Dear Member/Friend,
The time span of this newsletter covers January and February, 2000, the new millennium.   For at least a year we’ve been inundated with Y2K possibilities.  It is here and so are we.   We now know what happened on that infamous day, January One. We know that God is at the center of every activity and if it happens it’s right and we can’t ever be separate from God.  So instead of writing about all the “what if’s, coulda, shoulda, woulda’s, mighta been’s,”  I’m choosing to focus on the love month.  Love, another name for God…and for us.
I LOVE…puppies, all kinds.  Three adorable baby bassets and two wee little golden retrievers who stayed that size for about a minute, are tucked away in a special place in my heart.
I LOVE…mostly the ones that grow up to be the Big Boys, those whose paws and butterball tummies and grand puppy ideas don’t quite come together at so tender an age, so they fall all over themselves, start wrestling matches that they aren’t always able to win with less assertive siblings, trip on their own ears and feet, bite tails and bottoms indiscriminately, and look surprised as they tumble and roll in a pile of paws, ears, wet kisses, nibbles, and fun, all the while having a grand time, conveying to grown-ups who think they have to act grown-up, that life is a JOYOUS occasion.
I LOVE…flowery, blossomy, springtime with posies that pop up in unexpected places, exquisitely delicate and beautiful (Nature’s free beauty gift to those whose only job is to appreciate.)
I LOVE…enormous, white, fluffy clouds that coax you to lie on your back in the grass, squint your eyes and create magnificent masterpieces aloft or to soar above them looking down, from the OTHER side of reality, realizing they are not the edge of infinity, but only seem that way.
I LOVE…gentle, falling rain on a cabin roof, feeling cozy and warm, all nestled up by a fire, sheltered and dry and protected inside.
I LOVE…the memory of dashes outside, raindrops decorating tree branches like jewels, precious and clinging, creating inexplicable beauty in the moonlight, there only for the adventurous and brave of heart to observe and savor.
I LOVE…the fresh smell of an imminent storm in Northern Minnesota, the way the sky gets dark and ominous without warning, then the whole thing opens up and crashes and bangs thunder and lightning and rain and newness on the immediate world, washing it clean…again.
I LOVE…lightning bugs.
I LOVE…trees, all kinds, especially big ones.  Lacey, stately, majestic…hemlocks, evergreens, pines, the way they bend and sway in a storm, branches nearly touching their toes while doing their warm-up exercises, Mother Nature the aerobics instructor.
I LOVE…sky blue, cobalt blue, emerald lakes, big and little, waters totally serene by the first light of day, fish lazily swimming by as rays of sunlight hit the water, fresh coolness before the midday heat…the shimmer of sunshine in the late afternoon (winter and summer)  like a million sparkling diamonds dancing on the waters – beauty that cannot be contained, nor bought nor sold nor preserved….except in a happy memory bank.
I LOVE…the on-going invitation to kiss the nape of the neck of fat little babies.
I LOVE…little boys who’ve just had their first haircut and still have little chipmunk cheeks.
I LOVE…the all encompassing ambience of God in the opulence and magnificent splendor of ancient churches, cathedrals, temples and mosques, and too, in more modest, less known places of worship, the holiness no less, for God’s Presence is equally everywhere.
I LOVE…the respect some cultures give to their elderly people and the wisdom age brings to some.
I LOVE…the Aurora Borealis, beautiful rainbow colors, spiritual spotlights, methodically scanning the sky, touching everywhere, appearing to search for God’s secret hiding place.  Where is heaven?  Where is God?  Where is the Source of All Light/?
I LOVE…bright red and white, frilly, “crepe papery” grade school valentine boxes, all decorated, full of promise and promises.
 I LOVE…family, husband, kids, their kids, spouses, pets, folks, home, life!
I LOVE…a sister who is also best friend.
I LOVE…chocolate.
I LOVE…the philosophy of this church, its Truth, God’s Truth, here for me and all those who seek it.
 I LOVE…studying Truth God has revealed through the many great masters, teachers, mystics…and ordinary people.
I LOVE…the idea that Life teaches me lessons I’m here to learn, though I’m not always aware or appreciative of this in the moment.
I LOVE…really recognizing God in its multitude of expressions…chickens and cabbages and kings!…and the homeless.
I LOVE…books.
I LOVE…the mystery of God and the many means we are given to explore it, in our own right time and way.
I LOVE…being a minister and teacher.
I LOVE…the way life unfolds more wonders…as we are ready for them.

I LOVE…the way life always supports us no matter what happens.
I LOVE…YOU…for you are a part of this love.

Blessings,
Reverend Doris