Open Door Policy

Better Late than Never!

^ While this used to be my motto for my 'monthly gift' - I am using it this week to rightly introduce my tremendously late re-cap of the last Gather Ground meeting which was FAR from boring and deserved true literary effort.  With that said, I am now committed to catching you all up on the discussion and calamity that commenced a few weeks ago.

The morning began with my perfectly cleaned home radiating the sweet aroma of freshly baked pineapple muffins and double chocolate brownies.  Two lovely guests arrived and we dove right into some parables.  We reviewed and revered the classic Good Samaritan story and pondered the value of the Kingdom of Heaven.  

V-DAY
The three of us reviewed our Valentine's Day experiences and collectively we determined that while chivalry may not be dead, we were all less than romantic this year.  The day comes down to an accurate ability to communicate expectations and agree upon them beforehand.  Follow through is essential.  This is every meaningful day in a nutshell, so feel free to share this 2-sentence wonder with your partner.  You're welcome. 

TOUGH TIMES
The discussion on pineapples was brief but sweet and then we all admitted that it had been a particularly trying week full of ups and downs.  It's important to remain positive, but in all reality sometimes life hits hard.  Job loss and job juggling together with financial burdens that seem all too 'grown up' make our efforts feel small and can leave us feeling drained.  At the end of the day it's crucial that we cut ourselves some slack and realize that if we did the best we could, then that's got to be enough.  Not to mention that most of the time, we (women) are harder on ourselves about our productivity than anyone who is directly relying on us. 

COME ON IN!
As my father always says "Just do the next thing, Sal... Just do the next right thing"
Sometimes that's the best approach... so when I noticed another female figure approach my door I was excited to open then door and invite her in even though she was just the door-to-door salesperson for RCN.  Normally I wouldn't be so hospitable to a salesperson while I was in the middle of a get together, but Gather Ground has an open door policy between 10 and 2.  So in she came and I got her settled on my couch with 'my most recent bill' for her reviewing pleasure.

SILENCE IS STRANGE
A few minutes went by before I realized that my dogs had not been quite as inviting.  They usually greet guests obnoxiously, but there was a strangely peaceful lull in the house and with one check of the back gate I realized that my dogs had escaped several minutes prior.  Turns out a faulty latch and a very windy day are a bad combination.  My stomach turned to a knot and the combination of coffee and brownies sent me buzzing into a silent panic. All of a sudden our Gather Ground meeting turned into an intense search for my wayward dogs.  Meanwhile there was a stranger sitting in my living room and I couldn't leave home because of my baby.  Confined to my house, I resolved to internalizing my anxiety and finished up my conference with the RCN woman as gracefully as I could.  I sent her on her way with a flyer (from when my dogs ran away last March) and a large piece of brownie.  She was very kind and expressed her remorse for my situation.  I fake-smiled and thanked her as she went on her way.

SEARCH PARTY
My husband, his friend and the Gather Ground Loyal (who has attended all meetings) took off to scour the neighborhood for Ringo and Fancy.  They're not smart dogs... as soon as they leave our backyard, they're lost.  Luckily my other attendee stuck around to ensure that I didn't have a nervous breakdown and took on the duty of caring for my sweet baby (who slept through this whole ordeal).  After about an hour of high tension and lots of prayer, we were informed that my husband had found Ringo but not Fancy.  That's when I got the phone call from the RCN girl checking in to see if we'd found them.  "Wow" I thought, "she's actually looking and helping!"  She then re-routed to go back to the area where Ringo was found in hopes to find Fancy.  Meanwhile, hunger and exhaustion had defeated my search team and I was mentally processing how many flyers I would have to put up and how many rescues/vets I would have to call to find Fancy.  I was just praying that she was unharmed. 

Sure enough another hour goes by and I get another phone call from the RCN girl: "I've got Fancy!!!" she exclaimed.  Turns out she saw Fancy slip under someone's back gate and she had taken it upon herself to knock on their door and retrieve my dog from them!  What are the chances?!  The girl was even kind enough to bring Fancy home.  I ended up upgrading my internet and cable in appreciation.

Moral of the story?
The open door policy of Gather Ground probably saved my dogs' lives.
My back gate is now being triple checked until we can install a spring-load closure.
Prayers ALWAYS work, one way or another.
God's timing is impecable and miraculous.
RCN has the best customer service.

I'm sorry you missed our exciting 'discussion' - but I hope you've enjoyed the summary!  Join us if you can this week anytime from 10-2 on Saturday.  I'll be posting our Starting Point on Thursday.  Thanks for reading and enjoying the conversation with us!

