Thanksgiving Feast

Thursday, November 19, 2009. Today was the preschool Thanksgiving Feast. The Pastor and I walked in together and where greeted with shouts of, "Chapel Girl!"

I love my job.

Jerry Self-Some people you always remember

Then (November 20, 1999)

The letter I wrote to Jerry 3 days after the tragedy. The words in maroon are words that were later inscribed in his portal in the Bonfire Memorial at Texas A&M: http://bonfire.tamu.edu/~bonfire/jSelf

Jerry,

I have spent the better part of the last three days remembering you. In every memory you are wearing the biggest smile I have ever seen. Remember the time I asked you why you were smiling? "I told myself a joke." What a silly guy! What a loving guy. I'll never forget all the hours of talking about our A&M experiences. Or all the trips to the Athens Wal-Mart during camp. I have so many visions of you at camp with kids hanging off of you like tinsel on a Christmas tree. I'll never forget how excited you were the first time a fourth grader told you that he wanted to accept Christ. The solace that I have found these last three days has come from you. I have never known anyone who lived their life so completely focused on God. If there is anyplace you ever wanted to be it was in the arms of the One who holds you now. I will miss you. I will know in my heart that it is you who says "Here!" on April 21st.
Until we meet again,

Bridget Maloney,

TAMU '90

Now (November 14, 2009)

Sunny days seem to hurt the most

I wear the pain like a heavy coat

I feel you everywhere I go

I see your smile, I see your face

I hear you laughing in the rain

Still can't believe you're gone

It ain't fair you died too young

Like a story that had just begun

Then death tore the pages all away

God knows how I miss you

All the hell that I've been through

Just knowing no one could take your place

Sometimes I wonder who you'd be today

Would you see the world?

Would you chase your dreams?

Settle down with a family?

I wonder, what would you name your babies?

Some days the sky's so blue I feel like I can talk to you

And I know it might sound crazy

Sunny days seem to hurt the most

I wear the pain like a heavy coat

The only thing that gives me hope

Is I know I'll see you again someday someday

(Who You'd Be Today-Kenny Chesney)

Umbrella Trained

Thursday, November 5, 2009. Last week was the BEST episode of Monk ever. I can't believe he is going off the air. Usually by Thursday I'm pretty excited and looking forward to the Friday episode but this week he's going camping. Mr. Monk would NEVER go camping. That's just ridiculous.

I Am "Chapel Girl"

Thursday, October 22, 2009. Preschool Chapel day! We met in the preschool building instead of the sanctuary because it's too rainy, muddy and slippery for the kiddos to walk down the hill. When I walked into the building a little girl got really excited and said, "I know you! You're the Chapel Girl!" Then all the other children started saying, "Hi Chapel Girl!"

I am Chapel Girl!

Road Trip!

Saturday, October 17, 2009. I have a LOT to do in the next 30 hours. Get ready for the house-sitter, do laundry, pack, lead a Sunday School class, worship (x2-I LOVE that part of my job) and get things in order for Worship 101 on Wednesday night. And then? It's off to Austin for 3 days of continuing education. Monday-Wednesday I'll be soaking in information and ideas and visiting with good friends and colleagues.

I...can't...wait!

Today it Happened

Monday, October 12, 2009. When I graduated from High School the church I attended had a special all-church breakfast complete with a guest speaker-all in honor of the graduates. The speaker that year was one of the Deans from the local university and I've never forgotten her message. If you are reading this you likely know how old I am and therefore you should know it was a good speech based solely on the fact that I remember it so long down the road. The Dean read us the book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" and assured us that we would have those days in our lifetime.

Today, life made good on that speaker's promise. Like Alexander I just want to climb into bed and never face the world again. I wish I had the Dean's phone number now so I could call her and ask how long this lasts.

Floss!!!

Thursday, October 8, 2009. When it comes to oral hygiene I make Adrian Monk look like a slacker. It all started with a conversation I had with David Rathke D.D.S. when I was about 13. I remember him saying, "I like regular, unwaxed." That's when I knew I had an obsession. What 13 year old could hear her dentist say that and immediately think, "FREAK! Regular? Unwaxed? Ewwwww". I had a lot of strong opinions at 13 (it's a developmental thing-pull out your Psychology 101 text). I never got over my conviction that there are "right flosses" and "wrong flosses".

I use two types of floss everyday. Reach Mint Waxed floss for most of my mouth and Oral B Super Floss where I have wires.

