Reyes Gibbs Blog

Thanksgivings!

It's Thanksgiving evening, stomachs are full and the visions of sales looms in our heads.   In fact, my daughter and I are heading to a mall that opens at midnight tonight.   This is the Thanksgiving Holiday afterall.

Last Sunday, in my blessing to the congregation I serve, I said, "we are blessed to be a faith community where Thanksgiving is not a holiday but a daily act we are called to do because of God's abundant blessings in our lives."  I am even thinking that next year, maybe every fourth thursday of the month is when we do a thanksgiving meal for someone.  That would be one way our community can say thank you.

Why is it that this time  of the year  folks come out of the woodwork to help with community events to help the homeless, poor, etcs.  Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for their care and compassion.  But there are 52 weeks in the year where people are living on the edge or in a pit looking for help.   An example.  San Leandro has a homeless program that every 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday the homeless are offerred showers at a local organization.  Volunteers are needed these Sundays to help prepare food, give out clothing and information and generally someone to talk to.   There are a core of individuals that come every one of these Sundays and could use help. Perhaps the marketing might be, "in the spirit of thanksgiving of your blessings, come help the homeless."  I am praying that those who can find time during the Holidays, can also find a certain weekend to work with the homeless throughout the year.

I am thankful for God's blessings that I see in my family, friends and faith community. Thanks Be to God!
AMEN

My Maui Butterfly

While we were in Maui, there was a Holloween celebration in the town of Lahaina.  It is a well known event on the Island and thousands of people show up.  There is also a parade for the little ones.   We didn't put our Maui Butterfly in the parade.  But we had a lot of folks as if they could take her picture.   Kevin thought we should have charged per picture we would have left the night with a lot of money.    Here are more pictures of our special Maui Butterfly. 

      

Political Views

I'm still trying to figure out Facebook.   As I was reviewing my profile, I didn't like that I put moderate but I also don't like the label liberal.   So I wanted to put down that my Political Views were IMPORTANT but there was no way I could do that.   My Political Views can also be , IT DEPENDS.   I think that putting a label on my political views defines me and I am not sure about that.    My political views come from being a mom, teacher, preacher, grandma etc.... I want choices not just a choice in picking a label.   So if you see moderate and are surprised.  I figure that was the best one since they didn't put in "GRAY" .  I believe that it is in the Gray that God works miracles.  So my politcal view is IMPORTANT, IT DEPENDS and GRAY!   That sort of sums it up. 

It's Just Wrong!

My son introduced me to "Facebook" and I am very impressed how connected folks are and how folks can stay in contact with each other.  I haven't quite mastered the "wall" or the intricacies of the providing information like "I'm sleeping now!"  but soon very soon.   The other day, my niece, who I have not spoken to for a while became a "friend."  Her picture shows her quite grownup.    I shared with my daughter about her cousin being on  Facebook friends, and her response, "Mom, It's just wrong!  You are not supposed to be doing facebook!"  I haven't figure out the wrong part yet but I think its about age and generation.   Obviously, this isn't the first time I've been wrong and wont' be my last.   I think I'll go check my Facebook page now.  Blessings!

I could preach in this!

While in Maui, last week (sigh) I went shopping with my good friend at a pretty ritzy women's clothing store.    I was on a mission to find ethnic (Hawaiian) dresses that I could preach in.   I wear dresses made by a women's coop in Ghana on most Sundays and the dresses are very comfortable.     I saw a silk robe and said out loud, "I could preach in this!"   The saleswoman asked if I was a pastor.  She asked, "do you marry people?"   I replied, "yes"  Then she asked if I preached.  Silly me, I said "yes." She asked what I preached, again, silly me, I said that God loves each one of us no matter what.  Then she proceeded to tell me about her being a Christian and how God is going to take care of the mess that "some" people are making.   Then she proceeded to list all the trouble makers beginning with  liberals....I stopped listening after that and said, "Thank You."   Next time I find a dress that I could preach in, I'll keep it to myself.

Playing in the Maui Moonlight

I spent a wonderful week in Maui as nanny to my granddaughter Ava.   I have lots of memories of the week but the most significant was the first morning with Ava.  Maui is three hours ahead of California.   So 4AM was 7AM in Ava's Body clock.   Ava woke up about 4:30AM (Maui time). Since there were four adults in a studio condo, keeping Ava quiet was a challenge.     In the dark we chased shadows the moon made in the room and we crawled around in the light of the moon.   At 5AM we went out for a moonlight stroll on the beach, I packed her in her Bjorn (baby carrier) and I talked to her about how amazing God is to create such a beautiful moon for us to walk with in the morning.   For a 10-month old she kept her side of the conversation going with inspiring coos and ahs.   We said prayers thanking God for Mommies and Daddies, Cousins, Lolo (grandpa) aunties and uncles--we had a prayer walk.   At 6AM we went into the resort lobby and Ava crawled to her heart's content by 7 we were tired and went back to the room to find that all the other adults were up.    I'll hope to never forget the feeling of calm, peace, joy and hope in carrying around a 10 month old in the moonlight.  Thanks be to God!