Friday, April 29, 2011
April 29
Today is the Feast day of St. Catherine of Sienna who once said "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." How fitting that the Bishop of London spoke these very same words at the Royal Wedding between Catherine and Prince William earlier this morning. Happy Feast day!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Mary Magdalene
"The video draws also from the fascinating body of legends about the Magdalene—stories that may be slim on facts but convey something of our centuries-old fascination with this woman who played a distinctive role as a follower of Christ. As a preacher chick, I’m especially fond of the legend in which Mary Magdalene moves to France and becomes a famous preacher. (I like to imagine her going for a cappuccino and a chocolate croissant after holding forth.) She is also said to have released prisoners from a French jail. In the video you’ll find glimpses of these and other legends, including one that tells that she spent her final years as a hermit in the wilderness, clad only in her long hair; at the canonical hours, angels would come and whoosh her up to heaven for the liturgy, then would whoosh her back down again." from The Painted Prayerbook
This video is set up as the Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office as prescribed and prayed daily by the faithful of many denominations. One schedule I have shows them:
Matins: 3:15am
Lauds: 5:15am
Prime: 6:15am
Terce: 7:30am
Sext: 12:15pm
None: 2:15pm
Vespers: 5:30pm
Compline: 7:30pm
This video is set up as the Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office as prescribed and prayed daily by the faithful of many denominations. One schedule I have shows them:
Matins: 3:15am
Lauds: 5:15am
Prime: 6:15am
Terce: 7:30am
Sext: 12:15pm
None: 2:15pm
Vespers: 5:30pm
Compline: 7:30pm
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Posts...
In case you haven't noticed or perhaps you're new to the blog I wanted to explain what gets posted.
Some posts I write myself, others are posts I have found or have been brought to my attention by friends.
Each post speaks to me, my life, my faith, my love for God the Father, Christ the Savior and the Holy Spirit the Guide. In the end, my prayer is that the young people in my ministry and all others who choose to check the blog are touched, encouraged, uplifted, challenged or just plain loved.
So glad you've stopped by, hope you come again!
Who invented God?
A six-year-old Scottish girl named Lulu wrote a letter to God: “To God, How did you get invented?” Lulu's father, who is not a believer, sent her letter to various church leaders: the Scottish Episcopal Church (no reply), the Presbyterians (no reply), and the Scottish Catholics (who sent a theologically complex reply). He also sent it to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who sent the following letter in reply:
Check out the Archbishop's response here
Check out the Archbishop's response here
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Beirut
This is another Flash Mob...you've seen them here before...but this one gives me goose bumps! The sounds, the music, the enthusiasm...be sure an click on the "cc" for captioning...
Another take on the Royal Wedding...
Okay...it is a commercial...but you don't really know it until the end..for those of you waiting for this week's Royal Wedding, wouldn't this be fun?
Monday, April 25, 2011
Language II
We take English for granted; but if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. And why is it that writers write, but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham?
Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends, but not one amend, that you comb through annals of history but not a single annal? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? If you wrote a letter, perhaps you bote your tongue?
Sometimes, I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? Park on driveways and drive on parkways? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and wise guy are opposites? And where are all those people who ARE spring chickens or who ACTUALLY would hurt a fly?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm clock goes off by going on. (from The Daily Dilly)
Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends, but not one amend, that you comb through annals of history but not a single annal? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? If you wrote a letter, perhaps you bote your tongue?
Sometimes, I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? Park on driveways and drive on parkways? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and wise guy are opposites? And where are all those people who ARE spring chickens or who ACTUALLY would hurt a fly?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm clock goes off by going on. (from The Daily Dilly)
Sunday, April 24, 2011
He is Risen!
In his day, Nikolai Ivanovich Bukharin was one of the most powerful men on earth. Bukharin was a Russian Communist leader who took part in the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, was editor of the Soviet newspaper Pravda and was a member of the Politburo. His works on economics and political science were big sellers.
A story is told about a journey he took from Moscow to Kiev in 1930 to address a huge assembly on the subject of atheism. Addressing the crowd, he aimed his heavy artillery at Christianity hurling insult, argument and proof against it.