 *

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please feel free to email me privately any prayer requests you may have.

I will/do pray for you.

Fables & Fruit

Discussion #4 will be based on the Parables and Pineapples

If you've been keeping up with Gather Ground then you know that I love alliteration.  Therefore, when I decided to make this week's Starting Point about Parables I was pondering what concept combination might be particularly well-paired with the stories shared by Jesus in the New Testament.  Initially for the sake of alliteration, I settled on the topic of Pineapples!  It's random, I know, but then upon doing some research on the luxurious fruit (that I am undoubtedly allergic to upon consumption), it seemed like an excellent pairing.  Join us for an undoubtedly unconventional chat this Saturday the 22nd as we unpack our favorite parables and dine on some delicious pineapple muffins, fresh pineapple and the usual brownies and coffee.  Remember: Join at any time, for any amount of time, the doors are open from 10-2, and I don't care if I've never met you, Gather Ground is for all ladies - just email me if you need directions or more info.

VERSE

B.Y.O.P. - There are over 40 parables told by Jesus in the New Testament.
Pick your favorite and be prepared to share it with the group.
Not familiar with parables? Don't have a favorite?  Don't have a Bible?  Don't panic.
Where to find a Parable: Matthew & Luke have the most parables and there are a few scattered in the books of Mark & Thomas (and Google knows where they all are)

ANECDOTE

A few interesting facts about Pineapple:

Pineapples, like tomatoes, spread around the world so thoroughly because they were kept on board ships to ward of scurvy in sailors.

One pineapple plant produces only one pineapple every 2 years.

Pineapple canneries use every bit of the pineapple. The skins, core and end portions are used to make a variety of products including vinegar, alcohol and animal food.

Bromelain is an enzyme contained in pineapple which breaks down proteins. This enzyme isn't only good for your digestion of protein but it also means you can use pineapple juice as a meat tenderizer.

There are over 2,000 plants in the Bromeliad Family and the Pineapple is the only one with edible fruit.

Keywords & Beginning Thoughts:

Parable / Analogy / Lesson / Pineapple / Complexity / Unique

There are several instances in the New Testament when Jesus responds to a question with a Parable rather than a straight answer.  He was always trying to explain things to men in a way that made them think and often tying the meaning directly to Old Testament laws and scriptures.  As if men never really understood the weight of the questions they asked and the complexity of a proper answer.  I love reading through the various parables and gaining new insight each time I read them.  I'm excited to see which ones you are drawn to and why!  Likewise, I never quite appreciated how complex pineapples are!  Just like the New Testament, they are sweet and rich in history.  Also, I learned that a pineapple is not necessarily one fruit, but a conglomerate of 100s of fruits packed tightly together; kind of like all the short bits in the Gospels.  Pineapples have represented affluence, beauty and hospitality among other things.  They are an analogy in themselves.  Let's partake in the tangy delight and digest the Word of God together this week!  Gather Ground!

Check back on Tuesday for the Discussion Highlights and to Continue the Conversation!
Comment below if you have anything specific you'd like brought up on Saturday but you know you cannot physically attend, otherwise, wait to pitch in your thoughts till Tuesday.  Either way, your contribution will be accepted with glee.

Sources: 
http://www.kingoffruit.com.au/fun-pineapple-facts.html
http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/pow/pineapple.htm
http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Parables.htm

The Short Version

Busy Bees!

Thank you to everyone who communicated with me this past week!  There are many of you that are excited about, contributing to and planning on attending Gather Ground.  I praise God for the growing numbers that seem to be sincerely interested in the idea of a group that strives to bring women together that are all set on the same goals: social satisfaction, positive energy and genuine individual growth.  Note: I do not take it personally if you cannot make it to the physical meeting.  This past weekend was a busy one for many of us and again there was only one attendee - but what a wonderful discussion we had!  It was long-winded, deep-rooted and juicy as can be.  This week's summary will be brief, but feel free to continue the conversation with your comments below and/or email me your prayer requests.  Many prayers are being emailed and answered so please don't hesitate to contribute or reach out for support on that level.

