Joined at the...

If:
Jennifer + Benjamin = Bennifer
and
Barry + Marney = Barney
does
Jim + Pamela = Jamela?

Omega's Come in Threes

Tonight I am swimming in a sea of tasty Omega-3 Fatty Acids!

Courtesy of Trader Joe's, the most wonderful place in the U.S. for all your food-related needs, I purchased some Wild Alaskan Sock-eye Salmon. Was it ever wild! Low in mercury and high in nutrition, few supper's can compare. The only thing missing was a side of brussels sprouts.

Thick red, tender, slippery meat, silvery backs and dense with oil... I broiled two pieces rare in sesame seed and olive oil with garlic and capers. Three minutes of preparation yielded buttery pieces of heaven.

I just wanted to share with you how exciting a simple piece of salmon can be.
Many thanks to the fish who gave its life for the sake of this entry...

To search for all your Trader Joe's needs, please see: http://www.traderjoes.com/index.html

Reformers Wear Red

While the rest of the world dons orange and black with visions of candy corn awaiting eager little hands, Lutherans like me tend ignore the revelry in deference to Reformation Day. Not that Lutherans have any particular beef with Halloween - it is just as good as any day to enjoy friendly neighbors and tasty treats! But why worry about Halloween when one can wrap oneself in costume ribbons of merry, cherry, Reformation Red and go Reformation-Treating by knocking on doors and singing in frighteningly good four-part harmony "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"? Reformation Day serves two purposes for us band of merry men. The first reason, is to delight in fellowship with one another. Reformation Day is indeed a cultural holiday! Since the Reformation occurred in the heart of Germany, may I suggest a heart-healthy celebration including the following menu items:

- Bratwurst with Brötchen and Mustard
- Glühwein
(A curiously warm, sweetened and herbed red wine. Don't drink to much or you'll see the visions of Ezekiel!)
- Beer. Thick, hearty lagers and stout.
- Dumplings. Any kind. There is never a day that is not good for a dumpling.
- Cheese
- Whole roasted hog with apple in mouth
- Cabbage (Kraut) steamed with apple slices
(red cabbage has more antioxidants and fussy eaters may like the sweetness of Rotkohl)
- Sweet apple desserts with raisins

Reformation Day in Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, 2005

In the fair city of Lutherstadt-Wittenberg a celebration takes place annually in the Reformation tradition of eating, drinking, singing, enjoying art and dancing, storytelling, and the seemingly discarded and lost art of theological disputation. When a Lutheran is on stage, the whole world laughs, as though from earth below to heaven we went. Reformation is often acknowledged as a grand cultural extravaganza, as if recognizing that on October 31st everyone gets to be German for a day! And since we are so merry this time of year, let us add lefse to the menu and not forget the joys of fellowship with our Scandinavian brothers and sisters! There is peculiar and comfortable joy in finding common cultural heritage. Back in Wittenberg the cobble stones and crackling air draw celebrateurs close, laughing over steaming mugs of wine and fingering thick yards of medieval felt fabric. There are parades of men in their stockings and velvet regalia, carrying torches to swipe close to the faces of young ones and singe the mustache of the fathers who hold them up to see. Midnight passes and there is no reason to turn in yet - the hog hasn't yet been picked dry! Reformation Day is indeed a good day to be German.

Yet, the second reason for celebrating Reformation Day is the foremost. Reformers don't celebrate to thumb noses at the Roman Catholics. Neither do they gather to revel in sin and other misdeeds as if the holiday were meant to be some sort of antinomian booze cruise. If we meant to celebrate in this way, Lutherans would be viciously trampling on the blood of both the Reformers and those who died in the 30 Years War in a disgusting display of deaths' victory in battle. It is for this reason also that I am kept from nailing a copy of the 95 Theses to the door of the Notre Dame University cathedral, just a few miles away...! Reformation Day is, in its best form, finally meant to serve as a day for confession. Not dry, decrepit recitations of, "oh, I've been a naughty boy, will you ever forgive me?", but instead a clear confession of what we believe as Christians.

Yes, indeed we believe that God is our Father and really into creating and providing for His creation! Yes, we really buy into this Jesus Christ as His Son who died for us to give us life! Oh, and as if that weren't enough, we really get into the notion that God sends His Spirit to be with us, giving us strength outside of ourselves long enough for faithfulness to break into our stony, unbelieving hearts.