An hour later, he was finished. He looked out at what seemed to be the smoldering ashes of men's faith. "Are there any questions?" Bukharin demanded. Deafening silence filled the auditorium, but then one man stood. He surveyed the crowd, first to the left then to the right. Finally he shouted the ancient greeting known well in the Russian Orthodox Church: "CHRIST IS RISEN!" En masse the crowd arose as one man and the response came crashing like the sound of thunder: "HE IS RISEN INDEED!"
I say to you this morning: CHRIST IS RISEN!
www.youthworker.com
A story is told about a journey he took from Moscow to Kiev in 1930 to address a huge assembly on the subject of atheism. Addressing the crowd, he aimed his heavy artillery at Christianity hurling insult, argument and proof against it.
An hour later, he was finished. He looked out at what seemed to be the smoldering ashes of men's faith. "Are there any questions?" Bukharin demanded. Deafening silence filled the auditorium, but then one man stood. He surveyed the crowd, first to the left then to the right. Finally he shouted the ancient greeting known well in the Russian Orthodox Church: "CHRIST IS RISEN!" En masse the crowd arose as one man and the response came crashing like the sound of thunder: "HE IS RISEN INDEED!"
I say to you this morning: CHRIST IS RISEN!
www.youthworker.com
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Death...
The beauty of this sculpture never fails to take my breath. The thought of the price paid by Mary, the mother of Jesus, breaks my heart. The actions of Christ fill me with humbleness.
What Wondrous Love is This?
What Wondrous Love Is This
By: American Folk Hymn
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this
That caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!
When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down
Beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb,
Who is the great I AM,
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free
I’ll sing His love for me,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity I’ll sing on.
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Thief...
by Third Day
I am a thief, I am a murderer,
Walking up this lonely hill.
What have I done? I don't remember.
No one knows just how I feel;
And I know that my time is coming soon.
It's been so long, oh, such a long time,
Since I've lived with peace and rest.
Now I am here, in my destination,
I guess things work for the best;
And I know that my time is coming soon.
Who is this man? This man beside me,
That they call the King of the Jews.
No, they don't believe, that He's the Messiah,
But, somehow I know that it's true.
They laugh at Him in mockery,
They beat Him till he bleeds,
They nail Him to the rugged cross,
And they raise Him, yeah, they raise Him up next to me.
My time has come, and I'm slowly fading,
But I deserve what I receive.
Jesus, when You are in Your kingdom,
Could You please, please remember me.
Well He looks at me still holding on,
And the tears fall from His eyes,
And He says I tell the truth,
Today, yeah, you will live with Me in paradise, woah yeah.
And I know that my time, yes my time, is coming soon, woah yeah.
And I know that my time, yes my time, is coming soon, woah yeah, yeah
And I know that paradise, paradise is coming soon.
I am a thief, I am a murderer,
Walking up this lonely hill.
What have I done? I don't remember.
No one knows just how I feel;
And I know that my time is coming soon.
It's been so long, oh, such a long time,
Since I've lived with peace and rest.
Now I am here, in my destination,
I guess things work for the best;
And I know that my time is coming soon.
Who is this man? This man beside me,
That they call the King of the Jews.
No, they don't believe, that He's the Messiah,
But, somehow I know that it's true.
They laugh at Him in mockery,
They beat Him till he bleeds,
They nail Him to the rugged cross,
And they raise Him, yeah, they raise Him up next to me.
My time has come, and I'm slowly fading,
But I deserve what I receive.
Jesus, when You are in Your kingdom,
Could You please, please remember me.
Well He looks at me still holding on,
And the tears fall from His eyes,
And He says I tell the truth,
Today, yeah, you will live with Me in paradise, woah yeah.
And I know that my time, yes my time, is coming soon, woah yeah.
And I know that my time, yes my time, is coming soon, woah yeah, yeah
And I know that paradise, paradise is coming soon.
Miserere mei, Deus
Written by Gregorio Allegri to be used during the Tenebrae (This distinctive ceremony is the gradual extinguishing of candles while a series of readings and psalms are chanted or recited) Service in the Sistine Chapel during the 1630's.
Written in Latin, the English translation is:
This translation is from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, and is used in Ivor Atkins' English edition of the Miserere (published by Novello):
Have mercy upon me, O God, after Thy great goodness
According to the multitude of Thy mercies do away mine offences.
