PASTOR'S PONDERING
THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
It’s hot. I mean, it’s really, really hot! August in Stockton (for me)….is….well…..it’s hot!! And it turns out I’m not alone in thinking this. I’ve been amused by the number of transplants I’ve come across lately who also share my own abhorrence for the heat (interesting how God leads you across people by chance; or….is it by chance?). Never have I lived anywhere where it got into the 100s in May. In MAY!!?
So how do you keep your cool? I always watch, in my pastoral visits, to insure our folks are safe in the midst of oppressive heat (or anything oppressive for that matter; we all need a cool, cleft in the rock….to shelter us when times try us with their heat). Here are some things which work for me!
Pineapple sherbet with ginger ale poured on top! Fizzzzzzz….. If you stop by your market and pick up some ginger ale (and I use diet so….it’s really, really lite: fat free and low calorie) and sherbet, start with a scoop or two of the sherbet in the bottom of a tall glass (I recommend lime….but pineapple or strawberry is good too). Then pour (carefully) your liquid on top (cool it first in the frig if you want, even better!). Stand back and watch! Wow; fizzy frothy cold good….J Stunning salads, crisp and cool….. One of the blessings of the California heat in the valley….is the beautiful produce. Have you been to the Farmer’s Market under the freeway lately? I love to wander around there on a Saturday morning…. And we have the added advantage of seafood being so close and accessible. A green salad with crab meat (or even fresh shrimp and lemon juice) is a perfect meal! I’ve gotten into blackening seafood lately (Cajun spices or my own mix) and then breaking the pieces up on the top of the salad. Add cold vinaigrette or ranch dressing and it’s just “larapin” (as my dad would say….).
Trips to the Beach …..are the perfect antidote to valley heat… I’m finding it difficult to find a sunset on the west coast; it’s too cloudy and overcast most every time I try it. But….the advantage is….that fog. That blessed, cooling fog….creeps in with quiet drops of precipitation clinging to every living thing, and it breathes new life into the coast. Then, it doesn’t stop there, it keeps coming; the Delta Breeze extends eastward….and our temperatures drop, and the smiles come out… Stand by your curtains or blind when they lift or rattle and see if you don’t inhale deeply. Refreshing.
Climbing a mountain….Did you know that, the air is ten degrees cooler for every thousand feet of altitude; try it! Try Tahoe. If that’s too far to drive then….well, I’m thinking of meandering over to Murphys for an evening; I’ve heard of a great hotel restaurant up there.
Listening for the sprinklers - Every night, without fail at 9:00 and 11:00 p.m., the huge, irrigation sprinkler systems outside my apartment come on. If I have the sliding glass door or windows open (depending on whether it’s under 76 outside or not)….it is as if a great, giant shower has come to my mirage. Marina Village West is truly….an oasis. I love it for the green: the grass lawns, the towering trees, the shade, the pools. Three pools! Wow! Wherever you live, find the water! One of the best assets in Stockton is, from my observation so far, the Deltas and rivers. What beauty there is, what lift to the soul….in biking along a levy path, or walking around Northshore, or eating outside at Garlic Brothers as the sun sets over Diablo in the distance with the boats bobbing softly in the marina harbor right next to you.
Did I mention I think it’s hot?! J The good news is….God gives us a fresh breath….through the refreshment of the Spirit….to soothe and comfort us. There is…new life….to beat the heat; turn your sizzling summer into a cool pool of abundant life. May the Spirit blow a breath of fresh wind your way…..
And enjoy! Gracias a Dios’ - thanks be to God.
Rev. Jeff Hopson
Websites:
Please visit our two updated websites:
www.1congostockton.com and
www.fccstockton.faithweb.com.
Also, visit the St. Anne Episcopal Church website: www.stanneepiscopalstockton.org
Change of Worship Time:
Please note on your calendars that the new time for our Worship Services is 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast Club:
Breakfast Club meets 7:30 a.m. every Monday at Carrows Restaurant.
Spiritual Care:
Everyone, have a great summer and stay "cool.” Judy Craig, Chair, Board of Spiritual Care
Websites:
Please visit our other (advertisement) website: www.1congostockton.com Also, visit the St. Anne Episcopal Church website: www.stanneepiscopalstockton.org.