Hello to You!

The month of May will be here in just a couple of days…can you believe it!? And, as we are still living through the Coronavirus and all of the changes, let me propose an idea….

This is the golden hour for us to Try Something New! Not only will it allow you to be a little brave, trying something for the first time puts us outside of our comfort zone for a fuller life. Don’t you want to live a little (more)??? I sure do. And sometimes, when we taste that unfamiliar food or put ourselves out there a bit, we become braver, more open-minded, fascinating people. (Okay, you’re already fascinating, adored and super awesome, but now you’ll be able to see how awesome you are a little bit more. God already sees it, now we can see it a little, too, in ourselves).

Ideas for Trying Something New:

1. Visit a suburb in your city that you’ve never been to before, or somewhere you haven’t explored much. (stay in the car or walk around–practice physical distancing)
2. Learn ten phrases in a new language–what about Japanese, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese or Mandarin?
3. Listen to a genre of music you haven’t tried before–perhaps Jazz, Punk, Delta Blues, KC Blues, etc.? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBp43hgKG5M
4. Have a picnic in your local park complete with a packed lunch and your animal friends.
5. Start a daily journal to write your thoughts in.
6. Try a new cuisine–what about French, Lebanese or Korean? Make a dish at home or order from a local restaurant. https://www.cookinglight.com/food/world-cuisine
7. Visit your local *digital* library and borrow some books for the week.
8. Plant some flowers in your garden. If you don’t have one, try an indoor potted plant.
9. Visit a local museum or art gallery *online* and view their latest exhibitions. https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours
10. Learn a new skill–what about kickboxing, sewing, gardening, juggling, yoga, or cooking? You’ll be surprised what you can learn in an afternoon.
11. Say hello to a neighbor you don’t usually talk to. (Wave from 6 feet away; leave flowers or a baked good on their front doorstep.)
12. Make a card for a friend and send it to them with a handwritten note.
13. Learn how to cook a new dish for dinner. We all get tired of eating the same thing, why not try making something new?
14. Re-read an old favorite book. Don’t leave it gathering dust on your book shelf; get it out and read it all over again.
15. Research the culture of a different country online–what about India, Guatemala, Turkmenistan, Laos, or Sweden?
16. Go for a walk or bicycle ride around your neighborhood.
17. Watch a classic film like Casablanca, The Godfather or The Wizard of Oz.
18. Make a photo album of a recent holiday you took. Don’t let your memories get lost on your computer hard drive; make a special keepsake album of your trip.
19. Visit your local farmers markets and pick out some fresh produce–drive thru options available all over the city. Farmers markets are full of delicious fresh fruit, veggies and more. Find your local market and take a visit.
20. Plan a day trip to somewhere outside your city–it might be the seaside, mountains or another city!
21. Check out what community events are running in your area and attend one online.
22. Make a birthday present for a friend. Handmade gifts are personal and much more special than anything you could buy from a store.
23. Attend a play at your local theater online. Support your local theater and have a fun night in at the same time. (Set up a TV or projector outside for an “under the stars” experience.)
24. Volunteer with your local nature conservation society to plant some trees. Conservation societies are always looking for helping hands; do your bit and plant some trees.
25. Be a tourist in your own city and visit all the popular tourist sites you’ve likely never been to (don’t forget your camera!). Our city has so many interesting buildings and architecture.
26. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to recently and have a good long chat.
27. Put on your favorite song and dance your heart out. You might be surprised at how much fun you have! Yes!!
28. Invite some friends to an online BBQ. There’s nothing better than an afternoon spent with good friends and good food, sitting around at your homes.
29. Try out a new form of exercise like Pilates, HIIT, and strength training.
30. Organize an online hangout with your friends (Zoom, Face Time, Google Hangouts, etc.). Play a game, simply chat and check-in, whatever you like!

And, because I never encourage others to do something I won’t do myself, here’s a little song. I’ve written songs before, but I’ve never written a song about an event that’s still going on and played it live in Worship. Yesterday, I made matzoh brei for the first time (soo good with cinnamon apples!). The possibilities for trying new things are endless! Let’s do this. = )

Where is the Joy?

Bruises from wearing the mask on her face
Wondering what day it is–does it really matter?
She needs a cure
For the sick with ventilators on their face–

Facing a Monday of playing at teacher
While trying to work at the kitchen table
Tripping on toys
He’s so tired and scared of furlough

God, where is joy?
Where is the joy?

Truckers on highways taking rice to New Jersey
Smiling faces behind plexiglass, scanning my groceries
We’re all weary these days
We cling to “The joy of the Lord is my strength”

Dust-covered dining rooms, longing for Sunday
Empty Cathedrals and schools, so lonely
There’s a lack of hugs
Am I essential? Is my pain?

God, where is joy?
Where is the joy?
Everywhere
We are joy.

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, joy…

-Rev. Laurel Cluthe

Tonight: 6:30pm Happy Hour on Zoom for adults; 7:00 pm Youth Group on Zoom with Laurel (text for the link)

Happy Week!!

~Laurel