Wash me throughly from my wickedness: and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my faults: and my sin is ever before me.
Against Thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified in Thy saying, and clear when Thou art judged.
Behold, I was shapen in wickedness: and in sin hath my mother conceived me.
But lo, Thou requirest truth in the inward parts: and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly.
Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness: that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.
Turn Thy face from my sins: and put out all my misdeeds.
Make me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence: and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
O give me the comfort of Thy help again: and stablish me with Thy free Spirit.
Then shall I teach Thy ways unto the wicked: and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.
Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou that art the God of my health: and my tongue shall sing of Thy righteousness.
Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord: and my mouth shall shew Thy praise.
For Thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it Thee: but Thou delightest not in burnt-offerings.
The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt Thou not despise.
O be favourable and gracious unto Sion: build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.
Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and oblations: then shall they offer young calves upon Thine altar.
Written in Latin, the English translation is:
This translation is from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, and is used in Ivor Atkins' English edition of the Miserere (published by Novello):
Have mercy upon me, O God, after Thy great goodness
According to the multitude of Thy mercies do away mine offences.
Wash me throughly from my wickedness: and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my faults: and my sin is ever before me.
Against Thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified in Thy saying, and clear when Thou art judged.
Behold, I was shapen in wickedness: and in sin hath my mother conceived me.
But lo, Thou requirest truth in the inward parts: and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly.
Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness: that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.
Turn Thy face from my sins: and put out all my misdeeds.
Make me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence: and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
O give me the comfort of Thy help again: and stablish me with Thy free Spirit.
Then shall I teach Thy ways unto the wicked: and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.
Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou that art the God of my health: and my tongue shall sing of Thy righteousness.
Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord: and my mouth shall shew Thy praise.
For Thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it Thee: but Thou delightest not in burnt-offerings.
The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt Thou not despise.
O be favourable and gracious unto Sion: build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.
Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and oblations: then shall they offer young calves upon Thine altar.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Gethsemane
Tonight the Savior spent in the Garden...praying and sweating drops of blood...remember and worship...
A crash course on Passover
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus celebrated what we call "The Last Supper" as part of the Jewish festival of Passover...
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Holy Wednesday
In some churches, Holy Wednesday is known as Spy Wednesday and commemorates Judas Iscariot's deal with the Sanhedrin. Although his image throughout the centuries has been one of betrayer, he was also repentant...
Matthew 27:1-5
1: When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death;
2: and they bound him and led him away and delivered him to Pilate the governor.
3: When Judas, his betrayer, saw that he was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders,
4: saying, "I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself."
5: And throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself.
Matthew 27:1-5
1: When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death;
2: and they bound him and led him away and delivered him to Pilate the governor.
3: When Judas, his betrayer, saw that he was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders,
4: saying, "I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself."
5: And throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The tongue...
So many times we print passages of scripture and then proceed to explain our interpretation of those scriptures. Although this is well and good when done with an open and contrite heart (by which we should be speaking as directed by God), some scripture needs no explanation...
For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh. Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. (James 3:2-18)
For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh. Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. (James 3:2-18)
a Parable...
Holy Tuesday celebrates the Parable of the Ten Virgins:
Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, "Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!" Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "What if there isn't enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves." While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But he answered, "Most certainly I tell you, I don't know you." Watch therefore, for you don't know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
– Matthew 25:1-13,
This parable does not tell us that we cannot sleep or rest, only that we should be prepared and have all things in order before doing so...
Monday, April 18, 2011
RIP
Although Bob Howard passed away in 2009...I've never heard of him. May never have except that someone posted the video clip below on Facebook. Those who have read here for a while know that I have a daughter who has been in military service for several years now. During her deployments to different duty stations, I have been allowed to meet some of the people who serve with her. You would be proud to know them, to call them your own. Godspeed Bob!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Palm Sunday
What a unique way to tell the Palm Sunday story...if you haven't seen Jesus Christ Superstar, or even if you have, spend a few minutes here...
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The first step....
Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to take the whole staircase, just take the first step. — Martin Luther King, Jr.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Holy Week..
This video from Busted Halo is Holy Week in 2 minutes and tells what the Catholic Church does to celebrate this most Holy of times. We in the United Methodist church have many of the same rituals...Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Tenebrae on Good Friday and Easter Sunday!