EVERYTHING AT ONCE
Doesn't it seem like life always happens all at once?  The doorbell rings while you're on the toilet, just as the timer rings to take the brownies out of the oven; the baby wakes up from her nap and your mother-in-law is calling you too?  Don't get me wrong: I love visitors, I love brownies, my baby is an angel, and my mother-in-law is a saint... but even good things happening all at once can be mind-boggling.  So we roll with the flow and juggle through the moment, but what about when a whole season of your life feels this way?  What then?  How do you handle it?  How do you root yourself in wisdom and feel secure moving forward?  We discussed all of this on Saturday and decided that it's simply imperative to appreciate the little things.  It's also crucial to remember that we go through seasons and generally if we loosen up a little bit and don't try to control the "weather" we will endure the season much more gracefully.  Winter will end... Spring will arrive and there are pros and cons to both.  Let's accept that. *sigh of relief*

WHAT IS A WOMAN?
Let me clarify that God created men AND women to be beautiful, valuable & healthy.  But I think women overlook the fact that they are made this way.  It's obvious to all that men and women are very different creatures.  And let's face it, us ladies are nice to look at.  I would say that's because God made us this way.  Our culture has many definitions of beautiful, valuable and healthy - but God accepts us just as we are and leads us to have loving hearts, wise minds and hospitable homes and what combination could be more beautiful, valuable and healthy than this?

NAKED WITHOUT IT
Alright ladies, this week we had a great little chat about what we feel naked without.  When you leave the house is there something that you never forget?  Earrings? Mascara? Your iPhone?  Is there something that you wear or carry that gives you confidence?  My very best friend has a certain T-Shirt that she claims is the ultimate lucky shirt.  Good things happen when she wears it!  Another friend has a pair of special earrings that instantly boost her self-confidence.  Oddly enough, my pastor spoke about this in his sermon this Sunday while referencing a segment from the Song of Songs where the gentlemen author is explaining (in so many words) that if his woman needs some nice earrings to feel good about herself... then he'll get them for her!  Regardless of his firm opinion that she is gorgeous without them; it's true that women tend to find confidence in silly little accessories.  And what happens when those things go missing? Panic! Tears! Sadness!  And when they re-appear randomly a year later? Joy! Exuberance! Fate!  That all said, I do not leave the house without 3 rings on, mascara and/or lip gloss.

WHO DO YOU BELIEVE?
The food-centered quotes from the Starting Point were paired with the authors' pictures on purpose.  We laughed at how ironic Virginia Woolf and Benjamin Franklin appeared given their wise statements.  Virginia looked like she had one foot in the grave and one on a banana peel.  So we're not sure she 'dined well'... maybe someone ate her food out of the break room at work (even though it was labeled).  Benjamin Franklin's appearance proves that if he didn't live to eat, he also certainly didn't live to button his vest all the way (nor could he if he tried).  The consensus was that we love Mark Twain and his quote seemed honest and livable.

How often do we have unrealistic food goals? expectations? limits?  Are we stealing our own joy or are we placing false joy in unhealthy choices?  During our discussion we realized that sometimes it is the idea of pizza (just an example) that is so satisfying, but as we're eating it we consciously observe that it's more greasy, less flavorful, and fleetingly filling compared to the Super-Slice we had crowned 'delicious' in our minds.  Then there's the homemade hummus and black bean chips that seems like the geek of all foods in our minds, and as we eat it we're like: "I LOVE HUMMUS! WHY IS THERE NOT MORE HUMMUS IN MY LIFE!" We are funny creatures; and we will probably always crave the 'bad' choice, love making the 'bad' choice, beat ourselves up over it and then move on to our victorious 'healthy' food choices that we refuse to love as deeply.  Therefore, Mark Twain... we love you and agree with you.

His photo and quote can be seen here.

Comment Below Please!

 *

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please feel free to email me privately any prayer requests you may have.

I will/do pray for you.

Wisdom Teeth

Discussion #3 will be based on Wisdom and Eating

Yes, we will discuss mindful eating while we power through some brownies.  Apples will also be available.  I look forward to meeting with you ladies this Saturday for our 3rd Gather Ground Meeting!  Doors will be open from 10am to 1pm (a little shorter this week to allow me to go to a baby shower).  However - you know the drill: Come when you can, for however long you want to.  You're never late at Gather Ground.  There is a parking spot behind my house and also on the street out front.  If you are lost, call me.  If you need any travel info (address, phone number, directions...email me).  Below is the Starting Point for our Third Discussion:

VERSE

Proverbs 3:13-18 (A section of 'Wisdom Bestows all Well-Being' written by Solomon)
 
"Blessed are those who find wisdom,

those who gain understanding,

for she is more profitable than silver

and yields better returns than gold.

She is more precious than rubies;

nothing you desire can compare with her.

Long life is in her right hand;

in her left hand are riches and honor.

Her ways are pleasant ways,

and all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;

those who hold her fast will be blessed."

