and the cats, typed up some notes from Sunday's meeting, took a long, much-needed nap, woke up again, and started some laundry. Why is it that sometimes I'm busier on my Sunday-Monday weekend than on my Tuesday-Saturday work week?

Anyway, today I avoided sugary foods, used the Internet for less than an hour (I think), and watched only a little tv with my husband. I didn't eat very much today. I'm not quite sure why.

Twenty-Eighth Day of Lent

I couldn't post yesterday because I couldn't connect to the Internet.
No sweets today or yesterday, no tv today or yesterday, Internet in moderation each day.
I had a dance rehearsal yesterday, and a rehearsal and two performances today. I'm tired. Tomorrow is Sunday. Yay!

Twenty-Sixth Day of Lent

No sweets except for a cough drop, no tv, Internet for less than an hour (I think). Tomorrow is the first dress rehearsal. I'm only working four hours tomorrow, and I'm taking four hours of vacation time. I'm taking a vacation day on Saturday in order to attend the second dress rehearsal and appear in the two evening recitals. Since I always have Sunday and Monday off, I'll have a 3 ½ day weekend. Saturday, Sunday and Monday will quite busy, so I'm not sure how much “free” time I'll actually have.

Okay – back to some more chores before I have to go to sleep.

Twenty-Fifth Day of Lent

I feel better today than I felt yesterday and the day before. No sweets, no tv, Internet for less than an hour. I'm a bit nervous about my upcoming recital; however, I also feel at peace.

Spring

Pansies
Originally uploaded by Tobyotter.

Spring is a time
for growth
and reflection

Twenty-Fourth Day of Lent

February 19, 2007: New Moon with Venus / Neumond mit Venus
Originally uploaded by Doblonaut.

I forgot to post yesterday! My energy level was quite low. After an iron pill and a long nap, I did manage to make it to my two dance classes.

No sweets today or yesterday. I used the Internet at home for around an hour each day. I watched only a little bit of tv with my husband yesterday and I fell asleep before the show was over.

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Church was very nice, as usual. Sermons are my favorite part of church. Here is an interesting Bible passage that made me think about what I've been doing:

16‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18, NRSV)

Is it wrong of me to describe my progress in this “Lent journal?” Am I “showing off?” I don't think I'm showing off; rather, I'm trying to simply record my progress in the hopes that this odd little journal might help other people, or might help myself in future years.

For many years, processed sugar was like a drug for me. Sometimes processed sugar numbed my emotions, while other times processed sugar made me too emotional, even irrational. Limiting my consumption of processed sugar to special occasions has been very helpful for both my physical health and my emotional health.

Limiting my television viewing and my internet use has freed up more time for me to read and write.

Twenty-Second Day of Lent

No sweets. I used the Internet at home for around an hour. No tv. Tomorrow is Sunday. Yay!

Twenty-First Day of Lent

No sweets. I used the Internet at home for around an hour. Two hours of tv at my relatives' house

Twentieth Day of Lent

I made it to the "halfway point." I'm not quite sure why I'm writing this in this odd little blog. Perhaps I can read it again fifty years from now in order to help me remember pieces of my life.

Today, several library employees received 20-year pins/charms and 10-year pins/charms. My supervisor gave a nice speech before presenting me with my 10-year charm. After all the supervisors gave their speeches about their employees, everyone ate burnt almond cake. Yum!

I used the Internet at home for approximately one hour. No tv.

Ninteenth Day of Lent

Internet at home for less than an hour. No sweets. No tv.

Eighteenth Day of Lent

Internet at home for a bit more than an hour. No sweets. No tv.

Seventeenth Day of Lent

Errand day again. Internet at home for way less than an hour. No sweets. Only a few minutes of tv at a family member's house.

Third Sunday in Lent

Flower in the Pool
Originally uploaded by John Martinez.

Water is the source
of life
and transformation.

Sixteenth Day of Lent

Internet at home for less than an hour. No sweets. No tv. I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

Fifteenth Day of Lent

Internet at home for less than an hour. I watched a bit of tv with my husband. I attended a retirement party for one of my colleagues in a different department yet in the same building. I ate cake and a cookie and I drank a cup of punch. My dad and step-mom gave me a small box of hard candies. I'll save them for a few weeks. Sunday is coming soon. Yay!

Fourteenth Day of Lent

Internet at home for less than an hour. No tv. Today, my co-workers and I had a birthday party for our supervisor, so I had some cake. I've been losing weight. Today I had to buy some new clothes in smaller sizes. Two of my friends helped me with their fashion advice.

Thirteenth Day of Lent

Internet at home for less than an hour (I think). No sweets, except for cough drops. No tv.

Sometimes I miss tv and sweets; however, I've been writing a lot, listening to a lot of music and singing.

Twelfth Day of Lent

Internet at home – slightly more than one hour (I think). No sweets, except for cough drops. No tv.

Bible study was very interesting today.

Eleventh Day of Lent – Evening

Internet at home – approximately one hour (I think). No sweets, except for cough drops. My asthma cough was acting up today. A few minutes of tv at my Grandma's house.