Language
Interesting article on the origins of speech...
Every language in the world - from English to Mandarin - evolved from a prehistoric 'mother tongue' first spoken in Africa tens of thousands of years ago, a new study reveals.
After analyzing more than 500 languages, Dr Quentin Atkinson found compelling evidence that they can be traced back to a long-forgotten dialect spoken by our Stone Age ancestors.
The findings don't just pinpoint the origin of language to Africa - they also show that speech evolved at least 100,000 years ago, far earlier than previously thought.
Every language in the world - from English to Mandarin - evolved from a prehistoric 'mother tongue' first spoken in Africa tens of thousands of years ago, a new study reveals.
After analyzing more than 500 languages, Dr Quentin Atkinson found compelling evidence that they can be traced back to a long-forgotten dialect spoken by our Stone Age ancestors.
The findings don't just pinpoint the origin of language to Africa - they also show that speech evolved at least 100,000 years ago, far earlier than previously thought.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Spring Spheres?
I wrote a post the other day wondering what things were coming to when speech has to be changed because someone may be offended...now I do not mean using foul language...that's a given. But now, in one school in Seattle, you can't call an Easter Egg an Easter Egg...they're "spring spheres"...because, they say Easter Eggs have a religious bent...really? I've never seen them mentioned in the Bible as part of the story of Christ's Passion and Ressurection...have you? Alas, it must be because they use the word "Easter". If that word causes such offense, why wouldn't you call them what they are...eggs! But, bless them, the children weren't fooled for a minute!
You be the judge...
You be the judge...
Happiness...
From Sister Mary George at 1 Franciscan Way...
I am a firm believer that children say some of the most heartfelt prayers that I know. So, I asked my 1st grade class on Thursday to do me an extra special favor. I explained to them that 23 sisters would be renewing their vows on Sunday and I would be one of them. Could they pray for us at Mass?
They gave me many heartfelt assurances that they would do so and then immediately a plethora of hands went up into the air. What exactly are these vows? Explaining the vows in a way that 7 year olds can understand is very tricky, but I did the best I could. The one that they really understand, however, is the one about poverty. I believe all of my questions had to do with this vow. “You don’t have any money?...Not one dollar?... Not one cent?” With small children it turns from the broad to the miniscule, “What about the mechanical pencils?”
Question after question, with a statement of recognition thrown in about being married to God, until finally one of the biggest questioners raised her hand for the last time.
“But you’re so happy.”
The little girl stated it in real confusion. The mere statement caught me off guard that she had caught on, or had even been observing this fact and thinking about it. To her I must have had everything, that’s why I was so happy – and I do - but not by worldly standards by any means. So I led her on,
“And?”
“Well… you’re so happy all the time… but don’t really have any stuff… so…”
“What does that tell you?”
In wonder she responded to me, “You don’t really need stuff to be happy.”
Now the rest of the students had no more questions. They had all traveled down the same thought process with her and were marveling at this foreign idea. Happiness does not come from material things. I felt like saying, “Class is over I’ll see you next week.” But I could merely nod my head and proceed, “Alright 1st grade, today we’re going to learn more about dynamics. What can you tell me about that composer we learned about last class?”
As I go into renewal this weekend, I’ll have the wonder of the little girl’s face in my mind and her words on my heart. You know what? I am happy, and it’s because of Christ, not things, that I am.
- Sr. Mary George F.S.G.M.
I am a firm believer that children say some of the most heartfelt prayers that I know. So, I asked my 1st grade class on Thursday to do me an extra special favor. I explained to them that 23 sisters would be renewing their vows on Sunday and I would be one of them. Could they pray for us at Mass?
They gave me many heartfelt assurances that they would do so and then immediately a plethora of hands went up into the air. What exactly are these vows? Explaining the vows in a way that 7 year olds can understand is very tricky, but I did the best I could. The one that they really understand, however, is the one about poverty. I believe all of my questions had to do with this vow. “You don’t have any money?...Not one dollar?... Not one cent?” With small children it turns from the broad to the miniscule, “What about the mechanical pencils?”
Question after question, with a statement of recognition thrown in about being married to God, until finally one of the biggest questioners raised her hand for the last time.
