August 24, 2008

Daily Events


So, really there is not a whole lot to report here from Ripley, MS. I just got back from a run to the grocery store. Actually, I walked. Already two people in town have been pointed out to me as people who are always walking. It probably won't be long until I'm included in that count. If I am staying in town, there is not much that is farther than a mile or so, and with gas prices what they are, why not walk? Anyway, I thought I'd bring my camera on my walk today, so here you have Main Street with one of the many stores of the "Dollar" variety. Next to that is Southern Video--WAY cheaper than St. Louis. I got a new release yesterday for $2.49 plus tax, and I get to keep it for a week. Not bad. Next to Southern Video is E.W. James' Grocery Store. Very friendly, very talkative staff. I don't think they know what to do with me when I bring in my canvas bags. I did notice today, however, that they too are now selling such bags. It's catching on. Now if we can just get some recycling started here.
.
(P.S. You are supposed to read this with a Mississippi accent, so work on that.)
.
Outside of grocery shopping and all of the planning and cleaning that Kate and I did, I've done lots of reading and praying this week, the contents of which always come together in some really meaningful ways. One book I read was called The Shack. I'm not sure if I'd give a full recommendation or not; you can read some reviews and decide for yourself. But, one quote that I loved and with which I really resonated was, "You can always count on her (God) to throw you a curve or two. She loves surprises, and even though you might not think it, her timing is always perfect." This was especially pertinent this week for me in terms of my search for ministry. Just when I am getting overly frustrated some connection is made, or I get a call of some kind. I do have one position that I am currently considering. It might not be ideal, but there are also some really good points to it as well. More questions for the principal tomorrow.
.
I know you can't tell it as you are reading this, but I'm back writing now after about a half an hour away from the computer. Two of the neighbor boys came by on their bikes to say hello. Then the mother of one of them. The family lives one block down. I just got a yellow-meat watermelon as a welcome gift. I'm supposed to cut it up and get it nice and cold before I eat it. I'll have to tell you what I think.
.
Anyway, one of the other books I'm reading is called Catching Up With Jesus, by Diarmuid O'Murchu. In similar fashion to The Shack it really emphasizes the relationality of God. It looks at some of the ways that Christians have trapped Jesus into certain labels or ways of being, and tries to free up some thinking. An academic-type book, yet easy to read.
.
Well, if you are looking for some reading materials, there are a few ideas to consider. I think I'm off to cut up our watermelon. I'm glad now that the little produce stand was closed today and I was unable to get a cantelope. We'd have had too much. Could it again be some of God's perfect timing? Actually, God probably just didn't want me to carry home the cantelope and the gallon of milk from the store.
.
--Sarah

3 comments:

  1. So good of you to continue to write your reflections on dailynees of life as you expect to find ministry in the area.
    good luck and keep on searching the people need you....
    Nancy in Atlanta

    ReplyDelete
  2. You write very well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. They closed Southern Video,Movie Gallery,Family Dollar,The gasoline station there too, Moved Mi Pueblo's and destroyed the furniture store and made a CVS Pharmacy closed El Pollo Loco Ripley Has changed

    Bernardo ;)

    ReplyDelete

Comments