Ineke Mitchell's Blog

Speaking in several languages

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:57:13 -0500

At least once a year my bother comes over for a visit. He is handy to have around and I love catching up and sharing memories. He is not really a guest, just another family member who hangs out with us. He even takes on some projects around the house to occupy his time while Don andamp; I tend to our work. It usually takes me a few days to feel comfortable again in my native tongue. I have lost a lot of my Dutch vocabulary and I actually think and process information in English. I noticed something peculiar though that intrigues me. When the three of us sit around the dinner table I often respond to Don in Dutch and to my brother in English which leaves everyone puzzled. Why I have no clue. But it makes me think -- do we maybe speak the wrong language to 'family' and visitors in the church? Would we be called on it if we did? How can we create the space we need for speaking of our faith in the language that can be understood by the people we try to reach? Do we pay attention to blank expressions? Just a thought to ponder.
By the way -- Raven, our dog seems to easily understand Dutch -- or might it only be the tone of voice or the scratch behind the ears? You decide.

Blogging is so passe

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:58:30 -0500

Are you twittering yet? I just discovered that I am way behind in the communication realm. Check it out using the link below. I want to know if this means I write 23 second sermons too in order to be relevant in the 21st century

Useless News -- maybe not

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:42:46 -0500

Today's newspaper included an article about the discovery that cows most likely also have a magnetic sensor in their brains -- satelite photos have shown that when they eat or rest they tend to face towards true north like a needle on a compass. This has shown up all over the world.
They end the article by saying that it most likely is useless information. I disagree.
Maybe there is spiritual wisdom in this story that makes it useful for us: receiving nourishment and practicing good self-care (rest) is most beneficial when done in repsonse to our 'true north'
Maybe cows are smarter than we think.

When there is no vision.....................

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:10:39 -0500

The article by Mr. Herbert about Al Gore's Vision is a must read for everyone.

Beware of whom you trust

Sun, 18 May 2008 21:26:33 -0500

Interestingly enough I decided to trust my GPS toy today. I was to be in three different places and had figured out perfectly how to do so. But: I failed to bring phone numbers and that was a grand mistake.
My second stop was to be at the home of someone hosting a congregation's picnic. I figured I could stop in for about 25 minutes.
Mistake #1: Not adding phone contact to my cell phone contatc list
Mistake #2: No knowing all areas where there is no cell phone service
Mistake #3: not realzing # 1 andamp; 2 above.

So when I arrived at the address -- it was not there: I explored and discovered a big sign: Be Aware Attack Dogs Loose on Property

Needless to say -- I backed up -- turned around at my earliest opportunity and went on my merry way. I never made it to my picnic.

The moral of the story: bring phone numbers and quarters for a payphone