What a day to wear red! Reformation is the day when we Christians recognize the duress the church faces, even when 30 Year Wars with the Catholics do not loom in our horizon. Today Christians still recognize that people really aren't into hearing about Jesus because such confessions smack of intolerance and absolute truth claims. Christians confess into the crowds owned by MTV and Oprah, who wonder "how can I live the best life?", and upon hearing about this Jesus, the others feel attacked that the best life occurs from outside of the self. A strange message in our present

And so Reformation Day revelers gather in red for nothing more than a little taste of Easter before our winter hibernation. We gather in the face of opposition and duress; in the face of the those who think [Lutheran] Christianity to be a mess of moralism or lawlessness. We gather in trust that even without bratwurst and wine, there is something to be excited about. While our Halloweening counterparts shroud themselves in zombie costumes and tell scary stories, we Lutherans gather specifically to thumb our noses at the grave. We dance around the charter of freedom Christ has given us, in sure and certain declaration that one day our dear Jesus will call us up out of our rotting graves for something better; death has no final word in this world. There are no spirits to appease, no ghoulies to steal the soul, and no devil to fear. While Luther recognized spirits and demons and the devil indeed exist and are to be feared as those who would attack, when clinging to the Word of God alone, fear dissipates because the grave becomes a laughable thing. The grave is a prison which can never hold those caught up in faith. This is why on Reformation Day we sing with heart and gusto:

The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it;
He's by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life,
Goods, fame, child and wife,
Though life be wrenched away,
They cannot win the day;
The Kingdoms' ours forever.

So, should anyone seek to take our dear possessions - even if life be wrenched away - we confess with boldness, joy, and vigor that those deaths will never have the last word. The Kingdom is ours in the face of death. Those who confess have the promise of resurrection and will rise up to new life. It is this confession and proclamation that brings life and freedom. So, hug a Lutheran today and know the joy of Reformation!
And while you're add it, spread the Word. Go Reformation-treating! Who knows, maybe your neighbor will be moved to keep steadfast in your spirited words and offer up a sweet treat to send you on your way...


Just for fun:
Here are Prayers of the People I wrote in accord with the 10 Commandments.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

[P]astor: Let us pray for the life of the world, the intentions of the faithful, and for any in sorrow or in need.

A brief silence.

P (I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods)

We thank you Lord that you are our God and You have made us your people. Send us your Holy Spirit so that we will fear, love, and trust You above all things. Lord, in your mercy,

[C]ongregation Hear our prayer

P (You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain)

We thank you that you have given your name to us, that we might pray to you as children speak to their loving Father. We pray that Your name and Your Word be placed in our hearts and on our tongues. We especially ask for your protection today for our dear brothers and sisters in Christ who speak Your Name in the midst of danger and death. Keep us from using your name to curse, swear, lie, or deceive, and help us to always call upon you in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. Lord, in your mercy,

C Hear our prayer

P (Remember the Sabbath and Keep it holy)

Lord, keep us from neglecting your Word and the preaching of it so that we may regard it as Holy and gladly hear and learn it. We pray today for Christ Lutheran Church and all congregations throughout the world. Please send us trustworthy pastors and leaders who will freely preach your Gospel in our church, at home, and in our daily work. Lord, in your mercy,

C Hear our prayer

P (Honor your father and mother)

We give you thanks, dear Father, that you have given us loving fathers and mothers and others who care for us in all of our daily needs. Make our homes a place of peace and comfort so that we might know your love in our closest relationships. Help us so that we do not despise or anger our parents or others in authority, but respect, love, serve, and obey them. Lord, in your mercy,

C Hear our prayer

P (You shall not kill)

We pray that You continue to breathe life into this world, Lord. Protect us from everything that seeks to take our life; from sickness and diseases, from fractured relationships, and from death and the loss of our loved ones. We ask today that you bring your healing and comfort to these we name before You now[...]. Please protect us from sin, death, and the Devil with all of his empty promises. Keep us from harming our family or neighbor in any way, but give us hands and hearts to help them in all of their physical needs.