“But you’re so happy.”
The little girl stated it in real confusion. The mere statement caught me off guard that she had caught on, or had even been observing this fact and thinking about it. To her I must have had everything, that’s why I was so happy – and I do - but not by worldly standards by any means. So I led her on,
“And?”
“Well… you’re so happy all the time… but don’t really have any stuff… so…”
“What does that tell you?”
In wonder she responded to me, “You don’t really need stuff to be happy.”
Now the rest of the students had no more questions. They had all traveled down the same thought process with her and were marveling at this foreign idea. Happiness does not come from material things. I felt like saying, “Class is over I’ll see you next week.” But I could merely nod my head and proceed, “Alright 1st grade, today we’re going to learn more about dynamics. What can you tell me about that composer we learned about last class?”
As I go into renewal this weekend, I’ll have the wonder of the little girl’s face in my mind and her words on my heart. You know what? I am happy, and it’s because of Christ, not things, that I am.
- Sr. Mary George F.S.G.M.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Contemplative Living
Contemplative Living
We purposefully engage in activities intended to deepen our relationship with ourselves, God, others and nature.
We are conscious of how our decisions, actions and use of time affect each of our relationships.
We see how our relationships are all interrelated and integrated and see God in each of them.
We take personal responsibility for each of our relationships.
Our relationships determine our life's goals and become the measure of our success.
We are not distracted by meaningless activity and our active life does not suffocate our contemplative nature.
We see through "the illusion of separateness;" acknowledge and amend whatever we do that alienates us from our true self, each other, nature and God; and recognize that "we are already one."
Our spiritual/contemplative life becomes one with our active daily life.
We regularly spend time in silent reflection, solitude, contemplative dialogue or other contemplative practices.
We find ourselves more concerned with the issues confronting humanity and less with the mundane concerns of daily life.
We experience the freedom, joy and love that can only come from grounding ourselves in our relationships.
© 2009 The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living
We purposefully engage in activities intended to deepen our relationship with ourselves, God, others and nature.
We are conscious of how our decisions, actions and use of time affect each of our relationships.
We see how our relationships are all interrelated and integrated and see God in each of them.
We take personal responsibility for each of our relationships.
Our relationships determine our life's goals and become the measure of our success.
We are not distracted by meaningless activity and our active life does not suffocate our contemplative nature.
We see through "the illusion of separateness;" acknowledge and amend whatever we do that alienates us from our true self, each other, nature and God; and recognize that "we are already one."
Our spiritual/contemplative life becomes one with our active daily life.
We regularly spend time in silent reflection, solitude, contemplative dialogue or other contemplative practices.
We find ourselves more concerned with the issues confronting humanity and less with the mundane concerns of daily life.
We experience the freedom, joy and love that can only come from grounding ourselves in our relationships.
© 2009 The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living
Monday, April 11, 2011
Small...
Asbo Jesus
Sometimes the enormity of God's creation does make me feel small, but then I remember Matthew 10:29..Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.
Then it is wonderful to lay back and take in a world created with love in which He allows us to live...
Human rights...
I try to stay out of the political arena when it comes to writing this blog. In my personal life I am active...my children have often teased me about my "letter writing" to politicians. It is good natured teasing...it is one of our rights as citizens and they have witnessed it, first hand.
Since when has it become a right "not to be offended"? Is this a written law that I have somehow missed? When one mentions free speech, many in our country stand a little straighter because they know they are allowed to speak their mind. That's the way it should be, isn't it? How can we grow without the free exchange of ideas? Even if those ideas step on my toes...it is still your right to speak them. If I don't like it then it's my right to respond and explain why I think you're wrong.
There is a lot of controversy in Australia these days about free speech...and you're welcome to research it if you'd like...But I think James Allan of "The Australian" says it pretty well...
The only valuable sort of freedom of speech is the sort that allows people to do or to say what others find wrong-headed, offensive, distasteful and intolerant.
Being free to say and do what everyone else wants you to say and do is not a liberty or freedom you will ever have to fight for; it will make little difference to anything . . .
I think any good, well-functioning democracy requires its citizens to man up and grow a thick skin. If you’re offended, tell us why the speaker is wrong. Don’t ask for a court-ordered apology and some two-bit declaration.