Eleventh Day of Lent

One of my friends emailed me "What does Peace on Earth mean to you?"

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

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

Second Sunday in Lent

Church was nice today, as it always is. After church, one of my friends and I went to a music concert. After the concert, we met my husband, my dad and my step-mom for a late lunch/early dinner in order to celebrate our friend's birthday. Because our friend's birthday is a special occasion, I allowed myself a mango lassi, a piece of birthday cake and some ice cream.

Tenth Day of Lent

I worked my normal eight hours today. Internet at home for slightly more an hour, no sugary foods, no tv. I'm going to church tomorrow. Yay!

Ninth Day of Lent

I worked my normal eight hours today. Internet at home for less than an hour, no sugary foods, two hours of television at my relatives' house.

Eighth Day of Lent

"Eighth" is a really funny looking word, isn't it?

I only worked three hours today because I took my husband to the doctor in the afternoon. No tv, no sugary foods, Internet for less than an hour. (I think!)

I estimated that I am saving approximately $240.00 by abstaining from chai and sugary foods. Now, I need to decide which charities to donate to.

Seventh Day of Lent

I used the Internet for less than an hour today. I avoided sweet foods. I watched a little tv with my husband. This is allowed under my “rules.”

Since I have limited my tv and Internet use, I have been listening to a lot more music.

I plan on figuring out how much I've saved by avoiding sugary foods and chai and donate that money to one or more charities. More about this later.

Sixth Day of Lent

Well, I used the Internet for slightly more than an hour today.
I avoided eating sweet foods and watching tv.

Fifth Day of Lent

I don't work on Mondays; therefore Monday is usually my errand day. Between various errands, I had lunch with a friend, and had a great time. My friend asked me what is my purpose for participating in Lent? The only answer I had for her is that for me this is an exercise in self-discipline as well as in faith and trust. Perhaps I'll have a better answer later.

Sometimes I am tempted to “cheat” by eating something sugary or by using the Internet for longer than my alloted time. I am able to stop myself.

First Sunday in Lent

Today, I was at the dance studio in Campbell from 11:00 am until 5:15 pm. What a long day! First, we had a the big group photo shoot, then we had photo shoots for the individual dances that we are in. I'm in three dances: an Afro-Brazilian piece, a jazz piece and a tap piece. After the photo shoots, we rehearsed our numbers. I operated the CD player when I wasn't dancing or changing outfits. It was a long day; however, it was also fun.

Yesterday, after the hula fundraiser, I took a plate of cookies, brownies and rice crispy treats that were left over. Today, I brought them to my dance school and set them on a table. This was appreciated by several hungry dancers. I didn't eat any of the sweets from that plate.

I didn't watch any tv today.

I missed church this morning, which felt a bit weird; however, I attended the evening class at church, which I enjoyed very much.

Fourth Day of Lent

I worked from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm today. I was tempted by cookies and cake and brownies. I avoided them.

I'm allowing myself 30 minutes on the Internet, including posting this message.

I didn't watch any tv today.

Tonight, two of my relatives and I attended a special Crab Feed fund raiser for the competition Wahine group at our hula hulau. I ate pretzels, rolls, pasta with sauce, and salad. I allowed myself some fruit punch because it was a special event. I didn't eat any crab, because shellfish don't appeal to me. I didn't have any dessert because the fruit punch gave me too much of a sugar rush.

Third Day of Lent

I visited relatives today, and watched two hours of tv with them. According to my “rules” this is okay.

I am allowing myself 55 minutes on the Internet, including posting this message.

I worked from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm today. I was tempted by cookies, candy, cake and ice cream. I avoided them all.

Well, this blog is a bit boring.

I am apprehensive about sharing my personal feelings online; however, I will write a few personal tidbits from time to time.

My participation in Lent is an exercise in self-discipline; however, more than that, it is an exercise in faith and trust.

Second Day of Lent

I didn't watch my usual Thursday shows. I can always catch up during the summer.

I am allowing myself 45 minutes on the Internet, including posting this message.

I worked from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm today. I was tempted by cookies. I avoided them.

First Day of Lent – night time

I didn't watch any tv at home. When I picked up my Grandma to take her to the doctor this morning, I watched a few minutes of tv at her house.

So far, I used the Internet at home for less than an hour today. I used the Internet at my Grandma's house for only a few minutes.

I worked from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm today. I was tempted by cookies and sweetened beverages. I avoided them all.

40 Ideas for Lent has some great suggestions. I plan on trying some of them.

First Day of Lent

I have been fretting about what to give up for Lent. I can't give up red meat, because I hardly ever consume red meat (especially pork or beef! Heh heh!) I can't give up gossip, because I already made good progress in this department from my New Year's resolution.

This morning, I decided to CUT BACK on three things:

Television
at home internet use
sugary foods

Here are the details:

Television – no television alone upstairs. I can always catch up during summer reruns. can only watch television with my husband or with my relatives or friends at their houses.

at home internet use – I'm going to limit my at home internet use to one hour a day
Of course, I can still use databases and vendor websites at work.

sugary foods – I'm going to limit my sugary food intake to special occasions, such as birthdays and baby showers and church dinners.