 

QUOTES

Don't worry, I'm not planning on leading an overly serious discussion on food, and I will defend your right to be equally non-serious if need be.  I took the liberty of providing photos of the authors of the quotes. That said, check out the following quotes:

 

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well"

Virginia Woolf 

 

"Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside"

Mark Twain

 

"One should eat to live, not live to eat"

Benjamin Franklin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keywords & Beginning Thoughts

Wisdom / Understanding / Peace / Diet / Food / Eating

It seems to me that women have tendencies to be negative in 2 main categories: Their men (or lack there of) and their weight and/or eating habits.  How can we draw some wisdom from the words spoken by Solomon in Proverbs and apply them to those areas of our lives?  How can we learn to have more of a sense of humor about our weight and/or eating habits? Ladies need a boost when it comes to understanding and appreciating men (or lack there of) and also when it comes to food.  The Bible tells us that God created women to be beautiful, valuable and healthy!  Let's Gather and chat about how a little more wisdom and a lot more guacamole could get us there.

 

Check back on Tuesday for the Discussion Highlights and to Continue the Conversation!
Comment below if you have anything specific you'd like brought up on Saturday but you know you cannot physically attend, otherwise, wait to pitch in your thoughts till Tuesday.  Either way, your contribution will be accepted with glee.

Round Two

You Didn't Miss a Thing!

Some would say that the Allentown, PA weather did not cooperate with Gather Ground this week.  I would say that the weather was a perfect representation of what this group intends.  We have no say in whether or not it snows; when it begins or ends; how much accumulates or where it lands.  All we can decide is whether or not we will go out in it and which warm delicacy we will enjoy when we are indoors watching it.  Aren't we lucky?  So spoiled in our warm houses with hot chocolate or grilled cheese (or both, if you can stomach that).  Gather Ground was warm and cozy this week, with one attendee besides myself.  I believe that's exactly how it was supposed to be.  The right person, the right time, and a great conversation that is now shared with all of you who could not physically attend.  Enjoy!

SUSPENDERS
What can I say?  This week's conversation somehow started out on the unique note that the votes are in, and it's been decided: There is something undeniably sexy about a man in suspenders.  Agree? Disagree?

A QUICK REVIEW
We also reviewed the Starting Point with the reference from Romans 8 where Paul makes an excited and powerful exclamation that nothing can keep us from God's love.  The natural response could be "Hooray! God loves us all and no one will ever die!"  However, like all scripture, it's context is very important, and it must be noted that Paul is specifically talking about Christ being the key to all this unstoppable, uncontainable love.  All we have to do is accept Christ and then we can reach the "Hooray! God loves us and I'm not going to die."  Although we usually avoid deeply theological discussion, we dug a little deeper due to the small group size.  Yes, I personally believe that Jesus lived a perfect life, died for our sins and rose again 3 days later.  Yes, I personally believe He is coming again.  Some of you agree with me, some of you do not, some of you have questions.  That's ok, but this week I had to be clear about where I stand on those issues, so I figured it would make sense that I reiterate them here for all of you, with no expectation for you to agree with me. 

SING-ALONG
Alternatively, we reminisced about the Jagged Little Pill album by Alanis Morrisette (which I had on cassette) and the lyrics used in the Starting Point.  It's hard to read them without humming the melody, but we agreed that her feminine honesty and non-chalant inner conflict were easily relatable.  She has this tone of simply "knowing" that regardless of what she can grasp about life, people & emotions there will also always be greater elements of life that happen without her permission, control or understanding.  And that's ok. It's definitely refreshing and beautiful to hear a woman admit to what kind of 'animal' she is. "meow"

POWERFUL
So what kind of animal are you? We both thought about what makes us truly feel powerful and 'ok with ourselves.' Looking good came to the top of the list rather quickly. It might seem shallow or overly simple, but when we know we look good: the hair is did, the makeup's on, the boots are black and the night is young... There is a type of power we can revel in. There's some kind of security found there. Is it shallow? Maybe, but it doesn't make the feeling any less real.  Same with a clean and/or orderly home. I've heard it said that a home is a reflection of the woman who lives there.  So when our space is clean and uncluttered we can feel more empowered.  Perhaps the beautiful physical image produces an energy free of judgment; full of acceptance and the orderly environmental produces a guilt-free space full of potential.  But then again, feeling good and being powerful remain two very different categories.

FRITTATA WHO?
What's the difference between a quiche and a frittata? A quiche has a crust; a frittata does not.  This week I made a frittata with mushrooms, half an onion, half a red pepper, some sliced up hard salami, most of a block of sharp cheddar, 11 eggs, a little milk, salt, pepper, and basil.  I sliced and diced while we talked and ate brownies.  Then I sauteed the veggies and salami for about 5min, added the milk/eggs/seasonings/cheese and transferred the pan to the 350 degree oven for a while.  Ta Da! Frittata! I realized the next day that I had forgotten to add the spinach.  Oh well.  What's your favorite egg dish?