I'll never forget the day I discovered Super Floss. It was like a gift straight from the hand of God. I could easily floss - even with braces. Ahh luxury.

Yesterday it happened. That day you think will never come. Like when you learn that your beloved Benji isn't romping happily on a farm or that your favorite team is leaving the state. I ran out of floss. I was wrapping the wonderful strand of waxed glory around my right index finger when I came to the end of the roll. I thought nothing of it, just get one of the back up reserve boxes from the linen closet.

There were no back up reserve boxes.

I was OUT of floss! That doesn't happen to me. How did this happen? Was this a joke? Had someone broken in and hidden my floss? Should I call 911?

I was perplexed. Lost. Out of sorts. I made do using Super Floss throughout my mouth but I could tell my molars were just not themselves. Sadness filled my mouth. My gums wept in grief for their lost love. My day was a loss. Like those times when you leave your day planner at home or your watch battery dies. I was inconsolable and unproductive.

On the way home I stopped by CVS and emptied my entire $25 gift card right there in the dental care aisle. I sat in my car and wrapped the gentle curl of floss around my finger and flossed right then and there. The clouds cleared and my thoughts began to make sense again. Life was in order and all was well with the universe. I've learned my lesson and I'll never let myself run out of floss again.

Preschool Chapel Part 3

Thursday, October 1, 2009. I said, "The candle reminds us of Jesus. Do you remember why?" (silence) "When it is dark and we light a candle the candle helps us see." Boy, "Or you could use a flashlight." Girl, "Or a lamp." Girl 2, "At my house we have electricity." Boy 2, "Yeah! You should get electricity!"

I love my job!!!

Wandering Mary

Wednesday, September 30, 2009. I wonder how long Mary is willing to ride around on that donkey? I wonder how long a donkey is willing to lug around a pregnant woman? You see, here's the deal; I have more ideas, plans and activities for Advent than there is time for during our traditional church year. Who should I talk to about this?

Help! I can't turn off my switch!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009. ALL I really need to do today is clean my office and sort through some supplies in the Christian Education rooms. That's ALL. It won't take more than 2-3 hours. But I can't turn off my creative juices! I have so many ideas and, let's face it, planning Preschool Chapel through the end of the year and writing Daily Devotionals for Advent is MUCH more exciting than cleaning.

Typically, I clean when I'm "stumped" and it helps me get going. This week I need to know how to stop the flow of ideas long enough to do the things that really, really need to get done THIS week.

Sunshine Ladies and Youth

Tuesday, September 22, 2009. The youth made these little arrangements of sunflowers Sunday afternoon. They gave 20 little 'bouquets" to the Sunshine Ladies to deliver to people who are ill or who live in assisted living centers. They were a HUGE hit! I probably should have had them paint the lollipop sticks green but once I explained the "need" for 3 different types of adhesives in one project I think the middle school boys would have laughed in my face if I had asked them to paint the stems. The flowers have mini peppermint patties in the middle. YUMMY!

Happy Birthday Fred!

Friday, September 18, 2009. Nine years and nine months ago today Fred adopted me. Today he turns TEN! My only regret is that we didn't find each other sooner. Happy Birthday, Little Man!

Preschool Chapel Part Two

Thursday, September 17, 2009. Today was my turn to lead Preschool Chapel. This is RAPIDLY becoming one of my favorite things to do. I still have a lot to learn and I have more ideas than I have had time to implement but...this is really, really cool!

This morning I read the story of Boy Jesus in the Temple from the Rhyme Bible. When I finished reading the story a sweet little boy piped up, "I think I have that movie!"

Better than Ketchup or Ranch Dressing

Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Ranch dressing goes on a lot of things and ketchup goes on even more but THIS goes on everything! I want this on my door at home, my office door, a bumper sticker, a t-shirt and I'm JUST getting started. I love this sentiment!

Texas Girl

Friday, September 11, 2009. You know you're a Texas Girl when you have a favorite breed of cattle!

This one is for Fred

Tuesday, September 8, 2009. I think I'm going to order this shirt. On the back it says, "Until someone ends up in a cone!"

T-Shirt Theology

Saturday, September 5, 2009. I saw this t-shirt today online. I am SO ordering one!