C Hear our prayer

P (You shall not commit adultery)

Lord, we ask that you help us honor the promises of marriage and all of the gifts and responsibilities this blessing brings. Please help to remember the promises made to our spouse so that our families might grow in love and trust. In all matters of relationship, keep our words and conduct pure and honorable, so that husband and wife love and respect each other. Lord in your mercy,

C Hear our prayer

P (You shall not steal)

Lord, we recognize our deep longing for the good gifts of this world. Please help us so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or property or get them in any dishonest way. Instead, help us to improve and protect the possessions of others. Give us the ability to recognize the needs of others so that Your good gifts are distributed to all in need of food, water, shelter, and protection. Lord, in your mercy,

C Hear our prayer

P (You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor)

Lord, keep the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts from all evil. Help us so that we do no betray, slander, or lie about our neighbors or family, but defend them and speak well of them, and explain their in the kindest way. Lord, in your mercy,

C Hear our prayer

P (You shall not covet your neighbors’ house, wife, husband, workers, cattle, or anything else that is theirs)

Lord, pour us out for the sake of our neighbor so that we help others keep and protect what is theirs. Give us honorable words and conduct so that we do not tempt or coax away our neighbors’ spouse, workers, or possessions, but encourage them to remain loyal. Lord, in your mercy,

C Hear our prayer

P All of these things and whatever else you see that we need, grant us, dear Father. We offer our prayers before you, trusting in your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord,

C Amen.

The Kingdom is ours forever!
Happy Reformation Day!

Confirmation Questions - Week 6

Our lesson became a muddled effort at explaining law and gospel. Pastor explained how the law is "like when you ride your bike and run into a mailbox and get a scar." Of course this prompted my small group to a great 20-minute comparison of our best scars! I was so impressed because my two quietest kids couldn't wait to show off every death-defying injury they had ever inflicted upon themselves. The one boy who never talks was anxious to tell about five different stories of how he earned gravel in the sides of his legs, face, arms... you name it. Our group decided to name him "Skid," and he is very proud of the new nickname!

Betty and Dan lead the other small group and they have had a tough time lassoing the energy of those kids! While I have seven boys and two girls who need to have discussions pulled out of them with a plier, the other group just won't stop talking. Dan became very irate with the kids when they began talking over Betty. They seem to have an unfortunate grouping of the "popular" kids. There are a few self-proclaimed "Drama Queens," some "Skater Dudes," and then there are the boys who busy themselves trying to catch the attention of one young lady who simply needs to bat her eyes in their direction and they melt into a stuttering puddle. Betty and I suggested that perhaps come January (at the beginning of the new semester), we should try a two month stint of separating the boys and the girls for small group. That way there might not be the competition and attention-getting behavior, as well as the hope for questions and discussions that might not happen in the presence of potential embarrassment in front of the opposite sex.

The Confirmation "Question Ministry" is going very well and, strangely enough, Betty and Dan's group get into it even way more than my own group. Ironically, last week, they had not even discussed Halloween and it was strange and interesting how all of their questions related. Betty told me they were all completely silent when writing their questions on the paper scraps! We ended up having some helpful discussions about what the origins of the holiday were, how it was not intended for "devil worship" (but we did discuss Satanism), and there was also a good discussion about Wicca and pagan worship. I feel tremendously lucky that while I was in college I had a number of dear friends involved in Wicca. They were always open about answering questions and took a lot of the taboo and fear out of their tradition. Furthermore, they were and continue to be dependable, kind, contributing, and bright individuals, certainly not to be feared or avoided. As a result, the discussion we had with the kids was clearly not intended to develop a fear or disgust for those of alternative [pagan] traditions, but to draw up a clear delineation regarding faith and religious practice. The kids are not to be encouraged to practice witchcraft in any way and we pointed out why that is unacceptable in the Christian faith. However, we were also able to point out how those who are involved in Wicca are not to be feared as regarded as anyone less than friends we work or go to school with. Children need to have taboo and fear removed from other faith traditions, because taboo breeds a potent mixture of curiosity and contempt. The confirmation children will certainly meet those involved in pagan worship, whether with children who dabble in it in high school, certainly in college, and is the growing interest of bored housewives. They need to be aware that paganism is not the same tradition as satanism, and still have a clear understanding why Christians cannot participate in pagan ritual or belief because of distinct and opposing beliefs. If anyone is interested in the paperwork I drew up for the class, please let me know!