RESTAURANT JOBS
We mulled over the many facets of working in the restaraunt industry. There's a lot of money to be made if you get in the right place!  Even if that place only requires a micro-fiber T-shirt with the company logo as the uniform, don't be fooled, the place might be a gold mine!  Alternately, you might go to a lot of trouble to look really trim and proper for a place that's a total bore.  Regardless, it's interesting to see so many young, college-educated people employed at restaurants, because it's a more lucrative and accessible career than what their degree merits.

Comment Below Please!

 *

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please feel free to email me privately any prayer requests you may have.

I will/do pray for you.

Like the First Time, Every Time

The Necessary Details

Join me this Saturday January 25th for the discussion that starts here, goes anywhere & ends in prayer.  Doors open at my home at 10am and we end around 2pm.  Remember - it doesn't matter when you show up or how long you stay.  My dogs will be contained in the kitchen and will beg for our food the whole time.  There will be brownies, apples, coffee and possibly a quiche (if I'm feeling up to it).  Please leave the children at home, so that you can get properly re-charged.  Parking is possible and if you need my address, phone number or directions please send me an email: sclemens247@gmail.com.  I'm so looking forward to this week's Gather Ground.  Below is the Starting Point for our Second Discussion:

Discussion #2 will be based on Good Rhythm and Complicated Women

VERSE

Romans 8:38+39 (Paul explaining the breadth of salvation to the Romans)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

ANECDOTE

An excerpt from "Hand in my Pocket" by Alanis Morissette

"I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah

I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful, baby

And what it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine, fine, fine
'Cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five

I feel drunk but I'm sober
I'm young and I'm underpaid
I'm tired but I'm working, yeah

I care but I'm restless
I'm here but I'm really gone
I'm wrong and I'm sorry, baby"

Keywords & Beginning Thoughts

Rhythm / Indecision / Confusion / Contentment / Power

The verses in Romans reflect a beautiful rhythm of an enthusiastic writer who was sure and passionate about his statement.  Paul's words are saturated in finality and hope.  Alanis has a rhythm of her own as well; one that I think every woman can relate to: the flip-flop of everyday life and the roller-coaster of emotions that we so easily find ourselves riding.  What's your natural rhythm? When do you feel most powerful?  When do you feel most decisive?  When do you find yourself at a loss?

Check back on Tuesday for the Discussion Highlights and to Continue the Conversation!
Comment below if you have anything specific you'd like brought up on Saturday but you know you cannot physically attend, otherwise, wait to pitch in your thoughts till Tuesday.  Either way, your contribution will be accepted with glee.

A Brief Re-Introduction

Hello Beautiful Ladies!

FIRST I'd like to thank so many of you for participating in the beginnings of what I believe will be a beautiful thing.  Over 50 women have read the first few posts of Gather Ground and although the first round has received only 2 comments thus far, they are excellent.  I encourage you to revisit the first few posts to gain a deeper understanding about the Goals and Groundwork of Gather Ground and then skim through the first conversation to familiarize yourself with the style of our online discussions. 

Below is a REVIEW for the NEW Readers/Attendees:

WHO
We are women who are eager to connect and contribute to a conversation that is rooted in the Word of God but that branches out into a normal discussion. We want to grow in strength and positivity and share our thoughts with one another. 

WHY
Women today are very busy, and although we all seem eager to connect, it is becoming increasingly difficult to physically get together and we hardly have time to pick up the phone any more for a lengthy chat.  Gather Ground removes those pressures of time and location and just presents "Today's Woman" with a physical place to go without time or space constraints.

HOW
Either participate by physically attending (for any length of time) one of the Gather Ground meetings (currently every other Saturday) OR by reading and/or responding to the Summary posted every other Tuesday.

NOTEWORTHY
Many of you have Read the first few posts but not Responded... THAT IS PERFECTLY WONDERFUL! If you have read this blog, please consider yourself a part of it!  Likewise, if you want to contribute a comment to any summary, at any time... do it.

BOTTOM LINE
Gather Ground has taken the guess-work out of getting ladies together.
We need one another.
We need to know there are other women out there trying to stay positive.
We need be encouraged that our differences make each one of us valuable to this forum.

Look for Thursday's post introducing our next Starting Point for Saturday January 25th!

I can't wait!