Welcome to Monitor

September 23 2007

Hello Readers,

Setting parameters, boundaries, and guidelines is vital. Two YouTubers/Creators I greatly admire, Rhett and Link, share in their Podcast Earbiscuits the reasoning behind their decision to set limits. In EB 481 Season 2 WonderHole, I was inspired to set my own parameters with this Blog. My response to art is deeper when I know the limitations of the artist/artwork. This week, I read an explanation of some leaf rubbings the elementary art teacher did with the students. Upon reading the parameters, I found myself looking much closer, discovering it again. Due to these examples I have set some guidelines for this Blog -- I use the Monitor services for each post as a jumping off point, I write from my point of view (no research/details can be corrected in the comments), as I self-reflect, may I personally grow with each post.

The September 23, 2007 service opens with my Dad saying Welcome to Monitor --  the members of the congregation grew to count on him to say these words guiding them into the pracitce of worship through song. 

Routines can be an important anchor in our lives especially when the winds and waves are harsh and unexpected. Kidney disease has been a harsh wind for one of my family members this year and is also a big part of Jennfer Crammer-Miller's story. In the Pop Culture Preservation Society episode 143, I am struck by how the hosts engage with Miller regarding thoughts from her book, Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness & Chronic Hope. Similarly to how my Dad's established routine created stability for the congregation, Jennerfer shares her battle with health issues and how she let hope guide her. 

PCPS Episode 143 Love Loss and Little House on the Prarie House on the Prairie 

jennifercramermiller.com

My family experienced the loss of my mom this past February, the author refers to a time when she was dealing with the loss of her grandmother. I appreciate a strategy Miller put into practice, to paraphrase: my grandma did this thing, I miss her, I'm going to look ahead and also do this thing to honor and learn from her. This sparked me to add another guideline to my Blog: incorporate memories and feelings regarding my Dad and Mom.

In today's Monitor service, linked on top of this post, please note that my mom is the worship leader a role she grew into later in life and did very well. My niece, 16 at the time, calls to worship with a beauitful rendidtion of Bach's Prelude No. 1. Mom takes a moment at the microphone following the music, it's a lovely response, this was a full day of worship, here are some time stamps to guide you:

Opening - Dad, Welcome to Monitor, Everlasting Arms

3:21 - Bob S. Birthdays/Anniversaries

9:27 - Special Day Song

10:10 - Bach's Prelude No.1

13:20 Mom response, it's what is not said that speaks volumes. Mom gives a reading on the Equinox, as dad would say: I give it an A+

15:18 - I sing the Mighty God

Children's Story

24:30 - Joys and Concerns

32:40 - Bob's prayer -- mom leads offering

40:35 - Here I Am special, all on chorus

Sermon

1:08:40 - exit music, Tis So Sweet


Comments

  1. AmyBHaddockSeptember 19, 2025 at 6:49 AM

    Oops forgot to sign off -- Thanks for reading, Stay Well -- ABH

    ReplyDelete

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