After all, even Pirates had rights...
Since when has it become a right "not to be offended"? Is this a written law that I have somehow missed? When one mentions free speech, many in our country stand a little straighter because they know they are allowed to speak their mind. That's the way it should be, isn't it? How can we grow without the free exchange of ideas? Even if those ideas step on my toes...it is still your right to speak them. If I don't like it then it's my right to respond and explain why I think you're wrong.
There is a lot of controversy in Australia these days about free speech...and you're welcome to research it if you'd like...But I think James Allan of "The Australian" says it pretty well...
The only valuable sort of freedom of speech is the sort that allows people to do or to say what others find wrong-headed, offensive, distasteful and intolerant.
Being free to say and do what everyone else wants you to say and do is not a liberty or freedom you will ever have to fight for; it will make little difference to anything . . .
I think any good, well-functioning democracy requires its citizens to man up and grow a thick skin. If you’re offended, tell us why the speaker is wrong. Don’t ask for a court-ordered apology and some two-bit declaration.
After all, even Pirates had rights...
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Misunderstood?
Is it true that the "road to hell is paved with good intentions"? (Quote from St. Bernard of Clairvaux)
Please Don't Let me be Misunderstood
B.Benjamin/S.Marcus/C.Cadwell
Baby, do you understand me now
Sometimes I feel a little mad
But don't you know that no one alive
Can always be an angel
When things go wrong I seem to be bad
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Baby, sometimes I'm so carefree
With a joy that's hard to hide
And sometimes it seems that all I have do is worry
Then you're bound to see my other side
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
If I seem edgy I want you to know
That I never mean to take it out on you
Life has it's problems and I get my share
And that's one thing I never meant to do
Because I love you
Oh, Oh baby don't you know I'm human
Have thoughts like any other one
Sometimes I find myself long regretting
Some foolish thing some little simple thing I've done
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Yes, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Yes, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Please Don't Let me be Misunderstood
B.Benjamin/S.Marcus/C.Cadwell
Baby, do you understand me now
Sometimes I feel a little mad
But don't you know that no one alive
Can always be an angel
When things go wrong I seem to be bad
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Baby, sometimes I'm so carefree
With a joy that's hard to hide
And sometimes it seems that all I have do is worry
Then you're bound to see my other side
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
If I seem edgy I want you to know
That I never mean to take it out on you
Life has it's problems and I get my share
And that's one thing I never meant to do
Because I love you
Oh, Oh baby don't you know I'm human
Have thoughts like any other one
Sometimes I find myself long regretting
Some foolish thing some little simple thing I've done
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Yes, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Yes, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Friday, April 8, 2011
Gay Caveman and Dinosaur Lice...
Thursday, April 7, 2011
I always knew He was there...
Most of us know the story of Helen Keller, even if you're too young to remember the black and white movie "The Miracle Worker". I recall being depressed, almost despondent during the beginning of the movie...at the thought of being blind and deaf. What kind of life could she possible have? But I was young and by the end of the showing, I knew how full a life she was destined to have..."The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart." (Helen Keller) She became many things...an author and activist among them. When she was introduced to Christianity by Phillip Brooks it is said she exclaimed, "I always knew He was there, but I didn't know His name!"
I have often thought of Miss Keller when I am struggling...God provided a teacher for her, one who was patient and persistent, one who opened the world to a child that many thought would never have an opportunity for life. He provides for us all, if we will but let Him...
Four things to learn in life:
To think clearly without hurry or confusion;
To love everybody sincerely;
To act in everything with the highest motives;
To trust God unhesitatingly.
Helen Keller
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Fukushima Fifty
This is just part of an article about those who have chosen to remain inside the nuclear facility, in spite of an almost certain death sentence.
Kohno told De Freytas that as a single man with no children, he felt obligated to answer the call and join the team that the media has dubbed the "Fukushima Fifty." Better that he face the risk, he explained, so as to spare his colleagues who have dependents counting on them. Besides, he added, the workers in the plant are his brothers and sisters, and he feels an allegiance to them.
Read the rest of the article here
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
Kohno told De Freytas that as a single man with no children, he felt obligated to answer the call and join the team that the media has dubbed the "Fukushima Fifty." Better that he face the risk, he explained, so as to spare his colleagues who have dependents counting on them. Besides, he added, the workers in the plant are his brothers and sisters, and he feels an allegiance to them.