Here is the list of confirmation questions for Week 6:

1. What was the Garden of Eden?
2. Both on the same page:
- Why is St. Micheal called the Arch engle? [sic]
- Can I really ask anything I want, even if its not about chirch? [sic]
3. If God wants us to live a good, happy life, then why are we put under so much stress and
pain?
(from my dear boy who instigated the farting contest last week during group - but comes every week complaining about how difficult and exhausting school is for him.)
4. What is heaven like after you die?
5. If someone doesn't practice the same religion as you (say their Hindu), does that mean they go to hell?
6. If God created everything (heaven and earth) then where did the Devil come from? And if God created him, why would He?
7. What do you think was the greatest event in the Bible?
8. Where is chocolate in the Bible? Do you like hot cocoa and where did it come from?
(a very important question, don't you think??)
9. Why did you decide to become a pastor? (see candidacy essay for details...)
10. How much food can you eat? (huh?)
11. Is the Bible written in a sequence?

And I saved the three most interesting questions for last:

1. Was the things that people said in the Grate Awakening only to get people to confes there sins? [sic]
(Seriously, what kid asks something like that! What a brilliant question - he's in *8th* grade!)

2. As a kid, I really haven't had any "experiences" with God. What happened to yo uthat changed your outlook on Christianity?
(Whoa - deep question. I am really impressed with his honesty)

3. Why do you have to be so cool?
(I'm just going to assume he's not actually asking why *I* have to be so cool - because anyone who knows me knows I'm not! I'm thinking he's concerned about the pressure to be cool that surrounds him at school - and also follows him to confirmation. What do you out there in blogland think? You might be more in tune than I am.)


That's it for today, friends!

A Very Parker Picnic

Kelsay came to visit from Sunday until this beautiful Tuesday morning.
Ordinary things are never so delightful as they are with a dear friend.

Confirmation Questions - Week 5

Here are the confirmation questions I found in my box when I returned from an exciting few days at home (more to come on my exciting three days at home soon!). I don't think my dear confirmation partner gathered questions from our group (that, or maybe he'll be busy at home answering them himself...) so these are only from the other group. As you can see, I'm thinking they enjoyed a very focused conversation. I'm feeling a whole lot of "cut and paste" coming on...

1. Does Halloween have anything to do with Christianity?

2. Why is Halloween a big holiday when it is about the devil?

3. Does Halloween have anything to do with God?

4. What are you going to be for Halloween?

5. What does ‘Halloween’ mean?

6. Is Halloween considered worshipping the devil?

This is the point at which I'd like to add a fun photo or decorative image, of, say, a pumpkin or pretty October foliage. But I found this one and just have to add it. Perhaps I should label it "for mature audiences only. ...and now that I think about the maturity of this audience... well...

My Italian Crush

Pat Rodio has lived up the street from me on Cedar in Fairfax, just at the halfway point of our long avenue, across from the old Keith mansion. He is a pillar of Fairfax City as one of the oldest residents and most involved in political processes of anyone out here. From the park service to the building up of residential zones, a park with the Rodio name, all the way down the details of street signage (the stop sign midway down our street marks where his youngest was killed by an automobile many, many years ago) and supporting the Little League baseball teams, Mr. Rodio has been involved in all aspects of Fairfax civil and political life. Mr. Rodio also likes to eat at Old Country Buffet every blessed day for lunch.
He is 87, about 5'5", feisty, and proudly Italian-American.

Most importantly, I am proud to be one of his two "favorite girlfriends" (the other one is my Mom!). What can he say? He's got a natural thing for Gessert women! He called my home today because "a little bird told him [I] was in town and [he] needed a little flirt time." When Mr. Rodio would be out on a walk and see me leave with a date, whether it be to prom or otherwise, he duly threatened: "hurt her and I'll break your knees." It's good to have links to the mafia.

He has followed me every step of the way, buying Girl Scout cookies only from me (I was his girlfriend beginning in kindergarten!) and making darn sure I was making the grade in school. It is strong men like him - rising to the top with a modest education, insatiable curiosity, deep love for his neighbor, and of course an incurable passion for old jazz - that we can look to today and thank God for.

Where have you gone Patrick Rodio? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you... woo woo woo...

But before I get ahead of myself and dive onto the soap box (Mr. Rodio probably knows the origins of the idiom...!), I will always be so glad that my first boyfriend was and continues to be Mr. Patrick Rodio.


Check out a map to Rodio Park:
www.fairfaxva.gov/ParksRec/CityParks.asp