Preschool Chapel Begins

Thursday, September 3, 2009. I knew when I interviewed at FPC that leading Chapel for the Preschool was part of the deal. I didn't really give it much thought. I've done this before. Then...about 2 months ago I totally freaked out! What will I do? What do preschoolers do? How can I make this theologically sound and meet the children where they are. A friend who has preschoolers of her own told me, "Preschool Chapel is just like big church but for short people who eat paste and make poopy in their pants."

That wasn't helpful.

I spent hours talking to colleagues, I visited Chapel at 2 other churches. I spent $60 out of pocket on resources. I was pumped, confident and excited.

Here I am, the day of the first Chapel service and, despite weeks of planning and research, life has intervened. My theme for the day (the whole day, not just Chapel) is, "God loves you and Miss Bridget has had a tough week".

Meat Free Day 21

Tuesday, August 25, 2009. I love salad. I love bread. I do not love salad on bread.

Good Times

Thursday, August 20, 2009. It's been a busy, busy week. I can't count the number of times I've glanced at this picture and smiled. One of my favorite places in the world (Mo Ranch) with one of my favorite people in the world (Carroll Pickett) doing one of my favorite things in the world (ministry).

Thank God for good friends and good memories.

Chi O Cookie-o!

Monday, August 17, 2009. I really sweet officer from the local chapter of Chi Omega just dropped by and gave us cookies! She wanted to let us know when recruitment (rush) is and how to get in touch with her if we have any 'issues' with our parking lot being misused.

First, I think this was a REALLY sweet and classy move! Second, I miss being an advisor for my good 'ol Alpha Gams! Maybe someday we will get a chapter in this part of the world.

Oh My!

Monday, August 10, 2009. It looks like Santa is taking drastic measures against the kiddos on his 'naughty' list this year!

In the Dog House

Sunday, August 9, 2009. Last night Leroy discovered the show "In the Dog House". Here he is standing on his hind legs anxiously waiting to see how long it's going to take for Maddie the pug to learn that she is NOT the alpha in the house. Maybe I should let him watch this show more often...

That's a GREAT Idea!

Friday, August 7, 2009. "How 'bout this Momma? When you finish the sermon (provided it's before 8:30 a.m. Sunday) I'll let you buy something shiny at James Avery!"

Of course, it would be an even BETTER idea if they little guy had some cash.

Everyone's a Critic!

Thursday, August 6, 2009. Leroy says, "Seriously Momma, if you aren't going to put these towels away, they make a very comfy bed."

A Day in the Life

Tuesday, August 4, 2009. This is what a typical night at my house looks like. Leroy is glued to the dog show on Animal Planet and Fred is cuddled up close to The Momma. It's good to be me.

Happy Day!

Friday, July 31, 2009. Happiness is a text message from the Brewmmenacher! Pure bliss would be feeling better about this sermon.

Hard at Work

Friday, July 24, 2009. I was swamped under PILES of clean laundry that I was trying to get folded and put away. Leroy helped by...watching Animal Planet. I love my boys!

Light a Candle for Children

Friday, July 24, 2009. I got a call to come up to the church and get something ready for a wedding. I thought I'd just run in and run out. That's never how it works with me. I sat down at my desk and starting working on our "Light a Candle for Children" program. It's over a month away but it's one of my favorite activities of the year. So...here I sit.

A Simple Reminder

New Digs

July 18, 2009 My friends have been telling me to post photos of my new office but I had a hard time figuring out how to get photos from my camera to my new computer and the ones I took on my phone just weren't worth posting. So, finally....
This is a straight shot from the door to my office. I bought this cross here in San Marcos and I LOVE it!

This is a view of my ever-busy desk from the doorway.

Here are the most amazing shelves a DCE could ever ask for! Fully adjustable shelves with doors to hide the little things that we need but don't really want to look at.

This is the back of my desk and yes, those are stained glass windows. I took this phot at night so they look dark but they really let the natural light pour in during the daytime. The even open!!! (although at 107 degrees I've been happy to leave them closed).

This is the view from my desk of my guest chairs. I picked these because they remind me of the college classroom chairs of the 1950s and 1960s. Nothing says "education office" like school chairs!

On the table between my guest chairs are photos of my boys, Charlie, Fred and Leroy.

Out to Pastor

Wednesday, July 15, 2009. For over a year now I have sensed God's call for me to do a few things. The problem is...I don't know how those things are possible. The more I pray about it, think about it and plan for it the less plausible it all seems. So, I called my pastor, ye ol' Fritz. I trust that by Monday at 3:30 he will have profound things to say in little tiny words that this Aggie can understand.