So here's what's on my mind these days...

Happy Things

1. When the snow and sleet turn to rain, surely Spring is on its way.

2. I actually went a whole day yesterday without hearing the name "Anna Nicole Smith."

3. This past weekend, I won a raffle package that includes a bunch of free passes to local theatre companies and some dining coupons. My entertainment options for the Spring just expanded!

4. Helen Mirren won a well-deserved Best Actress Oscar, wore a gorgeous dress, and gave a clever, lovely speech.

5. Top Design is better than Top Chef, though still not to the level of Project Runway.

Serious Things

1. My Dad is having a really tough time in this new phase of his chemotherapy. The first set of drugs didn't fully do the job and the new combination is really nasty in terms of side-effects. He is 1/3 of the way through these new treatments and I'm not sure he'll be able to complete them.

2. The Bob Woodruff story and the situation at Walter Reed won't leave my mind. We engage in a foolish conflict, causing thousands and thousands of injuries and we are not prepared to take care of these people and their families. Shame on us.

3. With all the concentration on the Middle East, there are serious foreign policy blunders under way in other corners of the world. We continue to support the governments of Colombia and the Philippines, even though those governments and militias they tacitly support are killing and otherwise terrorizing lawyers, clergy, and minorities who are working for justice. Is it any wonder we are now hated world-wide?

4. The other mainline protestant churches in my area are really struggling financially, as are two non-profits I work with. It makes me realize how blessed I am at my little congregation (not that we don't have our challenges, financial and otherwise). Why is the money drying up? Why are people turning away from these churches and programs? Are these isolated incidents?

5. The leader of the Episcopal Church in the United States, despite clear statements that her personally inclusive position has not changed, seems to be inviting the U.S. church to back away from its progressive positions regarding LGBT folks. Are lesbian and gay priests and members going to be sacrificed for global Anglican unity? It's starting to look that way.