Friday Five - Time Out Edition

Sally from revgalblogpals writes...

Holy Week is almost upon us, I suspect that ordained or not, other revgal/pals calendars look a bit like mine, FULL, FULL, FULL........ Jesus was great at teaching us to take time out, even in that last week, right up to Maundy Thursday he withdrew, John's gospel tells us he hid! He hid not because he was afraid, but because he knew that he needed physical, mental and spiritual strength to get through... So faced with a busy week:


1. What restores you physically?
I have always loved plugging in my headphones and dancing around like a nut! Now that I have this nifty little gadget called iPod, I have organized a playlist entitled "Dance Mix" and I live for those times. :) I also really enjoy an afternoon siesta, when I can find the time. ;)

2. What strengthens you emotionally/ mentally?
Spending time with my family, taking a walk, having coffee or ice cream and laughing with my girlfriends, unwinding with a funny and pointless movie like "Rat Race" - too funny and some killer one liners, reading a book that is not "required reading"

3. What encourages you spiritually?
I am starting to realize how precious and necessary it is - John & Charles Wesley, and others like them got it right - to spend chunks of time with God - ALONE! My goal is to spend one hour each day, one day a month, and one week a year (this one may prove challenging given the fact that I am a mom of two beautiful little girls and that I already ridiculously lean on a wonderful, supportive hubby/daddy) in silence/solitude and prayer (dialogue over monologue) with God...doesn't that sound heavenly! :) me thinks so

4. Share a favorite poem or piece of music from the coming week.
So hard to choose - I love the traditional hymns - "Because He Lives", "Were You There", "Christ the Lord is Risen Today", but one that gets me every time is an oldie, but goodie in my book - I love, love, love "Sunday's on the Way" by Carmen...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muK1DPKhKJ8

5. There may be many services for you to attend/ lead over the next week, which one are you most looking forward to and why? If there aren't do you have a favorite day in Holy week if so which one is it?
Is it even possible for me to choose just one!?! Holy week is my favorite, even more than Advent and Christmas - there I said it. I'm certain that I am not alone, but I love the entire journey through Holy week. I love the extremes of emotion: rejoicing, fellowship, anguish, sorrow never felt before, desolation and then the extreme joy of the empty tomb and meeting the risen and victorious Lord. The journey to the cross and beyond always makes me keenly aware of the tremendous sacrifice that was made and the depth of God's love for me and for all.

I pray blessings on all who will minister this week, that we will be uplifted and strengthened by the Holy Spirit so that all those around us may be touched by Jesus in powerful ways - Lord, may Your consuming fire burn within people!