Read the rest of the article here
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Way to go...
Dudettes! If you are like me, you tell your children they can do anything that they're willing to work for...which is true in most cases. Even more so, after this historic flight...
Captain Leigh Larkin, a 389th EFS weapons systems officer, said that this mission is just the start of equality in the military and praised the increasing amount of women in top jobs in the Air Force.
'The four women officers represents only a portion of the women who supported this mission making it the first all-female from tasking to completion combat sortie to date,' she said.
'I thought it was kind of cool and something that I have never seen before,' said Staff Sergeant Tamara Rhone, a 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief.
'The women throughout time have paved the way for us today and they made it possible for us to be equal as well as respected as individuals.
'Females are a rare breed on the flight line. It is my hope that more females step up and join the maintenance career field.'
Read more here...
Captain Leigh Larkin, a 389th EFS weapons systems officer, said that this mission is just the start of equality in the military and praised the increasing amount of women in top jobs in the Air Force.
'The four women officers represents only a portion of the women who supported this mission making it the first all-female from tasking to completion combat sortie to date,' she said.
'I thought it was kind of cool and something that I have never seen before,' said Staff Sergeant Tamara Rhone, a 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief.
'The women throughout time have paved the way for us today and they made it possible for us to be equal as well as respected as individuals.
'Females are a rare breed on the flight line. It is my hope that more females step up and join the maintenance career field.'
Read more here...
Monday, April 4, 2011
43 years ago today....
Martin Luther King, Jr was assassinated for his beliefs and leadership. He was 39 years old.
During his all too brief lifetime, sources say he travelled over 6 million miles and spoke to crowds and congregations over 2,500 times. He worked to fight injustice and discrimination wherever it occurred. He conferred with then President J.F. Kennedy and campaigned for President L. B. Johnson. He was arrested almost 20 times and was physically assaulted at least four times.
At 35 years old, he became the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. As one might expect, he donated the prize money of over $54,000.00 to the furtherance of civil rights for all peoples.
In the years since his passing, many have dreamed of what he might have accomplished had he lived. I think we should celebrate what he did...giving voice to those who are oppressed while teaching us to love one another.
During his all too brief lifetime, sources say he travelled over 6 million miles and spoke to crowds and congregations over 2,500 times. He worked to fight injustice and discrimination wherever it occurred. He conferred with then President J.F. Kennedy and campaigned for President L. B. Johnson. He was arrested almost 20 times and was physically assaulted at least four times.
At 35 years old, he became the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. As one might expect, he donated the prize money of over $54,000.00 to the furtherance of civil rights for all peoples.
In the years since his passing, many have dreamed of what he might have accomplished had he lived. I think we should celebrate what he did...giving voice to those who are oppressed while teaching us to love one another.
Gardens
I love gardening...I'm not so great with flowers...given the location of my flower beds it's best if I use zinnias or marigolds or sunflowers. My vegetable garden is another story...there's something about working with the dirt that is therapeutic...the smell, the feel, the warmth. I've always said I love my garden because the dirt and plants don't talk back! Ah, but they do produce yummy food! From the very first onions, lettuce and cabbage until the greens and pumpkins at the end of the season, it is my summer love.
Now all I need is a scarecrow like this....
Now all I need is a scarecrow like this....
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Michael
I love the movie "Michael" starring John Travolta as the Archangel Michael...I also love the fact that Hollywood didn't try too hard to make a statement. Whatever your thoughts on angels and demons and the spiritual realm, you have to love an angel who loves to eat sugar, see obscure sights and dances.
Heart of God
Jesus spoke a parable to some people who prided themselves on being virtuous and despised everyone else..." (Luke 18)
It is so important for us to really try to understand the heart of God. God does not condemn, does not judge, does not criticize. Some of those images exist in scripture, but they are images that speak more about the limitations of our expression than about the heart of God. From some of those readings and from some of our teachers we have come to think that God only loves those who are strong and good and not those who make poor choices. The truth is that God is only love and, 'God makes the rain to fall on the wicked as well as on the righteous'.
Henri Nouwen
It is so important for us to really try to understand the heart of God. God does not condemn, does not judge, does not criticize. Some of those images exist in scripture, but they are images that speak more about the limitations of our expression than about the heart of God. From some of those readings and from some of our teachers we have come to think that God only loves those who are strong and good and not those who make poor choices. The truth is that God is only love and, 'God makes the rain to fall on the wicked as well as on the righteous'.
Henri Nouwen
Friday, April 1, 2011
Just a note...
When I started this blog in 2008 I had in mind to write mainly for the youth in our church. I am the Youth Director and meet with them a couple of times a week but there's never enough time to talk about everything. That, plus the fact I was continually running across information I wanted to share on days that we didn't meet.
So Sparta FUMC Youth was up and running with a listing in our church newsletter and bulletin. It wasn't long before I was pleasantly surprised to find that some of the adults in the congregation were interested and reading too.
I paid little attention (actually none) to the fact that there were a few people in the blog universe reading until I began to get the occasional comment. I must admit I was happy to know that I had something to say that interested people I didn't even know. In the last few months I have started to watch a little closer and WOW...we've had visitors from over 20 countries!
I will continue to write knowing that in the grand scheme of things, I have a very small little blog but would like to thank each and every one of your for your visit. I pray that the words you have found here are what you needed to hear at the time or maybe just lifted your spirits...whatever your reason for checking us out...Thank you!
So Sparta FUMC Youth was up and running with a listing in our church newsletter and bulletin. It wasn't long before I was pleasantly surprised to find that some of the adults in the congregation were interested and reading too.
I paid little attention (actually none) to the fact that there were a few people in the blog universe reading until I began to get the occasional comment. I must admit I was happy to know that I had something to say that interested people I didn't even know. In the last few months I have started to watch a little closer and WOW...we've had visitors from over 20 countries!
I will continue to write knowing that in the grand scheme of things, I have a very small little blog but would like to thank each and every one of your for your visit. I pray that the words you have found here are what you needed to hear at the time or maybe just lifted your spirits...whatever your reason for checking us out...Thank you!
Just a few April Fools...
Alabama Changes the Value of Pi
1998: The April 1998 issue of the New Mexicans for Science and Reason newsletter contained an article claiming that the Alabama state legislature had voted to change the value of the mathematical constant pi from 3.14159 to the 'Biblical value' of 3.0. Soon the article made its way onto the internet, and then it rapidly spread around the world, forwarded by email. It only became apparent how far the article had spread when the Alabama legislature began receiving hundreds of calls from people protesting the legislation. The original article, which was intended as a parody of legislative attempts to circumscribe the teaching of evolution, was written by physicist Mark Boslough.
Flying Penguins
2008: The BBC announced that camera crews filming near the Antarctic for its natural history series Miracles of Evolution had captured footage of Adélie penguins taking to the air. It even offered a video clip of these flying penguins, which became one of the most viewed videos on the internet. Presenter Terry Jones explained that, instead of huddling together to endure the Antarctic winter, these penguins took to the air and flew thousands of miles to the rainforests of South America where they "spend the winter basking in the tropical sun." A follow-up video explained how the BBC created the special effects of the flying penguins.
Metric Time
1975: Australia's This Day Tonight news program revealed that the country would soon be converting to "metric time." Under the new system there would be 100 seconds to the minute, 100 minutes to the hour, and 20-hour days. Furthermore, seconds would become millidays, minutes become centidays, and hours become decidays. The report included an interview with Deputy Premier Des Corcoran who praised the new time system. The Adelaide townhall was even shown sporting a new 10-hour metric clock face. The thumbnail (found at TelevisionAU.com) shows TDT Adelaide reporter Nigel Starck posing with a smaller metric clock. TDT received numerous calls from viewers who fell for the hoax. One frustrated viewer wanted to know how he could convert his newly purchased digital clock to metric time.
The Swiss Spaghetti Harvestspaghetti harvest1957: The respected BBC news show Panorama announced that thanks to a very mild winter and the virtual elimination of the dreaded spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. It accompanied this announcement with footage of Swiss peasants pulling strands of spaghetti down from trees. Huge numbers of viewers were taken in. Many called the BBC wanting to know how they could grow their own spaghetti tree. To this the BBC diplomatically replied, "place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)